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Occupied Equestria: Through the mist
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.173000
173462
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.
1207 replies and 91 files omitted.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174728
174729
>>174725
An awkward one.

Amber nods. "I'm a hostess at a restaurant. It's a good place and the work isn't hard at all."
Anonymous
c7bf854
?
No.174729
174730
>>174728
"How long have you been working there?" He asks
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174730
174732
>>174729
"Uh, as long as I've worked here. Really only a few days since I've moved in."
Rosey "Posey" Ring
5a24f4d
?
No.174731
174732 174735
>>174727
>especially if she gets away."
"Oh, thank you for reminding me. I have a precaution."
Posey gives Sasha a little boop on the snoot to cast Necrotic Cyst on her, attempting to implant a cyst of necrotic tissue deep inside her body.

Fortitude DC 19, although first DC 22 for Frightful Presence (which might debuff her enough to fail the Fortitude save).
Anonymous
c7bf854
?
No.174732
174733 174734
>>174730
Guy looks over at Amber, beak hanging open.
"... Well that was... quick... I see"

>>174731
Wasn't she out of spell slots?
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174733
174739
>>174732
Amber twitches her ears as she replies, "What do you mean by quick? Is it strange?"
Anonymous
5a24f4d
?
No.174734
174735
>>174732
She gained more spell slots when she leveled up.
Rosey "Posey" Ring
5a24f4d
?
No.174735
>>174734
>>174731
Anyway, Posey is casting this spell to put an internal tracker inside of the dog, so that she can scry on her.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174736
174739
>>174720
Silver pets his best friend right between his ears,

"You can just say you would rather come along."
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174737
174739
>>174720
Kira nods in the affirmative at the driver, as she uses her snake body to try to not move around in the back of the truck.

"Oh yeah, there's a whole small country of us! I don't know how many of us there are *exactly*, but it's a good amount. I hope everyone's okay..."
Anonymous
c7bf854
?
No.174739
174740 174741 174742 174756
>>174733
"It's... yeah, a little but... How do you like the hostess job, and Baltimare so far?"

>>174736
Mala closes his eyes, tilts his head upwards somewhat, and moves his tail side to side.

>>174737
"Really?"

The other pony, who has Neela over him says "Here"

The driver has to go around the block, having missed the turn, but they stop at the apartment.
Anonymous
0de1329
?
No.174740
174743
>>174739
Does Sasha fail her saving throw?
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174741
174743
>>174739
"Yay! We're here!"

Once they stop, Kira attempts to very carefully exit the truck.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174742
174743
>>174739
"So this is what you want, rather than staying here and protecting Mint?"
Anonymous
c7bf854
?
No.174743
174744 174745 174747
>>174740
Would Posey even have feedback on that?

>>174741
It isn't super easy, because Kira can't really see what she is lowering herself onto, and because Kira can't put too much weight onto certain pieces. Nevertheless, Kira manages. The ponies tell Kira to open the door, and then ask where Kira wants things. The two ponies prefer to give Kira a very wide berth, and don't seem to want to come too near her. They especially don't want to walk over her.

>>174742
"Well..." He looks away, then back up again. "I want to go out and... do the job. Do a job. Something good. Minty..." He looks away again. "I've fought the Waterfront before. When I was with... the Society..." He lowers his ears and tilts his head down "We killed a few of their soldiers. They never came to attack us at our heart. But we were many, and well-fortified. And we didn't take a car, or kill a leader..."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174744
174746
>>174743
"Do they even know we are here?"
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174745
174746
>>174743
Kira asks Neela to help with choosing where to place stuff, since she has more experience with modern living setups.
Anonymous
c7bf854
?
No.174746
174750 174751
>>174744
Mala tilts his head, with one ear standing straight up, and one angled down

"I don't know. They may see the car. I'm not sure how they would find you."

>>174745
Neela is rather opinionated

"Put the couch there! No... not there. There! Actually... okay, let's get started with the dresser,"

Kira still has her own furniture, like the chest, she has to place,
Anonymous
0de1329
?
No.174747
174749
>>174743
>Would Posey even have feedback on that?
I guess I should have specified if the Cyst was internal or external...
But I don't want to disfigure her just yet, so I'll make it internal and invisible.
Posey follows up with casting Necrotic Awareness, to detect any Cysts in a 60 ft cone.
Anonymous
0de1329
?
No.174748
174749
(if Gloomy were in that direction for some reason, he would ping on the radar too)
Anonymous
c7bf854
?
No.174749
174773 174774
>>174748
>>174747
And

ping
It does show a successful installation of a cyst, and

ping
A second ping, presumably gloomy. Why is he in the manor?
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174750
174759
>>174746
Oh, the chest is quite easy. Kira takes it herself up to her room, and puts it in a corner out of the way so she still has plenty of room to sleep.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174751
174759
>>174746
"We could move car somewhere else."
Less-random Bat
cda176b
?
No.174752
174753 174759
<Meanwhile

"The reason the lowest circles of hades are reserved for betrayers and mutineers is because (inhale,... exhale) once a pony is betrayed, their ability to love is permanently affected; expression of love being linked to trust, afterall."
*tap tap tap tap in a clinking ashtray*
"Im not saying not to deceive the ponies, Im saying never give your word and then go back on it, better to kill the pony outright; not only is the love tainted, but witnessess are just bad business."
*click, flick, and by an amber flame, a pair of otherwise glowing yellow slitted eyes are
illuminated*
*With a CLAP the lighter closes, leaving only a vague mote of a cigarette cherry*
"So then, shall we get to business?"

(The previous is hypothetical, and meant to offer an optional direction for OP that could potentially lead to a cross-referencing event for any interested players)
Rosey "Posey" Ring
0de1329
?
No.174753
174754
>>174752
>a cross-referencing event for any interested players
Well that's something to do. Hit me up.
Anonymous
cda176b
?
No.174754
174755
>>174753
shhhh, OP doesnt even know yet
Rosey "Posey" Ring
0de1329
?
No.174755
174757
>>174754
... Okay?
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174756
174759
>>174739
"I'll like it better when I get my paycheck. Everything I have was spent on my apartment and I ain't got anything left for chow. At this rate I'll end up flatter than a biscuit," Amber complained with drooping ears.
Anonymous
cda176b
?
No.174757
174758
>>174755
With cause, he may be weighing and measuing. Its way too early to assign any credece to my idea, and he would be well within to dismiss my idea outright.
Time will tell. Maybe this is a flash in the pan, or maybe I give y'all someone to shoot at.
Rosey "Posey" Ring
0de1329
?
No.174758
6237563__safe_artist-colon-neuro_oc_oc+only_oc-colon-anon_earth+pony_human_pony_undead_zombie_zombie+pony_armor_book_clothes_dialogue_duo_female_guardsmare_helm.png
>>174757
Okay.
Anonymous
77d03db
?
No.174759
174761 174769 174770 174783 174784 174785
>>174752
Uh, what event?

>>174750
Neela takes longer than was likely necessary to decide on placement for the furniture items. A bed needs to be set up, dresser moved, then moved again, a table in the dining area for presumably communal eating… It doesn’t seem to stretch the patience of the two ponies. It feels like it goes by quickly anyways. The ponies finish, and are ready to leave.

>>174751
“Maybe” he moves his head again. “To where?”

