In the south in the Kululu Forest, Posey searches for a lost instrument of war. In Baltimare, Kira establishes herself, while Silver enjoys a brief respite. In Hellquill, Amber prepares to play her music to the dictator of Hellquill. Elsewhere, trouble brews.
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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1307 replies and 90 files omitted.
>>174119
>Pony holler
Best guess is some kind of monkey, though it could indeed be a pony. It's far away enough to not be an immediate concern
>running water
It does move somewhat, though not much.
>Posey is getting wet for the second time today...
Oh my...
Posey feels something rub against her back before getting in the water. She knows it's the cool touch of one of the ghosts.
"Rust? Why care about that? The paint protects it anyways."
Going into the water, the gun seems to be more or less intact. The steel or aluminum barge it was on has sunk.
>Pony holler
Best guess is some kind of monkey, though it could indeed be a pony. It's far away enough to not be an immediate concern
>running water
It does move somewhat, though not much.
>Posey is getting wet for the second time today...
Oh my...
Posey feels something rub against her back before getting in the water. She knows it's the cool touch of one of the ghosts.
"Rust? Why care about that? The paint protects it anyways."
Going into the water, the gun seems to be more or less intact. The steel or aluminum barge it was on has sunk.
>>174122
>the gun seems to be more or less intact.
>The paint protects it
"Well, that's good news." Posey replies
Posey takes her wrench and attempts to remove the part she's looking for, before dragging it out of the water for inspection.
"And I thought cadaver-collection was demeaning work..." she thinks to herself
>the gun seems to be more or less intact.
>The paint protects it
"Well, that's good news." Posey replies
Posey takes her wrench and attempts to remove the part she's looking for, before dragging it out of the water for inspection.
"And I thought cadaver-collection was demeaning work..." she thinks to herself
>>174124
Posey checks it there's anything dangerous/interesting on the barge as well.
Posey checks it there's anything dangerous/interesting on the barge as well.
>>174120
Khoi tilts her head, while Jubilosa comes closer
"Acquainted... What do you mean?"
Jubilosa asks,
"So... about these eggs..."
>>174121
If Kira is looking for one to sleep in, unfortunately they don't have that
A slate-grey stallion with a black mane and yellow eyes walks closer, then stands maybe 15 feet away from Kira.
"Do you need something?"
Khoi tilts her head, while Jubilosa comes closer
"Acquainted... What do you mean?"
Jubilosa asks,
"So... about these eggs..."
>>174121
If Kira is looking for one to sleep in, unfortunately they don't have that
A slate-grey stallion with a black mane and yellow eyes walks closer, then stands maybe 15 feet away from Kira.
"Do you need something?"
>>174126
Kira looks at this very stormy-looking stallion who stands so far away, and smiles at him.
"Hello! We're just finding items to purchase. We've already got a bed in mind, now I'm just looking for a good chest to store my belongings in."
Kira looks at this very stormy-looking stallion who stands so far away, and smiles at him.
"Hello! We're just finding items to purchase. We've already got a bed in mind, now I'm just looking for a good chest to store my belongings in."
>>174126
"You know, get to know each other, before friends, et cetera."
Silver nods at Jubilosa, and gets the carton of eggs and some butter. "How many and how do you want them cooked?"
"You know, get to know each other, before friends, et cetera."
Silver nods at Jubilosa, and gets the carton of eggs and some butter. "How many and how do you want them cooked?"
>>174129
Silver nods, setting the butter to melt in a skillet as he cracks a couple eggs into a bowl and uses either a whisk or a fork (depending on what's available) to scramble them up. He then cooks up the scrambled eggs in the skillet to her liking.
Silver nods, setting the butter to melt in a skillet as he cracks a couple eggs into a bowl and uses either a whisk or a fork (depending on what's available) to scramble them up. He then cooks up the scrambled eggs in the skillet to her liking.
>>174129
"Hmmmmm..." Kira considers the options available to her, then points to the biggest one. "I like this big one."
"Hmmmmm..." Kira considers the options available to her, then points to the biggest one. "I like this big one."
>>174132
Silver looks over at Khoi, and tilts his head.
"My intent? I cannot just open my home and hearth to those in need because it is right thing to do?"
Silver looks over at Khoi, and tilts his head.
"My intent? I cannot just open my home and hearth to those in need because it is right thing to do?"
>>174132
"Well, I suppose I need storage for whatever I come upon. I don't have much now, just my bow, arrows, and spear among other miscellaneous items. But, you never know what you could come to own in the future, and I'd like to be able to have a place to securely store them."
"Well, I suppose I need storage for whatever I come upon. I don't have much now, just my bow, arrows, and spear among other miscellaneous items. But, you never know what you could come to own in the future, and I'd like to be able to have a place to securely store them."
Sorry for not replying in so long. I meant to get to this much sooner but finding appropriate music wasn't easy.
>>173684
Amber does not keep a head of state waiting, especially one of such tastes. She turns to Erik. "We will be playing Bartók's duos next. First Ara Táskor into Számláló, then Scherzo into Arab Dal, Szunyogtánc, Gyermekrengetéskor into Szénagyüjtéskor and Lakodalmas, and finally Bánkódás. Got it?"
