Now, on Occupied Equestria: Silver is storming the Ministry building to find a changeling bomb. Posey is making her get away from unknown hostiles after an adventure in the city. Amber is trying desperately to flee the country. All of that, and more
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
File (): 3EF37B65F303CF0449BB56FACBA9F8BA-3875254.png (3.7 MB, 2362x1229, 6554165.png)
>>168998 →
"It's a new policy, but if they were authentic they would know it exists–"
Amber feels increasingly dismayed with this turn of events.
"Bandits have also been known to smuggle police uniforms…" she says uncertainly.
>>168999 →
>pic related
"It's a new policy, but if they were authentic they would know it exists–"
Amber feels increasingly dismayed with this turn of events.
"Bandits have also been known to smuggle police uniforms…" she says uncertainly.
>>168999 →
>pic related
She finds that she has a knife, an 8-inch pot, a mask, a small... fetish? totem thing? and a bracelet
I'll need to find a way to identify these later.
Are there any notable events during the ride back to lord Lament's lair?
I'll need to find a way to identify these later.
Are there any notable events during the ride back to lord Lament's lair?
>>169002
No. Going up, and turning along a street, they go through a military check point. Mason directs Posey to be calm, and simply present the ID. He says it's okay, because it doesn't prove there were near the scene of... well, anything. There seems to be more military presence in this area. They go down a different road to go back through the city, beside even taller buildings and better lit streets. They pass yet another checkpoint exiting the city, and then are out. Back to Lament's Manor, uneventfully.
No. Going up, and turning along a street, they go through a military check point. Mason directs Posey to be calm, and simply present the ID. He says it's okay, because it doesn't prove there were near the scene of... well, anything. There seems to be more military presence in this area. They go down a different road to go back through the city, beside even taller buildings and better lit streets. They pass yet another checkpoint exiting the city, and then are out. Back to Lament's Manor, uneventfully.
>>169004
What time is it when they get back?
"Thank you for your service, dear." Posey addresses Mason politely as she steps out of the vehicle
She entered the mansion.
What time is it when they get back?
"Thank you for your service, dear." Posey addresses Mason politely as she steps out of the vehicle
She entered the mansion.
>>169001
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBEVuzWHaOc
I think this may need a dice roll
>>169005
At least 10 PM
Mason is silent and watches her as she enters. When she enters, she hears music playing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBEVuzWHaOc
I think this may need a dice roll
>>169005
At least 10 PM
Mason is silent and watches her as she enters. When she enters, she hears music playing.
>>169010
Amber knows that she would be among the first to be questioned anyway, and she very much doubts she or her compatriots would withstand the weight of the Inquisition's scrutiny. It would be no worse in her eyes to prolong the chase a little longer.
"Do not take the chance. Let me take full responsibility. Full speed ahead."
>>169007
Yours is too!
Amber knows that she would be among the first to be questioned anyway, and she very much doubts she or her compatriots would withstand the weight of the Inquisition's scrutiny. It would be no worse in her eyes to prolong the chase a little longer.
"Do not take the chance. Let me take full responsibility. Full speed ahead."
>>169007
Yours is too!
>>169014
>>169013
The engineer looks out of the window, and sees that a couple of the officers - two out of about six plus an obvious leader - have guns on them. One of them levels the gun towards the locomotive, which seems to be the final straw. He pulls on the accelerator, and gives full steam to the pistons. Then he blows the whistle, as a couple of the officers are either on the track, or dangerously close. The train starts to pick up speed just barely in time.
>>169013
The engineer looks out of the window, and sees that a couple of the officers - two out of about six plus an obvious leader - have guns on them. One of them levels the gun towards the locomotive, which seems to be the final straw. He pulls on the accelerator, and gives full steam to the pistons. Then he blows the whistle, as a couple of the officers are either on the track, or dangerously close. The train starts to pick up speed just barely in time.
>>169015
Amber's heartrate definitely spikes as the train takes off. She huddles within the locomotive's cab and makes sure none of the officers madly attempt to climb on, before heading back into the coaches.
Amber's heartrate definitely spikes as the train takes off. She huddles within the locomotive's cab and makes sure none of the officers madly attempt to climb on, before heading back into the coaches.
>>169016
Amber really can't be sure that they aren't going to climb on, but she can certainly head back to the coaches.
Amber really can't be sure that they aren't going to climb on, but she can certainly head back to the coaches.
>>169020
The locomotive barrels past them, blowing the whistle, and still accelerating until it hits 100 kmph again. Amber can see as she moves past them that they are visibly pissed off. The engineer calls in.
"Officer alleging to be a Germar Grismonde of the Inquisition called to stop five miles from the Hellquill border. Refused to provide verification when asked. Train continued ahead to avoid possible robbery by bandits impersonating officers."
Amber does not hear the response, if there is one at all.
The locomotive barrels past them, blowing the whistle, and still accelerating until it hits 100 kmph again. Amber can see as she moves past them that they are visibly pissed off. The engineer calls in.
"Officer alleging to be a Germar Grismonde of the Inquisition called to stop five miles from the Hellquill border. Refused to provide verification when asked. Train continued ahead to avoid possible robbery by bandits impersonating officers."
Amber does not hear the response, if there is one at all.
>>169021
Amber goes into the first coach, locking the door behind her. She clears her voice and speaks to the passengers.
"Ladies and gentlegriffs, please remain calm. We received a message claiming to be from local authorities who refused to provide confirmation of who they said they are. They are likely bandits impersonating officers to try to gain access to the train. We are resuming our journey to Hellquill. Again, I ask for your cooperation and to remain calm."
Amber goes into the first coach, locking the door behind her. She clears her voice and speaks to the passengers.
"Ladies and gentlegriffs, please remain calm. We received a message claiming to be from local authorities who refused to provide confirmation of who they said they are. They are likely bandits impersonating officers to try to gain access to the train. We are resuming our journey to Hellquill. Again, I ask for your cooperation and to remain calm."
>>169022
This incites some whispering and talking amongst the passengers. In particular, Amber may notice that same rapscallion from much earlier, now moved to the second of the first coach car, squirming in his seat.
This incites some whispering and talking amongst the passengers. In particular, Amber may notice that same rapscallion from much earlier, now moved to the second of the first coach car, squirming in his seat.
>>169023
Amber can't spare any time to gossip. She proceeds down the carriages, giving the same speech to the passengers in each, and looks for her fellow fugitives.
Amber can't spare any time to gossip. She proceeds down the carriages, giving the same speech to the passengers in each, and looks for her fellow fugitives.
>>169024
A griffin does stop Amber to ask "Are we safe?" and slow her down, but mostly the response is either concerned silence, or talking amongst themselves.
Amber finds her comrades around about car four.
"Wait, what?" Erich says aloud from halfway across the car when Amber says it.
A griffin does stop Amber to ask "Are we safe?" and slow her down, but mostly the response is either concerned silence, or talking amongst themselves.
Amber finds her comrades around about car four.
"Wait, what?" Erich says aloud from halfway across the car when Amber says it.
>>169025
"Don't worry, we'll reach Hellquill very quickly where we'll be safe," Amber answers truthfully.
Amber holds up a claw to quiet him until she finishes. When she does, she moves over to him and whispers, "I wish we hadn't stopped at all, but I convinced the engineer to keep us moving. I need to keep the passengers calm so please look out in case any 'bandits' have climbed aboard. Make sure Helder and Federkleid stay with you."
"Don't worry, we'll reach Hellquill very quickly where we'll be safe," Amber answers truthfully.
Amber holds up a claw to quiet him until she finishes. When she does, she moves over to him and whispers, "I wish we hadn't stopped at all, but I convinced the engineer to keep us moving. I need to keep the passengers calm so please look out in case any 'bandits' have climbed aboard. Make sure Helder and Federkleid stay with you."
>>169006
Poesy takes a moment to redo her mane (a habit she's learned to do on the fly without mirrors), before she makes her appearance in the manor.
Poesy takes a moment to redo her mane (a habit she's learned to do on the fly without mirrors), before she makes her appearance in the manor.
For work related reasons by availability this weekend is limited
>>169029
>>169030
>>169028
The music playing sounds like sheet music from just shy of a century ago, made for popular consumption. It's a song about love, and the emotion teeters or even seesaws between saccharine and melancholy. The version played here is vocalized by a mare and is clearly much more recent than the original song's writing.
Posey doesn't see anyone immediately, though entering slowly into the primary parlor, she can see that Licorice Lament is sitting down, alone, or at least, alone in the parlor.
>>169029
>>169030
>>169028
The music playing sounds like sheet music from just shy of a century ago, made for popular consumption. It's a song about love, and the emotion teeters or even seesaws between saccharine and melancholy. The version played here is vocalized by a mare and is clearly much more recent than the original song's writing.
Posey doesn't see anyone immediately, though entering slowly into the primary parlor, she can see that Licorice Lament is sitting down, alone, or at least, alone in the parlor.
>>169031
>The music playing sounds like sheet music from just shy of a century ago, made for popular consumption. It's a song about love, and the emotion teeters or even seesaws between saccharine and melancholy.
Sounds like exactly the kind of music Posey would like.
Poesy struts into the room gracefully, the bones on her armor rattling subtly as she glides across the floor.
"Fancy yourself well, Lord Lament?" Posey implores
"I paid a visit to the homes of our late friends. Customs didn't leave very much in their wake, but it wasn't a fruitless endeavor."
>The music playing sounds like sheet music from just shy of a century ago, made for popular consumption. It's a song about love, and the emotion teeters or even seesaws between saccharine and melancholy.
Sounds like exactly the kind of music Posey would like.
Poesy struts into the room gracefully, the bones on her armor rattling subtly as she glides across the floor.
"Fancy yourself well, Lord Lament?" Posey implores
"I paid a visit to the homes of our late friends. Customs didn't leave very much in their wake, but it wasn't a fruitless endeavor."
>>169032
"Hmmm?" His eyes open. He appears to have fallen asleep. Oddly early in the night to do that.
He moves his head and looks over towards Posey. He reaches out to pick up a glass of wine, but there is none there.
"What did you find?" He asks, not terribly drowsy despite having just woken up
"Hmmm?" His eyes open. He appears to have fallen asleep. Oddly early in the night to do that.
He moves his head and looks over towards Posey. He reaches out to pick up a glass of wine, but there is none there.
"What did you find?" He asks, not terribly drowsy despite having just woken up
>>169033
"Not very much, to be frank.." Posey says
"Although I did find some things of interest in [insert forgotten name here]'s lair. Seems as though customs overlooked them."
She produces the mask, the bracelet, and the fetish.
"Magic." she says, levitating the three items on display
"I also had a chat with the relatives of another of our friends. I doubt they'll be of any help to us, although I think I might like to give the kaftar clergy a visit some day."
"Not very much, to be frank.." Posey says
"Although I did find some things of interest in [insert forgotten name here]'s lair. Seems as though customs overlooked them."
She produces the mask, the bracelet, and the fetish.
"Magic." she says, levitating the three items on display
"I also had a chat with the relatives of another of our friends. I doubt they'll be of any help to us, although I think I might like to give the kaftar clergy a visit some day."
>>169034
>[insert forgotten name here]
scrunch
"Ah, so you did recover something. I would have thought everything would have been looted by now."
He gives a hint of a smile at Posey's last comment
"Now why is that?" He asks
>[insert forgotten name here]
scrunch
"Ah, so you did recover something. I would have thought everything would have been looted by now."
He gives a hint of a smile at Posey's last comment
"Now why is that?" He asks
>>169035
"Customs killed the next in line for the head priest of the Kaftar temple, Agire. If my hunch is correct, Agire's affiliation with the league suggests he might have been savvy on leading his temple in a direction favorable to us." Posey says
"Since his death, the Kaftar's have been reeling. The temple has no successor. They'll need to replace him at some point, unless..."
she gives a bit of a manic grin
"...what if they didn't?"
"Customs killed the next in line for the head priest of the Kaftar temple, Agire. If my hunch is correct, Agire's affiliation with the league suggests he might have been savvy on leading his temple in a direction favorable to us." Posey says
"Since his death, the Kaftar's have been reeling. The temple has no successor. They'll need to replace him at some point, unless..."
she gives a bit of a manic grin
"...what if they didn't?"
>>169037
"I'm thinking..." she reclines on the couch
"What if Agire returned from the grave, at his full power, and took over the temple, ready for vengeance?"
she continues
"Not just Agire, but all our friends.. Dumare, perhaps even Umoya. What if they all rise from the grave?"
"I'm thinking..." she reclines on the couch
"What if Agire returned from the grave, at his full power, and took over the temple, ready for vengeance?"
she continues
"Not just Agire, but all our friends.. Dumare, perhaps even Umoya. What if they all rise from the grave?"
>>169039
She smiles
"I may only be an apprentice in the arts, but I know that the secrets to raise the dead lie not only in the self, but the dark powers from beyond the void. I've seen it performed some times before, sacrifices slain in rituals that turned them into undead monsters that no mere spell could create. Bodaks, Death Knights, Slaughter Wights, and monsters without name.." Posey reminisces
"Blood magic is the colloquial term, although I prefer to refer to it as an offering to the immortals. It's beyond my powers to raise the dead, but spells aren't the only way to raise a corpse. You could offer a sacrifice to the dark ones, and pray for a miracle.."
This is the part where Posey proposes using Sacrifice rules from the Book Of Vile Darkness to attempt to return the corpses as various allied undead monsters. Also why I wanted that Pegasus alive.
She smiles
"I may only be an apprentice in the arts, but I know that the secrets to raise the dead lie not only in the self, but the dark powers from beyond the void. I've seen it performed some times before, sacrifices slain in rituals that turned them into undead monsters that no mere spell could create. Bodaks, Death Knights, Slaughter Wights, and monsters without name.." Posey reminisces
"Blood magic is the colloquial term, although I prefer to refer to it as an offering to the immortals. It's beyond my powers to raise the dead, but spells aren't the only way to raise a corpse. You could offer a sacrifice to the dark ones, and pray for a miracle.."
This is the part where Posey proposes using Sacrifice rules from the Book Of Vile Darkness to attempt to return the corpses as various allied undead monsters. Also why I wanted that Pegasus alive.
>>169041
>why
Well, it would be pretty cool. That's not exactly a reason though...
Posey is caught off guard that her proposal for pony sacrifice and fiend-worship for the purpose of creating monsters is met with any degree of skepticism.
"... To make some friends?" she says, a bit more sheepishly than her usual commanding tone
She corrects her demeanor
"But really, Sorceresses like Dumare, Priests like Agire, and mages capable of crafting items like Umoya are few and far between, and securing allies to the League is my primary mission. I'd rather not have their skills at the arts lost to history, so on my own time, I'd like to try to bring them back at their full power, some day."
>why
Well, it would be pretty cool. That's not exactly a reason though...
Posey is caught off guard that her proposal for pony sacrifice and fiend-worship for the purpose of creating monsters is met with any degree of skepticism.
"... To make some friends?" she says, a bit more sheepishly than her usual commanding tone
She corrects her demeanor
"But really, Sorceresses like Dumare, Priests like Agire, and mages capable of crafting items like Umoya are few and far between, and securing allies to the League is my primary mission. I'd rather not have their skills at the arts lost to history, so on my own time, I'd like to try to bring them back at their full power, some day."
>>169042
"True. Building alliances is likely your most important task here in Equestria." He twists his face "If you wanted to be all business."
"But your mission here, as I understand it, is less about power than knowledge."
"True. Building alliances is likely your most important task here in Equestria." He twists his face "If you wanted to be all business."
"But your mission here, as I understand it, is less about power than knowledge."
>>169043
"True, true. I came here to improve my knowledge of the arts, and by extension my powers. I also came to learn about Equestria, learn how the ponies and other creatures go about their ways, and how to bring this nation to it's knees. In less than a night, I feel like I've learned more about the world than I ever did reading about it in Magehold."
She shakes herself off a little bit, and reclines on one of the couches
"Perhaps I'm jumping the gun a little. Our legions haven't even laid their siege on the Arcturian order, and yet I'm already dreaming of conquering Equestria... Agire, Dumare, and Umoya aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and neither am I." she tosses her mane
"So I guess I can afford to relax a little." she says, leaning back
"True, true. I came here to improve my knowledge of the arts, and by extension my powers. I also came to learn about Equestria, learn how the ponies and other creatures go about their ways, and how to bring this nation to it's knees. In less than a night, I feel like I've learned more about the world than I ever did reading about it in Magehold."
She shakes herself off a little bit, and reclines on one of the couches
"Perhaps I'm jumping the gun a little. Our legions haven't even laid their siege on the Arcturian order, and yet I'm already dreaming of conquering Equestria... Agire, Dumare, and Umoya aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and neither am I." she tosses her mane
"So I guess I can afford to relax a little." she says, leaning back
I have to sleep. Goodnight.
>>169066
Amber briskly nods, glad to have friends aboard which eases her worries somewhat. She continues systematically telling the passengers about what happened. Once she finishes she is intent on finishing punching the tickets before they arrive at Hellquill.
Amber briskly nods, glad to have friends aboard which eases her worries somewhat. She continues systematically telling the passengers about what happened. Once she finishes she is intent on finishing punching the tickets before they arrive at Hellquill.
>>169067
With the power, err, magic of friendship, Amber continues checking tickets. The passengers are uneasy, but cooperative. Also that old griffin found his ticket (it fell on the floor). Hooray for small miracles.
Until Amber hears a loud knocking on the roof of the last train car.
With the power, err, magic of friendship, Amber continues checking tickets. The passengers are uneasy, but cooperative. Also that old griffin found his ticket (it fell on the floor). Hooray for small miracles.
Until Amber hears a loud knocking on the roof of the last train car.
>>169068
The knocking jolts her. She weighs her actions. She could try to warn the others, but not only would she be abandoning this car for a short time but she could be spotted. Instead, she looks around for some kind of implement, anything really, to keep the "bandits" at bay.
The knocking jolts her. She weighs her actions. She could try to warn the others, but not only would she be abandoning this car for a short time but she could be spotted. Instead, she looks around for some kind of implement, anything really, to keep the "bandits" at bay.
>>169069
At the very end of the coach is the bremserhaus, a small room to house the brakeman. The room has clearly since been converted into a general storage room, including housing a bucket and possibly other items of interest, as the brakes were upgraded to air compression years ago. But the room still contains a large wrench with a rather long handle, just incase.
At the very end of the coach is the bremserhaus, a small room to house the brakeman. The room has clearly since been converted into a general storage room, including housing a bucket and possibly other items of interest, as the brakes were upgraded to air compression years ago. But the room still contains a large wrench with a rather long handle, just incase.
>>169071
Amber can here the pattering. It sounds as if the creature at first considers moving forward, and evidently not wanting to bother with the gangway connection, moves back. Amber can hear the pattering, until it reaches the very end of the car.
It's going to the door at the end of the last coach car.
Amber can here the pattering. It sounds as if the creature at first considers moving forward, and evidently not wanting to bother with the gangway connection, moves back. Amber can hear the pattering, until it reaches the very end of the car.
It's going to the door at the end of the last coach car.
>>169072
Amber stands to the right of said door, squeezing herself into the corner so as to not be seen, and waits for hostile entry.
Amber stands to the right of said door, squeezing herself into the corner so as to not be seen, and waits for hostile entry.
>>169071
The griffin seems to be standing on the narrow plate attached to the end of the car, presumably the only clear place on the train (hopefully the only location on the train) that isn't exceedingly difficult to enter while it's still moving at 100 kmph. He himself has a crowbar, and he jams it into the end of the car. He seeks to jam the door open.
The griffin seems to be standing on the narrow plate attached to the end of the car, presumably the only clear place on the train (hopefully the only location on the train) that isn't exceedingly difficult to enter while it's still moving at 100 kmph. He himself has a crowbar, and he jams it into the end of the car. He seeks to jam the door open.
>>169077
Amber readies herself and waits until the first part of the interloper crosses the threshold, even if it's just a claw holding a gun, before she strikes (hopefully with advantage).
Amber readies herself and waits until the first part of the interloper crosses the threshold, even if it's just a claw holding a gun, before she strikes (hopefully with advantage).
>>169078
Amber sees it. It's a white griffin head. And yes, wearing a cap that is associated with the Imperial police. The plumage becomes greyer the further down it goes, although he's wearing a blue uniform. Amber cannot see what he's holding because of the angle.
Amber sees it. It's a white griffin head. And yes, wearing a cap that is associated with the Imperial police. The plumage becomes greyer the further down it goes, although he's wearing a blue uniform. Amber cannot see what he's holding because of the angle.
>>169045
>>169043
"Try to relax a little..." Posey repeats
"You know, I haven't had a vacation since... Well, since forever. That's just not how they do things in Magehold. The Lords of the Coven spend all night enjoying themselves, but I am not a vampire lord. I've spent so long slaughtering Arcturian soldiers or studying the art, that I've forgotten what I intended to do on the night of my emancipation..."
She pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought
>>169043
"Try to relax a little..." Posey repeats
"You know, I haven't had a vacation since... Well, since forever. That's just not how they do things in Magehold. The Lords of the Coven spend all night enjoying themselves, but I am not a vampire lord. I've spent so long slaughtering Arcturian soldiers or studying the art, that I've forgotten what I intended to do on the night of my emancipation..."
She pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought
>>169040
>>169042
>>169045
>>169080
"Ah, that you can. Care for a cup of tea?"
This question cannot be a serious one, because he gets up to prepare a cup of tea. Surely he doesn't need another cup of tea for himself.
"Did you know that the anarchists have actually succeeded in taking the city twice in the past twenty years? It's true. Once against the princess twenty years ago. The fat one. Then again just last year. And twice, the central government clawed it back. The Princesses' forces sent in their pegasi, made a show of force. And the anarchists just melted away back into hiding. When the colonials came to take the city from the Princess, they didn't bother storming it. They just stayed at a distance, surrounded it, cut off water and power, and shelled it till it was surrendered. And when the anarchists expelled the garrison, the colonials came and did the same thing. Just shelled the city with long range guns, again, till the anarchists went and hid, again."
He pours the tea
"The ponies have been bickering back and forth for decades. Anarchists and the central government. That new Social Democrat party and... everyone else. The bat ponies bicker for more, the local gangs fight immigrant gangs and they all fight the police. It's... well, tiresome, really. At least they aren't nearly as bad as the griffins."
Wait. He's taking a sip of tea from this cup. So it can't be for Posey.
"I've seen vampires and magelords fight each other, and for the life and death of me I cannot not understand it. There's plenty of money and mares to go around..."
He pauses, wondering if that sentiment would really connect with Posey, and at this point he remembers that he's supposed to be making tea for Posey, and starts to pour a glass, although he's rather shaky in doing it, as if uncomfortable. But when it's done, he starts to return to the couch.
"We esoterocists have had two great strengths over the masses. Strengths that have allowed us to survive, to thrive, and to exercise disproportionate power over the unitiated. One is our concealment, that no one knows we are even here? And the other? Is time. Time does not run against us. We are in no hurry. We are not going anywhere. No clock runs against us. If they wish to scurry about like rats, knowing the ship they are on is sinking, we need only watch them."
He sits down in a kind of laying pose near Posey after placing both cups of tea on the table.
"So yeah. Relax for the moment."
>>169042
>>169045
>>169080
"Ah, that you can. Care for a cup of tea?"
This question cannot be a serious one, because he gets up to prepare a cup of tea. Surely he doesn't need another cup of tea for himself.
"Did you know that the anarchists have actually succeeded in taking the city twice in the past twenty years? It's true. Once against the princess twenty years ago. The fat one. Then again just last year. And twice, the central government clawed it back. The Princesses' forces sent in their pegasi, made a show of force. And the anarchists just melted away back into hiding. When the colonials came to take the city from the Princess, they didn't bother storming it. They just stayed at a distance, surrounded it, cut off water and power, and shelled it till it was surrendered. And when the anarchists expelled the garrison, the colonials came and did the same thing. Just shelled the city with long range guns, again, till the anarchists went and hid, again."
He pours the tea
"The ponies have been bickering back and forth for decades. Anarchists and the central government. That new Social Democrat party and... everyone else. The bat ponies bicker for more, the local gangs fight immigrant gangs and they all fight the police. It's... well, tiresome, really. At least they aren't nearly as bad as the griffins."
Wait. He's taking a sip of tea from this cup. So it can't be for Posey.
"I've seen vampires and magelords fight each other, and for the life and death of me I cannot not understand it. There's plenty of money and mares to go around..."
He pauses, wondering if that sentiment would really connect with Posey, and at this point he remembers that he's supposed to be making tea for Posey, and starts to pour a glass, although he's rather shaky in doing it, as if uncomfortable. But when it's done, he starts to return to the couch.
"We esoterocists have had two great strengths over the masses. Strengths that have allowed us to survive, to thrive, and to exercise disproportionate power over the unitiated. One is our concealment, that no one knows we are even here? And the other? Is time. Time does not run against us. We are in no hurry. We are not going anywhere. No clock runs against us. If they wish to scurry about like rats, knowing the ship they are on is sinking, we need only watch them."
He sits down in a kind of laying pose near Posey after placing both cups of tea on the table.
"So yeah. Relax for the moment."
>>169081
>"I've seen vampires and magelords fight each other, and for the life and death of me I cannot not understand it. There's plenty of money and mares to go around..."
Posey gives a light snicker. Clearly this stallion doesn't quite understand how vampires work, or magelords for that matter.
>And the other? Is time. Time does not run against us. We are in no hurry. We are not going anywhere. No clock runs against us. If they wish to scurry about like rats, knowing the ship they are on is sinking, we need only watch them.
Posey gives a knowing nod.
"Yes, yes... Time is on our side. Everyone joins the dead some day. Though, watching the ships sink, sometimes I can't help but participate, can't help but plunder.." she levitates her new trinkets, scrutinizing them with tilt of her head
"I have goals, after all.."
>Relax for the moment
"That, I think I can do. I've been in this country for less than a night. I think I'll take my time."
>"I've seen vampires and magelords fight each other, and for the life and death of me I cannot not understand it. There's plenty of money and mares to go around..."
Posey gives a light snicker. Clearly this stallion doesn't quite understand how vampires work, or magelords for that matter.
>And the other? Is time. Time does not run against us. We are in no hurry. We are not going anywhere. No clock runs against us. If they wish to scurry about like rats, knowing the ship they are on is sinking, we need only watch them.
Posey gives a knowing nod.
"Yes, yes... Time is on our side. Everyone joins the dead some day. Though, watching the ships sink, sometimes I can't help but participate, can't help but plunder.." she levitates her new trinkets, scrutinizing them with tilt of her head
"I have goals, after all.."
>Relax for the moment
"That, I think I can do. I've been in this country for less than a night. I think I'll take my time."
>>169082
If Posey hasn't picked up on it yet, there's a fundamental disconnect in personality and philosophy between Licorice Lament and the mages Posey is familiar.
"Is that all you want to do?" Lament says, slightly leaning towards her and looking at her. Posey gets the impression that whatever he meant by that, he isn't talking about pillaging or killing.
The largest of Posey's items is the mask. The mask seems to depict a Crocuta's face, with an extended muzzle and holes for eyes. It is made out of wood and is painted a kind of tan color (ochre?), save for the nose, much of the muzzle, around the eyes, and at the center of the diamond shaped ears, which are black, presumably with charcoal. around the edges are "fur" made of what are presumably attached strands of dried palm limbs, but also a few actual hairs from some creature (presumably a crocuta). It isn't very heavy.
While the mask is somewhat abstract in its design, the totem is even more so. The muzzle and head on the thing look like a crocuta, but other than that it's kind of odd. For one, the creature stands on its hindlegs, more like a diamond dog, minotaur, or yeti than a crocuta. It's mouth is open with sharp teeth. Its back is hunched with massive shoulders. The thing is perhaps five and a half inches tall with an oval base that the legs connect to, which makes it easy to stand upright. It's carved from wood, albeit a rather dense wood, and has no paint.
The bracelet is a little dirty, but is obviously made of gold. It's hard to say what kind of creature it was fitted for, though with its larger size, a pony appears just a little more likely than the thinner legs of crocuta. It's plain with a smooth and rounded exterior, save for about an inch span in the middle which has a design kind of like woven thread.
The pot seems mundane, though perhaps a little darker than would be expected, a little heavier, and a bit dirty.
If Posey hasn't picked up on it yet, there's a fundamental disconnect in personality and philosophy between Licorice Lament and the mages Posey is familiar.
"Is that all you want to do?" Lament says, slightly leaning towards her and looking at her. Posey gets the impression that whatever he meant by that, he isn't talking about pillaging or killing.
The largest of Posey's items is the mask. The mask seems to depict a Crocuta's face, with an extended muzzle and holes for eyes. It is made out of wood and is painted a kind of tan color (ochre?), save for the nose, much of the muzzle, around the eyes, and at the center of the diamond shaped ears, which are black, presumably with charcoal. around the edges are "fur" made of what are presumably attached strands of dried palm limbs, but also a few actual hairs from some creature (presumably a crocuta). It isn't very heavy.
While the mask is somewhat abstract in its design, the totem is even more so. The muzzle and head on the thing look like a crocuta, but other than that it's kind of odd. For one, the creature stands on its hindlegs, more like a diamond dog, minotaur, or yeti than a crocuta. It's mouth is open with sharp teeth. Its back is hunched with massive shoulders. The thing is perhaps five and a half inches tall with an oval base that the legs connect to, which makes it easy to stand upright. It's carved from wood, albeit a rather dense wood, and has no paint.
The bracelet is a little dirty, but is obviously made of gold. It's hard to say what kind of creature it was fitted for, though with its larger size, a pony appears just a little more likely than the thinner legs of crocuta. It's plain with a smooth and rounded exterior, save for about an inch span in the middle which has a design kind of like woven thread.
The pot seems mundane, though perhaps a little darker than would be expected, a little heavier, and a bit dirty.
>>169083
>"Is that all you want to do?"
"No.. I want to see a bit of what this world is like, before the legions year it down. I want to learn and grow and test the limits of my powers. I want to try new things, and dabble with old things. I want to experience all of the sensation that comes with this new feeling of freedom."
Posey, having a taste for gold jewelry, puts the bracelet on.
"Does it suit me? I think it matches my eyes, although I can't really tell because... You know."
>"Is that all you want to do?"
"No.. I want to see a bit of what this world is like, before the legions year it down. I want to learn and grow and test the limits of my powers. I want to try new things, and dabble with old things. I want to experience all of the sensation that comes with this new feeling of freedom."
Posey, having a taste for gold jewelry, puts the bracelet on.
"Does it suit me? I think it matches my eyes, although I can't really tell because... You know."
>>169087
That feeling of blood rushing through her foreleg, did the bracelet do that, or does she merely imagine it?
Lament looks deeply into Posey's eyes with his own. His perpetual smile, always projecting, or seeking to inspire good feelings into others relents for once, if only for once, and is replaced by a more sincere expression of indifference as he seems to attempt to understand. He is silent for a few seconds before he answers.
"I think it does."
That feeling of blood rushing through her foreleg, did the bracelet do that, or does she merely imagine it?
Lament looks deeply into Posey's eyes with his own. His perpetual smile, always projecting, or seeking to inspire good feelings into others relents for once, if only for once, and is replaced by a more sincere expression of indifference as he seems to attempt to understand. He is silent for a few seconds before he answers.
"I think it does."
>>169088 (heil)
>imagine it
Did she?
Rolling Arcana to tell
[1d20+9 = (18+9) = 27]
"Hmmm, I think it's to my liking then."
>imagine it
Did she?
Rolling Arcana to tell
[1d20+9 = (18+9) = 27]
"Hmmm, I think it's to my liking then."
>>169088
I would like to make a Sense Motive check, to assess Licorice's attitude towards Posey right now.
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
I would like to make a Sense Motive check, to assess Licorice's attitude towards Posey right now.
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
>>169089
Upon closer examination, the bracelet is mundane and non-magical. The bracelet is 90% gold (10% copper alloy for strength) and thus retains magic better than most materials, and had a “shimmer” of magic to it, presumably from proximity to magic, although that may be something as mundane as being worn by a unicorn or mage. It is, nevertheless, non-magical. The blood rush is likely caused by Posey’s repositioning of her legs, such that now, blood flows more freely.
>>169090
Lament seems mostly to be trying to assess Posey himself. He has made eye contact for an expected period, such that it’s uncomfortable and must either be interpreted as a threat or a sigh of trust and intimacy. His own eyes are likewise golden, though dimmer, and closer to hazel than a bright yellow.
Upon closer examination, the bracelet is mundane and non-magical. The bracelet is 90% gold (10% copper alloy for strength) and thus retains magic better than most materials, and had a “shimmer” of magic to it, presumably from proximity to magic, although that may be something as mundane as being worn by a unicorn or mage. It is, nevertheless, non-magical. The blood rush is likely caused by Posey’s repositioning of her legs, such that now, blood flows more freely.
>>169090
Lament seems mostly to be trying to assess Posey himself. He has made eye contact for an expected period, such that it’s uncomfortable and must either be interpreted as a threat or a sigh of trust and intimacy. His own eyes are likewise golden, though dimmer, and closer to hazel than a bright yellow.
>>169091
*eye contact for an extended period, such that it must either be interpreted as a threat or a sign of trust and intimacy.
Basically, he’s looking at how Posey responds to him.
*eye contact for an extended period, such that it must either be interpreted as a threat or a sign of trust and intimacy.
Basically, he’s looking at how Posey responds to him.
>>169091
>Nonmagical
Oh well. Still looks pretty.
>>169092
>interpreted as a threat or a sign of trust and intimacy
Well, considering that she's known him for less than a day, and we're not exactly in a high-trust occupation, Posey has no reason to assume the latter. There is little intimacy in Magehold: vampires and liches only form relationships through power or fear.
Posey will take the initiative to asset dominance with her raw feminine charm in a bewitching stare. Not to coerce or demoralize, but to assert dominance. Her bewitching golden eyes gazing into his own, as she assesses him in turn.
>Nonmagical
Oh well. Still looks pretty.
>>169092
>interpreted as a threat or a sign of trust and intimacy
Well, considering that she's known him for less than a day, and we're not exactly in a high-trust occupation, Posey has no reason to assume the latter. There is little intimacy in Magehold: vampires and liches only form relationships through power or fear.
Posey will take the initiative to asset dominance with her raw feminine charm in a bewitching stare. Not to coerce or demoralize, but to assert dominance. Her bewitching golden eyes gazing into his own, as she assesses him in turn.
>>169093
Lament is no mundane unicorn, and he proves resistant. All the same, Posey’s point is made, and he makes an expression of displeasure, and breaks eye contact, turning back forward in a dismissive gesture.
Lament is no mundane unicorn, and he proves resistant. All the same, Posey’s point is made, and he makes an expression of displeasure, and breaks eye contact, turning back forward in a dismissive gesture.
>>169096
"Under my cloak, yes." Posey says, puffing her chest out a bit tauntingly as the bones rattle
"It's my most trustworthy piece of equipment, other than the power of my horn."
Free-action intimidation is just that good.
"It compliments the power of my spells. Fear is the ultimate weapon. Many an Arcturian soldier joined the dead when they joined the dead when meeting my eyes caused them to tremble... Not the Paladins though..." Posey recounts, her proud expression turning into a scowl as she reminisces in a particularly nasty fight.
"Under my cloak, yes." Posey says, puffing her chest out a bit tauntingly as the bones rattle
"It's my most trustworthy piece of equipment, other than the power of my horn."
Free-action intimidation is just that good.
"It compliments the power of my spells. Fear is the ultimate weapon. Many an Arcturian soldier joined the dead when they joined the dead when meeting my eyes caused them to tremble... Not the Paladins though..." Posey recounts, her proud expression turning into a scowl as she reminisces in a particularly nasty fight.
>>169097
Posey proceeds to undo the buckles on her armor, the ghastly patterned garment giving way to pristine white fluff.
She unclasps her razored dastana and levitates them beside her, like the hands of a genie.
"I'm a Sorceress in practice, but a warrior at heart. And a warrior has to have style." She boasts
Posey proceeds to undo the buckles on her armor, the ghastly patterned garment giving way to pristine white fluff.
She unclasps her razored dastana and levitates them beside her, like the hands of a genie.
"I'm a Sorceress in practice, but a warrior at heart. And a warrior has to have style." She boasts
>>169097
“Sure it is”
His smile returns, though with different purpose.
“Fear won’t get you quite as far here. What hood is making the cockroaches scatter, when there are so many books and crevices for them to hide?”
Lament takes his hind legs, and places them on the table. With a glow of golden light, he grabs a gleaming silver box, and a cigarillo. With a “click” he lights the cigarillo, and puffs it.
“Style? Not in that. You’re not even in the right century.”
“Sure it is”
His smile returns, though with different purpose.
“Fear won’t get you quite as far here. What hood is making the cockroaches scatter, when there are so many books and crevices for them to hide?”
Lament takes his hind legs, and places them on the table. With a glow of golden light, he grabs a gleaming silver box, and a cigarillo. With a “click” he lights the cigarillo, and puffs it.
“Style? Not in that. You’re not even in the right century.”
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>>169099
>tfw you serve the undead legions for years to earn your freedom and become a warlord yourself but now your grotesque bony armor isn't "in style" anymore
Posey puffs her cheeks at this
"Hmmmpf. Maybe I'm just ahead of the curve. Give it a few years and everyone will want to wear bones; everyone who knows what's good for them, perhaps."
>tfw you serve the undead legions for years to earn your freedom and become a warlord yourself but now your grotesque bony armor isn't "in style" anymore
Posey puffs her cheeks at this
"Hmmmpf. Maybe I'm just ahead of the curve. Give it a few years and everyone will want to wear bones; everyone who knows what's good for them, perhaps."
>>169100
“Uh huh. That will help you get into the clubs, I am sure.”
He still has a smirky smile.
“You’d make a nice Nightmare night decoration.” He puffs more, and drinks out of a flask he fishes out from in between the cushions. “Maybe a scarecrow….”
“Uh huh. That will help you get into the clubs, I am sure.”
He still has a smirky smile.
“You’d make a nice Nightmare night decoration.” He puffs more, and drinks out of a flask he fishes out from in between the cushions. “Maybe a scarecrow….”
>>169101
"Well, I could use a new suit of armor some time. Maybe a little bit of glammer for the business end..." Posey admits
"But this armor won me battles before. You can't underestimate the power of bones."
"Well, I could use a new suit of armor some time. Maybe a little bit of glammer for the business end..." Posey admits
"But this armor won me battles before. You can't underestimate the power of bones."
>>169102
He raises his eyebrow
“It ain’t gonna win you any beauty contests, that’s for damn sure.”
