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
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>>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
>>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.
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>>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.
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>>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.
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>>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
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>>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.
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>>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
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>>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.
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>>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.
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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.
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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.
>>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
>>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.
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>>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.
>>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."
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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.
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>>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
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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...
>>169805
Oh yeah.
I forgot.
Posey suddenly freezes, a look of panic spreads across her face.
"Nobody move, the balance of Harmony is incredibly fragile here!"
Take 10 on bluff, for a modified 22
Naturally, the ponies probably flinched as soon as she said that, and at that Posey puts on a little show.
Posey casts Detect Magic, but she doesn't use any verbal or somatic components to cast the spell; instead, she defiles the areas.
Posey accumulates two defiler points, to make the spell Still and Silent.
Since this terrain is "lush" (forest), the defiling radius is relatively small, but all vegetation surrounding her in a two foot radius, from the tallest tree, to the smallest sprout, immediately crumbles into fine defiler ash.
Which, should cause this tree to disintegrate :D
"Eeep!" Posey shrieks in false alarm, as the tree beside her crumbles.
Oh yeah.
I forgot.
Posey suddenly freezes, a look of panic spreads across her face.
"Nobody move, the balance of Harmony is incredibly fragile here!"
Take 10 on bluff, for a modified 22
Naturally, the ponies probably flinched as soon as she said that, and at that Posey puts on a little show.
Posey casts Detect Magic, but she doesn't use any verbal or somatic components to cast the spell; instead, she defiles the areas.
Posey accumulates two defiler points, to make the spell Still and Silent.
Since this terrain is "lush" (forest), the defiling radius is relatively small, but all vegetation surrounding her in a two foot radius, from the tallest tree, to the smallest sprout, immediately crumbles into fine defiler ash.
Which, should cause this tree to disintegrate :D
"Eeep!" Posey shrieks in false alarm, as the tree beside her crumbles.
>>169812
Wait. So is Posey doing this immediately in front of the large tree that contains some of the remains?
Wait. So is Posey doing this immediately in front of the large tree that contains some of the remains?
>>169812
"Nopony make any sudden moves..." Posey says, her ears pointed straight up as the skeleton collapses beside her
"These are the long-term consequences of vampire lairing... If balance is."
>>169814
Yes
She's mostly trying to spook the ponies, and hype her (false) specs as a necro-botanist. The tree beside her would disintegrate from the effects of her spell, but since she defiled to make the spell Silent and Still, there is that she's cast a spell at all.
Posey is doing this to put the group on high alert, and to get them to follow her closely, hoping to give her the upper hand in manipulating them.
But it also makes the skeleton easier to reach, which is a bonus.
"Nopony make any sudden moves..." Posey says, her ears pointed straight up as the skeleton collapses beside her
"These are the long-term consequences of vampire lairing... If balance is."
>>169814
Yes
She's mostly trying to spook the ponies, and hype her (false) specs as a necro-botanist. The tree beside her would disintegrate from the effects of her spell, but since she defiled to make the spell Silent and Still, there is that she's cast a spell at all.
Posey is doing this to put the group on high alert, and to get them to follow her closely, hoping to give her the upper hand in manipulating them.
But it also makes the skeleton easier to reach, which is a bonus.
Posey concentrates on Detect magic for a couple rounds, but if she doesn't immediately sense any magic, she stop concentrating on it (she only cast it to defile the area).
>>169818
>>169815
Posey's detect magic shows:
A magical signature from the sword that has fallen on the ground.
A high signature on August
And varying levels of slight signatures on the other ponies in the group, with the unicorns having higher levels, and in general not really being out of expectations for ponies.
By and large, however, the area is non-magical
>>169815
The portions of the tree closest to Posey blacken and turn to ash. The tree crumbles, and the trunk of it starts to fall. Unfortunately, it starts to fall towards Posey. Not directly towards her - a bit off to the right, but enough that she must take evasive action, and would very likely be sincere in her expressions of fear towards the group.
The ponies grab onto their weapons and move back. There's an "Ah," an "oh no!" and an evasive maneuver as the tree comes down. They look frightened, and look towards Posey, or look around. Lights from the torches move rapidly back and forth, likely occasionally blinding Posey as they sometimes point it directly at her.
August is silent and scrunching
>>169815
Posey's detect magic shows:
A magical signature from the sword that has fallen on the ground.
A high signature on August
And varying levels of slight signatures on the other ponies in the group, with the unicorns having higher levels, and in general not really being out of expectations for ponies.
By and large, however, the area is non-magical
>>169815
The portions of the tree closest to Posey blacken and turn to ash. The tree crumbles, and the trunk of it starts to fall. Unfortunately, it starts to fall towards Posey. Not directly towards her - a bit off to the right, but enough that she must take evasive action, and would very likely be sincere in her expressions of fear towards the group.
The ponies grab onto their weapons and move back. There's an "Ah," an "oh no!" and an evasive maneuver as the tree comes down. They look frightened, and look towards Posey, or look around. Lights from the torches move rapidly back and forth, likely occasionally blinding Posey as they sometimes point it directly at her.
August is silent and scrunching
>>169819
>A magical signature from the sword that has fallen on the ground.
Ooh, loot.
Posey catches the sword as it falls, holding her panicked expression.
"Leyline convolution... Lingering entropy... Dangerous levels of disharmony... It'll only get worse from here. Follow me, slowly, and carefully..."
Posey Slowly moves towards the lightning-struck stump
"And that log is off-limits." She says, gesturing to the fallen one (this is a pointless lie)
>A magical signature from the sword that has fallen on the ground.
Ooh, loot.
Posey catches the sword as it falls, holding her panicked expression.
"Leyline convolution... Lingering entropy... Dangerous levels of disharmony... It'll only get worse from here. Follow me, slowly, and carefully..."
Posey Slowly moves towards the lightning-struck stump
"And that log is off-limits." She says, gesturing to the fallen one (this is a pointless lie)
>>169819
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention she dodges the log as it falls.
Technically defiling should cause it to disintegrate entirely into toxic defiler ash, but if it a big tree it might've been only partly.
Posey now has 2 defilers points, as by defiling nature she has also defiled herself. She now takes a -2 penalty to all Wis, Int and Cha based skill checks.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention she dodges the log as it falls.
Technically defiling should cause it to disintegrate entirely into toxic defiler ash, but if it a big tree it might've been only partly.
Posey now has 2 defilers points, as by defiling nature she has also defiled herself. She now takes a -2 penalty to all Wis, Int and Cha based skill checks.
>>169820
(It was actually already on the ground). It's a bit heavy for a small mare like Posey (Not really though. Like maybe 7 pounds).
Two stallions move away from the log quickly, staring at it. Their ears move back. Everypony stands at attention.
(It was actually already on the ground). It's a bit heavy for a small mare like Posey (Not really though. Like maybe 7 pounds).
Two stallions move away from the log quickly, staring at it. Their ears move back. Everypony stands at attention.
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>>169822
Posey has pretty high Str.
However, she's not proficient in swords, so she holds it awkwardly, with a wobbly gait.
Posey drags the heavy sword behind her, carving a line in the forest floor behind her path.
"Follow the line. I need to check this tree." Posey says, as she moves towards the thunderstruck stump to investigate it.
Posey has pretty high Str.
However, she's not proficient in swords, so she holds it awkwardly, with a wobbly gait.
Posey drags the heavy sword behind her, carving a line in the forest floor behind her path.
"Follow the line. I need to check this tree." Posey says, as she moves towards the thunderstruck stump to investigate it.
>>169824
Everypony gathers round, save for August, who hasn't moved from his position, and in any case is close enough to already have a good view.
Everypony gathers round, save for August, who hasn't moved from his position, and in any case is close enough to already have a good view.
>>169823
That ship would've sailed decades ago, around the time her mother passed her around to "service" her friends in the Coven, before the first time she died, and before she was remade by her master.
That ship would've sailed decades ago, around the time her mother passed her around to "service" her friends in the Coven, before the first time she died, and before she was remade by her master.
>>169828
Did I fuck up with explaining her backstory? I might've omitted some stuff. Posey is a katana: a half-vampire. She was born to a vampire mother, but died as a filly; before her master acquired her corpse and transfused her in her little experiment.
Hence why she wasn't lying when she said her mother was bitten by one years ago.
Posey examines the tree, looking for any clues that might indicate the direction of the lair.
"Lightning... Natural, or conjured?"
Did I fuck up with explaining her backstory? I might've omitted some stuff. Posey is a katana: a half-vampire. She was born to a vampire mother, but died as a filly; before her master acquired her corpse and transfused her in her little experiment.
Hence why she wasn't lying when she said her mother was bitten by one years ago.
Posey examines the tree, looking for any clues that might indicate the direction of the lair.
"Lightning... Natural, or conjured?"
>>169829
It appears to have been hit by a fireball or some other destructive spell. But it could have been mundane explosives, albeit one that was concentrated and detonated above the ground.
The direction of the lair is a bit fuzzier. The area is northwest from the river bend.
>>169829
Like... how old? How many years? How old does she look? 21?Is she a natural offspring, born the natural way to a mundane father?
It appears to have been hit by a fireball or some other destructive spell. But it could have been mundane explosives, albeit one that was concentrated and detonated above the ground.
The direction of the lair is a bit fuzzier. The area is northwest from the river bend.
>>169829
Like... how old? How many years? How old does she look? 21?Is she a natural offspring, born the natural way to a mundane father?
>>169829
I now realize that I really dropped the freaking ball in terms of her backstory, and for that I apologize. I can imagine how annoying it must be to have a player seemingly change their backstory mid-game. I would like to go over this in detail later to amend any annoyances that I have caused.
I now realize that I really dropped the freaking ball in terms of her backstory, and for that I apologize. I can imagine how annoying it must be to have a player seemingly change their backstory mid-game. I would like to go over this in detail later to amend any annoyances that I have caused.
>>169832
For point of reference, my understanding was that Posey was a Frankenstein monster literally grown in a vat, presumably using a miscarried/aborted/otherwise dead fetus as a base, to create a unicorn pony that was never actually a living conscious person. She was in the form of an adolescent as created and never had a childhood. This was part of a program to create the perfect undead creature, with Posey being not the end but one of many steps along the way.
For point of reference, my understanding was that Posey was a Frankenstein monster literally grown in a vat, presumably using a miscarried/aborted/otherwise dead fetus as a base, to create a unicorn pony that was never actually a living conscious person. She was in the form of an adolescent as created and never had a childhood. This was part of a program to create the perfect undead creature, with Posey being not the end but one of many steps along the way.
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>>169831
"A firefight. Spells were exchanged... I don't know if this one was a mage... The lair should be further from the river. Reckless as he was, he would have instinctively maximized his proximity to running water..." Posey says, dragging her sword in that direction
"Natural" offspring, mundane parent, probably a favorite thrall.
Posey would have been slain for the first time around the time she got her cutie mark, which would've been early in horse years. Her mother would have bled her dry as it became obvious that she was immune to vampire domination, and had she had the chance to flourish, she would have become a vampire who's powers surpassed that of her mother (vampires hate that shit). After being passed off to her master, as a slaymate (a valuable undead "pet" for necromancers, created from the remains of children slain by betrayal of a parent), she would have been raised in an experiment to transfuse her with holy blood, and then would have been allowed to grow to adult age before being crucimigrated once she gained the requisite levels.
"A firefight. Spells were exchanged... I don't know if this one was a mage... The lair should be further from the river. Reckless as he was, he would have instinctively maximized his proximity to running water..." Posey says, dragging her sword in that direction
"Natural" offspring, mundane parent, probably a favorite thrall.
Posey would have been slain for the first time around the time she got her cutie mark, which would've been early in horse years. Her mother would have bled her dry as it became obvious that she was immune to vampire domination, and had she had the chance to flourish, she would have become a vampire who's powers surpassed that of her mother (vampires hate that shit). After being passed off to her master, as a slaymate (a valuable undead "pet" for necromancers, created from the remains of children slain by betrayal of a parent), she would have been raised in an experiment to transfuse her with holy blood, and then would have been allowed to grow to adult age before being crucimigrated once she gained the requisite levels.
>>169834
The ponies follow Posey, as August walks forward and kind of parallel.
Uh... at what point would she have been Epstein islanded?
The ponies follow Posey, as August walks forward and kind of parallel.
Uh... at what point would she have been Epstein islanded?
>>169833
Yeah... I fucked up.
Tbh, I can roll with that story if that's what you prefer. Posey's foalhood backstory is only there to represent her few years in life being framed by abuse and horror, harboring her resentment for life itself, that I write after the initial post and neglected to post about. I will eliminate any future references to it if you wish.
Yeah... I fucked up.
Tbh, I can roll with that story if that's what you prefer. Posey's foalhood backstory is only there to represent her few years in life being framed by abuse and horror, harboring her resentment for life itself, that I write after the initial post and neglected to post about. I will eliminate any future references to it if you wish.
>>169835
She was born into a vampire coven: she was basically born on Epstein Island. Vampires are savages.
So, to answer your question, Posey was not a virgin.
She was born into a vampire coven: she was basically born on Epstein Island. Vampires are savages.
So, to answer your question, Posey was not a virgin.
>>169837
I had to ask because Amber's player made a remark that Posey's actions in bed didn't seem consistent with her being a virgin, which is what both he and I thought. August had some cancelled dialogue about "Do you do this often?" which was never said because it was basically him telling her that he assumes she's a sloot.
It's probably not a big deal for most things, but every now and then the backstory affects some details. I'm fine with going with "she was alive once" because it seems more likely anyways."
>>169838
"Yes" he answers, straightfowardly. "I was there."
I had to ask because Amber's player made a remark that Posey's actions in bed didn't seem consistent with her being a virgin, which is what both he and I thought. August had some cancelled dialogue about "Do you do this often?" which was never said because it was basically him telling her that he assumes she's a sloot.
It's probably not a big deal for most things, but every now and then the backstory affects some details. I'm fine with going with "she was alive once" because it seems more likely anyways."
>>169838
"Yes" he answers, straightfowardly. "I was there."
>>169834
The slaymate motif is actually why I thought to give her Gloomy as an asset for character development. I thought to make him a soulbinder, not just because I thought he'd make a cool apprentice, but because he'd also make a prime sacrifice to Orcus. It gives her the choice later down the line to either raise him as her own disciple and family, or follow in the footsteps of her own mother. Time will tell.
If Gloomy did become her apprentice, she'd give him all of the support to development powers that surpassed even her own; if not, well, he'd make an excellent Slaymate...
>>169839
She's a bit of a sloot. Long-term abuse victims tend to be, and I figured it was appropriate for her depraved nature as a necromancer. A lot of NPC necromancer in d&d tend to be sexual degenerates, with multiple references to necrophiliacs. Vampires are also obsessed with sex.
>"I was there."
"So, you recall it then. The battle that took place here? The direction he struck from?"
The slaymate motif is actually why I thought to give her Gloomy as an asset for character development. I thought to make him a soulbinder, not just because I thought he'd make a cool apprentice, but because he'd also make a prime sacrifice to Orcus. It gives her the choice later down the line to either raise him as her own disciple and family, or follow in the footsteps of her own mother. Time will tell.
If Gloomy did become her apprentice, she'd give him all of the support to development powers that surpassed even her own; if not, well, he'd make an excellent Slaymate...
>>169839
She's a bit of a sloot. Long-term abuse victims tend to be, and I figured it was appropriate for her depraved nature as a necromancer. A lot of NPC necromancer in d&d tend to be sexual degenerates, with multiple references to necrophiliacs. Vampires are also obsessed with sex.
>"I was there."
"So, you recall it then. The battle that took place here? The direction he struck from?"
>>169840
Depicting vampirism as an almost metaphor for lust has become popular in modern depictions of vampirism. It seems a little contrary to the Rosa Maledicta philosophy, as lust tends to be hedonistic, and the Maledicta philosophy seems to hold that pleasure isn't worth it; in any case, sex has no reproductive purpose for the undead. Lament was supposed to stand out from the Dread League with his horniness, and sort of the same with Mason (who is not undead at all). But eh
"Yes. We encountered him on the road that's just beyond the trees. I knew he would come that way. Posing as a pony, hoping to encounter and prey upon some hapless pony from the logging company. Morning Dew had not returned; it was just us. He acted fast. Soul Loft was thrown up into the tree. Summer Breeze shot a fireball, but he dodged..."
He goes silent
Depicting vampirism as an almost metaphor for lust has become popular in modern depictions of vampirism. It seems a little contrary to the Rosa Maledicta philosophy, as lust tends to be hedonistic, and the Maledicta philosophy seems to hold that pleasure isn't worth it; in any case, sex has no reproductive purpose for the undead. Lament was supposed to stand out from the Dread League with his horniness, and sort of the same with Mason (who is not undead at all). But eh
"Yes. We encountered him on the road that's just beyond the trees. I knew he would come that way. Posing as a pony, hoping to encounter and prey upon some hapless pony from the logging company. Morning Dew had not returned; it was just us. He acted fast. Soul Loft was thrown up into the tree. Summer Breeze shot a fireball, but he dodged..."
He goes silent
>>169842
"The road... Of course. Easy access to prey, isolated conditions..."
"Where ever he would have laired would have had nearby access to this section of the road, as well as the town, less than one night's flight, crossing no rivers..."
Knowing this, can Posey try to determine the direction of the vampire's lair?
"The road... Of course. Easy access to prey, isolated conditions..."
"Where ever he would have laired would have had nearby access to this section of the road, as well as the town, less than one night's flight, crossing no rivers..."
Knowing this, can Posey try to determine the direction of the vampire's lair?
>>169842
Posey was born as a slave to the Coven, but she believes in Rosa as their glorious leader. Rosey has little passion for vampires and their hubristic, self-serving ways, although she has instinctive behaviors that mimic them.
Posey was born as a slave to the Coven, but she believes in Rosa as their glorious leader. Rosey has little passion for vampires and their hubristic, self-serving ways, although she has instinctive behaviors that mimic them.
>>169844
Ah. I guess that's fair, as Rosa intends ultimately to genocide the vampires.
>>169843
"The road is just a little logging road. It goes kind of southwest from here, mostly west. It doesn't actually go into town."
Likely the lair is in a similar direction they are going, albeit more so west, as the vampire was travelling east when it was encountered.
Ah. I guess that's fair, as Rosa intends ultimately to genocide the vampires.
>>169843
"The road is just a little logging road. It goes kind of southwest from here, mostly west. It doesn't actually go into town."
Likely the lair is in a similar direction they are going, albeit more so west, as the vampire was travelling east when it was encountered.
>>169845
"The road should be safer, follow me until then." Posey says, keeping with her little 'balance of Harmony' lie
She moves in that direction, eventually crossing the road, looking for wherever the forest would be dense enough to properly hide a cave or structure.
"The road should be safer, follow me until then." Posey says, keeping with her little 'balance of Harmony' lie
She moves in that direction, eventually crossing the road, looking for wherever the forest would be dense enough to properly hide a cave or structure.
I'm getting tired.
What do I need to roll to know if Posey finds the lair tonight? I want to actually investigate it this weekend.
What do I need to roll to know if Posey finds the lair tonight? I want to actually investigate it this weekend.
>>169848
Yeah, Posey will either have to meditate for 8 hours in a forest or garden, or willfully accept the taint of defiling and add the number to her permanent defiler score.
But I don't feel like being jihad'd by Druids just yet, so Posey will wait for the opportunity to meditate.
Search
[1d20+1 = (18+1) = 19]
Spot
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
Yeah, Posey will either have to meditate for 8 hours in a forest or garden, or willfully accept the taint of defiling and add the number to her permanent defiler score.
But I don't feel like being jihad'd by Druids just yet, so Posey will wait for the opportunity to meditate.
Search
[1d20+1 = (18+1) = 19]
Spot
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
>>169851
Hooray! The bloated pale master of goats tips the scales in my favor.
So, does this lead her to the lair?
Hooray! The bloated pale master of goats tips the scales in my favor.
So, does this lead her to the lair?
>>169852
Going a little ways down the road, there is a thinning of the trees, and a small break where a dirt road veers off to what looks like a meadow with an abandoned farmhouse
Going a little ways down the road, there is a thinning of the trees, and a small break where a dirt road veers off to what looks like a meadow with an abandoned farmhouse
>>169853
Great.
I'm too tired to roleplay seriously anymore, so I think this is a good stopping point.
Maybe pick this up again tomorrow?
Great.
I'm too tired to roleplay seriously anymore, so I think this is a good stopping point.
Maybe pick this up again tomorrow?
>>169852
>>169854
>>169856
Going into the meadow, Posey sees the remains of what was likely at one point a farm, albeit a rather small one, that would have been an island in an ocean of forest. The farmhouse is a single floor, raised above the ground, with a wooden porch and small set of steps leading up to it, and a roof with a low angle. The roof is collapsed in part, the windows are broken, and the paint has worn off. In front of it is a field of a few acres, with tall grass and periodic seedlings and small trees sprouting up. There is a small dirt road to the left, though this too, is starting to become grown over.
There's a low mist hanging just over the grass, which reflects white in the moon light. It's a bit odd for the time of year, and its prescence makes August uncomfortable.
>>169854
>>169856
Going into the meadow, Posey sees the remains of what was likely at one point a farm, albeit a rather small one, that would have been an island in an ocean of forest. The farmhouse is a single floor, raised above the ground, with a wooden porch and small set of steps leading up to it, and a roof with a low angle. The roof is collapsed in part, the windows are broken, and the paint has worn off. In front of it is a field of a few acres, with tall grass and periodic seedlings and small trees sprouting up. There is a small dirt road to the left, though this too, is starting to become grown over.
There's a low mist hanging just over the grass, which reflects white in the moon light. It's a bit odd for the time of year, and its prescence makes August uncomfortable.
Pardon, I got distracted.
>>169859
"... I think this is it." Posey says, her voice low
"Approach slowly. You never know what curses may remain."
>>169859
"... I think this is it." Posey says, her voice low
"Approach slowly. You never know what curses may remain."
>>169866
>Pots on the stove
>Sofa
>Not a lot of decoration
"Not what I expected from a vampire lair... Best look for his coffin, or, whatever he slept in. We'll know this is the place when we find a pouch of his ancestral earth." Posey says, levitating the couch cushions to look beneath, as she slowly walks across the hallway, towards the bedroom.
"Unless... Could this have been the place where he was born?"
>Pots on the stove
>Sofa
>Not a lot of decoration
"Not what I expected from a vampire lair... Best look for his coffin, or, whatever he slept in. We'll know this is the place when we find a pouch of his ancestral earth." Posey says, levitating the couch cushions to look beneath, as she slowly walks across the hallway, towards the bedroom.
"Unless... Could this have been the place where he was born?"
>>169867
A broken plate on the floor by a table near the front window, a knife on the floor and a rather small stain of what Posey may assume to be blood, but honestly not much.
Posey does find a coin under the couch.
"No." August says. Posey could hear him follow after her into the house. "Let Panolovich was born in his family's noble estates in the Zakatie province of what was then the Severyanan Domain of Equestria. He was very far from home."
A broken plate on the floor by a table near the front window, a knife on the floor and a rather small stain of what Posey may assume to be blood, but honestly not much.
Posey does find a coin under the couch.
"No." August says. Posey could hear him follow after her into the house. "Let Panolovich was born in his family's noble estates in the Zakatie province of what was then the Severyanan Domain of Equestria. He was very far from home."
>>169866
Posey levitates a pot to peek at what remains inside
"A vampire wouldn't be one to cook, although, perhaps he was the feral type that wouldn't alter his lair since the night he moved in. Perhaps some hard memories."
Posey levitates a pot to peek at what remains inside
"A vampire wouldn't be one to cook, although, perhaps he was the feral type that wouldn't alter his lair since the night he moved in. Perhaps some hard memories."
>>169868
"Then he should have had his coffin shipped in from overseas. When we find it, we can say for certain we've found his lair."
Posey says, levitating the coin.
"As well as most of his possessions."
She looks up to the group.
"Let's search the remaining rooms. I sense he's been here; either this is where he laired, or it's the home of one of his unfortunate victims, perhaps both."
Posey moves towards the nearest room.
"Then he should have had his coffin shipped in from overseas. When we find it, we can say for certain we've found his lair."
Posey says, levitating the coin.
"As well as most of his possessions."
She looks up to the group.
"Let's search the remaining rooms. I sense he's been here; either this is where he laired, or it's the home of one of his unfortunate victims, perhaps both."
Posey moves towards the nearest room.
>>169868
Posey stamps the floor firmly, listening for any hollows beneath.
Listen check
[1d20+2 = (1+2) = 3]
Posey stamps the floor firmly, listening for any hollows beneath.
Listen check
[1d20+2 = (1+2) = 3]
>>169869
Just the completely decomposed remnants of... something, though clearly there was something in the pots at one time.
>>169870
Posey should be aware that as kind of a general rule, the group members do not follow Posey into the building. August is with Posey, but the others, while in easy earshot, are not in direct line of sight.
Looking into the bedroom, Posey can see that there is a broken lamp near the door, disheveled and decayed sheets and a blanket on a moldy mattress stained by a (small) amount of blood.
>>169871
The wood breaks, and Posey's hoof falls through, likely several feet.
Just the completely decomposed remnants of... something, though clearly there was something in the pots at one time.
>>169870
Posey should be aware that as kind of a general rule, the group members do not follow Posey into the building. August is with Posey, but the others, while in easy earshot, are not in direct line of sight.
Looking into the bedroom, Posey can see that there is a broken lamp near the door, disheveled and decayed sheets and a blanket on a moldy mattress stained by a (small) amount of blood.
>>169871
The wood breaks, and Posey's hoof falls through, likely several feet.
>>169873
"Bucking hel-" Posey shouts as she falls through the floor
Does she fall into a cellar, or just beneath the floorboards.
Posey dusts herself off and examines her surroundings.
If she can still reach the bed, she checks under the mattress, for any objects hidden within it.
"Bucking hel-" Posey shouts as she falls through the floor
Does she fall into a cellar, or just beneath the floorboards.
Posey dusts herself off and examines her surroundings.
If she can still reach the bed, she checks under the mattress, for any objects hidden within it.
>>169874
Only her hoof breaks through, not the whole pony, so she can't really tell what she broke into without an examination.
Under the mattress is...
A box, and a few coins.
Only her hoof breaks through, not the whole pony, so she can't really tell what she broke into without an examination.
Under the mattress is...
A box, and a few coins.
>>169877
>Silver
Posey grimaces slightly, but opens the locket nonetheless to see the image inside, levitating it a good distance from herself, towards August.
She examines the photo.
>Silver
Posey grimaces slightly, but opens the locket nonetheless to see the image inside, levitating it a good distance from herself, towards August.
She examines the photo.
>>169878
Posey opens the locket to see an aged, black and white photograph of a stallion and a mare, looking at each other and nuzzling. The mare has a necklace, and her mane is back. The stallion has a kind of short cut.
The photograph depicts and stallion and a mare, evidently the same two with a similar mane cut and the same necklace, standing next to each other posing with a filly in front and between then
>>169879
August takes a moment, and with his own blue-green aura takes the locket, and then (if Posey lets him), the photograph.
"I think that might be... one of the missing."
Posey opens the locket to see an aged, black and white photograph of a stallion and a mare, looking at each other and nuzzling. The mare has a necklace, and her mane is back. The stallion has a kind of short cut.
The photograph depicts and stallion and a mare, evidently the same two with a similar mane cut and the same necklace, standing next to each other posing with a filly in front and between then
>>169879
August takes a moment, and with his own blue-green aura takes the locket, and then (if Posey lets him), the photograph.
"I think that might be... one of the missing."
>>169880
Posey lets him take it.
"Perhaps one of his victims then. He likely found them here and made quick work of them, pots still on the stove..." Posey says
"I'm questioning if he laired here at all... Best check the remaining room though, just to be certain."
Posey lets him take it.
"Perhaps one of his victims then. He likely found them here and made quick work of them, pots still on the stove..." Posey says
"I'm questioning if he laired here at all... Best check the remaining room though, just to be certain."
>>169881
The remaining room is a bathroom, with a decayed, simple tub, and a simple sink. The only fact of note is that the door locking mechanism is physically broken.
"He had to have been invited in..."
The remaining room is a bathroom, with a decayed, simple tub, and a simple sink. The only fact of note is that the door locking mechanism is physically broken.
"He had to have been invited in..."
>>169882
"Perhaps he seduced his way in, posing as a weary traveler, or perhaps he just caught one of the residents with his gaze through the window and enthralled them... Or perhaps these ponies were just hospitable and kind enough to invite a stranger in without question..." Posey says, scenarios trailing through her mind as she pauses
"...I don't think this is the place." she says
"Perhaps he seduced his way in, posing as a weary traveler, or perhaps he just caught one of the residents with his gaze through the window and enthralled them... Or perhaps these ponies were just hospitable and kind enough to invite a stranger in without question..." Posey says, scenarios trailing through her mind as she pauses
"...I don't think this is the place." she says
>>169883
"No bodies... It's possible that some escaped, unless they were enthralled and marched to his actual lair. An aristocrat like him probably wouldn't do his own dusting."
"No bodies... It's possible that some escaped, unless they were enthralled and marched to his actual lair. An aristocrat like him probably wouldn't do his own dusting."
>>169886
"No. But I don't believe that this house was purely a target of opportunity. I think it was targeted because his lair would have been impossible to hide from here."
"No. But I don't believe that this house was purely a target of opportunity. I think it was targeted because his lair would have been impossible to hide from here."
>>169887
"Within eyesight then..." Posey walks out to the porch
From the porch, she eyes the collapsed part of the roof and attempts to scale it
"Give me a boost, will you darling?" Posey asks, giving her tail a swish
Rolling Climb
[1d30+6 = (5+6) = 11]
"Within eyesight then..." Posey walks out to the porch
From the porch, she eyes the collapsed part of the roof and attempts to scale it
"Give me a boost, will you darling?" Posey asks, giving her tail a swish
Rolling Climb
[1d30+6 = (5+6) = 11]
>>169888
>Trips
>mare sexuality
>>169889
>Nat 20
>>169890
In so many ways
>>169888
August leans down, lets Posey stand on his back (given the armor, that isn't uncomfortable), then bucks her upwards, allowing her to grab onto the edge of the roof, and pull herself up. The corrugated metal roof feels a little week, but Posey is light enough that it isn't too dangerous.
>Trips
>mare sexuality
>>169889
>Nat 20
>>169890
In so many ways
>>169888
August leans down, lets Posey stand on his back (given the armor, that isn't uncomfortable), then bucks her upwards, allowing her to grab onto the edge of the roof, and pull herself up. The corrugated metal roof feels a little week, but Posey is light enough that it isn't too dangerous.
>>169891
Posey gets to the highest point in the roof, and uses the vantage point to scout the area.
With her low-light vision, she should be able to see in this clearing, with the half moon.
She peers all around the clearing, searching for anything out of place.
Posey gets to the highest point in the roof, and uses the vantage point to scout the area.
With her low-light vision, she should be able to see in this clearing, with the half moon.
She peers all around the clearing, searching for anything out of place.
File (): 3B8E6D48295D68762567691C49BE1FDD-409592.png
(400.0 KB, 1254x774, 6403149.png)
>>169893
Idk what to roll, but I'm going to take +2 from being high up. Apply any other mods afterwards.
>tfw no Action Points
[1d20+2 = (9+2) = 11]
Idk what to roll, but I'm going to take +2 from being high up. Apply any other mods afterwards.
>tfw no Action Points
[1d20+2 = (9+2) = 11]
>>169894
Trees behind her (to the east), trees to her left (to the south), trees to her right (the north), and to the west past the mist covered field, a thinning of trees with a few hill-like formations and what seems to be a barn or a shed next to a lower area, evidently a dried creek bed.
Trees behind her (to the east), trees to her left (to the south), trees to her right (the north), and to the west past the mist covered field, a thinning of trees with a few hill-like formations and what seems to be a barn or a shed next to a lower area, evidently a dried creek bed.
>>169895
"West!" Posey calls, from the top of the roof, before she scales down and heads in that direction.
"West!" Posey calls, from the top of the roof, before she scales down and heads in that direction.
"Careful. We're incredibly close." Posey says, As she continues her paranoia-inducing sword dragging gimmick, walking in a slow, zig-zagged pattern around invisible obstacles.
>>169896
Posey can lean over the edge, hang onto the roof, then hop down with August to catch her.
To traverse the field, she may cut directly across the tall grass, follow the dirt road, or perhaps follow the tree line on the right.
Posey can lean over the edge, hang onto the roof, then hop down with August to catch her.
To traverse the field, she may cut directly across the tall grass, follow the dirt road, or perhaps follow the tree line on the right.
>>169898
Posey travels as stated above, cutting across the tall grass, sometimes inspecting the tips of weeds, mimicking the interest of a botanist.
Posey travels as stated above, cutting across the tall grass, sometimes inspecting the tips of weeds, mimicking the interest of a botanist.
File (): C4F91F985F54B078CE6AC915C708B43C-915939.png
(894.5 KB, 1980x1080, 6782547.png)
>>169899
Posey crosses the high grass of the field, with August and the 6 of the team following behind, though with a bit of distance.
Roll Spot
Roll Listen
Posey crosses the high grass of the field, with August and the 6 of the team following behind, though with a bit of distance.
Roll Spot
Roll Listen
>>169901
Posey doesn't notice until she's fairly close. But then, to the right, coming from the edge of the forest, Posey sees glowing red eyes, and the silhouettes of three forms. She can hear grass moved aside, and a very low pitched growling.
Posey can tell that they have the forms of wolves but are significantly larger. Some indescribable quality - or perhaps it is their unnatural eyes - gives the impression that Posey has not encountered a regular wild animal, simply trying to protect its territory, but something much more... malevolent
Posey doesn't notice until she's fairly close. But then, to the right, coming from the edge of the forest, Posey sees glowing red eyes, and the silhouettes of three forms. She can hear grass moved aside, and a very low pitched growling.
Posey can tell that they have the forms of wolves but are significantly larger. Some indescribable quality - or perhaps it is their unnatural eyes - gives the impression that Posey has not encountered a regular wild animal, simply trying to protect its territory, but something much more... malevolent
>>169902
So, you mean like, LARGE larger?
>"Heh, Aunty Lilac's pooches bigger."
Posey thinks to herself, a shudder running down her spine as she recalls the memory, as she fiercely stares down the wolves, with equal malevolence in her eyes.
Thinking fast, Posey makes my a biologist and as a move action closes distance with the nearest wolf, to boop it on the snoot.
"Git!" she shouts
The bones one her armor rattle, letting her demoralize as a free action (applying -4 Size Penalty).
[1d20+7 = (1+7) = 8]
And she makes a boop attack
[1d20+5 = (9+5) = 14]
More importantly though, this activates her Dreadful Wrath, emitting a Frightful Presence, which should force all creatures within 20 ft of her to roll a save or be Shaken for one minute.
So, you mean like, LARGE larger?
>"Heh, Aunty Lilac's pooches bigger."
Posey thinks to herself, a shudder running down her spine as she recalls the memory, as she fiercely stares down the wolves, with equal malevolence in her eyes.
Thinking fast, Posey makes my a biologist and as a move action closes distance with the nearest wolf, to boop it on the snoot.
"Git!" she shouts
The bones one her armor rattle, letting her demoralize as a free action (applying -4 Size Penalty).
[1d20+7 = (1+7) = 8]
And she makes a boop attack
[1d20+5 = (9+5) = 14]
More importantly though, this activates her Dreadful Wrath, emitting a Frightful Presence, which should force all creatures within 20 ft of her to roll a save or be Shaken for one minute.
>>169903
>Nat 1 demoralize
Well, there goes my whole plan. Hope they fail their saving throws, because this might turn into melee soon.
>Nat 1 demoralize
Well, there goes my whole plan. Hope they fail their saving throws, because this might turn into melee soon.
>>169903
Like, larger than you'd normally be comfortable fucking with larger.
Evidently, dangling bones in front of hungry dogs does not scare them.
The attack hits
Technically, everycreature is either more than 20 feet away, or immune to frightful presence
Like, larger than you'd normally be comfortable fucking with larger.
Evidently, dangling bones in front of hungry dogs does not scare them.
The attack hits
Technically, everycreature is either more than 20 feet away, or immune to frightful presence
>>169903
From behind, cracks of thunder
Bang Bang BANG Bang Tat Tat Tat Tat Tat Bang Bang
[1d20+2 = (16+2) = 18]
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d20+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]
[1d20+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d20+7 = (7+7) = 14]
[1d20+1 = (12+1) = 13]
[1d20+1 = (18+1) = 19]
[1d20+1 = (1+1) = 2]
[1d20+1 = (15+1) = 16]
[1d20+1 = (16+1) = 17]
From behind, cracks of thunder
Bang Bang BANG Bang Tat Tat Tat Tat Tat Bang Bang
[1d20+2 = (16+2) = 18]
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d20+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]
[1d20+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d20+7 = (7+7) = 14]
[1d20+1 = (12+1) = 13]
[1d20+1 = (18+1) = 19]
[1d20+1 = (1+1) = 2]
[1d20+1 = (15+1) = 16]
[1d20+1 = (16+1) = 17]
>>169905
The wolf she booped is more than 20 ft away?
Okay, gonna roll Iaijutsu, since this is the first round
[1d20+3 = (12+3) = 15]
Slam damage
[1d6+7 = (5+7) = 12]
The wolf she booped is more than 20 ft away?
Okay, gonna roll Iaijutsu, since this is the first round
[1d20+3 = (12+3) = 15]
Slam damage
[1d6+7 = (5+7) = 12]
>>169910
>Wolf immune to fear
Well... Fuck...
I'm going to roll Religion as a free action, to identify if these wolves are undead, or influenced by undead
[1d20+9 = (4+9) = 13]
>Wolf immune to fear
Well... Fuck...
I'm going to roll Religion as a free action, to identify if these wolves are undead, or influenced by undead
[1d20+9 = (4+9) = 13]
>>169910
>>169907
Posey can hear bullets wiz by, and more than a few splat directly into these possessed wolves. Possey herself is able to break the nasal cavity. of the one in the middle... But it does not fell them.
Surely any forest creature would cut their losses, and run back into the forest, right? Or better, it would die. Right?
Instead, Posey has only pissed them off. The one next to Posey bites at her, while one to the right lunges for August, and one to the left for another soldier.
Attack against Posey:
[1d20+11 = (11+11) = 22]
Attacks of opportunity
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
[1d20+7 = (16+7) = 23]
[1d20+11 = (8+11) = 19]
[1d20+11 = (8+11) = 19]
>>169907
Posey can hear bullets wiz by, and more than a few splat directly into these possessed wolves. Possey herself is able to break the nasal cavity. of the one in the middle... But it does not fell them.
Surely any forest creature would cut their losses, and run back into the forest, right? Or better, it would die. Right?
Instead, Posey has only pissed them off. The one next to Posey bites at her, while one to the right lunges for August, and one to the left for another soldier.
Attack against Posey:
[1d20+11 = (11+11) = 22]
Attacks of opportunity
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
[1d20+7 = (16+7) = 23]
[1d20+11 = (8+11) = 19]
[1d20+11 = (8+11) = 19]
>>169917
Posey begins fighting defensively, to gain +2 Dodge bonus to AC, and boops the wolf on the nose again, this time with her Charnel touch
[1d20+1 = (13+1) = 14]
Posey begins fighting defensively, to gain +2 Dodge bonus to AC, and boops the wolf on the nose again, this time with her Charnel touch
[1d20+1 = (13+1) = 14]
>>169913
[1d20+2 = (13+2) = 15]
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
[1d20+2 = (15+2) = 17]
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
[1d20+2 = (13+2) = 15]
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+3 = (15+3) = 18]
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
[1d20+2 = (13+2) = 15]
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
[1d20+2 = (15+2) = 17]
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
[1d20+2 = (13+2) = 15]
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+3 = (15+3) = 18]
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
File (): EB351CF04433CEE10404BB293BE3FC6D-7498807.png
(7.2 MB, 2700x3990, 1331086.png)
>>169933
Also, Posey's turn
Hear the thunder
[1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]
[1d20+2 = (19+2) = 21]
[1d20+2 = (19+2) = 21]
[1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]
[1d20+2 = (10+2) = 12]
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
[1d20+2 = (12+2) = 14]
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+4 = (10+4) = 14]
[1d20+3 = (5+3) = 8]
Also, Posey's turn
Hear the thunder
[1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]
[1d20+2 = (19+2) = 21]
[1d20+2 = (19+2) = 21]
[1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]
[1d20+2 = (10+2) = 12]
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
[1d20+2 = (12+2) = 14]
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+4 = (10+4) = 14]
[1d20+3 = (5+3) = 8]
>>169934
Posey regains 1 HP, for a total of 22. She stops healing, as her health if above half now.
Posey considers her options, although with the machine gun firing she thinks she can afford to conceal her spellcasting for another round.
So she begins fighting defensively, and touches a hoof to her wound to recover another hit point, putting her at 23.
Posey regains 1 HP, for a total of 22. She stops healing, as her health if above half now.
Posey considers her options, although with the machine gun firing she thinks she can afford to conceal her spellcasting for another round.
So she begins fighting defensively, and touches a hoof to her wound to recover another hit point, putting her at 23.
>>169935
>>169937
>>169936
Posey moves back from the wolf, to see it snort blood out of its nostrils, and look back to Posey with glowing red eyes, and blood dripping from its frame. Then an explosion of red blood, and another, and another, and another, with its rib cage start to open. It's eyes go dim before it falls over on its side, onto the ground.
To her right, half of the skull of the wolf attacking August is blown off, and it too, falls down.
The horror is over. They've won.
>>169937
>>169936
Posey moves back from the wolf, to see it snort blood out of its nostrils, and look back to Posey with glowing red eyes, and blood dripping from its frame. Then an explosion of red blood, and another, and another, and another, with its rib cage start to open. It's eyes go dim before it falls over on its side, onto the ground.
To her right, half of the skull of the wolf attacking August is blown off, and it too, falls down.
The horror is over. They've won.
>>169938
Hooray
"..... And THAT is what happens when a vampire lairs in an area." Posey says, covering her wounds with her cloak to conceal them as she attempts to heal up over the course of as many rounds as she can manage.
"Who's hurt?"
Hooray
"..... And THAT is what happens when a vampire lairs in an area." Posey says, covering her wounds with her cloak to conceal them as she attempts to heal up over the course of as many rounds as she can manage.
"Who's hurt?"
>>169939
Posey suggests the group take some time to catch their breaths
"I have to dissect this wolf's brain, or, what's left of it. I need to check it before the vampiric entropy leaves the body. It'll only take a couple minutes." Posey lies, as she waddles off behind the wolf carcass to heal her own wounds over the course of 20 rounds (2 minutes) with her Charnel Touch.
Posey suggests the group take some time to catch their breaths
"I have to dissect this wolf's brain, or, what's left of it. I need to check it before the vampiric entropy leaves the body. It'll only take a couple minutes." Posey lies, as she waddles off behind the wolf carcass to heal her own wounds over the course of 20 rounds (2 minutes) with her Charnel Touch.
Also, untrained Heal check for autopsy, to see if Posey notices anything odd about this possessed wolf
[1d20+2 = (18+2) = 20]
[1d20+2 = (18+2) = 20]
File (): C1B7FE700E52D96C9AF30D37ACDC306E-34293.jpg
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>>169939
Posey can see that there are two casualties
One is one of the soldiers. This is not quite any random soldier, but one who Posey could discern from conversation is named "flaring lamp." In his late twenties or maybe early 30s, a unicorn with an indigo coat and a black mane, he carried a military bolt action rifle with a bayonet fixed - a bayonet that he logged right through the wolf's eyeball. As one of two to receive military grade weapons, he's clearly a higher ranking member. Flaring Lamp had previously given Posey death glares, was taken off into private by August and whispered to at the Tavern, and stared straight through at Posey when she attempted to charm him. He was by the leader's side all night, he did not drink, and he clearly is not pleased by August banging Posey based off of his reactions. His jack had been torn through severely, and he does not remain standing.
Then the second is August himself. His steel breast plate has been bent, his helmet is damaged, and he is severely injured himself.
Posey can see that there are two casualties
One is one of the soldiers. This is not quite any random soldier, but one who Posey could discern from conversation is named "flaring lamp." In his late twenties or maybe early 30s, a unicorn with an indigo coat and a black mane, he carried a military bolt action rifle with a bayonet fixed - a bayonet that he logged right through the wolf's eyeball. As one of two to receive military grade weapons, he's clearly a higher ranking member. Flaring Lamp had previously given Posey death glares, was taken off into private by August and whispered to at the Tavern, and stared straight through at Posey when she attempted to charm him. He was by the leader's side all night, he did not drink, and he clearly is not pleased by August banging Posey based off of his reactions. His jack had been torn through severely, and he does not remain standing.
Then the second is August himself. His steel breast plate has been bent, his helmet is damaged, and he is severely injured himself.
>>169941
>>169943
"It's a wolf. And it died of lead poisoning." The leader says, before turning his attention to August
>>169939
Posey is severely injured, and her injuries are visible. She will likely need more than her dress to hide it.
>>169942
The wolf seems to be actually slowly starving to death. It's dehydrated. And it seems to have incessantly scratched at its fur on its legs until the fur comes out. Its muscles were becoming atrophied. There is no visible sign of fungal, mite, or other parasitic infection anywhere on its body.
>>169943
"It's a wolf. And it died of lead poisoning." The leader says, before turning his attention to August
>>169939
Posey is severely injured, and her injuries are visible. She will likely need more than her dress to hide it.
>>169942
The wolf seems to be actually slowly starving to death. It's dehydrated. And it seems to have incessantly scratched at its fur on its legs until the fur comes out. Its muscles were becoming atrophied. There is no visible sign of fungal, mite, or other parasitic infection anywhere on its body.
>>169946
>Wolf description
Yep. This thing was enthralled alright. It neglected itself and mindlessly guarded the territory.
>She will likely need more than her dress to hide it.
Posey hides behind the wolf while she heals herself, using it as cover as she touches her hoof to her wounds.
>Wolf description
Yep. This thing was enthralled alright. It neglected itself and mindlessly guarded the territory.
>She will likely need more than her dress to hide it.
Posey hides behind the wolf while she heals herself, using it as cover as she touches her hoof to her wounds.
>>169947
I guess I'll roll Hide, to conceal Posey's healing process behind the wolf.
She did fail that bluff check though...
[1d20+9 = (17+9) = 26]
I guess I'll roll Hide, to conceal Posey's healing process behind the wolf.
She did fail that bluff check though...
[1d20+9 = (17+9) = 26]
>>169948
>>169947
The other ponies do not seem to buy that an autopsy is really warranted, or that these wolves had anything to do with "vampiric entropy."
>>169949
Flaring Lamp is alive, and the other ponies do ask Posey if she is hurt, but seem a bit more focused on August and flaring Lamp.
August gives Posey an odd stare, and then limps towards Flaring Lamp.
>>169948
The wolf is just large enough for Posey to crouch behind, combined with the tall grass.
>>169947
The other ponies do not seem to buy that an autopsy is really warranted, or that these wolves had anything to do with "vampiric entropy."
>>169949
Flaring Lamp is alive, and the other ponies do ask Posey if she is hurt, but seem a bit more focused on August and flaring Lamp.
August gives Posey an odd stare, and then limps towards Flaring Lamp.
>>169948
The wolf is just large enough for Posey to crouch behind, combined with the tall grass.
>>169950
Posey heals her wounds over the course of two minutes.
She cuts off one of the wolves' heads for good measure.
Posey says she's okay, and that the wolf only "knicked" her.
To cover this up, Posey only heals herself up to 37 HP (5 less than her maximum), leaving a gash visible.
I guess this requires another Bluff check
[1d20+10 = (8+10) = 18]
Posey heals her wounds over the course of two minutes.
She cuts off one of the wolves' heads for good measure.
Posey says she's okay, and that the wolf only "knicked" her.
To cover this up, Posey only heals herself up to 37 HP (5 less than her maximum), leaving a gash visible.
I guess this requires another Bluff check
[1d20+10 = (8+10) = 18]
>>169951
Posey takes the large sword and cuts the head off of the wolf with its skull still intact, as a disease-researcher would do when examining a rabid dog.
Posey takes the large sword and cuts the head off of the wolf with its skull still intact, as a disease-researcher would do when examining a rabid dog.
>>169953
>>169952
August gives Posey a look telling her that he has chosen to heal himself and Lamp over her, and he knows that she knows it.
Posey is basically left alone as she patches up herself, as they take just as long for Lamp and August. Lamp is heavily bandaged, and August has replaced his broken guard helmet with a steel changeling drone style helmet.
>>169952
August gives Posey a look telling her that he has chosen to heal himself and Lamp over her, and he knows that she knows it.
Posey is basically left alone as she patches up herself, as they take just as long for Lamp and August. Lamp is heavily bandaged, and August has replaced his broken guard helmet with a steel changeling drone style helmet.
>>169955
Posey wraps the wolf's head in a sheet of cloth and returns to the group, with a silent nod.
"... Not much further now." she says eventually, as Lamp gets to his feet, her tone flat, as her head tilts towards the west
Posey wraps the wolf's head in a sheet of cloth and returns to the group, with a silent nod.
"... Not much further now." she says eventually, as Lamp gets to his feet, her tone flat, as her head tilts towards the west
>>169956
One of the soldiers remarks
"Could anyone have heard that? Would the military know?"
Another
"Why would wolves attack us?"
August has a foreleg over Lamp's shoulder. August has scars visibly heeled by magic. He's clearly in pain, but he stands stoically, and looks towards Posey.
Posey is damned near at her destination. In front of her, a barn, or something like it. To the side of that, a mound. And beyond that, a dried riverbed.
One of the soldiers remarks
"Could anyone have heard that? Would the military know?"
Another
"Why would wolves attack us?"
August has a foreleg over Lamp's shoulder. August has scars visibly heeled by magic. He's clearly in pain, but he stands stoically, and looks towards Posey.
Posey is damned near at her destination. In front of her, a barn, or something like it. To the side of that, a mound. And beyond that, a dried riverbed.
>>169957
"Where there are vampires, there are wolves... Enthralled and driven to madness. I wrote a paper on it..."
Her tone turns grim though
"Although, it's not normal for them to stick around after the vampire is slain..."
Posey slowly walks towards the barn.
"Where there are vampires, there are wolves... Enthralled and driven to madness. I wrote a paper on it..."
Her tone turns grim though
"Although, it's not normal for them to stick around after the vampire is slain..."
Posey slowly walks towards the barn.
>>169958
August says under his breath
"No. It isn't." and has a serious expression. He takes his shot gun, turns it upside down, and inserts one, two, three shells, and cocks it with a loud "click clack." He moves side by side with Posey.
Posey is not attacked by any creature as she moves towards the barn.
August says under his breath
"No. It isn't." and has a serious expression. He takes his shot gun, turns it upside down, and inserts one, two, three shells, and cocks it with a loud "click clack." He moves side by side with Posey.
Posey is not attacked by any creature as she moves towards the barn.
>>169960
Opening the door of the unlocked barn Posey sees...
Piles of rubbish
A big bin of what is now rubbish.
A pair of stalls.
A few implements like leather harnesses and a scythe hanging
A pony-pulled plow on the side.
Opening the door of the unlocked barn Posey sees...
Piles of rubbish
A big bin of what is now rubbish.
A pair of stalls.
A few implements like leather harnesses and a scythe hanging
A pony-pulled plow on the side.