>>174756
“What? You don’t have money for food?” He says with surprise. “Have you asked for an advance on your pay?”
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174761
174762
>>174759
Amber blinks with surprise. "Um, no. I figured I had to wait."
Anonymous
77d03db
?
No.174762
174763
>>174761
“Well, normally yes but… if you can’t afford food… you might as well ask.”
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174763
174764
>>174762
"That's a good idea, thank you." She suddenly feels very stupid.
Anonymous
77d03db
?
No.174764
174765
>>174763
“Heh, yeah.” He looks over “You’re welcome.” And then, “I can hardly believe you were going to just… starve, I guess?”
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174765
174767
>>174764
"Payday's not that far away…I think," Amber chuffed. "And I'm used to hard times, but I really do need to keep my strength up. Food's more expensive than I expected."

She looks to see what else needs to be done around the shop.
Anonymous
77d03db
?
No.174767
174768
>>174765
Guy smiles, and shakes his head

Mostly customer interactions. Amber typically takes the register, and all measurements are done by guy.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174768
174787
>>174767
She has mixed feelings while tending the register. Just talking about food brought back the hunger pangs, which slows her down a little, but at least she has something to look forward to after work. Still, she maintains a friendly attitude towards customers, asking about their day and how they liked their shopping experiences.
Anonymous
cda176b
?
No.174769
>>174759
That depends, there would need to be a private discussion, if anything
Anonymous
5fdeb27
?
No.174770
174773
>>174759
Does Posey detect that her spell was successful?
Anonymous
f043762
?
No.174772
On the assumption that Sasha failed her save, which I assume she did because she's likely Sickened, Shaken, and taking whatever other penalties to her saves there may be, Posey informs Licorice that her escaping won't be an issue so long as she has Posey's "Mark".

"In any case, she's not going anywhere soon in her current condition, so her escape shouldn't be an issue yet. I want her alive for the time being, so it's preferable that she get some medical treatment. I can see to her in the morning."
A red crackle of static sparks from around Posey's horn.
"My reservoir has expanded since pushing my limit on this journey, but my powers are near expended. I had to travel through the period during which I normally meditate. I'll need some time to replenish my powers soon."
"I didn't want to leave Gloomy alone during the day, but a mission is a mission..."
Anonymous
6c5bb1e
?
No.174773
174774
>>174770
Yes. See >>174749
Anonymous
f043762
?
No.174774
174775 174787
File (hide): 85E722D88BD0441F1829CBC3CD1A17A9-287423.mp4 (280.7 KB, Resolution:750x374 Length:00:00:08, downloadfile-13.bin (2).mp4) [play once] [loop]
downloadfile-13.bin (2).mp4
>>174773
Sorry, video related.
>>174749
Hooray
>A second ping, presumably gloomy. Why is he in the manor?
Posey's eyes widen. She's seemingly forgotten what she's doing.
"Gloomy's here. He left the room. Why did she leave the room...?" She asks out loud, more to herself than anyone else
"Gloomy dear! Momma's home." she calls out, cantering off in that direction, leaving Sasha to her fate
Rosey "Posey" Ring
f043762
?
No.174775
174787
>>174774
Posey wanders off in search of Gloomy.
Anonymous
e88bbf5
?
No.174778
174787
Posey should be able to find Gloomy very quickly (in 3 rounds) with her spell.
Where does she find him?
Silver "The Floof" Sword
2e955c8
?
No.174783
>>174759
"Somewhere hidden and out of way, where nopony would be likely to look for such thing. Might be some abandoned building here in town, or maybe abandoned farmhouse outside of it."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
6aa51c4
?
No.174784
174787
>>174759
"Somewhere hidden and out of way, where nopony would be likely to look for such thing. Might be some abandoned building here in town, or maybe abandoned farmhouse outside of it."
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174785
174787
>>174759
"Thank you guys so much!"

Kira, in the living room where there's the most space available, opens her arms and coils to offer a hug to the two ponies. While her snake nature may or may not be somewhat scary, they must admit she has been nothing but friendly and nice, and a hug from her does look inviting...
Rosey "Posey" Ring
313c6f1
?
No.174786
174787
Does Posey find Gloomy?
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174787
174788 174789 174794 174795
>>174786
Yes.

>>174774
>>174778
>>174775
Posey moves around the house, until she finds Gloomy in the library on the northeast corner. He is laying down on the carpet, his legs tucked underneath himself, reading a book. He looks up towards Posey as she comes into the room, not reacting much other than to acknowledge her.

>>174768
Some don't care to talk much, some volunteer far too much. Amber has to listen to every detail of how a mare's cart got its wheel stuck in a storm drain (if Amber wonders how that's even possible, she quickly learns there are some things best left unknown) and how it took the combined efforts of two firefighters and a mortician to get it out, and how it made the mare late for the last meeting of the crystalline society for the month.

5PM nears

>>174784
"Do you think that would keep them away?" He asks

>>174785
They both step a step back, clearly still intimidated
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174788
174790
>>174787
"Oh, that's awful," Amber consoles. "Next month ought to be quite nice, though."

She tries to put away her own interests and engage more sincerely with the customers. After all, she can't trot around meeting them outside, so might as well do so here.
Anonymous
313c6f1
?
No.174789
174790
>>174787
>He looks up towards Posey as she comes into the room, not reacting much other than to acknowledge her.
Oh no. Emotional independence.

Posey walks up to Gloomy slowly, speaking softly and quietly. A look of subtle confusion and
"Hello, my little sweetie pie..." she says, reaching out with her horn to pet his mane
"How was your day? Were you lonely? Momma's sorry she had to be out during the day. It must have been scary..." she says, the last part plausibly more to reassure herself than him
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174790
174791 174798
>>174789
"I wasn't lonely. Well I was a little lonely but uncle Lick came by and let me stay in his library and I opened the books and started looking at the pictures. It was a little scary at first but I pretended there were ghouls hiding inside the cabinets and ran away from them and it was kind of fun."

>>174788
Another mare, an older one, starts talking about her granddaughter, Button. That's surely not her full name, as Amber is pretty sure it is Button ____, but she missed whatever that second word was. Amber learns that Button is just the cutest little thing, and she looks kind of like Amber but with even more and cuter freckles, and with an even more lemony coat. And she just made filly scout. Why has Amber never made filly scout?
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174791
174792
>>174790
"I didn't live close enough to a scout chapter to get involved…" Amber remarks regretfully, as she is not much of the envious sort. "But your granddaughter really does sound cute as a button. Does she have her cutie mark yet?"
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174792
174793
>>174791
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dgOh2Uz-MM

The mare sits down and clops her hooves together

"Oh! Hehehehe! Yes! It was a Tuesday at the racetrack after school let out for the summer. Well, I should back up. I should explain why Uncle Simeon was there. Also, it had rained the night before, and the ground was rather wet and there was a smell of mildew in the air. ----"
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174793
174796
>>174792
"Sorry–your total is 34 and a quarter bits," Amber blurts out, looking apologetically at the customer behind her. "I'd love to hear your story next time you visit," she continues in hopes of avoiding giving offense.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174794
174796 174797
>>174787
Diplomacy: Kira does her best to look as sweet and cute and innocent as possible: like a big ol', scaly teddy bear.

[1d20-1 = (15-1) = 14]
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174795
174799
>>174787
"Possibly. As far as anypony knows, this house is still owned by Maakie. If there is no evidence that we live here, at least while I am gone, it will be much, much harder to find us."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174796
174800 174801
>>174794
And opposed:
[1d20 = 11]
[1d20 = 12]

>>174793
The mare pouts, but pays the money and buys the stockings.