He taps the ash off of the cigarillo, apparently directly onto the floor, and looks over to Posey, replacing the smile with a straight face.
“Make a set of armor you can wear under a dress. I know a tailor. You desperately need one. And just…” he raises his right hoof, the one being used to help hold the cigarillo, and makes an almost circular movement as he gestures for emphasis.
“try to look pretty. We have expectations here.”
He raises his eyebrow
“It ain’t gonna win you any beauty contests, that’s for damn sure.”
He taps the ash off of the cigarillo, apparently directly onto the floor, and looks over to Posey, replacing the smile with a straight face.
“Make a set of armor you can wear under a dress. I know a tailor. You desperately need one. And just…” he raises his right hoof, the one being used to help hold the cigarillo, and makes an almost circular movement as he gestures for emphasis.
“try to look pretty. We have expectations here.”
>>169103
Posey, having removed her armor by now, strikes a dramatic pose
"Oh, Politics. It can't be helped then."
Posey, having removed her armor by now, strikes a dramatic pose
"Oh, Politics. It can't be helped then."
>>169104
Lament stares at her, though not at her eyes. He’s silent for some seconds, and changes his posture, sitting up straight and taking his legs off of the table. He does not reply.
Lament stares at her, though not at her eyes. He’s silent for some seconds, and changes his posture, sitting up straight and taking his legs off of the table. He does not reply.
>>169106
Posey turns around to find… Mason, who has evidently entered through a separate door. Whether she stays or leaves, Mason moves to the living room to go to Lament
Posey turns around to find… Mason, who has evidently entered through a separate door. Whether she stays or leaves, Mason moves to the living room to go to Lament
>>169079
Amber makes an attack of opportunity. Because it's a surprise attack, it's also a free attack. Does the heavy wrench have mace stats?
Initiative: [1d20 = 9]
Attack: [1d20+2 = (8+2) = 10]
Amber makes an attack of opportunity. Because it's a surprise attack, it's also a free attack. Does the heavy wrench have mace stats?
Initiative: [1d20 = 9]
Attack: [1d20+2 = (8+2) = 10]
>>169108
Sure.
The griffin is in a rather precarious position, and as such, is not able to dodge Amber’s attack. Hit
Sure.
The griffin is in a rather precarious position, and as such, is not able to dodge Amber’s attack. Hit
[1d8 = 1]
Amber strikes again, but warily and in a defensive pose: [1d20-2 = (15-2) = 13]
Amber strikes again, but warily and in a defensive pose: [1d20-2 = (15-2) = 13]
>>169113
Fair enough. The odds aren't looking too good at the moment, but maybe Amber can make this work. She strikes defensively again.
[1d20-2 = (1-2) = -1]
Fair enough. The odds aren't looking too good at the moment, but maybe Amber can make this work. She strikes defensively again.
[1d20-2 = (1-2) = -1]
>>169114
Amber is hit, and damn is that going to bruise.
Amber strikes at the griffin, hits the edge of the door, and loses her grip. It strikes at her again.
[1d20+1 = (1+1) = 2]
Amber is hit, and damn is that going to bruise.
Amber strikes at the griffin, hits the edge of the door, and loses her grip. It strikes at her again.
[1d20+1 = (1+1) = 2]
>>169115
The door between them proves as much of an obstacle for the intruder as for Amber, as he hits the edge of the door, and loses his grip on the crowbar.
The door between them proves as much of an obstacle for the intruder as for Amber, as he hits the edge of the door, and loses his grip on the crowbar.
>>169120
I don’t think so? It could just be an awkward moment where each is trying to pick up their respective improvised weapons.
I don’t think so? It could just be an awkward moment where each is trying to pick up their respective improvised weapons.
>>169121
Amber will strike at the intruder with the wrench again, hoping to have a better feel for its weight now.
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
Amber will strike at the intruder with the wrench again, hoping to have a better feel for its weight now.
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
>>169124
Amber can see that this is a yellow feathered, spectacled griffin in a blue uniform. He attacks over clawed.
[1d20+1 = (19+1) = 20]
Amber can see that this is a yellow feathered, spectacled griffin in a blue uniform. He attacks over clawed.
[1d20+1 = (19+1) = 20]
>>169129
He exhaled heavily, clearly hurt. Nevertheless, he hurls his crowbar against her once more.
[1d20+1 = (12+1) = 13]
He exhaled heavily, clearly hurt. Nevertheless, he hurls his crowbar against her once more.
[1d20+1 = (12+1) = 13]
>>169132
Nope.
https://youtu.be/kdMKfxINvYY?feature=shared
Amber can see that this griffin is not alone. Another, restricted by the confined spaces, is looking to enter.
And he attacks again.
[1d20+1 = (19+1) = 20]
Nope.
https://youtu.be/kdMKfxINvYY?feature=shared
Amber can see that this griffin is not alone. Another, restricted by the confined spaces, is looking to enter.
And he attacks again.
[1d20+1 = (19+1) = 20]
>>169133
This is not turning out well. Amber is starting to wish she was a great griffon warrior instead of a decrepit violinist. But there's no choice but to fight.
[1d20+2 = (15+2) = 17]
This is not turning out well. Amber is starting to wish she was a great griffon warrior instead of a decrepit violinist. But there's no choice but to fight.
[1d20+2 = (15+2) = 17]
>>169137
Amber has her first major breakthrough as the griffin in the blue and black uniform of the imperial police is hit upside the jaw, stumbles back, then moves even further back as if he is going to fall off of the train entirely, is then pushed forth back into the carriage by unseen forces, and collapses onto his stomach right there in the entryway, slightly to the left.
But then Amber sees the other griffin in a beige coat start to make a move inside. But first,
BANG
Amber hears the sound of what is presumably a warning shot, fired by the same, beige coated griffin, just outside of the carriage.
Amber has her first major breakthrough as the griffin in the blue and black uniform of the imperial police is hit upside the jaw, stumbles back, then moves even further back as if he is going to fall off of the train entirely, is then pushed forth back into the carriage by unseen forces, and collapses onto his stomach right there in the entryway, slightly to the left.
But then Amber sees the other griffin in a beige coat start to make a move inside. But first,
BANG
Amber hears the sound of what is presumably a warning shot, fired by the same, beige coated griffin, just outside of the carriage.
>>169138
Well this isn't good. Clearly this first bandit was just a hapless "lackey" and the ones behind are much bigger threats, actually armed. Her first thought is to run to the next carriage to get away from them, but the obvious problem is that it's a long, straight corridor where she would certainly be shot in the back. Amber's only option is to cower where she is and desperately fight to the end.
Well this isn't good. Clearly this first bandit was just a hapless "lackey" and the ones behind are much bigger threats, actually armed. Her first thought is to run to the next carriage to get away from them, but the obvious problem is that it's a long, straight corridor where she would certainly be shot in the back. Amber's only option is to cower where she is and desperately fight to the end.
File (): 1D0A4F11C335A8580CDB325EB3642F6D-35627.jpg (34.8 KB, 483x473, IMG_0388.jpeg)
>>169141
The griffin tries to move through, pointing the gun slightly ahead. But Amber swings her wrench, and knocks the gun clear out of the griffin’s claws.
The griffin tries to move through, pointing the gun slightly ahead. But Amber swings her wrench, and knocks the gun clear out of the griffin’s claws.
File (): 8CF04660932F78D5DEC2AE6B66952859-138490.gif (135.2 KB, 457x386, IMG_0039.gif)
>>169106
>>169107
Posey returns a few minutes later.
She's stowed her satchel, cloak and armor, but instead of a regular tasteful nude, she's donned a simple but elegant inky black dress, with some red trimming. It clovers most of her body. It's not too fancy, but not too plain either. Evidently one of the few articles of clothing she brought with her on her voyage.
"Mageholders do have their sense of fashion too, but despite our looks the coven prefer function over fashion. The Magelords of The Society love their bone imagery, as its a testament to their power, even if it does little functionally. The vampire lords of The Coven always look well-dressed, but they're far more simple minded than you think."
She gives a twirl
"To the Lords of the Coven, every aspect of life, fashion included, revolves around the thirst for blood. Dressing well helps them close distance with valuable noble thralls. You might have noticed that they have a preference for black suits and inky dresses, like this one; the reason for that is because it doesn't stain easily, and makes it all the easier to go unnoticed when splattered in blood, as it's easy to lose control with so much young blood at a party." she gives a chuckle
"It's almost funny how they go about it. Some of the lowbloods might go wearing the same raggedy torn suits for half a century, withered carnations and all, so desperate for blood that they're practically animals. Highbloods sometimes wear white, to make a statement of how clean they are and how easily they can feed without spilling their food. Of course, for those with pale coats like myself, it hardly makes a difference." she puffs out her chest a bit, and gives a bit of a coy smirk
>>169108
What class is Amber anyway? I haven't seen her use any special abilities or feats.
>>169107
Posey returns a few minutes later.
She's stowed her satchel, cloak and armor, but instead of a regular tasteful nude, she's donned a simple but elegant inky black dress, with some red trimming. It clovers most of her body. It's not too fancy, but not too plain either. Evidently one of the few articles of clothing she brought with her on her voyage.
"Mageholders do have their sense of fashion too, but despite our looks the coven prefer function over fashion. The Magelords of The Society love their bone imagery, as its a testament to their power, even if it does little functionally. The vampire lords of The Coven always look well-dressed, but they're far more simple minded than you think."
She gives a twirl
"To the Lords of the Coven, every aspect of life, fashion included, revolves around the thirst for blood. Dressing well helps them close distance with valuable noble thralls. You might have noticed that they have a preference for black suits and inky dresses, like this one; the reason for that is because it doesn't stain easily, and makes it all the easier to go unnoticed when splattered in blood, as it's easy to lose control with so much young blood at a party." she gives a chuckle
"It's almost funny how they go about it. Some of the lowbloods might go wearing the same raggedy torn suits for half a century, withered carnations and all, so desperate for blood that they're practically animals. Highbloods sometimes wear white, to make a statement of how clean they are and how easily they can feed without spilling their food. Of course, for those with pale coats like myself, it hardly makes a difference." she puffs out her chest a bit, and gives a bit of a coy smirk
>>169108
What class is Amber anyway? I haven't seen her use any special abilities or feats.
>>169148
>she's not a particularly good one
She should be lvl 5-6 as a Bard, right? Bards are powerful. Solid tier 3 class, like Dread Necromancer.
What spells does she know?
Considering her name, she could make for a good Heartfire Fanner: decent prestige class for Bards.
>she's not a particularly good one
She should be lvl 5-6 as a Bard, right? Bards are powerful. Solid tier 3 class, like Dread Necromancer.
What spells does she know?
Considering her name, she could make for a good Heartfire Fanner: decent prestige class for Bards.
>>169147
By the time Posey returns, Lament is now standing, closer to the foyer, in formal attire. He’s composed, and apparently has been talking to Mason. His expression is a little more serious than his standard. When Posey comes in, he gives her his full attention, staring at her with a guarded expression, evidently examining her dress and general appearance.
“I see…” is his only response.
Mason looks at her in complete silence, and a mistral expression that hooks slightly down in a frown. He is wearing his fedora indoors.
>>169148
The griffin gets its claws almost over Amber’s, but by the time she’s got it, he backs off, moving slightly away. He looks Amber in the eyes with an intense expression. His eyes are a steel color between grey and blue. He has a brown trilby hat similar in color to his beige coat. His plumage is a fuller yellow, around about the color of brass.
He moves back. Then a step back. Then another, and through the door, he extends his wings, and jumps off, thrusting his wings down a few times before catching the passing air and gliding away.
By the time Posey returns, Lament is now standing, closer to the foyer, in formal attire. He’s composed, and apparently has been talking to Mason. His expression is a little more serious than his standard. When Posey comes in, he gives her his full attention, staring at her with a guarded expression, evidently examining her dress and general appearance.
“I see…” is his only response.
Mason looks at her in complete silence, and a mistral expression that hooks slightly down in a frown. He is wearing his fedora indoors.
>>169148
The griffin gets its claws almost over Amber’s, but by the time she’s got it, he backs off, moving slightly away. He looks Amber in the eyes with an intense expression. His eyes are a steel color between grey and blue. He has a brown trilby hat similar in color to his beige coat. His plumage is a fuller yellow, around about the color of brass.
He moves back. Then a step back. Then another, and through the door, he extends his wings, and jumps off, thrusting his wings down a few times before catching the passing air and gliding away.
>>169150
Posey notices this change in behavior.
I would like to roll Sense Motive, to read the room
[1d20+2 = (7+2) = 9]
Posey notices this change in behavior.
I would like to roll Sense Motive, to read the room
[1d20+2 = (7+2) = 9]
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Character sheet
Name: Avi-ant Goldenrothbergkramerstein
Race: Griffin.
Class: Merchant
Skills: Shilling, Money laundrying, Renting, Unionization, Building casinos and brothels, and deception.
Level: 6million goy!
Backstory: Avi-ant is just another poor poor refuge comming to Baltimare for a new chance of life. All he wants to do is settle somewhere and live in peace but sadly he's prosecuted by racist ponies everywhere. :'c
Nice to see that this thread is still chugging along. ^^
Name: Avi-ant Goldenrothbergkramerstein
Race: Griffin.
Class: Merchant
Skills: Shilling, Money laundrying, Renting, Unionization, Building casinos and brothels, and deception.
Level: 6million goy!
Backstory: Avi-ant is just another poor poor refuge comming to Baltimare for a new chance of life. All he wants to do is settle somewhere and live in peace but sadly he's prosecuted by racist ponies everywhere. :'c
Nice to see that this thread is still chugging along. ^^
>>169150
Amber does not stop the griffon or shoot after him, perhaps due to not seeing him as a threat, perhaps wanting to not waste ammunition, or perhaps out of a reluctance to take another's life. When the intruder is gone, she makes sure there isn't anyone else at the end of the car, then looks for a way to restrain the unconscious foe. If there isn't any rope she will just have to stuff him in the vestibule. She'll then need to bar this rear entry to prevent any more ambushes.
>>169149
Level 0: Mending, lullaby, resistance, detect magic, know direction, read magic,
Level 1: Charm person, expeditious retreat, lesser confusion, remove fear
Level 2: Rage, calm emotions, suggestion
I haven't actually had an opportunity to really use these spells, both because of a lack of need and also because Amber doesn't really know her capabilities. Bards are good all-rounders though with a nice variety of skills.
Amber does not stop the griffon or shoot after him, perhaps due to not seeing him as a threat, perhaps wanting to not waste ammunition, or perhaps out of a reluctance to take another's life. When the intruder is gone, she makes sure there isn't anyone else at the end of the car, then looks for a way to restrain the unconscious foe. If there isn't any rope she will just have to stuff him in the vestibule. She'll then need to bar this rear entry to prevent any more ambushes.
>>169149
Level 0: Mending, lullaby, resistance, detect magic, know direction, read magic,
Level 1: Charm person, expeditious retreat, lesser confusion, remove fear
Level 2: Rage, calm emotions, suggestion
I haven't actually had an opportunity to really use these spells, both because of a lack of need and also because Amber doesn't really know her capabilities. Bards are good all-rounders though with a nice variety of skills.
File (): 31FE40FA1BFC414CB893FFA4027D8141-1926447.png (1.8 MB, 5445x6841, 6547574.png)
>>169156
Hi!
>>169155
It's Mason's turn to take a drink out of a flask, this one taken from an internal pocket in his vest
>>169157
Amber really has a triple problem here. One, tying up the (hopefully still) unconscious officer. Second, securing the rear door, which has been severely damaged, and also is vulnerable to future intruders. And finally, calming the passengers, who have just seen Amber beat unconscious a griffin dressed in what everyone in the car can recognize as an Imperial police officer's uniform.
It's less than a minute until Federkleid and Erich enter, followed closely behind by Helder
Federkleid has her pistol out.
"What is going on here?"
Hi!
>>169155
It's Mason's turn to take a drink out of a flask, this one taken from an internal pocket in his vest
>>169157
Amber really has a triple problem here. One, tying up the (hopefully still) unconscious officer. Second, securing the rear door, which has been severely damaged, and also is vulnerable to future intruders. And finally, calming the passengers, who have just seen Amber beat unconscious a griffin dressed in what everyone in the car can recognize as an Imperial police officer's uniform.
It's less than a minute until Federkleid and Erich enter, followed closely behind by Helder
Federkleid has her pistol out.
"What is going on here?"
>>169157
Kind of odd to get to lvl 5 ("Hero Of The Realm" tier) without knowing your capabilities, but whatever floats your boat.
Would be fun to do an adventure together sometime.
Kind of odd to get to lvl 5 ("Hero Of The Realm" tier) without knowing your capabilities, but whatever floats your boat.
Would be fun to do an adventure together sometime.
>>169158
Cute!
"The Inq–er, bandits tried to break through here," Amber exclaims, still looking disheveled and breathing heavily from the confrontation. "I conked one out, and grabbed the other's gun–he flew away. We just need to secure this ruffian, then make sure no griffon can get in here again. I'll calm down the passengers; it shouldn't be too long to Hellquill now anyway."
>>169160
This is my first DnD campaign, so I'm none-too-familiar with all the spells. We also start out at level 5 by default, and I haven't had an opportunity to use the spells much anyway.
Cute!
"The Inq–er, bandits tried to break through here," Amber exclaims, still looking disheveled and breathing heavily from the confrontation. "I conked one out, and grabbed the other's gun–he flew away. We just need to secure this ruffian, then make sure no griffon can get in here again. I'll calm down the passengers; it shouldn't be too long to Hellquill now anyway."
>>169160
This is my first DnD campaign, so I'm none-too-familiar with all the spells. We also start out at level 5 by default, and I haven't had an opportunity to use the spells much anyway.
>>169161
The passengers are staring at the two, clearly concerned. Helder and Erich are immediately behind Federkleid, and only the narrow passage down the coach prevents them from overtaking her.
Federkleid moves up towards the end of the railcar, to the downed policegriff and the jammed open door. She tries to close the door, while Helder moves to the officer.
"It's not going to close" she says after a failed attempt. "I hope they stop at the border. We need to go."
>>169155
>>169159
>>169162
"Alright alright" Lament says
"It looks decent."
The passengers are staring at the two, clearly concerned. Helder and Erich are immediately behind Federkleid, and only the narrow passage down the coach prevents them from overtaking her.
Federkleid moves up towards the end of the railcar, to the downed policegriff and the jammed open door. She tries to close the door, while Helder moves to the officer.
"It's not going to close" she says after a failed attempt. "I hope they stop at the border. We need to go."
>>169155
>>169159
>>169162
"Alright alright" Lament says
"It looks decent."
>>169202
"I tried closing it. See about barring it with something."
Amber turns to the passengers. "This is merely a precaution to ensure your safety. We'll arrive at the station likely with no further incident."
"I tried closing it. See about barring it with something."
Amber turns to the passengers. "This is merely a precaution to ensure your safety. We'll arrive at the station likely with no further incident."
>>169202
I feel a bit confused. Are Lament and Mason waiting for something, or will they just stand around all night, not talking?
Posey did agree to "relax a little", but this is a little awkward.
I feel a bit confused. Are Lament and Mason waiting for something, or will they just stand around all night, not talking?
Posey did agree to "relax a little", but this is a little awkward.
>>169204
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXpFznXb_vI
Erich moves in, picks up the crowbar, and then tries jamming it into the door.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXpFznXb_vI
Erich moves in, picks up the crowbar, and then tries jamming it into the door.
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>>169208
Oh, so that's how it is.
Well, I think I'll make things interesting and decide to make some use of Posey's Charming Gaze, taking a page out of Glimglam's friendship textbook. Since it's a supernatural ability, Posey can attempt it inconspicuously; a little perk of having vampire lineage.
Usually Posey would prefer to use Intimidation and fear spells to lower the wills of her victims before attempting to charm them, but considering the circumstances, she'll just look them in the eye, one after another.
The Will DC to resist being charmed is 17.
Should one be charmed but not the other, and the Sense Motive DC to notice that they're charmed is 25.
Oh, so that's how it is.
Well, I think I'll make things interesting and decide to make some use of Posey's Charming Gaze, taking a page out of Glimglam's friendship textbook. Since it's a supernatural ability, Posey can attempt it inconspicuously; a little perk of having vampire lineage.
Usually Posey would prefer to use Intimidation and fear spells to lower the wills of her victims before attempting to charm them, but considering the circumstances, she'll just look them in the eye, one after another.
The Will DC to resist being charmed is 17.
Should one be charmed but not the other, and the Sense Motive DC to notice that they're charmed is 25.
>>169209
There is a clacking sound as the train moves over a stone bridge that traverses a small rivulet. Through the windows, the thinned-out forests of pine and deciduous trees that have typified the Imperial District are replaced by great, thick masses of amber leaves that stretch across the low hills parallel to track. On the top of one of these hills are a few stones and the remains of a large set of burned-out logs that must surely have once belonged to a structure.
Helder stares out the window.
"We've crossed the border..." He says at a low volume, and likely shedding a tear.
But near Amber, she can see the captive stir and moan.
There is a clacking sound as the train moves over a stone bridge that traverses a small rivulet. Through the windows, the thinned-out forests of pine and deciduous trees that have typified the Imperial District are replaced by great, thick masses of amber leaves that stretch across the low hills parallel to track. On the top of one of these hills are a few stones and the remains of a large set of burned-out logs that must surely have once belonged to a structure.
Helder stares out the window.
"We've crossed the border..." He says at a low volume, and likely shedding a tear.
But near Amber, she can see the captive stir and moan.
>>169213
Well, that was worth a shot.
Posey blinks finally; her own nose scrunches slightly.
"....WELL... If there's no business left to discuss tonight, I think I will retire to my chambers to tend to my.. son. Tantabus likes to visit Gloomy in the night, and he might have some troubles adjusting to the new environment." Posey says, turning on her hooves
"So if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
She slowly trots out of the room
Well, that was worth a shot.
Posey blinks finally; her own nose scrunches slightly.
"....WELL... If there's no business left to discuss tonight, I think I will retire to my chambers to tend to my.. son. Tantabus likes to visit Gloomy in the night, and he might have some troubles adjusting to the new environment." Posey says, turning on her hooves
"So if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
She slowly trots out of the room
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>>169214
Also, just for fun:
While I was exploring churches in Riga I came across this rather small and inconspicuous one (Saint Jacobs). Looking the chapel at the end of the left isle, I saw right in the corner, with no plate, no plaque signifying anything, and no explanation, a view port into an ossuary. It was just there. I've never seen anything quite like that before.
Also, just for fun:
While I was exploring churches in Riga I came across this rather small and inconspicuous one (Saint Jacobs). Looking the chapel at the end of the left isle, I saw right in the corner, with no plate, no plaque signifying anything, and no explanation, a view port into an ossuary. It was just there. I've never seen anything quite like that before.
>>169216
Posey wants to fight. She's been released from her chains and is eager to test the limits of her strength and expand her powers. She wants to see what these ponies are made of and what it will take to conquer them. Her entropic nature makes her crave the feeling of snuffing out the light of living. She wants to eliminate any notable enemies of the Dread League and revel in their slaughter, any any other obstacles to her mission.
Posey wants to learn, to become a master in her art. As an Apprentice, she's still bound to her master, but once she's grown her powers to a sufficient point (lvl 5-8) she'll be truly free to operate as she wishes. She was excited to come to Equestria to study its rich tradition of magic so that she may expand her own knowledge. She wants to practice her hexes, study ancient ruins, slay monsters, sacrifice prisoners, collect cadavers, unravel ancient riddles and otherwise contribute to her art.
Posey wants to work, or plunder, to fulfill her mission, and also to launder funds for her magic (which isn't free), as well as to tithe to her master. She came up with a legitimate working title because she figured there's always work for a Necromancer where there's war, as restless dead are a constant menace in high-magic settings full of bloodshed. She's tasked with establishing hold on Equestria, so she's going to need to seek out lairs in which to base her operations. She's also gained an acute interest in upgrading her wardrobe and wants some fashionable jewelry (gold, Silver is bad for her skin) to accentuate her charms.
Posey wants to explore. This country is vast and diverse. She's interested in what magic and monsters it might have. She wants to see what these ponies have to The mention of Voodoo practitioners in the swamp would be a topic of interest, in addition to any other undead activity.
Posey wants to dote on her so-called son, Gloomy. Gloomy is an aspiring Soulbinder, and has a tendency to be influenced and enraptured by a variety of spirits. She wants to comfort him, shower him with gifts, and oversee the development of his powers. Gloomy would make for a decent apprentice when Posey surpasses her master, and if not, well, he'd make an excellent Slaymate.
But most of all, Posey wants to conquer. As a representative of the League, she sees herself ruling over this region when the Dread League brings the world to its knees. She wants to forge political connections and recruit allies of the league and find thralls who support her out of respect or fear. She wants infiltrate leadership to exploit the weaknesses of the regime. She wants to amass military might, especially in the form of buried bodies waiting for their trigger to emerge for war.
But for me, I just want to go on an adventure, really any semi-standard adventure. If it involves undead and/or can contribute to any of Posey's goals, that's a plus, but I'm not picky so long as it's an adventure.
Maybe something a bit more fantastic than knocking on the doors of and talking to Arab-coded hyenas though. No offense, but that one was rather uneventful considering it took more than a week to get through it. I'm still all for urban/modern adventure though.
Posey wants to fight. She's been released from her chains and is eager to test the limits of her strength and expand her powers. She wants to see what these ponies are made of and what it will take to conquer them. Her entropic nature makes her crave the feeling of snuffing out the light of living. She wants to eliminate any notable enemies of the Dread League and revel in their slaughter, any any other obstacles to her mission.
Posey wants to learn, to become a master in her art. As an Apprentice, she's still bound to her master, but once she's grown her powers to a sufficient point (lvl 5-8) she'll be truly free to operate as she wishes. She was excited to come to Equestria to study its rich tradition of magic so that she may expand her own knowledge. She wants to practice her hexes, study ancient ruins, slay monsters, sacrifice prisoners, collect cadavers, unravel ancient riddles and otherwise contribute to her art.
Posey wants to work, or plunder, to fulfill her mission, and also to launder funds for her magic (which isn't free), as well as to tithe to her master. She came up with a legitimate working title because she figured there's always work for a Necromancer where there's war, as restless dead are a constant menace in high-magic settings full of bloodshed. She's tasked with establishing hold on Equestria, so she's going to need to seek out lairs in which to base her operations. She's also gained an acute interest in upgrading her wardrobe and wants some fashionable jewelry (gold, Silver is bad for her skin) to accentuate her charms.
Posey wants to explore. This country is vast and diverse. She's interested in what magic and monsters it might have. She wants to see what these ponies have to The mention of Voodoo practitioners in the swamp would be a topic of interest, in addition to any other undead activity.
Posey wants to dote on her so-called son, Gloomy. Gloomy is an aspiring Soulbinder, and has a tendency to be influenced and enraptured by a variety of spirits. She wants to comfort him, shower him with gifts, and oversee the development of his powers. Gloomy would make for a decent apprentice when Posey surpasses her master, and if not, well, he'd make an excellent Slaymate.
But most of all, Posey wants to conquer. As a representative of the League, she sees herself ruling over this region when the Dread League brings the world to its knees. She wants to forge political connections and recruit allies of the league and find thralls who support her out of respect or fear. She wants infiltrate leadership to exploit the weaknesses of the regime. She wants to amass military might, especially in the form of buried bodies waiting for their trigger to emerge for war.
But for me, I just want to go on an adventure, really any semi-standard adventure. If it involves undead and/or can contribute to any of Posey's goals, that's a plus, but I'm not picky so long as it's an adventure.
Maybe something a bit more fantastic than knocking on the doors of and talking to Arab-coded hyenas though. No offense, but that one was rather uneventful considering it took more than a week to get through it. I'm still all for urban/modern adventure though.
>>169217
That's really cool. It would make for an excellent dungeon, exactly the kind that Posey would like to explore.
That's really cool. It would make for an excellent dungeon, exactly the kind that Posey would like to explore.
>>169221
Anyone specific? Rival mage circles? Vampire-hunters? Arcturian Paladins? Mafia rings? Smugglers who didn't pay their cut?
Could also go out into the swamp and see what the Voodoo Zebras are doing.
Or go to the local adventure bulletin (if there is such a thing) and see if there's any ghoul-clearances or ghostbusting to be done for hire.
Anyone specific? Rival mage circles? Vampire-hunters? Arcturian Paladins? Mafia rings? Smugglers who didn't pay their cut?
Could also go out into the swamp and see what the Voodoo Zebras are doing.
Or go to the local adventure bulletin (if there is such a thing) and see if there's any ghoul-clearances or ghostbusting to be done for hire.
I could go out into the front lines of the war or no-man's land and wreak havok on whoever gets in my way of stealing corpses.
>>169220
Doable.
>>169222
Every one of those is a possibility
>>169223
The war has moved on from Baltimare, although basically everywhere used to be a frontline, and there were more wars in the past. Going to the actual front line is possible but
would require travel.
>>169218
scrunch
It was intended to be more eventful than that, it just didn't spark
Doable.
>>169222
Every one of those is a possibility
>>169223
The war has moved on from Baltimare, although basically everywhere used to be a frontline, and there were more wars in the past. Going to the actual front line is possible but
would require travel.
>>169218
scrunch
It was intended to be more eventful than that, it just didn't spark
>>169225
But seriously, the hyena quest was supposed to include more locations and far, far, far more fighting. The triggers just didn't occur.
But seriously, the hyena quest was supposed to include more locations and far, far, far more fighting. The triggers just didn't occur.
Can Posey try to activate or identify the Mask or the Totem?
>>169226
Yeah, I figured, but I didn't really know what I was supposed to do there. I thought that since they were potential allies, I had no reason to attack them directly without cause.
I guess I could always revisit it if the plot hook arises
>>169226
Yeah, I figured, but I didn't really know what I was supposed to do there. I thought that since they were potential allies, I had no reason to attack them directly without cause.
I guess I could always revisit it if the plot hook arises
>>169227
May as well start with the obvious dialogue
Lament speaks:
"Mason tells me you encountered several unfriendly fellows in the underground?"
May as well start with the obvious dialogue
Lament speaks:
"Mason tells me you encountered several unfriendly fellows in the underground?"
>>169230
Posey halts and turns
"Oh, we did indeed. They didn't put up very much of a fight though. Just a couple taps to the nose and they were helpless."
She shakes her head a bit
"I would have liked to interrogate one, but we were in a hurry to leave."
Posey halts and turns
"Oh, we did indeed. They didn't put up very much of a fight though. Just a couple taps to the nose and they were helpless."
She shakes her head a bit
"I would have liked to interrogate one, but we were in a hurry to leave."
>>169231
"I don't think they were expecting such a fight. They must have mistook Mason for an underling of, well, an associate of mine. A competitor in business, if you will. They certainly would not have known who you were."
"I don't think they were expecting such a fight. They must have mistook Mason for an underling of, well, an associate of mine. A competitor in business, if you will. They certainly would not have known who you were."
>>169233
"Within their respective line of work. Mind you, this associate is not an esotericism, nor are they. It's all non-magical. Mostly. You see, my associate, and they, would offer services that were not necessarily strictly legal, and would try to monopolize those services. It's business competition."
"Within their respective line of work. Mind you, this associate is not an esotericism, nor are they. It's all non-magical. Mostly. You see, my associate, and they, would offer services that were not necessarily strictly legal, and would try to monopolize those services. It's business competition."
>>169234
Posey gives a bit of a knowing nod
"Hmmm, smugglers, information peddlers, kidnappers, thieves. Every true artist needs a reliable supplier. Without supplies for our works, where would we be?"
She tosses her mane
"After all, artwork like this has quite the upkeep."
By her tone, it is unclear if she's referring to herself, or to her magic, or if there's a difference between the two.
>monopolize
>competition
"Daring are they? I can admire their will to conquer, but those two silly grunts their forces, they'll need to do better much better than that."
Posey gives a bit of a knowing nod
"Hmmm, smugglers, information peddlers, kidnappers, thieves. Every true artist needs a reliable supplier. Without supplies for our works, where would we be?"
She tosses her mane
"After all, artwork like this has quite the upkeep."
By her tone, it is unclear if she's referring to herself, or to her magic, or if there's a difference between the two.
>monopolize
>competition
"Daring are they? I can admire their will to conquer, but those two silly grunts their forces, they'll need to do better much better than that."
>>169235
Lament seems to take the mildest of offense to the first part of Posey's statement
"Yes, I suppose..."
And after a pause, he replies to the last.
"Mason tells me you took out their leader before he had time to get to his gun. They were not expecting a fight. If they were, they would not likely have let you gain the first move."
Lament seems to take the mildest of offense to the first part of Posey's statement
"Yes, I suppose..."
And after a pause, he replies to the last.
"Mason tells me you took out their leader before he had time to get to his gun. They were not expecting a fight. If they were, they would not likely have let you gain the first move."
>>169236
"Yes, yes I did. A tap to the snoot was all it took. He never knew what hit him." Posey replies with a giggle
She pantomimes the gesture reaching out her hoof to brutally boop an invisible foe
"The element of surprise is important. Back on the front of the Arcturian lines, the first strike often decides the battle, so the element of surprise is key." She reminisces.
"Yes, yes I did. A tap to the snoot was all it took. He never knew what hit him." Posey replies with a giggle
She pantomimes the gesture reaching out her hoof to brutally boop an invisible foe
"The element of surprise is important. Back on the front of the Arcturian lines, the first strike often decides the battle, so the element of surprise is key." She reminisces.
She continues
"I would have liked to take him back with me, or at least a piece of him, but time was of the essence." she shrugs
"I would have liked to take him back with me, or at least a piece of him, but time was of the essence." she shrugs
>>169237
"Yes, as it is everywhere. The police tend to hope you comply, and if you don't, that their weaponry will be enough. The military is much the same, except that they always wait to position themselves such that their force will be overwhelming before they attack. Everyone else - rebels, simple criminals, and these business ponies you've encountered, whom the newspapers and the mayor refer to as the "waterfront gang," - they will attack by first strike. So always be aware of your surroundings."
>>169238
"That was the safer choice, likely. But now they know that Mason will sometimes walk with a powerful sorceress - a white mare with a bright red mane."
"Yes, as it is everywhere. The police tend to hope you comply, and if you don't, that their weaponry will be enough. The military is much the same, except that they always wait to position themselves such that their force will be overwhelming before they attack. Everyone else - rebels, simple criminals, and these business ponies you've encountered, whom the newspapers and the mayor refer to as the "waterfront gang," - they will attack by first strike. So always be aware of your surroundings."
>>169238
"That was the safer choice, likely. But now they know that Mason will sometimes walk with a powerful sorceress - a white mare with a bright red mane."
>>169239
"Thus is the nature of war."
>now they know
Posey gives a shrug, then tilts her head downward shaking it in slight regret
"I guess it can't be helped now. I'm sure they're recounting tales of nasal trauma now. Perhaps they'll think twice before they get too close next time."
"Thus is the nature of war."
>now they know
Posey gives a shrug, then tilts her head downward shaking it in slight regret
"I guess it can't be helped now. I'm sure they're recounting tales of nasal trauma now. Perhaps they'll think twice before they get too close next time."
>>169240
Lament nods his head
“Perhaps they will. My associate seems to have been swept up in the customs raid. Their monopoly is secured. They won’t have much reason to harass you or Mason again. At least, until you give them reason.”
Lament nods his head
“Perhaps they will. My associate seems to have been swept up in the customs raid. Their monopoly is secured. They won’t have much reason to harass you or Mason again. At least, until you give them reason.”
>>169242
“In the days of the Princesses, it was the police who conducted the raids. But really, this has always been a danger to our kind, causing great damage, or sometimes, just a little damage, every now and then. It’s a large part of why our art is not to be known by the general public.”
“In the days of the Princesses, it was the police who conducted the raids. But really, this has always been a danger to our kind, causing great damage, or sometimes, just a little damage, every now and then. It’s a large part of why our art is not to be known by the general public.”
>>169243
"Yes, yes, I'm quite aware of the dangers of this line of work and the need for secrecy. I'm under covert operations, and I didn't come all this way just to get thrown on some cremation pyre."
"Yes, yes, I'm quite aware of the dangers of this line of work and the need for secrecy. I'm under covert operations, and I didn't come all this way just to get thrown on some cremation pyre."
>>169244
The Totem is designed to be a kind of connector between the spiritual realm and the material realm. It is intended to at best, summon, and at least, allow communication. It is activated by verbal invitation.
The mask is more mysterious. For certain, it is divination, though what insights it may show is a bit hard to guess. It is activated by a material component, burned and breathed through the nostrils of the mask.
The Totem is designed to be a kind of connector between the spiritual realm and the material realm. It is intended to at best, summon, and at least, allow communication. It is activated by verbal invitation.
The mask is more mysterious. For certain, it is divination, though what insights it may show is a bit hard to guess. It is activated by a material component, burned and breathed through the nostrils of the mask.
>>169246
Welcome back to America.
>activated by verbal invitation
Is the command word visible on the item?
Welcome back to America.
>activated by verbal invitation
Is the command word visible on the item?
>>169250
I'm going to go ahead and make my first roll now.
Posey levitates the totem and mutters some gibberish, squinting at the device
"Yankee hotel foxtrot"
[1d20+7 = (11+7) = 18]
I hope it's not consumable, because if so this might be a bad idea.
I'm going to go ahead and make my first roll now.
Posey levitates the totem and mutters some gibberish, squinting at the device
"Yankee hotel foxtrot"
[1d20+7 = (11+7) = 18]
I hope it's not consumable, because if so this might be a bad idea.
>>169253
Well, I'll either have to find the grave of its maker and use Speak With Dead to answer questions, or just keep rolling to activate blindly.
I'll make a few more rolls. If I roll a I need to roll 18 (modified 25) or higher to succeed. If I roll an 8 or lower, I suffer a mishap. If I roll a 1, I can't try again for 24 hours.
A mishap could waste the item... but it might conjure something interesting, like a Shoosuva, so that might be fun.
Posey repeats her word salad in rapid succession.
[10d20 = 82]
Well, I'll either have to find the grave of its maker and use Speak With Dead to answer questions, or just keep rolling to activate blindly.
I'll make a few more rolls. If I roll a I need to roll 18 (modified 25) or higher to succeed. If I roll an 8 or lower, I suffer a mishap. If I roll a 1, I can't try again for 24 hours.
A mishap could waste the item... but it might conjure something interesting, like a Shoosuva, so that might be fun.
Posey repeats her word salad in rapid succession.