>>169964
It’s decomposed plant matter, basically soil at this point. There does not seem to be any trapdoor beneath it. Note that there is a loft in the barn, and a rather large covered cart pushed towards the back of the barn between the stalls.
It’s decomposed plant matter, basically soil at this point. There does not seem to be any trapdoor beneath it. Note that there is a loft in the barn, and a rather large covered cart pushed towards the back of the barn between the stalls.
>>169966
The cart is reasonably large, with a big back designed to carry cargo, and a door, walls, and roof that covers it. It is empty. There is a wooden door with a stone wall behind it, slightly recessed and evidently going to a root cellar.
The loft is mostly empty, with some decayed straw, but interestingly there are several articles of clothing up there - shirts and jackets. There is a walkway that allows a pony to walk out to an opening with a wooden plank, that allows a view over the riverbed, part of the meadow, and the forest.
The cart is reasonably large, with a big back designed to carry cargo, and a door, walls, and roof that covers it. It is empty. There is a wooden door with a stone wall behind it, slightly recessed and evidently going to a root cellar.
The loft is mostly empty, with some decayed straw, but interestingly there are several articles of clothing up there - shirts and jackets. There is a walkway that allows a pony to walk out to an opening with a wooden plank, that allows a view over the riverbed, part of the meadow, and the forest.
>>169967
"He was definitely here..." Posey says, as she examines the articles of clothing
She turns and moves towards the root cellar.
"He was definitely here..." Posey says, as she examines the articles of clothing
She turns and moves towards the root cellar.
>>169968
The articles of clothing belong to a stallion. One is a set of robes, while another is a formal dress jacket of (semi) contemporary design
The root cellar is hard to access, with the cart parked a little too closely too it, and the door not wanting to open.
The articles of clothing belong to a stallion. One is a set of robes, while another is a formal dress jacket of (semi) contemporary design
The root cellar is hard to access, with the cart parked a little too closely too it, and the door not wanting to open.
>>169970
He nods. A set of ponies arrive, but only one is needed to move it. A beige earth pony hooks himself up to the cart, and after a brake unapplied, moves the cart, albeit with difficulty given the rusty axels.
He nods. A set of ponies arrive, but only one is needed to move it. A beige earth pony hooks himself up to the cart, and after a brake unapplied, moves the cart, albeit with difficulty given the rusty axels.
>>169973
Posey requests help from the other ponies, to either push down the door, or pull it out (provided that somepony brought any rope).
Posey requests help from the other ponies, to either push down the door, or pull it out (provided that somepony brought any rope).
>>169974
They door is bucked, broken, and then removed.
Posey can see immediately there is a small set of stone stairs into a subterranean chamber
They door is bucked, broken, and then removed.
Posey can see immediately there is a small set of stone stairs into a subterranean chamber
>>169978
Posey waits for the ponies to shine their torches down, because it would be a bad idea to reveal that she can see in the dark.
Posey waits for the ponies to shine their torches down, because it would be a bad idea to reveal that she can see in the dark.
I have to step out for 15-20 minutes to shower. If I don't take a shower every day, I will lose my mind.
I'll be back ASAP though. Maybe type up a description of the lair?
I'll be back ASAP though. Maybe type up a description of the lair?
The room is natural cave that near the entrance has stones on its side to presumably keep back soil, but is limestone elsewhere, sometimes carved. The floor is dirt and stone, mostly level. At one point is was likely used for cool food storage. There is a stone wall at the far end with a wooden door that clearly closes off more of the cave.
Peering into the room, Posey can see that the room is rather populated with a number of curious items. Shelves, multiple pine rectangular boxes. There's a set of armor. Two of them actually. A pair of rifles sitting up against the shelves, and helmets that look just a bit premodern.
As Posey steps down the stairs, there is a blue glow almost like Saint Elmo's fire near her hooves, but it vanishes. The stairway is narrow and only permits one pony to come down at a time, although realistically jumping down to the side of the stairs is viable, as the distance is not that great.
Peering into the room, Posey can see that the room is rather populated with a number of curious items. Shelves, multiple pine rectangular boxes. There's a set of armor. Two of them actually. A pair of rifles sitting up against the shelves, and helmets that look just a bit premodern.
As Posey steps down the stairs, there is a blue glow almost like Saint Elmo's fire near her hooves, but it vanishes. The stairway is narrow and only permits one pony to come down at a time, although realistically jumping down to the side of the stairs is viable, as the distance is not that great.
>>169981
>there is a blue glow almost like Saint Elmo's fire near her hooves
Rolling Arcana, to determine the effect of this magic
[1d20+7 = (18+7) = 25]
>Peering into the room, Posey can see that the room is rather populated with a number of curious items. Shelves, multiple pine rectangular boxes. There's a set of armor. Two of them actually. A pair of rifles sitting up against the shelves, and helmets that look just a bit premodern.
"Looks like we found the treasure, colts." Posey shouts back, inviting the other ponies in after her.
Posey moves through the room, and proceeds to the next door
"His coffin should be here somewhere."
>there is a blue glow almost like Saint Elmo's fire near her hooves
Rolling Arcana, to determine the effect of this magic
[1d20+7 = (18+7) = 25]
>Peering into the room, Posey can see that the room is rather populated with a number of curious items. Shelves, multiple pine rectangular boxes. There's a set of armor. Two of them actually. A pair of rifles sitting up against the shelves, and helmets that look just a bit premodern.
"Looks like we found the treasure, colts." Posey shouts back, inviting the other ponies in after her.
Posey moves through the room, and proceeds to the next door
"His coffin should be here somewhere."
>>169982
It's an alarm spell, activated by entering a warded area.
August enters, though he looks confused, like he didn't expect this.
The other ponies follow behind, but Posey can tell that they are descended from prey animals... frankly, they still are prey animals. They look paranoid, and easy to spook.
The door to the next room is actually unlocked this time.
It's an alarm spell, activated by entering a warded area.
August enters, though he looks confused, like he didn't expect this.
The other ponies follow behind, but Posey can tell that they are descended from prey animals... frankly, they still are prey animals. They look paranoid, and easy to spook.
The door to the next room is actually unlocked this time.
>>169983
>It's an alarm spell
"Say... Was this vampire a mage, by any chance?" Posey asks, nervously
"That was an alarm spell..."
Regardless of this, Posey proceeds through the next door.
>It's an alarm spell
"Say... Was this vampire a mage, by any chance?" Posey asks, nervously
"That was an alarm spell..."
Regardless of this, Posey proceeds through the next door.
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>>169984
"No." August answers bluntly.
On the stone wall, and on the wooden door, Posey sees the movement shadows, evidently of her teammates following right behind her. These shadows must only be blocking one electric torch of several illuminating the wall, because the shadows are a light grey, only blocking a part of the light against the wall. She can hear the clanking of armor behind her, the sound of a sword being pulled, and then the sound of a rifle being cocked behind her, a sign her teammates are ready to enter the next room with her.
Posey opens the door to see a comparatively large cavern. Dim moonlight shines through a hole in the top, and part of it comes down on a coffin, although several can be seen. Throughout the cavern, Posey can see, through the black and of her darkvision, the silhouettes of creatures standing up, and looking over towards Posey. She can make out slim but solid bodies, raised ears, and golden eyes. It were as if she had awoken a number of cats, although these are larger than cats, and more numerous. Every now and then, a streak of light from the electric torches, or from the moonlight, hits one of these creatures, and exposes yellow or pink matted fur, or a weathered pine coffin, or a chiseled limestone wall that has been completely covered in scribbles. What Posey does not need the electric torch to see is the dozen golden eyes that open, and rise above the rock floor.
Then Posey hears sounds from the ponies. "Fuck!" "What is that?" And "Oh shit, did you see that?" And she hears the sounds of August's armor clanking, him unsheathing a sword, and multiple ponies working the bolt of a rifle. And she can hear that her teammates and August are not, in fact, right behind her, despite what she heard before. The cowards have barely entered the room and are much further behind. Certainly have seen nothing that Posey has in the next room.
"No." August answers bluntly.
On the stone wall, and on the wooden door, Posey sees the movement shadows, evidently of her teammates following right behind her. These shadows must only be blocking one electric torch of several illuminating the wall, because the shadows are a light grey, only blocking a part of the light against the wall. She can hear the clanking of armor behind her, the sound of a sword being pulled, and then the sound of a rifle being cocked behind her, a sign her teammates are ready to enter the next room with her.
Posey opens the door to see a comparatively large cavern. Dim moonlight shines through a hole in the top, and part of it comes down on a coffin, although several can be seen. Throughout the cavern, Posey can see, through the black and of her darkvision, the silhouettes of creatures standing up, and looking over towards Posey. She can make out slim but solid bodies, raised ears, and golden eyes. It were as if she had awoken a number of cats, although these are larger than cats, and more numerous. Every now and then, a streak of light from the electric torches, or from the moonlight, hits one of these creatures, and exposes yellow or pink matted fur, or a weathered pine coffin, or a chiseled limestone wall that has been completely covered in scribbles. What Posey does not need the electric torch to see is the dozen golden eyes that open, and rise above the rock floor.
Then Posey hears sounds from the ponies. "Fuck!" "What is that?" And "Oh shit, did you see that?" And she hears the sounds of August's armor clanking, him unsheathing a sword, and multiple ponies working the bolt of a rifle. And she can hear that her teammates and August are not, in fact, right behind her, despite what she heard before. The cowards have barely entered the room and are much further behind. Certainly have seen nothing that Posey has in the next room.
>>169986
Posey rolls knowledge (Arcana) to identify these creatures
[1d20+7 = (2+7) = 9]
And Religion, in the even that they're undead
[1d20+7 = (11+7) = 18]
And then promptly closed the door, deciding to deal with this after she addresses whatever her teammates saw, hoping the door will delay them.
"Yeah.... There's a bunch of monster cat-things in there... Coffins too... Coffins, plural..." Posey announces
Posey rolls knowledge (Arcana) to identify these creatures
[1d20+7 = (2+7) = 9]
And Religion, in the even that they're undead
[1d20+7 = (11+7) = 18]
And then promptly closed the door, deciding to deal with this after she addresses whatever her teammates saw, hoping the door will delay them.
"Yeah.... There's a bunch of monster cat-things in there... Coffins too... Coffins, plural..." Posey announces
>>169987
She can't really tell. They are solid, so either not undead, or something like thralls, vampire spawn, or zombies.
Her teammates are frankly seriously spooked and have not the slightest idea what waits in the next room.
"Careful! You could hit the botanist."
"Fuck her!"
And a third pony
"I thought we'd have Fascist goons at worst! What are these?"
She can't really tell. They are solid, so either not undead, or something like thralls, vampire spawn, or zombies.
Her teammates are frankly seriously spooked and have not the slightest idea what waits in the next room.
"Careful! You could hit the botanist."
"Fuck her!"
And a third pony
"I thought we'd have Fascist goons at worst! What are these?"
>>169988
Well, I guess I may as well try and use this feature
Posey opens the door, and flashes her symbol
Rebuke Undead
Rolling
[1d20+6 = (13+6) = 19]
Well, I guess I may as well try and use this feature
Posey opens the door, and flashes her symbol
Rebuke Undead
Rolling
[1d20+6 = (13+6) = 19]
>>169989
Posey Rebukes undead as a 10th level Cleric.
Rolling Turning Damage
[2d6+10+4]
Since turning is considered an attack, this would activate her frightful presence, in case they're not undead.
Posey Rebukes undead as a 10th level Cleric.
Rolling Turning Damage
[2d6+10+4]
Since turning is considered an attack, this would activate her frightful presence, in case they're not undead.
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>>169992
Well, I was, until you asked that just now...
Gonna roll Intelligence to see if Posey would be smart enough to know why this is a bad idea:
[1d30+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Well, I was, until you asked that just now...
Gonna roll Intelligence to see if Posey would be smart enough to know why this is a bad idea:
[1d30+3 = (17+3) = 20]
>>169994
Six creatures creatures, plausibly undead, they should have already seen us. Moonlight implies and entrance above. Coffins in the room... Ghouls, maybe? Rebuking would give an advantage in combat.
The vampire should have had spawn. Perhaps these are his thralls.
Posey looks behind her, to check if there is anything obvious she's missing.
Six creatures creatures, plausibly undead, they should have already seen us. Moonlight implies and entrance above. Coffins in the room... Ghouls, maybe? Rebuking would give an advantage in combat.
The vampire should have had spawn. Perhaps these are his thralls.
Posey looks behind her, to check if there is anything obvious she's missing.
GM, I'm getting tired here, can I get a hint from that Int check?
Also, I know you're about to make a new thread, so I think maybe we should pick up again tomorrow.
Also, I know you're about to make a new thread, so I think maybe we should pick up again tomorrow.
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>>169996
Posey turns to see that behind her are the spectral forms of four soldiers - four soldiers who clearly are not from Posey's posse, nor the Military, but take the form of bygone wars. These ponies are not solid matter, but blacked silhouettes with dark grey eyes. The weapons and armor they wield are physical implements binding them to this realm.
Two of them hold bolt action rifles, albeit rusted and war damaged and of an older and likely foreign design. One has the form of a pegasus, and in the light of the torches it can be seen that he wears a uniform that must have been green in color with red shoulder patches, and a green and pointed hat. The other is an earth pony who wears a white uniform with black patches, and a white cap with a black trim. Only the rifle is made of matter.
Besides these are two soldiers in armor. One is a unicorn who wears a set of plate armor, a shield with a sun on it, and wields a longsword. The other is a pegasus with Lamellar armor, a pointed metal helmet, and a spear. The weapons and armor are dull and rusty, though as before, they are solid and well defined, while the shadow is not.
Posey's teammates are directly on the other side of these entities. Not helpful, given where the bullets go if they miss... or rather, should the bullets pass straight through.
Posey turns to see that behind her are the spectral forms of four soldiers - four soldiers who clearly are not from Posey's posse, nor the Military, but take the form of bygone wars. These ponies are not solid matter, but blacked silhouettes with dark grey eyes. The weapons and armor they wield are physical implements binding them to this realm.
Two of them hold bolt action rifles, albeit rusted and war damaged and of an older and likely foreign design. One has the form of a pegasus, and in the light of the torches it can be seen that he wears a uniform that must have been green in color with red shoulder patches, and a green and pointed hat. The other is an earth pony who wears a white uniform with black patches, and a white cap with a black trim. Only the rifle is made of matter.
Besides these are two soldiers in armor. One is a unicorn who wears a set of plate armor, a shield with a sun on it, and wields a longsword. The other is a pegasus with Lamellar armor, a pointed metal helmet, and a spear. The weapons and armor are dull and rusty, though as before, they are solid and well defined, while the shadow is not.
Posey's teammates are directly on the other side of these entities. Not helpful, given where the bullets go if they miss... or rather, should the bullets pass straight through.
>>170007
Well, she can simply close the door on the creatures in the room. Also, I would like some incorporeal pets, if possible.
Well, she can simply close the door on the creatures in the room. Also, I would like some incorporeal pets, if possible.
>>170009
She rebukes them
With an effective Cleric level of 10, anything with 5 or less effective HD should be commanded. Anything that isn't TPK level should be rebuked.
Posey can control a max of 7 HD, reminder that term resistance doesn't apply to max HD commanded.
With 24 HD effected, this might actually be enough to effect the creatures in both rooms, although she can only control 7 HD.
She rebukes them
With an effective Cleric level of 10, anything with 5 or less effective HD should be commanded. Anything that isn't TPK level should be rebuked.
Posey can control a max of 7 HD, reminder that term resistance doesn't apply to max HD commanded.
With 24 HD effected, this might actually be enough to effect the creatures in both rooms, although she can only control 7 HD.
>>170010
All four of the spectral soldiers lower their weapons to a more relaxed position, and stare at posey, even as they lower their heads and assume a cowed position.
The members of the ELF team are themselves spooked and awed. August has a wide smile across his face.
All four of the spectral soldiers lower their weapons to a more relaxed position, and stare at posey, even as they lower their heads and assume a cowed position.
The members of the ELF team are themselves spooked and awed. August has a wide smile across his face.
>>170013
>"Hide beneath the floor, until I call for you."
Posey speaks to the incorporeal soldiers telepathically.
"These goons are going to hold for exactly one minute!" Posey shouts back
"And the other room is full of monsters, although with bodies this time." She continues.
>"Hide beneath the floor, until I call for you."
Posey speaks to the incorporeal soldiers telepathically.
"These goons are going to hold for exactly one minute!" Posey shouts back
"And the other room is full of monsters, although with bodies this time." She continues.
GM, I'm too tired to go any further. I gotta sleep now.
Today was fun. Maybe we could try again tomorrow, if we have the time.
Today was fun. Maybe we could try again tomorrow, if we have the time.
>>170014
The two obey, and seep beneath the floor, leaving their weapons and armor behind.
If which ones are commanded is determined by proximity to Posey, this would be the knight in armor, and the white soldier with the rifle, as they were moving forward to attack Posey. The soldier in lamellar and the green and red uniform were moving to attack August, who was on the other side. Of course, it could be any two.
The ELF team members look onto Posey with a bit of confusion and awe, and yell things like "They are scared of you!" "What happened?" And "There's more of them?!" August simply smirks in silence and moves forward.
>>170015
>Today was fun
Yay! I did something right
Sure, I think I'll be able to continue tomorrow
The two obey, and seep beneath the floor, leaving their weapons and armor behind.
If which ones are commanded is determined by proximity to Posey, this would be the knight in armor, and the white soldier with the rifle, as they were moving forward to attack Posey. The soldier in lamellar and the green and red uniform were moving to attack August, who was on the other side. Of course, it could be any two.
The ELF team members look onto Posey with a bit of confusion and awe, and yell things like "They are scared of you!" "What happened?" And "There's more of them?!" August simply smirks in silence and moves forward.
>>170015
>Today was fun
Yay! I did something right
Sure, I think I'll be able to continue tomorrow
>>170016
Incorporeal entities dropped corporeal weapons and armor? Interesting. Those might be ghost touch items, in which case we're rich.
Rolling religion (free action) to see why.
[1d20+7 = (2+7) = 9]
"Yes, there's more in the next room. Go to the door, stick your guns in, and light up the room." Posey says
Incorporeal entities dropped corporeal weapons and armor? Interesting. Those might be ghost touch items, in which case we're rich.
Rolling religion (free action) to see why.
[1d20+7 = (2+7) = 9]
"Yes, there's more in the next room. Go to the door, stick your guns in, and light up the room." Posey says
>>170017
>Why
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLRhCPm6aY&pp=ygULaGF1bnRlZCBndW4%3D
The ponies don't seem to have any difficulty obeying these fairly direct orders, moving down the stairs. The ponies speak, seemingly talking to Posey, asking things like "How did you do that?" and "do you mean 'light 'em up' as in shine a light on them, or shoot them?"
The leader, whom Posey ought to have figured out is named "Succored Brave," ask August a question:
"Is Plivy actually dead?"
August answers "He must be" but does not make eye contact with Succored. He instead walks straight towards the door Posey is at. He takes a small gun and places a large cartridge in it as he walks. When he nears Posey, he looks straight at her, and speaks at a volume his comrades cannot hear. The gun is placed to the side, and with magic he grabs his sword.
To this point, Posey has either avoided suspicion, quelled it, or at least, any suspicion has not been worth mentioning. August, however, asks Posey bluntly, unequivocally, and unavoidably,
"Do you intend to use the undead against us?"
Bluff check if necessary.
>Why
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLRhCPm6aY&pp=ygULaGF1bnRlZCBndW4%3D
The ponies don't seem to have any difficulty obeying these fairly direct orders, moving down the stairs. The ponies speak, seemingly talking to Posey, asking things like "How did you do that?" and "do you mean 'light 'em up' as in shine a light on them, or shoot them?"
The leader, whom Posey ought to have figured out is named "Succored Brave," ask August a question:
"Is Plivy actually dead?"
August answers "He must be" but does not make eye contact with Succored. He instead walks straight towards the door Posey is at. He takes a small gun and places a large cartridge in it as he walks. When he nears Posey, he looks straight at her, and speaks at a volume his comrades cannot hear. The gun is placed to the side, and with magic he grabs his sword.
To this point, Posey has either avoided suspicion, quelled it, or at least, any suspicion has not been worth mentioning. August, however, asks Posey bluntly, unequivocally, and unavoidably,
"Do you intend to use the undead against us?"
Bluff check if necessary.
>>170020
>"How did you do that?" and "do you mean 'light 'em up' as in shine a light on them, or shoot them?"
Posey makes a gesture to indicate that she means shoot.
Reminder that they should have a bonus to attack rolls vs rebuked creatures.
>"He must be"
Yeah, I believed that until the wolves appeared...
>"Do you intend to use the undead against us?"
Full disclosure to GM:
Well, my original plan was to use defiling magic to Still+Silent a summon swarm spell, chalking it up as "unbalance of Harmony", and act inconspicuous as the swarm slowly bled them to death as they helplessly fired their weapons into a swarm of 5000 bats (impervious to weapon damage; they brought electric torches instead of fire, so they'd be screwed).
I was hoping to conceal the rebuking too, or pass it off as turning, but I guess a paladin would know better.
So, Posey hadn't intended to use the undead on them, but depending on the type of these creatures, but she did make those ghost-things (yet to be intensified) were going to be a contingency to incapacitate them when the opportunity presented itself.
But I guess that counts as a yes, so Posey's going to have to do some bluffing
"W-what? I don't even know how I'd do that..."
I would take 10, but this is a combat scenario, so I guess I have to roll. Darn this -2 penalty
[1d20+10 = (3+10) = 13]
>haunted
Now I gotta look up the rules to deal with a Haunting Presence.
>"How did you do that?" and "do you mean 'light 'em up' as in shine a light on them, or shoot them?"
Posey makes a gesture to indicate that she means shoot.
Reminder that they should have a bonus to attack rolls vs rebuked creatures.
>"He must be"
Yeah, I believed that until the wolves appeared...
>"Do you intend to use the undead against us?"
Full disclosure to GM:
Well, my original plan was to use defiling magic to Still+Silent a summon swarm spell, chalking it up as "unbalance of Harmony", and act inconspicuous as the swarm slowly bled them to death as they helplessly fired their weapons into a swarm of 5000 bats (impervious to weapon damage; they brought electric torches instead of fire, so they'd be screwed).
I was hoping to conceal the rebuking too, or pass it off as turning, but I guess a paladin would know better.
So, Posey hadn't intended to use the undead on them, but depending on the type of these creatures, but she did make those ghost-things (yet to be intensified) were going to be a contingency to incapacitate them when the opportunity presented itself.
But I guess that counts as a yes, so Posey's going to have to do some bluffing
"W-what? I don't even know how I'd do that..."
I would take 10, but this is a combat scenario, so I guess I have to roll. Darn this -2 penalty
[1d20+10 = (3+10) = 13]
>haunted
Now I gotta look up the rules to deal with a Haunting Presence.
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>>170021
August takes a moment to respond, but it's a mere moment.
"Your complete lack of interest in the War; your complete lack of concern that you were meeting up with seven, well-armed ponies; you didn't ask me to use a condom; how you knew there was a vampire lair in the region despite claiming that you knew nothing of Plivy, though his death having been plastered all over the news; that stunt you pulled killing the oak tree; how those enthralled wolves barely harmed you, and the nonsense about autopsies. But what really gave you away, how I knew, was the flavor of your magical aura; your complete lack of love... Your lack of soul."
He shakes his head, and a wide, toothy grin moves across his face. "I knew what you were... I could ignore it so long as you were useful and weren't a threat. Until you had us almost walk past those Spectres, Spectres you just ignored, and called off when it was inconvenient. I don't think you're a full blood, but I take it Plivy must be your uncle. That, or your cousin, for you to want to return here..." He unsheathes his sword, and takes it out.
Please note that August is "on guard" and no surprise round can be gained against him, only initiative.
August takes a moment to respond, but it's a mere moment.
"Your complete lack of interest in the War; your complete lack of concern that you were meeting up with seven, well-armed ponies; you didn't ask me to use a condom; how you knew there was a vampire lair in the region despite claiming that you knew nothing of Plivy, though his death having been plastered all over the news; that stunt you pulled killing the oak tree; how those enthralled wolves barely harmed you, and the nonsense about autopsies. But what really gave you away, how I knew, was the flavor of your magical aura; your complete lack of love... Your lack of soul."
He shakes his head, and a wide, toothy grin moves across his face. "I knew what you were... I could ignore it so long as you were useful and weren't a threat. Until you had us almost walk past those Spectres, Spectres you just ignored, and called off when it was inconvenient. I don't think you're a full blood, but I take it Plivy must be your uncle. That, or your cousin, for you to want to return here..." He unsheathes his sword, and takes it out.
Please note that August is "on guard" and no surprise round can be gained against him, only initiative.
>>170024
>you didn't ask me to use a condom
Well that's what I get for doing a guy a favor...
>Your lack of soul
*Ears droop*
>Spectres
Wait, are we talking like, proper nown Spectres? The ones that are as strong as wraiths?
>initiative
Posey let's out a long, fake sigh (she does not breath)
"It was fun while it lasted, August."
As part of Initiative, Posey invokes a duel of wills, using an Intimidate check, against her most deadly opponent, August.
[1d20+9 = (19+9) = 28]
https://dndtools.net/skills/tome-of-battle-the-book-of-nine-swords--88/intimidate/
I take it August isn't the type to submit or ignore the challenge?
He should roll opposed.
Initiative
[1d20+9 = (13+9) = 22]
>you didn't ask me to use a condom
Well that's what I get for doing a guy a favor...
>Your lack of soul
*Ears droop*
>Spectres
Wait, are we talking like, proper nown Spectres? The ones that are as strong as wraiths?
>initiative
Posey let's out a long, fake sigh (she does not breath)
"It was fun while it lasted, August."
As part of Initiative, Posey invokes a duel of wills, using an Intimidate check, against her most deadly opponent, August.
[1d20+9 = (19+9) = 28]
https://dndtools.net/skills/tome-of-battle-the-book-of-nine-swords--88/intimidate/
I take it August isn't the type to submit or ignore the challenge?
He should roll opposed.
Initiative
[1d20+9 = (13+9) = 22]
>>170025
>Obvious win in initiative
Posey moves with blinding speed, her golden eyes flash with a predatory gleam, black veins pulse around her limber hooves as she moves into full cowabunga mode.
Posey opens with a telepathic demand to her controlled spectres (Standard action
>"Take the others from the rear. Ensure that none escape. Focus fire on the leader, but the Paladin is mine."
Since Rebuking is considered an attack, this activates her Frightful Presence, which should affect everypony in the room who is not immune to fear (save DC 17)
Posey then takes a move action to move further into the room, goading August to follow him.
>>170027
Wait, shades? That's even better.
Also, I am now reminded of the fact that DNs have Undetectable Alignment as a lvl 1 spell, but I was too retarded to cast it.
>Obvious win in initiative
Posey moves with blinding speed, her golden eyes flash with a predatory gleam, black veins pulse around her limber hooves as she moves into full cowabunga mode.
Posey opens with a telepathic demand to her controlled spectres (Standard action
>"Take the others from the rear. Ensure that none escape. Focus fire on the leader, but the Paladin is mine."
Since Rebuking is considered an attack, this activates her Frightful Presence, which should affect everypony in the room who is not immune to fear (save DC 17)
Posey then takes a move action to move further into the room, goading August to follow him.
>>170027
Wait, shades? That's even better.
Also, I am now reminded of the fact that DNs have Undetectable Alignment as a lvl 1 spell, but I was too retarded to cast it.
>>170028
>shades
No, just like thralls that can fight with weapons but are incorporeal and thus easily missed
August choses to take this time to move even more feet backwards. Closer to the exit, away from potential hidden undead, away from her so his comrades can shoot her without penalty, and so that August may buff his teammates more easily. August switches from his melee weapon, his sword, to his trench gun, a combo ranged/melee weapon.
[1d20+1 = (16+1) = 17]
[1d20+1 = (18+1) = 19]
[1d20+1 = (5+1) = 6]
[1d20 = 13]
[1d20 = 15]
[1d20 = 16]
[1d20+4 = (18+4) = 22]
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
>shades
No, just like thralls that can fight with weapons but are incorporeal and thus easily missed
August choses to take this time to move even more feet backwards. Closer to the exit, away from potential hidden undead, away from her so his comrades can shoot her without penalty, and so that August may buff his teammates more easily. August switches from his melee weapon, his sword, to his trench gun, a combo ranged/melee weapon.
[1d20+1 = (16+1) = 17]
[1d20+1 = (18+1) = 19]
[1d20+1 = (5+1) = 6]
[1d20 = 13]
[1d20 = 15]
[1d20 = 16]
[1d20+4 = (18+4) = 22]
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
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>>170031
Posey's AC is 22
Thank Orcus for undead mastery.
Posey supernaturally dodges most of the bullets, or blocks them with her dastana.
The 22 hits though.
Posey's AC is 22
Thank Orcus for undead mastery.
Posey supernaturally dodges most of the bullets, or blocks them with her dastana.
The 22 hits though.
>>170033
There are rifle shoots, and the clanging of steel, but not from the soldiers, as the undead minions move in to attack Succored Brave
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
[1d20+5 = (14+5) = 19]
There are rifle shoots, and the clanging of steel, but not from the soldiers, as the undead minions move in to attack Succored Brave
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
[1d20+5 = (14+5) = 19]
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>>170040
Posey takes out the big guns
She defiles
She defiles to cast a Quickened Spectral Hand, which she casts by using two lvl 1 slots with versatile spellcaster.
She conjures the spectral hand right in front of August's nose.
She takes a move action to fast (g)raze, as she attacks the open wound of the world, increasing her Defiling Radius by 30 ft, increasing her caster level by 2, and causing all living creatures within her defiling radius to take a -1 penalty to all rolls for 1 round.
She then spends her standard action to cast Bestow Wound on August, at 9th caster level, she further defiles to make the spell Empowered, then maximized.
She defiles further to omit the 10 gp cost of the spell
And just for the fuck of it? Heighten it to 9th level for maximum deforestation.
She then makes a touch attack with the spectral hand, targeting Augusta snoot. She uses Charnel Touch to increase the damage of bestow wound.
[1d20+8 = (14+8) = 22]
Save DC 23
Posey accumulates 18 Defiler points, putting her at 20. If she tries a stunt like this again she'll become an NPC.
All vegetation within a 370 ft radius crumbles into toxic defiler ash.
>>170042
She has DR from being a half-vampire too. Silver or Magic
Posey takes out the big guns
She defiles
She defiles to cast a Quickened Spectral Hand, which she casts by using two lvl 1 slots with versatile spellcaster.
She conjures the spectral hand right in front of August's nose.
She takes a move action to fast (g)raze, as she attacks the open wound of the world, increasing her Defiling Radius by 30 ft, increasing her caster level by 2, and causing all living creatures within her defiling radius to take a -1 penalty to all rolls for 1 round.
She then spends her standard action to cast Bestow Wound on August, at 9th caster level, she further defiles to make the spell Empowered, then maximized.
She defiles further to omit the 10 gp cost of the spell
And just for the fuck of it? Heighten it to 9th level for maximum deforestation.
She then makes a touch attack with the spectral hand, targeting Augusta snoot. She uses Charnel Touch to increase the damage of bestow wound.
[1d20+8 = (14+8) = 22]
Save DC 23
Posey accumulates 18 Defiler points, putting her at 20. If she tries a stunt like this again she'll become an NPC.
All vegetation within a 370 ft radius crumbles into toxic defiler ash.
>>170042
She has DR from being a half-vampire too. Silver or Magic
>>170043
............
I realize that I misread the description for bestow wound, and most of that was completely unnecessary and wasteful. You can't empower or maximize bestow wound.
............
I realize that I misread the description for bestow wound, and most of that was completely unnecessary and wasteful. You can't empower or maximize bestow wound.
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Posey realized that she is not as smart as she thinks she is.
>>170043
August is booped by the spectral hand, and scrunches intensely.
He levels his gun, and shoots at Posey
[1d20+6 = (12+6) = 18]
August is booped by the spectral hand, and scrunches intensely.
He levels his gun, and shoots at Posey
[1d20+6 = (12+6) = 18]
>>170047
Flaring Lamp shoots at Posey
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
The undead attack Succored Brave
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
[1d20+5 = (10+5) = 15]
Flaring Lamp shoots at Posey
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
The undead attack Succored Brave
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
[1d20+5 = (10+5) = 15]
Posey heals the amount of damage she dealt with Bestow wound. It should bring her up to full.
My golly, that was the dumbest complex turn I ever took in d&d.
My golly, that was the dumbest complex turn I ever took in d&d.
>>170055
>>170043
>She has DR from being a half-vampire too. Silver or Magic
No. She has 10 more HP than our other fighter, and more than any NPC. She has vastly more AC than any other player character or NPC in the setting. She's damn near immune to any kind of melee or ranged weapons as is. When I okayed the character sheet, it was with DR/2, which I was aware of and that was what was written on the sheet. This is a level 5 campaign.
>>170043
>She has DR from being a half-vampire too. Silver or Magic
No. She has 10 more HP than our other fighter, and more than any NPC. She has vastly more AC than any other player character or NPC in the setting. She's damn near immune to any kind of melee or ranged weapons as is. When I okayed the character sheet, it was with DR/2, which I was aware of and that was what was written on the sheet. This is a level 5 campaign.
>>170047
I didn't really think that attacking was the best choice, but she may be able to tank through it
I didn't really think that attacking was the best choice, but she may be able to tank through it
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>>170061
And she misses a touch attack. Great.
Posey moves, looking for any source of cover or half cover in the room.
And she misses a touch attack. Great.
Posey moves, looking for any source of cover or half cover in the room.
>>170061
Posey does not hit
Okay, now I see why you think that she's fucked
To be honest I thought she'd try to make a deal or something, hence why when August told her he knew he didn't immediately attack her or announce it to the room
>>170063
>>170062
Cover is... not great, unless she wants to take her chances in the other room.
To both the left and the right, there are bookshelves. As these are up against the wall, they may offer partial cover.
Posey does not hit
Okay, now I see why you think that she's fucked
To be honest I thought she'd try to make a deal or something, hence why when August told her he knew he didn't immediately attack her or announce it to the room
>>170063
>>170062
Cover is... not great, unless she wants to take her chances in the other room.
To both the left and the right, there are bookshelves. As these are up against the wall, they may offer partial cover.
>>170064
Posey didn't expect mercy from a Paladin after being exposed. It's not what members of the Dread League would be told.
Posey didn't expect mercy from a Paladin after being exposed. It's not what members of the Dread League would be told.
Okay, Posey has two lvl 1 slots left. She could try defiling to get some back, but... I'm so embarrassed by that last post that I don't want to use the Dragon #315 table for the rest of the fight. Or the rest of the game, idk.
Posey has a Spectral Hand active, so she can make touch attacks at a range, although they have her out-powered with ranged attacks.
>>170074
Thinking fast, Posey casts Hide From Undead (DC 15), and opens the door to the other room, stepping through.
Posey has a Spectral Hand active, so she can make touch attacks at a range, although they have her out-powered with ranged attacks.
>>170074
Thinking fast, Posey casts Hide From Undead (DC 15), and opens the door to the other room, stepping through.
>>170075
While that opens an entire new can of worms, I'm going to address the ones in this room first
Flaring Lamp gives up on his grudge for the moment, and moves his rifle to shoot at the ghost Red Guard
[1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]
While that opens an entire new can of worms, I'm going to address the ones in this room first
Flaring Lamp gives up on his grudge for the moment, and moves his rifle to shoot at the ghost Red Guard
[1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]
>>170076
To no avail, though.
August takes his sword, and swipes at the Crusader again
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
To no avail, though.
August takes his sword, and swipes at the Crusader again
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
>>170078
Posey leaves the door open behind her.
The Undead get will saving throws to determine if they're effected by Hide From Undead.
Posey leaves the door open behind her.
The Undead get will saving throws to determine if they're effected by Hide From Undead.
>>170087
In the room behind Posey, the gunfire continues. This is not a small amount of gunfire, as it consists of numerous shots and continues for some seconds. If Posey remains right there in the doorway, she is in line of fire. If she moves a few feet to the left, or a few feet to the right, she is not in the line of fire. For the moment, Posey is evidently not the target.
The cave itself is twice the length, at least, of the cellar chamber Posey left. It's 12 or more feet high in its higher areas, though much is less. The floor is uneven.
Posey looks into the cave to see, in the dull light, the forms of one, two three, four, five, six, seven... Is that an eighth form? All equine in Nature. They move curiously towards the sound
The first is clearly in the form of a pink pegasus pony, a mare in Royal Guard armor. She has golden eyes, and she looks directly at Posey. Her lips and snout are pale. Her neckguard is broken off. She has a scabbard containing a physically broken sword.
Somewhere behind is a large, bay earth pony with a red and blue plaid shirt. He has an axe on a decayed wooden belt. His black snout is likewise pale. He is a bit further away, and less attentive.
Near him is an orange earth pony stallion, wearing a beige sheriff's deputy uniform, a badge, and the name of Callahua County. He too stares blankly towards the wall. He wears a wide brimmed cowboy beige hat. He has a revolver on a leather belt, and an electric torch.
On the right side is a young dark purple mare wearing a long, black dress. Her mane is still tied back, and she carries a red purse, and a camera.
Between the set is a pair of ponies. One is somewhat familiar looking light green stallion with a short mane cut combed over to the left side. He carries nothing. Next to him is a mare who wears a kitchen apron and a familiar necklace.
But to the right, and also staring right at Posey, is a small white colt. He has his cutie mark - a stick - but must be young. He looks tired, and wears a red bandana around his neck, and a beige shirt that resembles a uniform. He carries a knife, and a small net on a small pole.
>>170088
Yes
In the room behind Posey, the gunfire continues. This is not a small amount of gunfire, as it consists of numerous shots and continues for some seconds. If Posey remains right there in the doorway, she is in line of fire. If she moves a few feet to the left, or a few feet to the right, she is not in the line of fire. For the moment, Posey is evidently not the target.
The cave itself is twice the length, at least, of the cellar chamber Posey left. It's 12 or more feet high in its higher areas, though much is less. The floor is uneven.
Posey looks into the cave to see, in the dull light, the forms of one, two three, four, five, six, seven... Is that an eighth form? All equine in Nature. They move curiously towards the sound
The first is clearly in the form of a pink pegasus pony, a mare in Royal Guard armor. She has golden eyes, and she looks directly at Posey. Her lips and snout are pale. Her neckguard is broken off. She has a scabbard containing a physically broken sword.
Somewhere behind is a large, bay earth pony with a red and blue plaid shirt. He has an axe on a decayed wooden belt. His black snout is likewise pale. He is a bit further away, and less attentive.
Near him is an orange earth pony stallion, wearing a beige sheriff's deputy uniform, a badge, and the name of Callahua County. He too stares blankly towards the wall. He wears a wide brimmed cowboy beige hat. He has a revolver on a leather belt, and an electric torch.
On the right side is a young dark purple mare wearing a long, black dress. Her mane is still tied back, and she carries a red purse, and a camera.
Between the set is a pair of ponies. One is somewhat familiar looking light green stallion with a short mane cut combed over to the left side. He carries nothing. Next to him is a mare who wears a kitchen apron and a familiar necklace.
But to the right, and also staring right at Posey, is a small white colt. He has his cutie mark - a stick - but must be young. He looks tired, and wears a red bandana around his neck, and a beige shirt that resembles a uniform. He carries a knife, and a small net on a small pole.
>>170088
Yes
>>170089
These are vampire spawn.
>All looking at her
Posey takes a step to the side, to be out of line of fire
Then she speaks
"Does your master still slumber in this lair?"
To the creatures that succeeded in their saves
These are vampire spawn.
>All looking at her
Posey takes a step to the side, to be out of line of fire
Then she speaks
"Does your master still slumber in this lair?"
To the creatures that succeeded in their saves
>>170075
>>170088
>>170090
Posey hears an answer from the far back
"He slumbers no more"
In the far back, Posey sees another equine form an elderly red earth pony stallion, standing over a pair of caskets, wearing a black cassock, a purple epitrachelion that is gilt on its sides, and a black mitre. He carries a very long silver staff with a gilded kolovrat on the top. His eyes are red, and very serious.
"Why have you come here?!"
>>170088
>>170090
Posey hears an answer from the far back
"He slumbers no more"
In the far back, Posey sees another equine form an elderly red earth pony stallion, standing over a pair of caskets, wearing a black cassock, a purple epitrachelion that is gilt on its sides, and a black mitre. He carries a very long silver staff with a gilded kolovrat on the top. His eyes are red, and very serious.
"Why have you come here?!"
>>170091
Correction. The stallion does not wear a mitre. He wears a Kalimavkion with a long, black veil hanging down the back.
Correction. The stallion does not wear a mitre. He wears a Kalimavkion with a long, black veil hanging down the back.
>>170091
"I am a daughter of The Coven. I came to investigate the lair where the lady vampire in Equestria supposedly died... Or salvage all that remains."
"I am a daughter of The Coven. I came to investigate the lair where the lady vampire in Equestria supposedly died... Or salvage all that remains."
>>170094
"The Coven of Blood (is there more than one?)." Posey replies
"The ponies outside are hunters, who sought to reap the treasures of the last vampire, including the Paladin August Wreath... They are not my friends..."
"The Coven of Blood (is there more than one?)." Posey replies
"The ponies outside are hunters, who sought to reap the treasures of the last vampire, including the Paladin August Wreath... They are not my friends..."
>>170095
>The Coven of Blood
"Oh. Those Ones."
He is angered by the answer to the second question
"They are not welcome here"
>The Coven of Blood
"Oh. Those Ones."
He is angered by the answer to the second question
"They are not welcome here"
>>170096
I would like to roll religion to see if I can recognize this vampire as the one who supposedly died years ago
[1d20+7 = (12+7) = 19]
I would like to roll religion to see if I can recognize this vampire as the one who supposedly died years ago
[1d20+7 = (12+7) = 19]
>>170099
This is not.
Posey can recognize this creature as a bloodbound, a willing servant of a vampire, infused with some of its powers.
This is not.
Posey can recognize this creature as a bloodbound, a willing servant of a vampire, infused with some of its powers.
>>170096
Well, right guy or not, if he probably outranks Posey in the League, so code of conduct involved.
Posey bows her head
"Forgive my insolence, my lord. These ponies would have found this place on their own, but I arrived to intervene."
Well, right guy or not, if he probably outranks Posey in the League, so code of conduct involved.
Posey bows her head
"Forgive my insolence, my lord. These ponies would have found this place on their own, but I arrived to intervene."
>>170102
"To a vampire or their spawn, no. The exception is the paladin, as he was the one to slay your master... With the help of the river."
"To a vampire or their spawn, no. The exception is the paladin, as he was the one to slay your master... With the help of the river."
>>170105
"Yes, him. I came to see if he respawned, but if he is not here, then he has been destroyed."
"Yes, him. I came to see if he respawned, but if he is not here, then he has been destroyed."
Posey speaks with a bit of urgency, with the firefight in the next room
"With your master slain, what will you do now?"
"With your master slain, what will you do now?"
>>170106
"He has." The stallion laments. "I have known that for a long time... But to have it confirmed...
"Little Leto Pannolovich was not a great Vampire, by any means. He was brash, thirsty, and impatient. But he was the spawn - in both senses of the term - of Veliky Pannolovich, and he was strong. He was the last of the Nobles in the region."
>>170108
He looks directly to her
"When we left, the masses and what was left of the nobles were killing each other in a civil war, and it was spreading. My thought was to wait them out. If they want to kill their betters, and rule themselves, they will fall to pieces soon enough. I drove Leto across many miles and many rivers. He made a mess wherever he went, however. He was going to be tracked down sooner rather than later. That pink mare came here one night. He got her. But then he left later that night, and never came back. Of course I knew what happened. So I stayed here. There seemed to be no point in going anywhere."
He looks to her
"Vengeance would be quite satisfying, if I could find who did it." He answers
"He has." The stallion laments. "I have known that for a long time... But to have it confirmed...
"Little Leto Pannolovich was not a great Vampire, by any means. He was brash, thirsty, and impatient. But he was the spawn - in both senses of the term - of Veliky Pannolovich, and he was strong. He was the last of the Nobles in the region."
>>170108
He looks directly to her
"When we left, the masses and what was left of the nobles were killing each other in a civil war, and it was spreading. My thought was to wait them out. If they want to kill their betters, and rule themselves, they will fall to pieces soon enough. I drove Leto across many miles and many rivers. He made a mess wherever he went, however. He was going to be tracked down sooner rather than later. That pink mare came here one night. He got her. But then he left later that night, and never came back. Of course I knew what happened. So I stayed here. There seemed to be no point in going anywhere."
He looks to her
"Vengeance would be quite satisfying, if I could find who did it." He answers
>>170111
He breathes, Then rushes out, but not before he is preceded by the vampire spawn, who hiss and yell as they run forward, towards the door
He breathes, Then rushes out, but not before he is preceded by the vampire spawn, who hiss and yell as they run forward, towards the door
>>170112
Oh, that was easy.
I was preparing a persuasive speech
"I came to for the satisfaction of slaying the last vampire hunter in Equestria... I want him, I want his corpse...! But you, thrall, you have failed, and now the blood of Nabassus has been estinquished from this realm. Go and face him, and fulfill your last duty."
Oh, that was easy.
I was preparing a persuasive speech
"I came to for the satisfaction of slaying the last vampire hunter in Equestria... I want him, I want his corpse...! But you, thrall, you have failed, and now the blood of Nabassus has been estinquished from this realm. Go and face him, and fulfill your last duty."
>>170114
Wait, they escaped?
Fuck
Does Posey still sense the telepathic presence of her commanded undead?
>not true vampire spawn
Huh, I wonder why.
>>170114
>beginnings of white smoke, and no sign of August nor the team.
Oh fuck
Did they set the barn on fire?
>beginnings of white smoke, and no sign of August nor the team.
Oh fuck
Did they set the barn on fire?
>>170116
The undead commanded by Posey were killed rather early.
>>170116
Because Vampire spawn are overpowered relative to other possibilities both as enemies or allies, also most of these are questionable to survive the death of their sire
>>170117
"No." He answers
>>170118
Posey can see that a small fire was lit on a book to try to set the bookshelves on fire. But the barn?
Well...
The undead commanded by Posey were killed rather early.
>>170116
Because Vampire spawn are overpowered relative to other possibilities both as enemies or allies, also most of these are questionable to survive the death of their sire
>>170117
"No." He answers
>>170118
Posey can see that a small fire was lit on a book to try to set the bookshelves on fire. But the barn?
Well...
>>170119
"They likely set the barn on fire."
Yeah, vampire spawn are no joke, and neither are vampires. They're arguably more dangerous when it comes to their array of powers.
"They likely set the barn on fire."
Yeah, vampire spawn are no joke, and neither are vampires. They're arguably more dangerous when it comes to their array of powers.
>>170122
This is doable, as the fire has just started, and there isn't much tender. There were not many, or very possibly any, books on the shelves. The worst is an article of clothing which must be pulled away from the shelf.
This is doable, as the fire has just started, and there isn't much tender. There were not many, or very possibly any, books on the shelves. The worst is an article of clothing which must be pulled away from the shelf.
>>170125
"RushB out through the fire, exit from the roof of the cavern, or wait for it to burn out."
"Rush
>>170126
"Argh!"
Posey conjures a Tenser's Floating Disk behind her, using her spell stitching.
"Load on everything worth taking!" She shouts to the thralls
"Argh!"
Posey conjures a Tenser's Floating Disk behind her, using her spell stitching.
"Load on everything worth taking!" She shouts to the thralls
>>170128
Posey has stopped caring at this point. She sees the thralls jump on to her annoyance, but just gallops up anyway.
"Oh, buck me!"
Posey has stopped caring at this point. She sees the thralls jump on to her annoyance, but just gallops up anyway.
"Oh, buck me!"
>>170132
The disk follows behind her. It's used to carry things.
She leaves with whoever leaves with her.
Then again, would the fire necessarily spread below the ground? Posey doesn't have to worry about smoke.
Idk. I'm too tired.
The disk follows behind her. It's used to carry things.
She leaves with whoever leaves with her.
Then again, would the fire necessarily spread below the ground? Posey doesn't have to worry about smoke.
Idk. I'm too tired.
Okay, the difference between the vampire spawn and the thralls changes Posey's plans a bit. I was suspecting that they would either be ghouls or vampire spawn.
Rolling Religion to know what the general capabilities of "thralls" are, as opposed to true vampire spawn
[1d20+8 = (6+8) = 14]
And another roll for the Bloodbound
[1d20+
As for the fire situation, would it necessarily affect the cave beneath the lair? If the barn burns down, the cavern shouldn't be affected, except for smoke.
We could wait out the fire, but that might create opportunity for the EL to escape, although I doubt they'd leave knowing that we're still here. They also want the treasure, so they're bound to return.
Rolling Religion to know what the general capabilities of "thralls" are, as opposed to true vampire spawn
[1d20+8 = (6+8) = 14]
And another roll for the Bloodbound
[1d20+
As for the fire situation, would it necessarily affect the cave beneath the lair? If the barn burns down, the cavern shouldn't be affected, except for smoke.
We could wait out the fire, but that might create opportunity for the EL to escape, although I doubt they'd leave knowing that we're still here. They also want the treasure, so they're bound to return.
>>170157
>capabilities
Their capabilities are not radically different from those they had in life, save the usual advantages of the undead
(similar to ghouls)
>Bloodbound
shurgs
Not less than he had in life, and likely more.
None have the extreme strength and durability of true vampires
>Fire
In short, the fire affects little save for potentially cutting off the obvious exit point. The cavern is too low and insufficiently flammable to catch fire. So long as the fire in the cellar is put out, at least.
>capabilities
Their capabilities are not radically different from those they had in life, save the usual advantages of the undead
(similar to ghouls)
>Bloodbound
shurgs
Not less than he had in life, and likely more.
None have the extreme strength and durability of true vampires
>Fire
In short, the fire affects little save for potentially cutting off the obvious exit point. The cavern is too low and insufficiently flammable to catch fire. So long as the fire in the cellar is put out, at least.
>>170168
>Their capabilities are not radically different from those they had in life, save the usual advantages of the undead
Ah, so l guess they're like Necropolitans like Posey, only with different lore.
>similar to ghouls
With or without the paralysis?
I don't want to nitpick/metagame, but that's something of strategic importance.
Ghouls make up most of the lower class of the Dread League, so Posey would be familiar with them and their powers.
>None have the extreme strength and durability of true vampires
Well, so long as they do as I say (Posey still has 6 Rebuke attempts), they might be as least as useful as zombies.
The ghost-thingies that Posey controlled were destroyed, but
there are two more, right? Posey would like to take control of the other two to have them scout the situation above.
Now, in character:
Posey turns to the bloodbound Butler guy.
"You thirst for revenge, and I cannot risk exposing the operations of the League here. We absolutely cannot allow them to escape.
The band seek the treasures hidden in this lair, but being among the living they surely value their own lives more, so their flight is more than plausible. The Paladin August, I presume, will not be one to flee when the blood of the vampires still lingers here, and I intend to face him before his comrades convince him to leave."
She turns to the thralls, her chin turned up authoritiely.
"Grab whatever weapons you can find, we strike momentarily."
Since thralls and ghouls are the bottom of the hierarchy in the Dread League, Posey, as an apprentice mage, outranks them. Since they are intelligent undead, they can benefit from Posey's presence through her Necromantic Commander Aura (+1d6 damage to living creatures).
Of course, this only counts if they serve her. If the thralls show any hesitation to combat, Posey might have to rebuke them.