High Sewn ventures out and looks around. 5 PM approaches
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174797
174801
>>174794
"Well... okay..." Both stallions move closer to Kira, coming within striking range of a hug.
Anonymous
313c6f1
?
No.174798
174799 174804
>>174790
"O-Okay then..." Posey says, laying down beside him
She pats his mane, and his back
"It must be rough coming to a new country all of a sudden, sweetie. You're such a brave young colt..." she continues
"Momma is... I am going to spend some more time with you in the coming weeks. I'm going to be working nights on my research for the university, so until my next... mission, I can spend the day with you. No more graveyard shifts (note, this term has a completely different meaning in Magehold), sudden summons, or week-long exclusions to the front. Just you and me..I'll even try take you into the city for some treats. How does that sound?"
If a clever eye were watching Posey for this moment, they would notice by the lack of glow in her eyes that she hasn't defaulted to charming the colt, as she usually does the first time she sees him on a given day
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174799
174802 174803
>>174795
Mala flops an ear
"Maakie certainly would not have wanted them to know where he lived. The car would be the biggest sign, yes."

>>174798
The colt tilts his head and looks up at Posey, as if a follow up elaboration on the details of a precise plan were to be expected.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174800
174804
>>174796
"How is everything right now? Are you looking for somepony?" Amber asks High Sewn when the two aren't busy. She tilts a hoof back and forth somewhat impatiently.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174801
174804
>>174796
>>174797
Kira - practically squealing in delight - gladly hugs both of the stallions, wrapping her copious coils around them and giving them a firm but not overly tight hug with both her snake tail and her pony forelegs. It doesn't feel like she's trying to constrict them for consumption, but is rather a nice, surprisingly warm and comfy hug on all sides, which is difficult for non-lamias to pull off. Her scales are nice and smooth, and her pony half feels for all intents and purposes like a real pony. She makes a happy little "sssssss" sound and her tongue flicks out rather cutely as she gives the two ponies a nice, friendly squeeze.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174802
174804
>>174799
"Even better, then there is no connection that can be formed between us and Maakie. We just move car somewhere else for time being, and we are safe."
Anonymous
313c6f1
?
No.174803
174804
>>174799
>details
I have to sleep. Later.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174804
174805 174806 174810 174811
>>174803
F

>>174800
High Sewn looks over.

"No. It's my business. I like to check in on things sometimes. Participate." She looks outside, and then back to Amber
"But I've completed the order. Well, not all of it. The last design needs to be embroidered but... it's mostly done, anyways..." She again looks to the side, and then back to Amber with a grin

"So tell me more about him"

>>174801
The poor stallions... They could not have known. They do not escape. Kira grabs them both. There's an "Ahhh!" as they fall victim to the hugs. One is grabbed by her forelegs. Another is grabbed in her tail. Both are unprepared for what has come, and the one further down on her tail falls down onto his rump and places his forelegs over her body. Their eyes widen in shock.

The pony on her snake body feels rather similar to her usual prey, in size and general body shape, as well as the feel of his fur. It isn't an exact comparison: the legs are much thicker, the head bigger, and the fur softer. The pony between her hooves feels similar to a lamia. There are, however, fewer ribs on his chest, and the bones don't move quite as much. Even in comparison to the ponies she hugged earlier, she can feel the difference. There are of course no wings, and these ponies have more muscle than any she has hugged before.

Neela:
"Yeah yeah, of course she gets the hugs."

>>174802
"Well that sounds like a pretty good idea" Mala says, and moves his tail back and forth.

>>174798
It doesn't have to be details. Gloomy just has an expression along the lines of "I am listening," like he expects Posey to continue talking because she has something specific in mind.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174805
174807
>>174804
Kira giggles, the vibrations from which can be felt all down her pony body and snake tail. "Wow, you two feel strong! I guess you have to be to move all of this heavy furniture all day, but still!"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174806
174807
>>174804
Silver pets his hyena/gnoll friend between his ears.

"I do actually know of place like that, little bit outside of city but also still technically inside it. It is abandoned farmhouse near quarry. It is out of way, known only to select few creatures. Maybe if we can get car out there it can stay there until I get back. Unless you know of better hiding places in city."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174807
174808 174809
>>174805
"Thanks..." says the pony on her tail. He's the pony who was initially helping Kira, and he seems to have an easier time accepting his fate. He lowers his legs onto her body and touches her, but then raises his legs again.

The other stallion wiggles his arms about as if he could get free. Kira has her hooves around him, however.

>>174806
Mala closes his eyes and smiles. His ears twitch, moving away from each other and then closer together.

"Well..." He says, opening his eyes and looking forward for a few seconds in silence.

"No... I don't know anywhere better... We could put it there. Where you said."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174808
174813
>>174807
Silver tilts his head at Mala.

"Do you think it is good idea? Bad idea? I genuinely want your input."
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174809
174813
>>174807
Her tail is smooth and shiny, on account of her scales. She doesn't seem to object to the touching, and in fact she makes sure the pony is extra snug and comfortable in her coils. The pony in her forelegs, however, is rendered helpless by the improved hugging abilities of the lamia, which gives her the opportunity to give him a friendly squeeze. Thankfully, it seems she does not desire to eat either of them. At least, for now it seems.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174810
174813
>>174804
Amber gives a shy smile.

"Well, have I mentioned how smart and hardworking he is? He really puts himself into his studies, and he works to put food on the table for his family. They don't really appreciate what he does which is a cryin' shame, but he really does care for them, though it doesn't leave much time for a social life."
Her expression turned a little more dour. "I do worry for him sometimes though fer all that stress he goes through. He wears himself thin yet always wants to spend time with me. Bless his heart for that, but he ain't got the time nor money to be going out as much as he offers. I want to return the sentiment, but…."
After a brief pause, she remembers something and the smile returns. "Oh, and he really likes model ships. He wants to get into woodworking or construction, and I think he'll do well at that. I forgot whether he's graduating this year or next, but his plan is getting into that business right afterwards."
Anonymous
90e0664
?
No.174811
174814 174863
Behold, my rambling, deranged, sleep-deprived attempt at writing dialogue for what should normally be a very important interaction with Posey to express her character development and charisma score. It's been a busy week, but fuck it, I have to keep things moving.
>details
"For starters, we'll go on trots around the city. I'll wear a dress and a sun hat, so we could even go during the day. The streets aren't restricted here like in Magehold: we can trot wherever and whenever we like, regardless of who owns us, and barely anypony will try to eat us. We'll see all of the sites and structures for Momma's... job report. We'll go around the entertainment districts too- n-no, not that kind of entertainment! There won't be very much killing going on there, but there's still lots of places to eat. Momma is going to buy you something sweet; no, not one of those nasty blood-sweeteners, but something like one of those Farbrook imports you like, the one with the chocolate sprinkles. A lot of those imports are produced here, so you could eat them every day. If you're good, Momma will even buy you something salty too; I think it was called a pretzel? The food on the ship didn't do you any good, and Momma's begun to tell the difference. ~Oh, you are going to be so plump..." Posey trails off a bit, wiping her lip
>>174804
Oh thank fuck. I saw this halfway through this trainwreck of a monologue.
>Posey to continue talking because she has something specific in mind
Posey goes into detail about how she needs to survey this city for her mission, and how she intends to take him sightseeing for that. She wants to take him out to eat various foods that are rare in Magehold, and maybe to take him to movies.
She intends to tutor him on the development of his powers while she works on her own, which is her main priority between new from missions from Magehold. She even suggests she might take him with her on a mission once he learns to Suppress Signs, "just like she used to". She appears very excited for the two of them to be able to practice without the masters watching them.
She says that she'll be able to spend some time with him, as for now she's only going to be submitting research to the university at a slow pace (rolling the Craft skill to make some money) to work on her reference book, until or unless they give her more intensive work. Her cover research is studying mana poisoning, so she intends to submit a reference book about Gloomy's conditions (counting this as Aiding Another to craft a reference book).