Erik isn't given much time to get ready, or even to process the strange names, before bow is put to string. The first part starts slowly but coldly, before launching into an atonal melody, before receding again. This goes on several times, and it is a surprise that this was a transliteration of a harvest song, though to an untrained ear it may evoke waves of fields of grain. But in reality, it is the harsh bitterness of repetitive years of work which wear on a farmer who is never able to escape his drudgery. This is followed by a quicker and mounting melody, the lead part of which is filled very aptly with Amber's deeper-sounding viol. As the short section carries on, the disparate notes of the viol and Erik's violin come closer together but never fully merge before an abrupt end. Some deep fissures in being, like that between griffons or ponies, or the conflict of wills within the madness of Diazela, will never be healed before sudden ruination.
https://youtu.be/F-dP9UXo0Hk?t=1761
Unlike in her previous performance, Amber is not hampered by a lack of instruments and is fully within her element in the string duos. The next section starts out with a lively song in unison before the two instruments divide in organized chaos, complete with plucks. What could be more suited for the plans of griffons rended asunder by the terrible entropic beauty of the universe? The two start playing a darkly whirling dance from distant deserts, each instrument complementing the other in an otherworldly, heartless sound. Unknown to the listeners even the notes to it are beautifully symmetric.
(39:47)
The tempo picks up one more time as Amber and Eric play what seem to be the same song at different places yet which mesh together in rhythm and come together twice in a climax. Aptly named the Mosquito Dance, it resembles a horde of pests moving faster than the eye can perceive, uncatchable and yet waiting to descend.
(19:16)
The duo slow down and more closely match their music, though they remain separate enough to lend an ethereal atonal quality to the song. Why this piece is titled "Cradle Song" remains a mystery, with the most likely explanation being that it is an adaptation of an existing lullaby. Rather than being calming, however, it is haunting and sets one's feathers on end. This is assuaged by the next song, the "Hay Song," which among the collection is the most genuinely peaceful and pastoral piece. Given the name, it is most likely taken from some remote pony province, with the atonal yet tranquil melody suiting their unique optimism and harmony even in times of chaos. The leitmotifs carry on through the "Wedding Song," which unlike previous slow sections carries a warmth in it suiting the name, even as it drags to a halt.
(8:01)
Capping out the performance is a morose and tearful song. At times it seems like two separate songs of mourning played together. It retains ethereal qualities yet feels grounded in the agonies and sorrows of life. Is it the plaintive cries of two separated lovers, or evocative of a coming conflict that will shake the world to its core? At one point the song seems to end, but comes back with full volume, as one's sorrows may recede and return. The song slows once more and the two musicians drag out the last note as their performance finally comes to a close.
(23:07)
>>173755
Middles?
>>174072
https://youtu.be/eljAjfttGoI
>>173684
Amber does not keep a head of state waiting, especially one of such tastes. She turns to Erik. "We will be playing Bartók's duos next. First Ara Táskor into Számláló, then Scherzo into Arab Dal, Szunyogtánc, Gyermekrengetéskor into Szénagyüjtéskor and Lakodalmas, and finally Bánkódás. Got it?"
Erik isn't given much time to get ready, or even to process the strange names, before bow is put to string. The first part starts slowly but coldly, before launching into an atonal melody, before receding again. This goes on several times, and it is a surprise that this was a transliteration of a harvest song, though to an untrained ear it may evoke waves of fields of grain. But in reality, it is the harsh bitterness of repetitive years of work which wear on a farmer who is never able to escape his drudgery. This is followed by a quicker and mounting melody, the lead part of which is filled very aptly with Amber's deeper-sounding viol. As the short section carries on, the disparate notes of the viol and Erik's violin come closer together but never fully merge before an abrupt end. Some deep fissures in being, like that between griffons or ponies, or the conflict of wills within the madness of Diazela, will never be healed before sudden ruination.
https://youtu.be/F-dP9UXo0Hk?t=1761
Unlike in her previous performance, Amber is not hampered by a lack of instruments and is fully within her element in the string duos. The next section starts out with a lively song in unison before the two instruments divide in organized chaos, complete with plucks. What could be more suited for the plans of griffons rended asunder by the terrible entropic beauty of the universe? The two start playing a darkly whirling dance from distant deserts, each instrument complementing the other in an otherworldly, heartless sound. Unknown to the listeners even the notes to it are beautifully symmetric.
(39:47)
The tempo picks up one more time as Amber and Eric play what seem to be the same song at different places yet which mesh together in rhythm and come together twice in a climax. Aptly named the Mosquito Dance, it resembles a horde of pests moving faster than the eye can perceive, uncatchable and yet waiting to descend.
(19:16)
The duo slow down and more closely match their music, though they remain separate enough to lend an ethereal atonal quality to the song. Why this piece is titled "Cradle Song" remains a mystery, with the most likely explanation being that it is an adaptation of an existing lullaby. Rather than being calming, however, it is haunting and sets one's feathers on end. This is assuaged by the next song, the "Hay Song," which among the collection is the most genuinely peaceful and pastoral piece. Given the name, it is most likely taken from some remote pony province, with the atonal yet tranquil melody suiting their unique optimism and harmony even in times of chaos. The leitmotifs carry on through the "Wedding Song," which unlike previous slow sections carries a warmth in it suiting the name, even as it drags to a halt.
(8:01)
Capping out the performance is a morose and tearful song. At times it seems like two separate songs of mourning played together. It retains ethereal qualities yet feels grounded in the agonies and sorrows of life. Is it the plaintive cries of two separated lovers, or evocative of a coming conflict that will shake the world to its core? At one point the song seems to end, but comes back with full volume, as one's sorrows may recede and return. The song slows once more and the two musicians drag out the last note as their performance finally comes to a close.
(23:07)
>>173755
Middles?
>>174072
https://youtu.be/eljAjfttGoI
>>174139
"Well, either way, the biggest you have should do me fine!"
She smiles, and flicks her tongue.
"Well, either way, the biggest you have should do me fine!"
She smiles, and flicks her tongue.
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>>174133
>>174147
Soon(TM). As you’ve surely guessed, it’s not 100% smooth. But this whole questline will be over soon.
