>>187744 So since Garv already succeeded on his rope use, thanks for that prompt, its just a disable device, correct? On second thought, better to take a 10. At +12
>>187812 Tentative no (I guess no one wants to role anything or announce any actions but just wants to walk into something...). However, I will be available all of tomorrow and Wednesday
Dreads are in the air scanning for threats. Posey has her bow drawn. >>187814 I think the Griffons should stay where Cavalier is, since he speaks their language.
>>187813 >I guess no one wants to role anything or announce any actions but just wants to walk into something... I readied an attack (charm gaze) and made perception checks. Is there anything else I can/should roll?
The Dreads have higher perception than Posey, but they have no mouths or any ability to communicate verbally, so Posey instructs them to make Elon salutes in the event that they spot anything from their elevated position. They should be able to see over the crest of the hill, and are on the lookout for ambushes, since we all know monsters love to hide behind hills.
I had declared that Brie would start by taking a 10 on disarming/extracting the payload. It wouldn't (I hope) be a low enough roll to set anything off, in that it was a military contract for industrial production, and would inform him if he will have to try harder. See what my younger brother did to my car?
Point of authenticity, Brie's disable check will only make sure the explosive doesnt go off in extraction and transport, until reenabled later. He may not have the mechanical skill (different check?) To remove it
>>187813 Sorry, but serious side-question. Is the explosive composition of the torpedo going to be something that can be factored into a/the plan?
A common composition for bombs and ordinanced explosives was an explosive detonator and a big bucket of aluminum shavings. Might that be the case here, and is there a possibility of utilizing that knowledge in some capacity other than shoving bomb up butthole, set off bomb, profit?
>>187824 It is not aluminum shavings. There is insufficient oxidizer for aluminum. It's amatol. Amatol is a mixture of 60% TNT and 40% ammonium nitrate, which is significant in that it works well in aneorbic environments, like underwater. I could not figure out exactly what state of matter it is, but I believe it is a soft solid and likely start to collapse under its own weight. The most significant detail to know is that it will absorb moisture out of the air. Also, don't hit it too hard.
Brie quickly discerns that the only serious danger, aside from maybe accidentally turning the engine on, is the warhead falling onto its end and activating the detonator. Thus Brie inserts a makeshift pin that disarms the warhead, and then removes the detonator. After that, it's a matter of removing the warhead. Of course, all of this assumes that the warhead and the remainder of the torpedo have been secured separately before hoof. Once the warhead is removed, it may be lowered to the ground and then taken apart, Eventually, the active materials may be taken out separately.
>>187837 "Very well. The safest place to shelter is inside the plane, but you will have to trust my associate's skill with demolitions. For what it matters, I'm putting my life in his hooves as well."
>>187839 Bøkli moves his head and claws backwards, but not his hind legs. His back arches upwards, fur and feathers stand up, and he unfolds his wings, partially expanding them to an “M” shape
“There’s explosives here?!”
>>187840 >>187838 I don’t think it’s possible to do much for that group without most of the players…
>>187841 Alright. I work tomorrow, but I'll check in during the day if anything is posted. Preferably post a little earlier next time, it you want more players to participate.
>>187841 Cavaliere nods slowly and motions with one of his claws for them to settle down. "I won't hide this information from you. This plane was a torpedo bomber that was still loaded when it crash-landed. We've secured a torpedo and are disarming it, and we'll use its warhead to destroy the source of those monsters. It's our best bet at getting off this island safely."
>>187843 “Is this safe? How experienced are you with explosives” there is a whisper, and Bokli looks back towards the black griffin before looking back to Cavaliere. “And what is the plan if those monsters attack?”
>>187844 Cavaliere is presumably looking down at them as he's up in a turret, unscrewing various mounts. He looks briefly at his busy ally before replying. "Considering we're still here, experienced enough. If we're interrupted we'll have to fight. Once I get this gun off, would you mind helping to carry it?"
