/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

>>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

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?

>>169002
Forgot the greentext...

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>169006
The night is young though.
Posey is a nocturnal creature, and her energy only grows as the night moves on.

But mine doesn't, and I had a 10 hour shift today, so I'll leave this for another night.
Maybe tomorrow?
>>169001
Interesting story arch so far, btw.

>>169008
And...
[1d20 = 4]

>>169007
Awww...

Perhaps

>>169008
>>169009
The Engineer finds Amber's story unconvincing. Exactly equally as unconvincing as Grismonde's story. He throws up his claws.

>>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!

>>169011
One thing left for Amber to do...

>>169012
Oh boy…
[1d20 = 17]

>>169013
Opposed
[1d20 = 1]

That's not what I had in mind, but screw it, it works

>>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.

>>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.

>>169016
Amber really can't be sure that they aren't going to climb on, but she can certainly head back to the coaches.

>>169017
Oh the dilemma…how far is it to the next station? Are there any stations before the border?

>>169018
Maybe... 20 miles to Soldau?

>>169019
Amber will stay in the cab until the locomotive itself is safely past the officers.

>>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.

>>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."

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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."

>>169007
>>169010
I'm ready when you are.

>>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.

>>169006
What kind of music is it?

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.

>>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."

>>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

>>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."

>>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

>>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?"

>>169036
His smile indicates that he's pleased with Posey's general direction

"What do you mean?"

>>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?"

>>169038
He raises his eyebrow

"From what I've heard and seen... it wouldn't be the first time."

>>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.

>>169040
He does not smile

"Why?"

>>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."

>>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."

>>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

Ahem
NIGGER
That is all

>>169026
He takes a moment, but seems to understand.

"Very well. I do not know if those bastards have followed us, but they cannot get far." He says.

>>169065
gasp
Hey! You can't say that!

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>169070
Amber grabs the wrench. "Everygriff stay calm," she intones to the passengers.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>169074
>>169073
This entryway, at the far end, has a small vestibule, but does not have a bathroom, closet, or true vestibule for the doors on the side. All of the those are located on the other end of the car.

>>169074
>>169075
If Amber had a ranged weapon this predicament she's in would be slightly better, as she could engage without the door being opened, but with only a makeshift weapon she has no choice but to wait for an intruder to show himself.

>>169073
>>169074
>>169076
There's wiggling, and for a while, it seems like the door will hold. Then there is silence, and it seems the interloper has given up.

Then the door cracks and is thrown open. It opens inwards, to the opposite direction of Amber

>>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).

>>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.

>>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

>>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."

>>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."

>>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.

>>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."

>>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."

>>169088 (heil)
>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]

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>169093
>>169094
I forgot to roll my intimidate check, but I guess the point is made.

Posey turns away as well, the bones on her armor giving an awkward rattle.
"I think I should.. change out of this."

>>169095
He laughs.
“You wore that in public?”

>>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.

>>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

>>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.”

>>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."

>>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….”

>>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."

>>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.”

>>169103
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.

>>169105
Posey excuses herself to put her armor away.

And I'll retire for the night.

>>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

>>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]

>>169108
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]

>>169110
Hit.

It takes its crowbar, and tries to strike back
[1d20+1 = (15+1) = 16]

>>169110
>>169111
He didn't roll initiative?
[1d8 = 2]

>>169111
>>169110
I have a suspicion that that’s a hit on Amber
[1d6 = 5]

>>169112
shrug

Order of battle seems decided

>>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]

>>169114
These rolls
reeeeeee

>>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]

>>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.

>>169116
She lost her weapon?

>>169118
Yes, although it’s on the floor right below her. The same is true of the intruder.

>>169117
Amber picks up her wrench. It's a move action, do I need to roll?

>>169120
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]

>>169122
She slings underclaw, and hits.

>>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]

>>169124
>>169125
And he seems to hit her
[1d6 = 2]

>>169125
>>169126
Amber strikes again, fixated on the fight and less worried about being on the defensive.
[1d20 = 11]

>>169127
Hit.

>>169129
He exhaled heavily, clearly hurt. Nevertheless, he hurls his crowbar against her once more.

[1d20+1 = (12+1) = 13]

>>169130
Amber is hit
[1d6 = 1]

>>169130
>>169131
Fortunately, only a glancing blow!
Amber tries in earnest to knock him out before the passengers really start to panic.
[1d20+2 = (1+2) = 3]

>>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]

>>169133
>>169129
And he hits Amber with his crowbar
[1d20+1 = (6+1) = 7]

>>169134
>>169133
I mean
[1d6 = 1]

>>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]

>>169136
And
[1d8 = 4]

>>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.

>>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.

>>169139
https://youtu.be/iGtEH1i78sI?si=dKVZWt-ZE2osiOwn

Well, Amber should have the next move.

>>169140
Amber attempts to disarm the next griffon that comes in.
[1d20 = 20]

>>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.

>>169142
Success! Wasting no time, Amber grabs the weapon on the ground.
[1d20 = 15]

>>169143
https://youtu.be/9LcAUfhcFmA?si=EzzdS-FBMNxb73AY

He reaches for the gun as well

[1d20 = 11]

>>169143
>>169145
But Amber grabs it first

>>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.