Posey draws her longbow, and ties her cape back while letting her hood ride to reveal her grotesque barding.
>Their capabilities are not radically different from those they had in life, save the usual advantages of the undead
Ah, so l guess they're like Necropolitans like Posey, only with different lore.
>similar to ghouls
With or without the paralysis?
I don't want to nitpick/metagame, but that's something of strategic importance.
Ghouls make up most of the lower class of the Dread League, so Posey would be familiar with them and their powers.
>None have the extreme strength and durability of true vampires
Well, so long as they do as I say (Posey still has 6 Rebuke attempts), they might be as least as useful as zombies.
The ghost-thingies that Posey controlled were destroyed, but
there are two more, right? Posey would like to take control of the other two to have them scout the situation above.
Now, in character:
Posey turns to the bloodbound Butler guy.
"You thirst for revenge, and I cannot risk exposing the operations of the League here. We absolutely cannot allow them to escape.
The band seek the treasures hidden in this lair, but being among the living they surely value their own lives more, so their flight is more than plausible. The Paladin August, I presume, will not be one to flee when the blood of the vampires still lingers here, and I intend to face him before his comrades convince him to leave."
She turns to the thralls, her chin turned up authoritiely.
"Grab whatever weapons you can find, we strike momentarily."
Since thralls and ghouls are the bottom of the hierarchy in the Dread League, Posey, as an apprentice mage, outranks them. Since they are intelligent undead, they can benefit from Posey's presence through her Necromantic Commander Aura (+1d6 damage to living creatures).
Of course, this only counts if they serve her. If the thralls show any hesitation to combat, Posey might have to rebuke them.
Posey draws her longbow, and ties her cape back while letting her hood ride to reveal her grotesque barding.
I'm back! I thought for sure that I had a response awaiting me, but turns out I left off at >>169384
>>170170
>With or without the paralysis?
DM would have to answer but probably not. Earlier a party of level-5 adventurers had to fight some honest-to-Orcus ghouls and they were a scary opponent.
Also btw Posey had to drive all the way past Amber's original home to get here.
>>170170
>With or without the paralysis?
DM would have to answer but probably not. Earlier a party of level-5 adventurers had to fight some honest-to-Orcus ghouls and they were a scary opponent.
Also btw Posey had to drive all the way past Amber's original home to get here.
>>170172
Awwwwwwwwwwww
Soon, little pony. I'm on an out of town trip.
>>170170
>Paralysis
No Paralysis
There are two more ghost soldiers, but Posey will have to try again to control them.
"You bring these hunters to me and expect me to kill them?" A half moment's pause, and "I suppose I should thank you for the opportunity. Treasure? Is that what they think is here? They found us instead." He moves around to grab his staff. "You shouldn't be surprised that they are retreating. Only one dared come to the lair before. A lone mare who wondered the night. They did not come after her. If little Leto was destroyed all the way down at the river, they must have gone far. In the old days, yak raiders would feign retreat to draw soldiers into ambushes. Perhaps they did the same to Leto. Knowing him, it would have worked."
The Bloodbourne scrunches at any effort by Posey to control the thralls. "And who do you think has been their master for so many years?"
>>170172
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SKq__Ba6hE&pp=ygUNY291bnRyeSByb2Fkcw%3D%3D
Awwwwwwwwwwww
Soon, little pony. I'm on an out of town trip.
>>170170
>Paralysis
No Paralysis
There are two more ghost soldiers, but Posey will have to try again to control them.
"You bring these hunters to me and expect me to kill them?" A half moment's pause, and "I suppose I should thank you for the opportunity. Treasure? Is that what they think is here? They found us instead." He moves around to grab his staff. "You shouldn't be surprised that they are retreating. Only one dared come to the lair before. A lone mare who wondered the night. They did not come after her. If little Leto was destroyed all the way down at the river, they must have gone far. In the old days, yak raiders would feign retreat to draw soldiers into ambushes. Perhaps they did the same to Leto. Knowing him, it would have worked."
The Bloodbourne scrunches at any effort by Posey to control the thralls. "And who do you think has been their master for so many years?"
>>170172
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SKq__Ba6hE&pp=ygUNY291bnRyeSByb2Fkcw%3D%3D
>>170173
>Is that what they think is here?
"So it seems, but ulterior motives may be at play. I suspect August came here with the same motivations that I did: to investigate for any vestiges of the last vampire in Equestria. He should have suspected that the Leto would have had servants, plausibly other enslaved vampires and spawn under his command."
>they must have gone far
Wait... how long has it been since Posey walked into the room? I thought it was only a few rounds, maybe a minute.
>Is that what they think is here?
"So it seems, but ulterior motives may be at play. I suspect August came here with the same motivations that I did: to investigate for any vestiges of the last vampire in Equestria. He should have suspected that the Leto would have had servants, plausibly other enslaved vampires and spawn under his command."
>they must have gone far
Wait... how long has it been since Posey walked into the room? I thought it was only a few rounds, maybe a minute.
>>170173
>"And who do you think has been their master for so many years?"
Posey stares at him
"Are you not your master's favorite? You are their master now, so long as you can control these unfortunate spawn."
Posey silently thinks that Leto must have been a dumbass lowbreed for not turning any of his undead thralls into proper spawn, but she doesn't say this aloud, being adumbass lowbreed herself. She suspects that perhaps Leto was the more savage variant though, given records of his behavior.
>"And who do you think has been their master for so many years?"
Posey stares at him
"Are you not your master's favorite? You are their master now, so long as you can control these unfortunate spawn."
Posey silently thinks that Leto must have been a dumbass lowbreed for not turning any of his undead thralls into proper spawn, but she doesn't say this aloud, being a
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>>170180
Well, I look forward to that. It would be fun to go on an adventure some time.
Only 5 more levels until Posey can conjure her army of skeletons... Luckily, this quest could earn her two or three levels, but only if Posey succeeds in defeating August and his band.
Well, I look forward to that. It would be fun to go on an adventure some time.
Only 5 more levels until Posey can conjure her army of skeletons... Luckily, this quest could earn her two or three levels, but only if Posey succeeds in defeating August and his band.
>>170174
>>170175
The Bloodbourne scrunches a bit more firmly, though his solid nose makes the expression incomplete
"So it seems, but I will kill him before he ever steps hoof in here."
Thralls are mentioned in the EAW Dread League lore, but not vampire spawn. So... meh
>far
That statement was in reference to the incident that killed Leto "Plivy" Pannolovich twenty years before.
It's been approximately a minute, likely less, since Posey entered the cavern, with most of that time probably spent trying to put the fire out.
>>170175
The Bloodbourne scrunches a bit more firmly, though his solid nose makes the expression incomplete
"So it seems, but I will kill him before he ever steps hoof in here."
Thralls are mentioned in the EAW Dread League lore, but not vampire spawn. So... meh
>far
That statement was in reference to the incident that killed Leto "Plivy" Pannolovich twenty years before.
It's been approximately a minute, likely less, since Posey entered the cavern, with most of that time probably spent trying to put the fire out.
>>170206
I kind of understood the thralls to be ponies who've been subjected to a Vampire's domination ability, although I used the term liberally in my past posts, just because it sounds cool.
>It's been approximately a minute
Oh good, I should still have spectral hand up.
Rolling to rebuke the incorporeal thingies
[1d20+7 = (16+7) = 23]
I kind of understood the thralls to be ponies who've been subjected to a Vampire's domination ability, although I used the term liberally in my past posts, just because it sounds cool.
>It's been approximately a minute
Oh good, I should still have spectral hand up.
Rolling to rebuke the incorporeal thingies
[1d20+7 = (16+7) = 23]
>>170207
With this roll, Posey rebuked undead as a lvl 11 Cleric. Any undead with effective HD of 5 or less should be commanded (up to 7 HD maximum).
With this roll, Posey rebuked undead as a lvl 11 Cleric. Any undead with effective HD of 5 or less should be commanded (up to 7 HD maximum).
I'm going to roll Religion, to get a better understanding of these undead, as I have observed them in combat now. I expected them to hold off the ponies for longer, as the lowest level incorporeals are usually a death sentence to low level martials. It appears as though they don't have the full benefits of the incorporeal subtype, but are able to manipulate objects as though with the ghostly grasp feat.
[1d20+9 = (6+9) = 15]
[1d20+9 = (6+9) = 15]
>>170209
Spirits, or at least the facsimiles of such things, tied to specific objects; usually soldiers attached to militaria. They have approximately the same powers as the living creature (a bit lower, perhaps), save that as incorporeal entities, half of non-magical attacks go through them.
>usually a death sentence
It helps when you have repeating firearms, and a submachine gun, and also a Paladin with a magic sword
>>170207
These things are definitely dead, and are magically animated.
A rifle rises, as does a spear and set of lamellar armor, and before Posey appears the spectral silhouette of a pegasus pony inhabiting a floating set of armor, with the spear fixed like a lance. Next to it is the silhouette of an earth pony wearing a white uniform with black patches, a white cap with black trim, while holding a Vlazhny Samorodok bolt action rifle. They each tilt in a bow towards Posey, as if tipped by a puppeteer's string.
Spirits, or at least the facsimiles of such things, tied to specific objects; usually soldiers attached to militaria. They have approximately the same powers as the living creature (a bit lower, perhaps), save that as incorporeal entities, half of non-magical attacks go through them.
>usually a death sentence
It helps when you have repeating firearms, and a submachine gun, and also a Paladin with a magic sword
>>170207
These things are definitely dead, and are magically animated.
A rifle rises, as does a spear and set of lamellar armor, and before Posey appears the spectral silhouette of a pegasus pony inhabiting a floating set of armor, with the spear fixed like a lance. Next to it is the silhouette of an earth pony wearing a white uniform with black patches, a white cap with black trim, while holding a Vlazhny Samorodok bolt action rifle. They each tilt in a bow towards Posey, as if tipped by a puppeteer's string.
>>170208
Considering that I rolled higher than last time, these guys should be commanded.
Posey has 5 Rebuke Attempts left.
>>170210
Sorry, I got distracted.
>It helps when you have repeating firearms, and a submachine gun
Not when the enemy is immune to non-magical attacks, which is what I expected.
>half of non-magical attacks
What about magical attacks?
Posey is trying to determine if that machine gun was magical.
>They each tilt in a bow towards Posey, as if tipped by a puppeteer's string.
Perfect.
"Pursue the enemy. Cut off their path to escape." Posey commands telepathically.
"Focus fire on the unicorn bearing the heavy artillery, then the swordsman." Posey commands.
"Everyone else gets ready to engage them aboveground." She says aloud
Posey moves to the entrance of the cellar, trying to maintain cover.
She looks for any ponies within 170 feet.
Considering that I rolled higher than last time, these guys should be commanded.
Posey has 5 Rebuke Attempts left.
>>170210
Sorry, I got distracted.
>It helps when you have repeating firearms, and a submachine gun
Not when the enemy is immune to non-magical attacks, which is what I expected.
>half of non-magical attacks
What about magical attacks?
Posey is trying to determine if that machine gun was magical.
>They each tilt in a bow towards Posey, as if tipped by a puppeteer's string.
Perfect.
"Pursue the enemy. Cut off their path to escape." Posey commands telepathically.
"Focus fire on the unicorn bearing the heavy artillery, then the swordsman." Posey commands.
"Everyone else gets ready to engage them aboveground." She says aloud
Posey moves to the entrance of the cellar, trying to maintain cover.
She looks for any ponies within 170 feet.
>>170211
Be advised that Posey does not have visibility in any direction for 170 feet. Posey can move from the cavern into the cellar, and then above the cellar is the barn. There are no ponies
The spirits nod, and move into the cellar, and try to move out
>>170232
It appears that it is, and that furthermore, the wagon has been moved up against the door as it was before.
Of course any fire has been freshly set, so it's hardly a raging inferno.
Be advised that Posey does not have visibility in any direction for 170 feet. Posey can move from the cavern into the cellar, and then above the cellar is the barn. There are no ponies
The spirits nod, and move into the cellar, and try to move out
>>170232
It appears that it is, and that furthermore, the wagon has been moved up against the door as it was before.
Of course any fire has been freshly set, so it's hardly a raging inferno.
>>170248
Of course it's right when I step out for 20 minutes...
Posey moves up the cavern and tells the others to follow her. She says at least 60 ft behind the spirits.
>freshly set
Can it be snuffed out?
Of course it's right when I step out for 20 minutes...
Posey moves up the cavern and tells the others to follow her. She says at least 60 ft behind the spirits.
>freshly set
Can it be snuffed out?
>>170249
Maybe? Either way, the wagon must be moved first to enter the barn.
The cavern is maybe 60 feet in length altogether, so the distances underground are not that large
Maybe? Either way, the wagon must be moved first to enter the barn.
The cavern is maybe 60 feet in length altogether, so the distances underground are not that large
>>170250
Posey follows after the spirits then, 30 ft behind them.
She conjures an Unseen Servant from her spellstitching, and puts it to work snuffing out the fire.
Since this is night, the electric torches should be visible from pretty far away, right? Posey telepathically commands them to relay anything they see.
Posey follows after the spirits then, 30 ft behind them.
She conjures an Unseen Servant from her spellstitching, and puts it to work snuffing out the fire.
Since this is night, the electric torches should be visible from pretty far away, right? Posey telepathically commands them to relay anything they see.
>>170251
While the spirits can, and do, move through the cracks between the wagon and the door, Posey cannot.
[1d20 = 20]
[1d20 = 19]
[1d20 = 5]
While the spirits can, and do, move through the cracks between the wagon and the door, Posey cannot.
[1d20 = 20]
[1d20 = 19]
[1d20 = 5]
>>170255
Posey orders the spirits to move around the wagon and engage the enemy, while she waits for the thralls to help her push the wagon.
Posey orders the spirits to move around the wagon and engage the enemy, while she waits for the thralls to help her push the wagon.
>>170256
Doable, most certainly, but be advised:
The wagon itself has been set on fire, and unlike the bookshelves, the wood in the wagon is dry and receptive. It has already lit up like a candle. The thralls will likely take some damage
Doable, most certainly, but be advised:
The wagon itself has been set on fire, and unlike the bookshelves, the wood in the wagon is dry and receptive. It has already lit up like a candle. The thralls will likely take some damage
>>170257
How heavy is the wagon?
Posey can push a maximum load of 3450 pounds across the ground, which should double to 69000 pounds if wheels count as a favorable condition.
I guess this is as good a time as any to ask how unicorn telekinesis works when it comes to lifting and pushing.
How heavy is the wagon?
Posey can push a maximum load of 3450 pounds across the ground, which should double to 69000 pounds if wheels count as a favorable condition.
I guess this is as good a time as any to ask how unicorn telekinesis works when it comes to lifting and pushing.
>>170258
Posey's telekinesis, and telekinesis in general, is substantially weaker than her physical strength. She could likely push it in such a way, though she'd be physically close to it, and would proceed slowly.
Posey's telekinesis, and telekinesis in general, is substantially weaker than her physical strength. She could likely push it in such a way, though she'd be physically close to it, and would proceed slowly.
>>170261
She only needs to push it one square to get around it.
Posey spends a round pushing while she horn-gestures for the others to catch up.
What do the spirits engage within this time?
She only needs to push it one square to get around it.
Posey spends a round pushing while she horn-gestures for the others to catch up.
What do the spirits engage within this time?
>>170262
Posey pushes it out of the way, though it's still a danger to the larger barn. Posey can see that two more fires have been lit. One, along the left, was left in a pile of debris, and seems to be catching along, spreading along the wall. Another is much less successful, placed directly along wood.
Posey hears a "Bang Bang," so clearly, the spirits have found something.
[1d20+3 = (15+3) = 18]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d20+2 = (12+2) = 14]
[1d2 = 1]
Posey pushes it out of the way, though it's still a danger to the larger barn. Posey can see that two more fires have been lit. One, along the left, was left in a pile of debris, and seems to be catching along, spreading along the wall. Another is much less successful, placed directly along wood.
Posey hears a "Bang Bang," so clearly, the spirits have found something.
[1d20+3 = (15+3) = 18]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d20+2 = (12+2) = 14]
[1d2 = 1]
>>170265
Posey Telepathically directs the spirits to move on the opposite side of the meadow, to attack the enemy from the rear.
She pokes her head out to make line of sight with any of the enemies.
She also directs the others through the opening.
>barn on fire
Oh well. Not like I need it anymore so long as the underground cavern is secure.
Posey Telepathically directs the spirits to move on the opposite side of the meadow, to attack the enemy from the rear.
She pokes her head out to make line of sight with any of the enemies.
She also directs the others through the opening.
>barn on fire
Oh well. Not like I need it anymore so long as the underground cavern is secure.
>>170268
She orders the spirits to return fire.
Does she see the enemy?
If they're within 170 ft, Posey would like to use her Spectral Hand to attack.
Posey orders the thralls to engage.
I assume you meant ten yards, which should be within 30 ft of Posey.
She orders the spirits to return fire.
Does she see the enemy?
If they're within 170 ft, Posey would like to use her Spectral Hand to attack.
Posey orders the thralls to engage.
I assume you meant ten yards, which should be within 30 ft of Posey.
GM, it's midnight for me, so I think it would be better to continue this tomorrow.
[1d2 = 2]
>>170269
The one with the rifle starts shooting, while the one with a spear advances.
[1d20+1 = (13+1) = 14]
I do mean 100 yards. Posey can see that the soldiers have, after leaving the barn, attempted to cross the field to go in the direction of the farm house. At this point, they have not completed that process, and are looking back, while trying to move. 100 yards is likely a greater distance than they actually are, but they may or may not be within 170 feet of the edge of the barn. Their electric torches make them easy to spot in the night, although the grass is rather tall, and between the blinding effect of the light and the night, it's hard to see much more than the torches.
August, however, is much closer to the barn, though he is more than 30 feet away. He is looking back towards the spirits, and the barn. He is holding, in his turquoise magically aura, the submachine gun previously held by Succored Brave. The magazine is not in the gun. He has it beneath his mouth. He looks down to it, says something at a low volume, and once this is done, places it back in the top of the submachine gun.
>>170269
The one with the rifle starts shooting, while the one with a spear advances.
[1d20+1 = (13+1) = 14]
I do mean 100 yards. Posey can see that the soldiers have, after leaving the barn, attempted to cross the field to go in the direction of the farm house. At this point, they have not completed that process, and are looking back, while trying to move. 100 yards is likely a greater distance than they actually are, but they may or may not be within 170 feet of the edge of the barn. Their electric torches make them easy to spot in the night, although the grass is rather tall, and between the blinding effect of the light and the night, it's hard to see much more than the torches.
August, however, is much closer to the barn, though he is more than 30 feet away. He is looking back towards the spirits, and the barn. He is holding, in his turquoise magically aura, the submachine gun previously held by Succored Brave. The magazine is not in the gun. He has it beneath his mouth. He looks down to it, says something at a low volume, and once this is done, places it back in the top of the submachine gun.
>>170277
Gonna expend my final spell slot to cast Inflict Light Wounds, with my charnel touch. Hopefully I hit.
Although, if I don't, I should still be able to hold the charge, unless I get shot and fail concentration next turn.
Boop to the snoot
[1d20+7 = (5+7) = 12]
Gonna expend my final spell slot to cast Inflict Light Wounds, with my charnel touch. Hopefully I hit.
Although, if I don't, I should still be able to hold the charge, unless I get shot and fail concentration next turn.
Boop to the snoot
[1d20+7 = (5+7) = 12]
>>170278
>>170279
No. It hits.
But not before August can pull back the hammer on the submachine gun, and yell at Posey
"What do you expect to accomplish, Aberrant? The Great Mother did not make you. You are no form nor hue of mortal things, framed and knit by the Mother's power. Do you think you will prevail?"
>>170279
No. It hits.
But not before August can pull back the hammer on the submachine gun, and yell at Posey
"What do you expect to accomplish, Aberrant? The Great Mother did not make you. You are no form nor hue of mortal things, framed and knit by the Mother's power. Do you think you will prevail?"
>>170279
I'm going to preemptively roll damage, to keep things moving
Charnel touch damage
[1d8+1 = (4+1) = 5]
Inflict Light Wounds
[1d8+5 = (4+5) = 9]
I'm going to preemptively roll damage, to keep things moving
Charnel touch damage
[1d8+1 = (4+1) = 5]
Inflict Light Wounds
[1d8+5 = (4+5) = 9]
>>170283
Posey takes her remaining move action to move 30 ft towards August, and then takes a free action drop prone on the grass, attempting to use it as soft cover.
>>170274
I should've written my snappy supervillain comebacks ahead of time.
"Like you would know...!" she hisses in response, gnashing her fangs
"I've seen countless knights like you, and they always say the same things; that light will always prevail. Let's put it to the test!"
Posey shouts, as she lurches forward.
Posey takes her remaining move action to move 30 ft towards August, and then takes a free action drop prone on the grass, attempting to use it as soft cover.
>>170274
I should've written my snappy supervillain comebacks ahead of time.
"Like you would know...!" she hisses in response, gnashing her fangs
"I've seen countless knights like you, and they always say the same things; that light will always prevail. Let's put it to the test!"
Posey shouts, as she lurches forward.
>>170284
"You've been tested a thousand years and have only failed. Your kind is not fecund, but only a parasite that will die with its host, not fit to survive in a world of predators. To Nástrǫnd with 'light,' you lack cunning, strength, and will."
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
[1d20+8 = (10+8) = 18]
[1d20+8 = (7+8) = 15]
[1d20+8 = (4+8) = 12]
"You've been tested a thousand years and have only failed. Your kind is not fecund, but only a parasite that will die with its host, not fit to survive in a world of predators. To Nástrǫnd with 'light,' you lack cunning, strength, and will."
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
[1d20+8 = (10+8) = 18]
[1d20+8 = (7+8) = 15]
[1d20+8 = (4+8) = 12]
>>170285
While prone, Posey's AC is 26.
Posey glowers wordlessly, her golden eyes glaring at him through the grass as she shields her body with her bracers.
While prone, Posey's AC is 26.
Posey glowers wordlessly, her golden eyes glaring at him through the grass as she shields her body with her bracers.
>>170284
>>170285
August has tossed his big bag to the ground; it makes a short, sharp, and high pitched "cling" as it hits the ground.
He fires a burst of rounds from Succor's submachinegun.
Posey can hear more gunshots in the distance, though not aimed at her.
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
[1d20+1 = (15+1) = 16]
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
[1d20+2 = (5+2) = 7]
[1d20+1 = (14+1) = 15]
>>170288
Yes, though things are happening in the background
>>170285
August has tossed his big bag to the ground; it makes a short, sharp, and high pitched "cling" as it hits the ground.
He fires a burst of rounds from Succor's submachinegun.
Posey can hear more gunshots in the distance, though not aimed at her.
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
[1d20+1 = (15+1) = 16]
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
[1d20+2 = (5+2) = 7]
[1d20+1 = (14+1) = 15]
>>170288
Yes, though things are happening in the background
>>170289
[1d20+3 = (8+3) = 11]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 1]
[1d2 = 1]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 1]
[1d20+3 = (8+3) = 11]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 1]
[1d2 = 1]
[1d2 = 2]
[1d2 = 1]
>>170289
While Prone, Posey makes a Charnel Touch with her spectral hand
[1d20+7 = (14+7) = 21]
The hand makes it's own melee attacks independently, so it shouldn't take penalties from being prone.
While Prone, Posey makes a Charnel Touch with her spectral hand
[1d20+7 = (14+7) = 21]
The hand makes it's own melee attacks independently, so it shouldn't take penalties from being prone.
>>170294
>>170293
>>170292
"Grrr... Begone, Aberrant! In the name of the Great Mother, rejoin elements from whence you came!"
He lets the submachine gun fall, and starts charging towards Posey, pulling his sword as he does so. He swings it at Posey in what is surely a magically enhanced swing.
[1d20+13 = (18+13) = 31]
>>170293
>>170292
"Grrr... Begone, Aberrant! In the name of the Great Mother, rejoin elements from whence you came!"
He lets the submachine gun fall, and starts charging towards Posey, pulling his sword as he does so. He swings it at Posey in what is surely a magically enhanced swing.
[1d20+13 = (18+13) = 31]
>>170296
Ouch.
His magic sword should bypass her half-vampire DR btw.
>>170297
Ouch.
Posey moans in exertion as the sword gouges through her, slicing her tender flesh
She gives a bit of a deranged smile
"Finally... no more games!"
Posey attempts a move action to get up, this provokes an attack of opportunity.
Ouch.
His magic sword should bypass her half-vampire DR btw.
>>170297
Ouch.
Posey moans in exertion as the sword gouges through her, slicing her tender flesh
She gives a bit of a deranged smile
"Finally... no more games!"
Posey attempts a move action to get up, this provokes an attack of opportunity.
>>170298
He makes a stab as she attempts to move up.
[1d20+7 = (16+7) = 23]
Though he grunts with physical exertion, and his nose is clogged with blood, he still speaks
"If you're done playing around and willing to talk business, here is a proposal for you: I am not here for you. Give me the appearence of your death for cell, and fuck off with your kin."
He makes a stab as she attempts to move up.
[1d20+7 = (16+7) = 23]
Though he grunts with physical exertion, and his nose is clogged with blood, he still speaks
"If you're done playing around and willing to talk business, here is a proposal for you: I am not here for you. Give me the appearence of your death for cell, and fuck off with your kin."
>>170299
That's "The appearance of your death for my cell."
I... think that's a hit, with the prone bonus not applying.
[2d4+4 = (6+4) = 10]
That's "The appearance of your death for my cell."
I... think that's a hit, with the prone bonus not applying.
[2d4+4 = (6+4) = 10]
>23 damage in two turns
That's a lotta damage
How much HP does Posey have left?
That's a lotta damage
How much HP does Posey have left?
>>170299
Well, that's an interesting proposal.
On one hand, I have no idea if I can defeat him alongside the rest of the band, on the other hand, it's a viability to let him know I'm around... Idk how the bloodhound is going to respond either... Decisions, decisions...
Posey shambles in a zombielike demeanor as she stands up in spite of the wound.
"Well, a-aren't you the gentleman. You'd walk away from this for little ol' m-me?" She replies, in her usual cheery and flirtatious voice, with a touch of sardonic humor, a slight gurgle to her voice as one of her lungs fills with blood and corrupt icor
Posey
>>170300
Bonus for prone would still apply, as it occurs before, not after the fact.
Ouch.
Posey winces at the bitter sting of the magic sword cutting into her.
>>170301
With this, Posey is at less than half health, her fast healing kicks in, her corrupted flesh and skin writhing around the edges of the sword as it attempts to heal itself.
Well, that's an interesting proposal.
On one hand, I have no idea if I can defeat him alongside the rest of the band, on the other hand, it's a viability to let him know I'm around... Idk how the bloodhound is going to respond either... Decisions, decisions...
Posey shambles in a zombielike demeanor as she stands up in spite of the wound.
"Well, a-aren't you the gentleman. You'd walk away from this for little ol' m-me?" She replies, in her usual cheery and flirtatious voice, with a touch of sardonic humor, a slight gurgle to her voice as one of her lungs fills with blood and corrupt icor
Posey
>>170300
Bonus for prone would still apply, as it occurs before, not after the fact.
Ouch.
Posey winces at the bitter sting of the magic sword cutting into her.
>>170301
With this, Posey is at less than half health, her fast healing kicks in, her corrupted flesh and skin writhing around the edges of the sword as it attempts to heal itself.
>>170302
August does not let his guard down, holding the sword up and ready to swing it, even as he speaks to Posey. Of course, it's Posey's turn, so she gets the next move regardless.
August's charismatic and slightly accented voice sounds off because of his clogged and bleeding nose, but what gets through more than anything is a sense of annoyance.
"I don't care about you, nor that basement. I'm here on business for other matters. Let my comrades think I killed you and picked up what is inside my bag from that cave so I may save face, then I don't care what you do."
>>170304
Yes
August does not let his guard down, holding the sword up and ready to swing it, even as he speaks to Posey. Of course, it's Posey's turn, so she gets the next move regardless.
August's charismatic and slightly accented voice sounds off because of his clogged and bleeding nose, but what gets through more than anything is a sense of annoyance.
"I don't care about you, nor that basement. I'm here on business for other matters. Let my comrades think I killed you and picked up what is inside my bag from that cave so I may save face, then I don't care what you do."
>>170304
Yes
>>170305
Posey mentally, and wordlessly, telepathically commands the spirits to retrieve the bag.
If that's not possible, she commands her Unseen Servant to do so instead.
She cocks her head, twisting her neck joints in a rather uncanny, disgusting manner
"You know, I came here thinking I would get to kill a paladin; it's a rather prestigious accomplishment where I come from... Although, hunting down the rest of your cell would be a real chore. I can't have you blabbing about my presence either though, so, do I have your word, as a paladin, that you'll keep what happened here our little ~secret?" she says, with a chilling giggle
"The Leto's servants are rather eager to get a taste of the stallion who slayed their master. But that's their problem, not mine."
Posey mentally, and wordlessly, telepathically commands the spirits to retrieve the bag.
If that's not possible, she commands her Unseen Servant to do so instead.
She cocks her head, twisting her neck joints in a rather uncanny, disgusting manner
"You know, I came here thinking I would get to kill a paladin; it's a rather prestigious accomplishment where I come from... Although, hunting down the rest of your cell would be a real chore. I can't have you blabbing about my presence either though, so, do I have your word, as a paladin, that you'll keep what happened here our little ~secret?" she says, with a chilling giggle
"The Leto's servants are rather eager to get a taste of the stallion who slayed their master. But that's their problem, not mine."
>>170306
Posey can command, but be advised that both are far away, and will take time. The attempt may or may not be successful.
"Of course it would be, with how rare it is." He has a malign smile.
"Call it 'my word,' or whatever, just pretend to die so that I can get on with our plan."
He looks past Posey, though only for a moment.
"Hold them back or let them come, the only taste they will get is the same as you recieved."
Posey can command, but be advised that both are far away, and will take time. The attempt may or may not be successful.
"Of course it would be, with how rare it is." He has a malign smile.
"Call it 'my word,' or whatever, just pretend to die so that I can get on with our plan."
He looks past Posey, though only for a moment.
"Hold them back or let them come, the only taste they will get is the same as you recieved."
>>170307
Posey ponders for a moment, but then considers she could simply change her mind later if she feels like it.
She shrugs.
"Oh well."
She drops prone, her eyes glass over, and she plays dead, not moving a muscle, her innards spreading out across the grass.
Posey ponders for a moment, but then considers she could simply change her mind later if she feels like it.
She shrugs.
"Oh well."
She drops prone, her eyes glass over, and she plays dead, not moving a muscle, her innards spreading out across the grass.
>>170308
Posey hears, and has heard, more gunshots. As she does not hear the sound of bullets approaching, these must not have been intended for her.
August makes an "Ugh!" sound, stabs his sword into the ground, and then picks it up, and slices off a peace of Posey's cloak, which he picks up with his magic. He then sheathes the sword, pulls out his submachine gun, and fires
Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang
Evidently not intended for Posey, as every shot misses her, but hits the ground. He backs away, as he pulls out a second gun.
Posey hears, and has heard, more gunshots. As she does not hear the sound of bullets approaching, these must not have been intended for her.
August makes an "Ugh!" sound, stabs his sword into the ground, and then picks it up, and slices off a peace of Posey's cloak, which he picks up with his magic. He then sheathes the sword, pulls out his submachine gun, and fires
Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang
Evidently not intended for Posey, as every shot misses her, but hits the ground. He backs away, as he pulls out a second gun.
>>170309
Posey waits, playing dead.
>"Do as you wish for the time being."
Posey relinquishes command over her spirits.
Posey waits, playing dead.
>"Do as you wish for the time being."
Posey relinquishes command over her spirits.
>>170310
Posey hears three more gunshots from the submachine gun, then more gunshots, then more, as August evidently is withdrawing. Based upon the sounds of feet stomping and gunfire, the battle is surely continuing. Does Posey continue waiting the next few rounds?
Posey hears three more gunshots from the submachine gun, then more gunshots, then more, as August evidently is withdrawing. Based upon the sounds of feet stomping and gunfire, the battle is surely continuing. Does Posey continue waiting the next few rounds?
>>170312
Posey hears a "pop," lighter in intensity than any gunshot before, and a red ball blazes through the tall grass, bounces against the ground, and continues onwards. The grass along the trail of the fireball starts to catch fire.
Posey hears a "pop," lighter in intensity than any gunshot before, and a red ball blazes through the tall grass, bounces against the ground, and continues onwards. The grass along the trail of the fireball starts to catch fire.
File (): 8819198D2FDA440CE0CA23F8A04B475B-300932.jpg
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>>170314
The line of fire is near Posey, maybe 10 or so feet away, and is starting to catch on. the grass is in that happy medium where it is dry enough to catch fire, but wet enough that it does not burn cleanly, but produces decent amounts of smoke. Posey does not need to move in the next few turns to avoid taking damage, as it is far enough away.
After the passage of more time, maybe another two rounds, there is another "pop," and another ball of fire shot through the tall grass.
[1d20 = 2]
The line of fire is near Posey, maybe 10 or so feet away, and is starting to catch on. the grass is in that happy medium where it is dry enough to catch fire, but wet enough that it does not burn cleanly, but produces decent amounts of smoke. Posey does not need to move in the next few turns to avoid taking damage, as it is far enough away.
After the passage of more time, maybe another two rounds, there is another "pop," and another ball of fire shot through the tall grass.
[1d20 = 2]
>>170316
>>170317
>>170319
Yes, though only out of the corner of her eye. It's a ball of flame being shot through the grass of the field.
From behind, posey can hear
"Атакуйце, шчаняткі!" And more gunshots
[1d20+8 = (1+8) = 9]
[1d20+8 = (10+8) = 18]
[1d20+8 = (9+8) = 17]
[1d20+8 = (13+8) = 21]
[1d20+8 = (5+8) = 13]
Though the fire inches closer, it isn't exactly Posey's life being threatened at the moment.
>>170317
>>170319
Yes, though only out of the corner of her eye. It's a ball of flame being shot through the grass of the field.
From behind, posey can hear
"Атакуйце, шчаняткі!" And more gunshots
[1d20+8 = (1+8) = 9]
[1d20+8 = (10+8) = 18]
[1d20+8 = (9+8) = 17]
[1d20+8 = (13+8) = 21]
[1d20+8 = (5+8) = 13]
Though the fire inches closer, it isn't exactly Posey's life being threatened at the moment.
>>170320
Posey makes due on her agreement to play dead, until the fire gets near her.
Tell me how many rounds it takes for her to need to move, so I'll know how much she healed.
Posey makes due on her agreement to play dead, until the fire gets near her.
Tell me how many rounds it takes for her to need to move, so I'll know how much she healed.
>>170321
After the passage of about six rounds/36 seconds, the fire feels uncomfortably close.
The fire is producing copious amounts of smoke, which gives cover. The meadow did not catch fire quite so successfully on the "right" side, which is to say the area immediately in front of the barn. The only sources of light, besides the half-moon, are the burning barn, in which it appears one of the two fire set has caught on and was not put out, and the fire in the meadow that is now between Posey and the ELF cell. Posey may cast a shadow from the fire in the barn.
After the passage of about six rounds/36 seconds, the fire feels uncomfortably close.
The fire is producing copious amounts of smoke, which gives cover. The meadow did not catch fire quite so successfully on the "right" side, which is to say the area immediately in front of the barn. The only sources of light, besides the half-moon, are the burning barn, in which it appears one of the two fire set has caught on and was not put out, and the fire in the meadow that is now between Posey and the ELF cell. Posey may cast a shadow from the fire in the barn.
>>170323
As Posey moves up, she is able to get a clearer view of what is going on:
August and the ELF cell are fighting at range in evident retreat, as the Bloodbourne is commanding the thralls to attack. The Bloodbourne himself is commanding from the back, near the barn, and evidently is fighting with magic.
A flare is shot into the air, lighting up the meadow as though under a full moon, though the smoke still obscures Posey’s position.
As Posey moves up, she is able to get a clearer view of what is going on:
August and the ELF cell are fighting at range in evident retreat, as the Bloodbourne is commanding the thralls to attack. The Bloodbourne himself is commanding from the back, near the barn, and evidently is fighting with magic.
A flare is shot into the air, lighting up the meadow as though under a full moon, though the smoke still obscures Posey’s position.
>>170326
Posey could crawl her way to the edge of the mound and ultimately either into the hole going to the cavern, or behind the mound and onto the riverbed. She could crawl a little to the right and towards the barn, but it is both on fire, and a center of attention.
Gunshots tell that the battle is still going on, although it's a little more distant now, as it seems the entire group has moved back
Posey could crawl her way to the edge of the mound and ultimately either into the hole going to the cavern, or behind the mound and onto the riverbed. She could crawl a little to the right and towards the barn, but it is both on fire, and a center of attention.
Gunshots tell that the battle is still going on, although it's a little more distant now, as it seems the entire group has moved back
>>170331
Posey proceeds to the underground entrance, determined to investigate it before she leaves this place.
Posey proceeds to the underground entrance, determined to investigate it before she leaves this place.
>>170332
Be advised:
The entrance is a simple hole in the roof, going about 15 feet down into the cavern below. While Posey could likely ease herself down such that she could enter the cavern without taking damage, she does not immediately have a way to exit through that same hole, and the barn is now too dangerous to exit through.
Be advised:
The entrance is a simple hole in the roof, going about 15 feet down into the cavern below. While Posey could likely ease herself down such that she could enter the cavern without taking damage, she does not immediately have a way to exit through that same hole, and the barn is now too dangerous to exit through.
>>170334
Posey enters the cavern, finding it free of thralls, the bloodbourne, any paladins, rebels, soldiers, hyenas, or any other kind of meddling forces. Posey can only see with her dark vision, which does not illuminate many of the contents, but nevertheless she can see much strewn about, like some clothing, two coffins, and innumerable scratchings on the wall.
Posey enters the cavern, finding it free of thralls, the bloodbourne, any paladins, rebels, soldiers, hyenas, or any other kind of meddling forces. Posey can only see with her dark vision, which does not illuminate many of the contents, but nevertheless she can see much strewn about, like some clothing, two coffins, and innumerable scratchings on the wall.
>>170335
Posey decides to search the lair thoroughly, seeing if there truly is any treasure to be found here
Posey decides to search the lair thoroughly, seeing if there truly is any treasure to be found here
>>170337
There's not a whole hell of a lot, but there is certainly more than none.
The most valuable items by far seem to have been looted from a bishopric's treasury: A sun shaped monstrance, a silver chalice, a silver ciborium, and a phylactery. And no, not for a lich, but apparently for a pony saint, unless the White Severyanan Lichs were very bold about their hiding places. Posey does not actually know how valuable these items are, but certainly they amount to several pounds of silver, as well as gold plating.
There are also a few rings, a brooch, a couple necklaces, and perhaps a few dozen silver coins and a few gold coins. There's also a jar of dirt, multiple road maps, two rather nice looking portrait paintings, and a rather large shield with elegant heraldry.
There's not a whole hell of a lot, but there is certainly more than none.
The most valuable items by far seem to have been looted from a bishopric's treasury: A sun shaped monstrance, a silver chalice, a silver ciborium, and a phylactery. And no, not for a lich, but apparently for a pony saint, unless the White Severyanan Lichs were very bold about their hiding places. Posey does not actually know how valuable these items are, but certainly they amount to several pounds of silver, as well as gold plating.
There are also a few rings, a brooch, a couple necklaces, and perhaps a few dozen silver coins and a few gold coins. There's also a jar of dirt, multiple road maps, two rather nice looking portrait paintings, and a rather large shield with elegant heraldry.
>>170340
>portrait paintings
Those won't fit in her saddlebags...
I guess that's what Floating Disk is for.
>portrait paintings
Those won't fit in her saddlebags...
I guess that's what Floating Disk is for.
>>170343
She'll have to use the disk then.
Although, she can't carrying them out into the burning barn without risking damage.
Posey spends a minute healing herself.
She'll have to use the disk then.
Although, she can't carrying them out into the burning barn without risking damage.
Posey spends a minute healing herself.
>>170344
https://youtu.be/KWOV8bPUCS8?si=G1YOv3qL1B8JiFM6
Posey does so. No one enters the cavern, but Posey does not know whether the Bloodbourne or the ELF team are still somewhere outside.
https://youtu.be/KWOV8bPUCS8?si=G1YOv3qL1B8JiFM6
Posey does so. No one enters the cavern, but Posey does not know whether the Bloodbourne or the ELF team are still somewhere outside.
>>170345
I am suddenly wondering why I relinquished control of those spirits...
Posey goes to the entrance of the cavern and waits for the fires to die down.
I am suddenly wondering why I relinquished control of those spirits...
Posey goes to the entrance of the cavern and waits for the fires to die down.
>>170346
Posey may have to wait for hours, should she chose to exit through the barn after the fire dies. Then again, for the undead, there is all of the time in the world
Posey may have to wait for hours, should she chose to exit through the barn after the fire dies. Then again, for the undead, there is all of the time in the world
>>170347
Posey would prefer to return to her lair before Gloomy wakes up.
Could she somehow bundle the items on the floating disk to protect them from the flames as she runs through? She doesn't care about a little fire herself.
Posey would prefer to return to her lair before Gloomy wakes up.
Could she somehow bundle the items on the floating disk to protect them from the flames as she runs through? She doesn't care about a little fire herself.
>>170348
She can most certainly try, either going through the barn, or finding a way straight up.
Rember there are a pair of caskets
She can most certainly try, either going through the barn, or finding a way straight up.
Rember there are a pair of caskets
>>170349
What are the caskets made of?
She could load the treasure into the casket to protect what's inside.
What are the caskets made of?
She could load the treasure into the casket to protect what's inside.
>>170351
I guess that'll do.
Posey gets to work loading the casket, before reading herself to sprint through the fire.
I guess I'll preemptively roll reflex to avoid catching fire
[1d20+8 = (19+8) = 27]
I guess that'll do.
Posey gets to work loading the casket, before reading herself to sprint through the fire.
I guess I'll preemptively roll reflex to avoid catching fire
[1d20+8 = (19+8) = 27]
>>170352
Just for good measure...
[1d20 = 18]
Does Posey wish to go out the usual way, turning right, and thus towards the meadow and the farmhouse, and likewise whoever may still be there (or not, as bodies would also be present)? Or does she wish to sidestep this area, and go left, to the riverbank?
Just for good measure...
[1d20 = 18]
Does Posey wish to go out the usual way, turning right, and thus towards the meadow and the farmhouse, and likewise whoever may still be there (or not, as bodies would also be present)? Or does she wish to sidestep this area, and go left, to the riverbank?
>>170354
>>170355
Posey is able to deftly maneuver around the burning wagon, away from burning walls, and a lone burning beam. Or at least, far enough away that the wood does not catch fire. Posey may want to stamp out her cloak, and her eyes certainly dry out.
To the immediate left, the ground dips down into a very small valley, or recess in the ground, around what is surely a dry creek, that may still run with water at some times of year. There isn't that much vegetation, with a few plants and high grass. The center is dried mud, and baren limbed trees line the rim.
>>170355
Posey looks out to see that the Bloodbourne from before is still there and "alive," though clearly damaged.
>>170355
Posey is able to deftly maneuver around the burning wagon, away from burning walls, and a lone burning beam. Or at least, far enough away that the wood does not catch fire. Posey may want to stamp out her cloak, and her eyes certainly dry out.
To the immediate left, the ground dips down into a very small valley, or recess in the ground, around what is surely a dry creek, that may still run with water at some times of year. There isn't that much vegetation, with a few plants and high grass. The center is dried mud, and baren limbed trees line the rim.
>>170355
Posey looks out to see that the Bloodbourne from before is still there and "alive," though clearly damaged.
>>170358
Posey's spectral hand should have passed its duration by now.
If Posey doesn't see anymore enemies, she'll approach the Bloodborn.
Posey's spectral hand should have passed its duration by now.
If Posey doesn't see anymore enemies, she'll approach the Bloodborn.
>>170359
>>170360
>>170361
I can't recall
He's in front of the meadow, between it and the barn. His priestly robes are now a bit tattered, clearly pierced by multiple gunshots. He kneels on the ground, looking down. It isn't clear if he is praying or mourning. He turns back towards Posey as she approaches.
"I thought you had been destroyed." He says to her
>>170360
>>170361
I can't recall
He's in front of the meadow, between it and the barn. His priestly robes are now a bit tattered, clearly pierced by multiple gunshots. He kneels on the ground, looking down. It isn't clear if he is praying or mourning. He turns back towards Posey as she approaches.
"I thought you had been destroyed." He says to her
>>170362
"I'm not so easy to kill, even if I'm a lowbreed..." Posey replies, putting a hoof on his back and healing him 2 HP
"There is nothing left worth guarding here. It's time to go. There's a major not far from this sight, connected to the League: come with me."
"I'm not so easy to kill, even if I'm a lowbreed..." Posey replies, putting a hoof on his back and healing him 2 HP
"There is nothing left worth guarding here. It's time to go. There's a major not far from this sight, connected to the League: come with me."
>>170363
He looks up to her. It's almost sad to such elegant robes so damaged and disheveled.
"I did not get him. they killed all of our thralls with their weapons. I had to fall back. Had you waited to come out... Had I have come out when you did..." He falls silent. But he stands up with Posey
He looks up to her. It's almost sad to such elegant robes so damaged and disheveled.
"I did not get him. they killed all of our thralls with their weapons. I had to fall back. Had you waited to come out... Had I have come out when you did..." He falls silent. But he stands up with Posey
>>170365
"What's done is done. Thralls are... expendable. Cunning and loyal servants are not. We can only move on and rebuild." Posey says, further healing him
"We have all the time in the world for revenge, but for now, let's focus on what we can do, not what we couldn't."
"What's done is done. Thralls are... expendable. Cunning and loyal servants are not. We can only move on and rebuild." Posey says, further healing him
"We have all the time in the world for revenge, but for now, let's focus on what we can do, not what we couldn't."
>>170366
"It was the best chance.." He laments
"But I've waited so long now."
He turns to her. He's a bit taller, with the hat adding a couple inches. He's above middle aged, but even with his dried and frail skin, does not look that old. The healing must have some effect.
"What is left?" He asks her.
"It was the best chance.." He laments
"But I've waited so long now."
He turns to her. He's a bit taller, with the hat adding a couple inches. He's above middle aged, but even with his dried and frail skin, does not look that old. The healing must have some effect.
"What is left?" He asks her.
>>170367
"What's left?" Posey says, a quizzical look on her face
"Only the world to conquer." She says, turning her chin up and pondering the half moon
"There's so many more heartbeats cluttering this world. So many shambling bodies. There's a full world out there to be plundered, to be ravaged, to be ruined. I didn't kill a paladin tonight, but I won't let one setback stop me. Follow along if you like, or lay in the ashes like a corpse; the choice is yours."
And with that, she slowly trots off, towing the casket behind her
"What's left?" Posey says, a quizzical look on her face
"Only the world to conquer." She says, turning her chin up and pondering the half moon
"There's so many more heartbeats cluttering this world. So many shambling bodies. There's a full world out there to be plundered, to be ravaged, to be ruined. I didn't kill a paladin tonight, but I won't let one setback stop me. Follow along if you like, or lay in the ashes like a corpse; the choice is yours."
And with that, she slowly trots off, towing the casket behind her
>>170368
"I'm not sure I agree with the sentiment that it is our business to stamp out life" He says, and with a pause, Posey has likely started to move away. "But over the decades, I have certainly come to understand it."
He gets up, and starts to follow Posey, likely some feet behind.
"I will come with you."
"I'm not sure I agree with the sentiment that it is our business to stamp out life" He says, and with a pause, Posey has likely started to move away. "But over the decades, I have certainly come to understand it."
He gets up, and starts to follow Posey, likely some feet behind.
"I will come with you."
>>170369
"Very well then. Come along. I'll introduce you to my driver." Posey says, as she makes her way back to the town.
She turns
"Call me Posey."
Okay, looks like the quest is wrapping up, so I think this is a good stopping point, so long as nothing attacks us on our way back.
Posey would spend a minute or two bringing him to full health before they leave. She'd try to be as discreet as possible getting into the truck with Mason, and explain the situation to him when she gets back.
"Very well then. Come along. I'll introduce you to my driver." Posey says, as she makes her way back to the town.
She turns
"Call me Posey."
Okay, looks like the quest is wrapping up, so I think this is a good stopping point, so long as nothing attacks us on our way back.
Posey would spend a minute or two bringing him to full health before they leave. She'd try to be as discreet as possible getting into the truck with Mason, and explain the situation to him when she gets back.
>>170370
>So long as nothing attacks us
The dangers of highwaymen and bandits have been greatly exaggerated, and the ancient forests no longer conceal wild, natural predators... right?
"Baćka Vysoki Chančes" He says back to her, in slightly higher spirits
>So long as nothing attacks us
The dangers of highwaymen and bandits have been greatly exaggerated, and the ancient forests no longer conceal wild, natural predators... right?
"Baćka Vysoki Chančes" He says back to her, in slightly higher spirits
GM, has Posey leveled up from her adventures thus far?
Based on all the interactions with humanoids and undead, challenges where Posey has to roll skill checks or expend resources to avoid destruction/exposure, and other encounters in this past couple months, I've calculated that Posey (who is, remember, ECL 3, with her LA bought off) could have earned between 6000 and 11000 XP (assuming that most of the non-combat encounters involved NPC-classed humanoids at CR 1/2, and making skill checks to avoid conflict counts as a completed encounter), potentially putting her near lvl 5-6, with most of it being in this past adventure with August.
I know Posey didn't actually kill August or the ELF, and accepted his Parley, but I feel like she could have if she acted tactically and buffed the other undead and herself. I just found August to be an interesting character and wanted to keep him alive (until Posey learns to create non-mindless undead), since I thought he was a paladin would have potential to be a good recurring antagonist (villains always leave potential heroes to defeat them later, after all). Posey's only real goal was to take the treasure, and the Bloodbound being alone now makes him easier to recruit/manipulate, so I would kind of like to count this as a victory, considering the fact that she was able to get ALL of the treasure, despite August living.
August is a fun antagonist, btw. Cool paladin, but also a touch of rogueish tropes that fits the modern setting. He'd make for a good Shadowbane Inquisitor.
I know that you think Posey may be a bit overpowered, and I would like to discuss how I could amend that in her level up process to get her sheet finalized. I could add some more of those Deadlands weaknesses, such as saying that her DR is always bypassed by wood, or swap some of her more optimal features for suboptimal ones.
Leveling Posey over time is kind of important to me, as she doesn't really feel like a proper Necromancer until she learns to create undead. I guess I should've played a Cleric if I wanted earliest access to Necromancy, but I was really couldn't resist the "Dread" name in Dread Necromancer, considering that she's a member of the League.
>>170371
"I don't think I ever got your name. Care to tell?"
Based on all the interactions with humanoids and undead, challenges where Posey has to roll skill checks or expend resources to avoid destruction/exposure, and other encounters in this past couple months, I've calculated that Posey (who is, remember, ECL 3, with her LA bought off) could have earned between 6000 and 11000 XP (assuming that most of the non-combat encounters involved NPC-classed humanoids at CR 1/2, and making skill checks to avoid conflict counts as a completed encounter), potentially putting her near lvl 5-6, with most of it being in this past adventure with August.