Cavaliere should either make a diplomacy roll, or make a persuasive argument for why they should stay. That is, if he wants them to stay. Considering that they have experience that could have some applicability to working on the plane, torpedo, and turrets, they could be useful. Certainly they are several rather large males who could help with the manual parts.
>>187846 "Bøkli, you have a griffon waiting for you in Trottingham. The main obstacle to seeing her are the landing communists and the creature they're after. My group will do any fighting we need to do, but we need heavy weaponry and this plane is an Arcturius-sent gift for that purpose. With your knowledge of ship maintenance, could you help me get this job done?"
"Sorvik, jij hebt een verantwoordelijkheid naar je bemanning om ze van dit eiland te krijgen waar je ze hebt geland. Mijn groep zal de moeilijke delen verzorgen, maar we hebben jouw bemanning nodig om ons te helpen, want tijd is van essentieel belang. Kun je helpen om dit kanon hier weg te krijgen? Ziet u nog iets anders dat we van dit vliegtuig kunnen gebruiken?"
>>187847 Bøkli nods, and then steps forward. "Very well, I will help.
Sorvik, however... "En om ze van het eiland te krijgen, mogen we niet sterven. Zullen we hier gevangen zitten. En een torpedo!" He gesticulates his claws upwards
"Hoe weten we dat dit niet onze bepoederde tombe zal zijn?"
>>187848 "Luister! Heb je de poppenpony's gezien die we hebben gevangen? Ze zijn van hun vrije wil beroofd, net zoals die tiara jou tot slaaf heeft gemaakt. Het is een onvermijdelijk gevolg van het feit dat je in de buurt van dat wezen bent. En wat de communisten betreft die van plan zijn dat wezen te gebruiken, die staan er niet om bekend dat ze griffioenen uit hun klauwen laten. Dat zijn de twee alternatieven waar je voor staat als je over dit eiland dwaalt."
>Politely, get fucked. Seems a bit harsh, or mean. Perhaps, not the best way to present critique but I don't really know what this is about either, maybe it's earned and you did say it in a kinda playful manner as well.I guess one shouldn't worry about who take offence and such and only the degree of truth in statement but idk. And it's not like GM doesn't butt heads himself.
I guess, I'm not really in the mood for more conflict despite it might be accurate criticism, due to the fact that the group has almost turn toxic at this point. But we also need to be honest with our problems or they become niggling issues in the back of our minds. Hmm, imo idk.
>>187861 Maybe, you're right. It's just that this thread, I feel, is hanging on a thread. ^^ It's just constant fighting. I don't get to play. And it's not fun (in general to be here) which is the main goal of the thread after all.
Yes, you might be right and it might be warranted for all I know but I'm just afraid that this will start up another dozens of posts with arguing. And while we need to air our problems with each other, I feel that there is a constructive way of doing this and more destructive manner.
>>187859 >I guess, I'm not really in the mood for more conflict despite it might be accurate criticism, due to the fact that the group has almost turn toxic at this point. This to infinity.
I'm sorry for not replying... I will get to Vir soon(TM)
Do you want me to delete my post? Because I can delete it.
If you're going to be angry at me and at the other players any time I or we do anything or try to advance the game at all multiple times a week with no reprieve, to the degree that just trying to tell you your character has succeeded on a skill check results in you telling me to go fuck myself... Do you want to be here? Sure, I could have referred to your character sheet. I had forgotten you had posted it there. Mea Culpa. Just... do you want things to go on like this? We can't make it to Wednesday without you telling me to go fuck myself? Is this fun for you? Because it isn't for me. I am physically ill and can't keep food down. I have to deal with the house freezing over, my internet is constantly shitting out, and on top of all of that, it was 12 AM, time to sleep anyways. No, I don't think to try to awaken you on a post that was clearly reply at your leisure. My first thought is that you can reply when you want, so reply when you want.