[10d20 = 82]
>>169254
Darn it
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+7 = (17+7) = 24]
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+7 = (11+7) = 18]
[1d20+7 = (20+7) = 27]
[1d20+7 = (12+7) = 19]
[1d20+7 = (6+7) = 13]
[1d20+7 = (20+7) = 27]
[1d20+7 = (4+7) = 11]
[1d20+7 = (10+7) = 17]
[1d20+7 = (6+7) = 13]
[1d20+7 = (9+7) = 16]
Darn it
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+7 = (17+7) = 24]
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+7 = (11+7) = 18]
[1d20+7 = (20+7) = 27]
[1d20+7 = (12+7) = 19]
[1d20+7 = (6+7) = 13]
[1d20+7 = (20+7) = 27]
[1d20+7 = (4+7) = 11]
[1d20+7 = (10+7) = 17]
[1d20+7 = (6+7) = 13]
[1d20+7 = (9+7) = 16]
>>169255
>mishap on the first roll
"Oh, fu-!"
Well, I guess I'll roll damage for it, on top of whatever consequences it may have.
[2d6 = 5]
>mishap on the first roll
"Oh, fu-!"
Well, I guess I'll roll damage for it, on top of whatever consequences it may have.
[2d6 = 5]
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Necrobump
>>169276
Posey needs to use a spell versatility gimmick to create a lvl 3 slot, so she'll need to rest before she can try that.
Wounded, Posey heals her damage with Charnel Touch before going on to check on Gloomy.
Posey needs to use a spell versatility gimmick to create a lvl 3 slot, so she'll need to rest before she can try that.
Wounded, Posey heals her damage with Charnel Touch before going on to check on Gloomy.
>>169277
>level 3 slot
what
Posey's injuries are light, and thus not hard to heal.
Unless Gloomy found something to do inside the cottage, he is either asleep, or playing outside.
>level 3 slot
what
Posey's injuries are light, and thus not hard to heal.
Unless Gloomy found something to do inside the cottage, he is either asleep, or playing outside.
>>169279
>what
A gimmick that I'm not even sure if Posey can do. I need to check the books, but I'll probably just have to wait until Posey levels sufficiently.
Gloomy would be in bed, since he's had a long day/week, and he'd be drained. He has frequent nightmares, but he still knows better than to go out at night when his mother isn't present (because where he's from, literal vampires, zombies, ghouls and witches are always waiting to snatch up unattended foals who leave the room without mommy). Posey would be going to check on him and make sure he's adjusting well to the new environment, and see to it that he hasn't been possessed or whatnot.
Speaking of, I should make a statblock for him soon.
By the way, while Posey is still walking about the mansion, she may as well check and see what Low Rain does at this time of night, if she's awake.
>what
A gimmick that I'm not even sure if Posey can do. I need to check the books, but I'll probably just have to wait until Posey levels sufficiently.
Gloomy would be in bed, since he's had a long day/week, and he'd be drained. He has frequent nightmares, but he still knows better than to go out at night when his mother isn't present (because where he's from, literal vampires, zombies, ghouls and witches are always waiting to snatch up unattended foals who leave the room without mommy). Posey would be going to check on him and make sure he's adjusting well to the new environment, and see to it that he hasn't been possessed or whatnot.
Speaking of, I should make a statblock for him soon.
By the way, while Posey is still walking about the mansion, she may as well check and see what Low Rain does at this time of night, if she's awake.
>>169280
>Gloomy will not go outside, for fear he will be eaten
Good foal. He's been educated well.
Looking around the manor, Posey does not see Day Low Rain anywhere. Mason, too, does not seem to be present. Posey locates Lament, who has of course moved by this point, speaking to a unicorn mare in a long room that occupies the southeast corner of the house (right, and away from the entrance). This room is a combination study/library, with many book shelves, windows, a globe, a desk at the end by the corner, and two parlor sofas. Lament is sitting with the mare at a sofa. They seem to be talking. Whether the book that is open on the table next to them is related to the conversation is unknown. The mare is a young unicorn with a flaxen yellow coat, and a light pink, almost peach colored mane tied up in a pair of balls behind her head. She is wearing a golden chain around her neck, and a rather long dress that is white with blue patterns that imitate, but do not precisely represent, the shape of flowers. Lament actually does not have his wine, nor a cigarillo with him in this room.
>Gloomy will not go outside, for fear he will be eaten
Good foal. He's been educated well.
Looking around the manor, Posey does not see Day Low Rain anywhere. Mason, too, does not seem to be present. Posey locates Lament, who has of course moved by this point, speaking to a unicorn mare in a long room that occupies the southeast corner of the house (right, and away from the entrance). This room is a combination study/library, with many book shelves, windows, a globe, a desk at the end by the corner, and two parlor sofas. Lament is sitting with the mare at a sofa. They seem to be talking. Whether the book that is open on the table next to them is related to the conversation is unknown. The mare is a young unicorn with a flaxen yellow coat, and a light pink, almost peach colored mane tied up in a pair of balls behind her head. She is wearing a golden chain around her neck, and a rather long dress that is white with blue patterns that imitate, but do not precisely represent, the shape of flowers. Lament actually does not have his wine, nor a cigarillo with him in this room.
>>169283
How long has it exactly been since Posey stopped speaking with them? Posey thought nopony was visiting tonight.
Well, time to eavesdrop
Sneaking check
[1d20+9 = (9+9) = 18]
And Listen check
[1d20+5 = (17+5) = 22]
How long has it exactly been since Posey stopped speaking with them? Posey thought nopony was visiting tonight.
Well, time to eavesdrop
Sneaking check
[1d20+9 = (9+9) = 18]
And Listen check
[1d20+5 = (17+5) = 22]
>>169284
Posey crouches like a wolf and slightly listens in, neither breath nor heartbeat coming from her as she lurks in the shadows.
Her ears swivel keenly, like those of a bat.
Posey crouches like a wolf and slightly listens in, neither breath nor heartbeat coming from her as she lurks in the shadows.
Her ears swivel keenly, like those of a bat.
>>169284
Well, Posey went to try to brute force the fetish and perhaps went to Gloomy, so there is some time at least.
Posey can't get too close, lest she alert them. The two speak at a relatively low volume, with the mare especially bordering on a whisper. Posey can't hear every single individual word. All the same, she can hear enough to understand what is being said and what the conversation is about.
Lament seems to be attempting a romantic relationship with her, with the broader context concerning open dating between the two or potentially a marriage proposal. This is, however, only the wider context. The content of the conversation centers on the mare's father. The mare's father is evidently the owner of a set of factories in Baltimare, who was important new money some years ago, but had fallen on bad times, with the serious danger of bankruptcy recently. Evidently with contracts with the military and some new shift of power against organized labor, the father is able to make money again and avoid serious financial difficulties... But at a price. Her family is now not invited into some social circles, and there was an incident of a head of cabbage being thrown by a worker at her mother's car. This social isolation has put stress on the family as a whole, and her mother is depressed, which of course concerns the mare greatly. There is a bit of talk about other families, and the wider interrelationships among the Baltimare elite. Other families that were more successful seem to have moved to canterlot.
This loops back into the situation between the two in that the father does not seem to like Lament much, and prefers her daughter take a different, specific suitor. The daughter seems to have some ability to ignore her father's wishes, but really doesn't want to, given how stressed the family already is. Adding to all of this is the general uncertainty of the future of Baltimare. The mare seems to be contemplating asking the family to sell and move away inland, while Lament says that the father simply needs to keep doing what he's been doing. When the family has money again, the father will not be stressed, her mother will recover, and she and Lament could have a life together.
The tone of the conversation is rather solemn, with the mare especially taking a sadder tone, with Lament more reassuring. Lament does attempt a joke and laughter at about two points, however.
Well, Posey went to try to brute force the fetish and perhaps went to Gloomy, so there is some time at least.
Posey can't get too close, lest she alert them. The two speak at a relatively low volume, with the mare especially bordering on a whisper. Posey can't hear every single individual word. All the same, she can hear enough to understand what is being said and what the conversation is about.
Lament seems to be attempting a romantic relationship with her, with the broader context concerning open dating between the two or potentially a marriage proposal. This is, however, only the wider context. The content of the conversation centers on the mare's father. The mare's father is evidently the owner of a set of factories in Baltimare, who was important new money some years ago, but had fallen on bad times, with the serious danger of bankruptcy recently. Evidently with contracts with the military and some new shift of power against organized labor, the father is able to make money again and avoid serious financial difficulties... But at a price. Her family is now not invited into some social circles, and there was an incident of a head of cabbage being thrown by a worker at her mother's car. This social isolation has put stress on the family as a whole, and her mother is depressed, which of course concerns the mare greatly. There is a bit of talk about other families, and the wider interrelationships among the Baltimare elite. Other families that were more successful seem to have moved to canterlot.
This loops back into the situation between the two in that the father does not seem to like Lament much, and prefers her daughter take a different, specific suitor. The daughter seems to have some ability to ignore her father's wishes, but really doesn't want to, given how stressed the family already is. Adding to all of this is the general uncertainty of the future of Baltimare. The mare seems to be contemplating asking the family to sell and move away inland, while Lament says that the father simply needs to keep doing what he's been doing. When the family has money again, the father will not be stressed, her mother will recover, and she and Lament could have a life together.
The tone of the conversation is rather solemn, with the mare especially taking a sadder tone, with Lament more reassuring. Lament does attempt a joke and laughter at about two points, however.
>>169287
>have moved to canterlot
Isn't that currently under changeling occupation, or am I mistaken?
What does Posey know about the current political/military situation right now.
Rolling a history/local check (same modifier)
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
>some new shift of power against organized labor
Hmmm, I thought fascism was on the rise here; didn't think organized labor would be on the chopping block with fascists in charge. I guess it must be a product of paranoia with the threat of communism.
Posey takes note of this, looking for any political wedges that may assist the conquest of the Dread League.
>When the family has money again, the father will not be stressed, her mother will recover, and she and Lament could have a life together.
Hmmm, looks like Lament has his own, mortal motivations. Posey observes this from a distance, her golden eyes watching the two silently.
[i]resists the urge to sneak up and jumpscare them
>have moved to canterlot
Isn't that currently under changeling occupation, or am I mistaken?
What does Posey know about the current political/military situation right now.
Rolling a history/local check (same modifier)
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
>some new shift of power against organized labor
Hmmm, I thought fascism was on the rise here; didn't think organized labor would be on the chopping block with fascists in charge. I guess it must be a product of paranoia with the threat of communism.
Posey takes note of this, looking for any political wedges that may assist the conquest of the Dread League.
>When the family has money again, the father will not be stressed, her mother will recover, and she and Lament could have a life together.
Hmmm, looks like Lament has his own, mortal motivations. Posey observes this from a distance, her golden eyes watching the two silently.
[i]resists the urge to sneak up and jumpscare them
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>>169287
>her father's wishes
>stress
>specific suitor
>life together
Hmmm, complex problems require complex solutions... I think I just might have an idea.
>her father's wishes
>stress
>specific suitor
>life together
Hmmm, complex problems require complex solutions... I think I just might have an idea.
>>169288
Posey knows that Canterlot has always been the center of the Equestrian Elite, though it hardly has a monopoly. It seems to be under pony (New Mareland State) control, albeit on the border.
Posey is able to gather a small history of labor relations in Baltimare. Evidently there has always been tension, very often violent, between labor and industry in Baltimare. As Lament tells her, it has been going on since before she was born. Under the Twilight Administration the balance of power shifted decisively towards industry, as factories could simply replace striking and disgruntled workers with cheap migrant laborers that came in by the tens of thousands, although this did not translate to personal success for the Mare's father as now they competed with a company out of Hippogriffia. Lament claims this whole period just made the worker's even angrier, although the mare seems to have preferred this era as the social gatherings were nicer. The mare doesn't care for the gatherings herself much, but her mother does, and she wants to see her mother happy. It should also be noted that the mare doesn't terribly like the migrants. Specifically bat ponies. They look creepy with their slit pupils, and tall ears.
Then came the war. The goods her father makes - industrial dyes mostly used in clothing - came in much higher demand, and so things were looking brighter. But then the pools of migrant labor dried up, and a general labor shortage began. The unions took advantage of this, and several strikes began. Between this and the low profit of the government contracts, what promised to be an opportunity for business turned into a series of losses. Then calamity struck when New Mareland invaded, and cut off Baltimare from most of the world. General shortages, and certainly no selling of goods. Peace came, but was followed by a revolt, which saw discontented workers try to seize the factory and evidently a small amount of damage was done - not that much, but one more bill on top of others. The old unions were abolished and replaced by a new one. The new union will not permit strikes, and the workers think that the (multiple) agreed upon wage increases are not sufficient given the labor shortages and inflation. Workers will act independently of the union, like the aforementioned cabbage throwing (one incident among many). The mare's father evidently has contracts with several state run businesses that are apparently more lucrative than the former wartime contracts, or even trying to compete with the Hippogriffian suppliers.
Lament smiles to the mare (on the one occasion Posey can see his face; the angle she's observing them from does not permit a good view), and places his hoof on her mane at one point in a reassuring manner. The mare more or less keeps her hooves next to her on the sofa. This may be caused by her sadden state, but she's actually less touchy towards Lament than Day Low Rain was the previous day.
>>169289
I'm... not so sure the mare agrees
Posey knows that Canterlot has always been the center of the Equestrian Elite, though it hardly has a monopoly. It seems to be under pony (New Mareland State) control, albeit on the border.
Posey is able to gather a small history of labor relations in Baltimare. Evidently there has always been tension, very often violent, between labor and industry in Baltimare. As Lament tells her, it has been going on since before she was born. Under the Twilight Administration the balance of power shifted decisively towards industry, as factories could simply replace striking and disgruntled workers with cheap migrant laborers that came in by the tens of thousands, although this did not translate to personal success for the Mare's father as now they competed with a company out of Hippogriffia. Lament claims this whole period just made the worker's even angrier, although the mare seems to have preferred this era as the social gatherings were nicer. The mare doesn't care for the gatherings herself much, but her mother does, and she wants to see her mother happy. It should also be noted that the mare doesn't terribly like the migrants. Specifically bat ponies. They look creepy with their slit pupils, and tall ears.
Then came the war. The goods her father makes - industrial dyes mostly used in clothing - came in much higher demand, and so things were looking brighter. But then the pools of migrant labor dried up, and a general labor shortage began. The unions took advantage of this, and several strikes began. Between this and the low profit of the government contracts, what promised to be an opportunity for business turned into a series of losses. Then calamity struck when New Mareland invaded, and cut off Baltimare from most of the world. General shortages, and certainly no selling of goods. Peace came, but was followed by a revolt, which saw discontented workers try to seize the factory and evidently a small amount of damage was done - not that much, but one more bill on top of others. The old unions were abolished and replaced by a new one. The new union will not permit strikes, and the workers think that the (multiple) agreed upon wage increases are not sufficient given the labor shortages and inflation. Workers will act independently of the union, like the aforementioned cabbage throwing (one incident among many). The mare's father evidently has contracts with several state run businesses that are apparently more lucrative than the former wartime contracts, or even trying to compete with the Hippogriffian suppliers.
Lament smiles to the mare (on the one occasion Posey can see his face; the angle she's observing them from does not permit a good view), and places his hoof on her mane at one point in a reassuring manner. The mare more or less keeps her hooves next to her on the sofa. This may be caused by her sadden state, but she's actually less touchy towards Lament than Day Low Rain was the previous day.
>>169289
I'm... not so sure the mare agrees
>>169292
Posey scoffs at the state of labor relations. The mages in League know better, as skeletons don't go on strike (or at least, not successfully)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EcXcKg4pm3k
>I'm... not so sure the mare agrees
I was gonna shoot the shot, but I guess no point in jumping the gun.
Posey remains silent, contemplating this information.
Posey scoffs at the state of labor relations. The mages in League know better, as skeletons don't go on strike (or at least, not successfully)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EcXcKg4pm3k
>I'm... not so sure the mare agrees
I was gonna shoot the shot, but I guess no point in jumping the gun.
Posey remains silent, contemplating this information.
>>169293
Perhaps some day, Posey can revolutionize industrial production in Baltimare by showing the obsolesce of a living workforce.
The conversation drags on for quite a long time for Posey to get the above information - at least 30 minutes. By that time. Posey is likely wanting to do something else.
>>169294
Posey gets the distinct impression that Day Low Rain does not actually live in the manor
Perhaps some day, Posey can revolutionize industrial production in Baltimare by showing the obsolesce of a living workforce.
The conversation drags on for quite a long time for Posey to get the above information - at least 30 minutes. By that time. Posey is likely wanting to do something else.
>>169294
Posey gets the distinct impression that Day Low Rain does not actually live in the manor
File (): 1A9D6CC3676A99EFB115EA5C54BEA62A-472191.png (461.1 KB, 1521x718, lt533c87bt261.png)
>>169295
>perhaps some day
Well, Posey is waiting for the Dread League to get ready to declare war on all life, so her political ambitions are a bit different.
>Posey is likely wanting to do something else.
Posey decides to explore the manor, the presence of this new mare making her question its secrecy, and it's inhabitants. She goes for a stroll, examining its fortifications, rooms, utilities and supposed inhabitants.
In the 30 minutes, did she catch the mare's name?
>perhaps some day
Well, Posey is waiting for the Dread League to get ready to declare war on all life, so her political ambitions are a bit different.
>Posey is likely wanting to do something else.
Posey decides to explore the manor, the presence of this new mare making her question its secrecy, and it's inhabitants. She goes for a stroll, examining its fortifications, rooms, utilities and supposed inhabitants.
In the 30 minutes, did she catch the mare's name?
>>169295
>distinct impression that Day Low Rain does not actually live in the manor
Posey makes note to inquire where she resides at the earliest opportunity.
>distinct impression that Day Low Rain does not actually live in the manor
Posey makes note to inquire where she resides at the earliest opportunity.
File (): 553934F76129C8F399DD7A3CC5E394F7-1000133.png (976.7 KB, 805x453, cabb0bffa472696fc887cb50699dec6f.png)
>>169301
>Mare's name
Lament never actually says the Mare's full name. He does refer to her as "Bell," so she can surmise that is at least part of her name, but likely not her full name. Bell's father is referred to as "Mr. Mordant," at points.
Posey explores the house to find that:
The large library-parlor room occupies a portion of the southeast of the house, with a billard room next to it, which includes a pair of tables with other games. Lament has more than one chest set, including a griffin knight themed set, as well as a drawer displaying what seems to be collectable playing cards. On the other side from the library parlor room is another room likely best described as a parlor room (smaller than the last), with a couple couches and a large potted plant. This room holds a display with a number of weapons (a halberd, assorted pole arms, swords, an entire suit of armor, arquibuses and a musket). Beyond this in the corner is a library, which seems to be more the "real" library than the last. This room is two floors with a spiral staircase going up, a small desk, and while there are several windows, there are book shelves going all the way to the top of the second floor, with a small ladder to reach them. These books look a bit older. Adjacent to this room, though not connected, is a large kitchen, as well as a pantry, a large butler's pantry, and in the northwest corner connected to the entry foyer, a large dining room with a long dining table, a cabinet with a porcelain collection, a chandelier, and a set of silver plateware and candle holders. The long semi-library, the billiard room, and the library are decorated in green, albeit different shades of green, with the true library having a forest green, and the billiard room and semi-library a lighter shade. The parlor room and the living room, as well as the entry foyer have red wall paper. Floral pattern decorations occasionally paint the high ceilings. The dining room is blue and white, like the porceilin in the cabinets, and every outer wall is lined with windows. The entry foyer has a large chandelier, and the two semi-circular staircases going up to a large landing. Underneath this staircase, towards the door going outside that sits between the parlor room and the semi-library, is a powder room, and a seperate, larger bathroom that includes a tub. There is also a closet with boots and umbrellas inside, and across from that, a door that opens into a basement.
Going up the staircase, there is a landing with red carpet, a suit of pony armor on the left, as well as paintings on the walls. It should be noted that most rooms have at least one painting on the walls, as this seems to decorate empty wall space when there is no cabinet or display case. Every single painting that is not a portrait is in the same artistic genre - a school of realism that was popular about 200 years ago. Most of the paintings show nature scenes, ruins, famous landmarks, or mundane scenes like a colt putting on shoes in an outdoors scene. These paintings mostly come from the same four or so artists, it seems. Upstairs, there are also several portraits of unicorns. These appear old and are accompanied by a pair of old photographs - more than a half century old - of mares. At the far end of the landing is a "flower room," with large windows, several potted plants, an old stove, a couple chairs, and a pair of small statues of mares. This room connects to what must be a work room on the left, which has a large, luxurious desk, a large window, a leather chair, more bookshelves, and decorations like zebrican shields, more halberds, and paintings on the wall that include symbols and abstract shapes. There is a table at the far end that is a small, marble square placed at an odd angle. This room connects to the staircase of the library, and to what seems to be a dressing room, that in turn connects to what seems to be the master bedroom. The Master bedroom has a large bed, a phonograph, a sofa, more paintings and cabinets, another statue, and a taxidermied... Chimera? It's not the full animal. This connects to a large bathroom and closet with a marble jaccuzi tub in the former (this must be a new addition as it does not fit with the general decorum) and a closet full of suits. There is also a door that connects to a staircase that goes up to a third floor.
All of these rooms take up the left/northern half of the second floor, but the other half includes one, two, three more bedrooms, on the other side, as well as two smaller bathrooms, and a small smoking room that connects to the flower room. This latter room is decorated with many mirrors.
>fortifications
The manor is not anywhere styled as a castle, and certainly was not actually intended to be a castle. There may be magical wards, but no mundane locks on the main floors. In fact, the staircases going to the third floor and the basement are the only doors that are locked.
>Utilities
The house has electric lighting and indoor plumbing. These must have been added during renovation, as the house's construction seems to have preceded these innovations.
>Inhabitants
Lament seems to be the only pony living in the manor itself, although unmade beds in a couple bedrooms suggest there may have been others.
The manor is of course only one of several buildings on the property.
>Mare's name
Lament never actually says the Mare's full name. He does refer to her as "Bell," so she can surmise that is at least part of her name, but likely not her full name. Bell's father is referred to as "Mr. Mordant," at points.
Posey explores the house to find that:
The large library-parlor room occupies a portion of the southeast of the house, with a billard room next to it, which includes a pair of tables with other games. Lament has more than one chest set, including a griffin knight themed set, as well as a drawer displaying what seems to be collectable playing cards. On the other side from the library parlor room is another room likely best described as a parlor room (smaller than the last), with a couple couches and a large potted plant. This room holds a display with a number of weapons (a halberd, assorted pole arms, swords, an entire suit of armor, arquibuses and a musket). Beyond this in the corner is a library, which seems to be more the "real" library than the last. This room is two floors with a spiral staircase going up, a small desk, and while there are several windows, there are book shelves going all the way to the top of the second floor, with a small ladder to reach them. These books look a bit older. Adjacent to this room, though not connected, is a large kitchen, as well as a pantry, a large butler's pantry, and in the northwest corner connected to the entry foyer, a large dining room with a long dining table, a cabinet with a porcelain collection, a chandelier, and a set of silver plateware and candle holders. The long semi-library, the billiard room, and the library are decorated in green, albeit different shades of green, with the true library having a forest green, and the billiard room and semi-library a lighter shade. The parlor room and the living room, as well as the entry foyer have red wall paper. Floral pattern decorations occasionally paint the high ceilings. The dining room is blue and white, like the porceilin in the cabinets, and every outer wall is lined with windows. The entry foyer has a large chandelier, and the two semi-circular staircases going up to a large landing. Underneath this staircase, towards the door going outside that sits between the parlor room and the semi-library, is a powder room, and a seperate, larger bathroom that includes a tub. There is also a closet with boots and umbrellas inside, and across from that, a door that opens into a basement.
Going up the staircase, there is a landing with red carpet, a suit of pony armor on the left, as well as paintings on the walls. It should be noted that most rooms have at least one painting on the walls, as this seems to decorate empty wall space when there is no cabinet or display case. Every single painting that is not a portrait is in the same artistic genre - a school of realism that was popular about 200 years ago. Most of the paintings show nature scenes, ruins, famous landmarks, or mundane scenes like a colt putting on shoes in an outdoors scene. These paintings mostly come from the same four or so artists, it seems. Upstairs, there are also several portraits of unicorns. These appear old and are accompanied by a pair of old photographs - more than a half century old - of mares. At the far end of the landing is a "flower room," with large windows, several potted plants, an old stove, a couple chairs, and a pair of small statues of mares. This room connects to what must be a work room on the left, which has a large, luxurious desk, a large window, a leather chair, more bookshelves, and decorations like zebrican shields, more halberds, and paintings on the wall that include symbols and abstract shapes. There is a table at the far end that is a small, marble square placed at an odd angle. This room connects to the staircase of the library, and to what seems to be a dressing room, that in turn connects to what seems to be the master bedroom. The Master bedroom has a large bed, a phonograph, a sofa, more paintings and cabinets, another statue, and a taxidermied... Chimera? It's not the full animal. This connects to a large bathroom and closet with a marble jaccuzi tub in the former (this must be a new addition as it does not fit with the general decorum) and a closet full of suits. There is also a door that connects to a staircase that goes up to a third floor.
All of these rooms take up the left/northern half of the second floor, but the other half includes one, two, three more bedrooms, on the other side, as well as two smaller bathrooms, and a small smoking room that connects to the flower room. This latter room is decorated with many mirrors.
>fortifications
The manor is not anywhere styled as a castle, and certainly was not actually intended to be a castle. There may be magical wards, but no mundane locks on the main floors. In fact, the staircases going to the third floor and the basement are the only doors that are locked.
>Utilities
The house has electric lighting and indoor plumbing. These must have been added during renovation, as the house's construction seems to have preceded these innovations.
>Inhabitants
Lament seems to be the only pony living in the manor itself, although unmade beds in a couple bedrooms suggest there may have been others.
The manor is of course only one of several buildings on the property.
>>169306
>description
Very detailed.
With nothing better to do, Posey decides to take a bath, in the more remote bathroom, filling the tub before shutting of the water and entering it. She takes about half an hour, paying attention to scrub her mane, coat and other bits clean, applying copious amounts of various soaps and cosmetic products if any are available.
When she's finished, she exits the tub before draining it, retires her mane into her war-bun, and dries herself off, looking especially fluffy as she does. She momentarily recoils at the sight of a mirror, before turning and going about her night, stalking the mansion, like a cat prowling about its turf.
>Lament seems to be the only pony living in the manor itself
No servants of any kind. Interesting.
>unmade beds in a couple bedrooms suggest there may have been others
How fresh do they appear? Are there any clues as to whomever they might be?
>description
Very detailed.
With nothing better to do, Posey decides to take a bath, in the more remote bathroom, filling the tub before shutting of the water and entering it. She takes about half an hour, paying attention to scrub her mane, coat and other bits clean, applying copious amounts of various soaps and cosmetic products if any are available.
When she's finished, she exits the tub before draining it, retires her mane into her war-bun, and dries herself off, looking especially fluffy as she does. She momentarily recoils at the sight of a mirror, before turning and going about her night, stalking the mansion, like a cat prowling about its turf.
>Lament seems to be the only pony living in the manor itself
No servants of any kind. Interesting.
>unmade beds in a couple bedrooms suggest there may have been others
How fresh do they appear? Are there any clues as to whomever they might be?
>>169306
>The manor is of course only one of several buildings on the property.
Which other buildings are present? Posey might want to explore those, with no mission at hoof.
>The manor is of course only one of several buildings on the property.
Which other buildings are present? Posey might want to explore those, with no mission at hoof.
>>169307
>more remote bathroom
On the second floor?
Posey can probably avoid being found lurking in the manor, and she can probably avoid hearing anything more if she so desires... though it should be noted that the floors creak periodically. The house is more than a century old, and like all venerable, old, large houses, the house has a way of producing noises to make one think they are not alone, even when no pony else is present. Posey does hear Lament and Bell at one point, when the two move to the back porch. She can hear Lament tell Bell something about the plantation evidently having a history of growing indigo at some point, though not much else.
Any blood, or smell of hyena, or other undesirable debris or contaminant is washed off of Posey, and she's left just as beautiful as ever, although for whom her bueaty is intended remains to be seen.
One of the extra bedrooms seems to have been used perhaps a week ago. The bed is made, but there is an empty bottle of whiskey, and a vest belonging to a stallion remaining there. The other room has an unmade bed, an empty wine glass, and a sock that seems to belong to a female. That one is a few days old, if that.
>>169308
Posey can see more buildings. One building best seen from the library, to the left/north of the manor and a bit behind it, is a barn-like structure with a large door and a gambrel roof. The dirt road that moves past the manor goes up to it. Immediately behind the manor is a fountain, though it's empty now, and a few beds belonging to a garden, though it is dead or dormant now. There are several buildings in almost a circle behind the manor in the large clearing that is bordered by trees. There is the cottage that Posey went to during the day, another pair of what seem to be houses, a small building with a covered porch and a steep roof, and then one more, shed-like building.
To the east, posey is already familiar with the small path that goes towards her cottage on the lake.
Posey can see that over to the left/north, behind the gambrel roofed building, there is a large dirt road that goes over into the tree line. Next to this small road is a powerline, which makes the path through the trees even wider. Looming over this northern tree line, and dark against a clouded night sky that reflects the distant lights of Baltimare in a yellow luminescence, the outline of what seems to be a small steeple and another structure, that seems to move slightly in the night.
>more remote bathroom
On the second floor?
Posey can probably avoid being found lurking in the manor, and she can probably avoid hearing anything more if she so desires... though it should be noted that the floors creak periodically. The house is more than a century old, and like all venerable, old, large houses, the house has a way of producing noises to make one think they are not alone, even when no pony else is present. Posey does hear Lament and Bell at one point, when the two move to the back porch. She can hear Lament tell Bell something about the plantation evidently having a history of growing indigo at some point, though not much else.
Any blood, or smell of hyena, or other undesirable debris or contaminant is washed off of Posey, and she's left just as beautiful as ever, although for whom her bueaty is intended remains to be seen.
One of the extra bedrooms seems to have been used perhaps a week ago. The bed is made, but there is an empty bottle of whiskey, and a vest belonging to a stallion remaining there. The other room has an unmade bed, an empty wine glass, and a sock that seems to belong to a female. That one is a few days old, if that.
>>169308
Posey can see more buildings. One building best seen from the library, to the left/north of the manor and a bit behind it, is a barn-like structure with a large door and a gambrel roof. The dirt road that moves past the manor goes up to it. Immediately behind the manor is a fountain, though it's empty now, and a few beds belonging to a garden, though it is dead or dormant now. There are several buildings in almost a circle behind the manor in the large clearing that is bordered by trees. There is the cottage that Posey went to during the day, another pair of what seem to be houses, a small building with a covered porch and a steep roof, and then one more, shed-like building.
To the east, posey is already familiar with the small path that goes towards her cottage on the lake.
Posey can see that over to the left/north, behind the gambrel roofed building, there is a large dirt road that goes over into the tree line. Next to this small road is a powerline, which makes the path through the trees even wider. Looming over this northern tree line, and dark against a clouded night sky that reflects the distant lights of Baltimare in a yellow luminescence, the outline of what seems to be a small steeple and another structure, that seems to move slightly in the night.
>>169216
Amber finds a suitably thick piece of cloth–a handkerchief, perhaps–and gags the griffon. This car lacks an adequate closet so she drags him to the next car.
Amber finds a suitably thick piece of cloth–a handkerchief, perhaps–and gags the griffon. This car lacks an adequate closet so she drags him to the next car.
>>169311
The griffin is starting to try to talk, and opens his eyes. Helder pulls out his handkerchief.... until he sees that it is covered in blood. He puts it away quickly before the passengers see it. The griffin manages to yell "Hey!" before Federklied places what seems to be a sock in the griffin's beak. Erich helps Amber drag the griffin to the front of the car, presumably to the lavatory.
The griffin is starting to try to talk, and opens his eyes. Helder pulls out his handkerchief.... until he sees that it is covered in blood. He puts it away quickly before the passengers see it. The griffin manages to yell "Hey!" before Federklied places what seems to be a sock in the griffin's beak. Erich helps Amber drag the griffin to the front of the car, presumably to the lavatory.
>>169313
Amber resists the urge to talk about further plans while their captive is in earshot. Hopefully they can seal him away without further incident.
Amber resists the urge to talk about further plans while their captive is in earshot. Hopefully they can seal him away without further incident.
>>169314
A bit of twine around the beak, then around the claws, then around the hind legs, and an attempt on the wings... forget the wings, just stuff him in the bathroom and lock it.
And it is done.
A bit of twine around the beak, then around the claws, then around the hind legs, and an attempt on the wings... forget the wings, just stuff him in the bathroom and lock it.
And it is done.
>>169315
Once it is done Amber takes Erich aside and asks, "My friend, what do you recommend once we get to the next station?"
Once it is done Amber takes Erich aside and asks, "My friend, what do you recommend once we get to the next station?"
>>169316
Erich replies:
"Helder better not be shitting us about his contacts in the Reformitsen. If there is even a chance they will turn us over, we'll have to stay in these clothes all the way to Lake City."
Erich replies:
"Helder better not be shitting us about his contacts in the Reformitsen. If there is even a chance they will turn us over, we'll have to stay in these clothes all the way to Lake City."
>>169317
Amber seems disconcerted by this. "The longer we stay on this train, the harder it will be to keep up the charade. Would they really turn us over?"
Amber seems disconcerted by this. "The longer we stay on this train, the harder it will be to keep up the charade. Would they really turn us over?"
>>169318
"I do not know" he answers, clearly irritated. "I've never been completely into this 'occultism'. Helder is the one who got me into this. He's the one who knows someone in the Reformitsen. This is my first time outside of the Herzlands."
"I do not know" he answers, clearly irritated. "I've never been completely into this 'occultism'. Helder is the one who got me into this. He's the one who knows someone in the Reformitsen. This is my first time outside of the Herzlands."
>>169319
"And you know Helm turned out…," Amber remarks bitterly. "Let's get more details from him. I don't like being kept in the dark." Amber goes to find Helder.
"And you know Helm turned out…," Amber remarks bitterly. "Let's get more details from him. I don't like being kept in the dark." Amber goes to find Helder.
>>169320
Helder is at the end of the coach, evidently trying to figure out how to close the rear door. He is kind of near passengers at the moment.
Helder is at the end of the coach, evidently trying to figure out how to close the rear door. He is kind of near passengers at the moment.
>>169322
"Yes... But we don't have a nail. We may have to hold it shut till Soldau." He answers, looking at the door, and then at Amber
"Yes... But we don't have a nail. We may have to hold it shut till Soldau." He answers, looking at the door, and then at Amber
>>169323
"There must be an alternative," she replies, thinking that sealing the door will help the passengers feel secure. She tries to find something nearby that can brace or hold the door shut.
"There must be an alternative," she replies, thinking that sealing the door will help the passengers feel secure. She tries to find something nearby that can brace or hold the door shut.
>>169326
And...
It seems to hold. Placing the wrench between the door handle and the edge seems to stop it. Jamming in the crowbar for good measure is... hopefully enough. Hopefully.
And...
It seems to hold. Placing the wrench between the door handle and the edge seems to stop it. Jamming in the crowbar for good measure is... hopefully enough. Hopefully.
>>169327
They are over the border, there shouldn't be more intruders…right? Amber is satisfied, and takes Helder and Erich aside to discuss who his "connections" are.
They are over the border, there shouldn't be more intruders…right? Amber is satisfied, and takes Helder and Erich aside to discuss who his "connections" are.
>>169328
There... shouldn't be. Surely they wouldn't cross the border just to stop these dangerous rebels, and also to rescue their comrade whom they left behind? The invisible line on the map will stop them. Right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omw9H7In200
Erich and Amber take Helder to the vestibule at the front of the last car. Helder explains:
"I knew several of them when they would come to Katerinburg. I think you saw them too. A Feuerblume and a Geizhals in particular. Wingfried Von Katerinburg is the grandmaster now, and he is the cousin of the deposed Diazella. The Reformitsen appreciate our special knowledge and our art in ways the Imperials simply won't. Birds of a feather, after all."
There... shouldn't be. Surely they wouldn't cross the border just to stop these dangerous rebels, and also to rescue their comrade whom they left behind? The invisible line on the map will stop them. Right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omw9H7In200
Erich and Amber take Helder to the vestibule at the front of the last car. Helder explains:
"I knew several of them when they would come to Katerinburg. I think you saw them too. A Feuerblume and a Geizhals in particular. Wingfried Von Katerinburg is the grandmaster now, and he is the cousin of the deposed Diazella. The Reformitsen appreciate our special knowledge and our art in ways the Imperials simply won't. Birds of a feather, after all."
>>169329
"They would heavily dislike the Empire now, wouldn't they? Hmm…if we don't cause trouble in Hellquill itself, maybe they will be accommodating. What do you say, Erich?"
"They would heavily dislike the Empire now, wouldn't they? Hmm…if we don't cause trouble in Hellquill itself, maybe they will be accommodating. What do you say, Erich?"
>>169330
Erich blinks
"I'm not sure what else we can do. We can't go back to Katerinburg, or the Imperial District. That's for damn sure."
Erich blinks
"I'm not sure what else we can do. We can't go back to Katerinburg, or the Imperial District. That's for damn sure."
>>169333
"We're going to have to trust Helder's contacts then. We'll quietly get off at Hellquill Station and proceed on our way."
"We're going to have to trust Helder's contacts then. We'll quietly get off at Hellquill Station and proceed on our way."
>>169310
Posey decides to go out for a stroll, to assess the state of the buildings arranged in the circle, and seek any inhabitants.
Posey decides to go out for a stroll, to assess the state of the buildings arranged in the circle, and seek any inhabitants.
>>169347
Amber is hesitant to answer. "I'd like to get off, except, this close to the border, the Inquisition is likely to have agents ready to intercept us. They're local police, so we probably won't find Helder's contacts and they'll be easier to bribe–but we don't have anything to bribe them with. I would rather go to Hellquill. We've done it so far, and it's not too much more."
Amber is hesitant to answer. "I'd like to get off, except, this close to the border, the Inquisition is likely to have agents ready to intercept us. They're local police, so we probably won't find Helder's contacts and they'll be easier to bribe–but we don't have anything to bribe them with. I would rather go to Hellquill. We've done it so far, and it's not too much more."
>>169340
The first building on the left that Posey sees is the structure with the gambrel roof that is near the manor. It is rectangular, and the roof is tar. The walls are whitewashed, and painted recently enough that it obviously has been painted in the last few decades. The paint is, nevertheless, faded in places.
It has only a few windows, and these are closed with blinds.