>>174141
Jubilosa takes up some kind of conversation in the bar area with Clipping, with the word “jam” being heard.
Khoi:
“But they are children. Should they not be with some family?”
>>174142
“Uh… ‘there’s one this way.” He moves to love past Kira. Kira, however, takes up a decent portion of the walk way between furniture, and stretches even further. Either out of fear or politesse, he seems reluctant to move past Kira, and may have to step over her body at some point. He lifts up a foreleg.
“Uh, this way.”
>>174147
Soon(TM). As you’ve surely guessed, it’s not 100% smooth. But this whole questline will be over soon.
>>174141
Jubilosa takes up some kind of conversation in the bar area with Clipping, with the word “jam” being heard.
Khoi:
“But they are children. Should they not be with some family?”
>>174142
“Uh… ‘there’s one this way.” He moves to love past Kira. Kira, however, takes up a decent portion of the walk way between furniture, and stretches even further. Either out of fear or politesse, he seems reluctant to move past Kira, and may have to step over her body at some point. He lifts up a foreleg.
“Uh, this way.”
>>174167
It sounds like Clip and Jubilosa are having an engrossing conversation. Hopefully Silver gets to listen to more of it, if it's not finished before his current one with Khoi.
"You do not think this could become family?" Silver says, as he gestures over the gathered creatures.
It sounds like Clip and Jubilosa are having an engrossing conversation. Hopefully Silver gets to listen to more of it, if it's not finished before his current one with Khoi.
"You do not think this could become family?" Silver says, as he gestures over the gathered creatures.
>>174167
"Oh, my apologies sir! I'm still getting used to these pony-sized spaces."
She kindly pulls her tail closer to her coiling it around herself as tightly as she can, making enough room for the reluctant pony to pass by and consequently removing one more excuse of not get closer to the nope noodle.
"Oh, my apologies sir! I'm still getting used to these pony-sized spaces."
She kindly pulls her tail closer to her coiling it around herself as tightly as she can, making enough room for the reluctant pony to pass by and consequently removing one more excuse of not get closer to the nope noodle.
>>174170
Kira smiles friendly enough at the sales associate pony, though she also has to admit it's starting to get a little awkward.
Kira smiles friendly enough at the sales associate pony, though she also has to admit it's starting to get a little awkward.
>>174172
“Well, they do, but… this is an older colt, a griffin… a gnoll…” she looks down
>>174173
The stallion decides to finally move by. While the passage way isn’t that small, Kira is rather wide when coiled. He looks over to her and scoots by. He smiles with all teeth showing, as he must surely be aware he is well within hugging range. His fur on his legs rubs Kira’s scales, and he utters a “sorry.” He moves past Kira, and looks back to her, still smiling with teeth. “This way… please.”
“Well, they do, but… this is an older colt, a griffin… a gnoll…” she looks down
>>174173
The stallion decides to finally move by. While the passage way isn’t that small, Kira is rather wide when coiled. He looks over to her and scoots by. He smiles with all teeth showing, as he must surely be aware he is well within hugging range. His fur on his legs rubs Kira’s scales, and he utters a “sorry.” He moves past Kira, and looks back to her, still smiling with teeth. “This way… please.”
>>174174
Thankfully, for the poor pony's sanity, Kira does not hug the pony (at least, for the moment). She smiles back at him and starts to follow, uncoiling as she does so like a spool of yarn.
Thankfully, for the poor pony's sanity, Kira does not hug the pony (at least, for the moment). She smiles back at him and starts to follow, uncoiling as she does so like a spool of yarn.
>>174174
Silver chuckles, and smiles at the kirin regardless if she can see it or not.
"There have been far stranger families, I must say."
Silver chuckles, and smiles at the kirin regardless if she can see it or not.
"There have been far stranger families, I must say."
>>174175
He moves ahead, often looking back
“This way.”
They do not move far at all. He stops in front of a very large rectangular chest of white with blue floral decorations, mimicking the decorative style of oriental porcelain vases. It’s big enough for Kira to fit her bow in, her blankets, and basically all of her possessions with room to spare. But while it’s big enough to fit a pony and maybe even Kira, it is not long enough for pole arms.
“Wood construction. There is a lock on it, but for full security you may want to add your own, which you can with the bars here.” He looks back to her. “This is our largest.”
He moves ahead, often looking back
“This way.”
They do not move far at all. He stops in front of a very large rectangular chest of white with blue floral decorations, mimicking the decorative style of oriental porcelain vases. It’s big enough for Kira to fit her bow in, her blankets, and basically all of her possessions with room to spare. But while it’s big enough to fit a pony and maybe even Kira, it is not long enough for pole arms.
“Wood construction. There is a lock on it, but for full security you may want to add your own, which you can with the bars here.” He looks back to her. “This is our largest.”
>>174176
She sits on her hind quarters, and moves herself up in a way that she can use her forehooves to make gestures. “But…” she looks down, and her tail curls around her front, with the little tuft of hair in front of her left hind leg. “I wanted a family that was mine.” She moves her hooves in circles around each other in front of her. “My blood and my stallion…”
She sits on her hind quarters, and moves herself up in a way that she can use her forehooves to make gestures. “But…” she looks down, and her tail curls around her front, with the little tuft of hair in front of her left hind leg. “I wanted a family that was mine.” She moves her hooves in circles around each other in front of her. “My blood and my stallion…”
>>174178
"Well..." Silver puts a hoof on her circling forehooves, stopping them. "...why can that not still happen?"
"Well..." Silver puts a hoof on her circling forehooves, stopping them. "...why can that not still happen?"
>>174177
Kira lets out an "ooooo!" at the sight of the large container. Even if it's not quite long enough for a spear, it still very much fills all of her needs.