Do you need to bite at all of us every few days? Do things need to be like this? I can understand feeling slighted at the skepticism towards the +12 modifier on disable device. I can't really understand why you're mad at me for replying to Brie at all when Brie isn't restricted by the presence of other players. I responded to Brie first, before any other character. I said he succeeds at his skill check and described how it happened. I have received no response on that, nor has brie tried to intervene with Cavaliere's NPC interactions. I just awaken at 3:30 AM to a dry mouth and an "eeeeeee"ing surge protector, and then to your acerbic posts. I can delete the offending post if you'd rather, and Brie can wait until later, I guess after other players have been addressed.
>>187863 >this thread, I feel, is hanging on a thread. ^^ It's just constant fighting. I don't get to play. And it's not fun (in general to be here) which is the main goal of the thread after all. This, so very, very much
I noticed that those who showed up all had negative things to say about me replying at around 10 PM. I have a feeling that I had just never posted at all and instead opened up that Stellaris save, I would have avoided any such criticism. I know I suggested that I would reply earlier in the day yesterday, but it's just so very hard to sit down and reply when I could be playing Hearts of Iron 4 instead, or just in a more general sense, when I could be interacting with friends at a pony convention in Canada or wherever.
>>187878 This seems petty and >youre doing it again with the uncondensed posts But I seem to be the problem. Maybe not "the" problem, but the very obviously and consistently adjacent problem. Which, by the way, is why I wanted Brie focused on something for a couple sessions; expressly, deliberately, etc. Anyway, considering the absurd levels of autism I have already displayed in and around this game, yes, I do struggle with a GM not intiiting to that such overly motivated players might want to know,... And yes, as days go by I detect an increasing list of asks on my part that are technical violations of the intended rules and guidelines.
But I dont think asking to get a "Hey, listen" is a huge reach
>>187877 I don't have any issue with you posting at 10 PM, or even if you play without me past 10. I was just suggesting doing it a bit earlier when you get the opportunity, because 10 PM for you is midnight for me, which is difficult for me to do on a weekday. No problem if you do it anyway though. I would prefer you advance the plot even if I'm not there, unless my participation is critical in the situation (major combat scenario; something involving the undead). Don't hesitate play without me. >>187876 This
>>187877 It isnt anger, its frustration. I can be here anytime, if I know to be here in advance. And I will be here the whole time, if I think there's a chance. And once I think there is no chance, I will fuck off and watch Joe Rogan. So help me not have watched Joe Rogan when there's something going on. Assume I will.drop everything.
I know, its beyond the pale, but so is this whole board Xp
Honestly, I wouldnt have said anything, but got aggrod by "Im suspicious"
>>187877 Even if I can't speak for the others, I'm always looking forward to the adventures my characters are having. I think everypony is being too negative. Even years back when I did nothing but make sardonic remarks about the game before I actually joined it, the atmosphere was much more fun-loving and didn't have this snappiness to it. Even Silver/Kira's player has lashed out and I've never seen him do that. We need to fix this.
GM, if you could do anything better, just give everypony a heads up on availability for the night. We had no idea you were sick and had to be late. I know we have a habit of playing fast and loose with time due to lots of solo players, but when there's a party quest there's an expectation that everypony should be "at the table." How is somepony going to know to make time that evening without any prior information?
Brie, please don't be so on edge. No, a GM should never say "I'm skeptical" regarding a skill check modifier because it should be evident from the character sheet that he has. He does have Brie's character sheet, right? He shouldn't have to check the Old Nuts discord just to see it. Also, be grateful that it was a Disable Device check and not a D20 Modern Demolitions check. Though, in that ruleset, Disable Device has synergy with Demolitions so Brie would probably be fine. And I doubt GM Pone would require a roll anyway and risk blowing up two PCs with significant time investment as well as a gaggle of NPCs. Anyway, just be nice.