After this, Posey tells Gloomy that it's his bedtime, and she brings him to his room, puts him to bed, and sits beside him until he falls asleep. She considers meditating to recover her spells, but decides to instead do so during the day tomorrow.
Afterwards, she returns to the manor.

This was basically going to be the point where I describe my intent to take some downtime, as many weeks as it takes for the next mission to arrive.
Exhausting all possible modifiers, Posey can just barely take 10 to make the DC of 18 to craft a reference book in one week, which can be sold for 32.4 gold pieces in one week, spending 2 gold pieces on parchment and ink to do so.
This is a research book, so I would also like to make a check for the Research Skill, making the same check of 18 with all relevant modifiers. What Posey is researching is any local reports of the effects of dark magic, undead activity, or similar Necrologist-relevant topics around Baltimare region, historically or recently.
Posey would like to use her charms to barter some of her medical equipment to some colleges at the university in exchange for research equipment relevant to her studies (masterwork tools, paper, ink, etc).

Since Posey leveled up, she has to send a Tribute of 100 gold pieces to her Mentor in Maghold. She intends to mail that alongside the cylinder.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174813
174815 174824 174825
>>174810
A bit seriously, she replies. "Don't put much weight on that desire to spend time with you. If he's worth anything as a stallion, his heart will be with his work." After a couple seconds of silence, a smile returns

"No, that's not what I meant. I mean how does he make you feel? Do you feel the spark? How did he ask you out?" And then with a tilt of her head and a sly expression

"And the smooching? You must share"

>>174808
"I..." He lowers his head "Think it would work, yes."

>>174809
>seems she does not desire
>seems
That's how they get you

With that wide, toothy smile, the stallion in the coils pets Kira's scaly body. The other stallion, however, continues to meekly wave his hooves around, like a tortoise on its back.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174814
174819
>>174811
Gloomy stands up, moves closer towards Posey, and wags his tail. It won't be so easy to put him to bed now. He's too excited to sleep.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174815
174816
>>174813
"It's a little hard to describe. More than anything else, he makes me feel relieved that I know somepony here who I can trust. But I feel other things too. Whenever he's around I feel tingly and warm–no it's not nervousness–and I want to be close with him. I never felt this way with anypony else before, and I'm convinced the feeling is mutual. He likes to take me to places he's been, like that cove out of the city, and wants to go to places built for fun like the moving picture screen–I haven't been to one since I was a little filly–and the carnival. We'll do that sometime but I think he ain't got the bits to spare yet. We don't need money anyway, he's perfectly happy being at home with me."

The younger mare visibly blushes at the second question. "Must I divulge e'rything? He's, heh, a good kisser, please don't judge me for knowin' that…."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174816
174817
>>174815
She smiles and shakes her head, lowering her muzzle but keeping her eyes on Amber.

"Young love. Appreciate it while it lasts. Just don't become too attached."

She turns her head, again still looking at Amber with a wide smile
"Alright, I'll let you have a secret or to for now, hehe."

She moves over towards Guy, and starts talking to him. This conversation is also fairly personal, asking about his courses and his mother.

And at last, 5 PM is here.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174817
>>174816
Amber has to wonder what she means by that. Mustard doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Her thoughts become more occupied by wondering how typical it is for employers in Baltimare to be so personally interested in their workers and their relations. She doesn't really mind it, but in novellas she's read they tended to be more distant and professional.

There is one reason for Amber to be grateful for all the chatter though, and that is the softening up of High Sewn. Once her shift is properly ended, she approaches the boss, who is probably still talking with Guy. Amber still feels a little awkward.

"Excuse me. I was wonderin' if I could possibly have an advance on my pay? I'd hate to bother you with this but I really have nuthin' for food and it's downright maddening. I'll make it up to you somehow."
Anonymous
78d3507
?
No.174819
174820
>>174814
>It won't be so easy to put him to bed now. He's too excited to sleep.
Nothing a little hypnosis and anemia can't fix.
Posey isn't in a hurry to get him to sleep, as she's going to be awake all night anyway, and she's in the process of transitioning him to a nocturnal sleep cycle.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174820
174821 174854
>>174819
Gloomy dances around "Ice cream and pretzels and chocolate sprinkles?!" Then he stops, and looking up at Posey asks "Are you sure nothing will try to eat me? Not even the batwing ponies?"

High Sewn turns towards Amber, her eyes sharpening, then narrowing, and her mouth widening. She looks as if Amber had insulted her. Or her mother. After a pause,
"I suppose..."
Anonymous
ea361fb
?
No.174821
174822
>>174820
>Are you sure nothing will try to eat me?
"Oh, well, you can never be sure..." Posey says nonchalantly, speaking softly as she moves in to embrace him
She gently kisses his neck
"After all, you're just so sweet."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174822
174823
>>174821
The little pony is embraced

He doesn't seem to understand or appreciate the joke.
Anonymous
ea361fb
?
No.174823
174827
>>174822
Probably because it wasn't a joke.
embracing intensifies
"Are you getting enough water, sweetie?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174824
174827
>>174813
Silver continues to pet his hyena/gnoll friend.

"Okay, if that is what you really think. I still have one or two things to do before I head off. Let us go downstairs and see how everyone is doing, yes?"
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174825
174827
>>174813
The stallion in her coils can feel her body relax around his petting hoof, the firm muscles loosening up at his touch. It's strange, seeing a creature who must surely be stronger than even he is be so gentle and kind and with him. Kira tilts her head at the stallion in her forelegs, and asks him, "Is everything alright?"
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174827
174828 174829 174831
Halp.jpg
>>174825
"Yes" He says, sharply

"Just... we best be on our way. You know?"

These ponies really like showing their teeth

>>174823
concern

"I... don't... know?" He replies

>>174824
Mala keeps his eyes closed, and opens his mouth, letting his tongue hang out.

"Okay" He says

Mala gets up to follow Silver once Silver stops petting him.

Going down stairs, Silver smells burning bread
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174828
174830
>>174827
Understandable, they do have really pretty teeth.

"Oh, right, sorry! I just...really like pony hugs."

She lets the two ponies go.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174829
174830
>>174827
Uh oh.

Silvers hurries downstairs to see what's up.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174830
174832 174833
>>174828
The one in the coils casually hops out. The one in her forelegs tries to move forward onto his hooves, doesn't quite make the landing and falls to the floor, his fall likely broken by Kira's body, and then gets up, and darts off.

"Uh, enjoy your new home, ma'am!" the first one says

>>174829
Khoi is standing up on her hind legs, with her forelegs on the edge of the counter. She is blowing air at the toaster with her mouth. There is visible grey smoke coming out of the toaster, and black bread inside. Once Silver is around, Khoi stops, drops to the floor, and covers her head with her forelegs crossed.
Anonymous
ea361fb
?
No.174831
174834
>>174827
"The doctors said you need 8 glasses every day; that's two for every hoof." Posey chides
"Are you hungry, sweetie? Can I get you anything?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174832
174834
>>174830
From range, Silver uses his levitation magic to flip the lever on the side of the toaster up, ejecting the burnt bread prematurely. He goes to the window closest to the toast, opens it, and begins wafting the smoke towards the open window.

"Did you try getting toast even more toasted?"
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174833
174834
>>174830
She waves at the two extremely helpful moving ponies with a happy smile on her face.