Posey would pass a dirt road that leads north, in the direction of the structures over the trees. It's a cart road with the aforementioned powerlines
The second structure is further back, also on the left, and looks kind of like a small home. It has a triangular roof, a painted white wood exterior, and a more or less square shape. It looks rather like the bungalow Posey saw ealier. The blinds on the windows are down, and posey can see that there seems to be a light inside.
The next building past this one is similar in design. It literally is the bungalow that Posey saw earlier.
On the right are another bungalow, albeit one where the roof seems to be dilapidated and the paint is deterioted.
There is a building a bit closer to the manor that is rectangular with a tiny covered porch, a chimney, and open blinds. There are no lights. It isn't completely deteriorated, but there are missing tiles on the roof.
There is also a structure that seems to be some type of shed. Hints of white paint indicate that this structure, too, was once whitewashed. It is hard to say if this building is abandoned or not.
Posey can also see a lonely brick chimney in another plot, and then still another lot that has a hint of a foundation.
>>169348
Erich does not seem to like this answer, but for once, his response is resignation rather than revolt.
"Alright" He answers
Helder actually has the stronger response
"Can you keep it up?" He asks
The first building on the left that Posey sees is the structure with the gambrel roof that is near the manor. It is rectangular, and the roof is tar. The walls are whitewashed, and painted recently enough that it obviously has been painted in the last few decades. The paint is, nevertheless, faded in places.
It has only a few windows, and these are closed with blinds.
Posey would pass a dirt road that leads north, in the direction of the structures over the trees. It's a cart road with the aforementioned powerlines
The second structure is further back, also on the left, and looks kind of like a small home. It has a triangular roof, a painted white wood exterior, and a more or less square shape. It looks rather like the bungalow Posey saw ealier. The blinds on the windows are down, and posey can see that there seems to be a light inside.
The next building past this one is similar in design. It literally is the bungalow that Posey saw earlier.
On the right are another bungalow, albeit one where the roof seems to be dilapidated and the paint is deterioted.
There is a building a bit closer to the manor that is rectangular with a tiny covered porch, a chimney, and open blinds. There are no lights. It isn't completely deteriorated, but there are missing tiles on the roof.
There is also a structure that seems to be some type of shed. Hints of white paint indicate that this structure, too, was once whitewashed. It is hard to say if this building is abandoned or not.
Posey can also see a lonely brick chimney in another plot, and then still another lot that has a hint of a foundation.
>>169348
Erich does not seem to like this answer, but for once, his response is resignation rather than revolt.
"Alright" He answers
Helder actually has the stronger response
"Can you keep it up?" He asks
>>169349
Posey contemplates harassing the creatures in the lit building, but decides that she's knocked on enough doors for tonight.
Can Posey detect any other signs of life/unlife?
Rolling Spot
[1d20+4 = (11+4) = 15]
And Listen
[1d20+4 = (14+4) = 18]
Posey contemplates harassing the creatures in the lit building, but decides that she's knocked on enough doors for tonight.
Can Posey detect any other signs of life/unlife?
Rolling Spot
[1d20+4 = (11+4) = 15]
And Listen
[1d20+4 = (14+4) = 18]
>>169350
A tap, and a couple clops.
A shadow seems to move, albeit briefly.
Further away, Posey can hear the sounds of crickets, frogs, and a yip.
A tap, and a couple clops.
A shadow seems to move, albeit briefly.
Further away, Posey can hear the sounds of crickets, frogs, and a yip.
>>169349
Oh yeah, Search check as well, in case there's a secret door beneath the chimney foundation, as there often is in games.
[1d20+5 = (13+5) = 18]
Oh yeah, Search check as well, in case there's a secret door beneath the chimney foundation, as there often is in games.
[1d20+5 = (13+5) = 18]
File (): B8286BDC2ED6171BF6F3C6668CCB063E-26702.jpg (26.1 KB, 400x567, Shadow_elemental.jpg)
>>169353
The best guess is that it's a quadraped, but the distance of the source of the shadow from the blind, as well as the angle, prevents any kind of specificity.
>>169352
Well, yes. Kinda. A simple door on the ground made of wood barely still exists, but it does, sort of. Opening this door reveals something kind of like a crawlspace, or a tiny basement. It is not deep enough for a pony to stand up in, it is covered by a wooden floor that is collapsing, and the ground of this space is not just covered in dirt, but now vegetation.
The best guess is that it's a quadraped, but the distance of the source of the shadow from the blind, as well as the angle, prevents any kind of specificity.
>>169352
Well, yes. Kinda. A simple door on the ground made of wood barely still exists, but it does, sort of. Opening this door reveals something kind of like a crawlspace, or a tiny basement. It is not deep enough for a pony to stand up in, it is covered by a wooden floor that is collapsing, and the ground of this space is not just covered in dirt, but now vegetation.
>>169354
So, not an undead shadow.
Posey decides to check if anything is hidden in the crawlspace.
She feels around with her horn, preferring not to get dirty shortly after bathing.
So, not an undead shadow.
Posey decides to check if anything is hidden in the crawlspace.
She feels around with her horn, preferring not to get dirty shortly after bathing.
>>169355
"Why is nothing haunted around here? There should be more hauntings." Posey says to herself, still managing her expectations for what Equestria should look like
Rolling Search, to look for treasure in the crawlspace
[1d20+5 = (3+5) = 8]
"Why is nothing haunted around here? There should be more hauntings." Posey says to herself, still managing her expectations for what Equestria should look like
Rolling Search, to look for treasure in the crawlspace
[1d20+5 = (3+5) = 8]
>>169349
Amber is tired from the fight and the fears it brought, but maintains her resolve. "I can. Can you?"
Amber is tired from the fight and the fears it brought, but maintains her resolve. "I can. Can you?"
>>169358
I guess Posey should go to a guild bulletin or something if she wants to encounter the undead.
I guess Posey should go to a guild bulletin or something if she wants to encounter the undead.
Rolling an untrained Perform check to dance around in the moonlight and garner the attention of restless spirits (just a shitpost roll)
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
Hey, DM
Right now, Posey is basically between quests, so would it be okay to do a sort of timeskip, whenever is convenient? I appreciate these detailed descriptions of the buildings, but if nothing happens tonight, maybe we could just fast forward through it, to get to the next quest hook? For something to happen, or for someone to commission Posey for a quest?
Right now, Posey is basically between quests, so would it be okay to do a sort of timeskip, whenever is convenient? I appreciate these detailed descriptions of the buildings, but if nothing happens tonight, maybe we could just fast forward through it, to get to the next quest hook? For something to happen, or for someone to commission Posey for a quest?
>>169362
>>169361
From West, and in front of the manor, a chilling breeze blows through, shaking the limbs of those trees that have kept their leaves, and even shaking barren branches. Masses of decaying leaves are lifted up in swirls, cast into the air and falling down again. A cloud passes over the light of the waning gibbous moon, as the wind gently howls.
>>169364
Posey hasn't found the thing I wanted her to yet
I suppose we could. What sort of thing do you have in mind?
>>169361
From West, and in front of the manor, a chilling breeze blows through, shaking the limbs of those trees that have kept their leaves, and even shaking barren branches. Masses of decaying leaves are lifted up in swirls, cast into the air and falling down again. A cloud passes over the light of the waning gibbous moon, as the wind gently howls.
>>169364
Posey hasn't found the thing I wanted her to yet
I suppose we could. What sort of thing do you have in mind?
>>169359
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfAHbm7G2R0
Amber now has the answer to the question "can a griffin scrunch?" Not exactly, but they can come damn close. Helder finally replies "yes."
Amber feels the train slowing down. She can hear a brief screech as the pneumatic brakes press too hard, and then ease up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfAHbm7G2R0
Amber now has the answer to the question "can a griffin scrunch?" Not exactly, but they can come damn close. Helder finally replies "yes."
Amber feels the train slowing down. She can hear a brief screech as the pneumatic brakes press too hard, and then ease up.
>>169365
Any quest would do.
>you must kill X
>investigate reports of X
>find the lost X
>take X to Y
I'm not too picky.
Preferably undead-related, on in a way that advances the political goal of the Dread League. Fulfilling her duties to the league and advancing her personal powers over the dead are Posey's primary motivations.
I've been back reading some of the old threads, and I see there is/was a lich or something near the city? I didn't absorb the whole situation, but I think the League would have/want contacts with any local liches, so that information might be something Posey would have some wind of. Maybe something related to that, as an aftermath of the other party's quest. Maybe that could also potentially lead me to cross paths with the party, potentially.
Posey is content to sit at home and read, or lay in a coffin forever, but
I'm never going to find it at this rate. Give me a clue, please.
Any quest would do.
>you must kill X
>investigate reports of X
>find the lost X
>take X to Y
I'm not too picky.
Preferably undead-related, on in a way that advances the political goal of the Dread League. Fulfilling her duties to the league and advancing her personal powers over the dead are Posey's primary motivations.
I've been back reading some of the old threads, and I see there is/was a lich or something near the city? I didn't absorb the whole situation, but I think the League would have/want contacts with any local liches, so that information might be something Posey would have some wind of. Maybe something related to that, as an aftermath of the other party's quest. Maybe that could also potentially lead me to cross paths with the party, potentially.
Posey is content to sit at home and read, or lay in a coffin forever, but
I'm never going to find it at this rate. Give me a clue, please.
>>169367
Just that she'd see the village that's just down the road. I'm not sure how important it really is
>there is/was a lich or something near the city?
Correct
Okay, I have a couple ideas
Just that she'd see the village that's just down the road. I'm not sure how important it really is
>there is/was a lich or something near the city?
Correct
Okay, I have a couple ideas
>>169368
I guess it's worth seeing what the village is inhabited by, and how secluded it is. It might come in handy just in case Posey needs to commit a quick warcrime for reasons later.
I guess it's worth seeing what the village is inhabited by, and how secluded it is. It might come in handy just in case Posey needs to commit a quick warcrime for reasons later.
File (): 9B345A50502E32BC007FE41BD773BD52-2121406.png (2.0 MB, 2000x1124, 2159032.png)
>>169371
>>169378
Perhaps it is of interest to Posey, perhaps it isn't, but it is most certainly something Posey could encounter on a nightly walk.
Standing on the foundations of the now lost structure, Posey could walk down that winding path east, and back to her cottage. She could go back to the manor. She could wonder into the treeline, full of wild and still verdant cypress trees, and rows of defoliated citrus trees.
But should she move just a little west back towards the manor, and to that small, dirt cart path now lined by wooden poles carrying a powerline, she could follow it through a tree line not a hundred yards in depth and exit into a vast clearing. Over to the left, the far left, Posey would find a large, plowed, fallow field with sprouting grass and rimed with trees that likely mark the border with the road that took Posey to the manor from Baltimare. Over to the far right, Posey can see comparatively neat rows of barren branch deciduous trees that are almost certainly oranges, lemons, or some kind of kind of fruit. But it's what is in front of her, and to her more immediate left and right, that is far more interesting.
The road continues a ways down, mostly straight, and composed of dirt and pebbles. But to either side of this road are a number of structures. At first, coming out of the trees, there is nothing. But to the left, is a wooden structure that Posey understands well enough to call a barn. It has one of those machines parked in it, visible through an open door, the mortals use for their agriculture. Just a bit further past are shrubs growing ontop of the foundations of what must have been, some decades ago, structures. But just a few yards past these, on either side of the road, are small rectangular buildings, slightly raised above the ground, with little steps leading up to them and low angled roofs that hang over the edges, and a small chimney at the end. These buildings are made of wood, sometimes painted white, sometimes barren or perhaps painted brown. In some, grass and shrubs have grown high around them. Some have simple cut grass, while others have manicured rose bushes. Most have gardens behind them, raised beds with raised or dormant plants in them, though some grow winter hardy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, or squash. These gardens are sometimes separated by fences, be they barbed wire or wood, and sometimes open. A couple have compost heaps, with little bits of rotten food wastes sitting on the top. There are perhaps eighteen or so of these small buildings in total. Though a few seem abandoned, most seem inhabited with blinds closed on the glass windows, and a few have lights on inside. These rows of buildings are split in the middle by a pair of slightly larger buildings with big wooden doors, surrounded by dirt and pebbles. The two buildings are slightly different, but both have big chimneys, with the one on the right having an external oven. Further away off to the right, by the tree line, are bigger, two-story buildings with few windows, and timber emanating from the center.
Though the row begins with simple foundations, it ends with two structures that are bigger and more impressive than those that came before. One is a house with a stucco exterior, albeit one that is bigger than any before, being longer, wider, taller, and better constructed than those that came before, with a tile roof. This house has lights on inside. Across from the house, and slightly further away, is a small - very small - rectangular church building, complete with a steeple and a brass sun figure hanging over the door. The walls are coated in fresh-enough whitewash, and the windows are unbroken, suggesting the building remains in use. But Posey does not feel that wicked aura normally exuded by these buildings.
The road continues, veering off slightly to the left, before turning right to cross the river on a small wooden bridge. There is some sort of shed across the river, and then rows of what seem to be more fruit trees. But what lays to the right is more interesting. The road splits, and a section goes to the right, down to the small river. There is a large brick structure that Posey can immediately recognize as a windmill. It's four wooden blades move slowly in the breeze, even as the top of the structure looks as if a hole has been blown into it, or else collapsed from decay. But behind the windmill, on the gentle slope to the river, and the riverbank itself, are more small structures. The river is perhaps twelve or so feet below the ground level, and several small shed-like structures that seem to be homes line the river and the hill. These are made of unpainted wood, usually with tin or sheet metal roofs. Lights, sometimes the consistent yellow of electrical lighting, and more often the flickering of kerosene lamps, shine through many windows, or even sit on the wooden porches that extend out onto the still water of the river. Posey can hear the sounds of a drum coming from the river, and perhaps would see activity if only she peered further. The small river opens to a bayou or swamp, with low cypress trees small than those seen before lining the waterline. Posey can see the outline of what must have been a watermill, but perhaps that is further away than she dares look.
>>169378
Perhaps it is of interest to Posey, perhaps it isn't, but it is most certainly something Posey could encounter on a nightly walk.
Standing on the foundations of the now lost structure, Posey could walk down that winding path east, and back to her cottage. She could go back to the manor. She could wonder into the treeline, full of wild and still verdant cypress trees, and rows of defoliated citrus trees.
But should she move just a little west back towards the manor, and to that small, dirt cart path now lined by wooden poles carrying a powerline, she could follow it through a tree line not a hundred yards in depth and exit into a vast clearing. Over to the left, the far left, Posey would find a large, plowed, fallow field with sprouting grass and rimed with trees that likely mark the border with the road that took Posey to the manor from Baltimare. Over to the far right, Posey can see comparatively neat rows of barren branch deciduous trees that are almost certainly oranges, lemons, or some kind of kind of fruit. But it's what is in front of her, and to her more immediate left and right, that is far more interesting.
The road continues a ways down, mostly straight, and composed of dirt and pebbles. But to either side of this road are a number of structures. At first, coming out of the trees, there is nothing. But to the left, is a wooden structure that Posey understands well enough to call a barn. It has one of those machines parked in it, visible through an open door, the mortals use for their agriculture. Just a bit further past are shrubs growing ontop of the foundations of what must have been, some decades ago, structures. But just a few yards past these, on either side of the road, are small rectangular buildings, slightly raised above the ground, with little steps leading up to them and low angled roofs that hang over the edges, and a small chimney at the end. These buildings are made of wood, sometimes painted white, sometimes barren or perhaps painted brown. In some, grass and shrubs have grown high around them. Some have simple cut grass, while others have manicured rose bushes. Most have gardens behind them, raised beds with raised or dormant plants in them, though some grow winter hardy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, or squash. These gardens are sometimes separated by fences, be they barbed wire or wood, and sometimes open. A couple have compost heaps, with little bits of rotten food wastes sitting on the top. There are perhaps eighteen or so of these small buildings in total. Though a few seem abandoned, most seem inhabited with blinds closed on the glass windows, and a few have lights on inside. These rows of buildings are split in the middle by a pair of slightly larger buildings with big wooden doors, surrounded by dirt and pebbles. The two buildings are slightly different, but both have big chimneys, with the one on the right having an external oven. Further away off to the right, by the tree line, are bigger, two-story buildings with few windows, and timber emanating from the center.
Though the row begins with simple foundations, it ends with two structures that are bigger and more impressive than those that came before. One is a house with a stucco exterior, albeit one that is bigger than any before, being longer, wider, taller, and better constructed than those that came before, with a tile roof. This house has lights on inside. Across from the house, and slightly further away, is a small - very small - rectangular church building, complete with a steeple and a brass sun figure hanging over the door. The walls are coated in fresh-enough whitewash, and the windows are unbroken, suggesting the building remains in use. But Posey does not feel that wicked aura normally exuded by these buildings.
The road continues, veering off slightly to the left, before turning right to cross the river on a small wooden bridge. There is some sort of shed across the river, and then rows of what seem to be more fruit trees. But what lays to the right is more interesting. The road splits, and a section goes to the right, down to the small river. There is a large brick structure that Posey can immediately recognize as a windmill. It's four wooden blades move slowly in the breeze, even as the top of the structure looks as if a hole has been blown into it, or else collapsed from decay. But behind the windmill, on the gentle slope to the river, and the riverbank itself, are more small structures. The river is perhaps twelve or so feet below the ground level, and several small shed-like structures that seem to be homes line the river and the hill. These are made of unpainted wood, usually with tin or sheet metal roofs. Lights, sometimes the consistent yellow of electrical lighting, and more often the flickering of kerosene lamps, shine through many windows, or even sit on the wooden porches that extend out onto the still water of the river. Posey can hear the sounds of a drum coming from the river, and perhaps would see activity if only she peered further. The small river opens to a bayou or swamp, with low cypress trees small than those seen before lining the waterline. Posey can see the outline of what must have been a watermill, but perhaps that is further away than she dares look.
>>169366
"That must be our stop now! About time…" Amber remarks. She makes her way to the front of the train to be ready for when it stops.
"That must be our stop now! About time…" Amber remarks. She makes her way to the front of the train to be ready for when it stops.
>>169383
>full of wild and still verdant cypress trees, and rows of defoliated citrus trees.
"Abundant vegetation... enough to raze without ponies noticing." Posey silently thinks to herself
>wooden poles carrying a powerline
"The ponies in this realm rely on these overhead infrastructures for fuel and light. Temporary blackouts are plausible." Posey observes, as she follows the lightning-powered structure down the path
>a large, plowed, fallow field with sprouting grass
"Agricultural activity in the more rural areas. Concealing contingent troops below the fields offers the potential to encircle the cities on sudden notice if forces are built up overtime." Posey ponders, the schematics for such a siege going through her head
>Just a bit further past are shrubs growing ontop of the foundations of what must have been, some decades ago, structures
"Decayed structures... a site of interest."
>small rectangular buildings
This catches her attention. She silently moves closer, as she dates.
"Isolated rural communities... of interest."
>In some, grass and shrubs have grown high around them.
"Either low activity, or cultural taste. Best investigate."
>Some have simple cut grass, while others have manicured rose bushes.
"Roses... A needy flower, one to wither and die when it's not cared for, not loved... The ponies here live peaceful lives, with abundant free time. Mortal activity is present" Posey observes, lurking in the shadows
>Most have gardens behind them, raised beds with raised or dormant plants in them, though some grow winter hardy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, or squash.
>A couple have compost heaps, with little bits of rotten food wastes sitting on the top.
"Self-sufficiency, peace, humble lifestyles... These ponies would be unaffected even if their capital were to burn, as they have since time immemorable." Posey pauses, as if lost in thought
>Though a few seem abandoned
"...Or perhaps not. The population declines, perhaps either mobilized by war, or moving for opportunities in the city..."
>There are perhaps eighteen or so of these small buildings in total.
"Settlement size... Thorp, not even a hamlet. Perhaps one of countless across the countryside." Posey thinks, as she takes mental note of the demographics
>external oven
"Blacksmith, if my hunch is correct. The ponies here likely repair their own shoes and tools. They would be affected little by supply chain crises."
>Further away off to the right, by the tree line, are bigger, two-story buildings with few windows, and timber emanating from the center.
"Lumber is processed too. Living off the land..." her hooves pat at the fertile soil beneath her, some of the grass turning gray and withering with her touch
"I can feel the love these ponies have for their home... so fertile, so much fuel..." she gives a bit of a sinister, fanged grin
>Though the row begins with simple foundations, it ends with two structures that are bigger and more impressive than those that came before.
"The upper class appears to prefer this side of the settlement. Perhaps the the thorp includes servants and hirelings brought for construction and services..." Posey observes
>rectangular church building
As the sight of this, she freezes, her face twisting in momentary panic, before she regains her composure as
>Posey does not feel that wicked aura normally exuded by these buildings
"This... temple... hasn't been hallowed in years, perhaps not even consecrated. The priesthood may be absent, or in decline due to the state of the princess... The ponies appear to remain faithful though. It's a site of interest." Posey thinks to herself, gritting her fangs
She trots a bit closer, with utmost caution, interested in any holy symbology associated with the structure
Religion Check
[1d20+9 = (8+9) = 17]
>several small shed-like structures that seem to be homes line the river and the hill
"This settlement may be larger than I thought... a Hamlet, perhaps even a village."
>These are made of unpainted wood, usually with tin or sheet metal roofs. Lights, sometimes the consistent yellow of electrical lighting, and more often the flickering of kerosene lamps, shine through many windows
"Structure indicates that the lower class resides here..."
>further away than she dares look.
Posey contemplates crossing the river, her vampire-like phobia causing rigor mortis in her flesh as her body freezes, like a corpse
>full of wild and still verdant cypress trees, and rows of defoliated citrus trees.
"Abundant vegetation... enough to raze without ponies noticing." Posey silently thinks to herself
>wooden poles carrying a powerline
"The ponies in this realm rely on these overhead infrastructures for fuel and light. Temporary blackouts are plausible." Posey observes, as she follows the lightning-powered structure down the path
>a large, plowed, fallow field with sprouting grass
"Agricultural activity in the more rural areas. Concealing contingent troops below the fields offers the potential to encircle the cities on sudden notice if forces are built up overtime." Posey ponders, the schematics for such a siege going through her head
>Just a bit further past are shrubs growing ontop of the foundations of what must have been, some decades ago, structures
"Decayed structures... a site of interest."
>small rectangular buildings
This catches her attention. She silently moves closer, as she dates.
"Isolated rural communities... of interest."
>In some, grass and shrubs have grown high around them.
"Either low activity, or cultural taste. Best investigate."
>Some have simple cut grass, while others have manicured rose bushes.
"Roses... A needy flower, one to wither and die when it's not cared for, not loved... The ponies here live peaceful lives, with abundant free time. Mortal activity is present" Posey observes, lurking in the shadows
>Most have gardens behind them, raised beds with raised or dormant plants in them, though some grow winter hardy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, or squash.
>A couple have compost heaps, with little bits of rotten food wastes sitting on the top.
"Self-sufficiency, peace, humble lifestyles... These ponies would be unaffected even if their capital were to burn, as they have since time immemorable." Posey pauses, as if lost in thought
>Though a few seem abandoned
"...Or perhaps not. The population declines, perhaps either mobilized by war, or moving for opportunities in the city..."
>There are perhaps eighteen or so of these small buildings in total.
"Settlement size... Thorp, not even a hamlet. Perhaps one of countless across the countryside." Posey thinks, as she takes mental note of the demographics
>external oven
"Blacksmith, if my hunch is correct. The ponies here likely repair their own shoes and tools. They would be affected little by supply chain crises."
>Further away off to the right, by the tree line, are bigger, two-story buildings with few windows, and timber emanating from the center.
"Lumber is processed too. Living off the land..." her hooves pat at the fertile soil beneath her, some of the grass turning gray and withering with her touch
"I can feel the love these ponies have for their home... so fertile, so much fuel..." she gives a bit of a sinister, fanged grin
>Though the row begins with simple foundations, it ends with two structures that are bigger and more impressive than those that came before.
"The upper class appears to prefer this side of the settlement. Perhaps the the thorp includes servants and hirelings brought for construction and services..." Posey observes
>rectangular church building
As the sight of this, she freezes, her face twisting in momentary panic, before she regains her composure as
>Posey does not feel that wicked aura normally exuded by these buildings
"This... temple... hasn't been hallowed in years, perhaps not even consecrated. The priesthood may be absent, or in decline due to the state of the princess... The ponies appear to remain faithful though. It's a site of interest." Posey thinks to herself, gritting her fangs
She trots a bit closer, with utmost caution, interested in any holy symbology associated with the structure
Religion Check
[1d20+9 = (8+9) = 17]
>several small shed-like structures that seem to be homes line the river and the hill
"This settlement may be larger than I thought... a Hamlet, perhaps even a village."
>These are made of unpainted wood, usually with tin or sheet metal roofs. Lights, sometimes the consistent yellow of electrical lighting, and more often the flickering of kerosene lamps, shine through many windows
"Structure indicates that the lower class resides here..."
>further away than she dares look.
Posey contemplates crossing the river, her vampire-like phobia causing rigor mortis in her flesh as her body freezes, like a corpse
>>169385
>High grass
Posey can't tell if these buildings are recently uninhabited, or if the owners are just lazy. These buildings do not seem well maintenanced, but they must have been inhabited at least a decade ago.
Posey can say with reasonable certainty that many, or even most of the buildings, are currently inhabited.
Posey can tell that the rectangular structure with the steeple is clearly a church, and more specifically, a type of Equestrian Celestialist harmonism. Or at least, that's what the structure was built as, and that is what the corroded brass sun hanging high above the door would suggest. The windows are open, should Posey dare peer in.
Indeed, Posey may investigate much of anything further, although it is not clear she could do so unnoticed. This little thorp or hamlet is certainly sleepier than the crowded slums Posey saw earlier, but neither is dead.
>>169386
I doubt the meat could be reached this week (between work and Marefair), but I do think at minimum the set up could be completed.
>High grass
Posey can't tell if these buildings are recently uninhabited, or if the owners are just lazy. These buildings do not seem well maintenanced, but they must have been inhabited at least a decade ago.
Posey can say with reasonable certainty that many, or even most of the buildings, are currently inhabited.
Posey can tell that the rectangular structure with the steeple is clearly a church, and more specifically, a type of Equestrian Celestialist harmonism. Or at least, that's what the structure was built as, and that is what the corroded brass sun hanging high above the door would suggest. The windows are open, should Posey dare peer in.
Indeed, Posey may investigate much of anything further, although it is not clear she could do so unnoticed. This little thorp or hamlet is certainly sleepier than the crowded slums Posey saw earlier, but neither is dead.
>>169386
I doubt the meat could be reached this week (between work and Marefair), but I do think at minimum the set up could be completed.
>>169388
>should Posey dare peer in
I'm feeling bored, and Posey is feeling cocky, so she very cautiously approaches the window.
Rolling Stealth
[1d20+9 = (17+9) = 26]
>should Posey dare peer in
I'm feeling bored, and Posey is feeling cocky, so she very cautiously approaches the window.
Rolling Stealth
[1d20+9 = (17+9) = 26]
>>169389
>bored
scrunch
Posey thinks she is stealthy as she moves close to the window of the church, and peers in
Inside, she can see that the front rows of the pews have been removed to give a large open floor which has a few wooden chairs on it. Along the wall are black statues of varying sizes of equine shapes, shrunken equine skulls with locks of mane hair hanging down, and shelves with unknown jars. On the floor, drawn in chalk, are unknown complex symbols.
>bored
scrunch
Posey thinks she is stealthy as she moves close to the window of the church, and peers in
Inside, she can see that the front rows of the pews have been removed to give a large open floor which has a few wooden chairs on it. Along the wall are black statues of varying sizes of equine shapes, shrunken equine skulls with locks of mane hair hanging down, and shelves with unknown jars. On the floor, drawn in chalk, are unknown complex symbols.
>>169390
>Along the wall are black statues of varying sizes of equine shapes, shrunken equine skulls with locks of mane hair hanging down, and shelves with unknown jars. On the floor, drawn in chalk, are unknown complex symbols.
Oh, not so holy afterall, it seems.
Posey looks almost giddy.
Rolling Arcana to recognize what the chalkline is being used for
[1d20+9 = (13+9) = 22]
And religion too, because why not. Posey is no stranger to black magic, so she might recognize some symbols.
[1d20+9 = (17+9) = 26]
>Along the wall are black statues of varying sizes of equine shapes, shrunken equine skulls with locks of mane hair hanging down, and shelves with unknown jars. On the floor, drawn in chalk, are unknown complex symbols.
Oh, not so holy afterall, it seems.
Posey looks almost giddy.
Rolling Arcana to recognize what the chalkline is being used for
[1d20+9 = (13+9) = 22]
And religion too, because why not. Posey is no stranger to black magic, so she might recognize some symbols.
[1d20+9 = (17+9) = 26]
>>169391
Posey knows what culture this came from. This is Zerbican voodoo, a blanket term used to refer to a group of mostly hybrid religious practices coming from the traditional folk folk practices of Zarantia or the Greak Lakes region of Zebrica, esoteric pratices within these same regions, and sometimes hybridized with elements of religion from Equestria or the Riverlands.
Posey does not know precisely what the chalk line is being used for, but a best guess is that its purpose is to summon a spirit for purposes of communication.
Posey knows what culture this came from. This is Zerbican voodoo, a blanket term used to refer to a group of mostly hybrid religious practices coming from the traditional folk folk practices of Zarantia or the Greak Lakes region of Zebrica, esoteric pratices within these same regions, and sometimes hybridized with elements of religion from Equestria or the Riverlands.
Posey does not know precisely what the chalk line is being used for, but a best guess is that its purpose is to summon a spirit for purposes of communication.
>>169392
>summon a spirit for purposes of communication.
Now that's something interesting.
Posey looks around the interior for any creatures
Spot
[1d20+4 = (6+4) = 10]
Listen
[1d20+4 = (14+4) = 18]
>summon a spirit for purposes of communication.
Now that's something interesting.
Posey looks around the interior for any creatures
Spot
[1d20+4 = (6+4) = 10]
Listen
[1d20+4 = (14+4) = 18]
>>169393
Posey does not see anything inside of the church building.
Posey does not hear anything inside of the church building. Unless... is that a rat scurrying? Hard to say. From further down on the river, much further down, Posey thinks she can hear a creature talking. From a bit nearer and in front (blocked by the building), she thinks she can hear the sound of a hoof clopping on the dirt and rock road. And then from the tree line, there is a sound of... maybe it's a dog or a hog. Hard to say.
Posey does not see anything inside of the church building.
Posey does not hear anything inside of the church building. Unless... is that a rat scurrying? Hard to say. From further down on the river, much further down, Posey thinks she can hear a creature talking. From a bit nearer and in front (blocked by the building), she thinks she can hear the sound of a hoof clopping on the dirt and rock road. And then from the tree line, there is a sound of... maybe it's a dog or a hog. Hard to say.
>>169395
Posey steals herself, grits her teeth, and gives a bit of an exerted grunt as she enters the church, hoping she doesn't burst into flames as she enters.
Rolling Stealth, to sneak inside
[1d20+7 = (17+7) = 24]
Once she's inside, she examines the room more thoroughly
Search
[1d20+1 = (20+1) = 21]
(Applying a -2 penalty to checks, because undead phobia)
Posey steals herself, grits her teeth, and gives a bit of an exerted grunt as she enters the church, hoping she doesn't burst into flames as she enters.
Rolling Stealth, to sneak inside
[1d20+7 = (17+7) = 24]
Once she's inside, she examines the room more thoroughly
Search
[1d20+1 = (20+1) = 21]
(Applying a -2 penalty to checks, because undead phobia)
>>169396
Posey rolls around the front, carefully moving as a cloud passes over the moon, and silently opens the door (which fortunately, is unlocked) and moves inside, closing the door carefully and silently. She finds that though this structure was born as a church, it is now a hollowed-out corpse, used for other purposes.
Inside, Posey can see a number of things, including:
at least three shrunken heads.
A book of spells
A suspicious door to what is presumably a loft
Several jars containing herbs
An incense burner that actually does seem to have originated from a celestialist church.
A suspicious door on the ground behind the altar.
At a podium resembling an altar, Posey finds what seems to be a book of spells. There are also cloaks hanging from the wall, and a couple other symbols on the ground.
Posey rolls around the front, carefully moving as a cloud passes over the moon, and silently opens the door (which fortunately, is unlocked) and moves inside, closing the door carefully and silently. She finds that though this structure was born as a church, it is now a hollowed-out corpse, used for other purposes.
Inside, Posey can see a number of things, including:
at least three shrunken heads.
A book of spells
A suspicious door to what is presumably a loft
Several jars containing herbs
An incense burner that actually does seem to have originated from a celestialist church.
A suspicious door on the ground behind the altar.
At a podium resembling an altar, Posey finds what seems to be a book of spells. There are also cloaks hanging from the wall, and a couple other symbols on the ground.
>>169397
>it is now a hollowed-out corpse, used for other purposes.
How tasteful.
>book of spells
No use to Posey, sadly... Not a Wizard.
Posey looks around, for any signs of recent activity, to check if this church is still inhabited.
>it is now a hollowed-out corpse, used for other purposes.
How tasteful.
>book of spells
No use to Posey, sadly... Not a Wizard.
Posey looks around, for any signs of recent activity, to check if this church is still inhabited.
>>169398
Posey can discern that whoever uses this structure, does not live in it. But clearly, it is regularly used, albeit poorly locked up.
Posey can discern that whoever uses this structure, does not live in it. But clearly, it is regularly used, albeit poorly locked up.
>>169399
Posey decided to inspect the ritual site, to see if she can see what spell is being cast here. It looks like a Planar Binding.
Posey decided to inspect the ritual site, to see if she can see what spell is being cast here. It looks like a Planar Binding.
>>169400
It isn't so glamourous. Something more along the lines of channeling a spirit through a medium.
It isn't so glamourous. Something more along the lines of channeling a spirit through a medium.
>>169402
Supposedly, it is a natural talent, and only some creatures are receptive. But opinions differ, and with enough of a certain kind of training, perhaps most creatures can do it.
Supposedly, it is a natural talent, and only some creatures are receptive. But opinions differ, and with enough of a certain kind of training, perhaps most creatures can do it.
>>169403
Posey takes out her sketchbook and transcribes the runes on the circle for future reference. She carefully levitates the jars with her horn and takes a small sample of each herb, before placing them back where they were. She takes a hair from each shrunken head, and a pinch of incense, sniffing to see how recently it was burned.
Finally, she levitates the book, and flips through the pages, seeing if she can discern anything.
Posey takes out her sketchbook and transcribes the runes on the circle for future reference. She carefully levitates the jars with her horn and takes a small sample of each herb, before placing them back where they were. She takes a hair from each shrunken head, and a pinch of incense, sniffing to see how recently it was burned.
Finally, she levitates the book, and flips through the pages, seeing if she can discern anything.
>>169404
Posey makes a mental decision to leave the objects in this building where they were. She is interested in establishing communications with whoever resides here, so she won't frighten them off by indicating their little sanctuary has been discovered, and if it is truly abandoned she could easily return to retrieve the objects in a matter of weeks if they do not return.
She peers into the loft, interested in what kind of lifestyle these locals had here.
Posey makes a mental decision to leave the objects in this building where they were. She is interested in establishing communications with whoever resides here, so she won't frighten them off by indicating their little sanctuary has been discovered, and if it is truly abandoned she could easily return to retrieve the objects in a matter of weeks if they do not return.
She peers into the loft, interested in what kind of lifestyle these locals had here.
>>169404
The book is written in an obnoxious pidgin language that seems to be a dialect of Equestrian Ponish. With effort, a Ponish speaker can understand the text. Posey, though conversational in Ponish, likely has a harder time reading it that a native speaker would. This isn't to say that Posey can't understands it, only that it isn't as simple as reading the text.
Fortunately, there are images accompanying the text that helps in at least understanding what the given spells are about.
Posey can see hexes to be performed on enemies, a female fertility spell, a spell to induce luck, and other such spells.
Posey has samples of the herbs now.
The incense seems to have been burned a few days ago.
>>169405
There is not enough space above the rafters to put an equine, unless said leans down. Posey can see that there is another couple jars with white powder up there.
The book is written in an obnoxious pidgin language that seems to be a dialect of Equestrian Ponish. With effort, a Ponish speaker can understand the text. Posey, though conversational in Ponish, likely has a harder time reading it that a native speaker would. This isn't to say that Posey can't understands it, only that it isn't as simple as reading the text.
Fortunately, there are images accompanying the text that helps in at least understanding what the given spells are about.
Posey can see hexes to be performed on enemies, a female fertility spell, a spell to induce luck, and other such spells.
Posey has samples of the herbs now.
The incense seems to have been burned a few days ago.
>>169405
There is not enough space above the rafters to put an equine, unless said leans down. Posey can see that there is another couple jars with white powder up there.
>>169406
She examines the white powder, sniffing it, tasting some, unafraid of any poisons
"Zombie powder, perhaps?"
Alchemy check to discern it:
[1d20+3 = (8+3) = 11]
She examines the white powder, sniffing it, tasting some, unafraid of any poisons
"Zombie powder, perhaps?"
Alchemy check to discern it:
[1d20+3 = (8+3) = 11]
>>169409
Posey takes her face out of the jar, and puts the jar back where she found it.
And with that, I retire for the night. Need to work early tomorrow.
Posey takes her face out of the jar, and puts the jar back where she found it.
And with that, I retire for the night. Need to work early tomorrow.
>>169410
After Posey finishes her examination, she exits the building with a dusty sigh.
She makes a mental note to come back to this building to retrieve the materials in the event that she's unable to contact the practitioner(s).
She also examines the exterior of the building, searching for any hoofprints.
After Posey finishes her examination, she exits the building with a dusty sigh.
She makes a mental note to come back to this building to retrieve the materials in the event that she's unable to contact the practitioner(s).
She also examines the exterior of the building, searching for any hoofprints.
>>169419
It's potentially a literally dusty sigh with powder on her snout.
Posey sees no hoof prints on the exterior of the building, save for one rather obnoxious black hoofprint that seems to have stuck to the painted wood of the building a little left of the main entrance.
As for the area around the building, Posey sees disturbed dirt around the entrance and further away consistent with hoofprints, although between the rocks and dirt not retaining hoofprints well, evident recent rain, and the wind, the suggestions of hoofprints there are not distinct.
>>169424
>survival
Tracking?
It's potentially a literally dusty sigh with powder on her snout.
Posey sees no hoof prints on the exterior of the building, save for one rather obnoxious black hoofprint that seems to have stuck to the painted wood of the building a little left of the main entrance.