"I'll take it!"
Kira lets out an "ooooo!" at the sight of the large container. Even if it's not quite long enough for a spear, it still very much fills all of her needs.
"I'll take it!"
>>174179
“But… Ms. Valador. You are with her? Are you not? I can hear you two. I know we are not betrothed but… And the colts. Am I to take care of them? The oldest one is big enough he can care for himself. And the gnoll. He is a gnoll.” She pauses, looks down, then back up. “Where am I in this? What do you intend?”
>>174180
He looks back to her.
“How do you intend to pay?” He asks
“But… Ms. Valador. You are with her? Are you not? I can hear you two. I know we are not betrothed but… And the colts. Am I to take care of them? The oldest one is big enough he can care for himself. And the gnoll. He is a gnoll.” She pauses, looks down, then back up. “Where am I in this? What do you intend?”
>>174180
He looks back to her.
“How do you intend to pay?” He asks
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>>174191
I would like to request that my four ghostly companions here assist me in awareness of my surroundings.
I would like to request that my four ghostly companions here assist me in awareness of my surroundings.
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>>174197
"Hrrk.. T-tell me if you see the shock absorber anywhere, or anything else interesting...!" Posey says, between groans of exertion as she wades into the water and tries to haul out the device or detach the cylinder, her horn straining with its magical golden glow turning a diseased and noxious yellow as she exerts all of her power.
"Hrrk.. T-tell me if you see the shock absorber anywhere, or anything else interesting...!" Posey says, between groans of exertion as she wades into the water and tries to haul out the device or detach the cylinder, her horn straining with its magical golden glow turning a diseased and noxious yellow as she exerts all of her power.
So... Is she able to pull it out of the lake? She should have the carrying capacity to do so.
>>174181
Kira tilts her head at the pony, and says, "...with Bits?" while obviously being confused by the question.
Kira tilts her head at the pony, and says, "...with Bits?" while obviously being confused by the question.
>>174181
Whew. Khoi, uh...she certainly has a talent for asking loaded questions at especially awkward times. Had she said something earlier or had waited until they were alone it would be a lot easier for Silver to come up with an answer, but breakfast is definitely a difficult time to put him on the spot. I suppose the first thing that should be asked is if Jubilosa and Clip are still engrossed in their conversation.
Whew. Khoi, uh...she certainly has a talent for asking loaded questions at especially awkward times. Had she said something earlier or had waited until they were alone it would be a lot easier for Silver to come up with an answer, but breakfast is definitely a difficult time to put him on the spot. I suppose the first thing that should be asked is if Jubilosa and Clip are still engrossed in their conversation.
So what does Posey see?
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>>174136
Did Amber forget? Erich is from Lushi. He was born with this language, and learned to play the songs of these local greats before he learned his first word of Herzlandish. Erich makes a malign smile towards Amber, and places his bow to string.
Toil, conflict, and endless strife are essential qualities of life. What better subject could there be for the rosined bow? The struggle of competing wills - the heavy burden of those who must live in the dialectic of thesis and antithesis, and even to guide the process of history - these are surely themes that the Grand Master appreciates as he sits leaning forward in his chair, listening to every note, even if the elements of pony origin leave him curling his beak.
Though their host surely lets himself be enthralled by the well of emotion tapped into by Amber and Erich, now resonating along the old refractory, what she cannot be sure about is to what degree he grasps the underlying truth expressed in this and every performance. Standing on the tile floor, with her bow to the mandolin, music pouring out like an oil-well gusher, Amber feels the truth. Music is not an instrument to represent the lived experience of the world. The world is a representation, individual consciousness but a short-lived illusion. Emotion and will are but melody expressed. And any physicist would admit, if only under their breath, that seemingly solid matter is made up of harmonies. Beyond the blinders that are the five senses is an entire realm of music. Sometimes melodic, sometimes chaotic. Sometimes in symphony, sometimes cacophony. But always, always resonating across infinity.
Can you feel it? Exaltation. Rapture. A feeling like carnal pleasure, or rather, the feeling carnal pleasure is analogous to. Through music, Amber feels transcendent, connected to experiences separated seemingly by space, time, and individual consciousness, but is, in reality, all a part of the same universal chorus. She can feel it. It is glorious.
The music stops. For now.
Did Amber forget? Erich is from Lushi. He was born with this language, and learned to play the songs of these local greats before he learned his first word of Herzlandish. Erich makes a malign smile towards Amber, and places his bow to string.
Toil, conflict, and endless strife are essential qualities of life. What better subject could there be for the rosined bow? The struggle of competing wills - the heavy burden of those who must live in the dialectic of thesis and antithesis, and even to guide the process of history - these are surely themes that the Grand Master appreciates as he sits leaning forward in his chair, listening to every note, even if the elements of pony origin leave him curling his beak.
Though their host surely lets himself be enthralled by the well of emotion tapped into by Amber and Erich, now resonating along the old refractory, what she cannot be sure about is to what degree he grasps the underlying truth expressed in this and every performance. Standing on the tile floor, with her bow to the mandolin, music pouring out like an oil-well gusher, Amber feels the truth. Music is not an instrument to represent the lived experience of the world. The world is a representation, individual consciousness but a short-lived illusion. Emotion and will are but melody expressed. And any physicist would admit, if only under their breath, that seemingly solid matter is made up of harmonies. Beyond the blinders that are the five senses is an entire realm of music. Sometimes melodic, sometimes chaotic. Sometimes in symphony, sometimes cacophony. But always, always resonating across infinity.