"Thank you! Have a wonderful day!" She turns to the jealous deer. "So, ready to go get food for the house and a radio?"
Anonymous
5bf2604
?
No.174834
174835 174836 174841
>>174833
Neela is scrunching, and was looking up and away prior to addressing Kira

“About time they are done.” Then she addresses Kira
“Yes, I think we should go now.”

>>174832
A hoof shifts, and a lone magenta eye looks up and over towards Silver.

“A little” she says meekly

>>174831
“Yes” gloomy says.

If he has any familiarity with equestrian food, especially unhealthy equestrian food, he suggests that.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174835
174837
>>174834
Kira gesture to her back.

"Want me to give you a lamia back ride? I don't know if you're getting tired from walking yet."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174836
174837
>>174834
Silver levitates the poor burnt bread over to take a look at it.
Anonymous
5bf2604
?
No.174837
174838 174839
>>174835
Noe’s probably a good time to mention that the food Kira ate earlier wasn’t enough, and doesn’t perfectly agree with her either.

Neela looks over
“I think I can walk…”

>>174836
It is indeed very burnt, being completely black. If this were all that remained if the Silver household, investigators could indeed discern that a Kirin was responsible.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174838
174843
>>174837
Silver wonders why kirins get such a bad rap as he takes a butter knife and attempts to scrape off the upper layer of blackened burnt crumbs into the trash.

"You can use that lever on side to eject toast before it gets this burnt. Go ahead and make yourself some more, Khoi."
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174839
174843
>>174837
Hmm...Kira should probably find something to eat, then.

"Alright then, let's go." She starts slithering out the door before turning back to look at Neela. "Uh...do you happen to know where a food store is near here?"
Anonymous
ea361fb
?
No.174841
174843
>>174834
>If he has any familiarity with equestrian food, especially unhealthy equestrian food, he suggests that.
He logically wouldn't have a familiarity, but Posey accommodates. She takes very important care of keeping him well-fed.
Gloomy's favorite food is rose oatmeal, so let's go with that.
I would prefer to skip the detailed logistics of procuring a meal for Gloomy in character rn. Idk what I can feed him at the manor, but to account it over I'll subtract a ration from my sheet, representing a can of oats and dried rose petals.
Rosey "Posey" Ring
ea361fb
?
No.174842
174845
Is GM looking to keep roleplaying Gloomy for the foreseeable future? If so, I'll drop some of his backstory and build.
Anonymous
5bf2604
?
No.174843
174844 174847 174849
>>174838
>>174838
Well, Silver can now see why. His little Firestarter - to whatever degree Khoi can be said to be “his,” anyways - is still lying on the floor. She moves her hooves, and looks up towards Silver and the toast.

From the bar counter, Paper Clipping volunteers,
“Well, there’s an important lesson here. Anyone could start a fire. So there’s not really any point in dwelling on blame. Khoi Lua here may have started a fire -“

Khoi:
“You told me to raise the heat and put it back in!”

Clipping looks over to Khoi,
“Well you listened!”

And then back to Silver
“Look, the point is, anyone can do it, so let’s move past it.”

>>174839
There’s a deer

Neela:
“No. I think we passed a grocery store though. I’m not sure.”

>>174841
Oatmeal? Are you crazy?

>skip logistics
Sure.

The Gloomy is presumably fed.
Rosey "Posey" Ring
ea361fb
?
No.174844
>>174843
>Oatmeal? Are you crazy?
Imported oatmeal.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eUHcGce1Vl0
Anonymous
5bf2604
?
No.174845
174846
>>174842
Not really, the point of the scene was more to show that Lament had evidently moved Gloomy, and then kept him busy with books.
Anonymous
ea361fb
?
No.174846
>>174845
Well, we can consider that accomplished then.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174847
174850
>>174843
"Oh, well let's go there and see!"

And thus the two begin making there way to the presumed grocery store.
Rosey "Posey" Ring
ea361fb
?
No.174848
174850
Is there anything that Lament needed Posey to address this night? Posey could stay up the whole night, because she typically meditates during the day, but if not she'll go recover her spells now.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174849
174850
>>174843
Silver is a bit amused by this sequence, and chuckles to himself.

"Well, no harm, no foul. Now everypony knows for future." Finishing with his scraping, the toast is left with less mass than it had before but most of the blackened bits have been shorn away revealing the still good bread inside. Silver decides to eat these pieces, and while there is still a definitely burnt flavor and smell to them they aren't as bad as they were before and are still crunchy. "Was not even really fire. If you do end up starting fire with it, though, make sure you unplug toaster and pour baking soda over top to smother flames. Water and electrical equipment do not mix."
Anonymous
5bf2604
?
No.174850
174851 174852 174853
>>174847
“I was hoping those two bucks would stick around.” Neela says, “I think you may have scared them off.”

Walking down the street, ponies aren’t exactly super thrilled to walk past Kira.

>>174848
Tasks? No. Though he’s happy to talk with Posey.

Lament:
“How are you warming up to Equestria?”

>>174849
Khoi turns her head back towards Paper Clipping, scrunching and glaring at him. She whips her tail. She looks back towards Silver, and says
“Okay…”

Paper Clipping
“Yes, I’m very glad we can put all of these fires behind us. Also can I have some toast?”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174851
174855
>>174850
"Sure, toast is for everyone." Silver puts some bread in the toaster, sets the temperature to a reasonable setting, and pulls the lever down. After doing so, he looks over at Clip. "Say...when was last time you had bath?"
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174852
174855
>>174850
Kira waves at some of the ponies they pass by, trying to look friendly as she talks to Neela.

"Awww, really? I didn't mean to. They were really nice, I can see why you wanted them to stay."
Anonymous
ea361fb
?
No.174853
174855
>>174850
>“How are you warming up to Equestria?”
"It's different from what I expected. I didn't believe I could find ponies more on-edge than Farbrook. I guess that's military occupation for you."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174854
174855
>>174820
Amber tries not to notice High Sewn's apparent offense and sports a grateful grin. "Oh thank you so kindly. It means so much to me! Really, this is the only time I should need it."
Anonymous
5bf2604
?
No.174855
174856 174857 174859 174862
>>174852
“Strong and handsome… if only they had stayed. You should be a bit more careful. Not everyone wants to be squeezed like that.”

>>174851
Clipping’s eyes go wide, and his ears go up
“Uh… a while?” He answers

>>174853
“The occupation is the biggest part. During the war is was also very tense, with fear of infiltrators. And then even before the war it was like there was a crisis every few months, with the former Changeling incursion, the war against the Storm Empire, the return of the Crystal City, Discord, Nightmare Moon, that thing with the deer. And then more locally there were regular strikes, memories of the uprising of 90, and tensions with the bat ponies.” A pause,

“But mostly it’s the abdication of the princesses. It’s caused a generalized anxiety that I don’t see easing for a while.”

>>174854
Scrunching, she says,

“You’re at… 4 days now? After the income tax deduction I believe that’s…” she goes back to the desk, sits down, and opens a drawer. She takes out a pen and starts doing math on it. Not liking the answer, she pulls out a slide rule.

“About 100 bits so far.”
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174856
174858
>>174855
"Ooooo, strong and handsome." She waggles her eyebrows. "Were you hoping to turn one of them into your mate?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174857
174858
>>174855
"Oof. We need to get you bathed, especially with your injury. What say you?"
Anonymous
5bf2604
?
No.174858
174860 174861
>>174856
Neela’s eyes widen, and she moves her weight onto her hind legs, moving her body and forelegs back a couple inches.

“No! Well… kind of…”

GROCER SPOTTED

>>174857
An ear moves to the side, and he looks down and to the left.