>>187876 Yes, deal with other players first. I know its play as you can, post-style, but Im "special needs", meaning if I am unable to engage you when you're available I will seek to when you're not, which is part of lends toward me spamming in threads. I've gone to extreme degres to post singularly and only if given cause (until this morning), because I can be here any time. So perhaps as a favor that I can return by having extra degrees of confidence that enable me not sperging in any of the threads,... holla at yo boy >>187884 GM has a slightly out of date copy of the character sheet pinned in his DMs, but the skills are current. It doesnt break them down anymore, but it did for months and only got reduced when I started running out of characters in the post. But, you're right. I may never get over flipping out like a child when I'm upset, butnit's my primary target right now
>>187899 I'm GMing one of my in-person games this evening and weekend, but not for the whole thing. I'll have time to roleplay PBP at pretty much any time, but I apologize in advance for any delayed response
>>187906 I'm here. From what I understand, GM pone is deciding whether to just start with whoever is on just to get something going at least, or if he should wait until everyone's on.
Pipette looks around into the fog, and towards the ground. She extends a hoof out, and then leaves her ankle limp, letting her hoof fall inwards in a curl. She then looks back, and says to the creatures "Davai!" tilting her head. "This way."
She starts along, taking the party around what must be the summit of the hill. She leads them down, past small sets of rock and much grass with its yellow, brown and green tint, and down the slope of the hill. She looks around to either side, stopping at one point, but to the party there are no recognizable landmarks.
The fog thins, and thins more, and soon the wind picks up. As the party moves forward even more, they can see out beyond the hillside, which starts to level out further down, until they clear the cloud, and can see beyond the edge of the hill and the island.
Below them the green grass of the hill levels out until it ends at an exposed basalt cliff. Below that must be the sea, because the green-blue of the ocean and white capped waves moved by the winds are visible, with massive clouds low to the water looming in the far distance and to the right/east. In front of the party, and to the right, is another island very close to the party with a big, rocky cliff side, such that it looks like one conical rock, cut off and jaged at the top. Beyond this is still another smaller string of islands, if mostly obscured. Pipette looks around, and starts moving to the right, towards the north, along the cliff.
>>187897 "Huh?" She tilts her head. She does not wait for Silver's response. "No, I am... I am as good as I can be now. I am my own pony."
They continue along the edge of the cliff, hill to the right and a rocky beach endlessly washed by green waves to the left, until something is visible in the distance. Four ponies. An orange unicorn stallion with a red and yellow mane and a white coat stands, head lowered, and horn glowing light blue. A big unicorn stallion, with a coat black as night and a leather jacket of equal color, and a short, white mane and tail stands on the edge of the cliff with what seems to be a telescope, looking out over the water the opposite direction, towards the west. Near them are two more, a green earth pony in a blue uniform who sits and is handling with his hooves what seems to be a radio, and then a grey pegasus pony carrying a large, wooden rifle, looking around him.
Pipette says, "That's them. No unexpected visitors yet. Keep quiet until we are closer."
"Кто с вами?" The grey pony spots them first. The black stallion puts down the telescope and turns around, and the green pony stands up, and picks up a firearm of his own. The orange stallion does not move.
"Дружелюбны ли они? Они говорят на северьянском языке? Вы заложник?"
Pipette calls back "Они говорят, что они здесь, чтобы помочь нам убить сущность"
The green and the black stallion talk to each other, though what they say cannot be discerned. The group moves closer, until they are fifty feet away, or perhaps less.
>>187912 Somehow, Silver isn't particularly enthused by her response. He wonders how badly the Traveler is affecting her, and figures he'll keep a close eye on her just to be sure.
>>187913 Silver waves at the group of ponies as they approach, as it seems their presence is already known. He calls out to them in clear Severyanan, "Приветствую, друзья! Кто из вас случайно не комиссар Черная Пятка?"
>>187914 "Ik heb een van jullie nodig om te helpen dit kanon te demonteren en veilig naar beneden te brengen. We hebben geen tijd gehad om de rest van dit vliegtuig te doorzoeken; kun je zoeken naar andere nuttige artikelen?"