I know Posey didn't actually kill August or the ELF, and accepted his Parley, but I feel like she could have if she acted tactically and buffed the other undead and herself. I just found August to be an interesting character and wanted to keep him alive (until Posey learns to create non-mindless undead), since I thought he was a paladin would have potential to be a good recurring antagonist (villains always leave potential heroes to defeat them later, after all). Posey's only real goal was to take the treasure, and the Bloodbound being alone now makes him easier to recruit/manipulate, so I would kind of like to count this as a victory, considering the fact that she was able to get ALL of the treasure, despite August living.
August is a fun antagonist, btw. Cool paladin, but also a touch of rogueish tropes that fits the modern setting. He'd make for a good Shadowbane Inquisitor.
I know that you think Posey may be a bit overpowered, and I would like to discuss how I could amend that in her level up process to get her sheet finalized. I could add some more of those Deadlands weaknesses, such as saying that her DR is always bypassed by wood, or swap some of her more optimal features for suboptimal ones.
Leveling Posey over time is kind of important to me, as she doesn't really feel like a proper Necromancer until she learns to create undead. I guess I should've played a Cleric if I wanted earliest access to Necromancy, but I was really couldn't resist the "Dread" name in Dread Necromancer, considering that she's a member of the League.
>>170371
"I don't think I ever got your name. Care to tell?"
File (): A59CB4FCC3F35899974829B7DD9BA8A2-68266.jpg
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>>170407
>leveling up
>pic related
The problem is that all the older characters have been "just around the corner" in terms of leveling up for some time now and if Posey levels up then they have to be leveled up too, and all that calculation is an arduous process. Characters probably will level up eventually, but it's not high on GM's priority list evidently (or he just forgot/doesn't want to rebalance planned quests). I know you've been following along for a little while, so don't you find it odd that there's never been mention of exp or leveling up? Nopony has leveled up in this entire game once. For better or worse it's always been "Trust the Plan" in terms of progression, which has mainly been loot and friendships.
>leveling up
>pic related
The problem is that all the older characters have been "just around the corner" in terms of leveling up for some time now and if Posey levels up then they have to be leveled up too, and all that calculation is an arduous process. Characters probably will level up eventually, but it's not high on GM's priority list evidently (or he just forgot/doesn't want to rebalance planned quests). I know you've been following along for a little while, so don't you find it odd that there's never been mention of exp or leveling up? Nopony has leveled up in this entire game once. For better or worse it's always been "Trust the Plan" in terms of progression, which has mainly been loot and friendships.
>>170408
I was hoping I'd at least catch up to lvl 5 to account for my XP taxes in character creation...
I don't get Animate Dead until lvl 8 (because Orcus-forbid the tier-3 fixed list casters get Animate Dead access at the same lvl as a the tier 1 Cleric...), and I can't take Leadership or Undead Leadership until lvl 6.
I've heard of e6/e8 lvl-capped games in 3.5e, but I don't want to be lvl 3 forever.
I get the point about fairness though. Then again, I also haven't heard from any of the other players besides you in a long time.
I was hoping I'd at least catch up to lvl 5 to account for my XP taxes in character creation...
I don't get Animate Dead until lvl 8 (because Orcus-forbid the tier-3 fixed list casters get Animate Dead access at the same lvl as a the tier 1 Cleric...), and I can't take Leadership or Undead Leadership until lvl 6.
I've heard of e6/e8 lvl-capped games in 3.5e, but I don't want to be lvl 3 forever.
I get the point about fairness though. Then again, I also haven't heard from any of the other players besides you in a long time.
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GM, idk how much you want to streamline the journey home, but Posey would explain the situation to Mason (omitting the part where she cooperates with August) and return to the manor as inconspicuously as possible.
I would like to appraise the loot whenever it's convenient for you to give me the numbers.
Posey's plans for the next day would be to keep Gloomy occupied, count the loot, and to meditate in the garden to reverse the taint of defilement on her spirit, taking advantage of the abundant vegetation.
I would like to appraise the loot whenever it's convenient for you to give me the numbers.
Posey's plans for the next day would be to keep Gloomy occupied, count the loot, and to meditate in the garden to reverse the taint of defilement on her spirit, taking advantage of the abundant vegetation.
>>170407
>I just found August to be an interesting character
>August is a fun antagonist, btw.
D'awww, thanks
>considering the fact that she was able to get ALL of the treasure
>she was able to get ALL of the treasure
>ALL of the treasure
>ALL
>Posey totally didn't miss 75%+ of the value of the treasure for a second quest in a row
Right.
>how I could amend that in her level up process to get her sheet finalized
>has Posey leveled up from her adventures thus far?
>I know that you think Posey may be a bit overpowered
>Leveling Posey over time is kind of important to me
The essence of the problem is the way power creep occurs in D&D 3.5; the difference of a few levels has great consequence
>>170411
Kinda want to see her get past the military
>I just found August to be an interesting character
>August is a fun antagonist, btw.
D'awww, thanks
>considering the fact that she was able to get ALL of the treasure
>she was able to get ALL of the treasure
>ALL of the treasure
>ALL
>Posey totally didn't miss 75%+ of the value of the treasure for a second quest in a row
Right.
>how I could amend that in her level up process to get her sheet finalized
>has Posey leveled up from her adventures thus far?
>I know that you think Posey may be a bit overpowered
>Leveling Posey over time is kind of important to me
The essence of the problem is the way power creep occurs in D&D 3.5; the difference of a few levels has great consequence
>>170411
Kinda want to see her get past the military
>>170412
>miss 75%+
You didn't need to tell me that..... Now I want to go back and check.
I thought Posey had all the time she needed to search the building, and she rolled high on Search. I figured the Bloodbound would know where things are too.
>leveling power creep
Well, Posey is deleveled to ECL 3, spending more than half of her XP on LA buy off and bloodline benefits. Her powers as a caster are no better than any other lvl 3 caster. Most of the power in 3.5e comes from class progression; Posey's racial abilities mostly come in the form of defensive buffs, which will not improve as she levels.
I could map out her progression for you:
Lvl 4: Posey finally gets lvl 2 spells at this level without resorting to gimmicks. Posey's known spells are fixed, and her spells known advanced predictably, without excessive fear investure. You can see her spell list here:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/classSpellLists/dreadNecromancerSpells.html
She gains an ability boost (Charisma, obviously) which would increase the DCa for most of her abilities, and +1 increase in her BAB. Her bloodline would give her cold resistance at lvl 4, but that's redundant with her half-vampire cold resistance (unless you'll let me use the rules to modify it). Her ability to rebuke and command undead increases linearly.
She also gains an advanced Learning Spell, probably Kelgore's Grave Mist.
She gains Mental Bastion, which is redundant with her racial immunity unless you'd rather have me nerf her by removing her immunity to mind-effecting attacks (which I was considering, to reduce LA).
Overall, lvl 4 is mostly just a linear increase of abilities she already had.
Lvl 5:
At this level, Posey gets her Fear Aura, which increases her combat effectiveness against non-paladins, as Fear is Posey's main line of attack. Her spellcasting doesn't increase in level.
This would also be the level at which the Apprentice feat might say that she's surpassed her apprentice, meaning that Posey would finally earn her emancipation and be free of service. She would no longer have to tithe to her master or follow his orders. She could also potentially begin training Gloomy as her own apprentice.
Since Posey's master is minimum lvl 8, you might prefer to delay her emancipation until lvl 8 or later.
Unlike a Wizard or Cleric, Posey does not natively gain lvl 3 slots at this level, but she could attempt to cast one by spending 2 lvl 2 slots using Versatile spellcaster.
Lvl 6.
At this level, leadership potentially comes on line. I laid out my plans for leadership earlier in the old threads. This is a big deal, as it multiples the number of characters I control. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted me to delay this or discard the idea entirely.
Lvl 6 is important because it's the first level that Posey natively gains lvl 3 slots. This means that Posey would gain some potent utility, such as Speak With Dead. Vampiric Touch becomes as deadly single-target combat option.
Lvl 7:
At this lvl, Posey gains the ability to summon her familiar: an imp, vargoulle, quasit or ghostly visage.
I would consider the imp because if it's interesting variants,
This is the "cool pet" level. A familiar isn't that suited for combat, but is an interesting scout.
Lich body also increases to 4 at this level.
Lvl 8:
The Golden Level. At this level, Posey finally natively gets lvl 4 spells, which means she can cast Animate Dead. Thus drastically changes her play style, as she will have minions. She also gains Undead Mastery, making her minions more potent as and undead more numerous.
She gains another Advanced Learning Spell. Probably Grim Revenge.
Her spellcasting increases to the point where she is actually a potent Carter in combat, albeit still only for single-targets attacks and battlefield control. Phantasmal Killer, Black Tentacles, Fear and Summon Undead 4 change the game in terms of her offensive power.
She would also increase her charisma by 1
Posey's powers hereafter do not drastically change other than predictable linear progression, except until lvl 12, where she gains Create Undead, and when she gains Create Greater Undead. She gains more combat spells, but the big focus is on her linear progression to create and control undead.
>miss 75%+
You didn't need to tell me that..... Now I want to go back and check.
I thought Posey had all the time she needed to search the building, and she rolled high on Search. I figured the Bloodbound would know where things are too.
>leveling power creep
Well, Posey is deleveled to ECL 3, spending more than half of her XP on LA buy off and bloodline benefits. Her powers as a caster are no better than any other lvl 3 caster. Most of the power in 3.5e comes from class progression; Posey's racial abilities mostly come in the form of defensive buffs, which will not improve as she levels.
I could map out her progression for you:
Lvl 4: Posey finally gets lvl 2 spells at this level without resorting to gimmicks. Posey's known spells are fixed, and her spells known advanced predictably, without excessive fear investure. You can see her spell list here:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/classSpellLists/dreadNecromancerSpells.html
She gains an ability boost (Charisma, obviously) which would increase the DCa for most of her abilities, and +1 increase in her BAB. Her bloodline would give her cold resistance at lvl 4, but that's redundant with her half-vampire cold resistance (unless you'll let me use the rules to modify it). Her ability to rebuke and command undead increases linearly.
She also gains an advanced Learning Spell, probably Kelgore's Grave Mist.
She gains Mental Bastion, which is redundant with her racial immunity unless you'd rather have me nerf her by removing her immunity to mind-effecting attacks (which I was considering, to reduce LA).
Overall, lvl 4 is mostly just a linear increase of abilities she already had.
Lvl 5:
At this level, Posey gets her Fear Aura, which increases her combat effectiveness against non-paladins, as Fear is Posey's main line of attack. Her spellcasting doesn't increase in level.
This would also be the level at which the Apprentice feat might say that she's surpassed her apprentice, meaning that Posey would finally earn her emancipation and be free of service. She would no longer have to tithe to her master or follow his orders. She could also potentially begin training Gloomy as her own apprentice.
Since Posey's master is minimum lvl 8, you might prefer to delay her emancipation until lvl 8 or later.
Unlike a Wizard or Cleric, Posey does not natively gain lvl 3 slots at this level, but she could attempt to cast one by spending 2 lvl 2 slots using Versatile spellcaster.
Lvl 6.
At this level, leadership potentially comes on line. I laid out my plans for leadership earlier in the old threads. This is a big deal, as it multiples the number of characters I control. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted me to delay this or discard the idea entirely.
Lvl 6 is important because it's the first level that Posey natively gains lvl 3 slots. This means that Posey would gain some potent utility, such as Speak With Dead. Vampiric Touch becomes as deadly single-target combat option.
Lvl 7:
At this lvl, Posey gains the ability to summon her familiar: an imp, vargoulle, quasit or ghostly visage.
I would consider the imp because if it's interesting variants,
This is the "cool pet" level. A familiar isn't that suited for combat, but is an interesting scout.
Lich body also increases to 4 at this level.
Lvl 8:
The Golden Level. At this level, Posey finally natively gets lvl 4 spells, which means she can cast Animate Dead. Thus drastically changes her play style, as she will have minions. She also gains Undead Mastery, making her minions more potent as and undead more numerous.
She gains another Advanced Learning Spell. Probably Grim Revenge.
Her spellcasting increases to the point where she is actually a potent Carter in combat, albeit still only for single-targets attacks and battlefield control. Phantasmal Killer, Black Tentacles, Fear and Summon Undead 4 change the game in terms of her offensive power.
She would also increase her charisma by 1
Posey's powers hereafter do not drastically change other than predictable linear progression, except until lvl 12, where she gains Create Undead, and when she gains Create Greater Undead. She gains more combat spells, but the big focus is on her linear progression to create and control undead.
>>170412
>Kinda want to see her get past the military
Okay, let's go with that (unless I can go back to check for that 75% of treasure).
Also waiting for the name of the Bloodbound guy.
>Kinda want to see her get past the military
Okay, let's go with that (unless I can go back to check for that 75% of treasure).
Also waiting for the name of the Bloodbound guy.
>>170413
>leveling power creep
I think GM means in general rather than for Posey specifically. As Posey levels up to 4 or 5 other characters will level up to 6 or 7. Silver already has survived taking dozens of bullets (albeit in a dreamscape) so getting leveled up will start turning characters from "exceptional but still grounded ponies" to "nearly physical demi-gods." The whole setting is urban fantasy where a single grunt with a knife or gun poses a serious threat (Amber's had a couple of close calls herself), and leveling up means they would become more irrelevant.
The whole setting is in HOI4 so there's high-level military hardware to contend with in the future, so I doubt leveling is ruled out, but Baltimare's more about gangs and occupation. I'm confident that leveling will happen at some point, just not in the immediate future.
>leveling power creep
I think GM means in general rather than for Posey specifically. As Posey levels up to 4 or 5 other characters will level up to 6 or 7. Silver already has survived taking dozens of bullets (albeit in a dreamscape) so getting leveled up will start turning characters from "exceptional but still grounded ponies" to "nearly physical demi-gods." The whole setting is urban fantasy where a single grunt with a knife or gun poses a serious threat (Amber's had a couple of close calls herself), and leveling up means they would become more irrelevant.
The whole setting is in HOI4 so there's high-level military hardware to contend with in the future, so I doubt leveling is ruled out, but Baltimare's more about gangs and occupation. I'm confident that leveling will happen at some point, just not in the immediate future.
>>170415
I was under the impression that the endgame of Occupied Equestria was to liberate Equestria from Changeling/Colonial occupation: in Posey's case, to replace them with the League. Posey wouldn't be fond of changelings, as they occupy a niche that rightfully belongs to vampires (feeding on ponies, top-down hierarchy, subversive infiltration, shapeshifting, etc), and she would gladly annihilate them if presented with the opportunity. I made Posey with the intent for her eventually conjure an undead army to change the course of history.
>"nearly physical demi-gods."
>The whole setting is urban fantasy where a single grunt with a knife or gun poses a serious threat
Ngl, I was aware of that, but I built Posey as the opposite with direct intent to subvert the trope, focusing on durability and self-healing instead of casting power to fit the aesthetic of "Undying Sorceress". The concept of a bulletproof pseudo-vampire overwhelming mortal opponents with fear in a modern setting appeals to me. Thing about that is that Posey is the type of monster who risks being hunted down if she's exposed, and damage reduction only protects her from so much.
Posey is an old-school warlord, the type hails from the time where the world was ruled by eldritch beings and dark powers of otherworldly power, the ancient mythological era before modern history. Posey uses a longbow, even though she could use guns, because she keeps in line with the Dread League's low tech level.
>dreamscape
I wonder if Oneiromancy is worth investing in. Could be useful. I had intended for Gloomy to do that though.
I was under the impression that the endgame of Occupied Equestria was to liberate Equestria from Changeling/Colonial occupation: in Posey's case, to replace them with the League. Posey wouldn't be fond of changelings, as they occupy a niche that rightfully belongs to vampires (feeding on ponies, top-down hierarchy, subversive infiltration, shapeshifting, etc), and she would gladly annihilate them if presented with the opportunity. I made Posey with the intent for her eventually conjure an undead army to change the course of history.
>"nearly physical demi-gods."
>The whole setting is urban fantasy where a single grunt with a knife or gun poses a serious threat
Ngl, I was aware of that, but I built Posey as the opposite with direct intent to subvert the trope, focusing on durability and self-healing instead of casting power to fit the aesthetic of "Undying Sorceress". The concept of a bulletproof pseudo-vampire overwhelming mortal opponents with fear in a modern setting appeals to me. Thing about that is that Posey is the type of monster who risks being hunted down if she's exposed, and damage reduction only protects her from so much.
Posey is an old-school warlord, the type hails from the time where the world was ruled by eldritch beings and dark powers of otherworldly power, the ancient mythological era before modern history. Posey uses a longbow, even though she could use guns, because she keeps in line with the Dread League's low tech level.
>dreamscape
I wonder if Oneiromancy is worth investing in. Could be useful. I had intended for Gloomy to do that though.
>>170416
>I was under the impression that the endgame of Occupied Equestria was to liberate Equestria from Changeling/Colonial occupation: in Posey's case, to replace them with the League.
The endgame is whatever players want. There are different factions and players are working with different ones.
>Ngl, I was aware of that, but I built Posey as the opposite with direct intent to subvert the trope, focusing on durability and self-healing instead of casting power to fit the aesthetic of "Undying Sorceress".
Posey's concept is amazing.
>I was under the impression that the endgame of Occupied Equestria was to liberate Equestria from Changeling/Colonial occupation: in Posey's case, to replace them with the League.
The endgame is whatever players want. There are different factions and players are working with different ones.
>Ngl, I was aware of that, but I built Posey as the opposite with direct intent to subvert the trope, focusing on durability and self-healing instead of casting power to fit the aesthetic of "Undying Sorceress".
Posey's concept is amazing.
>>170413
>I thought Posey had all the time she needed to search the building, and she rolled high on Search. I figured the Bloodbound would know where things are too.
I'll give this spoiler: most of the treasure was never in the cavern or the Bloodbound's possession.
What I mean by power creep is that something that is threatening at level 5 is not at all threatening at level 10. The vast majority of enemies thus far have been "humanoid" types. I can use a level 3 fighter as a base, which takes about 2-3 bullets to knock out, and it takes about two of these at once to seriously challenge a level 5 character. It feels pretty realistic and well enough balanced. But at higher levels... what? Just arbitrarily give the same gang members, rebel soldiers, and changeling drones more HP and more attacks per turn? I mean... I guess? It's hard to explain exactly what I mean, perhaps at some time in the future I will elaborate.
>The concept of a bulletproof pseudo-vampire overwhelming mortal opponents with fear in a modern setting appeals to me
Why? As an adversary, that sounds interesting, but to play as it just sounds boring.
>>170414
He actually did answer in >>170371
Of course I suppose if Posey doesn't speak Bolshevik, she can get a more Equestrianized answer
>I thought Posey had all the time she needed to search the building, and she rolled high on Search. I figured the Bloodbound would know where things are too.
I'll give this spoiler: most of the treasure was never in the cavern or the Bloodbound's possession.
What I mean by power creep is that something that is threatening at level 5 is not at all threatening at level 10. The vast majority of enemies thus far have been "humanoid" types. I can use a level 3 fighter as a base, which takes about 2-3 bullets to knock out, and it takes about two of these at once to seriously challenge a level 5 character. It feels pretty realistic and well enough balanced. But at higher levels... what? Just arbitrarily give the same gang members, rebel soldiers, and changeling drones more HP and more attacks per turn? I mean... I guess? It's hard to explain exactly what I mean, perhaps at some time in the future I will elaborate.
>The concept of a bulletproof pseudo-vampire overwhelming mortal opponents with fear in a modern setting appeals to me
Why? As an adversary, that sounds interesting, but to play as it just sounds boring.
>>170414
He actually did answer in >>170371
Of course I suppose if Posey doesn't speak Bolshevik, she can get a more Equestrianized answer
>>170418
>most of the treasure was never in the cavern or the Bloodbound's possession
Oh well.
>As an adversary, that sounds interesting
Well, being a supervillain is the thing I was going for. The schism between supernatural and the modern is interesting to me, as it is in mutants and masterminds or call of Cthulhu.
Playing an undead, I like the aesthetic of bullets ripping through me and tearing off chunks of my face and torso in a grisly manner, exposing my rotten and corrupted mutant innards, as I shamble forward like a zombie as I lunge towards my enemies. It makes me feel more like a monster.
That, and I don't have a party or minions to help me.
>to play as it just sounds boring
Well, the fun to me was supposed to be the army of undead.
>He actually did answer
Pardon. I missed it.
>if Posey doesn't speak Bolshevik
I imagined that Posey would have a vaguely-slavic accent, considering she comes from up north and is vampire-related. Also because I find the accent to be sexy. It's not on her list of languages though.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chančes." Posey says, with a polite gesture
"If you'd care to follow me, I'll introduce you to my driver."
>most of the treasure was never in the cavern or the Bloodbound's possession
Oh well.
>As an adversary, that sounds interesting
Well, being a supervillain is the thing I was going for. The schism between supernatural and the modern is interesting to me, as it is in mutants and masterminds or call of Cthulhu.
Playing an undead, I like the aesthetic of bullets ripping through me and tearing off chunks of my face and torso in a grisly manner, exposing my rotten and corrupted mutant innards, as I shamble forward like a zombie as I lunge towards my enemies. It makes me feel more like a monster.
That, and I don't have a party or minions to help me.
>to play as it just sounds boring
Well, the fun to me was supposed to be the army of undead.
>He actually did answer
Pardon. I missed it.
>if Posey doesn't speak Bolshevik
I imagined that Posey would have a vaguely-slavic accent, considering she comes from up north and is vampire-related. Also because I find the accent to be sexy. It's not on her list of languages though.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chančes." Posey says, with a polite gesture
"If you'd care to follow me, I'll introduce you to my driver."
>>170367
>"What is left?"
"Always look on the dark side of death, is what my master used to say." Posey's says, nonchalantly
"You may have little left, with the destruction of your master, but you're more fortunate than some, enviable even, for you are emancipated, and you may now do whatever you please. I've worked many years to hoping to be free of service. Tell me, what does it feel like? Bittersweet perhaps?"
>"What is left?"
"Always look on the dark side of death, is what my master used to say." Posey's says, nonchalantly
"You may have little left, with the destruction of your master, but you're more fortunate than some, enviable even, for you are emancipated, and you may now do whatever you please. I've worked many years to hoping to be free of service. Tell me, what does it feel like? Bittersweet perhaps?"
>>170419
>I find the accent to be sexy.
Good enough reason
He follows Posey, although perhaps somewhat lethargically. He is on the wrong side of 60, after all.
"Free? I've been free since the Bishopric defrocked me. No gratitude after all of my decades of service, with their nonsense rituals... And since the destruction of the Pannolovich castle, not many hours later. If anything, there is something dreadful in it. But the lack of restraint... That I can appreciate."
>I find the accent to be sexy.
Good enough reason
He follows Posey, although perhaps somewhat lethargically. He is on the wrong side of 60, after all.
"Free? I've been free since the Bishopric defrocked me. No gratitude after all of my decades of service, with their nonsense rituals... And since the destruction of the Pannolovich castle, not many hours later. If anything, there is something dreadful in it. But the lack of restraint... That I can appreciate."
>>169384
>>170172
Time for our acute little angle
Amber enters the control room of the locomotive. The engineer is reaching his claw out of the window holding a net, evidently prepared for the passing of the baton. He looks back to Amber, albeit only momentarily, to see who entered the room, before turning his attention to the track ahead.
Outside the window, the train has slowed down considerably. The trees, not likely to completely lose their leaves until the end of October, are full of shades of auburn and amber. The forest is altogether much thicker than it was in the Imperial District, though such wilderness is not alien to a long-time resident of Katerin. Clouds have moved in, and their dark undersides are suggestive of coming rain.
The engineer speaks
"I received a message from Kronborg station. They are claiming that a police team attempted to board? They wish for us to return. Or to arrange for a police search in Soldau."
>>170172
Time for our acute little angle
Amber enters the control room of the locomotive. The engineer is reaching his claw out of the window holding a net, evidently prepared for the passing of the baton. He looks back to Amber, albeit only momentarily, to see who entered the room, before turning his attention to the track ahead.
Outside the window, the train has slowed down considerably. The trees, not likely to completely lose their leaves until the end of October, are full of shades of auburn and amber. The forest is altogether much thicker than it was in the Imperial District, though such wilderness is not alien to a long-time resident of Katerin. Clouds have moved in, and their dark undersides are suggestive of coming rain.
The engineer speaks
"I received a message from Kronborg station. They are claiming that a police team attempted to board? They wish for us to return. Or to arrange for a police search in Soldau."
>>170423
Posey can move along the logging road from earlier, or perhaps a different route. Surely Posey would wish to avoid encountering the ELF team on the way back, and when she gets to the town, would try to steer clear of the hotel
Posey can move along the logging road from earlier, or perhaps a different route. Surely Posey would wish to avoid encountering the ELF team on the way back, and when she gets to the town, would try to steer clear of the hotel
I guess I'll preemptively roll bluff to talk past the military checkpoint. Tell them that Baćka is a retiree who's moving in with relatives from out in the countryside since he got older.
[1d20+12 = (5+12) = 17]
[1d20+12 = (5+12) = 17]
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>>170426
>>170425
>>170427
>>170428
Posey walks along the dark path, ending in a small clearing with a small number of decaying logs, and seedlings starting to fill in the gaps. It's anypony's guess, but then there is a path that goes north... then east... then south... Posey can soon understand why August chose to go to the river first. Backa will occasionally offer advise as to which way to go, which is not always born out upon trial.
Posey comes to a largish industrial building that has a couple lights on, and very likely does not wish to come to close. Or perhaps she does, but I will assume she wishes simply to go home undetected. She goes north, now through the town, which has a small brick church, which does have an uncomfortable, electric aura, a few small shops like a grocer and a drug store, what seems to be a small, brick school, and several dozen houses. Most are along the single road, but some branch off. Posey has the disadvantage of magically levitating at least one coffin, and Posey has not seen anyone magically levitate any large object, let alone something as large as a coffin. Very few lights are on, but a couple are, and more importantly, Posey can hear dog barking. Posey will almost certainly chose to cut through the forest, which while not exceptionally difficult, as the ground is dry enough and most of the forest floor is clear, travel is still occasionally hampered by undergrowth. The truck is past, and across the street from the hotel, lights still on, which is one last obstacle to get past.
When Posey gets to the truck, Mason is asleep in his seat.
>>170425
>>170427
>>170428
Posey walks along the dark path, ending in a small clearing with a small number of decaying logs, and seedlings starting to fill in the gaps. It's anypony's guess, but then there is a path that goes north... then east... then south... Posey can soon understand why August chose to go to the river first. Backa will occasionally offer advise as to which way to go, which is not always born out upon trial.
Posey comes to a largish industrial building that has a couple lights on, and very likely does not wish to come to close. Or perhaps she does, but I will assume she wishes simply to go home undetected. She goes north, now through the town, which has a small brick church, which does have an uncomfortable, electric aura, a few small shops like a grocer and a drug store, what seems to be a small, brick school, and several dozen houses. Most are along the single road, but some branch off. Posey has the disadvantage of magically levitating at least one coffin, and Posey has not seen anyone magically levitate any large object, let alone something as large as a coffin. Very few lights are on, but a couple are, and more importantly, Posey can hear dog barking. Posey will almost certainly chose to cut through the forest, which while not exceptionally difficult, as the ground is dry enough and most of the forest floor is clear, travel is still occasionally hampered by undergrowth. The truck is past, and across the street from the hotel, lights still on, which is one last obstacle to get past.
When Posey gets to the truck, Mason is asleep in his seat.
>>170429
Posey gently pokes Mason until he wakes up.
Once he wakes up, she explains the situation to him.
Posey gently pokes Mason until he wakes up.
Once he wakes up, she explains the situation to him.
>>170422
"I see…" Amber replies hesitantly. "This is a matter that should be taken directly to the authorities in Hellheim. The local police of Soldau don't have authority to search a foreign train." Amber has no idea whether this is true or not, but she hopes she sounds convincing. "And to reverse along these tracks is inconceivable. It would delay the next outbound train and cost the company far too much money."
"I see…" Amber replies hesitantly. "This is a matter that should be taken directly to the authorities in Hellheim. The local police of Soldau don't have authority to search a foreign train." Amber has no idea whether this is true or not, but she hopes she sounds convincing. "And to reverse along these tracks is inconceivable. It would delay the next outbound train and cost the company far too much money."
>>170430
Mason quickly bolts up, and looks around, using his magical aura to grab the keys. He seems almost surprised he doesn't have to make an immediate get away. "Were you followed?" Is among the questions asked. He will certainly want to get Backa and the items taken, like the coffin, out of sight as quickly as possible.
Posey will now have the question of how she wants to hide the items, the coffin (were there more than one?) and Backa. Please note that Backa is dressed basically in a full priestly outfit, that outfit is old, worn, and mildewed, and has bullet holes in it. Posey's garb likewise probably has bullet holes, shot holes, cuts, and a piece missing.
>>170431
The engineer, who remains distracted, replies "Well, Soldau would normally check customs... Turning around is technically possible, but impractical for a number of reasons. We'd have to get a shunter, and likely use the side section of track for many minutes..."
Then he asks
"What is Reichs Bahn policy on this matter?" He asks
Mason quickly bolts up, and looks around, using his magical aura to grab the keys. He seems almost surprised he doesn't have to make an immediate get away. "Were you followed?" Is among the questions asked. He will certainly want to get Backa and the items taken, like the coffin, out of sight as quickly as possible.
Posey will now have the question of how she wants to hide the items, the coffin (were there more than one?) and Backa. Please note that Backa is dressed basically in a full priestly outfit, that outfit is old, worn, and mildewed, and has bullet holes in it. Posey's garb likewise probably has bullet holes, shot holes, cuts, and a piece missing.
>>170431
The engineer, who remains distracted, replies "Well, Soldau would normally check customs... Turning around is technically possible, but impractical for a number of reasons. We'd have to get a shunter, and likely use the side section of track for many minutes..."
Then he asks
"What is Reichs Bahn policy on this matter?" He asks
>>170433
>Backa. Please note that Backa is dressed basically in a full priestly outfit, that outfit is old, worn, and mildewed, and has bullet holes in it. Posey's garb likewise probably has bullet holes, shot holes, cuts, and a piece missing.
Posey takes her clothes off in favor of a tasteful nude, and advises Backa to do the same, this being a nudist society.
The coffin itself is unnecessary, as it was only a container to transport treasure, and there is no vampire bound to it. Unless Backa has any objections, it can be jettisoned.
Posey refers to Mason if he has any ideas for how to conceal the treasure in the truck, him knowing it better than she does.
>Backa. Please note that Backa is dressed basically in a full priestly outfit, that outfit is old, worn, and mildewed, and has bullet holes in it. Posey's garb likewise probably has bullet holes, shot holes, cuts, and a piece missing.
Posey takes her clothes off in favor of a tasteful nude, and advises Backa to do the same, this being a nudist society.
The coffin itself is unnecessary, as it was only a container to transport treasure, and there is no vampire bound to it. Unless Backa has any objections, it can be jettisoned.
Posey refers to Mason if he has any ideas for how to conceal the treasure in the truck, him knowing it better than she does.
>>170434
Backa is... discolored. At least he still has fur, but his skin is an odd red with visible blue-black blood veins. Make up would likely fix this, but they have none here.
Backa has minor objections
"Leto Pannolovich's coffin? Are we casting him aside entirely?"
And,
"One of those is for me. I am not bound to it, properly speaking, but I am vulnerable in ways the living are not. To sunlight, for instance."
Mason tells Posey that the entire back of the vehicle is closed.
"It could still be searched. But there's a couple chairs and a couch back there, along with blankets for cover, as necessary."
Backa is... discolored. At least he still has fur, but his skin is an odd red with visible blue-black blood veins. Make up would likely fix this, but they have none here.
Backa has minor objections
"Leto Pannolovich's coffin? Are we casting him aside entirely?"
And,
"One of those is for me. I am not bound to it, properly speaking, but I am vulnerable in ways the living are not. To sunlight, for instance."
Mason tells Posey that the entire back of the vehicle is closed.
"It could still be searched. But there's a couple chairs and a couch back there, along with blankets for cover, as necessary."
>>170436
>Are we casting him aside entirely?
"Leto is destroyed. No matter how long we wait, his smoke will never return to that coffin. Now, it's just a box."
>One of those is for me
"Let's keep them then. So long as nothing is inside of them, we can write off the antique wood as a xylology specimen."
>blankets for cover
"Let's wrap them securely then."
>Are we casting him aside entirely?
"Leto is destroyed. No matter how long we wait, his smoke will never return to that coffin. Now, it's just a box."
>One of those is for me
"Let's keep them then. So long as nothing is inside of them, we can write off the antique wood as a xylology specimen."
>blankets for cover
"Let's wrap them securely then."
>>170437
Backa tries to repeat "xylogogy?"
Though it is clear that Ponish is not his first language
Backa comments
"I saved some items from the cathedral before I was expelled. I see you found them..." He scrunches
Mason comments
"Be sure to have an explanation for everything in the truck"
Backa tries to repeat "xylogogy?"
Though it is clear that Ponish is not his first language
Backa comments
"I saved some items from the cathedral before I was expelled. I see you found them..." He scrunches
Mason comments
"Be sure to have an explanation for everything in the truck"
>>170438
"Study of wood. Our cover story is studying wood and trees for the paper mill."
>"Be sure to have an explanation for everything in the truck"
"If the truck gets searched, we'll just say that they're antiques that Baka is selling off now that his retirement funds have run dry. We can say we met him through contacts wanting to examine cross sections of the old coffins. It's not an uncommon story, especially with the war going on and older ponies finding that their sons never come home to aid them in retirement."
"Study of wood. Our cover story is studying wood and trees for the paper mill."
>"Be sure to have an explanation for everything in the truck"
"If the truck gets searched, we'll just say that they're antiques that Baka is selling off now that his retirement funds have run dry. We can say we met him through contacts wanting to examine cross sections of the old coffins. It's not an uncommon story, especially with the war going on and older ponies finding that their sons never come home to aid them in retirement."
>>170439
"Cross sections of old coffins?" Mason raises an eyebrow
Backa looks back to him.
"When I went in, the Royal Guard was besieging Baltimare because they too, had a peasant revolt. I assume the latter lost? Has the regime grown more frightened? It doesn't seem things calmed down much at all."
"Cross sections of old coffins?" Mason raises an eyebrow
Backa looks back to him.
"When I went in, the Royal Guard was besieging Baltimare because they too, had a peasant revolt. I assume the latter lost? Has the regime grown more frightened? It doesn't seem things calmed down much at all."
>>170440
>"Cross sections of old coffins?"
They do this irl. They also do it for sunken ships. You'd be surprised by how much historical and environmental information can be gained from examining the grain of old wood.
"It's worth a shot." Posey says
>"Cross sections of old coffins?"
They do this irl. They also do it for sunken ships. You'd be surprised by how much historical and environmental information can be gained from examining the grain of old wood.
"It's worth a shot." Posey says
>>170441
"But what's the story as to why the coffin is here at all? So I get that Backa is moving from Hayseen Junction or wherever for retirement, but why is there a coffin?" Mason asks
"But what's the story as to why the coffin is here at all? So I get that Backa is moving from Hayseen Junction or wherever for retirement, but why is there a coffin?" Mason asks
>>170442
"It could have housed a cadaver that was later cremated, and kept for its antique status." Pisey says
"I'm not particularly deadset on bringing it. We could always replace it with another."
"It could have housed a cadaver that was later cremated, and kept for its antique status." Pisey says
"I'm not particularly deadset on bringing it. We could always replace it with another."
>>170433
"Reichs Bahn policy in matters of international dispute or importance is to consult the central government directly," Amber replies authoritatively. "Otherwise there can be other serious mistakes or errors."
"Reichs Bahn policy in matters of international dispute or importance is to consult the central government directly," Amber replies authoritatively. "Otherwise there can be other serious mistakes or errors."
>>170443
Mason blinks
"Perhaps you can deliver the cover story, but I have no explanation as to why we have both the old stallion and the coffin, unless the intent is ultimately to place him in it."
Mason turns on the engine. Backa would likely sit in the middle or the back, unless Posey wanted that space.
>>170444
"Of Hellquill?" He asks
Mason blinks
"Perhaps you can deliver the cover story, but I have no explanation as to why we have both the old stallion and the coffin, unless the intent is ultimately to place him in it."
Mason turns on the engine. Backa would likely sit in the middle or the back, unless Posey wanted that space.
>>170444
"Of Hellquill?" He asks
>>170446
>unless the intent is ultimately to place him in it
"That could work too... I'll do the talking."
She appears a bit agitated
"Now let's get out of here before we're seen."
>unless the intent is ultimately to place him in it
"That could work too... I'll do the talking."
She appears a bit agitated
"Now let's get out of here before we're seen."
Posey uses her cloak to wrap up the magic sword she got from the tree and tucks it away with her armor.
>>170447
Mason doesn't have to be told twice, shifting the vehicle into gear, and briefly turning off the light before deciding to turn it back on again. He maneuvers forward, then backs up, and is on the road, turning left and towards Baltimare, driving with haste.
But it isn't far down the road that they encounter headlights of another vehicle that stops, and flashes its high beams to them. Posey can see that there are multiple creatures walking along the side of the road, a couple ponies in the front, and several griffins. Mason slows down the vehicle and stops.
From the side, a bright light is shined into the vehicle.
"Identification cards" A stallion's voice asserts
Backa does not have such an ID card
>>170448
"I suppose... we'll just have to let police handle this" he says
The train comes to a stop: Soldau Hauptbahnhoff.
Mason doesn't have to be told twice, shifting the vehicle into gear, and briefly turning off the light before deciding to turn it back on again. He maneuvers forward, then backs up, and is on the road, turning left and towards Baltimare, driving with haste.
But it isn't far down the road that they encounter headlights of another vehicle that stops, and flashes its high beams to them. Posey can see that there are multiple creatures walking along the side of the road, a couple ponies in the front, and several griffins. Mason slows down the vehicle and stops.
From the side, a bright light is shined into the vehicle.
"Identification cards" A stallion's voice asserts
Backa does not have such an ID card
>>170448
"I suppose... we'll just have to let police handle this" he says
The train comes to a stop: Soldau Hauptbahnhoff.
>>170450
Posey's first course of action is to make seductive eye contact with the guards and attempt to charm them, supernaturally.
Same save DC as usual.
"He's from far out in the countryside and hasn't left his home in years: he doesn't have any official ID. He's moving closer to the city with some friends of his relatives."
(not a lie)
Posey's first course of action is to make seductive eye contact with the guards and attempt to charm them, supernaturally.
Same save DC as usual.
"He's from far out in the countryside and hasn't left his home in years: he doesn't have any official ID. He's moving closer to the city with some friends of his relatives."
(not a lie)
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20] [1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
>>170451
The group seems to consist of at least two ponies and at least... six(?) griffins. The pony next to Posey's window, looking in, has a submachine gun on a sling. It's the same model that Posey has seen several times, including with Succored Brave, with a metalic pipe structure, and a magazine that feeds from the top. He is not brandishing it, but lets it loose on the sling, as he inspects the ID. He's a tan pegasus pony, with a flak jacket, an olive drab uniform, and a cattlemare's hat. He seems to be the leader, though from his voice he sounds young. He is accented in such a way that he certainly not from the area.
"Good mornin' miss. We're looking for partisan activity. We've got a report of multiple gunshots, and automatic gunfire, heard near a village not far from here." He looks back up to her eyes. "Would you happen to know anything about it?"
>>170451
The group seems to consist of at least two ponies and at least... six(?) griffins. The pony next to Posey's window, looking in, has a submachine gun on a sling. It's the same model that Posey has seen several times, including with Succored Brave, with a metalic pipe structure, and a magazine that feeds from the top. He is not brandishing it, but lets it loose on the sling, as he inspects the ID. He's a tan pegasus pony, with a flak jacket, an olive drab uniform, and a cattlemare's hat. He seems to be the leader, though from his voice he sounds young. He is accented in such a way that he certainly not from the area.
"Good mornin' miss. We're looking for partisan activity. We've got a report of multiple gunshots, and automatic gunfire, heard near a village not far from here." He looks back up to her eyes. "Would you happen to know anything about it?"
>>170452
"Guns? I did happen to hear some loud noises while I was studying the wood in the forest. I figured it was just hunters or farmers, but a bookworm like me wouldn't know any better from the sounds alone."
Bluff
"Guns? I did happen to hear some loud noises while I was studying the wood in the forest. I figured it was just hunters or farmers, but a bookworm like me wouldn't know any better from the sounds alone."
Bluff
>>170456
"Xylogogy. Research for the local paper mill." Posey says, putting on the face of a passionate botanist who threatens to bore you to death with a profoundly unremarkable rant about the intricacies of wood grain
"We're also picking up this fine stallion, as due to unfortunate circumstances he's finding having to move out of his old home."
"Xylogogy. Research for the local paper mill." Posey says, putting on the face of a passionate botanist who threatens to bore you to death with a profoundly unremarkable rant about the intricacies of wood grain
"We're also picking up this fine stallion, as due to unfortunate circumstances he's finding having to move out of his old home."
>>170457
"Uh huh." He says, to the paper mill. He turns his light over to Backa, and shines it on him. He almost jumps back
"Celestia, what is wrong with him? Looks like a boiled lobster that's been dried in the sun."
Backa stares back in such a way as to at least prove he is animate, and looks about ready to launch into a tirade."
"Uh huh." He says, to the paper mill. He turns his light over to Backa, and shines it on him. He almost jumps back
"Celestia, what is wrong with him? Looks like a boiled lobster that's been dried in the sun."
Backa stares back in such a way as to at least prove he is animate, and looks about ready to launch into a tirade."
>>170458
"Rude."
Possy frowns, and leans forward a bit, as to speak discreetly
"He's very old, and the anguish of losing his loved ones has gotten to him. Try not to bother him too much, his heart can't take much more stress now."
"Rude."
Possy frowns, and leans forward a bit, as to speak discreetly
"He's very old, and the anguish of losing his loved ones has gotten to him. Try not to bother him too much, his heart can't take much more stress now."
>>170459
Mason whispers, loudly, to Backa to not speak.
The soldier looks back to Posey
"What do you have in the back?"
Mason whispers, loudly, to Backa to not speak.
The soldier looks back to Posey
"What do you have in the back?"
>>170460
"A few of this stallion's old possessions. Mostly furniture, and a few heirlooms. There's also two empty coffins that we're going to examine the grain of back at the lab, which he was generous enough to donate to us. They were built a long time ago, but are empty; perfect specimens for a xylogogy thesis."
"A few of this stallion's old possessions. Mostly furniture, and a few heirlooms. There's also two empty coffins that we're going to examine the grain of back at the lab, which he was generous enough to donate to us. They were built a long time ago, but are empty; perfect specimens for a xylogogy thesis."
>>170461
>these coffins are totally empty
>they are not filled to the brim with illegal firearms, ammunition, fake IDs, radio equipment, and bomb making materials
>trust me bro
"Alright, we'll just do a search for contraband, and make sure."
A few seconds pass and then... they open the coffins
"Hey, there's a big silver cup back here! it's like what they'll use in the Celestialist church. You know. The cup. And there's another one here."
Backa turns back to yell at them
"Those are valuable instruments of sacred ritual. Keep your hooves off, you cretins!"
>these coffins are totally empty
>they are not filled to the brim with illegal firearms, ammunition, fake IDs, radio equipment, and bomb making materials
>trust me bro
"Alright, we'll just do a search for contraband, and make sure."
A few seconds pass and then... they open the coffins
"Hey, there's a big silver cup back here! it's like what they'll use in the Celestialist church. You know. The cup. And there's another one here."
Backa turns back to yell at them
"Those are valuable instruments of sacred ritual. Keep your hooves off, you cretins!"
>>170463
"Please do be careful. Some of those are rather fragile. You're free to open the coffins and confirm that they are empty, but PLEASE do not damage the wood."
"Please do be careful. Some of those are rather fragile. You're free to open the coffins and confirm that they are empty, but PLEASE do not damage the wood."
>>170465
I fell asleep
>where did you get cups
"They're heirlooms"
>silver
"I don't know. They're not mine to appraise."
I fell asleep
>where did you get cups
"They're heirlooms"
>silver
"I don't know. They're not mine to appraise."
>>170467
And now, three more questions,
"Where are you coming from?"
"Was it Painted Creek?"
"Why did you leave so early?"
And now, three more questions,
"Where are you coming from?"
"Was it Painted Creek?"
"Why did you leave so early?"
>>170468
>"Where are you coming from?"
"Not far from here."
>"Was it Painted Creek?"
"I'm not familiar with the nomenclature of the area. I wasn't near any rivers, but the woods near the village."
>"Why did you leave so early?"
"We have business to attend to elsewhere, and we found the samples we were looking for."
>"Where are you coming from?"
"Not far from here."
>"Was it Painted Creek?"
"I'm not familiar with the nomenclature of the area. I wasn't near any rivers, but the woods near the village."
>"Why did you leave so early?"
"We have business to attend to elsewhere, and we found the samples we were looking for."
>>170473
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Gonna roll an opposed Cha check to influence the ones who are already charmed, to get them to just let us through.
[1d20+4 = (18+4) = 22]
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Gonna roll an opposed Cha check to influence the ones who are already charmed, to get them to just let us through.
[1d20+4 = (18+4) = 22]
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>>170473
>>170474
"Step out of the vehicle."
And when this is accomplished (assuming that Posey complies)
"You have this guy who looks like a cadaver in your vehicle, you somehow don't know where you are coming from, you've got silver vessels in a coffin in the back, and most importantly, you were near the location of the discharge of illegal arms, and decide to leave at five in the morning."
"So I will ask you, and I need straight answers: where were you staying, what were you doing there, and for how long?"
>>170474
"Step out of the vehicle."
And when this is accomplished (assuming that Posey complies)
"You have this guy who looks like a cadaver in your vehicle, you somehow don't know where you are coming from, you've got silver vessels in a coffin in the back, and most importantly, you were near the location of the discharge of illegal arms, and decide to leave at five in the morning."
"So I will ask you, and I need straight answers: where were you staying, what were you doing there, and for how long?"
>>170475
Posey's steps out of the car in annoyance.
>where were you staying
"I stopped briefly at the local inn, had a drink and a shower, but I spent most of the night doing my research in the forest."
>what were you doing there
"Research. Dealing with the flow of entropy and decay in the forest." (not a lie, technically)
>and for how long
"One night."
Posey's steps out of the car in annoyance.
>where were you staying
"I stopped briefly at the local inn, had a drink and a shower, but I spent most of the night doing my research in the forest."
>what were you doing there
"Research. Dealing with the flow of entropy and decay in the forest." (not a lie, technically)
>and for how long
"One night."
(I didn't know that Backa was so visibly decayed. I would have changed my plans if I knew that)
>>170478
"I told you I heard some unusual sounds in the woods, but I can't help you with what they might have come from."
"I told you I heard some unusual sounds in the woods, but I can't help you with what they might have come from."
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>>170479
Better do another bluff role.
“What kind of shots did you hear? How many, from what direction, and for how long?”
Better do another bluff role.
“What kind of shots did you hear? How many, from what direction, and for how long?”
>>170480
"I can't help you, sir. I don't know very much about guns, not was I close to the action."
[1d20+12 = (11+12) = 23]
"I can't help you, sir. I don't know very much about guns, not was I close to the action."
[1d20+12 = (11+12) = 23]
>>170483
"Some banging sounds that may or may not have been gunshots, some wolves howling, and that's about it."
"Some banging sounds that may or may not have been gunshots, some wolves howling, and that's about it."
>>170484
"Wolves?"
This may not be a sincere question, as either way, he steps back, and starts to talk with the other pony. They write something down. Posey may or may not have any interest to know what they said.
All the same, when headlights appear behind them, the pony comes back to Mason and Posey:
"You're free to go."
"Wolves?"
This may not be a sincere question, as either way, he steps back, and starts to talk with the other pony. They write something down. Posey may or may not have any interest to know what they said.
All the same, when headlights appear behind them, the pony comes back to Mason and Posey:
"You're free to go."
>>170486
Mason is quick to place the vehicle back into gear, drives past the military truck, and then speeds away quickly once out of line of sight
Mason is quick to place the vehicle back into gear, drives past the military truck, and then speeds away quickly once out of line of sight
>>170488
Posey can gather that the soldiers found the situation to be suspicious, but had no reason to further waste their time on them.
There actually is an issue.
Driving through the night, Posey, Mason, and Backa drive through the forest, eventually giving way to fields. With Backa there, the truck is more talkative than on the way up. Backa wants to talk about his weird foreign lands and some dispute with a treasurer that he had, and Mason is curious as to just how, exactly, Posey defeated August. And what is this August Wreath like?
The sky has a decent assortment of stars, more than are visible from the manor house. But then the sky begins to lighten in shade, and eventually, becomes nautical twilight. The sun will be rising soon, and Backa is concerned.
Posey can gather that the soldiers found the situation to be suspicious, but had no reason to further waste their time on them.
There actually is an issue.
Driving through the night, Posey, Mason, and Backa drive through the forest, eventually giving way to fields. With Backa there, the truck is more talkative than on the way up. Backa wants to talk about his weird foreign lands and some dispute with a treasurer that he had, and Mason is curious as to just how, exactly, Posey defeated August. And what is this August Wreath like?
The sky has a decent assortment of stars, more than are visible from the manor house. But then the sky begins to lighten in shade, and eventually, becomes nautical twilight. The sun will be rising soon, and Backa is concerned.
>>170489
>Mason is curious as to just how, exactly, Posey defeated August. And what is this August Wreath like?
Posey's gives a brief description of August and explains that in the end there was little to be gained from slaying the ELF other than potentially having the military question them about the dead bodies, so in the end he got away, but she doubts he'll be a threat in the future given his adversarial relationship with the regime.
Possy says she simply feigned death after being shot, and that August was none the wiser.
>Sun will be rising soon
"Hurry up, if you can."
>Backa is concerned
"If we can't make it there, we'll put you in the back of the truck."
>Mason is curious as to just how, exactly, Posey defeated August. And what is this August Wreath like?
Posey's gives a brief description of August and explains that in the end there was little to be gained from slaying the ELF other than potentially having the military question them about the dead bodies, so in the end he got away, but she doubts he'll be a threat in the future given his adversarial relationship with the regime.
Possy says she simply feigned death after being shot, and that August was none the wiser.
>Sun will be rising soon
"Hurry up, if you can."
>Backa is concerned
"If we can't make it there, we'll put you in the back of the truck."
>>170490
"Uh huh" He looks at Posey skeptically, but smiles, and leaves it at that.
Mason tells Posey,
"This truck only goes so fast, and it's a long distance. Sunrise will happen before we arrive."
"Uh huh" He looks at Posey skeptically, but smiles, and leaves it at that.
Mason tells Posey,
"This truck only goes so fast, and it's a long distance. Sunrise will happen before we arrive."
>>170492
This is no difficulty at all, as there is quite a bit of nothing between New Horseleans and Baltimare. Mason pulls over to a strand of trees. Backa seems displeased with this turn of events. The coffin is already open when Posey gets to it, but removing the items presents space for Backa.
Continuing along the journey, the sun rises along the horizon. It shines directly in the eyes of both ponies, and Mason moves a visor, lowers his hat, and uses multiple maneuvers to keep it out of his eyes.
The last obstacle is the military checkpoint outside the city. They ask to see ID, what cargo they are carrying, where they are coming from, and the purpose of the trip.
This is no difficulty at all, as there is quite a bit of nothing between New Horseleans and Baltimare. Mason pulls over to a strand of trees. Backa seems displeased with this turn of events. The coffin is already open when Posey gets to it, but removing the items presents space for Backa.