>>169146
Yay!
I mean, Amber threatens him, "Freeze right there mister!" If he makes any sudden moves Amber will shoot.

>>169147
Amber's a bard. In her waking moments she's not a particularly good one, but this dream sequence is from the POV of a remarkable violinist.

>>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.

>>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.

>>169150
Posey notices this change in behavior.
I would like to roll Sense Motive, to read the room
[1d20+2 = (7+2) = 9]

>>169151
Nope

>>169150
Posey stays silent for some time after her smalltalk stops.
"...Well, how do I look?"

I'm more settled now

>>169153
"Not bad..." Lament answers, still gazing at Posey

>>169154
*gazes back*

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. ^^

>>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.

>>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?"

>>169158
Posey occupies herself by taking a moment to touch-up her mane.

>>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.

>>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.

>>169161
>I haven't had an opportunity to use the spells much anyway.
I feel you.
>>169158
Posey puts on a bit of a bored expression and stares, not blinking, until somepony says something.
Her eyes glass over slightly.

>>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."

>>169202
Posey reclines on the couch.

>>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."

>>169204
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXpFznXb_vI

Erich moves in, picks up the crowbar, and then tries jamming it into the door.

>>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.

>>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.

>>169212
>>169210
rolls dice
Actually yes.

Mason keeps his expression, but Lament scrunches

>>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

>>169209
>>169211
Amber quietly breathes out a sigh of relief. There should be very little stopping them now….
With the bandit starting to stir, she asks the others, "What should we do with the 'bandit'?

>>169214
What sort of thing would you like Posey to do next? I think that would help much

>>169215
Erich, barely under his breath
"Gag him, tie him up, put him in a closet somewhere. I don't know. Somewhere he is out of the way until we get off of this thing."

>>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.

>>169217
That's really cool. It would make for an excellent dungeon, exactly the kind that Posey would like to explore.

>>169216
I think a "kill enemies of the Dread League" quest would be fun.

>>169220
Isn't that the entire land of the living? You might be at that a while.

>>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.

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

>>169224
Then I guess I'll start with whatever opportunity presents itself first.

>>169226
Well, where do we go from here?

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

>>169228
She can try

>>169227
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."

>>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."

>>169232
"A competitor, you say? What kind of competition?"

>>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."

>>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."

>>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."

>>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.

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

>>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."

>>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."

>>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.”

>>169241
Posey shakes her head
"Customs, ever so troublesome."

>>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.”

>>169228
I may as well roll Arcana for this
[1d20+9 = (5+9) = 14]

>>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."

>>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.

>>169246
Welcome back to America.

>activated by verbal invitation
Is the command word visible on the item?

>>169247
Am mobile posting now
It is not.

>>169248
Posey will study it later to find out.
I am off to bed.

>>169248
>>169246
After the conversation is over, Posey would like to spend some time attempting to activate the totem blindly.

>>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.

>>169251
Fail

>>169250
>>169251
>>169252
The totem, as best as Posey can guess, is activated by a language Posey does not know, from a culture Posey is not familiar with, and pertaining to a system of worship Posey does not understand.

>>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]

>>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]

>>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]

Necrobump

>>169275
Hi

>>169255
>>169256
Posey finds that she cannot brute force it

>speak with dead
Nor is it that difficult

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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]

>>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.

>>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.

>>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

>>169287
>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

>>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.

>>169292
Oh, I probably should have checked this earlier.
Does Day Low Rain actually live here?

>>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

>>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?

>>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.

>>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.

>>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?

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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.

>>169315
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."

>>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?"

>>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."

>>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.

>>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.

>>169321
"The latch is broken," Amber states. "We're going to need to nail it shut."

>>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

>>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.

>>169324
Well, Amber had her wrench, and there was the crowbar.

>>169325
Amber sees about jamming the crowbar between the door and the frame to hold it tight.

>>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.

>>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.

>>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."

>>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?"

>>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."

>>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."

>>169310
Posey decides to go out for a stroll, to assess the state of the buildings arranged in the circle, and seek any inhabitants.

>>169310
>steeple and another structure
Ugh oh, that sounds like a church

>>169340
Does Posey see anything of interest outside?

>>169335
"But here's the question. Do you trust you can keep this up for two more stations, all the way to Hellquill? Or should we get off at Soldau, and take our chances with the Soldau police?"

>>169346
One minute

>>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."

>>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

>>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]

>>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.

>>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]

>>169351
>A shadow
What kind of shadow?

>>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.

>>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.

>>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]

>>169356
Nope

>>169355
>>169357
Equestrian ghosts don't seem to be very outgoing.

Twigs, a part of a broken bottle, and a deformed tin can.

>>169349
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.

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]

>>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?

>>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.

>>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.

>>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

>>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.

>>169369
It's Equestria, dotted by numerous villages. But there's a specific one nearby

>>169370
Posey decides to lurk on the outskirts of the village, to size it up.

>>169370
How big is the village?

>>169370
Does the village have a name?

>>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.