As for the area around the building, Posey sees disturbed dirt around the entrance and further away consistent with hoofprints, although between the rocks and dirt not retaining hoofprints well, evident recent rain, and the wind, the suggestions of hoofprints there are not distinct.
>>169424
>survival
Tracking?
>>169425
>Tracking?
In the event she found hoofprints, yes. She is interested in potentially locating the residence of the practitioners, or the direction they went, if they still exist.
>Tracking?
In the event she found hoofprints, yes. She is interested in potentially locating the residence of the practitioners, or the direction they went, if they still exist.
>>169426
Posey runs into the aforementioned problems of weather and the surface stratum being only moderately receptive to hoof prints, but she runs into a bigger problem that she may already be familiar with from her time in the slums: there are not too few hoofprints visible, but too many, such that distinguishing an individual set is nigh impossible. The hoofprints run to the house across the street, to the small rectangular houses nearer the manor, and to the still smaller huts by the river side. They run to the church and they run past the church, to the right side of the fork, the left side, and back towards the manor. There are, simply, hoofprints everywhere. Or more accurately, posey sees the remains of the imprints of a horseshoe, or sometimes a naked frog, often on top of one another.
Posey runs into the aforementioned problems of weather and the surface stratum being only moderately receptive to hoof prints, but she runs into a bigger problem that she may already be familiar with from her time in the slums: there are not too few hoofprints visible, but too many, such that distinguishing an individual set is nigh impossible. The hoofprints run to the house across the street, to the small rectangular houses nearer the manor, and to the still smaller huts by the river side. They run to the church and they run past the church, to the right side of the fork, the left side, and back towards the manor. There are, simply, hoofprints everywhere. Or more accurately, posey sees the remains of the imprints of a horseshoe, or sometimes a naked frog, often on top of one another.
>>169427
Seeing this, Posey gives up on her search. She will stake-out the abandoned church on her own time to catch the elusive zebras.
For now, she returns to the manor, having been out long enough that it may be morning in not too long.
Seeing this, Posey gives up on her search. She will stake-out the abandoned church on her own time to catch the elusive zebras.
For now, she returns to the manor, having been out long enough that it may be morning in not too long.
>>169428
Sooner or later, Posey shall find them
Returning to the Manor, that mare, Bell, has either gone home or gone to bed. Should Posey go looking for Lament, she will find him in the library. Otherwise, she may as well have the manor to herself, with the larger rooms unoccupied.
Sooner or later, Posey shall find them
Returning to the Manor, that mare, Bell, has either gone home or gone to bed. Should Posey go looking for Lament, she will find him in the library. Otherwise, she may as well have the manor to herself, with the larger rooms unoccupied.
>>169430
Posey will likely return to converse with Lament tonight.
At some point around dawn, she'll rest for the day, to take care of Gloomy (feeding, bathing, playing, cuddling, etc) and recover her Arcane spell slots (takes 8 hours of non-adventuring).
For now, I sleep, because I must wage-slave again tomorrow. Let's maybe pick up at the next point Posey meets Lament and start the conversation from there.
Posey will likely return to converse with Lament tonight.
At some point around dawn, she'll rest for the day, to take care of Gloomy (feeding, bathing, playing, cuddling, etc) and recover her Arcane spell slots (takes 8 hours of non-adventuring).
For now, I sleep, because I must wage-slave again tomorrow. Let's maybe pick up at the next point Posey meets Lament and start the conversation from there.
Posey encounters Lament standing in the manor, between the entry staircases of the foyer, and looking back through the hall towards the entrance that opens the manor to the garden. Precisely when, how, or under what circumstances this meeting takes place, and what, if anything, was said before, are not so important as what he says.
Lament wears a persistent smile that is expressive not so much of an intent to smooth relations with those around him, as of the joy of a mischievous plan well executed.
"Tell me, Posey. Do you wish to harm the enemies of the Dread League, or to enrich yourself by robbing the graves of those who came before?" He blinks, and a brief pause my cause Posey to think the answer sincere. But then he continues
"As I thought. As you well know, more necromancers and vampires of the dread league come from Equestria than any other principality, at least besides the Dread League itself. And yet, Equestria is, or rather, is very nearly, Lich and Vampire free. Why is that? Why would lords and mages choose to live in the frozen wastes, rather than the mansions, castles, and holds they built for themselves, or inherited by right of blood?" He blinks again with that same smile.
This time, he actually waits for Poesy's reply
Lament wears a persistent smile that is expressive not so much of an intent to smooth relations with those around him, as of the joy of a mischievous plan well executed.
"Tell me, Posey. Do you wish to harm the enemies of the Dread League, or to enrich yourself by robbing the graves of those who came before?" He blinks, and a brief pause my cause Posey to think the answer sincere. But then he continues
"As I thought. As you well know, more necromancers and vampires of the dread league come from Equestria than any other principality, at least besides the Dread League itself. And yet, Equestria is, or rather, is very nearly, Lich and Vampire free. Why is that? Why would lords and mages choose to live in the frozen wastes, rather than the mansions, castles, and holds they built for themselves, or inherited by right of blood?" He blinks again with that same smile.
This time, he actually waits for Poesy's reply
>>169441
>"Tell me, Posey. Do you wish to harm the enemies of the Dread League, or to enrich yourself by robbing the graves of those who came before?"
"My duty is to forward the interests of the League, through diplomacy, infiltration, subversion and conquest. Killing and plundering are... perks of the job." Posey replies
"So, yes, yes indeed."
>why is that
At this, Posey's expression sours, almost glum. She shakes her head slowly, as if
"... I would say, hubris, and apathy." She begins
"I think you're mistaken, vampires and liches do inhabit castles and mansions all over the world; it's because of that that you never hear about them. They lock themselves away and revel in their powers, lifting not a single hoof to change the war around them. Vampires especially prefer secrecy over infamy: they're content to feed off of populations of ponies, hiding in plain sight. They're selfish and hubristic creatures, who care not of the world of mortals beyond their personal enjoyment, and notoriously hate the prospect of creating more of their kind, beyond that which they can personally control." At this, she grits her teeth, with a bit of a grimace, the topic
"Liches are perhaps the opposite: having spent centuries in pursuit of knowledge and greed, they lose sight of themselves. As their senses dull and all worldly pleasures become but distant memories, they lose all ambition. They lose passion for what they once valued, and forget the reasons for why they transformed in the first place. With nothing left to live for, they lock themselves away in their towers and dungeons, pouring over their tomes and gathering dust for all eternity, or perhaps in fruitless pursuit of whatever research they never completed in their lives." She continues
"Vampire Lords... Liches... Within this world, such beings could use their powers to change the world, and yet they squander it, having their decadent parties or wallowing in self-pity..." the frustration in her face is now obvious
"The purpose of the league was to wage war on life, but until recently, it was plagued with infighting, between hubristic Lords of the Coven so gluttonous and self-serving that they're hardly better than changelings, and the liches who so jealously guard their research that they forget what it was for in the first place..."
>"Tell me, Posey. Do you wish to harm the enemies of the Dread League, or to enrich yourself by robbing the graves of those who came before?"
"My duty is to forward the interests of the League, through diplomacy, infiltration, subversion and conquest. Killing and plundering are... perks of the job." Posey replies
"So, yes, yes indeed."
>why is that
At this, Posey's expression sours, almost glum. She shakes her head slowly, as if
"... I would say, hubris, and apathy." She begins
"I think you're mistaken, vampires and liches do inhabit castles and mansions all over the world; it's because of that that you never hear about them. They lock themselves away and revel in their powers, lifting not a single hoof to change the war around them. Vampires especially prefer secrecy over infamy: they're content to feed off of populations of ponies, hiding in plain sight. They're selfish and hubristic creatures, who care not of the world of mortals beyond their personal enjoyment, and notoriously hate the prospect of creating more of their kind, beyond that which they can personally control." At this, she grits her teeth, with a bit of a grimace, the topic
"Liches are perhaps the opposite: having spent centuries in pursuit of knowledge and greed, they lose sight of themselves. As their senses dull and all worldly pleasures become but distant memories, they lose all ambition. They lose passion for what they once valued, and forget the reasons for why they transformed in the first place. With nothing left to live for, they lock themselves away in their towers and dungeons, pouring over their tomes and gathering dust for all eternity, or perhaps in fruitless pursuit of whatever research they never completed in their lives." She continues
"Vampire Lords... Liches... Within this world, such beings could use their powers to change the world, and yet they squander it, having their decadent parties or wallowing in self-pity..." the frustration in her face is now obvious
"The purpose of the league was to wage war on life, but until recently, it was plagued with infighting, between hubristic Lords of the Coven so gluttonous and self-serving that they're hardly better than changelings, and the liches who so jealously guard their research that they forget what it was for in the first place..."
>>169442
"Correct, dear Ring, but you evade the question. Why do we prefer secrecy to infamy? Why hide at all? The reason is obvious. The elk, hunted by the wolf, kicks back. It sometimes kicks the alpha predator in the teeth, dooming it to slow starvation. So too it is with the ponies. They've wisen up over the generations; Equestria had not even formed before the first professional monster hunters and vampire slayers came about, with their special prayers and enchanted weapons. Worse, they began to organize. First it was a hunters guild. Then, the Equestrian Inquisition launched a special subsection to look for necromancers and vampires. But the last few sets of nails to keep the dead in their coffins - for a while, anyways - came when a combination of guilds were given monopoly to work as a single organization under the blessing and direction of the Princess. It was known by several names, but always the same acronym; founded as the Secret Monster Interdiction League of Equestria. Its force of well trained, well-funded, and well equipped slayers and hunters completed the exodus the Inquisition had started. Every unsanctioned necromancer, and every single vampire that dared give a hint as to its own existence found a stake driven through its heart by their agents. Not to imply the Princess stopped with the undead..."
He sighs
"Just over twenty years ago, the organization celebrated killing the alleged last vampire in all of Equestria just a couple hours east of here; a vampire from a family in White Severyana who holed up in the forest southwest of New Horseleans. It gives me no small amount of joy that the organization was just last year finally splintered into a thousand pieces and scattered to the winds. But some of those pieces still remain. I have my sources... I have it on good authority that the agent responsible for killing that last vampire has been hiding in Fillydelphia. He is making the trip back to the Hayseed Forest to locate the lair of that last vampire. It was missed, or at least, ignored by the hunters two decades ago, and he believes that he alone can find it. That lair, he says, holds a large amount of gold belonging to its former inhabitant, among other things. He intends to retrieve it."
“Now tell, me, Rosie Ring. Would you have any interest in perhaps engaging in a little interdiction of your own?”
"Correct, dear Ring, but you evade the question. Why do we prefer secrecy to infamy? Why hide at all? The reason is obvious. The elk, hunted by the wolf, kicks back. It sometimes kicks the alpha predator in the teeth, dooming it to slow starvation. So too it is with the ponies. They've wisen up over the generations; Equestria had not even formed before the first professional monster hunters and vampire slayers came about, with their special prayers and enchanted weapons. Worse, they began to organize. First it was a hunters guild. Then, the Equestrian Inquisition launched a special subsection to look for necromancers and vampires. But the last few sets of nails to keep the dead in their coffins - for a while, anyways - came when a combination of guilds were given monopoly to work as a single organization under the blessing and direction of the Princess. It was known by several names, but always the same acronym; founded as the Secret Monster Interdiction League of Equestria. Its force of well trained, well-funded, and well equipped slayers and hunters completed the exodus the Inquisition had started. Every unsanctioned necromancer, and every single vampire that dared give a hint as to its own existence found a stake driven through its heart by their agents. Not to imply the Princess stopped with the undead..."
He sighs
"Just over twenty years ago, the organization celebrated killing the alleged last vampire in all of Equestria just a couple hours east of here; a vampire from a family in White Severyana who holed up in the forest southwest of New Horseleans. It gives me no small amount of joy that the organization was just last year finally splintered into a thousand pieces and scattered to the winds. But some of those pieces still remain. I have my sources... I have it on good authority that the agent responsible for killing that last vampire has been hiding in Fillydelphia. He is making the trip back to the Hayseed Forest to locate the lair of that last vampire. It was missed, or at least, ignored by the hunters two decades ago, and he believes that he alone can find it. That lair, he says, holds a large amount of gold belonging to its former inhabitant, among other things. He intends to retrieve it."
“Now tell, me, Rosie Ring. Would you have any interest in perhaps engaging in a little interdiction of your own?”
>>169444
Posey nods knowingly as Lament recounts his story, well aware of how fiercely the living have resisted the forces of darkness. Her expression appears rather stoic, not mournful, but disappointed as he recounts the systemic eradications.
>the agent responsible for killing that last vampire has been hiding in Fillydelphia
At this, her ears perk.
>“Now tell, me, Rosie Ring. Would you have any interest in perhaps engaging in a little interdiction of your own?”
She gives a sinister grin
"A treasure hunt, you say? Well, that's certainly an exciting prospect. I'm not the type to lay in a coffin all day while there's still adventure to be conquered." her grin deepens
"Count me in."
Posey nods knowingly as Lament recounts his story, well aware of how fiercely the living have resisted the forces of darkness. Her expression appears rather stoic, not mournful, but disappointed as he recounts the systemic eradications.
>the agent responsible for killing that last vampire has been hiding in Fillydelphia
At this, her ears perk.
>“Now tell, me, Rosie Ring. Would you have any interest in perhaps engaging in a little interdiction of your own?”
She gives a sinister grin
"A treasure hunt, you say? Well, that's certainly an exciting prospect. I'm not the type to lay in a coffin all day while there's still adventure to be conquered." her grin deepens
"Count me in."
>>169445
He smiles, and gives a nod.
“The papers gave general descriptions where the vampire was slain, and where he took his last victims. There was no description of just where, precisely, the lair was located. That is why this is an interdiction and not a race. You need that old hunter to arrive there first and find it for you. He certainly seems to think he can. Since SMILE was disbanded, its members have been hunted by the colonials. This particular agent has taken up arms with the Equestrian Liberation Front, an underground organization supposedly dedicated to removing the changelings and the colonials from Equestria and restoring the Principality. He’ll almost certainly have a few armed rebels with him, whether he brought them from Fillydelphia or picked them up in Hayseed. We don’t know exactly where the lair is, or what is there, or what sort of treasure is there. We don’t know if there are any undead remaining in or near the lair, and if they’ve survived these decades. And we don’t know who or whatelse may be involved. But it seems a decent lead.”
He smiles, and gives a nod.
“The papers gave general descriptions where the vampire was slain, and where he took his last victims. There was no description of just where, precisely, the lair was located. That is why this is an interdiction and not a race. You need that old hunter to arrive there first and find it for you. He certainly seems to think he can. Since SMILE was disbanded, its members have been hunted by the colonials. This particular agent has taken up arms with the Equestrian Liberation Front, an underground organization supposedly dedicated to removing the changelings and the colonials from Equestria and restoring the Principality. He’ll almost certainly have a few armed rebels with him, whether he brought them from Fillydelphia or picked them up in Hayseed. We don’t know exactly where the lair is, or what is there, or what sort of treasure is there. We don’t know if there are any undead remaining in or near the lair, and if they’ve survived these decades. And we don’t know who or whatelse may be involved. But it seems a decent lead.”
>>169447
"Splendid." Posey replies
"That begs the question though; where do we start?"
Also taking the liberty to roll Religion to see if I know anything about this particular vampire
[1d20+9 = (9+9) = 18]
"Splendid." Posey replies
"That begs the question though; where do we start?"
Also taking the liberty to roll Religion to see if I know anything about this particular vampire
[1d20+9 = (9+9) = 18]
>>169448
I guess I'll roll an untrained knowledge check to see if I know anything of this vampire slayer
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
I guess I'll roll an untrained knowledge check to see if I know anything of this vampire slayer
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
>>169448
“Take Meadow Brook’s highway until about five miles before it forks to Hayseed and New Horseleans. Then go south along an unnamed road to the hamlet of Painted Creek. That’s where he will arrive, I am sure. If not him, then his stallions. You should bd able to follow him from there. A portion of this town’s income comes from travelers, so they will be willing to talk. Don’t worry, I have multiple ponies who could take you there.”
Posey has heard the story of this vampire. He was a part of an old noble family in White Severyana that was its own vampire clan; the last in Equestria. None survived, and all knowledge about these last vampires comes from pony sources. This last vampire was one of the very last to have been created in Equestria, only a few years old if even that. He was the spoiled son of nobility, and held no special erudition or talents that would make him interesting to Dread League mages. When his family was killed, he fled south.
Posey is slightly more knowledgeable of the vampire slayer. His name was August Wreath; he was born in Vanhoover, and was only in his early twenties when he was credited with tracking down the last vampire, and killing him. This was the high point of his career, though he’s credited with other significant kills, like a particularly dangerous timber wolf. He was reassigned to counterintelligence during The War, and performed miserably at it. He was one of the agents to pass on Changeling “Hydra” misinformation, and was demoted. Evidently he’s survived the war.
“Take Meadow Brook’s highway until about five miles before it forks to Hayseed and New Horseleans. Then go south along an unnamed road to the hamlet of Painted Creek. That’s where he will arrive, I am sure. If not him, then his stallions. You should bd able to follow him from there. A portion of this town’s income comes from travelers, so they will be willing to talk. Don’t worry, I have multiple ponies who could take you there.”
Posey has heard the story of this vampire. He was a part of an old noble family in White Severyana that was its own vampire clan; the last in Equestria. None survived, and all knowledge about these last vampires comes from pony sources. This last vampire was one of the very last to have been created in Equestria, only a few years old if even that. He was the spoiled son of nobility, and held no special erudition or talents that would make him interesting to Dread League mages. When his family was killed, he fled south.
Posey is slightly more knowledgeable of the vampire slayer. His name was August Wreath; he was born in Vanhoover, and was only in his early twenties when he was credited with tracking down the last vampire, and killing him. This was the high point of his career, though he’s credited with other significant kills, like a particularly dangerous timber wolf. He was reassigned to counterintelligence during The War, and performed miserably at it. He was one of the agents to pass on Changeling “Hydra” misinformation, and was demoted. Evidently he’s survived the war.
>>169450
"I will be ready to leave in no time." Posey replies
> I have multiple ponies who could take you there.
"Great. When can we move out?"
>This last vampire was one of the very last to have been created in Equestria, only a few years old if even that. He was the spoiled son of nobility, and held no special erudition or talents
An amateur, huh. Probably relied on his innate powers and believed he was invincible. His slayer shouldn't be too much trouble then, but Posey won't underestimate him.
>performed miserably
Sounds like a guy who got a lucky mark and then did little of note thereafter. He might put up a good fight though.
"I will be ready to leave in no time." Posey replies
> I have multiple ponies who could take you there.
"Great. When can we move out?"
>This last vampire was one of the very last to have been created in Equestria, only a few years old if even that. He was the spoiled son of nobility, and held no special erudition or talents
An amateur, huh. Probably relied on his innate powers and believed he was invincible. His slayer shouldn't be too much trouble then, but Posey won't underestimate him.
>performed miserably
Sounds like a guy who got a lucky mark and then did little of note thereafter. He might put up a good fight though.
>>169451
Although, if this Slayer did kill a vampire on his own (usually CR 7 minimum, but possibly low as CR 6 if this vamp was an NPC classed lvl 5 Aristocrat), he might be a lvl 10 character, and could mog Posey with his WBL equipment alone (which I'll assume includes heavy artillery). Confronting him directly would be a bad idea... Posey will have to be careful.
Posey prepares her equipment for travel.
Although, if this Slayer did kill a vampire on his own (usually CR 7 minimum, but possibly low as CR 6 if this vamp was an NPC classed lvl 5 Aristocrat), he might be a lvl 10 character, and could mog Posey with his WBL equipment alone (which I'll assume includes heavy artillery). Confronting him directly would be a bad idea... Posey will have to be careful.
Posey prepares her equipment for travel.
>>169450
>Changeling “Hydra” misinformation,
I'll roll History to see if Posey knows anything about this
[1d20+3 = (1+3) = 4]
>Changeling “Hydra” misinformation,
I'll roll History to see if Posey knows anything about this
[1d20+3 = (1+3) = 4]
>>169450
>“Take Meadow Brook’s highway until about five miles before it forks to Hayseed and New Horseleans. Then go south along an unnamed road to the hamlet of Painted Creek. That’s where he will arrive, I am sure.
"How many nights away is this? I'm still unfamiliar with this country's geography."
>“Take Meadow Brook’s highway until about five miles before it forks to Hayseed and New Horseleans. Then go south along an unnamed road to the hamlet of Painted Creek. That’s where he will arrive, I am sure.
"How many nights away is this? I'm still unfamiliar with this country's geography."
It wouldn't take Posey long to be ready to leave. She only needs 8 hours rest for spell slot recovery, less if she'll be on a long car trip.
>>169453
"Hydra" references a secret organization spawned from the Changeling hegemony bent on world domination.
>>169455
>>169461
>>169452
"It's around about a hundred miles. This would take at least two days or more by hoof, but by car or truck, perhaps three hours. Train is faster still, but none stop where you're going."
I will let you chose the time of day for this quest.
"Hydra" references a secret organization spawned from the Changeling hegemony bent on world domination.
>>169455
>>169461
>>169452
"It's around about a hundred miles. This would take at least two days or more by hoof, but by car or truck, perhaps three hours. Train is faster still, but none stop where you're going."
I will let you chose the time of day for this quest.
>>169471
"By car then. We'll be better set off if we arrive earlier than later."
>I will let you chose the time of day for this quest.
Posey strongly prefers to go about her business at night, for various reasons including but not limited to darkvision advantage, appearance of certain light-aversive undead to interact with, stealth advantage, and her personal disdain for sunlight.
However, it's pretty late, so idk how much I can do tonight.
"By car then. We'll be better set off if we arrive earlier than later."
>I will let you chose the time of day for this quest.
Posey strongly prefers to go about her business at night, for various reasons including but not limited to darkvision advantage, appearance of certain light-aversive undead to interact with, stealth advantage, and her personal disdain for sunlight.
However, it's pretty late, so idk how much I can do tonight.
>>169475
Hmmm... afternoon arrival. This would place most action after dark anyways.
"I'll task Mason with getting you there." He pauses for a moment. "And what do you hope to bring back?"
Hmmm... afternoon arrival. This would place most action after dark anyways.
"I'll task Mason with getting you there." He pauses for a moment. "And what do you hope to bring back?"
>>169480
"Whatever the late lord of the mansion left behind. Treasure, artworks, documentation concerning connection with the coven. Perhaps even a friend or two."
"Whatever the late lord of the mansion left behind. Treasure, artworks, documentation concerning connection with the coven. Perhaps even a friend or two."
>>169483
"I doubt he caried that much, so far from home. But if I ever had to leave this place, I would certainly take a few carts with me."
"I doubt he caried that much, so far from home. But if I ever had to leave this place, I would certainly take a few carts with me."
>>169487
"Whatever's there, August seems to think it's worth investigating, and I intend to intercept his inquisition."
Posey takes all of her normal equipment with her on the quest, which is little.
"Whatever's there, August seems to think it's worth investigating, and I intend to intercept his inquisition."
Posey takes all of her normal equipment with her on the quest, which is little.
It has come to my attention that I have made errors in Posey's sheet. I misinterpreted the clause for the Corpsecrafter feat tree, and failed to notice that the tree only applies to undead created as the product of a spell. I will remove all the benefits of being created with the tree (6 HP, speed bonus, initiative bonus, natural armor bonus).
I will post an updated sheet later.
I will post an updated sheet later.
File (): B1CFBEC4BCB52B7AACE509916595D1AC-958399.png (935.9 KB, 1472x7958, roseyring.png)
>>169503
Her new statblocks would be close to the same as the previous one.
Here's a rough draft. I removed all corpsecrafter benefits.
>I think this west could stretch the limits
That sounds great. I'm rather fond of high-risk splatfests. First time soloing one though.
Her new statblocks would be close to the same as the previous one.
Here's a rough draft. I removed all corpsecrafter benefits.
>I think this west could stretch the limits
That sounds great. I'm rather fond of high-risk splatfests. First time soloing one though.
Necro-bump
Posey remains with Gloomy for the remainder of the day. She makes sure he's well-fed, washed properly, and comfortable with his new environment.
File (): 68B2A2F47CFF8D144D9937BA851BD9AE-1450999.png (1.4 MB, 1920x1080, 1699795.png)
Lament has Posey wait a few minutes before Mason drives up in a small truck. Posey takes a seat presumably in the front, and this time, there are no negative comments nor looks towards Posey's choice to go in full armor.
The truck takes its turn right at the end of the driveway, and towards the town through the increasingly familiar route, crossing that same bridge. But this time, the vehicle turns left rather than right. It continues alongside the river, passing townhouses, brick textile mills and manufactories, and government buildings like a shiny fire station. To the left, Posey can see a barge and tugboat going down the river with several barges of lumber. As the car travels west, the city slowly thins out, though the high-rises of the city center hang in the distance. Mason turns off of the road next to the river, a little north. Townhouses become houses spaced near each other with tiny yards, wooden fences, and barren branched trees, with the most impressive buildings being the occasional mills and schools. A name plate tells Posey she has entered Mane Chapel. They continue, and some minutes later they leave the town, and residences become sparse. Posey can see that they are now on the Meadowbrook Road, 97 miles to New Horseleans.
It's barely outside of the city that they encounter a checkpoint. Mason tells Posey to follow along and not start trouble. This checkpoint is more thorough than any Posey has gone through before. The griffin that Mason wished to speak to actually takes a different vehicle, and Mason converses with an overly inquisitive pegasus. The soldier asks Mason a long set of questions, far more than the basic "let me see your identification" and "where are you going?" Mason tells the soldier that he works for a paper company and they are going to a small number of locations in the west to check on local logging and mills as a part of a centralized effort to keep production figures up (he does name Painted Creek as a destination). He says that the truck is carrying some equipment, but also supplies like sulfuric acid (used in milling) that it's not best to mess with. He says that Posey is there as a discount expert (still in training) on death and decay. Specifically, the decay of wood inside of trees. Oh, of course the trees are still alive, but you see, the internal sections are actually dead. That's why they rot sometimes, and the company is looking to minimize rot inside of harvested trees, hence Posey's function. What's that? Why is she wearing that ridiculous outfit? Well it's because there are bears and hydras in the woods, and that is where she, unlike Mason, will be going. Why is it not off and in the back? Because there are sulfur fumes in the back. Also it's cold. The soldier seems unpersuaded, and the conversation lasts what feels an eternity, though it was surely less than a minute. Finally, the soldier lets them pass. Posey can't tell if that final move of the hoof on Mason's part obscured a bribe.
Driving away from the checkpoint, the truck leaves the city and enters rural Equestria. For the next hour, Posey rides past an endless number of fields. Some are plowed, some are covered in grass, but many have the stumble and remains of last year's harvested crops. A few have small, growing stocks of clover or onion. These fields are almost universally ringed by barriers of trees, which themselves are mostly barren branched for winter. The land is overwhelmingly flat, although from the end of one line of vision to the other, sometimes portions of land extend above others, in very low hills. Once, the road curves north, and through a break in the trees Posey can see the endless blue expanse of the ocean past a rocky cliff. Twice, the road bends south and Posey can see the Delamare River, winding its way along. Mostly though, the road traverses that space between the river and the sea. The railroad follows the same general path as the road, a little north, mostly separated by a field. It's usually raised above the ground, and double tracked. Posey sees a large plume of smoke, that soon enough becomes a steam locomotive pulling dozens of black and grey tanker cars in the direction of Baltimare. At another point, a bright red and chrome smokeless engine pulling stainless steel passenger cars overtakes them, heading west. At other times, the road winds, or a forest passes, and Posey loses sight of the railroad altogether, just for it to return later after the hiatus.
Homesteads, though sparse, are still common, and Posey passes quite a number of these. Occasionally, a windmill, or a shed or a barn is visible. A few homes and barns are burned, damaged, or otherwise demolished. Mostly though, the countryside speaks of an Equestria that, while dormant for the winter, is very much alive, with a majority of the buildings being undecayed, if wanting a fresh coat of paint. Homes and buildings are sometimes very old in their construction, and sometimes new. Though most are humble, a few are grand. Villages and small towns are spaced apart, and signs point to their existence long before they are approached. The villages tend to have their clusters of houses, with a couple stores, a gas station, a larger building like a mill, and a schoolhouse. A church tends to sit on the closest thing resembling a hill, and in one instance, is by the road, with Posey sensing its evil aura as she rides past. Twice, the car goes through the center of a town with two story brick buildings, inns, diners, and small shops like clothing stores.
The truck takes its turn right at the end of the driveway, and towards the town through the increasingly familiar route, crossing that same bridge. But this time, the vehicle turns left rather than right. It continues alongside the river, passing townhouses, brick textile mills and manufactories, and government buildings like a shiny fire station. To the left, Posey can see a barge and tugboat going down the river with several barges of lumber. As the car travels west, the city slowly thins out, though the high-rises of the city center hang in the distance. Mason turns off of the road next to the river, a little north. Townhouses become houses spaced near each other with tiny yards, wooden fences, and barren branched trees, with the most impressive buildings being the occasional mills and schools. A name plate tells Posey she has entered Mane Chapel. They continue, and some minutes later they leave the town, and residences become sparse. Posey can see that they are now on the Meadowbrook Road, 97 miles to New Horseleans.
It's barely outside of the city that they encounter a checkpoint. Mason tells Posey to follow along and not start trouble. This checkpoint is more thorough than any Posey has gone through before. The griffin that Mason wished to speak to actually takes a different vehicle, and Mason converses with an overly inquisitive pegasus. The soldier asks Mason a long set of questions, far more than the basic "let me see your identification" and "where are you going?" Mason tells the soldier that he works for a paper company and they are going to a small number of locations in the west to check on local logging and mills as a part of a centralized effort to keep production figures up (he does name Painted Creek as a destination). He says that the truck is carrying some equipment, but also supplies like sulfuric acid (used in milling) that it's not best to mess with. He says that Posey is there as a discount expert (still in training) on death and decay. Specifically, the decay of wood inside of trees. Oh, of course the trees are still alive, but you see, the internal sections are actually dead. That's why they rot sometimes, and the company is looking to minimize rot inside of harvested trees, hence Posey's function. What's that? Why is she wearing that ridiculous outfit? Well it's because there are bears and hydras in the woods, and that is where she, unlike Mason, will be going. Why is it not off and in the back? Because there are sulfur fumes in the back. Also it's cold. The soldier seems unpersuaded, and the conversation lasts what feels an eternity, though it was surely less than a minute. Finally, the soldier lets them pass. Posey can't tell if that final move of the hoof on Mason's part obscured a bribe.
Driving away from the checkpoint, the truck leaves the city and enters rural Equestria. For the next hour, Posey rides past an endless number of fields. Some are plowed, some are covered in grass, but many have the stumble and remains of last year's harvested crops. A few have small, growing stocks of clover or onion. These fields are almost universally ringed by barriers of trees, which themselves are mostly barren branched for winter. The land is overwhelmingly flat, although from the end of one line of vision to the other, sometimes portions of land extend above others, in very low hills. Once, the road curves north, and through a break in the trees Posey can see the endless blue expanse of the ocean past a rocky cliff. Twice, the road bends south and Posey can see the Delamare River, winding its way along. Mostly though, the road traverses that space between the river and the sea. The railroad follows the same general path as the road, a little north, mostly separated by a field. It's usually raised above the ground, and double tracked. Posey sees a large plume of smoke, that soon enough becomes a steam locomotive pulling dozens of black and grey tanker cars in the direction of Baltimare. At another point, a bright red and chrome smokeless engine pulling stainless steel passenger cars overtakes them, heading west. At other times, the road winds, or a forest passes, and Posey loses sight of the railroad altogether, just for it to return later after the hiatus.
Homesteads, though sparse, are still common, and Posey passes quite a number of these. Occasionally, a windmill, or a shed or a barn is visible. A few homes and barns are burned, damaged, or otherwise demolished. Mostly though, the countryside speaks of an Equestria that, while dormant for the winter, is very much alive, with a majority of the buildings being undecayed, if wanting a fresh coat of paint. Homes and buildings are sometimes very old in their construction, and sometimes new. Though most are humble, a few are grand. Villages and small towns are spaced apart, and signs point to their existence long before they are approached. The villages tend to have their clusters of houses, with a couple stores, a gas station, a larger building like a mill, and a schoolhouse. A church tends to sit on the closest thing resembling a hill, and in one instance, is by the road, with Posey sensing its evil aura as she rides past. Twice, the car goes through the center of a town with two story brick buildings, inns, diners, and small shops like clothing stores.
File (): 308228739E7860CDFD146E86FA167B03-6286198.png (6.0 MB, 3300x2550, 1781079.png)
An hour after leaving Baltimare, the fields give way to great stretches of forest; barren limbed deciduous trees interspersed with conifers. Houses and signs of civilization generally become fewer, as the truck drives through the wilderness. A sign by the road marks another 40 miles to New Horseleans, or 70 to Hayseed Junction. A fork in the road appears shortly after this, and the truck turns left and south, inland towards Hayseed. This road is narrower, and the forest on either side becomes denser. Whereas the forest before was carefully curated and marked by splotches of seedlings that were clearly placed after logging, this new stretch of forest must surely resemble the primordial Equestria, dense with undergrowth and with towering ancient trees felled neither by hurricane winds nor lumbermare's axe. The Delemare has long since wound south, though creeks and ravines sometimes accompany the path of the road.
After less than 30 minutes, Mason announces their proximity to their destination at Painted Creek. A sign announces the presence of a gas station, an inn, a diner and an autoshop (Yes, we have tires) at Painted Creek in 10 miles. The truck drives over a wooden bridge and nears a sign to the left stating Painted Creek, this way. A left turn south, and the truck is on a small road. the much advertised Inn, tavern, gas station, and autoshop, are all within view. The autoshop is a simple structure adjacent to the pumps and store of the gas station, while the tavern and the inn are connected in one building, being two stories tall with a gambrel roof. The village itself, with houses and the usual accompaniments of a permanent pony settlement, must surely stretch along this road further south still, with a couple homes visible past trees, and a sign pointing to a paper mill still further down this road.
Posey is, if not quite at her final destination, certainly close enough that the next step is up to her.
After less than 30 minutes, Mason announces their proximity to their destination at Painted Creek. A sign announces the presence of a gas station, an inn, a diner and an autoshop (Yes, we have tires) at Painted Creek in 10 miles. The truck drives over a wooden bridge and nears a sign to the left stating Painted Creek, this way. A left turn south, and the truck is on a small road. the much advertised Inn, tavern, gas station, and autoshop, are all within view. The autoshop is a simple structure adjacent to the pumps and store of the gas station, while the tavern and the inn are connected in one building, being two stories tall with a gambrel roof. The village itself, with houses and the usual accompaniments of a permanent pony settlement, must surely stretch along this road further south still, with a couple homes visible past trees, and a sign pointing to a paper mill still further down this road.
Posey is, if not quite at her final destination, certainly close enough that the next step is up to her.
>>169510
>Oh, of course the trees are still alive, but you see, the internal sections are actually dead.
Lol'd here.
Mason burning the midnight oil with his stories.
>there are bears and hydras in the woods
This peaks Posey's interest. After the checkpoint is passed, she brings it up, with a bit of a giddy schoolfilly-,like expression.
"Hydras, you say? I've never seen a live one before. Their cadavers are so desirable back in Magehold (they make a lot of attacks as a zombie)."
Rolling Arcana, to see what Posey might know about the local Hydra population.
[1d20+9 = (2+9) = 11]
>Oh, of course the trees are still alive, but you see, the internal sections are actually dead.
Lol'd here.
Mason burning the midnight oil with his stories.
>there are bears and hydras in the woods
This peaks Posey's interest. After the checkpoint is passed, she brings it up, with a bit of a giddy schoolfilly-,like expression.
"Hydras, you say? I've never seen a live one before. Their cadavers are so desirable back in Magehold (they make a lot of attacks as a zombie)."
Rolling Arcana, to see what Posey might know about the local Hydra population.
[1d20+9 = (2+9) = 11]
>>169511
>Posey is, if not quite at her final destination, certainly close enough that the next step is up to her.
Posey thanks Mason for the ride and exits the vehicle, making sure that she's completely obscured with her cloak.
Does Posey have a hunch where she's going to intercept August?
>Posey is, if not quite at her final destination, certainly close enough that the next step is up to her.
Posey thanks Mason for the ride and exits the vehicle, making sure that she's completely obscured with her cloak.
Does Posey have a hunch where she's going to intercept August?
>>169513
Well, she would know that he's due to arrive in Painted Creek.
Posey looks for any clues as to where he would arrive.
Rolling to Gather Information
[1d20+4 = (19+4) = 23]
Well, she would know that he's due to arrive in Painted Creek.
Posey looks for any clues as to where he would arrive.
Rolling to Gather Information
[1d20+4 = (19+4) = 23]
>>169516
>>169514
Gonna follow this up with some other relevant checks, to speed things along.
Local knowledge, to recall any important details about this settlement
[1d20+3 = (19+3) = 22]
Disguise check, to look less-dead (minor details, pretending to breath, concealing her armor beneath her cloak)
[1d20+11 = (18+11) = 29]
A Hide check, to blend into the crowd, or stake-out the meeting place (whichever is necessary)
[1d20+9 = (11+9) = 20]
Another Hide check, to tail August, if he arrives
[1d20+9 = (9+9) = 18]
And a Bluff check, in case I fail check to tail him.
[1d20+12 = (6+12) = 18]
https://www.realmshelps.net/charbuild/skills/hide.shtml
If you don't like me rolling this all at once, feel free to discard these rolls:
>>169514
Gonna follow this up with some other relevant checks, to speed things along.
Local knowledge, to recall any important details about this settlement
[1d20+3 = (19+3) = 22]
Disguise check, to look less-dead (minor details, pretending to breath, concealing her armor beneath her cloak)
[1d20+11 = (18+11) = 29]
A Hide check, to blend into the crowd, or stake-out the meeting place (whichever is necessary)
[1d20+9 = (11+9) = 20]
Another Hide check, to tail August, if he arrives
[1d20+9 = (9+9) = 18]
And a Bluff check, in case I fail check to tail him.
[1d20+12 = (6+12) = 18]
https://www.realmshelps.net/charbuild/skills/hide.shtml
If you don't like me rolling this all at once, feel free to discard these rolls:
>>169512
>Hydras, you say? I've never seen a live one before
"Pray you never shall. They are not pleasant. They mostly keep to the swamps a little further south. They are not common as so many of them have been hunted or pushed out, but they are not extinct either."
>Does Posey have a hunch where she's going to intercept August?
He'd presumably enter through the town. From where they are coming from, they would certainly need to travel by vehicle.