>>187913 >>187914 "What are they saying?" says Posey, who does not speak the language
>until they are fifty feet away, or perhaps less "~Yoohoo! Hello, my fine gentlecolts." Posey calls, waving a hoof and beckoning the stallions with a coquettish aloofness as she casually strides closer (30 ft), drawing attention to herself for the next maneuver: She then proceeds to charm any pony that meets her gaze DC 19 Will vs charm
Also gonna roll bluff (seduction) to break the ice and get them to let their guard down [1d20+16 = (11+16) = 27]
>>187915 The grey pony in his aqua uniform levels his rifle at Silver "Кто хотел бы знать? Пипетки, кто они?"
Pipette: "Они дружелюбны, я думаю."
>>187917 The orange unicorn is almost entirely unresponsive to anything, and the grey stallion keeps his eye and his rifle trained on Silver, or at least, so long as Silver is the closest. But the green stallion and the black stallion both smile at Posey, with the black stallion nodding and raising an eyebrow to her
>>187919 Silver holds up hooves. "Пипетка говорит правду. Мы услышали ваш сигнал бедствия, и мы здесь, чтобы помочь." He looks briefly over at Posey before readdressing the ponies. "Боюсь, мои товарищи не говорят по-северянски."
But the Black stallion holds out his leg, and motions downward
"Сталь, положите ее. Если есть проблема, давайте решим ее без насилия"
The Grey stallion lowers his rifle, and turns back to the Black Stallion as the two make eye contact. He seems to whisper something to him, with a small, muted conversation. The grey stallion and black stallion both turn back
"Ты кто?"
>>187920 The black stallion in particular looks over. But if he, or any pony else speaks Ponish, he's not willing to reveal it.
>>187922 Silver smiles at the black stallion. He seems to have found Black Heel, and hearing him speak, it seems as if he's possessed of good wisdom. "Меня зовут Серебряный Меч. Мы с друзьями услышали ваш сигнал бедствия и пришли на помощь. Мы спасли несколько членов небольшой группы в заброшенной деревне, а затем нашли Пипетту здесь, у разбившегося самолета."
>>187923 The Black Stallion moves forward, and says to Silver "А, вы должны быть с ГРУ. Мы думали, что вы приедете с севера или, может быть, увидите вас с юго-востока? Вы уже обезопасили остров?"
>>187920 The black stallion looks to Posey, and says
"You don't sound like an Equestrian. Or even an Aquelian."
>>187926 "Oh, that is because I am from abroad, from the other side of the world, actually. I moved here recently." She poses "I am Rosey Ring, the Undying Sorceress. I am a freelance Warmagus."
>>187926 Hearing Black Heel speak Ponish to Posey, Silver switches to the language as well. "Not...exactly. We are not with GRU, and they are on island, but I do not think they are so concerned with saving any of you. I think they are here to kill you, and reclaim control of Traveler to bring back for study." He looks over at the orange stallion. "Что вы делаете, что требует тишины?"
>>187928 The black stallion raises an eyebrow at "undying sorceress," and exhales more loudly than expected. He does not reply, and turns his attention to Silver
>>187929 He replies "Good, they are here. I hope it is not too late. No, they should know that we are still loyal. At least I hope so. We have been trying to call for them all day now. We need to speak with them and let them know fully what is going on."
The orange stallion looks surprised to see the set of ponies upon him, and turns towards them. He replies "Заклинание, я концентрировался на этом"
>>187930 Silver shakes his head. "We tried. We received message over radio sent by them when they landed, just after we saved first group of your soldiers. They did not say anything about rescue, only demanding that all Kostroma personnel travel to their landing location, and they did not sound as if they were here to save anyone." To the orange pony, Silver smiles. "А, я сам скорее воин. Какое заклинание ты произносил?" Back to Black Heel, Silver continues, "You will have to excuse eccentricities of my comrades. Posey here likes to add bit of showmareship to her introduction, as way of selling her services to those who would otherwise be concerned about hiring mares for this sort of task. But yes, she is fine sorcerer."