Continuing along the journey, the sun rises along the horizon. It shines directly in the eyes of both ponies, and Mason moves a visor, lowers his hat, and uses multiple maneuvers to keep it out of his eyes.
The last obstacle is the military checkpoint outside the city. They ask to see ID, what cargo they are carrying, where they are coming from, and the purpose of the trip.
>>170493
Wait, there was another checkpoint? Damnit.
Gonna have to modify the story. We're morticians transporting the body of a deceased elderly stallion to his family.
Wait, there was another checkpoint? Damnit.
Gonna have to modify the story. We're morticians transporting the body of a deceased elderly stallion to his family.
>>170494
This is certainly doable. Posey should hope that they don't bother to check the records from each encounter, though.
Luck check (to see if Posey gets the same guard that questioned them the afternoon before). And bluff check
This is certainly doable. Posey should hope that they don't bother to check the records from each encounter, though.
Luck check (to see if Posey gets the same guard that questioned them the afternoon before). And bluff check
Do I get XP for these non-combat but high-risk skill check encounters?
>>170500
Posey says that a friend of a relative was recently deceased, and they don't want to leave him out in the countryside, so they're transporting his coffin.
Posey says that a friend of a relative was recently deceased, and they don't want to leave him out in the countryside, so they're transporting his coffin.
>>170505
>>170508
https://youtu.be/zHGm2B_attw?si=B0FDtv5cuX50jeQs
This is carried in easily enough.
Oddly Lament is not waiting for them; he seems to have passed out on his bed
>>170508
https://youtu.be/zHGm2B_attw?si=B0FDtv5cuX50jeQs
This is carried in easily enough.
Oddly Lament is not waiting for them; he seems to have passed out on his bed
>>170509
Posey doesn't bother Lament, and instead takes Backa to a room with no windows or one with heavy curtains.
Posey doesn't bother Lament, and instead takes Backa to a room with no windows or one with heavy curtains.
>>170510
Posey's next course of action is to tend to Gloomy and ensure that nobody's stolen him in the night (force of habit).
Posey's next course of action is to tend to Gloomy and ensure that nobody's stolen him in the night (force of habit).
>>170510
>>170511
Backa would no doubt have many comments, but those may be best saved for later
Posey goes back to find Gloomy sleeping in the cabin. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a light sleeper, so Posey likely wakes him up. Fortunately Gloomy has not been stolen in the night, but she should be cautious, as bat-winged ponies have been reported in the Baltimare area, and also changelings are still a thing.
>>170511
Backa would no doubt have many comments, but those may be best saved for later
Posey goes back to find Gloomy sleeping in the cabin. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a light sleeper, so Posey likely wakes him up. Fortunately Gloomy has not been stolen in the night, but she should be cautious, as bat-winged ponies have been reported in the Baltimare area, and also changelings are still a thing.
>>170513
Possy would proceed to stay with Gloomy throughout the day, as part of the 8 hours of rest she needs to recover arcane spell slots.
Possy would proceed to stay with Gloomy throughout the day, as part of the 8 hours of rest she needs to recover arcane spell slots.
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>>170514
Shouldn't Gloomy be going to school, or playing outside, or socializing with other foals of his age?
Shouldn't Gloomy be going to school, or playing outside, or socializing with other foals of his age?
>>170515
Posey isgrooming training him as her apprentice, teaching him in the dark arts as he perfects his soul binding skills.
Gloomy has only been here for two days. It's a little early to send him to school. He has a haunted and earie disposition that would probably alarm the other foals, but it could be worth a shot.
Raising him to be evil and insane is kind of the goal anyway. Posey just likes spoiling him because... well, idk why. He's already quite damaged, coming from the same abusive vampire-thrall background that Posey does, teetering on the edge of insanity and loathing of life itself.
Tbh, I've been meaning to try to touch up on roleplaying Gloomy a bit more; I just haven't gotten to since Posey has been busy on side quests that take months to resolve. He's actually supposed to be pretty important to her character development.
Posey is
Gloomy has only been here for two days. It's a little early to send him to school. He has a haunted and earie disposition that would probably alarm the other foals, but it could be worth a shot.
Raising him to be evil and insane is kind of the goal anyway. Posey just likes spoiling him because... well, idk why. He's already quite damaged, coming from the same abusive vampire-thrall background that Posey does, teetering on the edge of insanity and loathing of life itself.
Tbh, I've been meaning to try to touch up on roleplaying Gloomy a bit more; I just haven't gotten to since Posey has been busy on side quests that take months to resolve. He's actually supposed to be pretty important to her character development.
>>170517
Possy would like to set up some facilities to perform her research and educate Gloomy. Seeing as how she's only been here two nights, she's not eager to run around town very soon.
She would like to appraise the treasure she brought back as well.
>>170515
Perhaps the next arc could focus on him a bit more.
Possy would like to set up some facilities to perform her research and educate Gloomy. Seeing as how she's only been here two nights, she's not eager to run around town very soon.
She would like to appraise the treasure she brought back as well.
>>170515
Perhaps the next arc could focus on him a bit more.
>>170518
> set up some facilities to perform her research and educate Gloomy
That sounds... concerning
> set up some facilities to perform her research and educate Gloomy
That sounds... concerning
>>170519
Well, it's the only thing I can really think of, but idk how I'd go about it yet. I'm only lvl 3. There aren't very many facilities I'd like to buy yet.
Could Posey spend the next day as downtime trying to appraise the treasure?
I'm wondering if that hyena mask might be a Mask Of The Matriarch. Idk though, Posey doesn't have Identify, or the gold to afford an Artificer's monocle yet.
The sword had a magical aura, so it should be at least a +1 sword. Not that useful for Posey (unless she has archaic weapon proficiency? How are we doing weapon proficiencies in this modern mileau?), but could be good for resale value, or eventually a weapon for an undead minion.
Well, it's the only thing I can really think of, but idk how I'd go about it yet. I'm only lvl 3. There aren't very many facilities I'd like to buy yet.
Could Posey spend the next day as downtime trying to appraise the treasure?
I'm wondering if that hyena mask might be a Mask Of The Matriarch. Idk though, Posey doesn't have Identify, or the gold to afford an Artificer's monocle yet.
The sword had a magical aura, so it should be at least a +1 sword. Not that useful for Posey (unless she has archaic weapon proficiency? How are we doing weapon proficiencies in this modern mileau?), but could be good for resale value, or eventually a weapon for an undead minion.
Ngl, I'm not sure what to do with Posey from here going forward.
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>>170525
Well, before I get ready for any other quest, I should at least update mylevel equipment. I need to get a full understanding of the value of the items.
Posey can take 10 to appraise the value of common items, and exotic items if she uses a magnifying glass (could there be one in the lab?). Can she begin to estimate the value of the treasures she's gathered so far?
Posey will inquire Backa about his relics (it technically belongs to him, and while Posey isn't above stealing, having a friendly priest around is more valuable), what they do, and what he'd like to do with them.
>plan quests
Were I the right level, I'll like to go hunt for Hydra cadavers. Might like to do that anyway, actually, since the XP could get me to the level where I could animate them.
A bit out of my league, but worth a shot.
Well, before I get ready for any other quest, I should at least update my
Posey can take 10 to appraise the value of common items, and exotic items if she uses a magnifying glass (could there be one in the lab?). Can she begin to estimate the value of the treasures she's gathered so far?
Posey will inquire Backa about his relics (it technically belongs to him, and while Posey isn't above stealing, having a friendly priest around is more valuable), what they do, and what he'd like to do with them.
>plan quests
Were I the right level, I'll like to go hunt for Hydra cadavers. Might like to do that anyway, actually, since the XP could get me to the level where I could animate them.
A bit out of my league, but worth a shot.
Also warning, I'm leaving out of town soon, and so will be less responsive
>>170526
Appraising the items is actually a bit of a complicated task. What Posey has found are works of art that have value for their metal content, but much of the value lies in the workmanship. The problem is that the items are obviously stolen, and thus hard to resell at anything near their full value.
>hunt for Hydra cadavers
Hydras that are already dead or hydras that are still alive when you find them?
Actually both make sense
>>170526
Appraising the items is actually a bit of a complicated task. What Posey has found are works of art that have value for their metal content, but much of the value lies in the workmanship. The problem is that the items are obviously stolen, and thus hard to resell at anything near their full value.
>hunt for Hydra cadavers
Hydras that are already dead or hydras that are still alive when you find them?
Actually both make sense
>>170527
>the items are obviously stolen
What makes them look different from other magical items?
Well, I would like their gp value anyway. If I can't sell them now, I could hold them to bargain with fiends later in the game.
I would also like to know their magical function, if any.
>Hydras that are already dead or hydras that are still alive when you find them?
Yes.
>the items are obviously stolen
What makes them look different from other magical items?
Well, I would like their gp value anyway. If I can't sell them now, I could hold them to bargain with fiends later in the game.
I would also like to know their magical function, if any.
>Hydras that are already dead or hydras that are still alive when you find them?
Yes.
>>170450
Amber gulps, knowing that she is still not out of danger and this wild plan could unravel at this crucial point. Still, she is dependent on the engineer's knowledge and naïveté and pushing even his credulity too far would certainly doom them. Once again, Amber plays the part of an old conductor, blowing a whistle to allow passengers to disembark.
Amber gulps, knowing that she is still not out of danger and this wild plan could unravel at this crucial point. Still, she is dependent on the engineer's knowledge and naïveté and pushing even his credulity too far would certainly doom them. Once again, Amber plays the part of an old conductor, blowing a whistle to allow passengers to disembark.
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>Posey contemplating her plans to take over Baltimore (and later Equestria) while she's lvl 3
"Nope, nope, nope... That'll take too long... Too risky... Expensive... Maybe I should just run for Mayor and see how that goes... Who am I kidding... Oh well, better set up shop for the long haul."
(she is impatient; being restless dead)
"Nope, nope, nope... That'll take too long... Too risky... Expensive... Maybe I should just run for Mayor and see how that goes... Who am I kidding... Oh well, better set up shop for the long haul."
(she is impatient; being restless dead)
GM, do I need to roll something to appraise the value of the treasure?
>>170565
Can Posey just take 10 (modified 15-20 with tools/assistance) on that, or does she need to roll for each individual item?
She'll also cast Detect Magic.
Can Posey just take 10 (modified 15-20 with tools/assistance) on that, or does she need to roll for each individual item?
She'll also cast Detect Magic.
Fuck it
First roll
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
This is before bonuses
First roll
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
This is before bonuses
>>170528
>>170568
>>170567
>What makes them look different from other magical items?
Basically, the items obviously came from an important church, though little would tie them to anything specific.
The items are worth likely at least 300 gold just from melt value. Their full collector value would be over 2000 bits. As works of art, perhaps 1600 bits.
The cup and the container both have signatures of transmutation magic, though Posey can tell that this is from build up of ambient transmutation magic in the precious metals, and not from the items being magical themselves. The reliquary on the other hoof... That has a much stronger magical signature.
>>170568
>>170567
>What makes them look different from other magical items?
Basically, the items obviously came from an important church, though little would tie them to anything specific.
The items are worth likely at least 300 gold just from melt value. Their full collector value would be over 2000 bits. As works of art, perhaps 1600 bits.
The cup and the container both have signatures of transmutation magic, though Posey can tell that this is from build up of ambient transmutation magic in the precious metals, and not from the items being magical themselves. The reliquary on the other hoof... That has a much stronger magical signature.
>>170577
Can Posey estimate the value of the mask and totem that she recovered from her previous quest?
>The reliquary on the other hoof... That has a much stronger magical signature.
Ooh, that's interesting.
I am going to roll religion to see if Posey can tell the function of this item.
[1d20+9 = (13+9) = 22]
Although, I guess Posey could simply ask Backa about it.
>Their full collector value would be over 2000 bits. As works of art, perhaps 1600 bits.
Excellent.
Can Posey estimate the value of the mask and totem that she recovered from her previous quest?
>The reliquary on the other hoof... That has a much stronger magical signature.
Ooh, that's interesting.
I am going to roll religion to see if Posey can tell the function of this item.
[1d20+9 = (13+9) = 22]
Although, I guess Posey could simply ask Backa about it.
>Their full collector value would be over 2000 bits. As works of art, perhaps 1600 bits.
Excellent.
>>170578
The relic is supposed to bestow good luck and perhaps other benefits upon those rub it. The problem is that it is Good aligned.
>The mask
_shrugs_
These items are harder to assess, but surely greatly lower in value that the silversmithed items.
The relic is supposed to bestow good luck and perhaps other benefits upon those rub it. The problem is that it is Good aligned.
>The mask
_shrugs_
These items are harder to assess, but surely greatly lower in value that the silversmithed items.
>>170579
>The problem is that it is Good aligned.
As in, like most good-aligned items, gives a negative level to any evil character that holds it for as long as its in their possession? Like a Holy weapon?
That's still nice to have.
Having a relic bone is also potentially useful for other purposes anyway, although I expected it to be a reliquary holy symbol.
However, as a general rule, holy relics can't easily be sold, so Posey won't get any resale value out of that. They're even harder to buy though, so this is still a good find.
>These items are harder to assess
What's their caster levels?
If these are all actually custom items that you wrote and you didn't think to give them an exact gold piece value or caster level because you didn't expect me to sell them or scrutinize them, that's no problem; I understand. Just let me figure out what they do later.
>In character
Posey gives a batlike shriek as she discovers the effects of the holy relic, feeling it drain her powers as she reaches out her hoof towards it and the holy power of the relic burning her impure flesh as she touches it
Rolling damage for having touched a holy relic (not counting the negative level because it's not in her possession
[2d4 = 2] damage
"REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...!!! ...Still sanctified... It's a wonder why he would have wanted such a dangerous implement in his lair..." She huffs, taking a moment to treat her wounds
She puts on a sickened and horrified expression as she witnesses her reflection (or, lackthereof) on the polished silver treasures, shaking her head profusely before averting her eyes
"Th-that's real s-silver alright...!" she says, wincing
>The problem is that it is Good aligned.
As in, like most good-aligned items, gives a negative level to any evil character that holds it for as long as its in their possession? Like a Holy weapon?
That's still nice to have.
Having a relic bone is also potentially useful for other purposes anyway, although I expected it to be a reliquary holy symbol.
However, as a general rule, holy relics can't easily be sold, so Posey won't get any resale value out of that. They're even harder to buy though, so this is still a good find.
>These items are harder to assess
What's their caster levels?
If these are all actually custom items that you wrote and you didn't think to give them an exact gold piece value or caster level because you didn't expect me to sell them or scrutinize them, that's no problem; I understand. Just let me figure out what they do later.
>In character
Posey gives a batlike shriek as she discovers the effects of the holy relic, feeling it drain her powers as she reaches out her hoof towards it and the holy power of the relic burning her impure flesh as she touches it
Rolling damage for having touched a holy relic (not counting the negative level because it's not in her possession
[2d4 = 2] damage
"REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...!!! ...Still sanctified... It's a wonder why he would have wanted such a dangerous implement in his lair..." She huffs, taking a moment to treat her wounds
She puts on a sickened and horrified expression as she witnesses her reflection (or, lackthereof) on the polished silver treasures, shaking her head profusely before averting her eyes
"Th-that's real s-silver alright...!" she says, wincing
>>170580
The item is a phylactery (not in the D&D sense, but in the sense of a specific type of reliqary designed to hold body parts) in a more or less cyndrical shape, with a thick and somewhat obscuring glass cylinder with a tick silver and gold bottom, and a gold top. The silver and gold are clearly just plating on top of presumably brass structure, so the actual precious metal value is not great. Inside of the glass cylinder is the long pastern bone of a pony or similar equine. There is writing on the item, but it's in that weird foreign language, so Posey cannot read it.
With the aura it exudes, Posey can see why it was off to the side, and wrapped in a garment.
The item is a phylactery (not in the D&D sense, but in the sense of a specific type of reliqary designed to hold body parts) in a more or less cyndrical shape, with a thick and somewhat obscuring glass cylinder with a tick silver and gold bottom, and a gold top. The silver and gold are clearly just plating on top of presumably brass structure, so the actual precious metal value is not great. Inside of the glass cylinder is the long pastern bone of a pony or similar equine. There is writing on the item, but it's in that weird foreign language, so Posey cannot read it.
With the aura it exudes, Posey can see why it was off to the side, and wrapped in a garment.
Oh wow, thought this site was kill for a moment.
>>170596
That sounds valuable, magically so. It'll at least make good material component for a reliquary symbol.
Now, about the alignment restriction, did Posey gain a negative level when she picked it up?
>>170596
That sounds valuable, magically so. It'll at least make good material component for a reliquary symbol.
Now, about the alignment restriction, did Posey gain a negative level when she picked it up?
>>170598
NOT EVEN IN DEATH DOES THE BOARD MERGER END
I feel like the more interesting answer is Yes, so let's go with Yes
NOT EVEN IN DEATH DOES THE BOARD MERGER END
I feel like the more interesting answer is Yes, so let's go with Yes
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>>170598
Yeah, we all got our hopes up a little bit too soon. Hopefully the servers are wiped out by the next storm or the Canadian gov takes matters into their own hands.
Yeah, we all got our hopes up a little bit too soon. Hopefully the servers are wiped out by the next storm or the Canadian gov takes matters into their own hands.
>>170601
I guess that begs the question what Posey's next quest should be.
I could go hunting for Hydras. Posey is just looking to practice to increase her personal powers. There's no obvious place to look for treasure.
I guess that begs the question what Posey's next quest should be.
I could go hunting for Hydras. Posey is just looking to practice to increase her personal powers. There's no obvious place to look for treasure.
Hey, GM.
How do you handle things in 3.5e that consume XP (item creation, LA buy off, certain spells, incantations, sculpt self, rituals, item bonding, familiar death, etc)? It's not time sensitive, but maybe between now and the next time Posey levels. I used some of those in character creation.
How do you handle things in 3.5e that consume XP (item creation, LA buy off, certain spells, incantations, sculpt self, rituals, item bonding, familiar death, etc)? It's not time sensitive, but maybe between now and the next time Posey levels. I used some of those in character creation.
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>>170620
After I rework my character sheet, I think Posey should probably invest a few weeks into researching.
Posey would like to spend some time to research the Create Undead incantation. She might also like to create her own incantation, one that might help her with the Kaftar community.
Also, I'm considering turning the old priest into a vampire, if he'd cooperate.
After I rework my character sheet, I think Posey should probably invest a few weeks into researching.
Posey would like to spend some time to research the Create Undead incantation. She might also like to create her own incantation, one that might help her with the Kaftar community.
Also, I'm considering turning the old priest into a vampire, if he'd cooperate.
I guess I'll say that the first thing Posey would do at the manor is introduce Baka to Lament
>>170631
would belly rub the acute
>>170531
So
As the train pulls into Soldau station, Amber gets her first look of this odd new land. The flat terrain means that the forest trees obscure view of the settlement until it lines the side of the rails, but when it comes into view, Amber glimpses a realm that in most regards is not radically different from that which she left. Houses are two stories in most instances, with the familiar half timber construction, white walls, crossed timber beams, and high angled rooves with red or more often black tiles. A couple windmills could be seen, one on what passed for a "hill," and another along a field passed perhaps a kilometer before the station. Amber has seen perhaps one mill, if even that is what it was, since crossing the border, and it seems industry is less common in this mostly wild land than in Katerinburg, which itself felt left behind in the primordial chaos.
But for all of the similarities, Amber can feel a distinct difference. No ancient cathedral spires, nor rathaus clock towers pierce the grey, clouded sky, and the whole settlement gives the impression of being new, like a majority of the structures that line the railway are younger than Amber. In this way, the whole land, from the mostly still-green forests, to the bright white and unblemished facades of the houses have a kind of vitality and newness to them. The decay and rot of the old world are gone. But so too is that air of legitimacy that comes about with age, that feeling of being in the presence of an ancient settlement that existed long before you were born, and shall exist long after you are gone.
Through a gap in the trees and the station, and down a slight decline in elevation, Amber can see into the town itself. There isn't that much to see, with a few barrels of potatoes outside of what must be a store, some carts, and an asphalt road rather than more traditional cobblestones. Amber can see a few griffins along the street, though one dark purple-furred creature pulling a cart near the station stands out. Amber can recognize that this creature, standing in the light rain, staring with its head tilted down and with a bit in its mouth, is a pony. It's not the first time Amber has seen a pony - periodically, a traveler or business pony would appear in Katerinburg or the Imperial City - but in those instances, there was always an awareness on the part of both her and the pony that the pony was the alien element, with their odd clothing (or sometimes, lack there of) and gawking at the same mundane temples and castles. Here, however, Amber can feel that she is the foreign element, thrust into a land that still contains remnants of its pony past.
Soldau Hauptbahnhoff is a relatively small station, with only the two platforms and the bypass rail, much like Kronburg's station, with a black tar roof that covers the platforms. Inside of the train, passengers are already lining up by the doors to exit, many with large amounts of luggage. These must be emigrants, looking to take advantage of the land offers. Usurpingly, most passengers remain, presumably heading to Hellquill, though it seems a disproportionately large number of passengers from the last coach car are looking to leave the train. A few police stand on platform, along with passengers looking to enter the train. This is not by itself out of the ordinary, as passengers exiting the train need to be herded to a customs agent waiting at a table inside. What is not as pleasant is that the officers are approaching the coach car.
Amber's companions have started up a conversation, inspired either by the sight of the pony or the unsettling element of the police, over why they did not instead emigrate to the wealthier and less rainy Dominion of New Mareland.
Federkleid: "I don't want to live among ponies. And besides, I don't think they would appreciate our music."
Erich: "No, I've heard there are a lot of griffins there. And Herzlanders too. Enough to appreciate good music. And the thing is they make good wages. They tip well, I've heard."
The griffins miscalculated in this choice of topic, as Helder, who has apparently been several times and considers himself an expert, chimes in with great force, talking about just how few trees he saw in the towns he visited, how flat the terrain was, just how many damned sheep there were, and how nice and generous the ponies were.... at first. Until the money dried up, and they learned to distrust griffins, just the same as the Riverlanders.
By this time, it's clear that the conversation is indeed born of a nervous reflection on the choice to come here, as the police officer approaches Amber with a serious facial expression that is characteristic of Herzlanders.
The grey feathered officer in a black uniform, says "Manifest" to Amber.
would belly rub the acute
>>170531
So
As the train pulls into Soldau station, Amber gets her first look of this odd new land. The flat terrain means that the forest trees obscure view of the settlement until it lines the side of the rails, but when it comes into view, Amber glimpses a realm that in most regards is not radically different from that which she left. Houses are two stories in most instances, with the familiar half timber construction, white walls, crossed timber beams, and high angled rooves with red or more often black tiles. A couple windmills could be seen, one on what passed for a "hill," and another along a field passed perhaps a kilometer before the station. Amber has seen perhaps one mill, if even that is what it was, since crossing the border, and it seems industry is less common in this mostly wild land than in Katerinburg, which itself felt left behind in the primordial chaos.
But for all of the similarities, Amber can feel a distinct difference. No ancient cathedral spires, nor rathaus clock towers pierce the grey, clouded sky, and the whole settlement gives the impression of being new, like a majority of the structures that line the railway are younger than Amber. In this way, the whole land, from the mostly still-green forests, to the bright white and unblemished facades of the houses have a kind of vitality and newness to them. The decay and rot of the old world are gone. But so too is that air of legitimacy that comes about with age, that feeling of being in the presence of an ancient settlement that existed long before you were born, and shall exist long after you are gone.
Through a gap in the trees and the station, and down a slight decline in elevation, Amber can see into the town itself. There isn't that much to see, with a few barrels of potatoes outside of what must be a store, some carts, and an asphalt road rather than more traditional cobblestones. Amber can see a few griffins along the street, though one dark purple-furred creature pulling a cart near the station stands out. Amber can recognize that this creature, standing in the light rain, staring with its head tilted down and with a bit in its mouth, is a pony. It's not the first time Amber has seen a pony - periodically, a traveler or business pony would appear in Katerinburg or the Imperial City - but in those instances, there was always an awareness on the part of both her and the pony that the pony was the alien element, with their odd clothing (or sometimes, lack there of) and gawking at the same mundane temples and castles. Here, however, Amber can feel that she is the foreign element, thrust into a land that still contains remnants of its pony past.
Soldau Hauptbahnhoff is a relatively small station, with only the two platforms and the bypass rail, much like Kronburg's station, with a black tar roof that covers the platforms. Inside of the train, passengers are already lining up by the doors to exit, many with large amounts of luggage. These must be emigrants, looking to take advantage of the land offers. Usurpingly, most passengers remain, presumably heading to Hellquill, though it seems a disproportionately large number of passengers from the last coach car are looking to leave the train. A few police stand on platform, along with passengers looking to enter the train. This is not by itself out of the ordinary, as passengers exiting the train need to be herded to a customs agent waiting at a table inside. What is not as pleasant is that the officers are approaching the coach car.
Amber's companions have started up a conversation, inspired either by the sight of the pony or the unsettling element of the police, over why they did not instead emigrate to the wealthier and less rainy Dominion of New Mareland.
Federkleid: "I don't want to live among ponies. And besides, I don't think they would appreciate our music."
Erich: "No, I've heard there are a lot of griffins there. And Herzlanders too. Enough to appreciate good music. And the thing is they make good wages. They tip well, I've heard."
The griffins miscalculated in this choice of topic, as Helder, who has apparently been several times and considers himself an expert, chimes in with great force, talking about just how few trees he saw in the towns he visited, how flat the terrain was, just how many damned sheep there were, and how nice and generous the ponies were.... at first. Until the money dried up, and they learned to distrust griffins, just the same as the Riverlanders.
By this time, it's clear that the conversation is indeed born of a nervous reflection on the choice to come here, as the police officer approaches Amber with a serious facial expression that is characteristic of Herzlanders.
The grey feathered officer in a black uniform, says "Manifest" to Amber.
>>170620
Posey goes to recount the events of the trip to Lament (omitting the part where she agreed to play dead for August, and instead saying he believed her to be dead), and introduces Baka to him.
She then expresses intent to devote a few days or weeks to magical research.
Posey goes to recount the events of the trip to Lament (omitting the part where she agreed to play dead for August, and instead saying he believed her to be dead), and introduces Baka to him.
She then expresses intent to devote a few days or weeks to magical research.
>>170634
Despite it being a griffon land, and one neighboring Katerinburg, Amber is acutely reminded of how unusual this land is. Besides the fact that the surroundings don't seem well-worn, the presence of ponies wearing an equestrian version of shackles is off-putting. Imperial griffons aren't generally fond of the herbivores, but even when considered second-class citizens they are still citizens. The Hellquill attitude is comparatively draconian and uncompromising, a reminder of distant and brutal pasts thrust into the modern age. She would need to be careful amongst such griffons, even as a griffon.
There isn't much time to dwell on this, as the illusion must be upheld above all else. Once the train rolls to a stop Amber gives the signal for passengers to safely disembark.
The biggest problem of course is that Amber is not an actual conductor, but merely pretending to be one, which means a lack of familiarity with procedure. The simple request catches Amber off-guard.
"It is inside the train. I will go get it," Amber bluffs.
[1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]
Despite it being a griffon land, and one neighboring Katerinburg, Amber is acutely reminded of how unusual this land is. Besides the fact that the surroundings don't seem well-worn, the presence of ponies wearing an equestrian version of shackles is off-putting. Imperial griffons aren't generally fond of the herbivores, but even when considered second-class citizens they are still citizens. The Hellquill attitude is comparatively draconian and uncompromising, a reminder of distant and brutal pasts thrust into the modern age. She would need to be careful amongst such griffons, even as a griffon.
There isn't much time to dwell on this, as the illusion must be upheld above all else. Once the train rolls to a stop Amber gives the signal for passengers to safely disembark.
The biggest problem of course is that Amber is not an actual conductor, but merely pretending to be one, which means a lack of familiarity with procedure. The simple request catches Amber off-guard.
"It is inside the train. I will go get it," Amber bluffs.
[1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]
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>be Gloomy
>be picking flowers in the yard
>there's so many of them
>they're literally growing out of the ground
>and grass too
>you always thought grass and flowers came from crates
>but they're all around you
>with this many, you can make momma a flower crown
>she likes those
>must be because of her cutie mark
>last time you made one, she said it made her feel like a princess
>when momma is happy, you're happy
>Golly, it sure is hot today
>Hotter than you've ever been
>It must be because of the sun
>That big white ball of hurty-stuff in the sky
>It doesn't visit Magehold very often
>or at all
>first time you saw it was on the boat
>Momma didn't like it
>Momma didn't like the boat either
>Or the salty sea spray
>she said it makes her sick
>Momma? Sick? There's no way
>Momma doesn't get sick
>only you get sick
>Because you're still alive
>She was probably just trying to make you feel better
>It sure is hot...
>All the smells from the grasses and flowers make it hard to breathe
>Bloodycoughingfit.wav
>It hurts to breathe
>Why do you have to breathe anyway?
>Oh yeah, it's because you're alive
>Breathing hurts
>You struggle to your hooves and hobble over to the house
Cont?
>be picking flowers in the yard
>there's so many of them
>they're literally growing out of the ground
>and grass too
>you always thought grass and flowers came from crates
>but they're all around you
>with this many, you can make momma a flower crown
>she likes those
>must be because of her cutie mark
>last time you made one, she said it made her feel like a princess
>when momma is happy, you're happy
>Golly, it sure is hot today
>Hotter than you've ever been
>It must be because of the sun
>That big white ball of hurty-stuff in the sky
>It doesn't visit Magehold very often
>or at all
>first time you saw it was on the boat
>Momma didn't like it
>Momma didn't like the boat either
>Or the salty sea spray
>she said it makes her sick
>Momma? Sick? There's no way
>Momma doesn't get sick
>only you get sick
>Because you're still alive
>She was probably just trying to make you feel better
>It sure is hot...
>All the smells from the grasses and flowers make it hard to breathe
>Bloodycoughingfit.wav
>It hurts to breathe
>Why do you have to breathe anyway?
>Oh yeah, it's because you're alive
>Breathing hurts
>You struggle to your hooves and hobble over to the house
Cont?
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[play once] [loop]
>>170621
>>170633
>>170639
>>170645
="HEY, BAKA? HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF... 'REPLACING' LITTLE LETO? IT WOULD BE A SHAME TO LET HIS DOMINION GO TO WASTE? I KNOW OF SOME WAYS TO DO THAT. MY MASTER PROHIBITS ME FROM EMPOWERING MYSELF SO LONG AS I'M BOUND TO HIM, AND I AM BOUND TO HIM SO UNTIL I EXCEED HIS POWERS, BUT YOU HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF FINALLY BEING FREE OF SERVICE. WITH MY ARCANE SKILL AND YOUR PRIESTLY MAGIC, WE COULD TURN YOU INTO A FULL-BLOODED VAMPIRE? HOW DOES THAT SOUND?"
Posey says, initiating dialogue
>>170633
>>170639
>>170645
="HEY, BAKA? HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF... 'REPLACING' LITTLE LETO? IT WOULD BE A SHAME TO LET HIS DOMINION GO TO WASTE? I KNOW OF SOME WAYS TO DO THAT. MY MASTER PROHIBITS ME FROM EMPOWERING MYSELF SO LONG AS I'M BOUND TO HIM, AND I AM BOUND TO HIM SO UNTIL I EXCEED HIS POWERS, BUT YOU HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF FINALLY BEING FREE OF SERVICE. WITH MY ARCANE SKILL AND YOUR PRIESTLY MAGIC, WE COULD TURN YOU INTO A FULL-BLOODED VAMPIRE? HOW DOES THAT SOUND?"
Posey says, initiating dialogue
>>170655
when I first saw that, I only saw up to “have you-“ and my mind autocompleted “have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma?”
As Posey begins to speak, Baka opens his mouth, as if to respond. But when Posey gets to her point. He closes his mouth, silenced. After a pause of some seconds, he replies:
“How?”
when I first saw that, I only saw up to “have you-“ and my mind autocompleted “have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma?”
As Posey begins to speak, Baka opens his mouth, as if to respond. But when Posey gets to her point. He closes his mouth, silenced. After a pause of some seconds, he replies:
“How?”
>>170656
"Long, long ago, when the Bloated Pale Master first shared the secrets of raising the dead with ponykind, he brought the secrets of creating the first vampires. These were the Sire vampires, the first to create the Coven and all the spawn who would later go on to create the vampire race. The ritual for creating the first vampires was not unlike that which created the first ghouls, although knowledge of it has dwindled, as Equestrians considered it to be forbidden, and the Coven themselves abhor at the thought of the creation of more of their kind, let alone those that they can't control... But, I have a little bit of background knowledge, and with a little magical 'guidance' and maybe a week of research, I think we could pull it off together."
https://www.d20resources.com/arcana.d20.srd/incantations/create.undead.php
https://www.d20resources.com/modern.d20.srd/skills/research.php
https://www.d20resources.com/arcana.d20.srd/incantations/discovering.incantations.php
https://web.archive.org/web/20171028122100/http://archive.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/sb/sb20010504a
"It's something that I've personally wanted to try myself, as it's important that I make progress on my mission if I'm ever to be free of service. It's imperative that I... "Make friends" here in Equestria to fulfill my contract. I know of all the Necromantic potency of priestly magic, but priests are still rather rare in Magehold. I think that we could help eachother, don't you agree?"
(Posey can take 10 on all of her relevant knowledge checks to know about this)
"Long, long ago, when the Bloated Pale Master first shared the secrets of raising the dead with ponykind, he brought the secrets of creating the first vampires. These were the Sire vampires, the first to create the Coven and all the spawn who would later go on to create the vampire race. The ritual for creating the first vampires was not unlike that which created the first ghouls, although knowledge of it has dwindled, as Equestrians considered it to be forbidden, and the Coven themselves abhor at the thought of the creation of more of their kind, let alone those that they can't control... But, I have a little bit of background knowledge, and with a little magical 'guidance' and maybe a week of research, I think we could pull it off together."
https://www.d20resources.com/arcana.d20.srd/incantations/create.undead.php
https://www.d20resources.com/modern.d20.srd/skills/research.php
https://www.d20resources.com/arcana.d20.srd/incantations/discovering.incantations.php
https://web.archive.org/web/20171028122100/http://archive.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/sb/sb20010504a
"It's something that I've personally wanted to try myself, as it's important that I make progress on my mission if I'm ever to be free of service. It's imperative that I... "Make friends" here in Equestria to fulfill my contract. I know of all the Necromantic potency of priestly magic, but priests are still rather rare in Magehold. I think that we could help eachother, don't you agree?"
(Posey can take 10 on all of her relevant knowledge checks to know about this)
>>170657
He stares at Posey, with a mix of fascination, hesitation, longing, and distrust. Once again he remains silent for a number of seconds, before finally replying.
“The power… is tempting. The freedom.”
He stares at Posey, with a mix of fascination, hesitation, longing, and distrust. Once again he remains silent for a number of seconds, before finally replying.
“The power… is tempting. The freedom.”
>>170658
Posey gives a coy smirk
"Oh, darling, you're already free. Your master was slain years ago: there is nopony left to rule over you. The choice is yours."
She raises a hoof, for a moment, the spellstitched runes etched into her bones glow faintly through her white fur
"I have worked many years to be free of service. I intend to seize the opportunity to surpass my master and create my own dominion. Now say, will you join me?"
Posey gives a coy smirk
"Oh, darling, you're already free. Your master was slain years ago: there is nopony left to rule over you. The choice is yours."
She raises a hoof, for a moment, the spellstitched runes etched into her bones glow faintly through her white fur
"I have worked many years to be free of service. I intend to seize the opportunity to surpass my master and create my own dominion. Now say, will you join me?"
>>170659
“The Pannoloviches held their dominion for three hundred years, against local revolts and later against The Reds, until the Whites betrayed them. [i]I[[i/] would have been bishop, had not it not been for-“ He grimaces and closes his eyes, and holds his breath. He slowly exhales, and then asks
“Dominion where and how, precisely? To sit upon a throne in your ancestor’s castle, with title to great tracts of land, is grand. To be an orphaned, vagrant vampire is worse than to be a peasant.”
“The Pannoloviches held their dominion for three hundred years, against local revolts and later against The Reds, until the Whites betrayed them. [i]I[[i/] would have been bishop, had not it not been for-“ He grimaces and closes his eyes, and holds his breath. He slowly exhales, and then asks
“Dominion where and how, precisely? To sit upon a throne in your ancestor’s castle, with title to great tracts of land, is grand. To be an orphaned, vagrant vampire is worse than to be a peasant.”
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>>170660
"Right here, in Equestria, or Baltimare to be precise." Posey says, puffing out her chest
"I'm the coming years, the Dread League will declare war on life itself. When that day comes, they'll find that Rosie Ring has fulfilled her contract and created a bastion of dread in the city of Baltimare, with an army of wailing corpses and howling spirits ready to greet them in the conquest of the world." her eyes twinkle with inspired passion
"It's a big dream, but I'll do whatever it takes."
"Right here, in Equestria, or Baltimare to be precise." Posey says, puffing out her chest
"I'm the coming years, the Dread League will declare war on life itself. When that day comes, they'll find that Rosie Ring has fulfilled her contract and created a bastion of dread in the city of Baltimare, with an army of wailing corpses and howling spirits ready to greet them in the conquest of the world." her eyes twinkle with inspired passion
"It's a big dream, but I'll do whatever it takes."
>>170662
"The ponies, the changelings, the kaftars, the crocruta, the beasts in the woods. Everypony and every creature, living or dead." Posey says, rearing
"That's what this war means, and I've earned the privilege to be its herald. This time of violence only furthers our ends, for our army grows with every creature slain. With the ponies divided and the changelings distracted, the League will unleash a darkness the likes of which the world has never seen before."
"The ponies, the changelings, the kaftars, the crocruta, the beasts in the woods. Everypony and every creature, living or dead." Posey says, rearing
"That's what this war means, and I've earned the privilege to be its herald. This time of violence only furthers our ends, for our army grows with every creature slain. With the ponies divided and the changelings distracted, the League will unleash a darkness the likes of which the world has never seen before."
>>170663
His eyes grow big at her words
“I do not care much for the limitations of vampires. The weakness to running water. The susceptibility to sunlight, which I am weak to in my present form. The reliance on blood, and the persistent and nagging threat of hunters, or communist insurgencies. But the power…” he smiles “The lack of bonds… No duties… the freedom from death itself.” He nods, still smiling. “That, that is quite alluring. Yes, I will aid you.”
His eyes grow big at her words
“I do not care much for the limitations of vampires. The weakness to running water. The susceptibility to sunlight, which I am weak to in my present form. The reliance on blood, and the persistent and nagging threat of hunters, or communist insurgencies. But the power…” he smiles “The lack of bonds… No duties… the freedom from death itself.” He nods, still smiling. “That, that is quite alluring. Yes, I will aid you.”
>>170664
Posey grind evilly in satisfaction
"Excellent. I'll begin my research immediately, although I'll need your assistance. In the meantime, work on your recitations."
Without updating Posey's sheet, Posey would have to take 20 on her research check, with Guidance Or The Avatar, to learn the Create Undead Ritual. This means she takes 20d4 hours. Posey also has to rest 8 hours to recover her arcane spells, which she would never compromise on, although at DM's discretion perhaps she could perform other non-strenuous activities (since she doesn't need to sleep). She does, however, spend the day (8 hours) tending to Gloomy, nursing his failing health, giving him affection, and tending to his education in the dark arts, and letting her sadistic tendencies rub off on him; this is how Posey typically rests during the day; this is typically how Posey rests during the day. There's also the possibility that Lament may require Posey's assistance with tasks, research or errands, in which case Posey would be obliged to take time from her research to do so.
These factors and the following roll give an outline for the timetable that Posey would need to conduct her research. I figured it would take a week or more, given that Posey would spend at least 10 hours a day taking care of Gloomy and may have other interruptions.
[20d4 = 50]
With this, I go to bed.
Posey grind evilly in satisfaction
"Excellent. I'll begin my research immediately, although I'll need your assistance. In the meantime, work on your recitations."
Without updating Posey's sheet, Posey would have to take 20 on her research check, with Guidance Or The Avatar, to learn the Create Undead Ritual. This means she takes 20d4 hours. Posey also has to rest 8 hours to recover her arcane spells, which she would never compromise on, although at DM's discretion perhaps she could perform other non-strenuous activities (since she doesn't need to sleep). She does, however, spend the day (8 hours) tending to Gloomy, nursing his failing health, giving him affection, and tending to his education in the dark arts, and letting her sadistic tendencies rub off on him; this is how Posey typically rests during the day; this is typically how Posey rests during the day. There's also the possibility that Lament may require Posey's assistance with tasks, research or errands, in which case Posey would be obliged to take time from her research to do so.
These factors and the following roll give an outline for the timetable that Posey would need to conduct her research. I figured it would take a week or more, given that Posey would spend at least 10 hours a day taking care of Gloomy and may have other interruptions.
[20d4 = 50]
With this, I go to bed.
>>170665
This entire plan is fucked if Baka isn't at least a lvl 3 Cleric. I made an assumption that he was...
This entire plan is fucked if Baka isn't at least a lvl 3 Cleric. I made an assumption that he was...
>>170666
>>170665
>>170664
I guess I should have Posey spend some of her downtime to inquire Baka, and also Lament, about the scale of their powers (the most powerful spells they can cast). Baka is a priest, so I hope that translates to Cleric: if he can cast lvl 2 spells (particularly Desecrate, Curse Water and Guidance Of The Avatar), then he'll be really helpful to Posey's plans. Lament is a self-described Transmutation Wizard, and according to a dragon magazine article I read once, a Transmutor is a Necromancers best friend.
Posey attests that she is capable of casting second level spells; she is partly bluffing, as she relies on her Versatile Spellcaster feat to create second level slots. She demonstrates if asked to do so. She does this because she knows that while mages tend to hide their powers among non-mages, power dynamics between are founded on levels of magical might; this, by revealing flaunting her spellcasting ability, she hopes to goad the others into revealing part of their own.
She takes 10 on her Bluff check to do this (modified 22).
>>170665
>>170664
I guess I should have Posey spend some of her downtime to inquire Baka, and also Lament, about the scale of their powers (the most powerful spells they can cast). Baka is a priest, so I hope that translates to Cleric: if he can cast lvl 2 spells (particularly Desecrate, Curse Water and Guidance Of The Avatar), then he'll be really helpful to Posey's plans. Lament is a self-described Transmutation Wizard, and according to a dragon magazine article I read once, a Transmutor is a Necromancers best friend.
Posey attests that she is capable of casting second level spells; she is partly bluffing, as she relies on her Versatile Spellcaster feat to create second level slots. She demonstrates if asked to do so. She does this because she knows that while mages tend to hide their powers among non-mages, power dynamics between are founded on levels of magical might; this, by revealing flaunting her spellcasting ability, she hopes to goad the others into revealing part of their own.
She takes 10 on her Bluff check to do this (modified 22).
>>170667
So Posey is trying to get her companions to reveal how much magical ability they have so she knows what resources she has available?
So Posey is trying to get her companions to reveal how much magical ability they have so she knows what resources she has available?
>>170670
Yeah, I could go for a hireling, but Posey needs to know if Baka in particular can cast a second level spell, because it's necessary to complete the incantation to make her a vampire.
Also, both Baka and Lament are potential allies in the future, so knowing the general scale of their powers is useful information.
Yeah, I could go for a hireling, but Posey needs to know if Baka in particular can cast a second level spell, because it's necessary to complete the incantation to make her a vampire.
Also, both Baka and Lament are potential allies in the future, so knowing the general scale of their powers is useful information.
>>170674
Amber hurries back into the train, internally panicking at the request. Surely he knew about what happened before they crossed the border? Amongst the crowd of passengers she tries to get the attention of her companions.
Amber hurries back into the train, internally panicking at the request. Surely he knew about what happened before they crossed the border? Amongst the crowd of passengers she tries to get the attention of her companions.
>>170675
Helder is further up in the same car, looking at his watching, pointing forward, and generally trying to look like he's doing something. Erich and Federklied can be found one car down. Erich is by the door, carrying several large pieces of luggage, and looking very unhappy about it. Federklied is behind him, also carrying two, smaller bags. A not-entirely-grateful middle-aged female griffin in a blue dress and hat seems to be responsible, as she directs both of them to help her.
Helder is further up in the same car, looking at his watching, pointing forward, and generally trying to look like he's doing something. Erich and Federklied can be found one car down. Erich is by the door, carrying several large pieces of luggage, and looking very unhappy about it. Federklied is behind him, also carrying two, smaller bags. A not-entirely-grateful middle-aged female griffin in a blue dress and hat seems to be responsible, as she directs both of them to help her.
>>170676
"Sorry, ma'am, official business," Amber tells the lady. "Drop everything," she continues to instruct Erich and Federklied, as she grabs their talons to pull them aside to Helder.
"We need the train's manifest now, or we're in deep trouble. We'll likely be impounded and it will be impossible to reach Hellheim."
"Sorry, ma'am, official business," Amber tells the lady. "Drop everything," she continues to instruct Erich and Federklied, as she grabs their talons to pull them aside to Helder.
"We need the train's manifest now, or we're in deep trouble. We'll likely be impounded and it will be impossible to reach Hellheim."
>>170677
When Amber tells Erich "or we'll be impounded before we reach Hellheim," Erich does quite literally, drop everything, with a "thud" of falling luggage." The griffin raises her claws to her face and shrieks "You can't do that!" and goads an unfortunate middle-aged male griffin near her, likely her mate, into action. Erich actually replies to her with a matter of fact, if firm tone of voice, keeping his head and eyes firmly on Amber.
"You'll have plenty of time to get your luggage. We've just been delayed."
Federklied inches past the scene, to come with Amber and Erich into the first coach car, the whole trio if griffins presumably moving into that coach car both the get away from the lady with the luggage, and for more privacy.
Helder is the first to ask,
"Do you not have the manifest?"
When Amber tells Erich "or we'll be impounded before we reach Hellheim," Erich does quite literally, drop everything, with a "thud" of falling luggage." The griffin raises her claws to her face and shrieks "You can't do that!" and goads an unfortunate middle-aged male griffin near her, likely her mate, into action. Erich actually replies to her with a matter of fact, if firm tone of voice, keeping his head and eyes firmly on Amber.
"You'll have plenty of time to get your luggage. We've just been delayed."
Federklied inches past the scene, to come with Amber and Erich into the first coach car, the whole trio if griffins presumably moving into that coach car both the get away from the lady with the luggage, and for more privacy.
Helder is the first to ask,
"Do you not have the manifest?"
>>170678
Amber grimaces. "How was I supposed to know? Nogriff gave me a primer on what to do. I don't think I saw it lying around by the uniforms either…."
"Do you think the manifest was kept around here? Or is it something that can be drawn up?"
Amber grimaces. "How was I supposed to know? Nogriff gave me a primer on what to do. I don't think I saw it lying around by the uniforms either…."
"Do you think the manifest was kept around here? Or is it something that can be drawn up?"
>>170679
Helder:
"I would assume it would be grabbed before the train left Kronburg."
Erich:
"Go find it."
Federklied:
"I don't think anygriff has left, but you'd need to type out every name."
Helder:
"I would assume it would be grabbed before the train left Kronburg."
Erich:
"Go find it."
Federklied:
"I don't think anygriff has left, but you'd need to type out every name."
>>170682
"Get one. If the manifest is not aboard we need to write it up as fast as griffonly possible." She instructs Helder and Erich to grab paper and note down the names of all passengers in the back third and middle third of the train, respectively, while Amber would handle the front third. When finished they were to bring their lists to her.
"Get one. If the manifest is not aboard we need to write it up as fast as griffonly possible." She instructs Helder and Erich to grab paper and note down the names of all passengers in the back third and middle third of the train, respectively, while Amber would handle the front third. When finished they were to bring their lists to her.
>>170683
"Alright, on it!"
Amber does not have to suffer a lack of enthusiasm or cooperation from her companions. Each runs to take care of their tasks as if their lives depended on it.
And that's about where Amber's good fortune ends. Some griffins look impatient, bored, or frustrated waiting for the doors to open.
"How much longer?" One asks. Through the windows, Amber can see the officer, joined now by two others, staring impatiently back into the train.
But her biggest problem comes running from the rear car.
"Do they know we've been attacked by bandits? I need to get out?" This griffin is not alone in a sense of urgency, as several griffins from the rear car relate the story of an actual bandit (or rebel?) forcing his way into the train.
"Alright, on it!"
Amber does not have to suffer a lack of enthusiasm or cooperation from her companions. Each runs to take care of their tasks as if their lives depended on it.
And that's about where Amber's good fortune ends. Some griffins look impatient, bored, or frustrated waiting for the doors to open.
"How much longer?" One asks. Through the windows, Amber can see the officer, joined now by two others, staring impatiently back into the train.
But her biggest problem comes running from the rear car.
"Do they know we've been attacked by bandits? I need to get out?" This griffin is not alone in a sense of urgency, as several griffins from the rear car relate the story of an actual bandit (or rebel?) forcing his way into the train.
>as if their lives depended on it
They probably do.
Amber has to spare a few precious moments to calm down the griffons.
"Please remain calm and stay in your seats. We are at the station and are completely safe. Procedure requires we collect the names of all onboard before dismounting the train. This will take only a few minutes but we need your cooperation."
They probably do.
Amber has to spare a few precious moments to calm down the griffons.
"Please remain calm and stay in your seats. We are at the station and are completely safe. Procedure requires we collect the names of all onboard before dismounting the train. This will take only a few minutes but we need your cooperation."
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>>170695
Hmmm... I think this requires a roll. Not necessarily a bluff roll, but certainly a charisma modified roll.
Hmmm... I think this requires a roll. Not necessarily a bluff roll, but certainly a charisma modified roll.
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>>170660
>To be an orphaned, vagrant vampire is worse than to be a peasant.
Pic related.
Whenever you're done handling Amber's adventure, I would like to know how well Posey's research endeavors go.
>To be an orphaned, vagrant vampire is worse than to be a peasant.
Pic related.
Whenever you're done handling Amber's adventure, I would like to know how well Posey's research endeavors go.
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>>170699
The regular SRD does not allow creation of a vampire with that spell at all, and the Arcana version still requires a risky ritual
The regular SRD does not allow creation of a vampire with that spell at all, and the Arcana version still requires a risky ritual
>>170700
The risky ritual is what Posey was proposing, but it's only feasible for her if she has a Cleric assisting her.
The risky ritual is what Posey was proposing, but it's only feasible for her if she has a Cleric assisting her.
>>170703
The griffins in the car fail to be fully persuaded, still crowding the doors. What is worse, panic is spreading as more and more griffins talk about a "bandit attack."
And of course outside, the police remain impatient, still glaring through the windows.
The griffins in the car fail to be fully persuaded, still crowding the doors. What is worse, panic is spreading as more and more griffins talk about a "bandit attack."
And of course outside, the police remain impatient, still glaring through the windows.
>>170712
https://youtu.be/twF-1k3v8oU
Well... This gets their attention, and the closest griffins stop moving, and stand still. This does not work perfectly, as a few, especially further away, continue more or less as before. But the panic does seem at least more manageable.
Outside, however, the police remain as impatient as ever. A griffin inside remarks "and here I thought we'd be on time..."
https://youtu.be/twF-1k3v8oU
Well... This gets their attention, and the closest griffins stop moving, and stand still. This does not work perfectly, as a few, especially further away, continue more or less as before. But the panic does seem at least more manageable.