Can you feel it? Exaltation. Rapture. A feeling like carnal pleasure, or rather, the feeling carnal pleasure is analogous to. Through music, Amber feels transcendent, connected to experiences separated seemingly by space, time, and individual consciousness, but is, in reality, all a part of the same universal chorus. She can feel it. It is glorious.
The music stops. For now.
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>>174136
>>174206
Amber awakens from terrible dreams, and Celestia, what terrible dreams they were. Amber dreamt that monsters and traitors partitioned her homeland of Equestria, imprisoning its princesses and paragons. Her own father was crippled permanently in the fight, and Amber was forced to live on her own, and become the breadwinner. Thrust into the city, Amber would find herself alone amongst unfamiliar faces, often alien to Equestria. A small, barely heated studio apartment taken from immigrant housing was all Amber could afford with her savings. Working two jobs from sun-up past sunset, Amber could not even afford food, scrounging her only meals from waste; only crime offered any means of getting ahead in finances. The war, as well as luckier, more educated mares, had carried off the good stallions, leaving only a dorky runt as her choice of mate.
Thank Celestia it's just a dream.
Amber awakens in her room with the early morning sunlight giving a soft blue glow to most of the room. She feels cold, even with the covers over most, but unfortunately not all of her body. She lies on her back at an angle partly on her left side. Her left hind leg is on the bed, hanging slightly over at the hoof and out of the covers. Her right hind leg bends upwards, with the area below the knee sticking out from under the covers. There is a red glow coming from beneath the covers, by her right flank. Amber feels nuzzling against her fur. It's not a haunting feeling, not especially real, but a memory that fades as she gains consciousness. Amber is tired, scarcely rested from the night. She is cold. Her genitals are sore.
Then Amber remembers something. She is a cute pony. Moreover, she is a cute mare. And with that, all of her problems aren't so bad. Who could not love a cute pony? What difficulty could not be overcome?
>>174206
Amber awakens from terrible dreams, and Celestia, what terrible dreams they were. Amber dreamt that monsters and traitors partitioned her homeland of Equestria, imprisoning its princesses and paragons. Her own father was crippled permanently in the fight, and Amber was forced to live on her own, and become the breadwinner. Thrust into the city, Amber would find herself alone amongst unfamiliar faces, often alien to Equestria. A small, barely heated studio apartment taken from immigrant housing was all Amber could afford with her savings. Working two jobs from sun-up past sunset, Amber could not even afford food, scrounging her only meals from waste; only crime offered any means of getting ahead in finances. The war, as well as luckier, more educated mares, had carried off the good stallions, leaving only a dorky runt as her choice of mate.
Thank Celestia it's just a dream.
Amber awakens in her room with the early morning sunlight giving a soft blue glow to most of the room. She feels cold, even with the covers over most, but unfortunately not all of her body. She lies on her back at an angle partly on her left side. Her left hind leg is on the bed, hanging slightly over at the hoof and out of the covers. Her right hind leg bends upwards, with the area below the knee sticking out from under the covers. There is a red glow coming from beneath the covers, by her right flank. Amber feels nuzzling against her fur. It's not a haunting feeling, not especially real, but a memory that fades as she gains consciousness. Amber is tired, scarcely rested from the night. She is cold. Her genitals are sore.
Then Amber remembers something. She is a cute pony. Moreover, she is a cute mare. And with that, all of her problems aren't so bad. Who could not love a cute pony? What difficulty could not be overcome?
>>174208
With the covers removed, Amber can see that her cutie mark is glowing. Burgundy in the center, and blue around the edges.
With the covers removed, Amber can see that her cutie mark is glowing. Burgundy in the center, and blue around the edges.
>>174209
Her mouth agape, Amber gingerly touches a hoof to the glowing cutie mark, as if afraid it would start burning.
Her mouth agape, Amber gingerly touches a hoof to the glowing cutie mark, as if afraid it would start burning.
>>174210
There is no burning sensation. Only the feel of her own hoof against fur, and her frog, hoof, and fur illuminated by the dim blue and burgundy light.
There is no burning sensation. Only the feel of her own hoof against fur, and her frog, hoof, and fur illuminated by the dim blue and burgundy light.
>>174211
Amber gasps. She throws her head back against the pillow and closes her eyes, struggling to remember anything past the veil of sleep. Even if she did this just when she woke up she wouldn't be successful. Some things are unmistakeable, however, despite being mere feelings rather than coherent thoughts. Amber was running from the law, she's pretty sure, though she rationalizes this as subconscious guilt over the purloined letter or her fear of the Blackhooves. There were definitely griffons too, but that's hardly surprising given she bears the misfortune of seeing them every day.
One thing cannot be easily rationalized, however, and that was the vague recollection of music that she couldn't transcribe even if she heard it awake and sober. It was the most beautiful music Amber had ever heard, keen and terrifying, yet her intellect cannot quite grasp it. Merely trying to grasp onto the shadow of that memory chills her, leaving her feeling lonely and naked, and her eyes fly open before vertigo can fully set in. She sits upright in bed, shifts her thoughts to the nuzzling feeling earlier, and takes stock of the dim room.
Amber gasps. She throws her head back against the pillow and closes her eyes, struggling to remember anything past the veil of sleep. Even if she did this just when she woke up she wouldn't be successful. Some things are unmistakeable, however, despite being mere feelings rather than coherent thoughts. Amber was running from the law, she's pretty sure, though she rationalizes this as subconscious guilt over the purloined letter or her fear of the Blackhooves. There were definitely griffons too, but that's hardly surprising given she bears the misfortune of seeing them every day.