“Uh……..”
Anonymous
ea361fb
?
No.174859
174864
>>174855
>the abdication of the princesses. It’s caused a generalized anxiety that I don’t see easing for a while
"Yes, yes..." Posey says nodding
"We've been paying especially close attention to that. If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to come here."
She gazes over at one of the now-dark windows, as if the Sun might suddenly decide to reveal itself
"And an opportunity it is indeed."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174860
174864
>>174858
Silver tilts his head at Clip.

"Yes?"
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174861
174864
>>174858
Kira giggles and continues the conversation as they turn to enter the grocery store.

"Is that even possible? A deer and a pony as mates?"
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174862
174864
>>174855
Evidently it's an answer that Amber likes, because her smile doesn't falter. "That sounds perfect! It should cover my living expenses for a decent while."
Anonymous
ea361fb
?
No.174863
174864 174887
>>174811
I should mention.
Before Posey starts her downtime, the next thing she does in the morning is interrogate Sasha.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174864
174865 174883 174884 174885 174935
>>174862
A note on Amber's wages: I think she's been working for four days at the clothing store counting the in-game Tuesday. Either that or five days. Her hours are not stated, but potentially 9-5 with a one-hour lunch break, 7 hours. Her wages are explicitly 5.5 bits an hour. If 1.5 of those bits are kept for taxes - a rate of 27%, which is plausible but perhaps a bit high for her income bracket and indicative of a comparatively flat tax scheme - then she's at 98 bits for her work so far. So round up to 100 bits.

"Yeah, but don't make a habit of it. Pay is bi-weekly." And after a pause "Weekly may be fine as well."

She takes notes in a book, writes a receipt, and eventually hooves Amber paper currency notes.

>>174859
"Yes. An opportunity..." He appears to ponder these words for a moment, and seems to want to say something, but holds back

>>174860
Clipping's ears go back
"Maybe...?"

>>174861
"You mean like... physically? Yeah, it's possible."
Neela tries to make gestures with her hooves, but even with twice the number of hooves she can't do much while also using her hooves to walk forward.

Kira can push through the door, which won't stay open for long enough for her to slither through, and it closes on her body.

>>174863
Okay
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174865
174866
>>174864
It's a massive relief to the hungry mare, who gets ready to leave. "Thank you again, and have a great day." After a moment she seems to remember something, and turns to ask, "Do you know where I can get a government identification card? I was told I should have one."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174866
174867
>>174865
Actually, looking it up, it was five bits an hour, and also she likely starts earlier than 9 AM...

High Sewn looks concerned
"You don't have one? I mean, I wouldn't want one either but... if you don't have one, they may detain you, so... well there's an administrative center only a few blocks away. They make ID cards there."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174867
174868
>>174866
Amber looks to share her concern. "I just got here. Nopony told me I needed one until I was stopped by police one night. I hope that office is still open!"
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174868
174869
>>174867
She shrugs
"I wouldn't be shocked if services are open till six or seven. But it may already be closed. Can't say I've been there but that one time. Not really a place I want to go back to."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174869
174870
>>174868
"I'd best make my way there. Thank you very much!"

She asks for directions and heads there with haste.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174870
174871
>>174869
"Down just three blocks. You'll recognize it because of the security."

The building is five or so stories tall with a brick facade, labelled "Admiration of the New Mareland State," and has multiple soldiers guarding it.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174871
174872
>>174870
"Whoever names a building 'admiration'? Amber mutters to herself. She attempts to enter by the main entrance.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174872
174873
>>174871
Reeeee Administration

A pair of ponies at the door, both bat ponies (already off to a bad start) pat her down, search her, and ask her purpose in entering
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174873
174874
VexedAmber.png
>>174872
Amber scrunches at the indignity. "I just moved in from the countryside and I need an identification card."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174874
174875
>>174873
"Uh huh. Do you have any other forms of identification on you? Equestrian identification cards, birth certificate, birth registry, dental records, notarized statements? Something to verify that you are who you claim to be?"
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174875
174876
>>174874
Now she has to feel stupid on top of all of it. "Well, I left them at home, in the countryside…."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174876
174877
>>174875
Amber may never forgive Celestia for not burning all of the bat ponies when they revealed who they are.

He replies
"So then, how are we to know that you are who you claim to be, and not a wanted criminal or known terrorist who is looking for a new identity?"
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174877
174879
>>174876
Amber looks at him with a confounded expression. "Because I can hardly imagine a criminal that looks like me. And why would a criminal be stepping into a government building instead of forging an identity?"
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174879
174880
>>174877
"Oh, so a criminal looks a bit more like me than you, doesn't he? Heh heh, what better fake Identity card can there be than a real one?"

The little filly can roll diplomacy if she wishes to get through this on the sheer power of her cuteness
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174880
174891
>>174879
Amber blinks her eyes in shock, though it would take an understanding of social cues to not think she was batting her eyes. In any case, she tries to keep patient. "Please, sir, don't prosecute me for following the law the best I can. The police keep me safe from criminals and they want me to have an ID, so I'm getting one now."

[1d20+4 = (3+4) = 7]
Anonymous
d7577e7
?
No.174883
>>174864
Posey waits a moment for Lament to speak, before continuing.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174884
174886
>>174864
Satisfied with this answer, Silver nods to Clip.

"Alright, when you are finished eating we will get that done. It will also give me chance to see how you are healing."
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174885
174886
>>174864
"Huh, I've just never seen two differ-HISSSSS!" The door closing on her tail startles Kira, who hisses and attempts to slither forward and away quickly but the door continues to keep her tail wedged in the doorway.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174886
174888 174889 174890
>>174884
Clipping remains silent. Meanwhile, Mala silently walks up to Silver, and looks up at him.

>>174885
oh noes. Kira is caught. She needs to free herself from the wretched door to continue.

"Oh no, it works. Pony penises are a little bigger, but they fit. I prefer a nice strong Chital stag or especially an Olenian, but there's just so many more pony bucks in this city that it doesn't pay to be so... discriminating..."

Yes, Neela stands and talks as Kira is trapped in a door.
Anonymous
1e3c0b3
?
No.174887
174890
>>174863
Posey does this as soon as Sasha is in condition to speak, if she ever is.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174888
174891
>>174886
Oh noes indeed. Is this the end of our poor lamia's story? Is she doomed to perish and slowly decay in this accursed building while her tribe is slowly exterminated, waiting for a savior that never comes?

Oh, wait, all she needs to do is...and maybe tuck that away there, and...she's freed. Embarrassed, she continues on with her deer friend pretending like nothing had happened.

"You've had multiple mates? Have you had any fawns?
That's the name for them, right?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174889
174935
>>174886
Silver looks back at his hyena/gnoll friend, and smiles.

"What is it, Mala?"
Rosey "Posey" Ring
1e3c0b3
?
No.174890
174904 174935
>>174887
>>174886
Does Sasha survive the night?
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174891
174892 174893
>>174880
Is it possible? Some creature so far from Celestia's light that it is immune to Amber's cuteness?

"I can't let you in without verifying that what you are asking for is possible."

>>174888
Kira may move around to open the door with her hooves. Or more easily, contract and expand her body with muscle movements to try to slither through.

"Well yes, but.... No...."
Neela takes time to answer, perhaps distracted by Kira removing her tail from the door.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174892
174935
>>174891
Amber frowns, her ears dipping. "And how can you verify it? I need an identification and I have work within the hour."
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174893
174935
>>174891
*confused tongue flicks*

"Yes but no to what?"
Rosey "Posey" Ring
dbaf750
?
No.174904
>>174890
If she survives, I have questions to ask her before I decide whether or not to kill her.
Rosey "Posey" Ring
a3d5ca1
?
No.174921
>be Posey
>tell Gloomy a bedtime story (extra scary, the way he likes it)
>put anemic, hypnotized colt to bed
>smalltalk to Lament for a few hours
>retreat to meditate for spells
>....
>later
>check on Sasha
"Did the bitch survive the night?"
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174935
174936 174937 174938 174941
>>174890
Yes.