Outside, however, the police remain as impatient as ever. A griffin inside remarks "and here I thought we'd be on time..."
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By the way, I got several pictures of something that I thought would interest you - two chapels made from human bones. The first is from Evora, Portugal, and the second from Faro there was a third, much smaller one in Faro as well. These are made from the bones of 4000 monks dug up from the cemetery of the Carmo Order in Evora, and 1000 monks from the convent in Faro
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>>170731
The passengers look back to her. Quieter now than before, but still moving side to side, and a few talking to themselves. They are at least, more compliant.
The passengers look back to her. Quieter now than before, but still moving side to side, and a few talking to themselves. They are at least, more compliant.
>>170732
Amber looks to her companions. "Get back to me as soon as you are done. I need to do the same for the front cars." With that, she hurries to the task.
Amber looks to her companions. "Get back to me as soon as you are done. I need to do the same for the front cars." With that, she hurries to the task.
>>170733
Her companions are way ahead of her. Amber can secure some extra compliance by telling the passengers that they must comply to get off the train.
Alright, let's roll some die to see how far along Amber gets before her next problem.
Roll Luck
Her companions are way ahead of her. Amber can secure some extra compliance by telling the passengers that they must comply to get off the train.
Alright, let's roll some die to see how far along Amber gets before her next problem.
Roll Luck
>>170736
Amber must answer the door, though she opens it only slightly. "The paperwork is being processed and will be handed to you shortly," she answers, trying to conceal her worry.
Amber must answer the door, though she opens it only slightly. "The paperwork is being processed and will be handed to you shortly," she answers, trying to conceal her worry.
>>170737
"Processed?! You should have it ready! All Reichsbahn trains operating within the territory of Hellquill should have their paper's ready!"
"Processed?! You should have it ready! All Reichsbahn trains operating within the territory of Hellquill should have their paper's ready!"
>>170738
Amber grimaces. "It appears that the Reichsbahn office in Katerinburg made an error and gave us an incomplete manifest," she lies. "The dummkopf responsible will pay dearly for costing the company so much time," she continues with a shake of her head. "Any further delay is inexcusable, so let me get back to my work."
Amber grimaces. "It appears that the Reichsbahn office in Katerinburg made an error and gave us an incomplete manifest," she lies. "The dummkopf responsible will pay dearly for costing the company so much time," she continues with a shake of her head. "Any further delay is inexcusable, so let me get back to my work."
>>170739
He sighs loudly
"Of course they made an incomplete manifest. They run the Reichsbahn like they run... everything else... Well a census would work better than a manifest anyways. But make them present Identification! Passngers must have it anyways to go through customs."
[1d2 = 2]
He sighs loudly
"Of course they made an incomplete manifest. They run the Reichsbahn like they run... everything else... Well a census would work better than a manifest anyways. But make them present Identification! Passngers must have it anyways to go through customs."
[1d2 = 2]
>>170740
>>170741
Breathing a sigh of relief, Amber quickly continues her census, making sure to ask for identification. One of her companions not assigned to the tally, and who hopefully is looking for the actual manifest (though that is a forlorn hope), might be nearby, and Amber would request to ferry the identification requirement to the others.
>>170741
Breathing a sigh of relief, Amber quickly continues her census, making sure to ask for identification. One of her companions not assigned to the tally, and who hopefully is looking for the actual manifest (though that is a forlorn hope), might be nearby, and Amber would request to ferry the identification requirement to the others.
>>170743
Annoyingly, most passengers do not have their identifications out, and fumble about for it, while others have it "with their bag"
Helder replies to the identification request
"Oh. We were supposed to ask for ID?"
And Erich,
"What does it matter if they are lying or not to us? I don't care."
Federkleid...
[1d20 = 15]
And now, a new problem:
A familiar griffin is trying to open the door to the locomotive to get out
Annoyingly, most passengers do not have their identifications out, and fumble about for it, while others have it "with their bag"
Helder replies to the identification request
"Oh. We were supposed to ask for ID?"
And Erich,
"What does it matter if they are lying or not to us? I don't care."
Federkleid...
[1d20 = 15]
And now, a new problem:
A familiar griffin is trying to open the door to the locomotive to get out
>>170744
"They will need to present it when going through customs, so it would be ideal. We should be avoiding mistakes as much as possible."
The familiar griffon had been in the back of Amber's mind for a while now. She quickly runs to stop him.
"They will need to present it when going through customs, so it would be ideal. We should be avoiding mistakes as much as possible."
The familiar griffon had been in the back of Amber's mind for a while now. She quickly runs to stop him.
>>170745
It's a good thing, as the door is unlocked. Evidently he was still hiding in the bathroom when the train stopped and crowds blocked off the exit. He must have only just now realized there were officers there.
"I have to get off!" He yells, still trying to open the door
It's a good thing, as the door is unlocked. Evidently he was still hiding in the bathroom when the train stopped and crowds blocked off the exit. He must have only just now realized there were officers there.
"I have to get off!" He yells, still trying to open the door
>>170746
"Stop! They'll catch you immediately. You don't have a chance out there," Amber exclaims, trying to restrain him.
"Stop! They'll catch you immediately. You don't have a chance out there," Amber exclaims, trying to restrain him.
>>170747
"I don't have a chance in here!" he says, although attempting to open the door with less enthusiasm.
"I don't have a chance in here!" he says, although attempting to open the door with less enthusiasm.
>>170748
Amber tries to think of some counterpoint. "We can…hide you, yes. Or else smuggle you out. You cannot leave without being seen," she nearly whispers.
Amber tries to think of some counterpoint. "We can…hide you, yes. Or else smuggle you out. You cannot leave without being seen," she nearly whispers.
>>170750
Amber resorts to the most obvious solutions. "We could put you in some luggage. Or maybe there is a hole in the floor somewhere to exit through…."
Amber resorts to the most obvious solutions. "We could put you in some luggage. Or maybe there is a hole in the floor somewhere to exit through…."
>>170751
He nods
"Yeah! That'll do!" The young griffin is eager to cooperate.
Where Amber recieves less cooperation is from a few griffin passengers pouring in from cars further back. Helder and Erich seem to have largely reduced the flow of passengers from the rear to the fore, but a small number of stragglers make it through, spreading panic rumors about an invasion of the rear most cars by bandits or worse. Like an indefatigable hydra, these passengers always appear to cause problems, however many are placated.
He nods
"Yeah! That'll do!" The young griffin is eager to cooperate.
Where Amber recieves less cooperation is from a few griffin passengers pouring in from cars further back. Helder and Erich seem to have largely reduced the flow of passengers from the rear to the fore, but a small number of stragglers make it through, spreading panic rumors about an invasion of the rear most cars by bandits or worse. Like an indefatigable hydra, these passengers always appear to cause problems, however many are placated.
>>170752
Amber acts sternly towards these passengers, physically barring them from going any further. "Go back to your seats and stop spreading rumors. You are completely safe and nothing bad will happen, but we are required to remain on the train until we complete a census. Thank you for your cooperation."
Amber acts sternly towards these passengers, physically barring them from going any further. "Go back to your seats and stop spreading rumors. You are completely safe and nothing bad will happen, but we are required to remain on the train until we complete a census. Thank you for your cooperation."
>>170755
https://youtu.be/d6MMX4MYIys?si=EI-FbmLIa-Sfqx-5
Whatever may be, the passengers fully believe that Amber works for the Reichsbahn. They shut up for long enough for Amber to get back to work.
https://youtu.be/d6MMX4MYIys?si=EI-FbmLIa-Sfqx-5
Whatever may be, the passengers fully believe that Amber works for the Reichsbahn. They shut up for long enough for Amber to get back to work.
>>170757
Amber is allowed to complete the census, but the griffin fugitive is impatient. “What about me?” There are no small number of questions from passengers about what is going on.
Erich is the first to come back to Amber with a hastily scribbled set of pages. Helder is the last, with much better claw writing. Federkleid comes back with pages from the locomotive. “I found an earlier passenger list from Griffinheim. It won’t include the passengers from Kronburg, but this is most of them.”
Amber is allowed to complete the census, but the griffin fugitive is impatient. “What about me?” There are no small number of questions from passengers about what is going on.
Erich is the first to come back to Amber with a hastily scribbled set of pages. Helder is the last, with much better claw writing. Federkleid comes back with pages from the locomotive. “I found an earlier passenger list from Griffinheim. It won’t include the passengers from Kronburg, but this is most of them.”
>>170758
"Do you have your ID? Are you supposed to be here? No? Then shut up while we think of something," Amber says irritably to the fugitive.
"Thank you, Federkleid. This is exactly what I needed," Amber says warmly. With a second thought and a gesture to the fugitive, she asks, "Could you calm down the passenger who's 'misplaced' his ID?" She finds a wide, stable surface and sets to work adding those names not present on the old list, and crossing out those who had evidently disembarked.
"Do you have your ID? Are you supposed to be here? No? Then shut up while we think of something," Amber says irritably to the fugitive.
"Thank you, Federkleid. This is exactly what I needed," Amber says warmly. With a second thought and a gesture to the fugitive, she asks, "Could you calm down the passenger who's 'misplaced' his ID?" She finds a wide, stable surface and sets to work adding those names not present on the old list, and crossing out those who had evidently disembarked.
>>170759
The young fugitive blinks.
Amber can hear that Federkleid counsels the young griffin something along the lines of “shut the fuck up”
There is a small table at the end of the car, likely always intended as a crew “office.” Amber is allowed to do her work in relative peace. Amber can notice a couple inconsistencies, like a passenger was missed or managed to get off. Then again, these may have gotten off at Kronburg. Hard to tell, really.
The young fugitive blinks.
Amber can hear that Federkleid counsels the young griffin something along the lines of “shut the fuck up”
There is a small table at the end of the car, likely always intended as a crew “office.” Amber is allowed to do her work in relative peace. Amber can notice a couple inconsistencies, like a passenger was missed or managed to get off. Then again, these may have gotten off at Kronburg. Hard to tell, really.
>>170760
kek
Amber tries to work around these inconsistencies, which at least aren't her fault this time. The thought occurs to her that she doesn't quite know how she'll continue her escape after handing over the manifest, but she dismisses this thought and continues writing like her life depends on it.
kek
Amber tries to work around these inconsistencies, which at least aren't her fault this time. The thought occurs to her that she doesn't quite know how she'll continue her escape after handing over the manifest, but she dismisses this thought and continues writing like her life depends on it.
>>170761
Take it one day at a time, little pony. Like the alcoholics
Well, there are a few missing but... Let's just say they got off at Kronburg. Probably better than having excess passengers anyways.
It's taken longer than Amber really would have wished, but her work is done.
Take it one day at a time, little pony. Like the alcoholics
Well, there are a few missing but... Let's just say they got off at Kronburg. Probably better than having excess passengers anyways.
It's taken longer than Amber really would have wished, but her work is done.
>>170762
Amber proof-reads it one more time before hurrying to hand it to the officers, straightening up before opening the door to look official.
Amber proof-reads it one more time before hurrying to hand it to the officers, straightening up before opening the door to look official.
>>170763
There are a few mistakes. One of Amber's companions, who shall not be named, other than to say that his name rhymes with "numeric," has misspelled names, despite having the resource of the correct spelling right in front of him.
The more worrying error is where names do not match. Amber can deduce that this is caused by use of maiden names, aliases, or middle names instead of first names. The original manifest has full, ID correct names, but someone decided to only use a simple first and last name format, relying, evidently, on self-reporting, which of course leads to minor inconsistencies.
Still, it's as close as she can get.
There are a few mistakes. One of Amber's companions, who shall not be named, other than to say that his name rhymes with "numeric," has misspelled names, despite having the resource of the correct spelling right in front of him.
The more worrying error is where names do not match. Amber can deduce that this is caused by use of maiden names, aliases, or middle names instead of first names. The original manifest has full, ID correct names, but someone decided to only use a simple first and last name format, relying, evidently, on self-reporting, which of course leads to minor inconsistencies.
Still, it's as close as she can get.
>>170764
Amber, in her fatigued, sleep-deprived state, can't help but grind her beak in anger at her uneducated oaf of a companion. Still, there is no time to lose and whatever she can, she quickly corrects, but otherwise hands over the completed list.
Amber, in her fatigued, sleep-deprived state, can't help but grind her beak in anger at her uneducated oaf of a companion. Still, there is no time to lose and whatever she can, she quickly corrects, but otherwise hands over the completed list.
>>170765
Somehow, Amber always knew that Erich would get them killed...
Anyways, she goes to the door, claws over both the old manifest and the new census to the officer, and waits.
The officer goes down the list, and checks it, looking between both lists. He complains at the minor inconsistencies.
Then he asks
"And your name?"
Somehow, Amber always knew that Erich would get them killed...
Anyways, she goes to the door, claws over both the old manifest and the new census to the officer, and waits.
The officer goes down the list, and checks it, looking between both lists. He complains at the minor inconsistencies.
Then he asks
"And your name?"
>>170766
Amber had an alias ready for such a situation, right? "Rudolf Hofstadter, sir," she answers after just a moment.
Amber had an alias ready for such a situation, right? "Rudolf Hofstadter, sir," she answers after just a moment.
>>170767
He looks her directly in the eyes.
"We received a request from the Imperial Government for four griffins. These are Erich Sóbányász, Federkleid Engel, Hedler Von Neuestadt, and Schwelle Wildemann. Are these griffins onboard?"
He looks her directly in the eyes.
"We received a request from the Imperial Government for four griffins. These are Erich Sóbányász, Federkleid Engel, Hedler Von Neuestadt, and Schwelle Wildemann. Are these griffins onboard?"
>>170768
For a brief moment Amber entertains the thought of handing over the young fugitive as one of the four. But to betray another's trust…. "They are not aboard. We have completed this census and there are no four griffons with inconsistent information."
For a brief moment Amber entertains the thought of handing over the young fugitive as one of the four. But to betray another's trust…. "They are not aboard. We have completed this census and there are no four griffons with inconsistent information."
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>>170775
"Well, you see…" Amber says as she shifts uncomfortably. "There is one passenger who would not show us his ID and who seemed intent on avoiding sight. He is a stowaway."
"Well, you see…" Amber says as she shifts uncomfortably. "There is one passenger who would not show us his ID and who seemed intent on avoiding sight. He is a stowaway."
>>170776
The officer narrows his eyes
“A stowaway?!?!”
He reaches for his pistol.
“Well, we will have to deal with him. Where is he?”
The officer narrows his eyes
“A stowaway?!?!”
He reaches for his pistol.
“Well, we will have to deal with him. Where is he?”
>>170777
"He is in the next car over," Amber answers (if this is the case). "One of the staff has him cornered."
"He is in the next car over," Amber answers (if this is the case). "One of the staff has him cornered."
>>170778
He’s actually in the same car. The officer moves Amber aside, and goes towards where Amber tells him.
He’s actually in the same car. The officer moves Amber aside, and goes towards where Amber tells him.
>>170779
A pang of intense guilt stabs Amber's heart as she looks on. But this was her last resort. If it wasn't for the one, then it would be the four of them. If only she could have been more convincing.
A pang of intense guilt stabs Amber's heart as she looks on. But this was her last resort. If it wasn't for the one, then it would be the four of them. If only she could have been more convincing.
>>170780
Entering into the car, Amber can see the fugative griffin with Federkleid next to him. "Is this the one?" The officer asks
The griffin's heart sinks, and Amber can see him physically sulk down, before turning around, and again going for the door, trying one last effort to escape. Whether it was because he had sense enough, or because the situation left him silent, he does at least remain mostly quiet. Federkleid has a claw on him to restrain him. This will not be enough, both because the young griffin is panicked, but also because Amber can see that Federkleid has kept a claw inside of her coat, almost certainly holding onto a hidden gun. Federkleid looks back at Amber confused, and looking for direction.
Entering into the car, Amber can see the fugative griffin with Federkleid next to him. "Is this the one?" The officer asks
The griffin's heart sinks, and Amber can see him physically sulk down, before turning around, and again going for the door, trying one last effort to escape. Whether it was because he had sense enough, or because the situation left him silent, he does at least remain mostly quiet. Federkleid has a claw on him to restrain him. This will not be enough, both because the young griffin is panicked, but also because Amber can see that Federkleid has kept a claw inside of her coat, almost certainly holding onto a hidden gun. Federkleid looks back at Amber confused, and looking for direction.
>>170781
Amber subtly waves downward in a tacit instruction to Federkleid to not cause trouble and to let this happen. "Yes it is, officer," Amber answers the police glumly.
Amber subtly waves downward in a tacit instruction to Federkleid to not cause trouble and to let this happen. "Yes it is, officer," Amber answers the police glumly.
>>170780
>>170782
Federkleid attempts to move aside and let the officer arrest the fugitive, letting go of the gun. It’s only when the griffin spreads his wings and tugs on the handle of the door that she realizes she cannot stand still, and she commits to grabbing into him. Federkleid holds him down, as the officer grabs him. He cries out “No! Not like this! I can’t go back to my master!” And struggles against the officer, forcing him to through the fugitive down on the ground. More officers come, and hold him down. Meanwhile, passengers look on, spooked by the action. “What’s going on? Are there infiltrators among us?” They ask
>>170782
Federkleid attempts to move aside and let the officer arrest the fugitive, letting go of the gun. It’s only when the griffin spreads his wings and tugs on the handle of the door that she realizes she cannot stand still, and she commits to grabbing into him. Federkleid holds him down, as the officer grabs him. He cries out “No! Not like this! I can’t go back to my master!” And struggles against the officer, forcing him to through the fugitive down on the ground. More officers come, and hold him down. Meanwhile, passengers look on, spooked by the action. “What’s going on? Are there infiltrators among us?” They ask
>>170783
"There was a stowaway, and that's all. Just stand aside," Amber answers the passengers, wringing her talons.
"There was a stowaway, and that's all. Just stand aside," Amber answers the passengers, wringing her talons.
>>170784
Amber watches the griffin struggle, scream, and cry as he’s tackled onto the very narrow walkway of the center of the car. He almost pulls himself away by grabbing onto a seat, but fails. This goes on for more than a minute
Amber watches the griffin struggle, scream, and cry as he’s tackled onto the very narrow walkway of the center of the car. He almost pulls himself away by grabbing onto a seat, but fails. This goes on for more than a minute
>>170785
"I need to play some music…" Amber mutters to herself. She goes to get her violin and come back.
"I need to play some music…" Amber mutters to herself. She goes to get her violin and come back.
>>170786
The officer looks up toward Amber strangely, and says "Now? We are arresting a suspect, and the train must remain sealed." Evidently he doesn't quite appreciate the need for music in the situation. Federkleid states,
"It will calm the passengers down."
He relents
"Very well. Go get it."
Amber's violin is very close, being in the locomotive. Just go through the door, and across to the locomotive, and she has it. But in this narrow band of time, all pandemonium is let loose upon the car.
"Is this about the bandit?" A passenger asks
"No, that was an imperial officer." Another says
"Disguised as an officer." The first says
"No, it was a rebel looking to take hostages. They burst in disguised as an officer!" a third says
The officer shoots up, with another two officers left with the hard task of securing the fugative
"A rebel?! by the Imperial border? Where did this happen?"
First passenger "As you said, by the border."
Officer: "No, where in the train?"
Second passenger: "In the back of the train. They came through the back door of the last car. Busted through with a crowbar."
The officer speaks to a different officer
"Rebels by the Imperial border"
Other officer
"I thought they would have remained in Longsword"
Officer:
"They cross the border sometimes, or are locals, inspired to rebel by their kin in the south. They must be using the Imperial lands as a safe base to launch their attacks."
The officer looks over towards a passenger, and asks him
"Tell me, what did these rebels look like. Were they short? Brightly colored? Kind of cute? With hooves?"
Third passenger:
"No. They were two griffins. One grey, one white. Both were wearing Imperial District police uniforms, including with the caps."
Officer:
"Griffin colloboraters. That's worse. Either thieves, or traitors within the imperial ranks. So that's what the Imperials were trying to warn us about. If only they were not too ashamed to tell us the truth. Would have saved us trouble, and let us know how serious this is." Then the officer announces to the car,
"It looks like this train was targeted by pony rebels that are using the Imperial District as a base to attack our lands here in Hellquil. With all the chaos and poor management over there it is a wonder they haven't done it before. They must be attacking the train because they know that many of you are immigrants, and they want to take Hellquil for themselves."
Federkleid, not knowing when to be silent, says
"Heh, ponies? Like the cute, colorful things that make our toasters?"
Officer
"It is not a joke! They are weak, yes. Cowardly too. But a stab in the back is deadly all the same. Especially if they have manipulated griffins into their cause."
Second passenger:
"The staff fought them off. They captured one."
And now he turns to Amber:
"You captured one? Where is he? Why was I not told before? I must get to this at once!"
No one notices that Amber has armed herself, as she now has her viol in claw.
The officer looks up toward Amber strangely, and says "Now? We are arresting a suspect, and the train must remain sealed." Evidently he doesn't quite appreciate the need for music in the situation. Federkleid states,
"It will calm the passengers down."
He relents
"Very well. Go get it."
Amber's violin is very close, being in the locomotive. Just go through the door, and across to the locomotive, and she has it. But in this narrow band of time, all pandemonium is let loose upon the car.
"Is this about the bandit?" A passenger asks
"No, that was an imperial officer." Another says
"Disguised as an officer." The first says
"No, it was a rebel looking to take hostages. They burst in disguised as an officer!" a third says
The officer shoots up, with another two officers left with the hard task of securing the fugative
"A rebel?! by the Imperial border? Where did this happen?"
First passenger "As you said, by the border."
Officer: "No, where in the train?"
Second passenger: "In the back of the train. They came through the back door of the last car. Busted through with a crowbar."
The officer speaks to a different officer
"Rebels by the Imperial border"
Other officer
"I thought they would have remained in Longsword"
Officer:
"They cross the border sometimes, or are locals, inspired to rebel by their kin in the south. They must be using the Imperial lands as a safe base to launch their attacks."
The officer looks over towards a passenger, and asks him
"Tell me, what did these rebels look like. Were they short? Brightly colored? Kind of cute? With hooves?"
Third passenger:
"No. They were two griffins. One grey, one white. Both were wearing Imperial District police uniforms, including with the caps."
Officer:
"Griffin colloboraters. That's worse. Either thieves, or traitors within the imperial ranks. So that's what the Imperials were trying to warn us about. If only they were not too ashamed to tell us the truth. Would have saved us trouble, and let us know how serious this is." Then the officer announces to the car,
"It looks like this train was targeted by pony rebels that are using the Imperial District as a base to attack our lands here in Hellquil. With all the chaos and poor management over there it is a wonder they haven't done it before. They must be attacking the train because they know that many of you are immigrants, and they want to take Hellquil for themselves."
Federkleid, not knowing when to be silent, says
"Heh, ponies? Like the cute, colorful things that make our toasters?"
Officer
"It is not a joke! They are weak, yes. Cowardly too. But a stab in the back is deadly all the same. Especially if they have manipulated griffins into their cause."
Second passenger:
"The staff fought them off. They captured one."
And now he turns to Amber:
"You captured one? Where is he? Why was I not told before? I must get to this at once!"
No one notices that Amber has armed herself, as she now has her viol in claw.
File (): DFECC1321C050EABB8D0DD6553CF72F6-3371016.png
(3.2 MB, 4000x3000, 1276540.png)
Silver is first down the hall, with Spectral Streak by his side, the white pegasus officer just behind, the purple pony behind him, the cream medic, the grey medic, and the two wounded ponies - Azelea and the orange stallion - in the rear. They shuffle along with haste. Though they do not know just precisely where they are going, they understand why they must get there quickly. Silver is on the second-floor walking down a hallway that forms the left/western edge of the courtyard. To Silver's left, the walls are plaster, painted white with ever so subtle shade of grey, so as to avoid inducing madness. To his right, above waist level are row after row of glass windows, allowing a view into the courtyard below. Looking down, is a fountain without water, a couple seedling trees, and freshly planted grass. The hallway rings around the courtyard like the cloister of a monastery, but it is a cloister made of glass and plaster rather than granite, and the harmony the ponies within dedicate themselves to is not that of ponies and nature, but making trains running on time and off-loading cargo ships.
The morning sun has the perfect angle to shine through the window and onto the wall, with the few clouds to the north not blocking the light. The evil clouds that tower far beyond the east horizon and stretch into space are too far away to cloud the skies of Baltimare, though the tails of what seem to be comet fragments, visible in the daylight, hang in straight, grey streets across the sky. To the ignorant it must surely appear as if the end of times has come, and to the educated, evidence to contrary is increasingly wanting. The light that shines through the windows and onto the opposing wall is oddly dim for an unclouded spring morning sun. To Silver, it likely looks as if the sun is in partial eclipse. The blue sky has a slight grey-black tinge, as if obscured by smoke from distant fires, or the dust of distant sandstorms.
Commercial advertisement posters adorn the left wall, decorations for the air travel wing of the building. They depict voyages to a world that may now have ceased to be. The idyllic scenes within are displayed in colors that alternate between calm and vibrant and have an impressionistic style that gives the scenes a dream-like quality, even as the text insists that these are but windows into a world that is increasingly within the grasp of the average pony.
The first poster is of an island, with crystal waters, cotton ball clouds, "v" shaped sea birds, and white sands. In the background and to the left are coconut laden palm trees that hang over the edge of the shore, with small, white-walled cottages with blue-tile roofs dotting the tree line. The shore wraps around to the foreground, with the front right of the poster depicting a family of ponies on the beach. A white pegasus mare - they are all pegasi - sits under a red and white umbrella, looking towards the ocean wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, with her tail wrapped around her. A yellow stallion lies, wings spread, on a towel on the sand. An older green foal is in the water just past where waves break on the shore, holding onto a round floating tube styled like a rubber duck complete with a head. A smaller pink foal makes "angels" with her wings in the sand, while a still younger filly uses a garden shovel to make a small castle. Other ponies, just a little more distant and to the right, likewise lie on bamboo chairs or swim in the crystal waters, though little detail can be discerned save for the bright red, orange, and pink colors of the ponies. Above the island is an airplane, white with a blue-stripe livery and blue globe on the tail, quadruple props, and angled as if coming in for a landing. Over the scene is text in a slanted, cursive font stating "Get away to the Summer Isle with Pan Equus."
The next scene is a bit more realistic, though with an impressionistic blur that still makes it appear as if viewed through fogged glass, or the haze of memory. This depicts a city, though not like Baltimare, nor quite like any city of Equestria. In the foreground are apartment buildings close together, mostly bright red, but pink and yellow as well, with little balconies that open up with half circular doors, and perches without rails that stick out like tongues. Further back are great temples with big, white, marble lined domes, and gilded spiral minarets, and granite, crenellated turret tower that looks like a rook chess piece. In the extreme fore, below the line of apartments, indeed physically below the level of the street, are white ruins - columns, and the remains of what are presumably houses and a temple - that surely must have been ancient when the first Hearthswarming was celebrated in Equestria. Perhaps oddly, no ponies, nor any living creatures, are depicted. Above the minarets and the apartments is a sky where clouds blend into the horizon. To the right the sky is blue, and to the left, orange twilight of a setting or perhaps rising sun peers in. The city scene is completely lacking in any vehicles, save one - a grey-white rigid airship approaching the city - though it appears smaller than the dome of the temple, or even the granite base of the ruined temple at the bottom of the poster. The text at the top of this poster is in a stern, straight-lined font. It says "Visit Karthin with the New Mareland Overseas Airways Company."
The third poster is not the last, though it is the last Silver sees along this line. This poster is more straight forward: amongst the clouds, and high above green fields, is a single passenger plane with white paint on the top, a dark green striped livery, and an aluminum grey belly. Its big, aluminum wings are swept back, and have no visible props, but rather two holes visible along the left wing near the fuselage. The text says "Jet Air Travel is coming to the New Mareland Oversees Air Company starting July of 1022, with the new Meteor Jet plane."
The morning sun has the perfect angle to shine through the window and onto the wall, with the few clouds to the north not blocking the light. The evil clouds that tower far beyond the east horizon and stretch into space are too far away to cloud the skies of Baltimare, though the tails of what seem to be comet fragments, visible in the daylight, hang in straight, grey streets across the sky. To the ignorant it must surely appear as if the end of times has come, and to the educated, evidence to contrary is increasingly wanting. The light that shines through the windows and onto the opposing wall is oddly dim for an unclouded spring morning sun. To Silver, it likely looks as if the sun is in partial eclipse. The blue sky has a slight grey-black tinge, as if obscured by smoke from distant fires, or the dust of distant sandstorms.
Commercial advertisement posters adorn the left wall, decorations for the air travel wing of the building. They depict voyages to a world that may now have ceased to be. The idyllic scenes within are displayed in colors that alternate between calm and vibrant and have an impressionistic style that gives the scenes a dream-like quality, even as the text insists that these are but windows into a world that is increasingly within the grasp of the average pony.
The first poster is of an island, with crystal waters, cotton ball clouds, "v" shaped sea birds, and white sands. In the background and to the left are coconut laden palm trees that hang over the edge of the shore, with small, white-walled cottages with blue-tile roofs dotting the tree line. The shore wraps around to the foreground, with the front right of the poster depicting a family of ponies on the beach. A white pegasus mare - they are all pegasi - sits under a red and white umbrella, looking towards the ocean wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, with her tail wrapped around her. A yellow stallion lies, wings spread, on a towel on the sand. An older green foal is in the water just past where waves break on the shore, holding onto a round floating tube styled like a rubber duck complete with a head. A smaller pink foal makes "angels" with her wings in the sand, while a still younger filly uses a garden shovel to make a small castle. Other ponies, just a little more distant and to the right, likewise lie on bamboo chairs or swim in the crystal waters, though little detail can be discerned save for the bright red, orange, and pink colors of the ponies. Above the island is an airplane, white with a blue-stripe livery and blue globe on the tail, quadruple props, and angled as if coming in for a landing. Over the scene is text in a slanted, cursive font stating "Get away to the Summer Isle with Pan Equus."
The next scene is a bit more realistic, though with an impressionistic blur that still makes it appear as if viewed through fogged glass, or the haze of memory. This depicts a city, though not like Baltimare, nor quite like any city of Equestria. In the foreground are apartment buildings close together, mostly bright red, but pink and yellow as well, with little balconies that open up with half circular doors, and perches without rails that stick out like tongues. Further back are great temples with big, white, marble lined domes, and gilded spiral minarets, and granite, crenellated turret tower that looks like a rook chess piece. In the extreme fore, below the line of apartments, indeed physically below the level of the street, are white ruins - columns, and the remains of what are presumably houses and a temple - that surely must have been ancient when the first Hearthswarming was celebrated in Equestria. Perhaps oddly, no ponies, nor any living creatures, are depicted. Above the minarets and the apartments is a sky where clouds blend into the horizon. To the right the sky is blue, and to the left, orange twilight of a setting or perhaps rising sun peers in. The city scene is completely lacking in any vehicles, save one - a grey-white rigid airship approaching the city - though it appears smaller than the dome of the temple, or even the granite base of the ruined temple at the bottom of the poster. The text at the top of this poster is in a stern, straight-lined font. It says "Visit Karthin with the New Mareland Overseas Airways Company."
The third poster is not the last, though it is the last Silver sees along this line. This poster is more straight forward: amongst the clouds, and high above green fields, is a single passenger plane with white paint on the top, a dark green striped livery, and an aluminum grey belly. Its big, aluminum wings are swept back, and have no visible props, but rather two holes visible along the left wing near the fuselage. The text says "Jet Air Travel is coming to the New Mareland Oversees Air Company starting July of 1022, with the new Meteor Jet plane."
>>170794
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrsR4GFlAyI&pp=ygUbam9obm55IHdvbid0IGJlIGNvbWluZyBob21l
The posters are well lit by the direct, dim sunlight, rather than reflecting an expected glare. As Silver passes these posters on his left, and glances at them, his radio turns on, and broadcasts the following. It's from the familiar voice of the Magister Manis, the "Master of the Ponies." But his voice, so weak in his public broadcast before, is much more confident, even angry and demanding, in this more limited broadcast.
"This is Magister Manis Long March. All units in Baltimare are ordered to eliminate any and all Changeling cells, and to prioritize securing the city above all else. The Changelings are willing to die to destroy our cities and our ponies, and I expect nothing less than the same devotion from my ponies to save them. All activity in the Baltimare region is subordinate to the commander of the Republican Guard."
The line becomes filled with static, and tones out, then increases in volume, until another, likewise familiar voice:
"This is Brigadier General Circling Camp of the 78th Republican Guard Reverses. We have received intel from a survivor of the Transit Ministry. The survivor is confirmed to be a pony, and to have been an electrician employed within the ministry. Infiltrators had placed themselves among the guard crew and workers of the ministry building. This morning, they killed the pony guards, then went around hunting down what ponies were in the building. As the building is still under construction and the attack happened around 7 AM, the number of ponies inside was low enough for the take over to be easy. The entrances were locked, and more infiltrators, disguised as work crews, came in and secured the building. The plumber managed to hide in a closet, evade patrols, and jump out of a window, eventually encountering Homeguard forces. The electrician did not view the device himself, but claims he believes that the device was likely already within the building, either hidden in the central hall, or the basement beneath it. These are the areas first secured and prioritized by the changelings.
We know based upon the story of the electrician, and from the accounts of our own soldiers, that the changelings are sending patrols around the building. Most likely this is to move them from exterior windows to other exterior windows to make it harder to enter the building, and make them seem to be greater in number than they are. This may also be to search for anypony who entered the building. However, the electrician offered a third reason that would explain why the device has not been detonated yet. The electrician reports hearing a firefight around the central hall between the infiltrators and surviving guards. The guards lost, but the electrician postulates that the device was grazed by a stray bullet that damaged it. The damage has prevented the device from being activated. However, the infiltrators have since gone through the trouble of both reinforcing this position, and also of obtaining the activation codes. The electrician suspects that the damage is likely simply a severed wire or broken circuit board, or something simple to fix, and the teams patrolling the building are looking for replacement parts. He suspects they will likely get the device working shortly; certainly less than an hour. We know they have the activation codes from the WMARE broadcast station, and they wouldn't be here if they did not have a device. We must find that device before they can activate it.
Though the exact location is unknown, it is likely to be in center of the building, close to or below ground level, and certainly around the largest concentration of changeling forces. You'll know it when you see it.
Eliminating the patrolling forces may increase the amount of time remaining by making their repair more difficult, preventing them from reinforcing the device, and allowing our forces to enter the building. Flanking may be wiser than a head-on attack, as they are well armed.
Disable that device with all haste."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrsR4GFlAyI&pp=ygUbam9obm55IHdvbid0IGJlIGNvbWluZyBob21l
The posters are well lit by the direct, dim sunlight, rather than reflecting an expected glare. As Silver passes these posters on his left, and glances at them, his radio turns on, and broadcasts the following. It's from the familiar voice of the Magister Manis, the "Master of the Ponies." But his voice, so weak in his public broadcast before, is much more confident, even angry and demanding, in this more limited broadcast.
"This is Magister Manis Long March. All units in Baltimare are ordered to eliminate any and all Changeling cells, and to prioritize securing the city above all else. The Changelings are willing to die to destroy our cities and our ponies, and I expect nothing less than the same devotion from my ponies to save them. All activity in the Baltimare region is subordinate to the commander of the Republican Guard."
The line becomes filled with static, and tones out, then increases in volume, until another, likewise familiar voice:
"This is Brigadier General Circling Camp of the 78th Republican Guard Reverses. We have received intel from a survivor of the Transit Ministry. The survivor is confirmed to be a pony, and to have been an electrician employed within the ministry. Infiltrators had placed themselves among the guard crew and workers of the ministry building. This morning, they killed the pony guards, then went around hunting down what ponies were in the building. As the building is still under construction and the attack happened around 7 AM, the number of ponies inside was low enough for the take over to be easy. The entrances were locked, and more infiltrators, disguised as work crews, came in and secured the building. The plumber managed to hide in a closet, evade patrols, and jump out of a window, eventually encountering Homeguard forces. The electrician did not view the device himself, but claims he believes that the device was likely already within the building, either hidden in the central hall, or the basement beneath it. These are the areas first secured and prioritized by the changelings.
We know based upon the story of the electrician, and from the accounts of our own soldiers, that the changelings are sending patrols around the building. Most likely this is to move them from exterior windows to other exterior windows to make it harder to enter the building, and make them seem to be greater in number than they are. This may also be to search for anypony who entered the building. However, the electrician offered a third reason that would explain why the device has not been detonated yet. The electrician reports hearing a firefight around the central hall between the infiltrators and surviving guards. The guards lost, but the electrician postulates that the device was grazed by a stray bullet that damaged it. The damage has prevented the device from being activated. However, the infiltrators have since gone through the trouble of both reinforcing this position, and also of obtaining the activation codes. The electrician suspects that the damage is likely simply a severed wire or broken circuit board, or something simple to fix, and the teams patrolling the building are looking for replacement parts. He suspects they will likely get the device working shortly; certainly less than an hour. We know they have the activation codes from the WMARE broadcast station, and they wouldn't be here if they did not have a device. We must find that device before they can activate it.
Though the exact location is unknown, it is likely to be in center of the building, close to or below ground level, and certainly around the largest concentration of changeling forces. You'll know it when you see it.
Eliminating the patrolling forces may increase the amount of time remaining by making their repair more difficult, preventing them from reinforcing the device, and allowing our forces to enter the building. Flanking may be wiser than a head-on attack, as they are well armed.
Disable that device with all haste."
>>170794
>>170795
Silver looks to the ponies following him, and addresses them as a group.
"Alright ponies, we know where to look. We find that bomb, we secure it, and we kill any changelings guarding it. They are fighting because their Queen demanded them to. We are fighting because this is our home, and we will not let those insects destroy it. And we. Will. Win. On me."
He barely waits for a response before he heads in the direction of the central hall. The ponies are on a timer before destruction, and they need to beat it.
>>170795
Silver looks to the ponies following him, and addresses them as a group.
"Alright ponies, we know where to look. We find that bomb, we secure it, and we kill any changelings guarding it. They are fighting because their Queen demanded them to. We are fighting because this is our home, and we will not let those insects destroy it. And we. Will. Win. On me."
He barely waits for a response before he heads in the direction of the central hall. The ponies are on a timer before destruction, and they need to beat it.
>>170787
Amber mulls over these words. It is indeed good, maybe very good, that suspicions are directed away from Amber's party, if only for but a moment. Still, major risks existed, especially if they were to talk to the "rebel." But dare she refuse…?
"He is restrained in the back. Follow me." Amber leads the officer to that location, still holding the viol.
Amber mulls over these words. It is indeed good, maybe very good, that suspicions are directed away from Amber's party, if only for but a moment. Still, major risks existed, especially if they were to talk to the "rebel." But dare she refuse…?
"He is restrained in the back. Follow me." Amber leads the officer to that location, still holding the viol.
>>170799
The officer obliges, readily following Amber. He is eager to get to the back and follows closely behind her, sometimes physically contacting her viol. The only reason he does not over take her - besides the walkway being wide enough only for a single griffin abreast save at connections - is that he does not know where Amber is taking him. Moving within the train is not easy. This is not only because of the doors that separate cars and the narrow space of the walkway, but also because of the passengers, who have become restless and often crowd the doors, connections, or simply stand in the walkways. The officer considers going around, but the doors will only open from the inside. Amber's viol is massive, and in the crowded, narrow walkway, becomes conspicuous. The officer asks
"Why do you bring that?"
Of Amber, not the officer, is ultimately in charge of the train.
They arrive at the small bremserhaus at the front of the rear car, to find the griffin tied up on the floor. He has moved around, and is conscious. He trashes back and forth when the light is turned on, and extends his wings, though the bremserhaus is much smaller than the full length of his wings. He is at least gagged. He turns and looks up at Amber and the officer, and actually seems kind of relieved by the sight of the officer, with his yellow eyes softening. He mumbles something, attempting to speak. He is white-grey in coat, with mostly white plumage on his head, and is wearing a blue Imperial police uniform. He has the cap, though it has fallen off of his head.
"Well, that's a convincing outfit" the officer - the Hellquill officer - says
The officer obliges, readily following Amber. He is eager to get to the back and follows closely behind her, sometimes physically contacting her viol. The only reason he does not over take her - besides the walkway being wide enough only for a single griffin abreast save at connections - is that he does not know where Amber is taking him. Moving within the train is not easy. This is not only because of the doors that separate cars and the narrow space of the walkway, but also because of the passengers, who have become restless and often crowd the doors, connections, or simply stand in the walkways. The officer considers going around, but the doors will only open from the inside. Amber's viol is massive, and in the crowded, narrow walkway, becomes conspicuous. The officer asks
"Why do you bring that?"
Of Amber, not the officer, is ultimately in charge of the train.
They arrive at the small bremserhaus at the front of the rear car, to find the griffin tied up on the floor. He has moved around, and is conscious. He trashes back and forth when the light is turned on, and extends his wings, though the bremserhaus is much smaller than the full length of his wings. He is at least gagged. He turns and looks up at Amber and the officer, and actually seems kind of relieved by the sight of the officer, with his yellow eyes softening. He mumbles something, attempting to speak. He is white-grey in coat, with mostly white plumage on his head, and is wearing a blue Imperial police uniform. He has the cap, though it has fallen off of his head.
"Well, that's a convincing outfit" the officer - the Hellquill officer - says
>>170800
"Careful, careful…" Amber cautions, uneasy of her most prized possession being amongst a crowd.
Replying to the question regarding the viol, Amber answers, "As you can see, this is stressful work, and this is how I soothe my nerves. The locomotive is a good place to practice where I will not bother anyone during our trips."
"Yes," Amber says with disdain to the officer's last remark. "Even the Imperial police can be outwitted by rebels at times–" Amber is aware of the double meaning of what she just said "–and there is no better disguise to take to hijack a train."
"Careful, careful…" Amber cautions, uneasy of her most prized possession being amongst a crowd.
Replying to the question regarding the viol, Amber answers, "As you can see, this is stressful work, and this is how I soothe my nerves. The locomotive is a good place to practice where I will not bother anyone during our trips."
"Yes," Amber says with disdain to the officer's last remark. "Even the Imperial police can be outwitted by rebels at times–" Amber is aware of the double meaning of what she just said "–and there is no better disguise to take to hijack a train."
>>170801
"I see..." The officer says in response to the remark about the viol.
But it's with regards to the other officer that Amber may have cause for more concern
"Well, we should ask him who he is and why he's here" says the officer, moving to remove the gag
"I see..." The officer says in response to the remark about the viol.
But it's with regards to the other officer that Amber may have cause for more concern
"Well, we should ask him who he is and why he's here" says the officer, moving to remove the gag
>>170801
He speaks almost absent mindedly as he inspects the other officer
"I'm sure you heard of that incident a few decades back when a con artist stole a lieutenant colonel's uniform, went into a barracks and ordered all of the pay for the unit delivered to him, said he was 'transporting' it... stole quite a bit of money that way, and would have gotten away with it if he hadn't tried to order the same on the civil administrators down the road..."
He speaks almost absent mindedly as he inspects the other officer
"I'm sure you heard of that incident a few decades back when a con artist stole a lieutenant colonel's uniform, went into a barracks and ordered all of the pay for the unit delivered to him, said he was 'transporting' it... stole quite a bit of money that way, and would have gotten away with it if he hadn't tried to order the same on the civil administrators down the road..."
>>170802
>>170803
"Oh, yes, yes…it's amazing what one can get away with just by wearing a uniform. That's just the incident we know about," Amber remarks with an odd chuckle.
"Wait, wait," Amber says with barely disguised alarm as the other tries to remove the gag. "Isn't it procedure to move suspects to headquarters for questioning first?"
Amber tunes her viol, getting it ready to sing once more.
>>170803
"Oh, yes, yes…it's amazing what one can get away with just by wearing a uniform. That's just the incident we know about," Amber remarks with an odd chuckle.
"Wait, wait," Amber says with barely disguised alarm as the other tries to remove the gag. "Isn't it procedure to move suspects to headquarters for questioning first?"
Amber tunes her viol, getting it ready to sing once more.
>>170804
He stops, and looks directly back at Amber
"No, not necessarily. If we are just asking for a name it may be done in any safe and secure environment." He ponders for a moment. "Unless he's being formally questioned as a suspect, then there need to be at least two officers present and he must be formally detained."
He stops, and looks directly back at Amber
"No, not necessarily. If we are just asking for a name it may be done in any safe and secure environment." He ponders for a moment. "Unless he's being formally questioned as a suspect, then there need to be at least two officers present and he must be formally detained."
>>170808
Amber is left alone with the hostage, though with the promise more officers will come and question him
Amber is left alone with the hostage, though with the promise more officers will come and question him
>>170809
Without wasting any time, and staring into the hostage's eyes, Amber starts playing music. Her intent is quite ambitious: to change his very identity to what she wills. Can she do it?
Without wasting any time, and staring into the hostage's eyes, Amber starts playing music. Her intent is quite ambitious: to change his very identity to what she wills. Can she do it?
>>170812
>>170813
To alter appearances is one thing. But to alter a person, and more fundamentally, to alter a person's identity - that sum of all choices, that expression of the universal will - is quite another. It may be done only by subverting another's will to one's own.
In the battle of wills, Amber barely edges out, giving Amber the room to modify something. But not much
>>170813
To alter appearances is one thing. But to alter a person, and more fundamentally, to alter a person's identity - that sum of all choices, that expression of the universal will - is quite another. It may be done only by subverting another's will to one's own.
In the battle of wills, Amber barely edges out, giving Amber the room to modify something. But not much
>>170814
Amber does not have to change much. She plays an enchanting, undulating tune that captures one's mind and introduces thoughts it did not yet possess. Anomie, the sensation of not belonging here, the fear of capture for wrongdoing…. The music evokes, perhaps, the carefree double life of a rebel agent, one who'd been in the Imperial Police and perhaps genuinely believed in it, but whose sympathies for the ponies became too strong one day to resist making a difference in Hellquill.
Amber does not have to change much. She plays an enchanting, undulating tune that captures one's mind and introduces thoughts it did not yet possess. Anomie, the sensation of not belonging here, the fear of capture for wrongdoing…. The music evokes, perhaps, the carefree double life of a rebel agent, one who'd been in the Imperial Police and perhaps genuinely believed in it, but whose sympathies for the ponies became too strong one day to resist making a difference in Hellquill.
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GM, I've basically inferred by now that you're not ready/willing to allow my incantation shenanigans miniquest in your game, so I just wanna say I'm okay to shelf/cancel that side quest for now.
So, concerning other priorities, Posey would like to talk to Licorice Lament about his contacts with the League, and how she could devise a means to covertly establish a line of communication with the League. The reason being is that Posey still has to tithe to her master every now and then so long as she's bound to him, and I feel like a secret committee of correspondence could also let the League give Posey orders and missions to fulfill their dark ambitions and maybe give me some quest structure.
That aside, before Posey can do any kind of necromancy or incantations, she needs money for spellcasting components, particularly black onyx gems of lustrous quality, so her next ambition would be to look for treasure.
So, concerning other priorities, Posey would like to talk to Licorice Lament about his contacts with the League, and how she could devise a means to covertly establish a line of communication with the League. The reason being is that Posey still has to tithe to her master every now and then so long as she's bound to him, and I feel like a secret committee of correspondence could also let the League give Posey orders and missions to fulfill their dark ambitions and maybe give me some quest structure.
That aside, before Posey can do any kind of necromancy or incantations, she needs money for spellcasting components, particularly black onyx gems of lustrous quality, so her next ambition would be to look for treasure.
"Black Onyx... So pretty, so rare. The Society of Bones had skeleton quarries operating constant shifts, but even then it was scarce. I wonder if the League will actually go through with nationalizing the mines for the war. Politics, politics..."
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>>170815
Amber stands there outside of the bremerhaus, door open and peering in. The tied-up griffin thrashes about with greater intensity now that the officer has gone and tries to yell through his tied up and stuffed beak. Amber sets her viol down on the wooden floor and readies her bow.
This mind will need to be broken before it may be deceived. Amber begins. The very first semblance of a note has an ethereal, high pitched quality to it, and the listener may imagine the dancing colors of aurora in the twilight. But this changes as the note progresses, and lingers, to something far more concrete. The colors fall to earth, to a location that changes in some details every time it is viewed, yet always more or less the same: a green grass meadow under a twilight sky, with scattered trees behind and to the sides of the scene. The colors have taken shape as robed griffins, all the same color - red - all with faces obscured by their cloaks. There are somewhere around six of them, and they form a semi-circle, with several great stone blocks behind them. They are looking at a wicker griffin - a great statue of a griffin with a hollowed core made of wood and straw. Between the robed griffins and the wicker griff are revelers who dance in a circle around the statue clockwise. The police officer prisoner is tied up and inside of the wicker statue.
Amber needs a drum for this. And some supporting music. Where is Erich when you need him? A violin would be perfect. But a drum is essential. Amber has to take the wrench out of the bremerhaus, place it on the floor, and kick it into the thin sheet metal wall in order to get a decent beat. It matches well enough to the clanking of the spears and axes held by the revelers as they dance in the twilight.
A robed griffin approaches the wicker statue with a torch, and slowly, deliberately, lights it on fire. The prisoner tries to scream, but he should know by now that his efforts are to no avail. The flames advance up the wicker statue, illuminating his blue officer's uniform, and his yellow eyes begin to reflect the orange fire. The scene changes as it rotates through the eternal return. Once, the surroundings are a forest, with a great stone temple. Then the temple is ruined, and the forest is replaced with so many fields. Sometimes there are the blades of a wind mill, or the spires of a church, or in one grim scene, concrete slabs to the left in the fore, and rectangular, glass monstrosities towering over the horizon. The revelers change, sometimes with robes, sometimes woven clothing. Sometimes there is a diamond dog, or even a pony among them. The prisoner is always Amber's prisoner, but sometimes he is naked with the green triskelion of the Gelgae painted on his coat, wearing the lamellar armor of the lost Karthinian legion, or the white undershirt of a griff-at-arms of the House of Carmine, or a cockade of the orange, yellow and orange tricolor of the Revolition, or that frankly ridiculous pixelated camoflouge of a solider of the Second Republic. And sometimes he wears his Imperial District uniform, but always, always he is the same griffin. Amber takes the view of the robed griffin closest to the wicker griff, watching the flames slowly climb higher, and envelope the statue - until the revelry and the music reaches crescendo, and the first task is complete.
Amber's first song is finished, but she cannot stop there. The next song - if Amber can refrain from crying out at the horror - takes her down through the clouds into a cold, perpetually overcast city, filled with aging and decaying apartment slums and filled with solitary characters. Amber follows the officer through his decrepit, cold apartment to a desk overflowing with papers, in a world of byzantine regulations, a rotation of corrupt and uncaring bosses, and an inescapable loneliness and disconnect. To plant the actual thoughts, Amber uses headlines and an article she read about the mistreatment of ponies in Longsword. It'll be what that Hellquill officer is expecting anyways. The article could incite sympathy, easily enough. And the risk and adventure of participation in seditious plots has a strangely understandable appeal.
Amber is still playing by the time the officer arrives with his companions. She's more or less accomplished what she needs to.
Amber stands there outside of the bremerhaus, door open and peering in. The tied-up griffin thrashes about with greater intensity now that the officer has gone and tries to yell through his tied up and stuffed beak. Amber sets her viol down on the wooden floor and readies her bow.