One thing cannot be easily rationalized, however, and that was the vague recollection of music that she couldn't transcribe even if she heard it awake and sober. It was the most beautiful music Amber had ever heard, keen and terrifying, yet her intellect cannot quite grasp it. Merely trying to grasp onto the shadow of that memory chills her, leaving her feeling lonely and naked, and her eyes fly open before vertigo can fully set in. She sits upright in bed, shifts her thoughts to the nuzzling feeling earlier, and takes stock of the dim room.
>>174213
>>174223
>>174199
Posey feels something bite her ear. As before, there is no mystery here. It's (the same) ghost.
"The name is Turn Card, by the way."
Entering into the water, Posey sees that the gun rests on a medium sized metal barge, which sits at an angle. Behind the gun is a cart that has slid off the edge of the barge. The water has low to moderate visibility, with large amounts of particulates, presumably algae, floating about. Walking onto the barge, and especially trying to mess with the gun, Posey stirs up mud and dead plant matter, which clouds portions of the water.
Posey places a wrench to the gun, but the bolt seems to be jammed.
"Looks like there is some rusting"
>>174223
>>174199
Posey feels something bite her ear. As before, there is no mystery here. It's (the same) ghost.
"The name is Turn Card, by the way."
Entering into the water, Posey sees that the gun rests on a medium sized metal barge, which sits at an angle. Behind the gun is a cart that has slid off the edge of the barge. The water has low to moderate visibility, with large amounts of particulates, presumably algae, floating about. Walking onto the barge, and especially trying to mess with the gun, Posey stirs up mud and dead plant matter, which clouds portions of the water.
Posey places a wrench to the gun, but the bolt seems to be jammed.
"Looks like there is some rusting"
>>174212
The music... the beautiful, glorious music... She may not remember it, but she will likely pursue it in the days and months to come.
She feels tired. She has awaken a few minutes before her alarm has set her to awake - just enough to not be able to go back to sleep. The nuzzling was but a memory of her young lover's nuzzles the day before. But she can always be nuzzled more... until she can't. The sun is just over the horizon. At least she assumes it is. She can't see it from here, though its light is present. Even the Changelings know better than to stop the Princess from raising the light. The bed and covers are still messy from last night.
The music... the beautiful, glorious music... She may not remember it, but she will likely pursue it in the days and months to come.
She feels tired. She has awaken a few minutes before her alarm has set her to awake - just enough to not be able to go back to sleep. The nuzzling was but a memory of her young lover's nuzzles the day before. But she can always be nuzzled more... until she can't. The sun is just over the horizon. At least she assumes it is. She can't see it from here, though its light is present. Even the Changelings know better than to stop the Princess from raising the light. The bed and covers are still messy from last night.
>>174225
"Nice to meet you. My masters dubbed me Rosey Ring, but you can call me Posey." Posey replies, before bending over to work
>but the bolt seems to be jammed.
Posey tries to break the mountings, hoping the rust reduces its break DC.
She draws her crowbar and attempts to rend it off
[1d20+7 = (18+7) = 25]
"Nice to meet you. My masters dubbed me Rosey Ring, but you can call me Posey." Posey replies, before bending over to work
>but the bolt seems to be jammed.
Posey tries to break the mountings, hoping the rust reduces its break DC.
She draws her crowbar and attempts to rend it off
[1d20+7 = (18+7) = 25]
>>174226
Amber groans. Most dreams she has had left her feeling refreshed, but the sheer mental energy of what she went through instead leaves her sapped. Her late-night dalliance certainly didn't help, but she rejects projecting any blame onto Mustard Trim.
She gets out of bed and takes a cold shower. Hopefully she can clean everything up and make it to work before the sun fully rises.
Amber groans. Most dreams she has had left her feeling refreshed, but the sheer mental energy of what she went through instead leaves her sapped. Her late-night dalliance certainly didn't help, but she rejects projecting any blame onto Mustard Trim.
She gets out of bed and takes a cold shower. Hopefully she can clean everything up and make it to work before the sun fully rises.
>>174228
And... crack
It snaps off, causing Posey to fall back. She may catch herself, but disturbing the mud in the process. Posey hears much disruption in the water, like fish moving.
>>174229
Mustard is kind of innocent of this...
The glowing has stopped. Amber has the time to shower. The cold water helps to wake her up on an otherwise hard morning.
And... crack
It snaps off, causing Posey to fall back. She may catch herself, but disturbing the mud in the process. Posey hears much disruption in the water, like fish moving.
>>174229
Mustard is kind of innocent of this...
The glowing has stopped. Amber has the time to shower. The cold water helps to wake her up on an otherwise hard morning.
>>174228
As Posey bends over, they can see a view of her namesake: the black dot on her flank, surrounded by a ring of red fire.
>>174230
>Posey hears much disruption in the water, like fish moving.
Posey decides to move to shore quickly, having been nearly-eaten once already today. She draws her sword and waits for about a minute for anything to charge at her. If nothing charges, she goes back to retrieve her gun.
"Hydras... You can never be too careful."
As Posey bends over, they can see a view of her namesake: the black dot on her flank, surrounded by a ring of red fire.
>>174230
>Posey hears much disruption in the water, like fish moving.
Posey decides to move to shore quickly, having been nearly-eaten once already today. She draws her sword and waits for about a minute for anything to charge at her. If nothing charges, she goes back to retrieve her gun.
"Hydras... You can never be too careful."
>>174231
"Nice flank."
>get to the shore
Were it so easy. Posey is still many feet away, and in deeper water with heavy equipment. The cylinder is massive and heavy, and while it is possible for Posey to tie it to her back, in the meantime, it requires at least one hoof, making effective sword wielding impractical. Posey must chose between the two.
Even more mud is disturbed
"There is something in the water!"
"Nice flank."