>>174864
"The morning after the Princesses abdicated, two things were noted. The sun came up, and it came up six minutes later than expected. The newspapers later issued a retraction, saying the sun hadn't been late at all, merely obscured by cloud cover. All the same, we knew what it meant. The magic was not gone. I don't think the Changelings would ever kill the princesses, nor their paragons. Or at least, they'd never admit to it. I know the Colonials wouldn't. They could return. And if they never did, well, certainly more than one group has tried to fill the void. The colonials, the Changelings, and the griffins all seem to believe their strength will come in numbers, and the mobilization of all of their resources, rather than from a few heroes whose lives are dedicated to the fight, as was the old way. You follow the old ways. I suppose we will see who is correct."

>>174890
Yes, though there is no ambiguity that she is indeed sick, with what seems to be a viral infection (hard to say exactly).

>>174889
"Is there food for me?" Mala asks

>>174892
He pauses, not simply tossing the filly out
"What could you do or say to prove that you really are you?"

>>174893
"Well, yes, 'fawn,' is the term but... no.... I do not have any fawns..."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174936
174942
>>174935
"My father is a veteran of the War Against the Changelings. His name is Hearth Ledge. I have a letter from him and the rest of my family at home."
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174937
174942
>>174935
"Huh...why not?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174938
174942
>>174935
"Uhhhhhh..." Silver looks around him at the kitchen. "...is there anything you would like to eat?"
Anonymous
6163897
?
No.174941
174942
>>174935
>there is no ambiguity that she is indeed sick, with what seems to be a viral infection (hard to say exactly)
Well fuck.
Oh wait, I made friends with priest in my last adventure.

Posey goes to find Baka and explains the situation about her prisoner's condition.
"Baka, you're skilled in magic of the priestly variety, are you not? I would prefer this dog to remain alive for the time being, so could you be a dear and help me out here? Perhaps there's one of those priestly tricks you could prepare for her to keep her breathing for me?" Posey asks, batting her eyelashes

It's past midnight. I have to sleep.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174942
174943 174944 174961 174962
>>174941
Lament knows where Baka is, as he has evidently spent time within the manor earlier in the night. Baka is sitting upright in the garden behind the manor, staring up at the stars. He looks back towards Posey with a fairly neutral, if very slightly irritated, expression.

"Rosey Ring, protector of life. I have some favors left still, although my healing abilities aren't exactly as advertised back under the Patriarchy of Gragovich."

>>174938
"I don't... know... What do we have?" He asks. He seems to mouth something, but stops

>>174936
"But not on you?" He asks

>>174937
"Just... shouldn't we be buying food?" She asks
Anonymous
6163897
?
No.174943
174945
>>174942
>Rosey Ring, protector of life.
Posey's eye twitches a bit at this unsolicited epitaph, but she holds her temper.
"I appreciate your assistance." she says, Boeing her head
Actually sleeping now...
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174944
174945
>>174942
She blinks. "I didn't want it to get wrinkled. But, my manager at the job I work at is just down the street and can verify who I am."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174945
174946 174947
>>174944
"Witnesses are acceptable" He answers.

>>174943
As Posey's head goes down like a 737 MAX, Baka says,

"So where is this pony you wish me to save?"

And then adds
"Or delay the inevitable"
Anonymous
6163897
?
No.174946
174948
>>174945
>goes down like a 737 MAX
Lel
>pony
"She's a diamond dog, actually. Follow me."
As Posey leads Baka to where Sasha is being held, she recounts the events if her last adventure.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174947
174948
>>174945
Amber taps her front hooves together. "Would you like to come talk with her or should I bring her here?"
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174948
174949 174951
>>174946
To her adventure, he seems stunned, perhaps even impressed.

"You haven't lost your enthusiasm, clearly."

He goes to see the bitch
"Fever, stupor... looks to be a viral infection. She's certainly not well. May go into a coma. I've lost most of my favor... all of my favor with Harmony but... I'll see what I can do."

>>174947
"Ha, she'd need to come here. And have her own ID, of course."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174949
174963
>>174948
"Okay, I'll do that," she replies with a bit of uncertainty. As she canters back to the shop she also becomes worried about this errand making her late for her hostess job.
Anonymous
6163897
?
No.174951
>>174948
Posey gives Baka some time alone to prepare his spells.
Rosey "Posey" Ring
ce8a61b
?
No.174957
head falls off
hastily puts it back on and hopes nobody noticed
Rosey "Posey" Ring
d972734
?
No.174959
174960 174963
Going to bump by spam-rolling a perform check, accompanied by pantomiming combat and conjuring shadows (using a spell slot to perform). Rolling Perform (weapon drill), modified by my regular skill bonuses and a +2 circumstance bonus for accompanying with an Aching Dread to invoke the fear of battle, an additional +2 for spell focus (Necromancy) and +2 for using a masterwork sword, and +2 for having the Dread's that Posey controls stand in as props (aid another).
The result of this check demonstrates how well Posey described the tale of her adventure to the residents of the manor.
If she rolls low, she accidentally cuts her head off with the silver sword while twirling it for a trick (embarrassing!)

[1d20+16 = (7+16) = 23]
Rosey "Posey" Ring
d972734
?
No.174960
174963
>>174959
I fucked up. Subtract 3 from that roll. Not like it matters though.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174961
174963
>>174942
"Huh? Oh, right. Hehe..." Kira looks all around her at the products on the shelves, once again awed by the shear quantity to choose from and feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices available to her. "You would probably know better what to get than I would, so...lead on!"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174962
174963
>>174942
Sense Motive: Can Silver tell what it was he mouthed/was going to mouth?

[1d20+3 = (19+3) = 22]
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174963
174964 174975 174976
>>174960
>>174959
>She makes it
Damn. I wanted to play this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9auXBz-02Jk&pp=ygUQaG93IGVtYmFycmFzc2luZw%3D%3D

Lament and Day Low Rain are actually impressed by Posey's story, though probably a little jealous. More so with Day Low Rain.

>>174949
Posey finds High Sewn in the process of locking up the store. When the situation is explained to her, she says
"Really? You want me to go into the vipers nest?" And after a pause "How do you not already have an ID anyways?"

>>174961
There are so many different varieties of prey food here, more than Kira has ever seen, and far more than she can understand.

A mare behind the counter screams, and runs away.

>>174962
Mala has lowered his voice, potentially out of shame and certainly out of a desire that what he says is not heard by the others in the room.

The first part is certainly "I wish we had" and the last word is cut off, but probably "hippogriff"
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174964
174965
>>174963
"Vipers nest? You mean they don't like you?" Amber instantly regrets bringing up the question, knowing the negativity hurts her chances of getting help. "Well, I just don't have one. I got a birth certificate, but that's back home with my folks. Fer some reason I wasn't asked fer it at the train station when I got here, and I found out I needed one two nights ago when I got stopped by the poh-leece when I was walking home. I don't want any trouble with the law so I figured it's best to get one right now."