This mind will need to be broken before it may be deceived. Amber begins. The very first semblance of a note has an ethereal, high pitched quality to it, and the listener may imagine the dancing colors of aurora in the twilight. But this changes as the note progresses, and lingers, to something far more concrete. The colors fall to earth, to a location that changes in some details every time it is viewed, yet always more or less the same: a green grass meadow under a twilight sky, with scattered trees behind and to the sides of the scene. The colors have taken shape as robed griffins, all the same color - red - all with faces obscured by their cloaks. There are somewhere around six of them, and they form a semi-circle, with several great stone blocks behind them. They are looking at a wicker griffin - a great statue of a griffin with a hollowed core made of wood and straw. Between the robed griffins and the wicker griff are revelers who dance in a circle around the statue clockwise. The police officer prisoner is tied up and inside of the wicker statue.
Amber needs a drum for this. And some supporting music. Where is Erich when you need him? A violin would be perfect. But a drum is essential. Amber has to take the wrench out of the bremerhaus, place it on the floor, and kick it into the thin sheet metal wall in order to get a decent beat. It matches well enough to the clanking of the spears and axes held by the revelers as they dance in the twilight.
A robed griffin approaches the wicker statue with a torch, and slowly, deliberately, lights it on fire. The prisoner tries to scream, but he should know by now that his efforts are to no avail. The flames advance up the wicker statue, illuminating his blue officer's uniform, and his yellow eyes begin to reflect the orange fire. The scene changes as it rotates through the eternal return. Once, the surroundings are a forest, with a great stone temple. Then the temple is ruined, and the forest is replaced with so many fields. Sometimes there are the blades of a wind mill, or the spires of a church, or in one grim scene, concrete slabs to the left in the fore, and rectangular, glass monstrosities towering over the horizon. The revelers change, sometimes with robes, sometimes woven clothing. Sometimes there is a diamond dog, or even a pony among them. The prisoner is always Amber's prisoner, but sometimes he is naked with the green triskelion of the Gelgae painted on his coat, wearing the lamellar armor of the lost Karthinian legion, or the white undershirt of a griff-at-arms of the House of Carmine, or a cockade of the orange, yellow and orange tricolor of the Revolition, or that frankly ridiculous pixelated camoflouge of a solider of the Second Republic. And sometimes he wears his Imperial District uniform, but always, always he is the same griffin. Amber takes the view of the robed griffin closest to the wicker griff, watching the flames slowly climb higher, and envelope the statue - until the revelry and the music reaches crescendo, and the first task is complete.
Amber's first song is finished, but she cannot stop there. The next song - if Amber can refrain from crying out at the horror - takes her down through the clouds into a cold, perpetually overcast city, filled with aging and decaying apartment slums and filled with solitary characters. Amber follows the officer through his decrepit, cold apartment to a desk overflowing with papers, in a world of byzantine regulations, a rotation of corrupt and uncaring bosses, and an inescapable loneliness and disconnect. To plant the actual thoughts, Amber uses headlines and an article she read about the mistreatment of ponies in Longsword. It'll be what that Hellquill officer is expecting anyways. The article could incite sympathy, easily enough. And the risk and adventure of participation in seditious plots has a strangely understandable appeal.
Amber is still playing by the time the officer arrives with his companions. She's more or less accomplished what she needs to.
>>170816
Also, I would like to purchase several canaries (or similarly small birds with the stats of a Raven)
Also, I would like to purchase several canaries (or similarly small birds with the stats of a Raven)
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>>170820
Actually, is there a dumpster behind an animal shelter, or pet store or race track, full of slow, unadoptable greyhounds that Posey could get access?
I just need the body of a small or tiny animal. A bird or a small dog would be best.
I have just enough gold to afford to buy fresh ones though.
Actually, is there a dumpster behind an animal shelter, or pet store or race track, full of slow, unadoptable greyhounds that Posey could get access?
I just need the body of a small or tiny animal. A bird or a small dog would be best.
I have just enough gold to afford to buy fresh ones though.
>>170819
And so dark, hopeless, yet also timeless thoughts press down on the poor griffon, wearing down his will. In better times, Amber, despite her griffon nature, would abhor such direct tactics, as they are the nullification of the thin veil preserving the civilized self from what is real. But Amber cannot doubt herself now, and her wholehearted playing renders the poor officer a useful asset rather than an enemy. It is horrible, yes, but necessary–an oft-quoted phrase by the Inquisition the officer serves.
When Amber finishes she winds down the tune just as the others approach. The viola player is shaking as she comes out of the trance, and gives a nervous smile. "Hello, I hope you don't mind my entertaining the guest."
And so dark, hopeless, yet also timeless thoughts press down on the poor griffon, wearing down his will. In better times, Amber, despite her griffon nature, would abhor such direct tactics, as they are the nullification of the thin veil preserving the civilized self from what is real. But Amber cannot doubt herself now, and her wholehearted playing renders the poor officer a useful asset rather than an enemy. It is horrible, yes, but necessary–an oft-quoted phrase by the Inquisition the officer serves.
When Amber finishes she winds down the tune just as the others approach. The viola player is shaking as she comes out of the trance, and gives a nervous smile. "Hello, I hope you don't mind my entertaining the guest."
>>170822
The prisoner is likely not Inquisition, nor local Kronburg police, but rather National police. That Germar Grismonde will certainly be calling in to Soldau, and telliing a different story... But if Amber is lucky, she will be in Hellquill by the time that happens. This is will almost certainly cause a dispute, and mistrust, between the Imperials and the Hellquill police, though how long it will last, no one can be sure.
The officer has a serious expression
"Entertain? Guest? He is a potential suspect, and an important witness regardless. Not the audience of a street performance. Now I have questioning to do."
The prisoner is likely not Inquisition, nor local Kronburg police, but rather National police. That Germar Grismonde will certainly be calling in to Soldau, and telliing a different story... But if Amber is lucky, she will be in Hellquill by the time that happens. This is will almost certainly cause a dispute, and mistrust, between the Imperials and the Hellquill police, though how long it will last, no one can be sure.
The officer has a serious expression
"Entertain? Guest? He is a potential suspect, and an important witness regardless. Not the audience of a street performance. Now I have questioning to do."
>>170823
Amber has a weary look to her. Even if she bought herself time, will her energy hold up?
"Of course, of course. I won't get in your way," Amber replies, looking on.
Amber has a weary look to her. Even if she bought herself time, will her energy hold up?
"Of course, of course. I won't get in your way," Amber replies, looking on.
>>170827
Amber should certainly be tired; she's scarce gotten any sleep at all, she's not young anymore, and the entire ordeal has been exhausting.
The officers want a bit of space to ask some "preliminary" questions.
Amber may want to move things along a bit
Amber should certainly be tired; she's scarce gotten any sleep at all, she's not young anymore, and the entire ordeal has been exhausting.
The officers want a bit of space to ask some "preliminary" questions.
Amber may want to move things along a bit
>>170828
"Sirs, may I disembark the train at this point?" Amber asks, exasperated at how long this is taking.
Also I realize I could have brought up the hijacker and not given up the fugitive, but then again maybe there wouldn't have been time for the music
"Sirs, may I disembark the train at this point?" Amber asks, exasperated at how long this is taking.
Also I realize I could have brought up the hijacker and not given up the fugitive, but then again maybe there wouldn't have been time for the music
>>170829
Oh yes. Hi
>>170667
>>170665
So. Posey using mad science to reanimate corpses and create her own undead in a way that her creations may attack her? That's interesting. Introducing a definitely mechanically game breaking and somewhat setting breaking new element on the basis of an extremely questionable interpretation of the rules? Just... No. First of all, Lament would not agree to it, because he wishes to keep a low profile, and a vampire is the opposite of subtle. Posey's master would be even less interested in it for reasons I don't think I need to explain. If I thought that having a vampire around would work, there would already be one in the game.
I don't mean that the spell is a terrible idea. Posey creating a mummy - which is already an entity so powerful that it's appropriate as a boss - is a maybe. But Posey has gone into the city once, and has defeated like... four enemies? Even if you count diplomacy, it's still only about seven. She's never met with the Doctor character waiting for her in Baltimare. She's never interacted with the zebra voodoo village that is literally 200 feet from her cottage except to look in a church at night. She hasn't been gone to a haunted hotel, or fenced stolen items to the mafia, or tracked down enemies of the dread league like an Arcturian migrant, she hasn't looked for secreted away treasure, or searched for the remains of a battlefield of long ago filled with many dead, or entered the catacombs of a cathedral, or raided the grave of a pirate, or really gained much experience of the world.
>>170816
>Posey still has to tithe to her master every now and then
That's a neat idea
>needs money
Can't do shit if you're broke; I can agree with that
>>170818
>Black Onyx
Posey can recognize instantly that she hasn't seen any in Equestria yet
>>170820
Sure
>>170821
>is there a dumpster behind an animal shelter, or pet store or race track, full of slow, unadoptable greyhounds that Posey could get access?
D'awww, that's so wholesome
>I want their bodies
... Okay then
Oh yes. Hi
>>170667
>>170665
So. Posey using mad science to reanimate corpses and create her own undead in a way that her creations may attack her? That's interesting. Introducing a definitely mechanically game breaking and somewhat setting breaking new element on the basis of an extremely questionable interpretation of the rules? Just... No. First of all, Lament would not agree to it, because he wishes to keep a low profile, and a vampire is the opposite of subtle. Posey's master would be even less interested in it for reasons I don't think I need to explain. If I thought that having a vampire around would work, there would already be one in the game.
I don't mean that the spell is a terrible idea. Posey creating a mummy - which is already an entity so powerful that it's appropriate as a boss - is a maybe. But Posey has gone into the city once, and has defeated like... four enemies? Even if you count diplomacy, it's still only about seven. She's never met with the Doctor character waiting for her in Baltimare. She's never interacted with the zebra voodoo village that is literally 200 feet from her cottage except to look in a church at night. She hasn't been gone to a haunted hotel, or fenced stolen items to the mafia, or tracked down enemies of the dread league like an Arcturian migrant, she hasn't looked for secreted away treasure, or searched for the remains of a battlefield of long ago filled with many dead, or entered the catacombs of a cathedral, or raided the grave of a pirate, or really gained much experience of the world.
>>170816
>Posey still has to tithe to her master every now and then
That's a neat idea
>needs money
Can't do shit if you're broke; I can agree with that
>>170818
>Black Onyx
Posey can recognize instantly that she hasn't seen any in Equestria yet
>>170820
Sure
>>170821
>is there a dumpster behind an animal shelter, or pet store or race track, full of slow, unadoptable greyhounds that Posey could get access?
D'awww, that's so wholesome
>I want their bodies
... Okay then
>>170832
"Of course," Amber says without enthusiasm. She doesn't drag her paws though, as the passengers clamoring to be let off must finally be allowed to disembark, and in an orderly manner. Amber wishes she was being paid for doing the work of a conductor semi-decently, but freedom is a prize good enough.
"Of course," Amber says without enthusiasm. She doesn't drag her paws though, as the passengers clamoring to be let off must finally be allowed to disembark, and in an orderly manner. Amber wishes she was being paid for doing the work of a conductor semi-decently, but freedom is a prize good enough.
>>170831
>Just... No
Okay.
>vampire is the opposite of subtle
Vampires are masters of subtlety, or at least the ones that survive, but I get your point.
The vampire shenanigan is not really important to me though. I just wanted to try something cool.
>Posey creating a mummy - which is already an entity so powerful that it's appropriate as a boss - is a maybe. But Posey has gone into the city once, and has defeated like... four enemies? Even if you count diplomacy, it's still only about seven.
Yeah... I guess she hasn't done very much. I'd like to do more though.
>She's never met with the Doctor character waiting for her in Baltimare.
Wait... there was a doctor waiting?
Well, that's going to be my next priority then.
>She's never interacted with the zebra voodoo village that is literally 200 feet
I missed this too because I'm retarded. I guess that's where Day Low Rain would currently be.
>She hasn't been gone to a haunted hotel, or fenced stolen items to the mafia, or tracked down enemies of the dread league like an Arcturian migrant, she hasn't looked for secreted away treasure, or searched for the remains of a battlefield of long ago filled with many dead, or entered the catacombs of a cathedral, or raided the grave of a pirate, or really gained much experience of the world.
That all sounds like lots of fun. I'd love to get into any of those things.
Thing is, I'm kind of at a loss about where to go next or how to start it, and as I sit around I can't help but think of crazy ambitious plans for world domination.
I completely forgot about the doctor, so that should be Posey's next immediate priority. Could we set up for that to happen next?
>Sure
>... Okay then
I'll subtract a few silvers from my funds to account for the bodies.
>Just... No
Okay.
>vampire is the opposite of subtle
Vampires are masters of subtlety, or at least the ones that survive, but I get your point.
The vampire shenanigan is not really important to me though. I just wanted to try something cool.
>Posey creating a mummy - which is already an entity so powerful that it's appropriate as a boss - is a maybe. But Posey has gone into the city once, and has defeated like... four enemies? Even if you count diplomacy, it's still only about seven.
Yeah... I guess she hasn't done very much. I'd like to do more though.
>She's never met with the Doctor character waiting for her in Baltimare.
Wait... there was a doctor waiting?
Well, that's going to be my next priority then.
>She's never interacted with the zebra voodoo village that is literally 200 feet
I missed this too because I'm retarded. I guess that's where Day Low Rain would currently be.
>She hasn't been gone to a haunted hotel, or fenced stolen items to the mafia, or tracked down enemies of the dread league like an Arcturian migrant, she hasn't looked for secreted away treasure, or searched for the remains of a battlefield of long ago filled with many dead, or entered the catacombs of a cathedral, or raided the grave of a pirate, or really gained much experience of the world.
That all sounds like lots of fun. I'd love to get into any of those things.
Thing is, I'm kind of at a loss about where to go next or how to start it, and as I sit around I can't help but think of crazy ambitious plans for world domination.
I completely forgot about the doctor, so that should be Posey's next immediate priority. Could we set up for that to happen next?
>Sure
>... Okay then
I'll subtract a few silvers from my funds to account for the bodies.
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>>170833
Freedom is well worth it.
Amber didn't technically ask if she could let all of the passengers disembark, but the officer's can't entirely stop her, and I don't imagine Amber cares.
Amber tosses an apple of discord into the mix, and opens the doors.
[YouTube] Opening Damn Flood Gates Is Satisfying [Embed]
>>170834
Posey is technically in Equestria on a sort of student visa. "Dilligent Debride" is technically her supervisor.
>as I sit around I can't help but think of crazy ambitious plans for world domination.
Morrowwind starts off with the imperial guard telling you that you should wonder around and get to know the place better by taking on simple tasks before addressing the rot and the literal god in the mountain. One of the first quests you get is simply clearing a basement of rats.
Freedom is well worth it.
Amber didn't technically ask if she could let all of the passengers disembark, but the officer's can't entirely stop her, and I don't imagine Amber cares.
Amber tosses an apple of discord into the mix, and opens the doors.
[YouTube] Opening Damn Flood Gates Is Satisfying [Embed]
>>170834
Posey is technically in Equestria on a sort of student visa. "Dilligent Debride" is technically her supervisor.
>as I sit around I can't help but think of crazy ambitious plans for world domination.
Morrowwind starts off with the imperial guard telling you that you should wonder around and get to know the place better by taking on simple tasks before addressing the rot and the literal god in the mountain. One of the first quests you get is simply clearing a basement of rats.
>>170836
Amber watches the griffons leave, only intervening when there's a danger of somegriff getting trampled or holding up the flow. She hopes her associates are doing the same.
Amber watches the griffons leave, only intervening when there's a danger of somegriff getting trampled or holding up the flow. She hopes her associates are doing the same.
>>170836
>basement full of rats
"Ah, reminds me of aunt Lily's parties..."
>"Dilligent Debride" is technically her supervisor.
Well, that's news to me. I guess I should meet him. I do want to get into this "Necrologist" gig.
After introducing Baka to Lament (idk if you want me to RP this or if we can just skip it), Posey would arrange to visit Dr. Debride.
If she's visiting the doctor, she'd take Gloomy with her, and would make sure he's ready for an outing.
>basement full of rats
"Ah, reminds me of aunt Lily's parties..."
>"Dilligent Debride" is technically her supervisor.
Well, that's news to me. I guess I should meet him. I do want to get into this "Necrologist" gig.
After introducing Baka to Lament (idk if you want me to RP this or if we can just skip it), Posey would arrange to visit Dr. Debride.
If she's visiting the doctor, she'd take Gloomy with her, and would make sure he's ready for an outing.
>>170837
There is basically almost immediately a danger of somegriff getting trampled over. This would frankly be true of even a normal stop at a train station at a minor city, as there is small amount of time to get off of the train. But it appears that more griffins are attempting to leave the train than originally intended to get off at Soldau. Her companions do attempt to organize the exodus. Erich is rather good at it. Helder can manage it. But Federkleid is having difficulty, perhaps because she was least in a position to respond.
>>170838
>After introducing Baka to Lament (idk if you want me to RP this or if we can just skip it)
probably should RP it but... that's hard. The important things to note are:
Lament and Bakka know each other through correspondence. In fact, they were corresponding up until not long before Leto Pannolovich was killed... I mean, killed more so.
Bakka and Lament don't perfectly mesh, as Lament is more easy going, and Bakka more proud and uptight
Lament is surprised that Posey was able to bring Bakka back
>take gloomy
Should probably bathe him. Maybe hose him down
There is basically almost immediately a danger of somegriff getting trampled over. This would frankly be true of even a normal stop at a train station at a minor city, as there is small amount of time to get off of the train. But it appears that more griffins are attempting to leave the train than originally intended to get off at Soldau. Her companions do attempt to organize the exodus. Erich is rather good at it. Helder can manage it. But Federkleid is having difficulty, perhaps because she was least in a position to respond.
>>170838
>After introducing Baka to Lament (idk if you want me to RP this or if we can just skip it)
probably should RP it but... that's hard. The important things to note are:
Lament and Bakka know each other through correspondence. In fact, they were corresponding up until not long before Leto Pannolovich was killed... I mean, killed more so.
Bakka and Lament don't perfectly mesh, as Lament is more easy going, and Bakka more proud and uptight
Lament is surprised that Posey was able to bring Bakka back
>take gloomy
Should probably bathe him. Maybe hose him down
>>170839
>Lament and Bakka know each other through correspondence. In fact, they were corresponding up until not long before Leto Pannolovich was killed... I mean, killed more so.
Oh. Posey is surprised to see they knew each other.
>Bakka and Lament don't perfectly mesh, as Lament is more easy going, and Bakka more proud and uptight
Lament is surprised that Posey was able to bring Bakka back
Good. More drama = more fun.
>Should probably bathe him. Maybe hose him down
I kind of thought that goes without saying, but yeah, she'll give him a good bathing in a tub full of suds and bubbles, embalm him in shampoo and conditioners, dry him off with a warm towel, and make him look extra fluffy for the outing.
Posey takes her grooming very, very seriously.
>Lament and Bakka know each other through correspondence. In fact, they were corresponding up until not long before Leto Pannolovich was killed... I mean, killed more so.
Oh. Posey is surprised to see they knew each other.
>Bakka and Lament don't perfectly mesh, as Lament is more easy going, and Bakka more proud and uptight
Lament is surprised that Posey was able to bring Bakka back
Good. More drama = more fun.
>Should probably bathe him. Maybe hose him down
I kind of thought that goes without saying, but yeah, she'll give him a good bathing in a tub full of suds and bubbles, embalm him in shampoo and conditioners, dry him off with a warm towel, and make him look extra fluffy for the outing.
Posey takes her grooming very, very seriously.
>>170839
Amber steps in to help the unfortunate griffon, blowing the whistle if necessary to get through the crowd. Then, Amber would assist Federkleid in directing passengers.
Amber steps in to help the unfortunate griffon, blowing the whistle if necessary to get through the crowd. Then, Amber would assist Federkleid in directing passengers.
>>170841
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmuWwmdb-48&pp=ygUOYnVubnkgc3RhbXBlZGU%3D
As the two are on opposite ends, Amber has to fight through a horde to get to the front of the train. But through perseverance, she manages to get to Federkleid to relieve her.
A passenger on the train - a young female - asks "will this train be going to Hellquill?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmuWwmdb-48&pp=ygUOYnVubnkgc3RhbXBlZGU%3D
As the two are on opposite ends, Amber has to fight through a horde to get to the front of the train. But through perseverance, she manages to get to Federkleid to relieve her.
A passenger on the train - a young female - asks "will this train be going to Hellquill?"
>>170842
This scene is still gold.
"Yes miss, we will be underway to Hellquill shortly," Amber replies. "This delay was terrible but the issues we've had are mostly resolved."
This scene is still gold.
"Yes miss, we will be underway to Hellquill shortly," Amber replies. "This delay was terrible but the issues we've had are mostly resolved."
>>170843
An older griffin, who slowly steps onto the platform after the main horde has passed through, sighs.
"In the old days, we wouldn't let a simple robbery hold up things this much." She shakes her head. "How far the Reichsbahn has fallen..."
The first griffin answers
"Okay..."
When both griffins are a bit further away, Federklied leans in towards Amber
"We've got to get out of here."
An older griffin, who slowly steps onto the platform after the main horde has passed through, sighs.
"In the old days, we wouldn't let a simple robbery hold up things this much." She shakes her head. "How far the Reichsbahn has fallen..."
The first griffin answers
"Okay..."
When both griffins are a bit further away, Federklied leans in towards Amber
"We've got to get out of here."
>>170844
"It's not our policy but Hellquill's, sir," Amber replies to the first. "We will be boarding as soon as the suspect is arrested."
To Federkleid Amber whispers, "I'd like to but I'm not running all the way to Hellheim on these legs. The police got what they think they were looking for and the train will be at Hellheim before they suspect anything differently. Don't worry, our 'guest' won't spill the fish, I made sure of that. Just stay calm."
"It's not our policy but Hellquill's, sir," Amber replies to the first. "We will be boarding as soon as the suspect is arrested."
To Federkleid Amber whispers, "I'd like to but I'm not running all the way to Hellheim on these legs. The police got what they think they were looking for and the train will be at Hellheim before they suspect anything differently. Don't worry, our 'guest' won't spill the fish, I made sure of that. Just stay calm."
>>170845
"That Inquistor is still trying to call them. To tip them off. Helder better not be exaggerating about his connections here." She says.
It's another minute, maybe, before the officer comes back to Amber
"What in Hel are you doing, letting so many witnesses go?"
He seems unpleased.
"That Inquistor is still trying to call them. To tip them off. Helder better not be exaggerating about his connections here." She says.
It's another minute, maybe, before the officer comes back to Amber
"What in Hel are you doing, letting so many witnesses go?"
He seems unpleased.
>>170846
Amber looks slightly annoyed. "I asked if I could disembark the train, and I did so after the go-ahead. Had I waited any longer the passengers would want to start a riot and somegriff would be injured. Can't have that, can we? Besides," Amber tries to be more accommodating, "they are disembarking into your jurisdiction and you will have plenty of time to question them off the train. But the train must run on time, and, considering we failed that, it must run at all. Now can we please embark our passengers to Hellheim and depart?"
Amber looks slightly annoyed. "I asked if I could disembark the train, and I did so after the go-ahead. Had I waited any longer the passengers would want to start a riot and somegriff would be injured. Can't have that, can we? Besides," Amber tries to be more accommodating, "they are disembarking into your jurisdiction and you will have plenty of time to question them off the train. But the train must run on time, and, considering we failed that, it must run at all. Now can we please embark our passengers to Hellheim and depart?"
>>170850
"Thank you," Amber replies woodenly. She waits for the suspects to be carried off and silently bemoans her betrayal of the fugitive's trust–somehow feeling more guilty over this than actively chicknapping and brainwashing an innocent police officer–before giving the signal for outgoing passengers to board.
"Thank you," Amber replies woodenly. She waits for the suspects to be carried off and silently bemoans her betrayal of the fugitive's trust–somehow feeling more guilty over this than actively chicknapping and brainwashing an innocent police officer–before giving the signal for outgoing passengers to board.
>>170851
Some seconds, and Amber's two victims are carried off of the train from the respective front and last cars. First, the fugitive from the front car with two officers, then the brainwashed Imperial policegrif with the Hellquill captain and another officer. In an odd reversal, it's the fugitive who is gagged and his beak tied. As he is walked out, his eyes dart about in terror, with his head making jerking movements, and he whimpers. The brainwashed officer is not gagged, but his mouth is slightly open, his tounge slightly sticking out and his mouth pointed down. His eyes peer up towards the raincloud laden sky, and at the world around him in a confused, dazes, and frightened look.
A few griffins get on the train. Likely not as many as originally intended to, but this was always a secondary stop. Amber can see that this train was going to have to be allowed to leave sooner or later, as there is only one track allowing other trains to pass the station, and they would be holding up all traffic, including freight, along this line.
Some seconds, and Amber's two victims are carried off of the train from the respective front and last cars. First, the fugitive from the front car with two officers, then the brainwashed Imperial policegrif with the Hellquill captain and another officer. In an odd reversal, it's the fugitive who is gagged and his beak tied. As he is walked out, his eyes dart about in terror, with his head making jerking movements, and he whimpers. The brainwashed officer is not gagged, but his mouth is slightly open, his tounge slightly sticking out and his mouth pointed down. His eyes peer up towards the raincloud laden sky, and at the world around him in a confused, dazes, and frightened look.
A few griffins get on the train. Likely not as many as originally intended to, but this was always a secondary stop. Amber can see that this train was going to have to be allowed to leave sooner or later, as there is only one track allowing other trains to pass the station, and they would be holding up all traffic, including freight, along this line.
>>170852
Amber turns away guiltily. Once the passengers are aboard, she shuts the car doors and heads to the locomotive where the engineer is hopefully still at.
Amber turns away guiltily. Once the passengers are aboard, she shuts the car doors and heads to the locomotive where the engineer is hopefully still at.
>>170853
The doors close, and Amber is - finally - able to move up to the front car. Amber can give the order to move out of the station, and towards her next destination - Beakstadt, just outside of Hellquill City.
Roll luck
The doors close, and Amber is - finally - able to move up to the front car. Amber can give the order to move out of the station, and towards her next destination - Beakstadt, just outside of Hellquill City.
Roll luck
>>170858
As the officer wished, Amber uses the radio to report back to Griffinheim. She gives the train's name/designation first, then states "Suspects have been apprehended and are in custody. Repeat: suspects have been apprehended and in custody. Normal operations have been resumed." Then she shuts off the radio before the confused or indignant griffons at the office can get in a reply.
After this Amber would try to get some rest, no doubt entering a sleep within a sleep out of exhaustion.
As the officer wished, Amber uses the radio to report back to Griffinheim. She gives the train's name/designation first, then states "Suspects have been apprehended and are in custody. Repeat: suspects have been apprehended and in custody. Normal operations have been resumed." Then she shuts off the radio before the confused or indignant griffons at the office can get in a reply.
After this Amber would try to get some rest, no doubt entering a sleep within a sleep out of exhaustion.
>>170860
The engineer protests:
“We’re not allowed to turn the radio off during normal operations.” He says
The engineer protests:
“We’re not allowed to turn the radio off during normal operations.” He says
>>170861
Amber calmly, though tiredly responds, "The situation has been dealt with and if anything else happens we can switch it back on right away. Today has been exhausting for me and I simply must have some shuteye before the next station, and radio static waking me up is the last thing we all need."
Amber calmly, though tiredly responds, "The situation has been dealt with and if anything else happens we can switch it back on right away. Today has been exhausting for me and I simply must have some shuteye before the next station, and radio static waking me up is the last thing we all need."
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>>170864
The engineer says "It's been a long day," and if Amber doesn't do it, he flicks the switch on the radio off. He has no idea.
And with that, Amber is allowed a brief respite.
The engineer says "It's been a long day," and if Amber doesn't do it, he flicks the switch on the radio off. He has no idea.
And with that, Amber is allowed a brief respite.
>>170865
Hopefully the others take this time to recover as well, though Amber is too tired to check up on them.
Hopefully the others take this time to recover as well, though Amber is too tired to check up on them.
>>170866
As the locomotive is cramped and noisy, with bare steel walls, Amber likely seeks to rest elsewhere. A coack would work, but it's probably best to stay away from the passengers. There is a small room in the front car, next to the bathroom the fugative hid away in for so long, that is likely a converted bremerhaus, just like the room the prisoner was kept in. It is more or less the size of a closet, with room for a single chair. That chair is burgundy leather that is falling apart. But it's the most conformable thing Amber has sat in in a while. And the room has both a door and a window. Amber might look out the window at the primordial forest that passes by, or of the mighty griffking which so much of the path follows, or of a lone stone fortress on a hill, or across the river into Longsword, and see the burnt, sharp angled roofs that remain in a destroyed village. But most likely she closes her eyes and tries to sleep. It does not take long at all to fall asleep.
Amber is awoken to a knock on the door, and the words
"We're nearing Beakstadt."
As the locomotive is cramped and noisy, with bare steel walls, Amber likely seeks to rest elsewhere. A coack would work, but it's probably best to stay away from the passengers. There is a small room in the front car, next to the bathroom the fugative hid away in for so long, that is likely a converted bremerhaus, just like the room the prisoner was kept in. It is more or less the size of a closet, with room for a single chair. That chair is burgundy leather that is falling apart. But it's the most conformable thing Amber has sat in in a while. And the room has both a door and a window. Amber might look out the window at the primordial forest that passes by, or of the mighty griffking which so much of the path follows, or of a lone stone fortress on a hill, or across the river into Longsword, and see the burnt, sharp angled roofs that remain in a destroyed village. But most likely she closes her eyes and tries to sleep. It does not take long at all to fall asleep.
Amber is awoken to a knock on the door, and the words
"We're nearing Beakstadt."
>>170868
Amber is annoyed by the disturbance, and still quite tired, but wastes no time in getting up, checking the engineer at the locomotive, and making sure the rest of the train is in order before it pulls into Beakstadt. She wonders to herself whether it would be worthwhile to disembark there and find alternative transport to Hellheim, or to stay on the train and maintain her cover.
Amber is annoyed by the disturbance, and still quite tired, but wastes no time in getting up, checking the engineer at the locomotive, and making sure the rest of the train is in order before it pulls into Beakstadt. She wonders to herself whether it would be worthwhile to disembark there and find alternative transport to Hellheim, or to stay on the train and maintain her cover.
>>170869
Amber opens the door to see that it was the engineer. He runs back into the locomotive, confirming that he was not supposed to leave his post. The train is not yet to its final destination, as acts like turning the radio back on and calling in to Beakstadt Hauptbahnhof, or the passing of the baton, have yet to take place, though these follow shortly. Amber too, must announce the next stop. Federklied is the companion who stays in the forward cars, and she, though only she, is close by. Beakstadt is a little larger than Soldau, with more half-timber buildings, carts, spires from temples, and granary silos.
It is after the train comes to a stop that the engineer calls for Amber. He is conversing over the radio.
"It's Reichsbahn headquarters in Griffenheim. They are claiming someone else was scheduled for this journey."
Amber opens the door to see that it was the engineer. He runs back into the locomotive, confirming that he was not supposed to leave his post. The train is not yet to its final destination, as acts like turning the radio back on and calling in to Beakstadt Hauptbahnhof, or the passing of the baton, have yet to take place, though these follow shortly. Amber too, must announce the next stop. Federklied is the companion who stays in the forward cars, and she, though only she, is close by. Beakstadt is a little larger than Soldau, with more half-timber buildings, carts, spires from temples, and granary silos.
It is after the train comes to a stop that the engineer calls for Amber. He is conversing over the radio.
"It's Reichsbahn headquarters in Griffenheim. They are claiming someone else was scheduled for this journey."
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>>170816
GM, I had an idea that's not quite as whacky or game-breaking as the last couple ones, it pertains to my character's progression in the story and concerns some, so I feel like it should be brought up now.
Spoilering because OC walls of text are cringe.
I
With your approval, I would like to consider this as an option for Posey's superiors in the Dread League to communicate with her:
Since Posey has a mentor who is a Dread Necromancer (Or Wizard, if you prefer) of 8+ level, they might have the Mother Cyst feat (a popular cyst for Dread Necromancers). Evil Necromancers revile in using Necrotic Cysts to mark and control even living creatures. Posey has a Mother Cyst, but since she was (and still is) a slave to the Dread League in her short life, her master or superiors might have encysted her so that they could monitor, control, punish or destroy her. Posey, having a mother possesses a Mother Cyst (the vile black lump where her heart used to be), which is also a Necrotic Cyst.
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/feats/noncore-featslm.html#MOTHER%20CYST
One particular spell is Necrotic Scrying:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellslm.html#NECROTIC%20SCRYING
It's like Scrying, but it's a Necromancy spell, and it only works on creatures that the caster has marked with a Necrotic Cyst. The caster can allow the target to see or hear them if they wish.
So, with your permission, could this be Posey's way of receiving orders from her undead overlords; well as report to her mentor on a weekly/monthly basis as the Apprentice feat requires?
It would be a one-way call line, and it would also be a fun potential plot device (in my opinion) as an officer from the Society Of Bones could at any time spy on Posey and/or give her an order (which she would be compelled to follow) at their whims. The Society Of Bones path for the Dread League in EaW is based on Infiltration, and this feat+spell could help the league manipulate Posey as a spy. It even has the added benefit of being a Necromancy spell instead of a Divination spell, so it slips past wards that protect against divination.
Since Posey has a code of conduct that she cannot defy her superiors unless she surpasses them, and having the cyst in addition to her Test Subject flaw makes her additionally vulnerable to necromancy spells, you could say that she simply automatically fails any saving throw against the Scrying (which means she'd never know she's being scry'd unless her master chose to let her see/hear them).
I gave Posey the Code Of Conduct weakness (saying that she could never defy her superiors in the league unless she exceeds their powers) as a voluntary nerf and because anyone who isn't a leader in the Dread League should be an enslaved thrall (hence Posey's ambitions to grow her powers earn her emancipation), but it's not exactly relevant if her overlords aren't able to give her demands or monitor her activity. I thought this could also give Posey more consequences for failure/betrayal as they could scry her with only a lvl 2 slot, and do much worse such as:
Appear at any moment:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellsCC.html#Door%20of%20Decay
Destroy her
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellslm.html#NECROTIC%20BURST
Detonate her:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellslm.html#NECROTIC%20ERUPTION
Or implode her very soul:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellslm.html#NECROTIC%20TERMINATION
I am completely okay with accepting the consequences of this if it actually happens, so don't think i'll get salty if her undead overlord railroads Posey into a quest or decides to destroy her. Posey is a slave to evil as well as a villain and therefore a tragic character that would be deserving of such a fate.
GM, I had an idea that's not quite as whacky or game-breaking as the last couple ones, it pertains to my character's progression in the story and concerns some, so I feel like it should be brought up now.
Spoilering because OC walls of text are cringe.
I
With your approval, I would like to consider this as an option for Posey's superiors in the Dread League to communicate with her:
Since Posey has a mentor who is a Dread Necromancer (Or Wizard, if you prefer) of 8+ level, they might have the Mother Cyst feat (a popular cyst for Dread Necromancers). Evil Necromancers revile in using Necrotic Cysts to mark and control even living creatures. Posey has a Mother Cyst, but since she was (and still is) a slave to the Dread League in her short life, her master or superiors might have encysted her so that they could monitor, control, punish or destroy her. Posey, having a mother possesses a Mother Cyst (the vile black lump where her heart used to be), which is also a Necrotic Cyst.
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/feats/noncore-featslm.html#MOTHER%20CYST
One particular spell is Necrotic Scrying:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellslm.html#NECROTIC%20SCRYING
It's like Scrying, but it's a Necromancy spell, and it only works on creatures that the caster has marked with a Necrotic Cyst. The caster can allow the target to see or hear them if they wish.
So, with your permission, could this be Posey's way of receiving orders from her undead overlords; well as report to her mentor on a weekly/monthly basis as the Apprentice feat requires?
It would be a one-way call line, and it would also be a fun potential plot device (in my opinion) as an officer from the Society Of Bones could at any time spy on Posey and/or give her an order (which she would be compelled to follow) at their whims. The Society Of Bones path for the Dread League in EaW is based on Infiltration, and this feat+spell could help the league manipulate Posey as a spy. It even has the added benefit of being a Necromancy spell instead of a Divination spell, so it slips past wards that protect against divination.
Since Posey has a code of conduct that she cannot defy her superiors unless she surpasses them, and having the cyst in addition to her Test Subject flaw makes her additionally vulnerable to necromancy spells, you could say that she simply automatically fails any saving throw against the Scrying (which means she'd never know she's being scry'd unless her master chose to let her see/hear them).
I gave Posey the Code Of Conduct weakness (saying that she could never defy her superiors in the league unless she exceeds their powers) as a voluntary nerf and because anyone who isn't a leader in the Dread League should be an enslaved thrall (hence Posey's ambitions to grow her powers earn her emancipation), but it's not exactly relevant if her overlords aren't able to give her demands or monitor her activity. I thought this could also give Posey more consequences for failure/betrayal as they could scry her with only a lvl 2 slot, and do much worse such as:
Appear at any moment:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellsCC.html#Door%20of%20Decay
Destroy her
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellslm.html#NECROTIC%20BURST
Detonate her:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellslm.html#NECROTIC%20ERUPTION
Or implode her very soul:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/spells/spellslm.html#NECROTIC%20TERMINATION
I am completely okay with accepting the consequences of this if it actually happens, so don't think i'll get salty if her undead overlord railroads Posey into a quest or decides to destroy her. Posey is a slave to evil as well as a villain and therefore a tragic character that would be deserving of such a fate.
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>>170875
This also raises an issue I've been avoiding, which is who in particular was supposed to be Posey's Mentor. Posey has an NPC Mentor of at least 8th level, having the Apprentice feat; an Apprentice can try to attract a Mentor of a particular class, but they're still an NPC of GM discretion. I had multiple ideas for a mentor, one of which was based on an old character I played, but it felt like an overreach to insert a mid-high level character of my own making into the setting, so I kind of thought you would have one (remember that part with Mason in the car where I messed up thinking that Lament was Posey's master?); it was my error to do that, and I feel it must have been annoying then, especially now since I'm bringing it up again.
https://dndtools.net/feats/dungeon-masters-guide-ii--40/apprentice--3265/#google_vignette
Posey being an apprentice is pretty important to her character; I chose that path because I liked the idea of Posey being like an evil version of Twilight Sparkle sending and receiving letters to and from Celestia on "making friends". It also defines her service to the league and this also her political motives. I can tell that I've annoyed you quite a bit with my ideas, but Posey having a relationship with her mentor is an aspect of her character that I would strongly prefer to keep.
As for ideas for her mentor, you are the ultimate decider, but I had some ideas:
1) A named NPC Necromancer in the Society Of Bones of my making (with a statblock and background)
This is the option that's least work for you, although since I don't particularly control or roleplay them maybe it's not best that I write them. This requires an approved character build if they brcome
2) A named NPC Necromancer in the Society of Bones of your making
This was the idea that I thought was going to happen but was corrected in session on in the car with Mason, which was an embarrassingly poor assumption to make.
3) An unnamed NPC which is barely relevant other than its confirmed existence for the feat
The "boring" option that only grants the benefit of the feat with no roleplay implications. I do not like this option, and I don't believe you do either, but it's an option.
4) Rosa Maledicta
The "special agent Mary Sue / canon x OC" option, where Posey reports directly to the leader of the Dread League. This is an obvious idea, but it feels so sickeningly "special" and audacious that I feel embarrassed just bringing it up, since I feel like it amounts to special treatment having an existing relationship with the leader of the country and a popular "canon" character. I only mention it because any League member that Posey reports to would themselves report to Rosa, so one way or another she serves her, so her Mentor may pass down orders from Rosa if plot demands.
5) An unnamed and unknown NPC from the Dread League of your making, unknown to Posey
The "Mysterious Shadowy Patron" option. This is is the idea of Posey having been taught by her master, but not knowing their true nature. Perhaps her master only contacted her through the magic described above, perhaps her master was a body-snatcher who appeared in various magic-jar bodies, or perhaps her master used illusory magic to conceal their identity. The master could be a powerful Necromancer from the league, a fiend from Tartarus, a windigo, or even a changeling imposter. This option kicks the can down the road to reveal their identity later.
This also raises an issue I've been avoiding, which is who in particular was supposed to be Posey's Mentor. Posey has an NPC Mentor of at least 8th level, having the Apprentice feat; an Apprentice can try to attract a Mentor of a particular class, but they're still an NPC of GM discretion. I had multiple ideas for a mentor, one of which was based on an old character I played, but it felt like an overreach to insert a mid-high level character of my own making into the setting, so I kind of thought you would have one (remember that part with Mason in the car where I messed up thinking that Lament was Posey's master?); it was my error to do that, and I feel it must have been annoying then, especially now since I'm bringing it up again.
https://dndtools.net/feats/dungeon-masters-guide-ii--40/apprentice--3265/#google_vignette
Posey being an apprentice is pretty important to her character; I chose that path because I liked the idea of Posey being like an evil version of Twilight Sparkle sending and receiving letters to and from Celestia on "making friends". It also defines her service to the league and this also her political motives. I can tell that I've annoyed you quite a bit with my ideas, but Posey having a relationship with her mentor is an aspect of her character that I would strongly prefer to keep.
As for ideas for her mentor, you are the ultimate decider, but I had some ideas:
1) A named NPC Necromancer in the Society Of Bones of my making (with a statblock and background)
This is the option that's least work for you, although since I don't particularly control or roleplay them maybe it's not best that I write them. This requires an approved character build if they brcome
2) A named NPC Necromancer in the Society of Bones of your making
This was the idea that I thought was going to happen but was corrected in session on in the car with Mason, which was an embarrassingly poor assumption to make.
3) An unnamed NPC which is barely relevant other than its confirmed existence for the feat
The "boring" option that only grants the benefit of the feat with no roleplay implications. I do not like this option, and I don't believe you do either, but it's an option.
4) Rosa Maledicta
The "special agent Mary Sue / canon x OC" option, where Posey reports directly to the leader of the Dread League. This is an obvious idea, but it feels so sickeningly "special" and audacious that I feel embarrassed just bringing it up, since I feel like it amounts to special treatment having an existing relationship with the leader of the country and a popular "canon" character. I only mention it because any League member that Posey reports to would themselves report to Rosa, so one way or another she serves her, so her Mentor may pass down orders from Rosa if plot demands.
5) An unnamed and unknown NPC from the Dread League of your making, unknown to Posey
The "Mysterious Shadowy Patron" option. This is is the idea of Posey having been taught by her master, but not knowing their true nature. Perhaps her master only contacted her through the magic described above, perhaps her master was a body-snatcher who appeared in various magic-jar bodies, or perhaps her master used illusory magic to conceal their identity. The master could be a powerful Necromancer from the league, a fiend from Tartarus, a windigo, or even a changeling imposter. This option kicks the can down the road to reveal their identity later.
>>170798
Silver hears the loud clattering of breaking and falling glass, the "thud" of bullets going through drywall, and the "cla cla cla" of Grim assault rifles, and Silver knows he has walked into another ambush.
[1d7 = 5]
[1d20 = 1]
[1d20 = 18]
[1d20 = 14]
[1d20 = 12]
[1d20 = 14]
[1d7 = 4]
[1d20 = 15]
[1d20 = 9]
[1d20 = 16]
[1d20 = 20]
[1d20 = 13]
Silver hears the loud clattering of breaking and falling glass, the "thud" of bullets going through drywall, and the "cla cla cla" of Grim assault rifles, and Silver knows he has walked into another ambush.
[1d7 = 5]
[1d20 = 1]
[1d20 = 18]
[1d20 = 14]
[1d20 = 12]
[1d20 = 14]
[1d7 = 4]
[1d20 = 15]
[1d20 = 9]
[1d20 = 16]
[1d20 = 20]
[1d20 = 13]
>>170882
"ДЕРЬМО! GET IN COVER!"
Silver immediately works to drag the grey pony to cover, wherever it can be found.
"ДЕРЬМО! GET IN COVER!"
Silver immediately works to drag the grey pony to cover, wherever it can be found.
>>170883
The area below the windows provides cover of a sort, as it cannot be seen through. There may be thick walls elsewhere. Pretty much everypony has already dropped to the floor.
The area below the windows provides cover of a sort, as it cannot be seen through. There may be thick walls elsewhere. Pretty much everypony has already dropped to the floor.
>>170884
Is there a place nearby that is more likely to be resistant to bullets, so they can keep the grey pony from bleeding out?
Is there a place nearby that is more likely to be resistant to bullets, so they can keep the grey pony from bleeding out?
>>170889
The difficulty lies in staying below the level of the windows. The same with opening the door
The difficulty lies in staying below the level of the windows. The same with opening the door
>>170893
With his magic, Silver is able to toggle the door open. It's an office. Moslty bare, but with a desk and a mostly empty bookshelf
With his magic, Silver is able to toggle the door open. It's an office. Moslty bare, but with a desk and a mostly empty bookshelf
>>170894
Silver quickly motions for the other medic to tend to him while he pulls out the Strange. Can Silver tell from what direction the ambush came?
Silver quickly motions for the other medic to tend to him while he pulls out the Strange. Can Silver tell from what direction the ambush came?
>>170896
Can Silver use his Strange to suppress the changelings in order to get a more clear idea of where their firing position is?
Can Silver use his Strange to suppress the changelings in order to get a more clear idea of where their firing position is?
>>170900
Oh, Silver isn't worried about that. He instead brings his Strange up, and without much care for aiming...
BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG
[1d20-10 = (1-10) = -9]
[1d20-10 = (2-10) = -8]
[1d20-10 = (8-10) = -2]
[1d20-10 = (7-10) = -3]
[1d20-10 = (11-10) = 1]
[1d20-10 = (16-10) = 6]
[1d20-10 = (16-10) = 6]
[1d20-10 = (1-10) = -9]
[1d20-10 = (17-10) = 7]
[1d20-10 = (14-10) = 4]
[1d20-10 = (14-10) = 4]
[1d20-10 = (16-10) = 6]
[1d20-10 = (4-10) = -6]
[1d20-10 = (4-10) = -6]
[1d20-10 = (11-10) = 1]
[1d20-10 = (3-10) = -7]
[1d20-10 = (12-10) = 2]
[1d20-10 = (8-10) = -2]
[1d20-10 = (6-10) = -4]
[1d20-10 = (3-10) = -7]
...Silver dumps the entire magazine in the general area where the bullets came from, hoping to keep the changelings suppressed while he spots their positions.
Oh, Silver isn't worried about that. He instead brings his Strange up, and without much care for aiming...
BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG
[1d20-10 = (1-10) = -9]
[1d20-10 = (2-10) = -8]
[1d20-10 = (8-10) = -2]
[1d20-10 = (7-10) = -3]
[1d20-10 = (11-10) = 1]
[1d20-10 = (16-10) = 6]
[1d20-10 = (16-10) = 6]
[1d20-10 = (1-10) = -9]
[1d20-10 = (17-10) = 7]
[1d20-10 = (14-10) = 4]
[1d20-10 = (14-10) = 4]
[1d20-10 = (16-10) = 6]
[1d20-10 = (4-10) = -6]
[1d20-10 = (4-10) = -6]
[1d20-10 = (11-10) = 1]
[1d20-10 = (3-10) = -7]
[1d20-10 = (12-10) = 2]
[1d20-10 = (8-10) = -2]
[1d20-10 = (6-10) = -4]
[1d20-10 = (3-10) = -7]
...Silver dumps the entire magazine in the general area where the bullets came from, hoping to keep the changelings suppressed while he spots their positions.
>>170902
The Strange has an oddly fierce sound, being one of the loudest and sharpest weapons Silver has heard in his life. It beats against his shoulder, though it handles oddly well for what is essentially a full-auto rifle cartridge machine gun the size of a shoulder-fired rifle. The bullets come out with a roar, ripping out remaining glass and tearing through the walls.
Silver can see a couple drones duck for cover, and he can see that they are on the upper floor of the cloister, to the right, near the northeast corner.
The Strange has an oddly fierce sound, being one of the loudest and sharpest weapons Silver has heard in his life. It beats against his shoulder, though it handles oddly well for what is essentially a full-auto rifle cartridge machine gun the size of a shoulder-fired rifle. The bullets come out with a roar, ripping out remaining glass and tearing through the walls.
Silver can see a couple drones duck for cover, and he can see that they are on the upper floor of the cloister, to the right, near the northeast corner.
>>170903
Silver quickly points out their position to the others before switching out the magazine in the Strange.
"GET THEM, UPPER FLOOR!"
Silver quickly points out their position to the others before switching out the magazine in the Strange.
"GET THEM, UPPER FLOOR!"
>>170904
The White Pegasus and Spectral Streak quickly sneak under the cover to try to go around to flank the Changeling position. Everypony else is wounded, save for the one medic, who is presumably aiding the other, downed medic.
The White Pegasus and Spectral Streak quickly sneak under the cover to try to go around to flank the Changeling position. Everypony else is wounded, save for the one medic, who is presumably aiding the other, downed medic.
>>170905
With the magazines changed Silver looks for movement from the changelings, getting the Strange ready to respond if they try anything.
With the magazines changed Silver looks for movement from the changelings, getting the Strange ready to respond if they try anything.
[1d20+6 = (2+6) = 8]
[1d20+6 = (3+6) = 9]
[1d20+6 = (10+6) = 16]
[1d20+6 = (12+6) = 18]
>>170909
Silver fires a short burst from his Strange at the changeling.
[1d20+6 = (3+6) = 9]
[1d20+6 = (10+6) = 16]
[1d20+6 = (12+6) = 18]
>>170909
Silver fires a short burst from his Strange at the changeling.
>>170910
Silver sees a drone, wearing what seems to be an Equestrian security uniform, but nevertheless with those strange blue bug eyes, tattered ears, jet black chitin layers, and a Grim assault rifle, peer up over the empty windowsill aiming to take a shot at Silver's group.
Silver, however, gets to him first. CHANG CHANG CHANG CHANG. At least two shots hit
[4d8 = 20]
Silver sees a drone, wearing what seems to be an Equestrian security uniform, but nevertheless with those strange blue bug eyes, tattered ears, jet black chitin layers, and a Grim assault rifle, peer up over the empty windowsill aiming to take a shot at Silver's group.
Silver, however, gets to him first. CHANG CHANG CHANG CHANG. At least two shots hit
[4d8 = 20]
>>170912
Silver shouts out to the cowardly changelings hiding after their ambush didn't turn out as they likely had hoped using a tongue they are likely familiar with.
"FICK DICH!"
Silver shouts out to the cowardly changelings hiding after their ambush didn't turn out as they likely had hoped using a tongue they are likely familiar with.
"FICK DICH!"
[1d20+6 = (8+6) = 14]
[1d20+6 = (15+6) = 21]
[1d20+6 = (8+6) = 14]
[1d20+6 = (1+6) = 7]
>>170915
"Lutsch meinen Schwanz!"
BANGBANGBANGBANG
[1d20+6 = (15+6) = 21]
[1d20+6 = (8+6) = 14]
[1d20+6 = (1+6) = 7]
>>170915
"Lutsch meinen Schwanz!"
BANGBANGBANGBANG
[1d20+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[1d20+6 = (13+6) = 19]
[1d20+6 = (13+6) = 19]
[1d20+6 = (16+6) = 22]
>>170919
"ARGH, SCHEISSE!"
If he has yet to return to cover, Silver responds in kind:
BANGBANGBANGBANG
[1d20+6 = (13+6) = 19]
[1d20+6 = (13+6) = 19]
[1d20+6 = (16+6) = 22]
>>170919
"ARGH, SCHEISSE!"