>Gather Information
Posey soon discerns that the most likely first location, though not necessarily the final location of August, would be the restaurant-tavern below the inn. Posey sees that there are several small trucks, automobiles, and pulled carts between the several buildings at the end of the road. One medium sized truck kind of stands out as larger, and parked to the side a little behind the inn, as if to make it harder to see from the main road and every other angle, though it's hard to tell if this has any connection to August, or if it's just someone's truck.
>local knowledge
This settlement has the fortune of having two sources of economic activity, travellers along the road, and also a paper mill. The two are rather far apart, causing the town to be strung along a small road. Where the town is less fortunate is to have been the final stop of the vampire twenty years ago. Several townsponies and travelers died, and the event is still remembered. There is a creek that runs through, and the area is mostly forest. The lack of leaves mean visibility through the forest will be higher than normal.
>Disguise check, to look less-dead
This is important, as most creatures coming here will be alive, and the town still remembers the last time someone dead walked through. Out of towners are not at all uncommon where Posey is, so she has a decent chance of hiding in plain sight.
>every other check
A little premature.
>Hydras, you say? I've never seen a live one before
"Pray you never shall. They are not pleasant. They mostly keep to the swamps a little further south. They are not common as so many of them have been hunted or pushed out, but they are not extinct either."
>Does Posey have a hunch where she's going to intercept August?
He'd presumably enter through the town. From where they are coming from, they would certainly need to travel by vehicle.
>Gather Information
Posey soon discerns that the most likely first location, though not necessarily the final location of August, would be the restaurant-tavern below the inn. Posey sees that there are several small trucks, automobiles, and pulled carts between the several buildings at the end of the road. One medium sized truck kind of stands out as larger, and parked to the side a little behind the inn, as if to make it harder to see from the main road and every other angle, though it's hard to tell if this has any connection to August, or if it's just someone's truck.
>local knowledge
This settlement has the fortune of having two sources of economic activity, travellers along the road, and also a paper mill. The two are rather far apart, causing the town to be strung along a small road. Where the town is less fortunate is to have been the final stop of the vampire twenty years ago. Several townsponies and travelers died, and the event is still remembered. There is a creek that runs through, and the area is mostly forest. The lack of leaves mean visibility through the forest will be higher than normal.
>Disguise check, to look less-dead
This is important, as most creatures coming here will be alive, and the town still remembers the last time someone dead walked through. Out of towners are not at all uncommon where Posey is, so she has a decent chance of hiding in plain sight.
>every other check
A little premature.
>>169518
>the swamps a little further south
I'll remember that.
>He'd presumably enter through the town.
I guess Posey will have to wait and watch what vehicles enter through the town.
unless
>restaurant-tavern below the inn
Okay then.
Posey enters the tavern. She spends a silver on a glass of whatever and proceeds to watch over the place.
>There is a creek that runs through
A vampire wouldn't be able to just walk over the creek into town, unless he were carried in a coffin. Knowing this, Posey focuses her vigilance on the direction by the same side of the creek as the town.
Does Posey see anypony unusual in the tavern? Anypony carrying a weapon or acting cocky?
>the swamps a little further south
I'll remember that.
>He'd presumably enter through the town.
I guess Posey will have to wait and watch what vehicles enter through the town.
unless
>restaurant-tavern below the inn
Okay then.
Posey enters the tavern. She spends a silver on a glass of whatever and proceeds to watch over the place.
>There is a creek that runs through
A vampire wouldn't be able to just walk over the creek into town, unless he were carried in a coffin. Knowing this, Posey focuses her vigilance on the direction by the same side of the creek as the town.
Does Posey see anypony unusual in the tavern? Anypony carrying a weapon or acting cocky?
>>169519
>someone dead walked through
>small creek
Using this knowledge, Posey infers that the vampire could have only come from so many angles.
I will attempt a Wisdom check, to determine what side of town he would have come from, and by extension what direction his lair would be in.
[1d20+2 = (10+2) = 12]
>someone dead walked through
>small creek
Using this knowledge, Posey infers that the vampire could have only come from so many angles.
I will attempt a Wisdom check, to determine what side of town he would have come from, and by extension what direction his lair would be in.
[1d20+2 = (10+2) = 12]
>>169519
>creek
It's east of town, and runs through in a curve. If he came from the west he might not have passed it. But who can really say just how he came?
Posey enters the tavern, to find almost immediately that things are, well, a bit off.
There are a number of ponies in there. A couple at a table by the window, another one by the low wall that separates the main dining area from a hall that goes back to the kitchen... But what is more interesting is certainly three little groups. At the bar, a pair of young stallions converse with a pair of mares. One yellow pegasus, one white earth pony. Posey can see that these stallions don't do a very good job of concealing bolt action rifles under the counter. In the main dining area is a big table with a number of stallions at it. Earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi, the lot. Two wear sort of winter outdoor clothes, but four have jackets, mostly taken off and placed on the seats. One sits at the head of the table, a large grey unicorn stallion wearing a simple green shirt. Again, Posey can see poorly concealed, albeit better concealed, rifles on the floor and under the table, or behind it and along the wall. There is also some backpacks and luggage by the wall. There is a map on the table. The pony at the head seems to have a smaller, black firearm hidden under a tablecloth. And then near them, to the right and in the corner, is a lone pony at a small table looking forward. It's a yellow-green stallion, with a golden mane combed back. He wears a white robe, though through the gaps Posey can see chrome-colored banded armor in the style of Equestrian royal guards. He is leaning back, with forelegs crossed, and wearing steel tipped shoes on his hind legs. Under a jacket by the wall is a pair of long items that may be firearms or weapons, and next to his chair is a stainless-steel helmet, in the pattern of royal guards, minus the plume. If Posey's intent was to go unnoticed, this is already lost, as he notices Posey as she enters. He gives her a smile.
There is a waiter walking around, carrying drinks.
>>169520
As stated before, this would tend to indicate that the lair was likely to the west, and not too far south. If he was coming from up north, he would have approached from the west, or possibly from New Horseleans. There are multiple rivers he certainly would have had to find a way to traverse to get here from White Severyana, however.
>creek
It's east of town, and runs through in a curve. If he came from the west he might not have passed it. But who can really say just how he came?
Posey enters the tavern, to find almost immediately that things are, well, a bit off.
There are a number of ponies in there. A couple at a table by the window, another one by the low wall that separates the main dining area from a hall that goes back to the kitchen... But what is more interesting is certainly three little groups. At the bar, a pair of young stallions converse with a pair of mares. One yellow pegasus, one white earth pony. Posey can see that these stallions don't do a very good job of concealing bolt action rifles under the counter. In the main dining area is a big table with a number of stallions at it. Earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi, the lot. Two wear sort of winter outdoor clothes, but four have jackets, mostly taken off and placed on the seats. One sits at the head of the table, a large grey unicorn stallion wearing a simple green shirt. Again, Posey can see poorly concealed, albeit better concealed, rifles on the floor and under the table, or behind it and along the wall. There is also some backpacks and luggage by the wall. There is a map on the table. The pony at the head seems to have a smaller, black firearm hidden under a tablecloth. And then near them, to the right and in the corner, is a lone pony at a small table looking forward. It's a yellow-green stallion, with a golden mane combed back. He wears a white robe, though through the gaps Posey can see chrome-colored banded armor in the style of Equestrian royal guards. He is leaning back, with forelegs crossed, and wearing steel tipped shoes on his hind legs. Under a jacket by the wall is a pair of long items that may be firearms or weapons, and next to his chair is a stainless-steel helmet, in the pattern of royal guards, minus the plume. If Posey's intent was to go unnoticed, this is already lost, as he notices Posey as she enters. He gives her a smile.
There is a waiter walking around, carrying drinks.
>>169520
As stated before, this would tend to indicate that the lair was likely to the west, and not too far south. If he was coming from up north, he would have approached from the west, or possibly from New Horseleans. There are multiple rivers he certainly would have had to find a way to traverse to get here from White Severyana, however.
>>169521
I'm going to roll an intelligence check to see if Posey would have been smart enough to remember to ask Lament what August actually looks like
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
I'm going to roll an intelligence check to see if Posey would have been smart enough to remember to ask Lament what August actually looks like
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
>>169521
>He gives her a smile.
Posey gives a shy but polite smile, feigning nervousness as a lone mare wandering an unfamiliar place.
Bluff check, to appear inconspicuous
[1d20+12 = (8+12) = 20]
>He gives her a smile.
Posey gives a shy but polite smile, feigning nervousness as a lone mare wandering an unfamiliar place.
Bluff check, to appear inconspicuous
[1d20+12 = (8+12) = 20]
>>169523
If this succeeds, Posey takes a lone seat, preferably far enough to be inconspicuous, but near enough to eavesdrop on any of these groups.
Although she keeps an eye on the yellow-green golden one, suspecting that he may be her target by name.
Btw, as his white robes give Posey some suspicion that he might be a priest, Posey checks for any holy symbols, reliquaries or other potential undead-killing tools that might indicate his powers.
If this succeeds, Posey takes a lone seat, preferably far enough to be inconspicuous, but near enough to eavesdrop on any of these groups.
Although she keeps an eye on the yellow-green golden one, suspecting that he may be her target by name.
Btw, as his white robes give Posey some suspicion that he might be a priest, Posey checks for any holy symbols, reliquaries or other potential undead-killing tools that might indicate his powers.
>>169523
>>169522
Kek. He's presumably the yellow-green unicorn in the corner. He should not be alone, but with a group of ELF partisans coming with him from Fillydelphia. If that was not obvious.
>>169524
As Posey has the appearance of a young, attractive female, sitting alone, it will be very hard for her to be invisible to the small crowd of young stallions. She can try though, and take a seat in the dining area at a table.
It is very difficult to look at the green unicorn without being noticed. Nothing stands out as obviously a holy symbol, a reliquary, or a vampire-killing weapon. But he also appears to be one of the better stallions at hiding things.
>>169522
Kek. He's presumably the yellow-green unicorn in the corner. He should not be alone, but with a group of ELF partisans coming with him from Fillydelphia. If that was not obvious.
>>169524
As Posey has the appearance of a young, attractive female, sitting alone, it will be very hard for her to be invisible to the small crowd of young stallions. She can try though, and take a seat in the dining area at a table.
It is very difficult to look at the green unicorn without being noticed. Nothing stands out as obviously a holy symbol, a reliquary, or a vampire-killing weapon. But he also appears to be one of the better stallions at hiding things.
>>169525
>very hard for her to be invisible
Then she sits in the corner, pretending to be a shy, easily-impressed mare that would be very interested in overhearing the tales of glory or future plans of any strong, handsome adventurers.
She sits in silence, her ears attuned to the conversation.
>very hard for her to be invisible
Then she sits in the corner, pretending to be a shy, easily-impressed mare that would be very interested in overhearing the tales of glory or future plans of any strong, handsome adventurers.
She sits in silence, her ears attuned to the conversation.
>>169526
Posey is in luck. It appears that the two stallions at the bar are distracted by the locals (they do not talk about work), the stallions at the table are too busy with work, and August doesn't really seem to be interested in getting up from his seat, though he continues his watch.
Posey is in luck. It appears that the two stallions at the bar are distracted by the locals (they do not talk about work), the stallions at the table are too busy with work, and August doesn't really seem to be interested in getting up from his seat, though he continues his watch.
>>169528
Posey plays the waiting game, pretending to enjoy her drink and busying herself over some parchment with runes scribbled over it (it's just a spell component shopping list). She waits for the stallion to make a move, or talk with one of his compatriots.
Posey plays the waiting game, pretending to enjoy her drink and busying herself over some parchment with runes scribbled over it (it's just a spell component shopping list). She waits for the stallion to make a move, or talk with one of his compatriots.
I'm going to have to sleep soon. I'll try to pick this up tomorrow.
>>169529
Posey can hear portions of the conversation at the table. The conversation is centered on what to do if the Military attacks. There is some disagreement. One pony, evidently a local, suggests that sentiment for the ELF is too high here for such a thing to be possible, but the leader replies that all it takes is a single tip. Then there is some disagreement as whether to fight or flee, but the consensus is to attempt to ambush any military attack, which surely must come from the main road, and then flee into the forest if necessary. Two ponies will stay in the inn tonight on vigil, while the remainder will stay in a local's house.
August actually seems to be approached by a different mare with a black mane, who seems to be familiar with who he is
Posey can hear portions of the conversation at the table. The conversation is centered on what to do if the Military attacks. There is some disagreement. One pony, evidently a local, suggests that sentiment for the ELF is too high here for such a thing to be possible, but the leader replies that all it takes is a single tip. Then there is some disagreement as whether to fight or flee, but the consensus is to attempt to ambush any military attack, which surely must come from the main road, and then flee into the forest if necessary. Two ponies will stay in the inn tonight on vigil, while the remainder will stay in a local's house.
August actually seems to be approached by a different mare with a black mane, who seems to be familiar with who he is
>>169531
Posey attempts to listen in on the conversation between August and the mare
Listen check
[1d20+4 = (9+4) = 13]
>if the Military attacks
Huh. Are the ponies of this region at odds with the regime?
History/Local check (same untrained mod)
[1d20+3 = (2+3) = 5]
Posey attempts to listen in on the conversation between August and the mare
Listen check
[1d20+4 = (9+4) = 13]
>if the Military attacks
Huh. Are the ponies of this region at odds with the regime?
History/Local check (same untrained mod)
[1d20+3 = (2+3) = 5]
>>169521
>As stated before, this would tend to indicate that the lair was likely to the west, and not too far south. If he was coming from up north, he would have approached from the west, or possibly from New Horseleans. There are multiple rivers he certainly would have had to find a way to traverse to get here from White Severyana, however.
Knowing this, could Posey trace a path to the lair by heading west and turning at the rivers?
>As stated before, this would tend to indicate that the lair was likely to the west, and not too far south. If he was coming from up north, he would have approached from the west, or possibly from New Horseleans. There are multiple rivers he certainly would have had to find a way to traverse to get here from White Severyana, however.
Knowing this, could Posey trace a path to the lair by heading west and turning at the rivers?
>>169536
I guess that would require a check.
I'm going to try to roll Survival, applying a +2 Circumstance bonus for knowing about the river crossing aversion.
[1d20+4 = (11+4) = 15]
I guess that would require a check.
I'm going to try to roll Survival, applying a +2 Circumstance bonus for knowing about the river crossing aversion.
[1d20+4 = (11+4) = 15]
File (): 2A7EE65343637DADBB5281FCA57583C2-254259.gif (248.3 KB, 220x165, over9000-vegeta.gif)
Since Posey has an opportunity to look at August outside of combat, she decides to size up this supposed slayer. She knows that if August could kill a vampire, he can kill her, but the scale of his powers remains a mystery.
She makes a Sense Motive check, contested by August's Bluff check (I take it he'd know to passively hide his strength, if he was clever enough to kill a vampire)
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
She attempts to gauge August's CR (character level), relative to her own level (3), to see if he's Easy, A Fair Fight, A Tough Challenge or a Dire Threat, as described in the Complete Adventurer.
https://www.realmshelps.net/charbuild/skills/sense_motive.shtml
There's a chance that August may be passively assessing Posey's power level as well. Posey's challenge rating is complicated (bloodline levels), but it's no less than four, and no greater than 7 (,if you include bloodline as character levels, which considering her build, you probably might). It's 5-6 once you factor in the undead weaknesses I gave her voluntarily to make her more vampire-like, but this would make her at least as dangerous as a vampire spawn.
Posey is passively hides her powers wherever she goes, taking 10 when not in combat for a modified 22.
In the event that August has the ability to detect evil (I suspect he might be a Paladin), Posey's evil Aura is Moderate: this would alert any character capable of detecting evil, since only exceptionally powerful evil creatures, fairly dangerous undead, or low-ranking fiends and Clerics have that aura.
She makes a Sense Motive check, contested by August's Bluff check (I take it he'd know to passively hide his strength, if he was clever enough to kill a vampire)
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
She attempts to gauge August's CR (character level), relative to her own level (3), to see if he's Easy, A Fair Fight, A Tough Challenge or a Dire Threat, as described in the Complete Adventurer.
https://www.realmshelps.net/charbuild/skills/sense_motive.shtml
There's a chance that August may be passively assessing Posey's power level as well. Posey's challenge rating is complicated (bloodline levels), but it's no less than four, and no greater than 7 (,if you include bloodline as character levels, which considering her build, you probably might). It's 5-6 once you factor in the undead weaknesses I gave her voluntarily to make her more vampire-like, but this would make her at least as dangerous as a vampire spawn.
Posey is passively hides her powers wherever she goes, taking 10 when not in combat for a modified 22.
In the event that August has the ability to detect evil (I suspect he might be a Paladin), Posey's evil Aura is Moderate: this would alert any character capable of detecting evil, since only exceptionally powerful evil creatures, fairly dangerous undead, or low-ranking fiends and Clerics have that aura.
>>169540
>An opponent that is particularly vulnerable to your typical attack routine (for example, a vampire facing a high-level cleric of Pelor) registers as one category less challenging; one who is resistant to your typical attack routine (for example, a golem opposing a rogue who relies heavily on sneak attacks) registers as one category more challenging.
I'll mention that Posey's attack routine relies largely on Fear-based effects, attacks that have saving throws, and and necromancy spells, so a character like a Paladin or similar character would be a bigger threat to her.
She has basic undead immunities and some damage reduction, so she'd be a higher threat to a Rogue and maybe a warrior, but a lower threat to a Paladin or Cleric who is skilled at fighting undead.
>An opponent that is particularly vulnerable to your typical attack routine (for example, a vampire facing a high-level cleric of Pelor) registers as one category less challenging; one who is resistant to your typical attack routine (for example, a golem opposing a rogue who relies heavily on sneak attacks) registers as one category more challenging.
I'll mention that Posey's attack routine relies largely on Fear-based effects, attacks that have saving throws, and and necromancy spells, so a character like a Paladin or similar character would be a bigger threat to her.
She has basic undead immunities and some damage reduction, so she'd be a higher threat to a Rogue and maybe a warrior, but a lower threat to a Paladin or Cleric who is skilled at fighting undead.
>>169540
Alright, so I can clarify, is Posey looking primarily for *what* August is, or what he’s doing this moment, and what his intent seems to be?
Alright, so I can clarify, is Posey looking primarily for *what* August is, or what he’s doing this moment, and what his intent seems to be?
>>169542
Mostly, his attitude. Does he look like someone confident in his vampire-slaying abilities?
So to answer your question, what, in terms of his powers. Intent on terms of his confidence in using them.
Mostly, his attitude. Does he look like someone confident in his vampire-slaying abilities?
So to answer your question, what, in terms of his powers. Intent on terms of his confidence in using them.
>>169538
She is not. She is actually completely naked.
>>169534
Posey can hear portions of the conversation; enough, mostly, to understand what they are talking about, and some complete sentences, but not every word spoken. The mare recognizes the unicorn as the vampire slayer, and seems pretty excited to talk to him. The stallion only confirms his identity reluctantly, after the mare refuses to believe otherwise. The mare states that she was a small filly when the vampire came to her town, and though she did not understand what was happening, she saw how it affected her father and others in town. She remembers those days as especially dark, with fear pervading the town. At least two ponies known closely to the family went missing. She remembers the excitement and feeling of relief when the vampire was slain, in her family, and in the town generally.
August expresses joy at the eradication of these parasites, and then, the bragging starts. He talks about how he was called in after the vampire started making his way south, and was hot on his trail for a while. He claims that he spooked the vampire out of at least one, but probably two hiding locations, and he thinks the only reason that he could not kill the vampire earlier (and thus save pony lives) was that he was not placed fully on the case until after the vampire passed south of Buck Castle. The vampire's name as listed on the registry in Zakatnie was "Leto Panolovich," though locals of that region would call him by the nickname of "Nieciarplivy," meaning "impatient" or "rash," which Equestrians, not speaking the language, would shorten to simply "Plivy." August tells some details of how he tracked down, and eventually killed Plivy, though not many. Posey learns that August first looked for Plivy's likely prey - which is to say ponies who would at least be theoretically hard to notice are missing - to find locations where Plivy may be drawn, and then investigated. Painted Creek was thus considered because of its status as a traveler's stopping point, and dense surrounding forests. He tells some details of how the vampire was slain, stating it was done with a magical weapon in the water of the creek itself. He caught Plivy as he was moving away from his lair and lured him near the river.
August is evasive about what he is doing back in the town now, save that it concerns the liberation of Equestria. An aside statement from the mare stating that the Changeling invasion caused the same fear, and "disappearances" of stallions sent to the front, including her former lover, receives no direct reply. August taps the mare's thigh with a hoof, and when this is lightly pushed away, shortly thereafter terminates the conversation.
What he does next will likely depend on Posey.
>>169536
As these rivers are very far away, she can't narrow down such a path with any precision; Plivy moving north or south by even a few degrees, or taking any indirect route, would drastically change the area he traversed.
>>169534
>Are the ponies of this region at odds with the regime?
shrugs
>>169540
>>169541
>>169543
Posey can tell that he is a reasonably seasoned warrior who is built to combat creatures like her. He'd be a tough challenge. He seems a little weak though to kill a vampire, even a runt, all by himself.
There is a mix of paranoia about some hidden threat, and euphoria and revelry about being exalted as heroes pervading the room. August and all of his companions. August seems cautious and is deliberately hiding especially his equipment. He does not hide his physique or amor however, especially when the mare comes to talk to him. He is definitely concerned about the possibility of hidden danger in the room. he periodically breaks eye contact with the mare to survey his surroundings.
Okay, there's no way in Hell Posey is evaluating him without constantly glancing towards him. She is going to need to do a bluff to hide her intent, including a cover story on why she's looking that direction, or someway of hiding that she'd doing it in the first place.
She is not. She is actually completely naked.
>>169534
Posey can hear portions of the conversation; enough, mostly, to understand what they are talking about, and some complete sentences, but not every word spoken. The mare recognizes the unicorn as the vampire slayer, and seems pretty excited to talk to him. The stallion only confirms his identity reluctantly, after the mare refuses to believe otherwise. The mare states that she was a small filly when the vampire came to her town, and though she did not understand what was happening, she saw how it affected her father and others in town. She remembers those days as especially dark, with fear pervading the town. At least two ponies known closely to the family went missing. She remembers the excitement and feeling of relief when the vampire was slain, in her family, and in the town generally.
August expresses joy at the eradication of these parasites, and then, the bragging starts. He talks about how he was called in after the vampire started making his way south, and was hot on his trail for a while. He claims that he spooked the vampire out of at least one, but probably two hiding locations, and he thinks the only reason that he could not kill the vampire earlier (and thus save pony lives) was that he was not placed fully on the case until after the vampire passed south of Buck Castle. The vampire's name as listed on the registry in Zakatnie was "Leto Panolovich," though locals of that region would call him by the nickname of "Nieciarplivy," meaning "impatient" or "rash," which Equestrians, not speaking the language, would shorten to simply "Plivy." August tells some details of how he tracked down, and eventually killed Plivy, though not many. Posey learns that August first looked for Plivy's likely prey - which is to say ponies who would at least be theoretically hard to notice are missing - to find locations where Plivy may be drawn, and then investigated. Painted Creek was thus considered because of its status as a traveler's stopping point, and dense surrounding forests. He tells some details of how the vampire was slain, stating it was done with a magical weapon in the water of the creek itself. He caught Plivy as he was moving away from his lair and lured him near the river.
August is evasive about what he is doing back in the town now, save that it concerns the liberation of Equestria. An aside statement from the mare stating that the Changeling invasion caused the same fear, and "disappearances" of stallions sent to the front, including her former lover, receives no direct reply. August taps the mare's thigh with a hoof, and when this is lightly pushed away, shortly thereafter terminates the conversation.
What he does next will likely depend on Posey.
>>169536
As these rivers are very far away, she can't narrow down such a path with any precision; Plivy moving north or south by even a few degrees, or taking any indirect route, would drastically change the area he traversed.
>>169534
>Are the ponies of this region at odds with the regime?
shrugs
>>169540
>>169541
>>169543
Posey can tell that he is a reasonably seasoned warrior who is built to combat creatures like her. He'd be a tough challenge. He seems a little weak though to kill a vampire, even a runt, all by himself.
There is a mix of paranoia about some hidden threat, and euphoria and revelry about being exalted as heroes pervading the room. August and all of his companions. August seems cautious and is deliberately hiding especially his equipment. He does not hide his physique or amor however, especially when the mare comes to talk to him. He is definitely concerned about the possibility of hidden danger in the room. he periodically breaks eye contact with the mare to survey his surroundings.
Okay, there's no way in Hell Posey is evaluating him without constantly glancing towards him. She is going to need to do a bluff to hide her intent, including a cover story on why she's looking that direction, or someway of hiding that she'd doing it in the first place.
Sorry. I fell asleep. Been sick.
>>169544
>bluff to hide her intent, including a cover story on why she's looking that direction
She puts on a flattering demeanor, pretending to be impressed.
Posey puts on a sort of woozy, pouty, flirtatious expression: the kind that lonely young single mares passingly throw towards handsome stallions across a bar late at night. She shifts in her seat and flicks her tail in a frisky demeanor.
The she does this a couple times, as well as quickly (but not too quickly) looking away when his eyes fall on her, feigning shyness to his gaze.
Bluff check.
[1d20+12 = (18+12) = 30]
>>169544
>bluff to hide her intent, including a cover story on why she's looking that direction
She puts on a flattering demeanor, pretending to be impressed.
Posey puts on a sort of woozy, pouty, flirtatious expression: the kind that lonely young single mares passingly throw towards handsome stallions across a bar late at night. She shifts in her seat and flicks her tail in a frisky demeanor.
The she does this a couple times, as well as quickly (but not too quickly) looking away when his eyes fall on her, feigning shyness to his gaze.
Bluff check.
[1d20+12 = (18+12) = 30]
>>169544
>What he does next will likely depend on Posey
Seeing as how Posey has no way of locating the lair herself, her best option is to tail August, so she'll wait for now, to find out where he's headed.
>What he does next will likely depend on Posey
Seeing as how Posey has no way of locating the lair herself, her best option is to tail August, so she'll wait for now, to find out where he's headed.
>>169546
>Yet another 18
Why do you consistently have better luck than... frankly anyone? Anyways...
August looks over towards Posey, then back to the mare, and tells her it's been nice talking to her. He stands up, walks over to the leader, whispers something in his ear, and walks back to his table when the mare has left. August, still standing, walks slightly closer towards Posey and looks directly at her with an intense smile. He adjusts his robe to cover himself.
He speaks directly to Posey
"A shame to see such a lovely mare as yourself sitting alone. Why don't you come over here and join me? Let me buy you a drink."
His smile changes to show teeth
"I don't bite."
>Yet another 18
Why do you consistently have better luck than... frankly anyone? Anyways...
August looks over towards Posey, then back to the mare, and tells her it's been nice talking to her. He stands up, walks over to the leader, whispers something in his ear, and walks back to his table when the mare has left. August, still standing, walks slightly closer towards Posey and looks directly at her with an intense smile. He adjusts his robe to cover himself.
He speaks directly to Posey
"A shame to see such a lovely mare as yourself sitting alone. Why don't you come over here and join me? Let me buy you a drink."
His smile changes to show teeth
"I don't bite."
>>169548
>Bingo
Posey smirks, satisfied with herself
"Well, aren't you a gentlecolt." She replies, getting up, adjusting her own cloak around her barrel to cover her barding.
>"I don't bite."
Her own smile turns toothy and rather coy
"I might." she says, in a tone salacious tone so low it's barely a whisper as she passes him
"I take it you're from out of town? What's a handsome fellow like you doing this time of night?"
>Bingo
Posey smirks, satisfied with herself
"Well, aren't you a gentlecolt." She replies, getting up, adjusting her own cloak around her barrel to cover her barding.
>"I don't bite."
Her own smile turns toothy and rather coy
"I might." she says, in a tone salacious tone so low it's barely a whisper as she passes him
"I take it you're from out of town? What's a handsome fellow like you doing this time of night?"
>>169549
He moves the chair with a blue-green magical aura, and invites Posey to sit by him.
"Yes. I'm here for... Business." There is a pause, but he refuses to elaborate.
He raises an eyebrow. "You're not from here either, are you?"
He moves the chair with a blue-green magical aura, and invites Posey to sit by him.
"Yes. I'm here for... Business." There is a pause, but he refuses to elaborate.
He raises an eyebrow. "You're not from here either, are you?"
>>169550
"Oh, I'm new here. I'm a researcher for.. Advanced timber logging methodology."
"What sort of business are you up to?"
"Oh, I'm new here. I'm a researcher for.. Advanced timber logging methodology."
"What sort of business are you up to?"
>>169553
"Oooh, that sounds exciting." Posey replies, bobbing her head nonchalantly, as she gets up onto the chair
"I've been getting to know these woods quite well, as of late (a lie). Seems like entropic energy imbalances have been causing the trees to drop their leaves and rot from the inside out, especially towards the west. Something sinister is out there... I would be careful if I were you." She continues
"Oooh, that sounds exciting." Posey replies, bobbing her head nonchalantly, as she gets up onto the chair
"I've been getting to know these woods quite well, as of late (a lie). Seems like entropic energy imbalances have been causing the trees to drop their leaves and rot from the inside out, especially towards the west. Something sinister is out there... I would be careful if I were you." She continues
>>169554
His eyes go big, and an ear flops. Then he nods.
"Really? Do you know where, I mean, precisely?"
His eyes go big, and an ear flops. Then he nods.
"Really? Do you know where, I mean, precisely?"
>>169555
"Well, not precisely..." Posey says
"I haven't seen the focus of it, but I've been studying the effects of magical entropy in the region. I notice things that most ponies don't: the subtle things that signal Harmony's been disrupted. Trees dying in concentric patterns, crows swarming, erratic behavior among the local wolf population, accelerated carrion decomposition... There's definitely something fishy nestled in these parts." She continues
"I'm only here to research the effects on the trees, and I have a strong feeling that whatever causes it is centered somewhere west of this village. I'd take a closer look myself, but... I'm just blue collar uninsured magewright, and mill didn't feel like funding escorts to deal with rabid wolves. Cheapskates..." she finishes with a click of her tongue
"Well, not precisely..." Posey says
"I haven't seen the focus of it, but I've been studying the effects of magical entropy in the region. I notice things that most ponies don't: the subtle things that signal Harmony's been disrupted. Trees dying in concentric patterns, crows swarming, erratic behavior among the local wolf population, accelerated carrion decomposition... There's definitely something fishy nestled in these parts." She continues
"I'm only here to research the effects on the trees, and I have a strong feeling that whatever causes it is centered somewhere west of this village. I'd take a closer look myself, but... I'm just blue collar uninsured magewright, and mill didn't feel like funding escorts to deal with rabid wolves. Cheapskates..." she finishes with a click of her tongue
I hav to sleep now. We'll see where this goes tomorrow.
>>169556
August's jovial mood began to change with Posey's previous response. Now, however, the change is complete, and August pauses for a moment, considering Posey's words carefully. He breaths in, and his smile is gone. He looks down towards the table, and then back up.
"Tell me, Ms. Magewright, what do you know about what causes such areas of accelerated magical entropy?"
He surely waits for Posey to answer this question, but once she is done, he asks another
"What do you know about the history of this town?"
August's jovial mood began to change with Posey's previous response. Now, however, the change is complete, and August pauses for a moment, considering Posey's words carefully. He breaths in, and his smile is gone. He looks down towards the table, and then back up.
"Tell me, Ms. Magewright, what do you know about what causes such areas of accelerated magical entropy?"
He surely waits for Posey to answer this question, but once she is done, he asks another
"What do you know about the history of this town?"
I have always forgot about doing this but I have intended to do this a few times in the past. I felt like I wanted to apologize, tho, at this point it is so far in the past, I don't even know if I have already done it beofer at some point.
Well, I'm sorry to the gm for two things: When I made the sorceress I kinda criticized the setting stubbornly because I disagreed with the idea the Celestia would support some sort of multiculture world or something, idk, I tbf I think I still am not onboard of the setting completely from what I remember but I think I remember myself being kina obnxious, so I apologise.
I also feel bad that made characters and then scrapped themand created new ones and never comitted to one, though that was more expected since that's kinda just how I am.
Well, I'm sorry to the gm for two things: When I made the sorceress I kinda criticized the setting stubbornly because I disagreed with the idea the Celestia would support some sort of multiculture world or something, idk, I tbf I think I still am not onboard of the setting completely from what I remember but I think I remember myself being kina obnxious, so I apologise.
I also feel bad that made characters and then scrapped themand created new ones and never comitted to one, though that was more expected since that's kinda just how I am.
>>169558
>what do you know about what causes such areas of accelerated magical entropy?
"It's hard to say, there are so many things that could lead to it, especially in these trying times. The balance of Harmony is so fragile; Equestria is only so beautiful because the ponies care for it with all their hearts. The most common cause of it would probably be, what did the princess call it...? 'Hopelessness Magic's? It causes the color to disappear from the land, and eventually living things to shrivel away. The second biggest cause would be chaos magic: it's usually triggered by hatred, violence and disharmony between ponies that feed the windigos. You see it quite a bit these days, with the war and whatnot. Battlefields turns into tainted mana wastes, with restless dead an supernatural storms, forests shrivel and even the animals of the land become cruel and savage... It would explain the wolves " she pauses at his second question
>"What do you know about the history of this town?"
"Nothing much. I'm new here, and I've spent more time looking at the inside of rotten logs than speaking with ponies. I came into the village to see if there was any hopelessness or hatred among the local ponies that would lead to nature turning on them, without me having to trot into the dark of the woods by myself... but the locals here seem pretty lively and peaceful, and we're pretty far from the front of the war, so it can't be that..." She pauses again
"There are other causes for entropy imbalance. It could be ponies abusing forbidden magic; the kind that drains life from all living things and causes widespread illness and decay. It could be a curse, a ghastly one, rooted deep within the land. It could be the influence of monsters lairing; ghouls, wraiths bogarts, wights..." She puts on a bit of a worried expression
"Trees rotten from the inside out, thick gray mists, shadows seeming gaunt and animate, wolves gathering in numbers and turning savage... If I didn't know better, I'd say a vampire placed his favorite coffin not far from here.... Somewhere to the west."
She gives a long pause, and a bit of a worried expression, turning her head to the west, as if sensing a dark presence.
Since these clues are all lies, and Posey isn't actually here to examine logs, I will make a bluff check.
[1d20+12 = (17+12) = 29]
>what do you know about what causes such areas of accelerated magical entropy?
"It's hard to say, there are so many things that could lead to it, especially in these trying times. The balance of Harmony is so fragile; Equestria is only so beautiful because the ponies care for it with all their hearts. The most common cause of it would probably be, what did the princess call it...? 'Hopelessness Magic's? It causes the color to disappear from the land, and eventually living things to shrivel away. The second biggest cause would be chaos magic: it's usually triggered by hatred, violence and disharmony between ponies that feed the windigos. You see it quite a bit these days, with the war and whatnot. Battlefields turns into tainted mana wastes, with restless dead an supernatural storms, forests shrivel and even the animals of the land become cruel and savage... It would explain the wolves " she pauses at his second question
>"What do you know about the history of this town?"
"Nothing much. I'm new here, and I've spent more time looking at the inside of rotten logs than speaking with ponies. I came into the village to see if there was any hopelessness or hatred among the local ponies that would lead to nature turning on them, without me having to trot into the dark of the woods by myself... but the locals here seem pretty lively and peaceful, and we're pretty far from the front of the war, so it can't be that..." She pauses again
"There are other causes for entropy imbalance. It could be ponies abusing forbidden magic; the kind that drains life from all living things and causes widespread illness and decay. It could be a curse, a ghastly one, rooted deep within the land. It could be the influence of monsters lairing; ghouls, wraiths bogarts, wights..." She puts on a bit of a worried expression
"Trees rotten from the inside out, thick gray mists, shadows seeming gaunt and animate, wolves gathering in numbers and turning savage... If I didn't know better, I'd say a vampire placed his favorite coffin not far from here.... Somewhere to the west."
She gives a long pause, and a bit of a worried expression, turning her head to the west, as if sensing a dark presence.
Since these clues are all lies, and Posey isn't actually here to examine logs, I will make a bluff check.
[1d20+12 = (17+12) = 29]
>>169561
August, too, takes a long pause, as if unsure of how to respond.
He tries to get a sense of Posey. And I don't mean trying to evaluate whether he'd win in a duel against her or not. He doesn't seem to want to duel her at all right now. He's looking for her emotional disposition, her attitude towards things, and how she may respond to things.
[Hidden sense motive]
August, too, takes a long pause, as if unsure of how to respond.
He tries to get a sense of Posey. And I don't mean trying to evaluate whether he'd win in a duel against her or not. He doesn't seem to want to duel her at all right now. He's looking for her emotional disposition, her attitude towards things, and how she may respond to things.
[Hidden sense motive]
>>169562
Posey is trying to project an attitude of curiosity (which is genuine), wistfulness, and a touch of helplessness, like that of a lonely necro-botanist frustrated that her higher ups wouldn't fund an escort into the woods to exercise her skills and get to the root of the tree problem.
Posey is trying to project an attitude of curiosity (which is genuine), wistfulness, and a touch of helplessness, like that of a lonely necro-botanist frustrated that her higher ups wouldn't fund an escort into the woods to exercise her skills and get to the root of the tree problem.
File (): 82D7EE245E5C9153D8792A3BDDAF2429-225168.mp4 (219.9 KB, Resolution:750x544 Length:00:00:05, downloadfile.bin (8).mp4) [play once] [loop]
>>169564
"What can I say? I'm book-smart, not pony-smart, and this is my first time in town."
Bluff
[1d20+12 = (7+12) = 19]
"What can I say? I'm book-smart, not pony-smart, and this is my first time in town."
Bluff
[1d20+12 = (7+12) = 19]
>>169566
Posey gives a shrug
"Well, since you're the first one I've talked to here, why don't you tell me the story of this little village? What is it that makes the trees cry?"
Posey gives a shrug
"Well, since you're the first one I've talked to here, why don't you tell me the story of this little village? What is it that makes the trees cry?"
>>169567
He is displeased by this evasive non-answer, but continues all the same.
"Heh heh" he moves back in his seat. "The history of vampires in Equestria is forgotten? I have done my job too well. I want you to stop and think about the implications of that. Vampires are no longer a peace of living history, but on the same level as myth and fictional creations. No one would ever dare think of Changelings that way. Not now. Not after the last 11 years, though the two magical beings are so similar. But not vampires. Just as well. Let those parasites meet the oblivion that is the fate of all weak and deviant pretenders to magical glory. And if that means that the heroes of the past are likewise forgotten, to forever rest in that same dustbin of history, so be it. Better to live on through a far-reaching legacy of glorious deeds, than to be dismissed as fabricated legend.