>get to the shore
Were it so easy. Posey is still many feet away, and in deeper water with heavy equipment. The cylinder is massive and heavy, and while it is possible for Posey to tie it to her back, in the meantime, it requires at least one hoof, making effective sword wielding impractical. Posey must chose between the two.
Even more mud is disturbed
"There is something in the water!"
>>174232
>it requires at least one hoof, making effective sword wielding impractical.
Can't she use her horn?
>it requires at least one hoof, making effective sword wielding impractical.
Can't she use her horn?
>>174232
>"Nice flank."
"~Thank you. I work hard to maintain it." Posey replies, momentarily ignoring the present danger
(Posey's main flaw is her vanity)
>"Nice flank."
"~Thank you. I work hard to maintain it." Posey replies, momentarily ignoring the present danger
(Posey's main flaw is her vanity)
>>174233
Posey's telekinesis is less powerful. She may roll but not levitate the cylinder with her telekinesis - the tendency of the odd-shaped ends of the cylinder to get caught in debris counter-acting the buoyancy of the oil and compressed gas in the steel cylinder. She may also use her telekinesis with her sword, but without a strength bonus.
>>174234
Turn Card is about to say more, but another ghost - the unicorn - silences him.
Posey's telekinesis is less powerful. She may roll but not levitate the cylinder with her telekinesis - the tendency of the odd-shaped ends of the cylinder to get caught in debris counter-acting the buoyancy of the oil and compressed gas in the steel cylinder. She may also use her telekinesis with her sword, but without a strength bonus.
>>174234
Turn Card is about to say more, but another ghost - the unicorn - silences him.
>>174235
>She may also use her telekinesis with her sword, but without a strength bonus.
And here I've been imagining that she's been using her sword with her horn this whole time. Oh well.
On second thought, I could always make a slam attack or a charnel touch, so I don't really need to use the sword rn. Posey uses her horn to steady her grip on the cylinder as she scrambles to shore.
>She may also use her telekinesis with her sword, but without a strength bonus.
And here I've been imagining that she's been using her sword with her horn this whole time. Oh well.
On second thought, I could always make a slam attack or a charnel touch, so I don't really need to use the sword rn. Posey uses her horn to steady her grip on the cylinder as she scrambles to shore.
>>174238
Posey could maybe mistake it for log, a floating back pack, or even one of the ghosts. But it isn't the shape of the former, and much too solid to be the latter. Floating through the water, kicking, Posey can see the corpse of a pony. It's brown mane floats in the water, its eyes white, the flesh on its muzzle and hooves rotting away, exposing skeletal structure, all white the flesh has swollen and mummified. It has a pack on its back which also floats above the entity. It's coming for Posey.
Roll Initiative
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Best to roll spot as well
Posey could maybe mistake it for log, a floating back pack, or even one of the ghosts. But it isn't the shape of the former, and much too solid to be the latter. Floating through the water, kicking, Posey can see the corpse of a pony. It's brown mane floats in the water, its eyes white, the flesh on its muzzle and hooves rotting away, exposing skeletal structure, all white the flesh has swollen and mummified. It has a pack on its back which also floats above the entity. It's coming for Posey.
Roll Initiative
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Best to roll spot as well
>>174239
Initiative
[1d20+9 = (12+9) = 21]
Gonna make a knowledge (religion) check (free action) to identify this creature.
[1d20+9 = (5+9) = 14]
Initiative
[1d20+9 = (12+9) = 21]
Gonna make a knowledge (religion) check (free action) to identify this creature.
[1d20+9 = (5+9) = 14]
>>174243
>seemingly not intelligent
"A zombie, perhaps? That's odd, they're not usually sporadic animations..." Posey says, her momentary panic fading in favor of fascination.
Uses her first turn to move as far as she can onto shore. Once she's firmly on shore, she puts the cylinder down and draws her sword.
>seemingly not intelligent
"A zombie, perhaps? That's odd, they're not usually sporadic animations..." Posey says, her momentary panic fading in favor of fascination.
Uses her first turn to move as far as she can onto shore. Once she's firmly on shore, she puts the cylinder down and draws her sword.
>>174247
Behind the creature, trailing, appears to be another undead creature of similar nature, though the specifics cannot be determined
Behind the creature, trailing, appears to be another undead creature of similar nature, though the specifics cannot be determined
>>174248
Assuming the monster's turn is over, Posey takes the Withdraw action to retreat to shore, where she can safely put down her cylinder.
This is a full round action. End of turn.
Assuming the monster's turn is over, Posey takes the Withdraw action to retreat to shore, where she can safely put down her cylinder.
This is a full round action. End of turn.
>>174249
Posey can make it to shore. It makes another attempt at her
[1d20+5 = (16+5) = 21]
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
Posey can make it to shore. It makes another attempt at her
[1d20+5 = (16+5) = 21]
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
>>174253
Okay.
On Posey's turn, she draws her Unholy symbol and a surge of power rushes through her, her mane flowing in a non-existent wind and her eyes glowing.
"By the powers vested in me, I demand that you kneel!"
Rebuke Undead
Rebuking check
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
Turning damage
[2d6+12 = (5+12) = 17]
Okay.
On Posey's turn, she draws her Unholy symbol and a surge of power rushes through her, her mane flowing in a non-existent wind and her eyes glowing.
"By the powers vested in me, I demand that you kneel!"
Rebuke Undead
Rebuking check
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
Turning damage
[2d6+12 = (5+12) = 17]
>>174254
With this check, Posey Rebukes as an 8th level Cleric. Up to 17 HD of undead are affected, and anything with 4 or less HD is commanded. Posey can command up to 7 HD of undead at once.
Turning does not require line of sight, so any undead still underwater may also be affected.