>>187931 "I can tell you're not from Stalliongrad. I don't think you're Nova Griffonian, they are too proud, too cheap, and too poor to hire from abroad. I'm going to guess that you were sent here by the Fascist confederation, seeing as you have a... Necromancer? In your group." Looking over at Posey. "She's too conventionally attractive to be a conventional Lich." He smiles to her, as if genuinely trying to be charming. Then he looks back to Silver "We always joked they would pay Dread League Necromancers their last bit if they thought it would put off the revolution by one day... We didn't think it was true. Still, I don't know who else would hire Barradian - or worse - black mages around here. Maybe Haukland, but I would have expected a few griffins among you."
The orange stallion replies: "Гадание. Я хотел увидеть северный берег залива"
>>187932 Silver smiles. Perhaps he underestimated the wisdom this Commissar possesses. "Funnily enough, there is griffon in our group. He is back at crashed plane with our bat pony, working on acquiring plane's MGs and turning its torpedo into improvised explosive. But no, we are not from Stalliongrad. I was born in St. Petershoof long ago, but that is beside point. It does not matter who sent us or not, to Traveler we are all just meat to be puppeted. It needs to be stopped, before it escapes this island. And knowing what GRU would do, we are only ones who can."
>>187933 Silver: "Well, you did introduce yourself as 'Undying Sorceress'. Anyone would get wrong idea from that."
>>187935 "I got that epithet from my military service. I learned to reinforce my body with magic to resist blows: I am very hard to kill." Posey says >>187934 Gonna roll bluff to right the ship here [1d20+16 = (4+16) = 20]
Silver: [1d20+3 = (8+3) = 11] Kira: [1d20+8 = (14+8) = 22] >>187937 Silver: "No, but some of possessed ponies we have captured have. It is pretty catchy name Light Water came up with, I have to admit. 'Our Fellow Traveler'. At least it gives name for it to be referred to, other than just 'entity'."
>>187939 "It's a phrase that means a non-communist who moves towards allegedly the same or similar ends as communists and thus is a useful ally." The ends of his lips go down. "The phrase and practice has fallen out of favor in more recent years due to... mixed results..."
>>187938 >>187939 Out of their peripheral vision, a set of mist starts to swirl in the wind, like a small tornado, twirling in place and darkening.
>>187932 >"She's too conventionally attractive to be a conventional Lich." He smiles to her, as if genuinely trying to be charming Oh, you flatter me sir." >>187940 "I think we have company." Posey draws her bow
It starts to solidify, being more than 15 feet tall and dark grey in skin, or perhaps fur. It's form is alien and yet to Silver and Posey, too familiar. You could say it is like an elephant, though one that is very lanky. It has two, more or less, pony-like heads, even if the one on its right seems dead. Though its second head could be looking at Posey or maybe Silver, it's primary, upright head is most certainly staring at the black stallion.
>>187944 He manages to turn to her and say "I'm sure you hear that a lot" Before the grey stallion catches his attention, and directs him to the new threat
Posey uses her remaining move Action to move 30 ft to the opposite side of the monster to the black stallion, trying to confuse the two-headed creature
It swings at the black stallion, moving past the grey pony and presumably Silver to do so. But it swings too low, and hits the soil near him, giving him time to dodge out of the way.
The orange stallion lowers its head at the abomination, and sends a bolt of blue energy at its side [1d4+1 = (1+1) = 2][1d4+1 = (1+1) = 2][1d4+1 = (3+1) = 4]
Kira's Turn. Silver can go as well, and also direct Mala
>>187958 Kira takes the opportunity to taunt the abomination, hoping to draw its attention away from the commies. "Hey, poopy-butt-head! Your heads are butts and your butt is a head!" She then slithers to be around the abomination in point blank range and away from the commies, knocks an arrow in her bow, draws, and releases the shot aimed at the abomination's head.