I can say much about this town and many others. But you would not believe me, as the facts are so fantastic as to strain credulity. And better to remain silent to the truth, than to tell the truth and be rejected as a liar. Because that's how far-removed life in Equestria today is from the world of vampires, hags, owlbears, werewolves, and other fantastical creatures, that all of these exist not even in common memory.
This is a good thing. Only the fittest survive in the struggle for life. The aberrant have failed. Now it's a question as to who shall have Equestria. The Changelings? The Duke and his Fascists? Or shall a princess again sit upon Her throne?
Yes, there was a vampire once, west of town. This I know and much more. But you needn't be concerned much about that. If there is a dying ember, it shall be stamped out. Just as forest fires leave ashen remains, and just as fungal blights leave dead trees, so too does the magical aberrant. But the fungus, which has proven stronger in the struggle for life than the aberrant, still exists to terrorize our paper and lumber industries. The aberrant does not."
He is displeased by this evasive non-answer, but continues all the same.
"Heh heh" he moves back in his seat. "The history of vampires in Equestria is forgotten? I have done my job too well. I want you to stop and think about the implications of that. Vampires are no longer a peace of living history, but on the same level as myth and fictional creations. No one would ever dare think of Changelings that way. Not now. Not after the last 11 years, though the two magical beings are so similar. But not vampires. Just as well. Let those parasites meet the oblivion that is the fate of all weak and deviant pretenders to magical glory. And if that means that the heroes of the past are likewise forgotten, to forever rest in that same dustbin of history, so be it. Better to live on through a far-reaching legacy of glorious deeds, than to be dismissed as fabricated legend.
I can say much about this town and many others. But you would not believe me, as the facts are so fantastic as to strain credulity. And better to remain silent to the truth, than to tell the truth and be rejected as a liar. Because that's how far-removed life in Equestria today is from the world of vampires, hags, owlbears, werewolves, and other fantastical creatures, that all of these exist not even in common memory.
This is a good thing. Only the fittest survive in the struggle for life. The aberrant have failed. Now it's a question as to who shall have Equestria. The Changelings? The Duke and his Fascists? Or shall a princess again sit upon Her throne?
Yes, there was a vampire once, west of town. This I know and much more. But you needn't be concerned much about that. If there is a dying ember, it shall be stamped out. Just as forest fires leave ashen remains, and just as fungal blights leave dead trees, so too does the magical aberrant. But the fungus, which has proven stronger in the struggle for life than the aberrant, still exists to terrorize our paper and lumber industries. The aberrant does not."
>>169568
Posey's eyes widen
"So it's true... That's fascinating.. all the signs were there." she says, her voice communication incredulous impression, amazement, and curiosity
>If there is a dying ember, it shall be stamped out.
"Well, good luck with the stampeding; I'm sure the trees will appreciate the favor. As for me, I have a report to write."
Posey finishes her drink and gets up, slowly walking towards the door with a swing to her hips and a swish of her tail.
However, as she goes, she glances back at him, with an enchanting gaze.
Posey attempts to use her supernatural charm ability. He needs to roll a Will save, with the same DC as before (17).
Posey's eyes widen
"So it's true... That's fascinating.. all the signs were there." she says, her voice communication incredulous impression, amazement, and curiosity
>If there is a dying ember, it shall be stamped out.
"Well, good luck with the stampeding; I'm sure the trees will appreciate the favor. As for me, I have a report to write."
Posey finishes her drink and gets up, slowly walking towards the door with a swing to her hips and a swish of her tail.
However, as she goes, she glances back at him, with an enchanting gaze.
Posey attempts to use her supernatural charm ability. He needs to roll a Will save, with the same DC as before (17).
>>169569
"Need you write it now? Or do you care for a drink?" He asks, standing up as she starts to leave.
"Need you write it now? Or do you care for a drink?" He asks, standing up as she starts to leave.
>>169570
I kind of thought they would have already had drinks, but sure.
"Oh, I guess I could stay a while." Posey replies, as she walks back to the bar.
I kind of thought they would have already had drinks, but sure.
"Oh, I guess I could stay a while." Posey replies, as she walks back to the bar.
>>169571
Perhaps they have, perhaps they haven't. All the same a slightly older mare with a red mane up in a bun and a kind of grey coat comes over when summoned by August. August himself declines a drink, stating that he has work later. August's air of guarded and vigilant comfort and confidence has been replaced with an obvious unease. Assuming Posey is okay with it, he sits back in his same chair right there in the exact corner of the room. He circles back with small talk.
"Do you travel often?"
Perhaps they have, perhaps they haven't. All the same a slightly older mare with a red mane up in a bun and a kind of grey coat comes over when summoned by August. August himself declines a drink, stating that he has work later. August's air of guarded and vigilant comfort and confidence has been replaced with an obvious unease. Assuming Posey is okay with it, he sits back in his same chair right there in the exact corner of the room. He circles back with small talk.
"Do you travel often?"
>>169572
>"Do you travel often?"
"Until lately, no. But now I've found myself traveling quite a bit, for work related reasons."
>"Do you travel often?"
"Until lately, no. But now I've found myself traveling quite a bit, for work related reasons."
>>169576
"I try to. I've read about more than I've been to though. It's related to my research." Posey replies
"I try to. I've read about more than I've been to though. It's related to my research." Posey replies
>>169578
"Decay. I'm a freelancing magewright (NPC classed professional magician), specializing in the macabre. There's always work for a Necrologist where there's war... for better or for worse..."
"Decay. I'm a freelancing magewright (NPC classed professional magician), specializing in the macabre. There's always work for a Necrologist where there's war... for better or for worse..."
>>169580
"Study, mostly. The advancement of decay, long-term effects of magical warfare, environmental impact assessments, monster habits. A bit of everything."
"Study, mostly. The advancement of decay, long-term effects of magical warfare, environmental impact assessments, monster habits. A bit of everything."
>>169582
*"Well, it's certainly made me busy, the war and it's aftermath. I've been travelling quite a bit, place to place, still.seeiny the echos of the past war."
*"Well, it's certainly made me busy, the war and it's aftermath. I've been travelling quite a bit, place to place, still.seeiny the echos of the past war."
>>169583
He blinks.
“No loved ones lost? No outrage at the invasions? No sadness at the Princess’s abdication speech? No hasty relocation from your home? No concern your stipends will have to come from a different source?”
He blinks.
“No loved ones lost? No outrage at the invasions? No sadness at the Princess’s abdication speech? No hasty relocation from your home? No concern your stipends will have to come from a different source?”
>>169584
Posey looks up in the air for a few moments, as if lost in thought.
"I didn't really have very loved ones to begin with, and I've been wandering for some time now, following the carnage and it's aftermaths... The term 'vulture' gets thrown around a lot in my profession. Can't say I blame them, but you'd think hardworking hedgemages would be more respected these days, with the Princess's academies shut down." She takes a sip of her drink and grimaces
"I try not to let the politics get to me. Tragedy is all too common in my life of work, and there's only so much I can do by myself with my practice... Sometimes I like to think that my magical thesis might change the world some day, but that's just a dream..."
Posey looks up in the air for a few moments, as if lost in thought.
"I didn't really have very loved ones to begin with, and I've been wandering for some time now, following the carnage and it's aftermaths... The term 'vulture' gets thrown around a lot in my profession. Can't say I blame them, but you'd think hardworking hedgemages would be more respected these days, with the Princess's academies shut down." She takes a sip of her drink and grimaces
"I try not to let the politics get to me. Tragedy is all too common in my life of work, and there's only so much I can do by myself with my practice... Sometimes I like to think that my magical thesis might change the world some day, but that's just a dream..."
>>169585
“Magical thesis?!?”
This clearly has him intrigued. But he answers
“How can you retreat from the politics? Many do, but I never understand it. Equestria’s cry calls her children to action. But I’ve always been a bit more active. My line of work historically has been aligned, or at least, related to yours, but quite a bit more practical in nature. You study the effects of aberrations? I find them and eliminate them. You study disharmony and chaos? I restore order.”
“Magical thesis?!?”
This clearly has him intrigued. But he answers
“How can you retreat from the politics? Many do, but I never understand it. Equestria’s cry calls her children to action. But I’ve always been a bit more active. My line of work historically has been aligned, or at least, related to yours, but quite a bit more practical in nature. You study the effects of aberrations? I find them and eliminate them. You study disharmony and chaos? I restore order.”
>>169587
Posey gives another shrug
"What can I really do? I'm only one mare, posing as a minor mage. I can't even go into the woods to finish my logging report without the mill approving an escort..." She says, her head looking to the west
She gives a whistful sigh, a bit exaggerated as she isn't quite used it it.
Posey gives another shrug
"What can I really do? I'm only one mare, posing as a minor mage. I can't even go into the woods to finish my logging report without the mill approving an escort..." She says, her head looking to the west
She gives a whistful sigh, a bit exaggerated as she isn't quite used it it.
>>169588
August moves closer to Posey. “This report must be very important to you.” August leans in, and places a hoof on an intimate area of Posey. Her flank or upper thigh if it’s exposed, or that’s covered by her robes and barding, her lower neck around her chest and shoulder. “Would you like to get closer to those afflicted areas?”
August moves closer to Posey. “This report must be very important to you.” August leans in, and places a hoof on an intimate area of Posey. Her flank or upper thigh if it’s exposed, or that’s covered by her robes and barding, her lower neck around her chest and shoulder. “Would you like to get closer to those afflicted areas?”
>>169589
>Ahahaha, sucker!
Posey leans into it slightly, her horn magically hiking up her cloak subtly to allow easier access to her exposed flank.
She pouts
"I reeeeeeally would..! But how would defenseless mare like me do such a thing?"
>Ahahaha, sucker!
Posey leans into it slightly, her horn magically hiking up her cloak subtly to allow easier access to her exposed flank.
She pouts
"I reeeeeeally would..! But how would defenseless mare like me do such a thing?"
>>169590
"I could escort you myself." He lifts up his robes with his magic to show off his armor, and probably his physique.
"Do you know where you are staying tonight?" He asks
"I could escort you myself." He lifts up his robes with his magic to show off his armor, and probably his physique.
"Do you know where you are staying tonight?" He asks
>>169591
"Oh, I don't know about that, I might have to go by morning..." Posey replies
"But, if you would be willing to escort me, I would really..."
She leans in and whispers in his ear
".. owe you a favor."
"Oh, I don't know about that, I might have to go by morning..." Posey replies
"But, if you would be willing to escort me, I would really..."
She leans in and whispers in his ear
".. owe you a favor."
>>169592
"Heh" He bats her ear, and then takes the foreleg he does not have on her flank and wraps it around her neck bringing the two together, albeit separated by robes and armor.
"Why don't you stay with me tonight?" He asks "We can set out before the light. I can show you much you've never seen and have only imagined."
He moves his face, rubs it against Posey's, and then nips her ear.
"It'll be far more interesting than a simple report."
"Heh" He bats her ear, and then takes the foreleg he does not have on her flank and wraps it around her neck bringing the two together, albeit separated by robes and armor.
"Why don't you stay with me tonight?" He asks "We can set out before the light. I can show you much you've never seen and have only imagined."
He moves his face, rubs it against Posey's, and then nips her ear.
"It'll be far more interesting than a simple report."
>>169593
"Hmmmmmm..." Posey pretends to consider it for a moment
"If I we can set out before the light, that could work out..." she flicks her ear, as if ticklish
"I think I could stay the night. The night is young, and I'm still so full of... Energy."
"Hmmmmmm..." Posey pretends to consider it for a moment
"If I we can set out before the light, that could work out..." she flicks her ear, as if ticklish
"I think I could stay the night. The night is young, and I'm still so full of... Energy."
>>169594
He smiles giddily.
"I think we can arrange this. How about you and I go somewhere with a little more privacy, so we can get to know each other just a little better?"
He smiles giddily.
"I think we can arrange this. How about you and I go somewhere with a little more privacy, so we can get to know each other just a little better?"
>>169596
"Let me... set somethings up. I need to make arrangements" He tells her.
"Be right back"
August leaves Posey alone for a minute or so, though only a couple minutes as he goes over, talks to the leader, talks to a couple stallions, and then oddly leaves the room
"Let me... set somethings up. I need to make arrangements" He tells her.
"Be right back"
August leaves Posey alone for a minute or so, though only a couple minutes as he goes over, talks to the leader, talks to a couple stallions, and then oddly leaves the room
>>169598
In essence, August tells the leader that he is looking to move out in a few hours, and states that it's the safest approach. He tells him that he will be bringing along a necro botanist that will help... somehow. He complains, but eventually is persuaded. He tells a couple stallions they will be moving out later in the night. One stallion is pissed off at August for unknown reasons, and August tries to calm him down, patting him, but eventually just has to promise he'll talk to him later. August asks some local pony, presumably the owner, for keys to a room, and also asks where the phone is. He then goes into the back to make a phone call. The phone call is something he's not really comfortable letting Posey near him for.
But he returns to Posey, holding a set of keys
In essence, August tells the leader that he is looking to move out in a few hours, and states that it's the safest approach. He tells him that he will be bringing along a necro botanist that will help... somehow. He complains, but eventually is persuaded. He tells a couple stallions they will be moving out later in the night. One stallion is pissed off at August for unknown reasons, and August tries to calm him down, patting him, but eventually just has to promise he'll talk to him later. August asks some local pony, presumably the owner, for keys to a room, and also asks where the phone is. He then goes into the back to make a phone call. The phone call is something he's not really comfortable letting Posey near him for.
But he returns to Posey, holding a set of keys
>>169600
With an aura of magic, August takes the keys out of his mouth, and answers Posey
"Of course. Follow me." He moves past Posey, rubbing against her, though little of their coats can connect. August looks back towards the wall, and picks up a very long "jacket" that obviously hides a long and thin weapon, and starts to take it with him. He then walks past her, down a hallway, up a set of stairs, and to a door that is locked. He takes the keys, unlocks it, and opens into a simple small bedroom with a wooden floor and nice enough bed. There is a connected bathroom.
With an aura of magic, August takes the keys out of his mouth, and answers Posey
"Of course. Follow me." He moves past Posey, rubbing against her, though little of their coats can connect. August looks back towards the wall, and picks up a very long "jacket" that obviously hides a long and thin weapon, and starts to take it with him. He then walks past her, down a hallway, up a set of stairs, and to a door that is locked. He takes the keys, unlocks it, and opens into a simple small bedroom with a wooden floor and nice enough bed. There is a connected bathroom.
>trust me, bro, exploring the vampire lair at night is safer
>we're going to bring this mare I just met.
I love charm spells.
>>169601
"Let me just freshen up for a moment, darling." Posey says, as she trots to the bathroom
There, Posey removes her grotesque barding (which takes one minute to remove), and wraps it in her cloak in a bundle.
She steps into the shower, and turns the notch up hot, really hot. Hot enough that a living creature would write in pain and maybe take subdual damage. She showers for a few minutes, "freshing up" until she's confident that her body temperature is well above room temperature and any traces of rigor mortis are extinguished from her joints.
She dries herself with a towel, undoes her war-bun, and exits the bathroom.
Her stark white coat is freshly fluffed, puffing out in front of her chest, and her mane, long and lustrous, almost seems more alluring while disheveled. There's an ominous amber glow to her golden eyes, and she glides across the room with the grace of a ballerina.
"Now, where were we...?" she says, biting her lip ever so slightly
>we're going to bring this mare I just met.
I love charm spells.
>>169601
"Let me just freshen up for a moment, darling." Posey says, as she trots to the bathroom
There, Posey removes her grotesque barding (which takes one minute to remove), and wraps it in her cloak in a bundle.
She steps into the shower, and turns the notch up hot, really hot. Hot enough that a living creature would write in pain and maybe take subdual damage. She showers for a few minutes, "freshing up" until she's confident that her body temperature is well above room temperature and any traces of rigor mortis are extinguished from her joints.
She dries herself with a towel, undoes her war-bun, and exits the bathroom.
Her stark white coat is freshly fluffed, puffing out in front of her chest, and her mane, long and lustrous, almost seems more alluring while disheveled. There's an ominous amber glow to her golden eyes, and she glides across the room with the grace of a ballerina.
"Now, where were we...?" she says, biting her lip ever so slightly
>>169603
It's entirely up to you to do it, shorten it, or find some way for Posey to avoid it. I think you know my position on the subject
>>169603
It kind of makes sense for them to do it all in one night because they want to get out before anyone notices
All of my keks at Posey using hot water to give the illusion of body heat
Posey may return into the bedroom to see August laying on his stomach. He has taken off his robe, but proudly wears his silvery armor, though without his helmet, letting it flow down. He's a reasonably strong and big stallion, although hardly the biggest or biggest muscled Posey has ever seen. Whatever he has won in the past was likely not accomplished through brute strength alone. Posey can see that he placed his long weapon on a chair next to the bed, still covered with the jacket as if he didn't want Posey to see.
He answers her.
"Getting to know each other."
His own turquoise eyes nearly glisten as he waits for her
It's entirely up to you to do it, shorten it, or find some way for Posey to avoid it. I think you know my position on the subject
>>169603
It kind of makes sense for them to do it all in one night because they want to get out before anyone notices
All of my keks at Posey using hot water to give the illusion of body heat
Posey may return into the bedroom to see August laying on his stomach. He has taken off his robe, but proudly wears his silvery armor, though without his helmet, letting it flow down. He's a reasonably strong and big stallion, although hardly the biggest or biggest muscled Posey has ever seen. Whatever he has won in the past was likely not accomplished through brute strength alone. Posey can see that he placed his long weapon on a chair next to the bed, still covered with the jacket as if he didn't want Posey to see.
He answers her.
"Getting to know each other."
His own turquoise eyes nearly glisten as he waits for her
>>169604
*Sighs*
Mama didn't raise no quitter.
Posey moseys up to him, swinging her hips as she strides. She rears up and puts her forehooves on the front of the bed, beaming down at him with an almost-sinister smile, per perfect teeth gleaming in the night.
"Then let me show you what kind of mare I am." she says, in a singsong voice as she climbs onto the bed and straddles him
*Sighs*
Mama didn't raise no quitter.
Posey moseys up to him, swinging her hips as she strides. She rears up and puts her forehooves on the front of the bed, beaming down at him with an almost-sinister smile, per perfect teeth gleaming in the night.
"Then let me show you what kind of mare I am." she says, in a singsong voice as she climbs onto the bed and straddles him
>>169605
On the plus side, Posey may be able to successfully obtain the booty without ever fighting the boss, simply by giving the boss some booty
If she is looking to mount him, he rolls over onto his back to allow her easier access
"I figured you were hiding something under those robes" he says, waiting for her to come close enough to touch
On the plus side, Posey may be able to successfully obtain the booty without ever fighting the boss, simply by giving the boss some booty
If she is looking to mount him, he rolls over onto his back to allow her easier access
"I figured you were hiding something under those robes" he says, waiting for her to come close enough to touch
>>169607
Posey appears plump, curvy, and generally well-proportioned, but also quite slender and elegant with dainty hooves that tap the ground ever do slightly. She evidently hasn't had any trouble dieting or getting enough exercise. She moves with supernatural grace, like a dancer.
>>169606
Posey, ever the conqueress, gets on top, her plump little pony teats jiggling and oscillating as they nestle on either side of her prize as she assumes the optimal position. She puts her forehooves on either side of his head, crashing her head upwards.
(The takes advantage of her totally-relevant racial bonus to climb checks doing so.)
August can feel her velvety fur, just faintly grazing against him, just ever so slightly out of reach, inching closer and closer, before suddenly, she stops.
She looks down at him, with a callous, paralyzed face, as blank and pitiless as the sun. Her golden eyes peer right through his soul.
"Beg for it."
Intimidate check
[1d20+11 = (17+11) = 28]
Posey appears plump, curvy, and generally well-proportioned, but also quite slender and elegant with dainty hooves that tap the ground ever do slightly. She evidently hasn't had any trouble dieting or getting enough exercise. She moves with supernatural grace, like a dancer.
>>169606
Posey, ever the conqueress, gets on top, her plump little pony teats jiggling and oscillating as they nestle on either side of her prize as she assumes the optimal position. She puts her forehooves on either side of his head, crashing her head upwards.
(The takes advantage of her totally-relevant racial bonus to climb checks doing so.)
August can feel her velvety fur, just faintly grazing against him, just ever so slightly out of reach, inching closer and closer, before suddenly, she stops.
She looks down at him, with a callous, paralyzed face, as blank and pitiless as the sun. Her golden eyes peer right through his soul.
"Beg for it."
Intimidate check
[1d20+11 = (17+11) = 28]
>>169608
HIs eyes reflect back slightly, almost like glass
His smile fades as he stares up into the mare's eyes. His horn glows blue-green, and Posey may be able to hear or feel him undoing his armor straps
"pls" he says, meekly
HIs eyes reflect back slightly, almost like glass
His smile fades as he stares up into the mare's eyes. His horn glows blue-green, and Posey may be able to hear or feel him undoing his armor straps
"pls" he says, meekly
>>169610
Wtf, he's still wearing armor after the shower?
>pls
Posey rips him out of his armor in , and pins him to the bed with her magic, before plopping herself on top of him and going to town, jackhammering into his pelvis like they're no tomorrow. She kisses up and down the side of his neck, before giving him a long lick, like he's a lollipop, purring into his ear as her hips go to work.
Idk what level of detail you're interested in, but regardless of that, Auist would find that in the bed Posey is domineering, energetic, insatiable, gluttonous, and NEVER gets tired. There is grappling, there is nibbling (biting even), there is swapping countless positions, and there is aggressive eye contact the whole time.
Because I feel like it, I will roll a perform check to see how well this goes, following the guidelines in the BoEF. I'm applying a +2 circumstance bonus for the charm, and an additional +2 for the successful intimidate check.
Although this could count as a group check, so it might be the better of two rolls.
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
Wtf, he's still wearing armor after the shower?
>pls
Posey rips him out of his armor in , and pins him to the bed with her magic, before plopping herself on top of him and going to town, jackhammering into his pelvis like they're no tomorrow. She kisses up and down the side of his neck, before giving him a long lick, like he's a lollipop, purring into his ear as her hips go to work.
Idk what level of detail you're interested in, but regardless of that, Auist would find that in the bed Posey is domineering, energetic, insatiable, gluttonous, and NEVER gets tired. There is grappling, there is nibbling (biting even), there is swapping countless positions, and there is aggressive eye contact the whole time.
Because I feel like it, I will roll a perform check to see how well this goes, following the guidelines in the BoEF. I'm applying a +2 circumstance bonus for the charm, and an additional +2 for the successful intimidate check.
Although this could count as a group check, so it might be the better of two rolls.
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
>>169611
Yes. He was still wearing it. August doesn't seem to be able to quite match her energy or determination, but he's far from inactive. He uses his magic to pull and rub at her teats, and then to rub her clitoris, even or especially after he penetrates her. There is strength to his trusts even as she is on top of him. He successful, at least presumably, in wrestling her onto her back, at which point he starts to thrust into her almost violently, closing his eyes and snorting. His penis, at points thrust deeper into her than is comfortable, is pleasantly long. For a warm blooded living creature, he feels rather cool.
>>169612
Posey is almost certainly not the first Vampire or semi-vampire to look at a professional vampire hunting paladin and think "I'm going to get him to cum in me." She is, however, very likely the first to do so in this great, last final crusade. And in that, she may take pride.
Yes. He was still wearing it. August doesn't seem to be able to quite match her energy or determination, but he's far from inactive. He uses his magic to pull and rub at her teats, and then to rub her clitoris, even or especially after he penetrates her. There is strength to his trusts even as she is on top of him. He successful, at least presumably, in wrestling her onto her back, at which point he starts to thrust into her almost violently, closing his eyes and snorting. His penis, at points thrust deeper into her than is comfortable, is pleasantly long. For a warm blooded living creature, he feels rather cool.
>>169612
Posey is almost certainly not the first Vampire or semi-vampire to look at a professional vampire hunting paladin and think "I'm going to get him to cum in me." She is, however, very likely the first to do so in this great, last final crusade. And in that, she may take pride.
>>169613
Posey locks him in position as she's flipped into her back and demands that he go harder, harder and harder
"Mess me up!" is one of her cries, as she goads him on with zero concern for potential damage to her plumbing.
Posey locks him in position as she's flipped into her back and demands that he go harder, harder and harder
"Mess me up!" is one of her cries, as she goads him on with zero concern for potential damage to her plumbing.
>>169614
[Hidden Strength check]
He tries, and succeeds to some real degree, thrusting rather hard and deep. He stands above her to do this, occasionally letting the soft fur of his belly touch her. His testicles repeatedly slap against her.
Before he even turns her over, Posey can feel him ejaculate inside of her, with an amount of liquid that is almost disappointingly small enter into her. It doesn't stop him at all, however.
[Hidden Strength check]
He tries, and succeeds to some real degree, thrusting rather hard and deep. He stands above her to do this, occasionally letting the soft fur of his belly touch her. His testicles repeatedly slap against her.
Before he even turns her over, Posey can feel him ejaculate inside of her, with an amount of liquid that is almost disappointingly small enter into her. It doesn't stop him at all, however.
Posey purrs, not skipping a best with her movements, and more than willing to continue until August is exhausted or dead.
Although, she needs him to lead her through the forest, so maybe not tonight.
"Quite the fighter you are." she says, nonchalantly, with a swing of her tail as she stretches herself out like a cat.
"So, will you be ready to explore soon, or do you need a while to... catch your breath?"
Although, she needs him to lead her through the forest, so maybe not tonight.
"Quite the fighter you are." she says, nonchalantly, with a swing of her tail as she stretches herself out like a cat.
"So, will you be ready to explore soon, or do you need a while to... catch your breath?"
>>169620
He gets off of the bed, breathes heavily, and looks over to her with a rather grave expression. He takes a moment to respond, but he does answer
"Let me clean up. We will head out in a few minutes, assuming the colts are ready."
Now August, who did not shower before, goes into the bathroom and quickly showers. He takes his robe and his pieces of armor. Oddly, he takes his weapons with him too.
He gets off of the bed, breathes heavily, and looks over to her with a rather grave expression. He takes a moment to respond, but he does answer
"Let me clean up. We will head out in a few minutes, assuming the colts are ready."
Now August, who did not shower before, goes into the bathroom and quickly showers. He takes his robe and his pieces of armor. Oddly, he takes his weapons with him too.
>>169621
Posey grabs and levitates her cloak bundle from out of the bathroom before she showers. She makes quick work putting her barding back on and concealing it beneath her cloak. She makes sure all of her implements are in place before waiting for August to finish up.
Well, this session was... Something
I'm getting tired, and I think this is a good stopping point. I'm glad with the progress so far. I'd like to explore the forest this weekend, if we have the time.
Posey grabs and levitates her cloak bundle from out of the bathroom before she showers. She makes quick work putting her barding back on and concealing it beneath her cloak. She makes sure all of her implements are in place before waiting for August to finish up.
Well, this session was... Something
I'm getting tired, and I think this is a good stopping point. I'm glad with the progress so far. I'd like to explore the forest this weekend, if we have the time.
>>169622
I wasn't really expecting things to go this way, but it certainly makes sense, and will work. I think we can explore the forest this weekend, but we'll see.
August comes out, wearing his armor, with no robe into the room.
Posey can finally see what August was carrying: a pump action shotgun with a long, wooden handguard, and a sword sheathed in its scabbard, although the angle is wrong to see much of it.
I wasn't really expecting things to go this way, but it certainly makes sense, and will work. I think we can explore the forest this weekend, but we'll see.
August comes out, wearing his armor, with no robe into the room.
Posey can finally see what August was carrying: a pump action shotgun with a long, wooden handguard, and a sword sheathed in its scabbard, although the angle is wrong to see much of it.
I gotta admit...Silver would be quite jealous of what August got just now
>>169624
Posey might still kill him after this, should the opportunity arise. He is a paladin afterall. We'll see how it goes.
Posey might still kill him after this, should the opportunity arise. He is a paladin afterall. We'll see how it goes.
>>169623
"Shall we be off then?" Posey says, having now put on her own equipment and wrapped herself in her cloak.
"Shall we be off then?" Posey says, having now put on her own equipment and wrapped herself in her cloak.
Posey follows August out of the room
>>169631
His disposition is fairly serious now, and he places on his helmet, which between it's silvery-stainless steel coloring and lack of plume causing it to resemble portrayals of Nightmare Moon.
"We're not going alone." He answers
>>169633
The closest resemblance is Equestrian Royal Guard armor, save that it is silvery in color (probably stainless steel), and the decorative frills around the chest are replaced with a single, solid chest plate.
>>169631
He goes down stairs, and approaches the leader. He tells him "Get ready to go. Now." The leader replies "That didn't take long," which receives a "shut up" as he walks away. He goes to the stallion who was angry at him before, and who has been watching him across the room. He takes him, and pulls him away in private. He goes into a room and closes the door. There is a bit of yelling, but he leaves the room after that, not seeming to have resolved the conflict. He goes back to the leader, and takes him into private as well. In this time, the other stallions are gathering their gear. When August is finished, he paces out towards the door, and looks outside and into the sky, anxiously.
His disposition is fairly serious now, and he places on his helmet, which between it's silvery-stainless steel coloring and lack of plume causing it to resemble portrayals of Nightmare Moon.
"We're not going alone." He answers
>>169633
The closest resemblance is Equestrian Royal Guard armor, save that it is silvery in color (probably stainless steel), and the decorative frills around the chest are replaced with a single, solid chest plate.
>>169631
He goes down stairs, and approaches the leader. He tells him "Get ready to go. Now." The leader replies "That didn't take long," which receives a "shut up" as he walks away. He goes to the stallion who was angry at him before, and who has been watching him across the room. He takes him, and pulls him away in private. He goes into a room and closes the door. There is a bit of yelling, but he leaves the room after that, not seeming to have resolved the conflict. He goes back to the leader, and takes him into private as well. In this time, the other stallions are gathering their gear. When August is finished, he paces out towards the door, and looks outside and into the sky, anxiously.
>>169634
Just because Posey can, she's going to take this opportunity to try to charm the other members of the team, making eye contact to whoever will meet her gaze, if any.
Same DC, 17.
Regardless of if she succeeds or fails, she goes out to meet with August anyway.
"Troubled?"
Just because Posey can, she's going to take this opportunity to try to charm the other members of the team, making eye contact to whoever will meet her gaze, if any.
Same DC, 17.
Regardless of if she succeeds or fails, she goes out to meet with August anyway.
"Troubled?"
>>169635
Posey goes through the members of the team. It can be a bit hard to grab their attention, although being an attractive mare, being associated with August, or just being a moving object in their peripheral vision, can get the attention of most. The one stallion that has problems with August stares at her, or rather, glares at her. This does not cease. The leader smiles at her.
When he meets with August, he seems almost caught off-guard
"Huh? All is fine."
Posey goes through the members of the team. It can be a bit hard to grab their attention, although being an attractive mare, being associated with August, or just being a moving object in their peripheral vision, can get the attention of most. The one stallion that has problems with August stares at her, or rather, glares at her. This does not cease. The leader smiles at her.
When he meets with August, he seems almost caught off-guard
"Huh? All is fine."
>>169638
He looks back to her.
"It seems that a few of our soldiers defied orders not to drink. Our commander wants to give them a minute to sober up, as well as to gather enough electric torches for the trip. Just as well. I need to scout ahead, to make sure I can connect with the trail. I think you should stay here with them, and move out towards the river with them." He tells her
He looks back to her.
"It seems that a few of our soldiers defied orders not to drink. Our commander wants to give them a minute to sober up, as well as to gather enough electric torches for the trip. Just as well. I need to scout ahead, to make sure I can connect with the trail. I think you should stay here with them, and move out towards the river with them." He tells her
>>169639
"That's alright with me. I'll be right here. Stay safe." Posey replies
it's gotten late. Idk how much longer I can stay up.
"That's alright with me. I'll be right here. Stay safe." Posey replies
it's gotten late. Idk how much longer I can stay up.
Aaaaand I just realized that a major plot point is dependent on Posey acting in a very specific way.
>>169642
If you intended for Posey to follow him into the woods, I'll just do that. Whatever moves the plot forwards.
If you intended for Posey to follow him into the woods, I'll just do that. Whatever moves the plot forwards.
>>169647
Well, Posey's plan was going well so far, so her first response would be to do as she's told.
Then again, this could be an opportunity to find the lair before the rest of the group, so maybe she should follow.
Actually, that's exactly what she'll do.
Posey discreetly leaves the building.
She takes advantage of her Darkvision and her bonus to stealth to tail August.
Well, Posey's plan was going well so far, so her first response would be to do as she's told.
Then again, this could be an opportunity to find the lair before the rest of the group, so maybe she should follow.
Actually, that's exactly what she'll do.
Posey discreetly leaves the building.
She takes advantage of her Darkvision and her bonus to stealth to tail August.
>>169650
Well, I could follow that up with a bluff check, but given this time of night that wouldn't really be feasible.
So if August notices Posey, she trots up to him and announces that she's coming too. If he asks why she says that the drunk stallions were making passes at her.
Well, I could follow that up with a bluff check, but given this time of night that wouldn't really be feasible.
So if August notices Posey, she trots up to him and announces that she's coming too. If he asks why she says that the drunk stallions were making passes at her.
>>169648
>>169649
>>169650
>>169651
He runs off into the woods with haste. He carries an electric torch, his shotgun (mostly on a sling), and another notable peiece of equipment, a radio set. The woods can be obnoxious to traverse, with bushes and thorn brush, though sometimes clear paths of dead leaves, grass, or soft ferns allow for easy walking, and naturally this is the path August tends to take, until he finds a trail and walks along that. Conifers and a hoof full of evergreen broadleafs are present, but the overwhelming majority of the trees are deciduous in character, meaning the forest is overwhelming populated by leafless, barren trees. As such, visibility is much higher than might be expected at different points in the year. August's path is mostly straight west, but actually moves a bit north. He seems more concerned with periodically looking up into the sky than carefully examining limbs, and prefers more open areas. At one point he goes into a meadow, which turns out to be a field with a nearby farmhouse. He turns off the light, and walks around the edge, before going back on a trail. At more than one point, he takes the radio and speaks into it, conversing over it. His words are not recognizable, though not because of interference, as the night is quiet.
He stops more than once to listen..
Which ends in him turning his torch directly at Posey.
>>169652
Naturally
>>169649
>>169650
>>169651
He runs off into the woods with haste. He carries an electric torch, his shotgun (mostly on a sling), and another notable peiece of equipment, a radio set. The woods can be obnoxious to traverse, with bushes and thorn brush, though sometimes clear paths of dead leaves, grass, or soft ferns allow for easy walking, and naturally this is the path August tends to take, until he finds a trail and walks along that. Conifers and a hoof full of evergreen broadleafs are present, but the overwhelming majority of the trees are deciduous in character, meaning the forest is overwhelming populated by leafless, barren trees. As such, visibility is much higher than might be expected at different points in the year. August's path is mostly straight west, but actually moves a bit north. He seems more concerned with periodically looking up into the sky than carefully examining limbs, and prefers more open areas. At one point he goes into a meadow, which turns out to be a field with a nearby farmhouse. He turns off the light, and walks around the edge, before going back on a trail. At more than one point, he takes the radio and speaks into it, conversing over it. His words are not recognizable, though not because of interference, as the night is quiet.
He stops more than once to listen..
Which ends in him turning his torch directly at Posey.
>>169652
Naturally
>>169656
Fuck. There's nothing more powerful than the sight of a frightened or saddened mare
He breathes in heavily, and is silent for a couple moments. He actually seems frightened more than annoyed.
"How long have you been following me, it's... you know it's not safe out here? Or rather, it could become very much not safe quickly."
Fuck. There's nothing more powerful than the sight of a frightened or saddened mare
He breathes in heavily, and is silent for a couple moments. He actually seems frightened more than annoyed.
"How long have you been following me, it's... you know it's not safe out here? Or rather, it could become very much not safe quickly."
>>169657
"I know... I told you about the signs, didn't I?" Posey replies
"If you got hurt, who would call for backup? Better I tag along." She says
Gonna roll an opposed Cha check to goad him to do something he might not normally do. I'm applying a +1 Circumstance bonus for that prior Perform check.
[1d20+5 = (2+5) = 7]
"I know... I told you about the signs, didn't I?" Posey replies
"If you got hurt, who would call for backup? Better I tag along." She says
Gonna roll an opposed Cha check to goad him to do something he might not normally do. I'm applying a +1 Circumstance bonus for that prior Perform check.
[1d20+5 = (2+5) = 7]
>>169658
"No. I am scouting alone for a reason. Why don't you stay here where it is safe? Or better, go back?"
"No. I am scouting alone for a reason. Why don't you stay here where it is safe? Or better, go back?"
>>169660
"Alright, I'll stay here... Just be careful." Posey says, pouting cutely
This is actually a lie, Posey intends to follow him, but is waiting to do so until he's a good distance away so that she can be beyond detection.
Bluff
[1d20+12 = (20+12) = 32]
"Alright, I'll stay here... Just be careful." Posey says, pouting cutely
This is actually a lie, Posey intends to follow him, but is waiting to do so until he's a good distance away so that she can be beyond detection.
Bluff
[1d20+12 = (20+12) = 32]
>>169661
He stares at her, then walks up to her, smiling. He takes his hoof, and places it on her cheeks. "You are a precious one, aren't you? Stay here then, away from those dissolute colts. I'll pick you up on my way back. Okay?" He takes his other hoof, and holds onto her in a rather possessive way.
He stares at her, then walks up to her, smiling. He takes his hoof, and places it on her cheeks. "You are a precious one, aren't you? Stay here then, away from those dissolute colts. I'll pick you up on my way back. Okay?" He takes his other hoof, and holds onto her in a rather possessive way.
>>169662
"Okay..." Posey says
>>169663
Posey waits until August leaves. Once he's a good 120 hooves away, she slowly follows.
Given the distance, Posey has the breathing room to take 10 on her check to tail August. Leaving nothing to chance, she takes 10, for a modified 19, before lighting conditions come into play, slowly prowling after him.
"Okay..." Posey says
>>169663
Posey waits until August leaves. Once he's a good 120 hooves away, she slowly follows.
Given the distance, Posey has the breathing room to take 10 on her check to tail August. Leaving nothing to chance, she takes 10, for a modified 19, before lighting conditions come into play, slowly prowling after him.