With this check, Posey Rebukes as an 8th level Cleric. Up to 17 HD of undead are affected, and anything with 4 or less HD is commanded. Posey can command up to 7 HD of undead at once.
Turning does not require line of sight, so any undead still underwater may also be affected.
>>174254
Posey feels a very much existing wind rush quickly behind her. The zombie closest to the edge of the water lets out something like a shriek, then moves further down. It seems to kneel in the water, still mostly submerged.
Posey feels a very much existing wind rush quickly behind her. The zombie closest to the edge of the water lets out something like a shriek, then moves further down. It seems to kneel in the water, still mostly submerged.
>>174256
What about the others? Are they affected?
Rebuked undead cower, as if in awe.
(Also I guess technically the ghosts might also be affected)
What about the others? Are they affected?
Rebuked undead cower, as if in awe.
(Also I guess technically the ghosts might also be affected)
>>174259
What about the ghosts? So they cower before Posey's power and beauty?
Posey nods, satisfied that the zombies are commanded.
"That's more like it. Now make yourself useful and come help me carry this giant gun."
What about the ghosts? So they cower before Posey's power and beauty?
Posey nods, satisfied that the zombies are commanded.
"That's more like it. Now make yourself useful and come help me carry this giant gun."
>>174260
The unicorn spirit seems to be awed. The other three ghosts seem to have fled.
But the two nearest zombies are commanded.
The unicorn spirit seems to be awed. The other three ghosts seem to have fled.
But the two nearest zombies are commanded.
>>174261
>The other three ghosts seem to have fled.
Huh.
Well, they can't make it far with Posey carrying their haunted objects.
>But the two nearest zombies are commanded.
These are 2 HD zombies right? Posey should be able to command three of them.
If the third zombie continues to attack, Posey draws her sword to engage it. If not, she heals herself and looks for the ghosts.
"Now where did those three go off to?"
>The other three ghosts seem to have fled.
Huh.
Well, they can't make it far with Posey carrying their haunted objects.
>But the two nearest zombies are commanded.
These are 2 HD zombies right? Posey should be able to command three of them.
If the third zombie continues to attack, Posey draws her sword to engage it. If not, she heals herself and looks for the ghosts.
"Now where did those three go off to?"
>>174262
The zombies are a bit larger than expected. The third zombie circles in the water, but none of the three seem eager to - or maybe even capable of - leaving it. The three zombies have retreated to their items. Posey can feel the difference, as previously the ghosts would lope in circles in front of and around Posey, creating a chill breeze, and Turn Card repeatedly touched Posey.
The zombies are a bit larger than expected. The third zombie circles in the water, but none of the three seem eager to - or maybe even capable of - leaving it. The three zombies have retreated to their items. Posey can feel the difference, as previously the ghosts would lope in circles in front of and around Posey, creating a chill breeze, and Turn Card repeatedly touched Posey.
>>174263
>but none of the three seem eager to - or maybe even capable of - leaving it.
"Anchorite haunting zombies; how peculiar... Perhaps they're bound to the boat, or the lake." Posey ponders
"I guess I'm carrying this thing home on my own then." Posey says
She takes a moment to examine the cylinder, to check if it's in good condition
>but none of the three seem eager to - or maybe even capable of - leaving it.
"Anchorite haunting zombies; how peculiar... Perhaps they're bound to the boat, or the lake." Posey ponders
"I guess I'm carrying this thing home on my own then." Posey says
She takes a moment to examine the cylinder, to check if it's in good condition
>>174264
It would perhaps be more accurate to say that the zombies are aquatic - their morphology shaped by the water.
The cylinder has rust in several areas that make it difficult to move up and down. However, it still has pressure and oil.
It would perhaps be more accurate to say that the zombies are aquatic - their morphology shaped by the water.
The cylinder has rust in several areas that make it difficult to move up and down. However, it still has pressure and oil.
>>174265
These aren't Lacedons, are they?
>However, it still has pressure and oil.
If that's good enough for her masters to reverse engineer, then I guess Posey's mission is done.
These aren't Lacedons, are they?
>However, it still has pressure and oil.
If that's good enough for her masters to reverse engineer, then I guess Posey's mission is done.
>>174266
Kinda, with ghast stats
Posey doesn't really know much about engineering. The inability of the piston to move is concerning, but it does have structural integrity.
Kinda, with ghast stats
Posey doesn't really know much about engineering. The inability of the piston to move is concerning, but it does have structural integrity.
>>174267
I was hoping I would meet Lacedons (aka drowners) in this swamp. They're useful to have around. They should be able to crawl on land too.
Ghouls make up a large proportion of the Dread league, and Posey has seen many before, so would she recognize them?
Posey peers closer to the decayed creatures, examining them more closely.
I was hoping I would meet Lacedons (aka drowners) in this swamp. They're useful to have around. They should be able to crawl on land too.
Ghouls make up a large proportion of the Dread league, and Posey has seen many before, so would she recognize them?
Posey peers closer to the decayed creatures, examining them more closely.
>>174268
Sure? The command won't last forever though
The fur has fallen out, leaving a hardened, white skin. The eyes have a blue glow, but are white, with milky irises that retain slight purple and golden hues. One is clearly formerly a solider, based on the remnant of a green uniform and a backpack. The other has a pack tied around its waist, though it's harder to tell. The third keeps its distance but does not seem to have been a pony at all, but something bigger.
Sure? The command won't last forever though
The fur has fallen out, leaving a hardened, white skin. The eyes have a blue glow, but are white, with milky irises that retain slight purple and golden hues. One is clearly formerly a solider, based on the remnant of a green uniform and a backpack. The other has a pack tied around its waist, though it's harder to tell. The third keeps its distance but does not seem to have been a pony at all, but something bigger.
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