[1d20+12 = (17+12) = 29] [1d8+6 = (8+6) = 14]
Silver calls out to Mala, "Try to get it off balance! On those lanky limbs, it surely has uneven center of balance!" He then moves back a short distance, aiming to have a clear path between him and the abomination. Using the camera, he snaps a picture of the abomination, which should end his turn.
The abomination is shot, and its limbs look like they are near falling off, with its colorless insides exposed and near spilling out. But it isn't daunted.
The black stallion moves a few steps back until he feels the edge of the cliff and looks back, then places himself in more firm footing. He lowers his horn, and shoots a set of blue bolts at it [1d4+1 = (4+1) = 5][1d4+1 = (2+1) = 3][1d4+1 = (4+1) = 5]
It gets hit again, and again, and again, chipped away at until it looks away and roars. but that roar degrades with time, and it pops into black smoke, and fades
>>187966 >>187967 Kira: "Yay, we won! And I didn't get bitten by a hellhound this time!"
Silver lets out a sigh of relief, and returns to the group, camera in hoof and sword once again in its sheath. "I suppose Traveler is not too distracted to sent its monsters after you."
>>187966 Posey looks at the fleeting most where the monster once was, with a bit of a grimace "You you think these beasts actually die when they are slain? Or do they just go back where they came from?" I guess I should roll arcana [1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
>>187970 Posey knows that traditional summons, and specifically outsiders, go back to whence they came. What is not as clear is if these are traditional summons. They don't quite seem to be, given the small differences
>>187969 "No. How did it find us hear? I thought we had lost them." He tilts his head. "Has it been tracking you?"
>>187971 >Posey knows that traditional summons, and specifically outsiders, go back to whence they came. What is not as clear is if these are traditional summons. They don't quite seem to be, given the small differences Well, I'm asking because I am tallying every time I destroy or desecrate a foe so thoroughly that it cannot be brought back from the dead, and I wonder if this counts. Eh, probably not >How did it find us hear? "It is a monster with long-range telepathy. If it also has mindsight, hiding from it would be futile." Posey suggests
>>187973 “Well it left us alone for more than an hour. We are at the end of what we can handle. Let us meet with the Stalliongrad forces. They are here.”
>>187974 Silver shakes his head at Black Heel. "That is bad idea. I know it deep in my heart of hearts, they are here to kill any witnesses and reclaim Traveler, not save you and kill Traveler."
>>187977 Silver: "I just do. I know what GRU is like. I know what Stalliongrad is like. They knew what this thing was before agreeing to trade fuel oil for it. They knew risks, and accepted it anyways. They will not stop trying to utilize it just because some soldiers lost their lives in process. Potential reward for them is just too great to accept otherwise."
>>187979 >>187980 He is silent, and stares at Silver with blood red eyes. He wears a cap, but it’s clear that under that cap he has a set of foil. Some of that foil wraps around under his neck.
He too shakes, though to a less visible degree than Pipette.
After Silence, he says
“The important thing is that what ever the Snow Ponies sold us ceases to exist, and its body, and secrets, serve International Communism, not the False Revolution, the Sea Ponies, or whomever else.”
>>187981 Silver sighs. "You all have clearly felt Traveler's influence. You all have first-hoof experience with it. They do not. Tell me, does anyone deserve this? Communist, Fascist, Harmonist? Having your comrade's minds taken over by something else, having them turn against you? Will they believe you if you tell them?"
>>187985 Silver: "They should. But they will not. How you have spoken, you seem to be possessed of great wisdom. Surely, with that wisdom, you can see that. You have radio. You can talk with them if you do not believe me. Hearing their voices, you know they are not here to help. We are."