>>169664
>>169667
Posey stays a bit behind him. She cannot hear him, but she can see him. He will again pause, and speak into the radio, and look towards the sky. The forest is rather mundane. There are no signs of decay nor ash, nor decrepit wolves, nor supernatural mists. Posey hears a loud buzzing sound swoop overhead, and August runs into a clearing. In the clearing, he takes out what seems to be a gun, and shoots it up into the air. It releases a ball of light that illuminates August's silvery armor, then the green grass below him, and then the brown, barren trees, until it flies into the sky, hangs a moment, and arcs down, slowly coming to the ground. The meadow is illuminated nearly bright as day for perhaps a full minute.
The buzzing returns, and a small, flying craft appears overhead, itself having a light on. Something black falls out, which in turn is kept aloft in the air by large white sheets. It falls to the ground surprisingly quickly, and lands right on the edge of the meadow. August runs after it.
>>169667
Posey stays a bit behind him. She cannot hear him, but she can see him. He will again pause, and speak into the radio, and look towards the sky. The forest is rather mundane. There are no signs of decay nor ash, nor decrepit wolves, nor supernatural mists. Posey hears a loud buzzing sound swoop overhead, and August runs into a clearing. In the clearing, he takes out what seems to be a gun, and shoots it up into the air. It releases a ball of light that illuminates August's silvery armor, then the green grass below him, and then the brown, barren trees, until it flies into the sky, hangs a moment, and arcs down, slowly coming to the ground. The meadow is illuminated nearly bright as day for perhaps a full minute.
The buzzing returns, and a small, flying craft appears overhead, itself having a light on. Something black falls out, which in turn is kept aloft in the air by large white sheets. It falls to the ground surprisingly quickly, and lands right on the edge of the meadow. August runs after it.
>>169676
August comes back, and encounters Posey. He is carrying a very heavy, black bag. He smiles, and looks towards Posey.
"Ready?" He asks
August comes back, and encounters Posey. He is carrying a very heavy, black bag. He smiles, and looks towards Posey.
"Ready?" He asks
>>169678
A pause, then he looks back to her with a smile
"I found the remains of a cart, which seems to have been connected with what happened here before. There were some items in and around it that were interesting enough to put in this bag I have. But I know that that cart marks the northern most point of where our former vampire came and went. He expired down closer to the river, and that is where my teammates will be."
A pause, then he looks back to her with a smile
"I found the remains of a cart, which seems to have been connected with what happened here before. There were some items in and around it that were interesting enough to put in this bag I have. But I know that that cart marks the northern most point of where our former vampire came and went. He expired down closer to the river, and that is where my teammates will be."
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>>169681
"Surely it can't be much" He says. "It's been gone for decades."
He takes the radio, and moves around a switch, evidently changing channels. Then he picks it up and speaks into it.
"Succored Brave? Succored Brave? This is August. Come in? We're coming your way. The botanist found me. She's with me."
"Surely it can't be much" He says. "It's been gone for decades."
He takes the radio, and moves around a switch, evidently changing channels. Then he picks it up and speaks into it.
"Succored Brave? Succored Brave? This is August. Come in? We're coming your way. The botanist found me. She's with me."
>>169682
As Posey follows August, she asks a question.
"Say, how exactly did that vampire die anyway? I heard they're notoriously hard to kill."
As Posey follows August, she asks a question.
"Say, how exactly did that vampire die anyway? I heard they're notoriously hard to kill."
>>169685
"Ah, river water. That'll do the trick... And here I was worrying that he might've respawned in his coffin."
"Ah, river water. That'll do the trick... And here I was worrying that he might've respawned in his coffin."
And it looks like I will be out for several hours
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>>169682
Once the rest of the group arrives, Posey looks them over.
How many ponies are they in total?
How many are pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies?
Posey decides to use the assess opponent action, to size up the group's leader.
[1d20+2 = (5+2) = 7]
And she does so again for each other pony in the group, for them taking 10 for a modified 12.
Once the rest of the group arrives, Posey looks them over.
How many ponies are they in total?
How many are pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies?
Posey decides to use the assess opponent action, to size up the group's leader.
[1d20+2 = (5+2) = 7]
And she does so again for each other pony in the group, for them taking 10 for a modified 12.
>>169700
I guess the leader's strength will remain a mystery.
What kind of equipment are they using? Weapons, armor, explosives?
I guess the leader's strength will remain a mystery.
What kind of equipment are they using? Weapons, armor, explosives?
>>169686
>>169687
Posey may have wished for a silent trip back, but August does not. If Posey had hoped that August would just ignore her getting what he wanted earlier, those hopes are dashed when he starts to ask her the following questions:
He smiles, and looks to her
"I never got your name?"
And later,
"What sparked your interest in vampires?"
And
"What was this 'magical thesis' you spoke of?"
>>169687
Posey may have wished for a silent trip back, but August does not. If Posey had hoped that August would just ignore her getting what he wanted earlier, those hopes are dashed when he starts to ask her the following questions:
He smiles, and looks to her
"I never got your name?"
And later,
"What sparked your interest in vampires?"
And
"What was this 'magical thesis' you spoke of?"
>>169702
>name
"Call me Posey."
>what sparked your interest in vampires
"My mother was bitten by one, many years ago."
>'magical thesis'
"The effects of magical decay and entropic forces on the environment, and how to control them."
These are all true, although they omit certain details.
>name
"Call me Posey."
>what sparked your interest in vampires
"My mother was bitten by one, many years ago."
>'magical thesis'
"The effects of magical decay and entropic forces on the environment, and how to control them."
These are all true, although they omit certain details.
>>169703
Also
"Which company were you working for, exactly?"
And
"What do you hope to accomplish by going to this lair?"
Also
"Which company were you working for, exactly?"
And
"What do you hope to accomplish by going to this lair?"
>>169704
"The paper mill. They're interested on whatever might effect the quality of the wood in the area. Not interested enough to find an escort though."
>accomplish
"The presence of a vampire has many widespread regional effects that can linger for years after the vampire is slain. You can sometimes even see the years that a vampire lurker in an area by examining the rings on nearby trees. I want to get a close examination of where the vampire lived to approximate the long-term effects of vampirism on the area, particularly around the coffin. I speculate that presence of vampires could have permanent effects on a region and its wildlife, and those effects might vary by the vampire's age."
"The paper mill. They're interested on whatever might effect the quality of the wood in the area. Not interested enough to find an escort though."
>accomplish
"The presence of a vampire has many widespread regional effects that can linger for years after the vampire is slain. You can sometimes even see the years that a vampire lurker in an area by examining the rings on nearby trees. I want to get a close examination of where the vampire lived to approximate the long-term effects of vampirism on the area, particularly around the coffin. I speculate that presence of vampires could have permanent effects on a region and its wildlife, and those effects might vary by the vampire's age."
>>169706
>>169700
Three unicorns (including the leader), two pegasi, one earth pony. The leader has a gun made out of angry looking pipes that oddly has the magazine sticking up from the gun, rather than down. Two others carry military bolt action rifles with bayonets, and then three carry "civilian" style bolt action rifles with no bayonets or handguards. Only the leader appears to have any armor, and he wears a flak jacket. Well, all of them have helmets, which is something.
>>169700
Three unicorns (including the leader), two pegasi, one earth pony. The leader has a gun made out of angry looking pipes that oddly has the magazine sticking up from the gun, rather than down. Two others carry military bolt action rifles with bayonets, and then three carry "civilian" style bolt action rifles with no bayonets or handguards. Only the leader appears to have any armor, and he wears a flak jacket. Well, all of them have helmets, which is something.
>>169707
What stats do you use for flak jackets? I don't have my d20 Modern files readily accessible right now.
Do any of these guns look like they're of the quality to be magical (masterwork)? Particularly the leader's gun.
What stats do you use for flak jackets? I don't have my d20 Modern files readily accessible right now.
Do any of these guns look like they're of the quality to be magical (masterwork)? Particularly the leader's gun.
>>169708
Same as a chain shirt
None of the weapons appear to be masterwork (with the potential exception of August and one civilian gun). August's gun actually looks more cheaply made than any of them. All of them, save for one civilian rifle, are clearly made to be mass produced, mostly for conscript armies, and all but the one can be used by Earth Ponies and Pegasi
Same as a chain shirt
None of the weapons appear to be masterwork (with the potential exception of August and one civilian gun). August's gun actually looks more cheaply made than any of them. All of them, save for one civilian rifle, are clearly made to be mass produced, mostly for conscript armies, and all but the one can be used by Earth Ponies and Pegasi
Sorry for my absence, I'll be back soon. Posey has done a lot…oh my, that was fast. Looks like a fun adventure!
>>169559
Not GM but I understand that, and this is one of the hardest campaigns to commit to considering it's so long. Some people are naturally better cut out for one-session adventures. Maybe you'll be able to work something out with a short-term character?
>>169559
Not GM but I understand that, and this is one of the hardest campaigns to commit to considering it's so long. Some people are naturally better cut out for one-session adventures. Maybe you'll be able to work something out with a short-term character?
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>>169705
He seems to be satisfied with these answers, and does not otherwise bother her on the way back. Unless she wants to talk. Presumably about vampires.
>>169689
>>169700
When they meet back up with the group, talking starts again. August takes the radio set off of his back and gives it to one of the soldiers, but keeps the bag, his weapons, and the light. The one that Posey can discern is the leader starts asking questions. Where did the bag come from? August answers that he got it out of the truck, and encountered remnants that he believes came from Plivy two decades ago and added those to the bag. No, he didn't thoroughly examine the contents. What was it? It was a cart of items that Plivy was transporting. Anyways...
One of them asks about a plane and is concerned it may be military. August replies that he did hear a plane, but it can't be military, as obviously visibility is too low to do anything at night. The plane must have been either a mail plane, or a crop duster.
They state that they are doing this at night in part to avoid the military, and also to get out of there before they are noticed.
Though the leader is not skeptical of Posey's presence, other ponies are, and a debate breaks out amongst them. Two are definitely skeptical while a third is on the edge, but three of them and August are not, including their evident leader.
There's a question as to whether Posey could be an infiltrator or informant for the Fascists. No, August says, he knows that she cannot be. Well how would he know? He says that she's been vetted and he knows what is going on. But then, how do they know that she's not a changeling? After all, there are warnings everywhere about the random mares you meet being Changelings? Well, he insists that he knows she's not a Changeling. How? By having sex with her? Well, yes. And she was great at it. So now you like her? No, her botany is useful. And how can we trust that you know a Changeling when you see one after the whole Hydra fiasco?
This starts a separate argument about "Hydra." Posey hears enough to details are spoken for Posey to piece together the story:
Back during the war, the fact that New Mareland was building up a fleet of mostly captured vessels was known; what wasn't known was the destination. Then a set of documents were stumbled by Equestrian agents upon that revealed a plan by New Mareland to invade the east coast of Equestria en masse: "Operation Hydra." Or so it was until multiple sources came forward stating that the discovered documents were actually planted Changeling misinformation. The Changelings were planning an offensive in the west along the front line, and a naval invasion around Las Pegasus to try to flank the Equestrians. If many of the Equestrian troops, ships, and planes were moved to the east coast, that would help things greatly. Meanwhile, the New Mareland State was intending an invasion of Aquelia, or maybe Nova Griffonia, and could benefit from the misdirection as well, with New Mareland ships seeming to head to Equestria until they turned north. So it seemed that the Changeling trick had been discovered... until the New Mareland ships were already near the Equestrian shore. The original plan, Operation Hydra, was real and followed. It was the intelligence suggesting that this was misinformation, that was itself misinformation. August's role in this is that he was one of the agents that received some of the plans from an alleged reliable source. His failure in part lead to the downfall of Equestria. And on top of that, he could not find the spy that gave him the misinformation after the fact.
August has an answer. He claims he can identify infiltrators when he meets them in person, but his talents require field work. He was tasked by SMILE to handle documents. That misinformation came to him from a source allegedly in New Mareland (later found out to actually have been in Equestria) that he never met with or saw. He was, quite simply, placed in a task that does not suit him, and that's an equine resources failure on SMILE's part. Before then, and also since then, he says he has found multiple infiltrators.
He also claims that Hydra was a larger Equestrian failure. He was not the only one to be fooled and hoof over false information. He says that the Hydra misinformation was believed because the lie was more sensible than the fantastical truth. It was easier to believe that the chance documents encountered were a Changeling lie, then that the Changelings were willing to invite and help allies, that the old colonials would be so bold as to attack Equestria, the strongest nation ever to exist, and that anyone would try to pack so many soldiers on captured freighters and ship them across the ocean in a contested landing. The lie just made more sense than the truth.
It circles back to talking about Posey, and August makes his arguments. If she were trying to tip off their location to the military, she would have moved away to make a phone call, or speak to someone else. Instead, she's barely left my/August's side. Well did you have constant surveillance on her? Well, no, but she seems to have not left. August seems unsure of that, but the questions continue. Well maybe she's in it for the long haul. After all, the one major spy that we did find had been at it more than a decade. Well, if that is so, we can take her on. Or if she runs off, we can runaway more quickly. This argument is decisive, evidently. The fact that the two most senior members of the group are not skeptical of Posey means it's never a serious question, and perhaps is more just a waste of time as the group moves along.
He seems to be satisfied with these answers, and does not otherwise bother her on the way back. Unless she wants to talk. Presumably about vampires.
>>169689
>>169700
When they meet back up with the group, talking starts again. August takes the radio set off of his back and gives it to one of the soldiers, but keeps the bag, his weapons, and the light. The one that Posey can discern is the leader starts asking questions. Where did the bag come from? August answers that he got it out of the truck, and encountered remnants that he believes came from Plivy two decades ago and added those to the bag. No, he didn't thoroughly examine the contents. What was it? It was a cart of items that Plivy was transporting. Anyways...
One of them asks about a plane and is concerned it may be military. August replies that he did hear a plane, but it can't be military, as obviously visibility is too low to do anything at night. The plane must have been either a mail plane, or a crop duster.
They state that they are doing this at night in part to avoid the military, and also to get out of there before they are noticed.
Though the leader is not skeptical of Posey's presence, other ponies are, and a debate breaks out amongst them. Two are definitely skeptical while a third is on the edge, but three of them and August are not, including their evident leader.
There's a question as to whether Posey could be an infiltrator or informant for the Fascists. No, August says, he knows that she cannot be. Well how would he know? He says that she's been vetted and he knows what is going on. But then, how do they know that she's not a changeling? After all, there are warnings everywhere about the random mares you meet being Changelings? Well, he insists that he knows she's not a Changeling. How? By having sex with her? Well, yes. And she was great at it. So now you like her? No, her botany is useful. And how can we trust that you know a Changeling when you see one after the whole Hydra fiasco?
This starts a separate argument about "Hydra." Posey hears enough to details are spoken for Posey to piece together the story:
Back during the war, the fact that New Mareland was building up a fleet of mostly captured vessels was known; what wasn't known was the destination. Then a set of documents were stumbled by Equestrian agents upon that revealed a plan by New Mareland to invade the east coast of Equestria en masse: "Operation Hydra." Or so it was until multiple sources came forward stating that the discovered documents were actually planted Changeling misinformation. The Changelings were planning an offensive in the west along the front line, and a naval invasion around Las Pegasus to try to flank the Equestrians. If many of the Equestrian troops, ships, and planes were moved to the east coast, that would help things greatly. Meanwhile, the New Mareland State was intending an invasion of Aquelia, or maybe Nova Griffonia, and could benefit from the misdirection as well, with New Mareland ships seeming to head to Equestria until they turned north. So it seemed that the Changeling trick had been discovered... until the New Mareland ships were already near the Equestrian shore. The original plan, Operation Hydra, was real and followed. It was the intelligence suggesting that this was misinformation, that was itself misinformation. August's role in this is that he was one of the agents that received some of the plans from an alleged reliable source. His failure in part lead to the downfall of Equestria. And on top of that, he could not find the spy that gave him the misinformation after the fact.
August has an answer. He claims he can identify infiltrators when he meets them in person, but his talents require field work. He was tasked by SMILE to handle documents. That misinformation came to him from a source allegedly in New Mareland (later found out to actually have been in Equestria) that he never met with or saw. He was, quite simply, placed in a task that does not suit him, and that's an equine resources failure on SMILE's part. Before then, and also since then, he says he has found multiple infiltrators.
He also claims that Hydra was a larger Equestrian failure. He was not the only one to be fooled and hoof over false information. He says that the Hydra misinformation was believed because the lie was more sensible than the fantastical truth. It was easier to believe that the chance documents encountered were a Changeling lie, then that the Changelings were willing to invite and help allies, that the old colonials would be so bold as to attack Equestria, the strongest nation ever to exist, and that anyone would try to pack so many soldiers on captured freighters and ship them across the ocean in a contested landing. The lie just made more sense than the truth.
It circles back to talking about Posey, and August makes his arguments. If she were trying to tip off their location to the military, she would have moved away to make a phone call, or speak to someone else. Instead, she's barely left my/August's side. Well did you have constant surveillance on her? Well, no, but she seems to have not left. August seems unsure of that, but the questions continue. Well maybe she's in it for the long haul. After all, the one major spy that we did find had been at it more than a decade. Well, if that is so, we can take her on. Or if she runs off, we can runaway more quickly. This argument is decisive, evidently. The fact that the two most senior members of the group are not skeptical of Posey means it's never a serious question, and perhaps is more just a waste of time as the group moves along.
>>169711
>>169710
Between this conversation and a question asked by the leader, Posey finds out the real reason she is being brought along: August doesn't know the exact location of the lair and hasn't been there. He wants Posey to help identify it. When asked where the lair is by the leader, he says it's a little north and west of the bend in the river, but isn't sure of the precise location.
>>169712
By the creek, on the river bank. It's not a very big river at all, but it does provide constantly flowing water.
>>169710
Between this conversation and a question asked by the leader, Posey finds out the real reason she is being brought along: August doesn't know the exact location of the lair and hasn't been there. He wants Posey to help identify it. When asked where the lair is by the leader, he says it's a little north and west of the bend in the river, but isn't sure of the precise location.
>>169712
By the creek, on the river bank. It's not a very big river at all, but it does provide constantly flowing water.
File (): 29312A398F8AB20EAC7644CB148AF302-99043.png (96.7 KB, 358x392, d489uqy-cd399bf1-65c9-4c7c-b71d-0e6ba878ed82.png)
>>169714
.... Paladins don't lie... Looks like Posey might not be the only sussus amogus here.
Also he hasn't used Detect Evil, which is metagaming, but it puts me on edge...
>>169715
>August doesn't know the exact location of the lair and hasn't been there. He wants Posey to help identify it.
Oh, hahaha...
Any chance my background knowledge of vampire and their regional effects might actually be helpful in tracking down his lair?
.... Paladins don't lie... Looks like Posey might not be the only sussus amogus here.
Also he hasn't used Detect Evil, which is metagaming, but it puts me on edge...
>>169715
>August doesn't know the exact location of the lair and hasn't been there. He wants Posey to help identify it.
Oh, hahaha...
Any chance my background knowledge of vampire and their regional effects might actually be helpful in tracking down his lair?
>>169716
I'm gonna roll Religion to see if Posey's skills actual help in this scenario. I'm adding my Vampire Affinity bonus.
[1d20+10 = (17+10) = 27]
I'm gonna roll Religion to see if Posey's skills actual help in this scenario. I'm adding my Vampire Affinity bonus.
[1d20+10 = (17+10) = 27]
>>169718
>Would Posey know if he had?
I mean, she can only guess he wouldn't have fucked her if he had, unless he's THAT horny.
Still metagaming though. Technically Posey doesn't know anything about paladins except that they're hard to hide from and have been giving the league a hard time for centuries.
So, does my 27 help Posey find a route to the lair?
>Would Posey know if he had?
I mean, she can only guess he wouldn't have fucked her if he had, unless he's THAT horny.
Still metagaming though. Technically Posey doesn't know anything about paladins except that they're hard to hide from and have been giving the league a hard time for centuries.
So, does my 27 help Posey find a route to the lair?
>>169717
I'm going to follow this up with a Survival check, adding a +2 Circumstance bonus for what I assume to be a successful knowledge check.
[1d20+4 = (10+4) = 14]
I'm going to follow this up with a Survival check, adding a +2 Circumstance bonus for what I assume to be a successful knowledge check.
[1d20+4 = (10+4) = 14]
You know, Profession (Herbalism), might be a skill worth investing for a necromancer. Arcane Botanica can be pretty nifty, although it takes a lot of time in game.
GM, just let me know if Posey succeeds whenever it's convenient for you. I'm going to stop bumping until then.
>>169727
I have work too, although idk what the next step is aside from rolling more dice. I just want to get to be able to get to the section by next weekend. Should I roll a d100 for hexploration tables?
I have work too, although idk what the next step is aside from rolling more dice. I just want to get to be able to get to the section by next weekend. Should I roll a d100 for hexploration tables?
>inb4 1
[1d100 = 47]
You could also just check the wandering monster tables.
[1d100 = 47]
You could also just check the wandering monster tables.
GM, is there anything else you want me to roll or do for Posey's search before the weekend?
Do you still have time tonight, GM?
>>169717
Posey generally knows the signs and layouts of Vampire lairs. They tend to be in dark locations, usually underground, and either way, usually with stone or rock around them. They have a tendency towards ostentation. They are not usually too far away from settlements and thoroughfares, given the need for need for prey. And of course, Posey knows the signs. Or at least, Posey knows the signs of what a lair that still contains a vampire looks like.
August makes a comment at one point:
"Do you see that little spot in the river, under the big oak tree? That's where the last Vampire in Equestria met its end. There's no monument. Nothing to commemorate it. Just as well. Better to not glorify the quarry."
>>169721
The forest is, as stated before, dominated by oaks and cedars, with a decent number of pine trees scattered through it. Mostly the undergrowth does not prohibit traversing under the canopy layer. The canopy is almost free of foliage as it is the middle of winter. The temperature, while above freezing, is still low enough that sweaters and jackets are justified, especially when there is wind, and everypony is wearing a jacket, save for August, who is wearing relatively thin robes.
August has more or less been taking the ponies along the side of the river, which is basically a creek perhaps 20 feet wide, which is inside of a riverbed that's perhaps 10 feet below the level of the forest and has a fairly wide riverbank. the bank is mostly muddy, with a decent number of bushes, exposed roots of trees, and periodic rubbish like tin cans. There's a half moon, and its cloudy, so it's relatively dark. Every member of the team has an electric torch to light the way.
>>169730
August takes the ponies on a little path as the river bends, into the forest.
A member of the team comments "Vampires are gone from Equestria, but don't they exist elsewhere? Couldn't they reinter with the migrations and refugees? Couldn't they use the occupation and resistance as cover to hide? After all, did this vampire, or at least its family, not originally come from what is now Stalliongrad? Did it not spawn and hide under the cover of the Stalliongradian Succession? And can they not 'survive' buried for centuries? If they can do that, are we really rid of them?"
The leader says that stories of vampires coming in among immigrants is xenophobic propaganda made up by those who oppose Equestria's opening up to the world. When pressed, however, he has to admit it is possible.
August responds simply:
"Let them come."
And motions to grab his sword on his back
>>169741
>>169740
The ponies split up somewhat to cover more ground. Another pony is the first to see it, but Posey sees it herself, lit up by the light of the electric torch so that she can make out the colors. Posey sees a royal-guard style helmet placed overtop of a sword that has been stuck into the ground, near a tree and with a medium sized stone before it. A small amount of blue coloring can be made out in the bleached white plume, and the bronze helmet has slightly corroded blue-green.
Posey generally knows the signs and layouts of Vampire lairs. They tend to be in dark locations, usually underground, and either way, usually with stone or rock around them. They have a tendency towards ostentation. They are not usually too far away from settlements and thoroughfares, given the need for need for prey. And of course, Posey knows the signs. Or at least, Posey knows the signs of what a lair that still contains a vampire looks like.
August makes a comment at one point:
"Do you see that little spot in the river, under the big oak tree? That's where the last Vampire in Equestria met its end. There's no monument. Nothing to commemorate it. Just as well. Better to not glorify the quarry."
>>169721
The forest is, as stated before, dominated by oaks and cedars, with a decent number of pine trees scattered through it. Mostly the undergrowth does not prohibit traversing under the canopy layer. The canopy is almost free of foliage as it is the middle of winter. The temperature, while above freezing, is still low enough that sweaters and jackets are justified, especially when there is wind, and everypony is wearing a jacket, save for August, who is wearing relatively thin robes.
August has more or less been taking the ponies along the side of the river, which is basically a creek perhaps 20 feet wide, which is inside of a riverbed that's perhaps 10 feet below the level of the forest and has a fairly wide riverbank. the bank is mostly muddy, with a decent number of bushes, exposed roots of trees, and periodic rubbish like tin cans. There's a half moon, and its cloudy, so it's relatively dark. Every member of the team has an electric torch to light the way.
>>169730
August takes the ponies on a little path as the river bends, into the forest.
A member of the team comments "Vampires are gone from Equestria, but don't they exist elsewhere? Couldn't they reinter with the migrations and refugees? Couldn't they use the occupation and resistance as cover to hide? After all, did this vampire, or at least its family, not originally come from what is now Stalliongrad? Did it not spawn and hide under the cover of the Stalliongradian Succession? And can they not 'survive' buried for centuries? If they can do that, are we really rid of them?"
The leader says that stories of vampires coming in among immigrants is xenophobic propaganda made up by those who oppose Equestria's opening up to the world. When pressed, however, he has to admit it is possible.
August responds simply:
"Let them come."
And motions to grab his sword on his back
>>169741
>>169740
The ponies split up somewhat to cover more ground. Another pony is the first to see it, but Posey sees it herself, lit up by the light of the electric torch so that she can make out the colors. Posey sees a royal-guard style helmet placed overtop of a sword that has been stuck into the ground, near a tree and with a medium sized stone before it. A small amount of blue coloring can be made out in the bleached white plume, and the bronze helmet has slightly corroded blue-green.
>>169750
>The leader says that stories of vampires coming in among immigrants is xenophobic propaganda made up by those who oppose Equestria's opening up to the world.
Posey chuckles internally.
>Helmet
"Stay back. I need to examine this." Posey says, as she walks up towards the helmet.
>The leader says that stories of vampires coming in among immigrants is xenophobic propaganda made up by those who oppose Equestria's opening up to the world.
Posey chuckles internally.
>Helmet
"Stay back. I need to examine this." Posey says, as she walks up towards the helmet.
I guess I have to roll something?
Rolling Search
[1d20+3 = (16+3) = 19]
Rolling Search
[1d20+3 = (16+3) = 19]
>>169751
>>169752
There's a bit more talk about migrants
One stallion mentions that in Baltimare just about a week ago, mercenaries hired by the New Mareland State's Revenue and Migration Service found and destroyed a Maarist Cult practicing sapient sacrifice in Baltimare. He would have dismissed this claim as Fascist Propoganda too, except that the Baltimare police claim to have found victims in the process of being sacrificed, and an entire garbage chute of equine remains. The papers even published an image of what was said to be the skeletons in question.
The leader responds that of course the Baltimare SDP backs the story their handlers gave them, because they are collaborators with the Fascists, and in any case they want to reduce the amount of migrants now that Fascist propaganda portraying migration as harming lower class wages has made migrants less popular with their constituents. It's all a part of a scare campaign that will end in Equestria's isolation, and likely an expulsion of non-ponies from Equestria.
Another stallion mentions that he knows something about that location, saying that it used to be owned by the equestrian church, and mass graves were found there from the times it was a mare's shelter. This statement likewise is likewise rebutted as an exaggeration by other members of the group.
August has a couple cryptic comments like "The fairytales your parents tell you are the truths of yesteryear. You better believe them, as they can be all too real."
Still another stallion reminds everypony that the terrorist attack on a train station in Manehattan that killed 200 six weeks ago, and started the mess there, was blamed on the Equestrian Liberation Front, when obviously it couldn't have been us. Another stallion bites back that while it wasn't ELF, it was probably a cell that was sympathetic to their ends, and they need, as a group, to discourage such attacks against civilians, while still another thinks it was actually done by the Fascists or the Changelings in what could be called a "false flag."
And another stallion comments that the police reported a Changeling infiltrator into a communist cell was found and killed a week ago in Baltimare, after a dispute over payment between the local crime syndicate hired to help the cell, the griffins smuggling in arms, and the cell itself lead to violence. The changeling is said to have gunned down two Baltimare police officers before being gunned down itself. Another stallion dismisses this as Fascist propaganda designed to incite distrust of resistance movements. Still another says "isn't that what the changelings would want you to believe? That they aren't there, and you're crazy to believe they are?" While August comments that whether the Communists are led by Changelings or not, you should have no faith they will take you anywhere you want to go.
>>169756
>>169753
>>169752
Posey can see that the helmet is a relatively standard "royal guard" model - a semi practical, semi-decorative Amberclad for soldiers the old Equestrian regime. It's placed on top of the pommel of a sword that has been inserted into the ground. It has obviously been there for years. There is a rock in front of it, and the whole thing has clearly been placed there deliberately. The helmet has turned brown and blue-green with corrosion, and the horsehair plume has bleached partly white with the passage of time and the elements.
>>169752
There's a bit more talk about migrants
One stallion mentions that in Baltimare just about a week ago, mercenaries hired by the New Mareland State's Revenue and Migration Service found and destroyed a Maarist Cult practicing sapient sacrifice in Baltimare. He would have dismissed this claim as Fascist Propoganda too, except that the Baltimare police claim to have found victims in the process of being sacrificed, and an entire garbage chute of equine remains. The papers even published an image of what was said to be the skeletons in question.
The leader responds that of course the Baltimare SDP backs the story their handlers gave them, because they are collaborators with the Fascists, and in any case they want to reduce the amount of migrants now that Fascist propaganda portraying migration as harming lower class wages has made migrants less popular with their constituents. It's all a part of a scare campaign that will end in Equestria's isolation, and likely an expulsion of non-ponies from Equestria.
Another stallion mentions that he knows something about that location, saying that it used to be owned by the equestrian church, and mass graves were found there from the times it was a mare's shelter. This statement likewise is likewise rebutted as an exaggeration by other members of the group.
August has a couple cryptic comments like "The fairytales your parents tell you are the truths of yesteryear. You better believe them, as they can be all too real."
Still another stallion reminds everypony that the terrorist attack on a train station in Manehattan that killed 200 six weeks ago, and started the mess there, was blamed on the Equestrian Liberation Front, when obviously it couldn't have been us. Another stallion bites back that while it wasn't ELF, it was probably a cell that was sympathetic to their ends, and they need, as a group, to discourage such attacks against civilians, while still another thinks it was actually done by the Fascists or the Changelings in what could be called a "false flag."
And another stallion comments that the police reported a Changeling infiltrator into a communist cell was found and killed a week ago in Baltimare, after a dispute over payment between the local crime syndicate hired to help the cell, the griffins smuggling in arms, and the cell itself lead to violence. The changeling is said to have gunned down two Baltimare police officers before being gunned down itself. Another stallion dismisses this as Fascist propaganda designed to incite distrust of resistance movements. Still another says "isn't that what the changelings would want you to believe? That they aren't there, and you're crazy to believe they are?" While August comments that whether the Communists are led by Changelings or not, you should have no faith they will take you anywhere you want to go.
>>169756
>>169753
>>169752
Posey can see that the helmet is a relatively standard "royal guard" model - a semi practical, semi-decorative Amberclad for soldiers the old Equestrian regime. It's placed on top of the pommel of a sword that has been inserted into the ground. It has obviously been there for years. There is a rock in front of it, and the whole thing has clearly been placed there deliberately. The helmet has turned brown and blue-green with corrosion, and the horsehair plume has bleached partly white with the passage of time and the elements.
>>169757
Posey picks up the helmet and examines it for writing. Then she picks up the sword.
"This is a sign; a warning to trespassers on his territory, and a little trophy of one of his kills. He was a cocky one... We must be close. And since he clearly didn't come from across the river... He must've come from that direction."
Posey says, pointing in the exact opposite direction as the sound of the river.
That being said, does Posey see any other clues that may indicate direction.
Posey picks up the helmet and examines it for writing. Then she picks up the sword.
"This is a sign; a warning to trespassers on his territory, and a little trophy of one of his kills. He was a cocky one... We must be close. And since he clearly didn't come from across the river... He must've come from that direction."
Posey says, pointing in the exact opposite direction as the sound of the river.
That being said, does Posey see any other clues that may indicate direction.
>>169761
On the inside of the helmet is "Summer Breeze" in ponish.
The sword is a longsword, and its leather hilt has degraded with the weather. The cap on the pommel has as well. The steel under that has slightly rusted. The blade itself is dirty, but otherwise bright and shinny - like it was polished yesterday. The sword looks bizarrely expensive to simply throw away.
On the inside of the helmet is "Summer Breeze" in ponish.
The sword is a longsword, and its leather hilt has degraded with the weather. The cap on the pommel has as well. The steel under that has slightly rusted. The blade itself is dirty, but otherwise bright and shinny - like it was polished yesterday. The sword looks bizarrely expensive to simply throw away.
>>169764
"Summer Breeze... Helmet, but no skeleton. Scavengers wouldn't touch the victim of a vampire... It's quite probable that Breeze was made a thrall, living or dead, and marched towards the lair."
Posey holds the sword in the air
"Craftsmanship. Royal guard quality. This wasn't some run of the mill soldier..."
She points it towards the direction opposite to the river
"That way, I'll bet. This could have been a trap, but the setter is long gone."
"Summer Breeze... Helmet, but no skeleton. Scavengers wouldn't touch the victim of a vampire... It's quite probable that Breeze was made a thrall, living or dead, and marched towards the lair."
Posey holds the sword in the air
"Craftsmanship. Royal guard quality. This wasn't some run of the mill soldier..."
She points it towards the direction opposite to the river
"That way, I'll bet. This could have been a trap, but the setter is long gone."
>>169767
Posey can't hear August moving behind her until he is in her peripheral vision. He moves over and looks down.
Speaking to himself, he says, almost sadly
"No... That's not a trophy, or a warning at all..."
But then he speaks up
"I know where we are." He looks into the woods
"A little... west, I think. And north."
Posey can't hear August moving behind her until he is in her peripheral vision. He moves over and looks down.
Speaking to himself, he says, almost sadly
"No... That's not a trophy, or a warning at all..."
But then he speaks up
"I know where we are." He looks into the woods
"A little... west, I think. And north."
File (): C2BC49846DCAB6E86037A185B9ABD32C-389272.png (380.1 KB, 853x480, vlcsnap-2012-06-17-18h24m11s33.png)
After a moment of silence, Posey sheaves the sword in the earth and places the helmet back down on top. She makes a respectful gesture.
Then Posey speaks again
"Do you recall what direction he first struck from? That could lead us to his lair."
Then Posey speaks again
"Do you recall what direction he first struck from? That could lead us to his lair."
>>169776
"Yes" He says
"We intercepted him coming about... over there"
He points his hoof north and west.
"Yes" He says
"We intercepted him coming about... over there"
He points his hoof north and west.
>>169777
"If he wasn't in the form of a bat, wolf, or cloud of smoke as he traveled, then he must have had not had any belief that he would be found here: he was strolling, and likely in a single direction. We're deep in his territory. If we follow that path, it should lead us near his home."
"If he wasn't in the form of a bat, wolf, or cloud of smoke as he traveled, then he must have had not had any belief that he would be found here: he was strolling, and likely in a single direction. We're deep in his territory. If we follow that path, it should lead us near his home."
>>169783
>>169784
Not terribly far from the site, Posey notices:
The shattered remains of a dead tree that seems to have cracked a little too violently to have been destroyed by lightning.
More shattered remnants of a tree
In the barren branches of a rather tall oak, something shimmering in the light of a pony's electric torch, and then something shimmering on the ground.
>>169784
Not terribly far from the site, Posey notices:
The shattered remains of a dead tree that seems to have cracked a little too violently to have been destroyed by lightning.
More shattered remnants of a tree
In the barren branches of a rather tall oak, something shimmering in the light of a pony's electric torch, and then something shimmering on the ground.
>>169788
Posey goes to it, to find that it is the amber clad armor of a royal guard. The backpiece, with its plates still intact, to be precise. Looking closer, portions of a skeleton remain inside, specifically a spine. A couple loose ribs still hang on the leather strap of the armor. A little beneath it, on the base another branch beneath it, are parts of an equine leg bone.
Posey goes to it, to find that it is the amber clad armor of a royal guard. The backpiece, with its plates still intact, to be precise. Looking closer, portions of a skeleton remain inside, specifically a spine. A couple loose ribs still hang on the leather strap of the armor. A little beneath it, on the base another branch beneath it, are parts of an equine leg bone.
>>169789
"We're close..." Posey says, moving around the skeleton, following the trail of carnage.
"Lightning...? Was he a Sorcerer?" she ponders aloud
"We're close..." Posey says, moving around the skeleton, following the trail of carnage.
"Lightning...? Was he a Sorcerer?" she ponders aloud
>>169789
Oh wait
>forgot to loot
Posey examines the skeleton, mostly to check for any valuables that may remain on it.
Oh wait
>forgot to loot
Posey examines the skeleton, mostly to check for any valuables that may remain on it.
>>169790
>>169791
The skeleton is too high up in the tree for Posey to reach it.
On the ground beneath the tree but obscured from line of sight by bushes from a distance, is an equine skull inside of a royal guard style helmet, with a couple more bones scattered around. As before, the helmet is corroded and its plume is bleached. There are also one, two, three big shoes. Further away, a sword lies on the ground.
The tree trunk is a little further away and looks charred and actively shattered.
>>169791
The skeleton is too high up in the tree for Posey to reach it.
On the ground beneath the tree but obscured from line of sight by bushes from a distance, is an equine skull inside of a royal guard style helmet, with a couple more bones scattered around. As before, the helmet is corroded and its plume is bleached. There are also one, two, three big shoes. Further away, a sword lies on the ground.
The tree trunk is a little further away and looks charred and actively shattered.
>>169793
>too high up in the tree for Posey to reach it
Posey tries reaching with her horn.
If she can't reach, she moves towards the shattered trunk.
>too high up in the tree for Posey to reach it
Posey tries reaching with her horn.
If she can't reach, she moves towards the shattered trunk.
>>169796
Unicorn telekinesis magic degrades at the cube root of the distance from the horn.... or something. The point is that it's a little too high up for Posey to have enough strength to dislodge it.
It seems to have been an oak tree, though its hard to say. If only Posey were a real botanist...
Unicorn telekinesis magic degrades at the cube root of the distance from the horn.... or something. The point is that it's a little too high up for Posey to have enough strength to dislodge it.
It seems to have been an oak tree, though its hard to say. If only Posey were a real botanist...
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