If he has yet to return to cover, Silver responds in kind:
BANGBANGBANGBANG
Actually...
Two of Silver's allies join the fray, as does a third drone
Third drone
[1d20 = 14]
Two of Silver's allies join the fray, as does a third drone
Third drone
[1d20 = 14]
>>170932
Silver hears the sounds of "Bang Bang Bang Bang" to his left as it seems Spectral Streak and the Sargent are moving in, and he sees a drone get up, and try to run away to the right.
Silver hears the sounds of "Bang Bang Bang Bang" to his left as it seems Spectral Streak and the Sargent are moving in, and he sees a drone get up, and try to run away to the right.
[1d20+6 = (19+6) = 25]
[1d20+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d20+6 = (9+6) = 15]
[1d20+6 = (18+6) = 24]
>>170933
Not so fast there.
BANGBANGBANGBANGBANG
[1d20+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d20+6 = (9+6) = 15]
[1d20+6 = (18+6) = 24]
>>170933
Not so fast there.
BANGBANGBANGBANGBANG
>>170934
>>170935
Silver feels the power of the Strange, as does the drone, who seems to trip and fall, leaving a splatter of green and blue blood on the wall.
Silver sees Streak and the Sargent moving through, evidently shooting the corpses of the downed drones, then look through adjoining hallways and rooms.
"Clear!"
>>170935
Silver feels the power of the Strange, as does the drone, who seems to trip and fall, leaving a splatter of green and blue blood on the wall.
Silver sees Streak and the Sargent moving through, evidently shooting the corpses of the downed drones, then look through adjoining hallways and rooms.
"Clear!"
>>170937
The purple pony is shot through around the belly, with a wound similar to Silver's. He is in pain, but not out.
The Grey pony has been stabilized, but he's not in great condition. It may be possible to bring him back to consciousness with appropriate medications.
The purple pony is shot through around the belly, with a wound similar to Silver's. He is in pain, but not out.
The Grey pony has been stabilized, but he's not in great condition. It may be possible to bring him back to consciousness with appropriate medications.
>>170870
Amber suddenly feels chilled. A weaker mind would have frozen in fear at what this revelation could mean. Instead, realizing the circumstances she is in and the need to sway the driver of the locomotive, she incites indignation within herself, feeding her rage off dozens of years of injustices and slights at court, her physical discomfort and the clear incompetence of the railway company. "What sort of bone-headed mistake did they make now?" she squawks. "Someone else! When short, concise, MEANINGFUL messages are needed at the radio, they go with the vaguest terms possible. And they do so NOW, trying to pin blame on us after we've gone through half a day and hundreds of miles through BANDIT-INFESTED territory and dealt with multiple issues on our own! Let me guess, the conductor they had scheduled previously who had called in sick because of the 'gentleman's cold' he caught from some TWO-THALER WHORE showed up later because he remembered he needed money for his gambling debts! I tell you, you should hang up because those worthless dummköpfe have been RUNNING THE REICHSBAHN INTO THE DIRT ever since I retired and they think they can tell US how to do our jobs while they sit in their heated offices. They should come down PERSONALLY and explain to the Hellquill polizei why they failed to account for armed bandits and rebels on the route. Maybe the infusion of COMMON SENSE from doing that would mean fewer delays, paycuts and bringing employees out of retirement, because issuing vague diktats from on high over the radio like they think they are the Archons is clearly not helping!"
Amber is visibly gyrating with rage, eyes bulging and with a clenched talon shaken in the air.
Amber suddenly feels chilled. A weaker mind would have frozen in fear at what this revelation could mean. Instead, realizing the circumstances she is in and the need to sway the driver of the locomotive, she incites indignation within herself, feeding her rage off dozens of years of injustices and slights at court, her physical discomfort and the clear incompetence of the railway company. "What sort of bone-headed mistake did they make now?" she squawks. "Someone else! When short, concise, MEANINGFUL messages are needed at the radio, they go with the vaguest terms possible. And they do so NOW, trying to pin blame on us after we've gone through half a day and hundreds of miles through BANDIT-INFESTED territory and dealt with multiple issues on our own! Let me guess, the conductor they had scheduled previously who had called in sick because of the 'gentleman's cold' he caught from some TWO-THALER WHORE showed up later because he remembered he needed money for his gambling debts! I tell you, you should hang up because those worthless dummköpfe have been RUNNING THE REICHSBAHN INTO THE DIRT ever since I retired and they think they can tell US how to do our jobs while they sit in their heated offices. They should come down PERSONALLY and explain to the Hellquill polizei why they failed to account for armed bandits and rebels on the route. Maybe the infusion of COMMON SENSE from doing that would mean fewer delays, paycuts and bringing employees out of retirement, because issuing vague diktats from on high over the radio like they think they are the Archons is clearly not helping!"
Amber is visibly gyrating with rage, eyes bulging and with a clenched talon shaken in the air.
>>170939
Silver turns to the other medic.
"Can you bring him back to consciousness? Even if he is not in fighting shape, having another pair of hooves to deal with wounded would be good."
Silver turns to the other medic.
"Can you bring him back to consciousness? Even if he is not in fighting shape, having another pair of hooves to deal with wounded would be good."
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>>170875
Uh, I suppose this works.
I had an NPC character who was a changeling worker who would keep in touch with her mother by means of telegrams. And then within My Little Pony you have that dragon fire letter delivery system, or the "spell calls" of the movie. I guess a cyst makes sense, especially if the point is that it is a means for her to be spied on at any given moment.
I think Posey may behave differently if she thinks she could be spied on. This can be good if it keeps her from making vampires, but would she have had sex with August, and more importantly, have made that bargain with him if she couldn't keep it secret? I suppose both are justifiable, but her actions may still have been influenced.
Also if this is some way to back door in more powers, I'm saying no to that, except for something mundane like sending messages back to her master.
>>170878
I don't know how much the particulars of the mentor character matter, as that character is unlikely to ever physically interact with the setting. He should remain over in the Dread Lands. I don't know why stat block would matter, except perhaps for that tiny number of spells that can work across 6,000 miles.
If what you want to do is to set up an NPC she would converse with, you could give outlines to the character and backstory so I can try to mold him/her.
Mysterious shadowy patron seems unlikely, as I am sure Posey would have met her Master in person many times before. Her receiving orders from Rosa Maledicta is a bit contrary to the general theme of the campaign, which is about how ideology, more so that the wills of a few individuals, moves history.
Uh, I suppose this works.
I had an NPC character who was a changeling worker who would keep in touch with her mother by means of telegrams. And then within My Little Pony you have that dragon fire letter delivery system, or the "spell calls" of the movie. I guess a cyst makes sense, especially if the point is that it is a means for her to be spied on at any given moment.
I think Posey may behave differently if she thinks she could be spied on. This can be good if it keeps her from making vampires, but would she have had sex with August, and more importantly, have made that bargain with him if she couldn't keep it secret? I suppose both are justifiable, but her actions may still have been influenced.
Also if this is some way to back door in more powers, I'm saying no to that, except for something mundane like sending messages back to her master.
>>170878
I don't know how much the particulars of the mentor character matter, as that character is unlikely to ever physically interact with the setting. He should remain over in the Dread Lands. I don't know why stat block would matter, except perhaps for that tiny number of spells that can work across 6,000 miles.
If what you want to do is to set up an NPC she would converse with, you could give outlines to the character and backstory so I can try to mold him/her.
Mysterious shadowy patron seems unlikely, as I am sure Posey would have met her Master in person many times before. Her receiving orders from Rosa Maledicta is a bit contrary to the general theme of the campaign, which is about how ideology, more so that the wills of a few individuals, moves history.
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>>170940
Amber finds out her cover has been blown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBWmkwaTQ0k
The engineer, who is not a weak personality, but not as strong as the officer or that Inquisitor either, seems visibly cowed by this burst of emotion.
"Perhaps... the matter can wait until we have arrived in Hellquill City..."
Amber finds out her cover has been blown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBWmkwaTQ0k
The engineer, who is not a weak personality, but not as strong as the officer or that Inquisitor either, seems visibly cowed by this burst of emotion.
"Perhaps... the matter can wait until we have arrived in Hellquill City..."
>>170941
He looks up towards Silver, pausing for a second
"It's not usually done, but... with a bit of adrenaline and pain killers, he could certainly wake up. Though it should only be done after the coagulant has taken effect, given the internal bleeding."
He looks up towards Silver, pausing for a second
"It's not usually done, but... with a bit of adrenaline and pain killers, he could certainly wake up. Though it should only be done after the coagulant has taken effect, given the internal bleeding."
>>170948
"Alright. Tend to him in meantime," he motions to the purple pony, "and then do what you can. We are short on time. I am going to see how others are doing."
"Alright. Tend to him in meantime," he motions to the purple pony, "and then do what you can. We are short on time. I am going to see how others are doing."
>>170949
"Alright." The grey pony says, with a nod, as he cuts a bandage. The purple pony, moaning in pain, comes to the doctor rather than wait for him, and the doctor observes him as he comes into the room.
Outside, Silver can see Spectral Streak and the Sargent walking towards them, each carrying a Grim. Nopony else seems to be injured, though of course Azelea and the Orange pony were previously wounded.
"Alright." The grey pony says, with a nod, as he cuts a bandage. The purple pony, moaning in pain, comes to the doctor rather than wait for him, and the doctor observes him as he comes into the room.
Outside, Silver can see Spectral Streak and the Sargent walking towards them, each carrying a Grim. Nopony else seems to be injured, though of course Azelea and the Orange pony were previously wounded.
>>170954
White Pegasus:
"They were dressed as security guards, except one dressed like a delivery pony. That explains how they got in."
Spectral Streak:
"We found four of them. They had Grims or machine carbines. We didn't find a Strange, so this either isn't the group that shot at us before, or it isn't all of them, which is disturbing, considering how we are just behind where they were."
White Pegasus:
"They were dressed as security guards, except one dressed like a delivery pony. That explains how they got in."
Spectral Streak:
"We found four of them. They had Grims or machine carbines. We didn't find a Strange, so this either isn't the group that shot at us before, or it isn't all of them, which is disturbing, considering how we are just behind where they were."
>>170958
He nods sharply
"That is likely. They would have only abandoned the weapon if it stopped working. It's your call on the wounded. We need to press on, though we cannot afford to be ambushed."
He nods sharply
"That is likely. They would have only abandoned the weapon if it stopped working. It's your call on the wounded. We need to press on, though we cannot afford to be ambushed."
>>170960
“To actually heal them? That would take months. But to get them up and conscious… that can be done in a few seconds, with just the right drugs and potions.”
“To actually heal them? That would take months. But to get them up and conscious… that can be done in a few seconds, with just the right drugs and potions.”
>>170945
>means of telegrams. And then within My Little Pony you have that dragon fire letter delivery system, or the "spell calls" of the movie.
A telegram would be acceptable, but also wouldn't be very magical. The dragon fire letter was closer to my idea, especially if Posey is to report "friendship lessons" every week or month or so.
>I think Posey may behave differently if she thinks she could be spied on. This can be good if it keeps her from making vampires, but would she have had sex with August, and more importantly, have made that bargain with him if she couldn't keep it secret? I suppose both are justifiable, but her actions may still have been influenced.
Well, even without Necrotic Scrying, Posey would know that the Society Of Bones, being made up largely of Wizards, could scry on her at any moment anyway, but not every moment. The real question is if she defied her masters, which her Code Of Conduct weakness binds her from doing so (although clever undead can subvert orders). Since Posey's mission there wasn't really clear, her actions didn't defy the League, although of her master believed she had
I will take this opportunity to explain my reasoning for Posey's actions with August:
For starters, although August Wreath, as a paladin, is an enemy of the League, he also has promise as a leader of the ELH to overthrow current dominant regime in Equestria; since this would create civil war and infighting on the continent, it could serve as a means for the Dread League to attack the divided ponies, as every slain pony is a potential soldier for the League. This is the excuse Posey would give if her master interrogated her about her behavior.
Second of all, while Posey knows that paladins are the enemy of undead, she would also know from the League's background in fighting them that keeping one's word is part of the Paladin's Code, and that heinous villains can subvert that, so in spite of emnity she has a reason to trust that August would not speak of her continued existence.
Third of all is that Posey had some reasons to suspect that backup was coming (I thought that there was some sort of helicopter coming), so if she continued to engage the ponies in combat she risked discovery, so leaving August alive was her best course of action to remain covert, particularly because she had few means to pursue any pegasi that chose to flee the scene.
Fourth is the most selfish reason: she wants August; in particular, she wants his corpse serving her. Posey is only a fledgling Necromancer, so she doesn't have the means to reanimate him if she killed him, let alone reanimate him with any semblance of his mind. Reanimating a fallen paladin as a corrupt servant of evil is a Necromancer's dream, so Posey has her mark on him for whenever they meet again, be it on the battlefield or at his grave.
Fifth is that Posey is in a new land away from her masters and is feeling rebellious and still excited to be in this new land. With all these new experiences and freedom, fulfilling the League's expectations not given as direct orders isn't always Posey's highest priority.
As for the sex, well, Posey is a degenerate, and if the members of the League are anything like how d&d describes vampires and Necromancers, it's likely that they are too. Since she was just a filly, Posey has been a slave to the desires of those who ruled over her, and her mind has grown twisted as a result. Posey has been in the center of vampire orgies and had her body experimented on by Necromancers. She's been made to do all kinds of prophane acts such as being molested as a filly, being sucked to the bring of death (and actual death) by vampires, being made to copulate with zombies/wolves/demons, being at the center of vampire orgies, having her body sliced up and laid out like shashimi, engaging in cannibalism herself, being torn to shreds and revived, being possessed by demons/ghosts/mages to sate their pleasures, having rats crawl into her orifices, being impaled and left to hand in public, being raped and killed by her own parents, witnessing sacrifices being sodomized on an altar before their throats are slit, being crucified, witnessing stallions penetrate eye sockets and other necrotic orifices, being assaulted by conjured tentacles, watching her fellow slaves be boiled in vats of blood and served at "dinner parties", using bones as toys, wearing leather equipment made of the skins of her peers, witchnessing other thralls bring dismembered and stitched back together as monstrous constructs, being dismembered abe decapitated herself, etc. Anything you can imagine that depraved vampires, mages ans cultists would do to their slaves is something that Posey will be privy too. She has all of the BoVD except for self-mutilation, if only because of her vanity and need to upkeep her appearances. Throughout her life, death, and unlife, she's been treated as an object of sexual pleasure as she was passed from master to master. With that background it's unlikely that her superiors would be annoyed or surprised by her using her body to fulfill her ambitious (it's a classic spy tactic anyway).
Even being slashed by a paladin's magic sword smite was a novel and welcome experience to her; one that she was desperate to feel at least once (pic semi-related).
>means of telegrams. And then within My Little Pony you have that dragon fire letter delivery system, or the "spell calls" of the movie.
A telegram would be acceptable, but also wouldn't be very magical. The dragon fire letter was closer to my idea, especially if Posey is to report "friendship lessons" every week or month or so.
>I think Posey may behave differently if she thinks she could be spied on. This can be good if it keeps her from making vampires, but would she have had sex with August, and more importantly, have made that bargain with him if she couldn't keep it secret? I suppose both are justifiable, but her actions may still have been influenced.
Well, even without Necrotic Scrying, Posey would know that the Society Of Bones, being made up largely of Wizards, could scry on her at any moment anyway, but not every moment. The real question is if she defied her masters, which her Code Of Conduct weakness binds her from doing so (although clever undead can subvert orders). Since Posey's mission there wasn't really clear, her actions didn't defy the League, although of her master believed she had
I will take this opportunity to explain my reasoning for Posey's actions with August:
For starters, although August Wreath, as a paladin, is an enemy of the League, he also has promise as a leader of the ELH to overthrow current dominant regime in Equestria; since this would create civil war and infighting on the continent, it could serve as a means for the Dread League to attack the divided ponies, as every slain pony is a potential soldier for the League. This is the excuse Posey would give if her master interrogated her about her behavior.
Second of all, while Posey knows that paladins are the enemy of undead, she would also know from the League's background in fighting them that keeping one's word is part of the Paladin's Code, and that heinous villains can subvert that, so in spite of emnity she has a reason to trust that August would not speak of her continued existence.
Third of all is that Posey had some reasons to suspect that backup was coming (I thought that there was some sort of helicopter coming), so if she continued to engage the ponies in combat she risked discovery, so leaving August alive was her best course of action to remain covert, particularly because she had few means to pursue any pegasi that chose to flee the scene.
Fourth is the most selfish reason: she wants August; in particular, she wants his corpse serving her. Posey is only a fledgling Necromancer, so she doesn't have the means to reanimate him if she killed him, let alone reanimate him with any semblance of his mind. Reanimating a fallen paladin as a corrupt servant of evil is a Necromancer's dream, so Posey has her mark on him for whenever they meet again, be it on the battlefield or at his grave.
Fifth is that Posey is in a new land away from her masters and is feeling rebellious and still excited to be in this new land. With all these new experiences and freedom, fulfilling the League's expectations not given as direct orders isn't always Posey's highest priority.
As for the sex, well, Posey is a degenerate, and if the members of the League are anything like how d&d describes vampires and Necromancers, it's likely that they are too. Since she was just a filly, Posey has been a slave to the desires of those who ruled over her, and her mind has grown twisted as a result. Posey has been in the center of vampire orgies and had her body experimented on by Necromancers. She's been made to do all kinds of prophane acts such as being molested as a filly, being sucked to the bring of death (and actual death) by vampires, being made to copulate with zombies/wolves/demons, being at the center of vampire orgies, having her body sliced up and laid out like shashimi, engaging in cannibalism herself, being torn to shreds and revived, being possessed by demons/ghosts/mages to sate their pleasures, having rats crawl into her orifices, being impaled and left to hand in public, being raped and killed by her own parents, witnessing sacrifices being sodomized on an altar before their throats are slit, being crucified, witnessing stallions penetrate eye sockets and other necrotic orifices, being assaulted by conjured tentacles, watching her fellow slaves be boiled in vats of blood and served at "dinner parties", using bones as toys, wearing leather equipment made of the skins of her peers, witchnessing other thralls bring dismembered and stitched back together as monstrous constructs, being dismembered abe decapitated herself, etc. Anything you can imagine that depraved vampires, mages ans cultists would do to their slaves is something that Posey will be privy too. She has all of the BoVD except for self-mutilation, if only because of her vanity and need to upkeep her appearances. Throughout her life, death, and unlife, she's been treated as an object of sexual pleasure as she was passed from master to master. With that background it's unlikely that her superiors would be annoyed or surprised by her using her body to fulfill her ambitious (it's a classic spy tactic anyway).
Even being slashed by a paladin's magic sword smite was a novel and welcome experience to her; one that she was desperate to feel at least once (pic semi-related).
>>170967
>Also if this is some way to back door in more powers, I'm saying no to that, except for something mundane like sending messages back to her master.
I only want it as a means for the league to communicate with Posey one-sided, and fulfil the Apprentice fear's requirement for weekly tutelage.
But more importantly, I was hoping for it to be a plot device. Posey is an agent of the league, sent here to fulfill the political ambitions of her masters, so a way to receive the occasional order would give me some character goals besides general edginess and megalomania. This gives no new powers, because Posey would only be able to speak back to them if she were aware that they were contacting her first.
>If what you want to do is to set up an NPC she would converse with
It doesn't need to be full conversations. It could just be the occasional order from a distorted voice in the shadows, or the occasional request of "Friendship Lessons" written as telepathic letters by me.
>outlines to the character and backstory so I can try to mold him/her
I would prefer Posey's master to be a Necromancer from the Society Of Bones, as I mentioned that Posey was sold to the society of bones as a Slaymste by her parents in the Coven before she was ressurected and modified. A slaymate is a unique undead that is created from the remains of a child by means of betrayal by a parent through neglect or violence, and is highly coveted by Necromancers for its power to augment Necromancy spells. I would also like the master to have some personal investment in Posey's development (but not necessarily care for her), as they would have sacrificed a Slaymate for the purpose of her creation, with the logic that they were pursuing the creation of new unique undead through mixture of bloodlines, operations and prophane acts done to the subject. I also would like her master to be distant but domineering, as they fully own Posey so long as she is bound to them, and may feel the need to "remind" her that she's still a slave if she gets too uppity with her taste of newfound freedom.
I would also like them to be a Dread Necromancer for the sake of the Apprentice feat, although a Wizard or DeathMaster will be fine too. Posey's skills and charisma score mean she is able to have a mentor of at least 8th level. Posey is bound to her master until she surpasses them, so at your discretion you may increase the cap for the levels Posey needs to achieve this based on the level of the NPC
I had envisioned her master to be a stallion as well.
Posey's attitude towards her master would be a complex one, as although she is a slave, she owes everything, even her very existence, to her master. Her master liberated her from her eternal misery as a slaymate, enhanced her body with spells and rituals, made her undead, infused her with blood, gave her sentience again, taught her the art of Necromancy, and gave her the rare privilege to infiltrate Equestria in service of the League. In spite of Posey's selfishness, she would feel indebted to her master and feel eager to please them with gifts and acts of glory, as well as to expand her powers to impress and surpass them.
Last is something that is unlikely to come up often, but worth noting:
>in desperate times she can even call upon him for aid. Apprentices are expected to learn and grow, and mentors are loath to step in and provide physical support or financial aid, or to pull strings for an apprentice. Convincing the mentor to aid in this way requires a successful level check (d20 + character level), the DC of which is set by the DM and varies from 10 for simple favors to as high as 25 for highly dangerous, expensive, or illegal favors. A successful check means the mentor helps in some way (lends a magic item, accompanies the character on a short mission, pulls strings to get an appointment with the mayor, and so on) but demands double the normal tithe the next time the character gain a level. Once the character asks for aid, no further requests for aid will be honored until she gains at least one experience level.
Posey may ask for a favor from her master in only the most desperate, but since her master would be ineffably evil and unwilling to help her, this would be unlikely for anything except for the most desperate circumstances that also fulfill the interests of the League, and Posey herself would be unwilling to ask for gibs as she is intent to prove her worth and earn her emancipation alone.
You may also consider all or some of Posey's favors to have been already expended by her creation, referring to the spells and rituals that made her what she is today (I already spent my starting gold on that, but it also involved NPCs doing stuff to her, so that's a fair cost). This can also be fluffed as Posey being "indentured" to an unlife of servitude for her creation.
Posey's slave/son is a gift from her master, a slave bred from mutated bloodline like herself, and the most valuable possession she has to her name. Posey will make Gloomy her own apprentice once her master emancipates her (if they ever do), and she plans to eventually make him undead like herself to fulfill the destiny she forsaw for him. I got the idea from how Celestia gave Twilight Spike's egg as her final test.
Editor's note: Gloomy was originally written as a goat, from his association with Orcus, his potential role as a sacrificial lamb, and the idiom "get your goat" referring to Posey's rage if she ever lost or misplaced him. I settled on making him a pony because I like ponies more and he's supposed to be passable as her son. He still has a goat theme though.
>Also if this is some way to back door in more powers, I'm saying no to that, except for something mundane like sending messages back to her master.
I only want it as a means for the league to communicate with Posey one-sided, and fulfil the Apprentice fear's requirement for weekly tutelage.
But more importantly, I was hoping for it to be a plot device. Posey is an agent of the league, sent here to fulfill the political ambitions of her masters, so a way to receive the occasional order would give me some character goals besides general edginess and megalomania. This gives no new powers, because Posey would only be able to speak back to them if she were aware that they were contacting her first.
>If what you want to do is to set up an NPC she would converse with
It doesn't need to be full conversations. It could just be the occasional order from a distorted voice in the shadows, or the occasional request of "Friendship Lessons" written as telepathic letters by me.
>outlines to the character and backstory so I can try to mold him/her
I would prefer Posey's master to be a Necromancer from the Society Of Bones, as I mentioned that Posey was sold to the society of bones as a Slaymste by her parents in the Coven before she was ressurected and modified. A slaymate is a unique undead that is created from the remains of a child by means of betrayal by a parent through neglect or violence, and is highly coveted by Necromancers for its power to augment Necromancy spells. I would also like the master to have some personal investment in Posey's development (but not necessarily care for her), as they would have sacrificed a Slaymate for the purpose of her creation, with the logic that they were pursuing the creation of new unique undead through mixture of bloodlines, operations and prophane acts done to the subject. I also would like her master to be distant but domineering, as they fully own Posey so long as she is bound to them, and may feel the need to "remind" her that she's still a slave if she gets too uppity with her taste of newfound freedom.
I would also like them to be a Dread Necromancer for the sake of the Apprentice feat, although a Wizard or DeathMaster will be fine too. Posey's skills and charisma score mean she is able to have a mentor of at least 8th level. Posey is bound to her master until she surpasses them, so at your discretion you may increase the cap for the levels Posey needs to achieve this based on the level of the NPC
I had envisioned her master to be a stallion as well.
Posey's attitude towards her master would be a complex one, as although she is a slave, she owes everything, even her very existence, to her master. Her master liberated her from her eternal misery as a slaymate, enhanced her body with spells and rituals, made her undead, infused her with blood, gave her sentience again, taught her the art of Necromancy, and gave her the rare privilege to infiltrate Equestria in service of the League. In spite of Posey's selfishness, she would feel indebted to her master and feel eager to please them with gifts and acts of glory, as well as to expand her powers to impress and surpass them.
Last is something that is unlikely to come up often, but worth noting:
>in desperate times she can even call upon him for aid. Apprentices are expected to learn and grow, and mentors are loath to step in and provide physical support or financial aid, or to pull strings for an apprentice. Convincing the mentor to aid in this way requires a successful level check (d20 + character level), the DC of which is set by the DM and varies from 10 for simple favors to as high as 25 for highly dangerous, expensive, or illegal favors. A successful check means the mentor helps in some way (lends a magic item, accompanies the character on a short mission, pulls strings to get an appointment with the mayor, and so on) but demands double the normal tithe the next time the character gain a level. Once the character asks for aid, no further requests for aid will be honored until she gains at least one experience level.
Posey may ask for a favor from her master in only the most desperate, but since her master would be ineffably evil and unwilling to help her, this would be unlikely for anything except for the most desperate circumstances that also fulfill the interests of the League, and Posey herself would be unwilling to ask for gibs as she is intent to prove her worth and earn her emancipation alone.
You may also consider all or some of Posey's favors to have been already expended by her creation, referring to the spells and rituals that made her what she is today (I already spent my starting gold on that, but it also involved NPCs doing stuff to her, so that's a fair cost). This can also be fluffed as Posey being "indentured" to an unlife of servitude for her creation.
Posey's slave/son is a gift from her master, a slave bred from mutated bloodline like herself, and the most valuable possession she has to her name. Posey will make Gloomy her own apprentice once her master emancipates her (if they ever do), and she plans to eventually make him undead like herself to fulfill the destiny she forsaw for him. I got the idea from how Celestia gave Twilight Spike's egg as her final test.
Editor's note: Gloomy was originally written as a goat, from his association with Orcus, his potential role as a sacrificial lamb, and the idiom "get your goat" referring to Posey's rage if she ever lost or misplaced him. I settled on making him a pony because I like ponies more and he's supposed to be passable as her son. He still has a goat theme though.
That being said
Posey makes sure Gloomy is properly groomed, fed, and hydrated in preparation for her visit to the doctor. She pays special attention deal with any signs that might cause strangers to call foal protection services. She rehearses alibis with him so that he knows what to say to the doctor should they question him.
That's the easy part...
August might've been horny enough not to notice it in the dark, but Posey needs to take great care to keep her own undead nature disguised in the presence of a medical professional. Her vampiric heritage gives her some advantages through intake of blood, but she doesn't want to be too taxing on her her little lamb before this outing, and fact of the batter is that she is still undead (though well preserved), and even at her most vivacious she appears supernatural (if strikingly beautiful). She applies heavy makeup, makes sure her fur is brushed and blotchless, applies her perfume, makes sure she's properly washed and brushed, uses a negative energy burst to kill off bacteria, and stuffs her pockets with posies. She practices throbbing her mother cyst to emulate a heartbeat as well as breathing exercises. She also practices her regular yogas during her meditation.
Posey uses the Disguise skill to accomplish this. You may roll her check secretly to determine her success. Posey has a modifier of +6 on disguise checks, plus 11 if you consider faking being alive to be a "minor detail".
Posey has the Cast No Shadow undead weakness, so she takes a -2 penalty to Disguise checks in context of areas of bright light.
I could really stand to learn Disguise Undead pretty soon...
After seeing that Backa is settled in and Lament is fine, she informs Mason of her intent to visit the doctor, giving him ample time to prepare.
Posey makes sure Gloomy is properly groomed, fed, and hydrated in preparation for her visit to the doctor. She pays special attention deal with any signs that might cause strangers to call foal protection services. She rehearses alibis with him so that he knows what to say to the doctor should they question him.
That's the easy part...
August might've been horny enough not to notice it in the dark, but Posey needs to take great care to keep her own undead nature disguised in the presence of a medical professional. Her vampiric heritage gives her some advantages through intake of blood, but she doesn't want to be too taxing on her her little lamb before this outing, and fact of the batter is that she is still undead (though well preserved), and even at her most vivacious she appears supernatural (if strikingly beautiful). She applies heavy makeup, makes sure her fur is brushed and blotchless, applies her perfume, makes sure she's properly washed and brushed, uses a negative energy burst to kill off bacteria, and stuffs her pockets with posies. She practices throbbing her mother cyst to emulate a heartbeat as well as breathing exercises. She also practices her regular yogas during her meditation.
Posey uses the Disguise skill to accomplish this. You may roll her check secretly to determine her success. Posey has a modifier of +6 on disguise checks, plus 11 if you consider faking being alive to be a "minor detail".
Posey has the Cast No Shadow undead weakness, so she takes a -2 penalty to Disguise checks in context of areas of bright light.
I could really stand to learn Disguise Undead pretty soon...
After seeing that Backa is settled in and Lament is fine, she informs Mason of her intent to visit the doctor, giving him ample time to prepare.
>>170947
Amber closes her eyes for a second, and the outburst ends as quickly as it started. "Yes, I think that would be best. Let's hope Beakstadt goes more smoothly."
Amber does the work necessary to prepare for the train pulling into the station.
>>170967
>helicopter coming
The setting is mid-1940's so other than magic you can assume that what you encounter will more-or-less resemble that of the real world.
>"prophane acts"
Well okay then, you didn't have to go into detail….
Was Hank Hill involved?
Amber closes her eyes for a second, and the outburst ends as quickly as it started. "Yes, I think that would be best. Let's hope Beakstadt goes more smoothly."
Amber does the work necessary to prepare for the train pulling into the station.
>>170967
>helicopter coming
The setting is mid-1940's so other than magic you can assume that what you encounter will more-or-less resemble that of the real world.
>"prophane acts"
Well okay then, you didn't have to go into detail….
Was Hank Hill involved?
>>170969
I'll mention that Posey does not bring any weapons, armor or equipment with her on her trip except for her cloak, her first aid pack (only for show), her spell components pouch, her purse (a few gp), her ID and Medical certificate (forged), couple lolipops for Gloomy, and her unholy symbol.
The rest she leaves at the manor, electing to travel unarmed and unarmored (confident in her powers).
I'll mention that Posey does not bring any weapons, armor or equipment with her on her trip except for her cloak, her first aid pack (only for show), her spell components pouch, her purse (a few gp), her ID and Medical certificate (forged), couple lolipops for Gloomy, and her unholy symbol.
The rest she leaves at the manor, electing to travel unarmed and unarmored (confident in her powers).
>>170945
GM, just so that I understand, where exactly does Posey meet with the doctor?
Also, for adventuring purposes, where is the Changeling front and how far is Posey from the border? I'm not certain of the geography of this particular mileau. I know where Baltimare is on the EaW map, but not what the political geography in this game.
GM, just so that I understand, where exactly does Posey meet with the doctor?
Also, for adventuring purposes, where is the Changeling front and how far is Posey from the border? I'm not certain of the geography of this particular mileau. I know where Baltimare is on the EaW map, but not what the political geography in this game.
>>170969
>She pays special attention deal with any signs that might cause strangers to call foal protection services. She rehearses alibis with him so that he knows what to say to the doctor should they question him.
If anyone asks, he fell down the stairs
>>170975
>Posey does not bring any weapons, armor or equipment with her
Well that's alright, she's just going in town to the university. It's not like she could be attacked on the way to the university, or like someone would attack someone in the university. Right? Right?
>>170979
>where exactly does Posey meet with the doctor?
On the grounds of the medical of Jim Haykins University within Baltimare proper, albeit in a different part.
>for adventuring purposes, where is the Changeling front and how far is Posey from the border?
There isn't really a "changeling front" as hostilities have officially ceased with a Changeling victory and the partitioning of Equestria. The Changeling side is actually kind of far away, probably around 700-1000 miles away, and the vassal state that Baltimare is the capital of does not share a border with the Changelings.
The border between the Changeling Hegemony and New Mareland State controlled sides has never been completely clarified. Bales is on the New Mareland side with the river that runs along the city being the border. Canterlot is on the New Mareland side with the border passing just barely west, and the river that flows down from Canterlot forms a part of the border. Whinnyapolis, Las Pegasus, Cloudsdale, The entire or at least most of the Crystal Empire are on the Hegemony side, and obviously Tall Tales and Vanhoover are well within the Hegemony Territory. Manehattan, Trottingham, Baltimare, Stableside, Tenochtitlan and Fillydelphia are well within the New Mareland side, and White Severyana and Hoofington are also on this side. The southwest and Puerto Caballo are less clear. There are active fighting fronts (in formal wars) elsewhere, however, like south of the mainland and in Griffonia.
But the great thing is, EAW takes place in the semi modern era. The show will have the ponies travel great distances in short times by airship, train, or (rather implausibly) hoofing it while pulling a cart. There may not be commercial jetliners, but characters here can (and have) travelled great distances by train.
>She pays special attention deal with any signs that might cause strangers to call foal protection services. She rehearses alibis with him so that he knows what to say to the doctor should they question him.
If anyone asks, he fell down the stairs
>>170975
>Posey does not bring any weapons, armor or equipment with her
Well that's alright, she's just going in town to the university. It's not like she could be attacked on the way to the university, or like someone would attack someone in the university. Right? Right?
>>170979
>where exactly does Posey meet with the doctor?
On the grounds of the medical of Jim Haykins University within Baltimare proper, albeit in a different part.
>for adventuring purposes, where is the Changeling front and how far is Posey from the border?
There isn't really a "changeling front" as hostilities have officially ceased with a Changeling victory and the partitioning of Equestria. The Changeling side is actually kind of far away, probably around 700-1000 miles away, and the vassal state that Baltimare is the capital of does not share a border with the Changelings.
The border between the Changeling Hegemony and New Mareland State controlled sides has never been completely clarified. Bales is on the New Mareland side with the river that runs along the city being the border. Canterlot is on the New Mareland side with the border passing just barely west, and the river that flows down from Canterlot forms a part of the border. Whinnyapolis, Las Pegasus, Cloudsdale, The entire or at least most of the Crystal Empire are on the Hegemony side, and obviously Tall Tales and Vanhoover are well within the Hegemony Territory. Manehattan, Trottingham, Baltimare, Stableside, Tenochtitlan and Fillydelphia are well within the New Mareland side, and White Severyana and Hoofington are also on this side. The southwest and Puerto Caballo are less clear. There are active fighting fronts (in formal wars) elsewhere, however, like south of the mainland and in Griffonia.
But the great thing is, EAW takes place in the semi modern era. The show will have the ponies travel great distances in short times by airship, train, or (rather implausibly) hoofing it while pulling a cart. There may not be commercial jetliners, but characters here can (and have) travelled great distances by train.
>>170962
The medic nods sharply. "Understood." He takes a needle, and injects it into the downed pony. The downed pony's eyes open, and he breathes in sharply, before the medic pulls his up. The pony picks up his bag and gun, and is more or less "ready."
The medic nods sharply. "Understood." He takes a needle, and injects it into the downed pony. The downed pony's eyes open, and he breathes in sharply, before the medic pulls his up. The pony picks up his bag and gun, and is more or less "ready."
>>170982
>he fell down the stairs
Posey would say "he has mana-poisoning" (tomb tainted soul), to address his sickly appearance. Gloomy has moderate taint, but it's internalized.
Posey's decision to bring Gloomy is partly motivated by her cover story, as she said in her immigration status, as she alleges to be a specialist mage concerned with the effects of negative energies, with Gloomy being her long-term observational specimen and patient. She intends to in part use his existence as proof for the necessity of her academic discipline.
>It's not like she could be attacked on the way to the university, or like someone would attack someone in the university. Right? Right?
I am well aware, and so would Posey. Posey just considers risk of suspicion and exposure to far outweigh lack of equipment. Besides, although she's got less AC without her armor and it hinders her fear-based tactics, she's not defenless, .
Posey is also cocky and confident in her powers. She's more concerned about Gloomy being attacked than herself.
I know I said I would a statblock for Gloomy, but... I kind of forgot. He's supposed to become a Binder, but if combat arises could I just treat him as a commoner with 2 HP, Dex of 12, Str of 6, Con of 6, small size, and an AC of 12 for now? He should have Tomb Tainted Soul (healed by negative energy) as his first feat, and his simple weapon would be a sling (really just a toy).
>The Changeling side is actually kind of far away
Oh well, I guess if I want to host an invasion there I'll have to march my forces some distance.
>political geography lore
Noted.
There are active fighting fronts (in formal wars) elsewhere, however, like south of the mainland and in Griffonia.
Those aren't on this continent, are they?
>characters here can (and have) travelled great distances
I guess the plot will tell.
>On the grounds of the medical of Jim Haykins University within Baltimare proper, albeit in a different part.
After Posey makes all appropriate preparations, she makes her way there, preferably with Mason driving her.
>he fell down the stairs
Posey would say "he has mana-poisoning" (tomb tainted soul), to address his sickly appearance. Gloomy has moderate taint, but it's internalized.
Posey's decision to bring Gloomy is partly motivated by her cover story, as she said in her immigration status, as she alleges to be a specialist mage concerned with the effects of negative energies, with Gloomy being her long-term observational specimen and patient. She intends to in part use his existence as proof for the necessity of her academic discipline.
>It's not like she could be attacked on the way to the university, or like someone would attack someone in the university. Right? Right?
I am well aware, and so would Posey. Posey just considers risk of suspicion and exposure to far outweigh lack of equipment. Besides, although she's got less AC without her armor and it hinders her fear-based tactics, she's not defenless, .
Posey is also cocky and confident in her powers. She's more concerned about Gloomy being attacked than herself.
I know I said I would a statblock for Gloomy, but... I kind of forgot. He's supposed to become a Binder, but if combat arises could I just treat him as a commoner with 2 HP, Dex of 12, Str of 6, Con of 6, small size, and an AC of 12 for now? He should have Tomb Tainted Soul (healed by negative energy) as his first feat, and his simple weapon would be a sling (really just a toy).
>The Changeling side is actually kind of far away
Oh well, I guess if I want to host an invasion there I'll have to march my forces some distance.
>political geography lore
Noted.
There are active fighting fronts (in formal wars) elsewhere, however, like south of the mainland and in Griffonia.
Those aren't on this continent, are they?
>characters here can (and have) travelled great distances
I guess the plot will tell.
>On the grounds of the medical of Jim Haykins University within Baltimare proper, albeit in a different part.
After Posey makes all appropriate preparations, she makes her way there, preferably with Mason driving her.
>>170983
"Everypony on me, that machine gunner should lead us right to them. Wounded stay in back, do what you can if we get engaged but try not to get yourselves killed."
If Silver goes to where the changelings were positioned at, can he track where the fleeing machine gunner went?
"Everypony on me, that machine gunner should lead us right to them. Wounded stay in back, do what you can if we get engaged but try not to get yourselves killed."
If Silver goes to where the changelings were positioned at, can he track where the fleeing machine gunner went?
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>Posey still trying to figure out how to efficiently conquer Equestria with only three levels of power and two days of experience in the country
"... And then release the wights into a densely populated urban center, rely on their instincts to spread out from the epicenter... No, no, no, too many moving parts to manage...!"
tears up map
"Oh well... Gloomy, we'll be leaving doctor's shortly. Come here and let me comb out your mane."
"Ye- *cough cough*, y-yes, momma."
"... And then release the wights into a densely populated urban center, rely on their instincts to spread out from the epicenter... No, no, no, too many moving parts to manage...!"
tears up map
"Oh well... Gloomy, we'll be leaving doctor's shortly. Come here and let me comb out your mane."
"Ye- *cough cough*, y-yes, momma."
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Do you have any time this week, GM?
>>170990
Yes.
>>170987
Mason agrees to take Posey to the university, with the quip "It's about time you got started." The ride is as before, going onto the main road and to the city, crossing the bridge across the river, but this time turning west. The car proceeds a few blocks, before turning northward onto Marengo street. The roads are lined sometimes with three story townhomes, and sometimes with four story apartment buildings, alternating in colors of beige, rust red, and brown. While a few buildings are encased in wooden scaffolds, most are intact. Going further north, past a beige two story schoolhouse and a fire station,
Posey comes upon a few large buildings, and ultimately to a large brick building that takes up more than a block. It has with four floors in the main portion, a slanted, blue tiled roof, vaulted roof windows, bright red bricks, and in the center, a tall, blue dome. Mason parks in front of the building, and the ponies go up a flight of granite stairs to an entrance flanked by marble Dorian columns. Inside is a double staircase and hallways left and right, with marble floors with interlacing black and white patterns. On the walls are symbols like the apple and the rod of Asclepius, as well as friezes depicting ponies who must be significant figures of yesteryear, which further down the hall transform into paintings in a realist style of ponies working microscopes or holding beakers.
Ponies walk around these streets. Unicorns, mostly. Their clothes are prim, and often formal, and many wear spectacles. For Gloomy in particular this must be an unusual experience, for rarely has he seen so many living ponies, and certainly not like this.
Mason takes Posey up the stairs, and ultimately to an office where they can shut the door behind them.
Yes.
>>170987
Mason agrees to take Posey to the university, with the quip "It's about time you got started." The ride is as before, going onto the main road and to the city, crossing the bridge across the river, but this time turning west. The car proceeds a few blocks, before turning northward onto Marengo street. The roads are lined sometimes with three story townhomes, and sometimes with four story apartment buildings, alternating in colors of beige, rust red, and brown. While a few buildings are encased in wooden scaffolds, most are intact. Going further north, past a beige two story schoolhouse and a fire station,
Posey comes upon a few large buildings, and ultimately to a large brick building that takes up more than a block. It has with four floors in the main portion, a slanted, blue tiled roof, vaulted roof windows, bright red bricks, and in the center, a tall, blue dome. Mason parks in front of the building, and the ponies go up a flight of granite stairs to an entrance flanked by marble Dorian columns. Inside is a double staircase and hallways left and right, with marble floors with interlacing black and white patterns. On the walls are symbols like the apple and the rod of Asclepius, as well as friezes depicting ponies who must be significant figures of yesteryear, which further down the hall transform into paintings in a realist style of ponies working microscopes or holding beakers.
Ponies walk around these streets. Unicorns, mostly. Their clothes are prim, and often formal, and many wear spectacles. For Gloomy in particular this must be an unusual experience, for rarely has he seen so many living ponies, and certainly not like this.
Mason takes Posey up the stairs, and ultimately to an office where they can shut the door behind them.
>>170974
The stop at Beakstadt Hoptbahnhof is thankfully - mericifully - rather straight forward. Police come out towards the train, as does who appears to be a Reichsbahn employee, but the police stay back, and busy themselves with registering travelers and immigrants, and the Reichsbahn agent stays back, simply noting the presence of the train in the station. Beakstadt is only the penultimate stop, and far from the largest.
The real stop is coming up in Hellquill City.
The stop at Beakstadt Hoptbahnhof is thankfully - mericifully - rather straight forward. Police come out towards the train, as does who appears to be a Reichsbahn employee, but the police stay back, and busy themselves with registering travelers and immigrants, and the Reichsbahn agent stays back, simply noting the presence of the train in the station. Beakstadt is only the penultimate stop, and far from the largest.
The real stop is coming up in Hellquill City.
>>170993
And it is the one place they have a chance of true escape in. After boarding passengers at Beakstadt and departing the station, Amber goes to Helder and asks what they should do at Hellheim. Amber has done her part, now it's up to him and his contacts.
And it is the one place they have a chance of true escape in. After boarding passengers at Beakstadt and departing the station, Amber goes to Helder and asks what they should do at Hellheim. Amber has done her part, now it's up to him and his contacts.
>>170992
Very colorful and detailed exposition, as usual.
Posey exits the vehicle and thanks Mason for his service. She shuffles Gloomy along with her, levitating the excited and curious foal and trotting towards the building a bit more quickly than a normal pony might with a whirl of her cape, trying to stay out of the sun.
>rod of Asclepius
Posey winces at the healing symbol somewhat, averting her gaze as she forges as she passes.
> For Gloomy in particular this must be an unusual experience, for rarely has he seen so many living ponies, and certainly not like this.
Gloomy is not feeling so gloomy right now, as he is indeed very excited by all of the new sights "ooh-ing" and "ah-ing" as he goes. He turns his head left and right, taking in all of the new experiences, and shouting several variations of "momma look!", blissfully ignorant to the furtive and paranoid attitude of his momma.
His excitement gets the better of him, and by the time the door closes his happy giggling abruptly deteriorates into a rough coughing fit, followed by a series of pained groans, shudders and head-tossing as he weakly mutters something incoherent.
At this, Posey stops, turns to Gloomy, and holds his head to her chest with a hushed whisper, stroking his mane and cooing a faint eerie melody that seems to calm the foal down, like a lullaby. As his convulsing stops, Gloomy, looks up at Posey with a silent nod as she strokes his mane. He smiles at her through his pained grimace. His demeanor is once again a bit gloomier, but also calm, and still showing signs of his youthful excitement from earlier.
"Are you ready, my sweet little lamb?"
"Y-yes, momma."
"Do you need to stop? Take a nap? Have a snack? Go potty?"
"No momma."
"What a big, strong colt you're turning out to be. Trot along now, sweetie." Posey says, tasseling his mane as she turns and walks deeper into the building, slower this time as Gloomy weakly follows after her.
If any other ponies stared at this interaction, Posey pays them no mind, unless of course they solicit her.
Very colorful and detailed exposition, as usual.
Posey exits the vehicle and thanks Mason for his service. She shuffles Gloomy along with her, levitating the excited and curious foal and trotting towards the building a bit more quickly than a normal pony might with a whirl of her cape, trying to stay out of the sun.
>rod of Asclepius
Posey winces at the healing symbol somewhat, averting her gaze as she forges as she passes.
> For Gloomy in particular this must be an unusual experience, for rarely has he seen so many living ponies, and certainly not like this.
Gloomy is not feeling so gloomy right now, as he is indeed very excited by all of the new sights "ooh-ing" and "ah-ing" as he goes. He turns his head left and right, taking in all of the new experiences, and shouting several variations of "momma look!", blissfully ignorant to the furtive and paranoid attitude of his momma.
His excitement gets the better of him, and by the time the door closes his happy giggling abruptly deteriorates into a rough coughing fit, followed by a series of pained groans, shudders and head-tossing as he weakly mutters something incoherent.
At this, Posey stops, turns to Gloomy, and holds his head to her chest with a hushed whisper, stroking his mane and cooing a faint eerie melody that seems to calm the foal down, like a lullaby. As his convulsing stops, Gloomy, looks up at Posey with a silent nod as she strokes his mane. He smiles at her through his pained grimace. His demeanor is once again a bit gloomier, but also calm, and still showing signs of his youthful excitement from earlier.
"Are you ready, my sweet little lamb?"
"Y-yes, momma."
"Do you need to stop? Take a nap? Have a snack? Go potty?"
"No momma."
"What a big, strong colt you're turning out to be. Trot along now, sweetie." Posey says, tasseling his mane as she turns and walks deeper into the building, slower this time as Gloomy weakly follows after her.
If any other ponies stared at this interaction, Posey pays them no mind, unless of course they solicit her.
>>170992
I take it that Posey already knows which room to meet the doctor?
I'm going to preemptively roll a Gather Information check for Posey to find her way there, if needed.
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
I take it that Posey already knows which room to meet the doctor?
I'm going to preemptively roll a Gather Information check for Posey to find her way there, if needed.
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
>>170996
Pretty sure that succeeded.
Posey checks with the clerk, before proceeding to the doctor's office.
Pretty sure that succeeded.
Posey checks with the clerk, before proceeding to the doctor's office.
>>170994
Unhelpfully, yet not entirely unsurprisingly, Helder freezes up. Helder says,
"We need - we need to get to Freieluft within the Office of the Master of Rituals... the director of art. In Hellquill City."
Unhelpfully, yet not entirely unsurprisingly, Helder freezes up. Helder says,
"We need - we need to get to Freieluft within the Office of the Master of Rituals... the director of art. In Hellquill City."
>>170995
>>170996
>>170997
Posey doesn't have to look far at all, as Mason guides her to an office. Going inside, it's not of a particularly large size, perhaps a little smaller than a bedroom. There is a window on the far side, though the blinds are closed and both the left and right walls, as well as every single inch of the close wall save for doorway, is covered in bookshelves. Innumerable books crowd the shelves, many with worn leather binds, or pages that stick out of the book after having clearly fallen out and being imperfectly placed back in. An Equestrian steel military helmet, with its straps off to each side, sits on top of the left shelf. Near the closed blinds of the windows, a bit to the left, is a pot with an artificial "plant" that has feathers in place of leaves. In front of that is a crowded wooden desk, with a busy mail stack piled with letters. There is a stack of papers, as well as another stapled on top of that, and a red booklet entitled "The Equestrian Medical Journal" in pristine condition on the right side of the desk. On the left and a little closer to the back is a very, very old leather-bound book, titled "Quamoon-e-Islamb, or the customs of the Moosemares of Saddle Arabia" by Jade Saffron. But this is just a sample of what lies in this room. In front of the desk is a single chair, with a ecru wool blanket piled on it, and behind the desk, another simple chair with a rain jacket.
This is the office of Junior Professor of Necromancy Diligent Debride, so says the plaque outside.
>>170996
>>170997
Posey doesn't have to look far at all, as Mason guides her to an office. Going inside, it's not of a particularly large size, perhaps a little smaller than a bedroom. There is a window on the far side, though the blinds are closed and both the left and right walls, as well as every single inch of the close wall save for doorway, is covered in bookshelves. Innumerable books crowd the shelves, many with worn leather binds, or pages that stick out of the book after having clearly fallen out and being imperfectly placed back in. An Equestrian steel military helmet, with its straps off to each side, sits on top of the left shelf. Near the closed blinds of the windows, a bit to the left, is a pot with an artificial "plant" that has feathers in place of leaves. In front of that is a crowded wooden desk, with a busy mail stack piled with letters. There is a stack of papers, as well as another stapled on top of that, and a red booklet entitled "The Equestrian Medical Journal" in pristine condition on the right side of the desk. On the left and a little closer to the back is a very, very old leather-bound book, titled "Quamoon-e-Islamb, or the customs of the Moosemares of Saddle Arabia" by Jade Saffron. But this is just a sample of what lies in this room. In front of the desk is a single chair, with a ecru wool blanket piled on it, and behind the desk, another simple chair with a rain jacket.
This is the office of Junior Professor of Necromancy Diligent Debride, so says the plaque outside.