It could have been two nights ago or just the night before, but I forgot
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174965
174966
>>174964
"Of course they don't like any small business mare. And be grateful that officer couldn't be bothered to do his job that day, or maybe you got on too late to be checked. And yes, if you don't have one, they may detain you." She looks down at Amber
"Although you are kind of small and... cute. So I can se why they just let you go."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174966
174967
>>174965
"I don't want to be detained…." Amber says morosely, sitting on the ground with her ears sagging. "I'm not sure how this is supposed to help anypony. The guard says I could be a criminal trying to get a new identity, but I don't know how a criminal would look like me, let alone go to a government office."
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174967
174968
>>174966
"What, you don't think a criminal can be a cute little button like you?" She looks at Amber, and blinks. "All the same, they want to restrict the movement of Equestrians. And this is part of how they do it. You need a passport now just to leave the city."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174968
174969
>>174967
She is taken aback. "I've never heard of such a thing. And you're saying I couldn't go home now if I wanted to?"
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174969
174970
>>174968
"There might be a way. But you'll likely be harassed if you go through the usual channels."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174970
174971
>>174969
"Good thing I don't need to go home, but I do need an ID. How can I get one before it becomes a problem?"
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174971
174972
>>174970
"Get one from the occupiers, I suppose." She answers
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174972
174973
>>174971
"I've tried. I'll need you to vouch for me," Amber says plainly.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174973
174974
>>174972
She blinks
"What."
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174974
174977
>>174973
She taps her hooves together as she replies, "The guard won't trust me and demands that I bring someone along who can tell him who I am. I'm sorry for the inconvenience but you're the only one I could find in time."
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174975
174977
>>174963
Indeed, she is learning that the shear variety of prey foods that exists far exceeds what she could have imagined prior to this. It really is more than just grain and flowers! She tries to wave to the mare before she runs away.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174976
174977
>>174963
Hmm. Concerning. Oh, right! Silver checks to see if they still have some of that gator meat from when they had an impromptu hunting session while looking for treasure.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174977
174979 174980 174981
>>174974
She sighs loudly
"And here I thought I could get home on time. Fine, I'll go."

>>174975
Neela gathers beans, a bag of yams, and circles around a few racks, commenting "Where are the spices?"

>>174976
Yes, yes they do.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174979
174982
>>174977
Now Amber owes High Sewn not one but two favors.

"Thank you so much. Let's hurry before they close," she says thankfully.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174980
174983
>>174977
"Oh, I've got this!"

Survival: Lifting her head up into the air, Kira smells the air with her nose and tastes it with her tongue, letting them both lead her to the spice aisle.

The result from the flubbed up post was 19, but just in case...
[1d20+10 = (7+10) = 17]
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174981
174983
>>174977
Great! Now, do they have a grill, or is the stove the only cooking option?
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174982
174984
>>174979
High Sewn trots along at a pace slower than Amber would like.

When they get there, the bat pony stallion acting as guard explains that yes, having High Sewn there is probably enough, but they have to go inside, down the hall for the paperwork. High Sewn is required to present her own ID, which she rolls her eyes at. Both ponies are patted down before being let in, and High Sewn's purse is searched. Amber experiences a kind of pat down like what happened with her encounter with the patrol. High Sewn at first complains that her dress is going to be wrinkled, then moves her skirt up, then makes remarks about "hiding contraband," and after about 30 seconds it becomes clear to the guard that she's trying to get him to run his hooves along her hindquarters more than necessary. This irritates him and he terminates the search, letting the two ponies inside
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174983
174985 174986
>>174980
And flick flick,

To the left wall, past the check out counter towards the back. Spices!

>>174981
No grill, only a stove
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174984
174987
>>174982
Amber thinks about mentioning she has a second job to get to, but thinks better of it. High Sewn isn't the sort of pony who likes to be rushed. She can't hide her surprise at High Sewn's act. She makes a mental note that it seems to work, though it's doubtful that Mustard would ever approve, and there's an underlying fear that a future searcher wouldn't hold back.

The younger mare trots down to the relevant office, hurriedly looking in with a hope that this can be over with quickly.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174985
174987
>>174983
Silver turns to Mala to speak.

"Does pan-fried gator sound good? Or do you want something else?"
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174986
174987
>>174983
"Follow me!" Excitedly, Kira slithers over to the spices. Now these she does actually have some experience with. While lamias usually just eat their prey whole, sometimes they enjoy something a bit fancier prepared with spices. Plus, prey animals especially value spices even more than lamias, making them excellent trade goods.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174987
174988 174989 174990
>>174984
High Sewn gives a little pouty frown at the stallion - a charcoal grey bat pony a decade and a half younger than her - with an indeterminable degree of sincerity. The building must have been a bank or something before its conversion, with a large lobby, and direction down a marbled floor hallway until another room with a reception area is reached. There, Amber has to explain what she's trying to do - again - to an orange unicorn and a griffin (yes, a dreaded griffin). High Sewn has to write some kind of statement, and then swear to it, which irritates her.

>>174985
"That sounds good" Mala says, his tail moving side to side.

Khoi seems to finish her toast, and moves to go upstairs

>>174986
You can also just put powdered spice on a whole animal.

Neela moves over to the spice rack and looks through it. Kira, however, can see the problem. Neela voices the concern that Kira is no doubt thinking:

"Where is the cumin? The turmeric? The cinnamon? The ginger?!"
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174988
174991
>>174987
To the batpony's credit he seems to have self-restraint.

Aren't we fighting against the griffons? Why am I suspect and not him? Amber has to wonder. She doesn't raise any of her frustrations as she's just glad her boss is helping with the process. Having her ID will bring much-needed relief to her mind.
Kubana "Nope Noodle" Kirafiki
89e77c9
?
No.174989
174991
>>174987
Dang, what spices do they even have?
Silver "The Floof" Sword
89e77c9
?
No.174990
174991
>>174987
Khoi leaving is understandable, as the kitchen is about to be filled with the smell of cooking meat.

Silver gets out a couple gator steaks (I'm assuming they've been cut into steaks), as well as some salt and pepper. Using paper towels, he pats the meat dry before generously seasoning both sides of the steaks. He then grabs a frying pan, either of stainless steel or cast iron, and puts it on the stove at medium-high heat until the pan gets very hot. He adds some oil to the pan, and heats it until it shimmers and moves fluidly. He carefully puts the steaks in the pan, releasing them away from him so he's not splattered by hot oil. They sizzle nicely, and Mala can already smell the heat start to work its magic on the steaks. He leaves them alone to sear and for the seasoning to make a nice brown crust on the surface, and about 3 to 4 minutes later flips them to do the same on the other side. When there's about a minute left for them to cook, Silver adds some butter and thyme to the pan to further flavor the steaks.

When they're finished cooking, Silver transfers the rare to medium-rare steaks to a plate and sets it on the table for Mala along with a knife, a fork, and a napkin.
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174991
174992 174995 174996
>>174989
Garlic, Pepper, red pepper, citric acid, oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, salt, and poppy seed. Kira is not familiar with many of these.

>>174988
Amber has to sit still, get her picture taken by the griffin, fill out an application....

Roll die for luck for how long the process takes.

>>174990
Mala sticks around, and probably needs to be told that yes, he should wait until the steaks are at least partly cooked. (The gator meat was frozen). Jubilosa and Clipping look onwards at Silver from the dining area.
Amber Sunset
6c659dc
?
No.174992
174993
>>174991
[1d20 = 11]
Anonymous
48fa069
?
No.174993
174994
>>174992
They are laminating the document now, and the unicorn casts some kind of spell on it to infuse it with magic.

Every moment lasts an eternity as Amber worries about whether or not she will make it to her next job in time. But with the process nearing its end, Amber has hope that if she runs fast enough, she might not be too late.