>>187988 Cavaliere looks down from his vantage point in the turret. "Survival gear, of iets dat gebruikt kan worden om van dit eiland af te komen, zou handig zijn. Is er een radio en heeft die stroom? Je mag alle wapens meenemen die je vindt."
To proceed with the group with the Commissar, I need to write a dialogue between him and the Spetsnaz announcer. To proceed with Cavaliere, I need to write out a set of journal entries that tells a mini story of its own. And even for Sven, I need to not only write out Moonlit Meadow's reaction to her, but also three different little stories that are their own investigative trails. Each of those would require probably at least an hour of sitting down and writing it out, which is on its own difficult to do when you're borderline ADHD like I am (I was medicated for it for much of my adolescence). But more importantly, it requires making decisions and commitments that I just really don't feel up to.
Every session, or at least, several times a week, I will get posts directed at me either in thread or on discord that are just negative. Passive aggressive posts like >>188018 and the other one just a week ago, or one I got from Cavaliere this morning telling me I fucked up scheduling. And this is besides the outright aggressive posts towards me like on discord from you-can-guess-who, telling me I am "sucking Posey's cock" On Saturday night. And of course it hasn't even been a week since I have been told to go fuck myself. Basically I am guaranteed to get some kind of out of character negative remark hurled my way more often than I have sessions. Much of this is Brie, who wants to complain that I'm not giving him attention but still refuses to respond to my post telling him the skill check succeeded, but it is not limited to Brie. There are no small comments of praise anymore. This isn't fun for me anymore.
I've been extremely un-confident in a lot of my narrative decisions in a way that I can't really convey or make felt. I spent much of Friday night going back and forth over whether the encounter with the commissar should have him already in combat, or just approach and then he gets attacked, and that is the main reason nothing really happened until Saturday. And there's a thousand small decisions like this that weigh me down and make it difficult for me to proceed. I have had the idea for this quest since the September of 2022 and have wanted it to go as well as possible. But there's never any positive feedback, just "you screwed up scheduling" or "quit sucking Posey's cock" or "the trucks should be Canadian Military Patterns and not American." Would you want to sit down and devote at least an hour to something if that were the only "thanks" you get? And if I should just forget about the posts - if the narrative I'm trying to tell is so meaningless that I should just skip the logs or the dialogue or the little trails - then what is my purpose here?
I remember the spoiler quote "A+ story telling" when Amber was told the story of Flash Prance at Fort Prance four years ago; the "oh no" remark from Dark Star (out of character) when a rifle threatened to go off accidentally and blow everyone's cover in that first quest six years ago; the "nope" response that Amber had to a statue in a basement; the "spooky" remark from Posey after the micorburst in the swamp; or more recently the "that's creepy as shit. Fucking Posadists" from Posey after reading the dream journal of Light Water. These are what I work for, and I remember them long after the person who first said it has forgotten. But It isn't hard to see these are much rarer now than the bitching about scheduling or how I respond to a skill check or about loot or the combat encounters, or if a depicted plane is of an American or British airframe. And those remarks have as much staying power in my mind.
I get hate periodically - actually somewhat often - with my job, but the thing is, I'm paid to do that, and in any case I have to do that. I don't have to do this, and I certainly don't get paid for it. It's getting hard to find the motivation to do this...
Have you seen Dusk's Dawn, the fan animation? It's a full episode-length animation, and it's great to watch, if only because it's bad in a hilarious way. If you read the comments, you can see that it was made fun off mercilessly at the time of its release. And I know one thing for damn sure, the team never made a sequel. And I think that's a shame, even if entirely expected. No one would put time, effort, and especially their heart, into a project if they know they will receive only shit for it.
>>188022 >Passive aggressive posts like >>188018 Bro, that wasn't be passive aggressive. I was just responding to your perceived disappointment in me going to bed last night and explained that I did all I could.
>>188022 >Each of those would require probably at least an hour of sitting down and writing it out, which is on its own difficult to do when you're borderline ADHD like I am (I was medicated for it for much of my adolescence). But more importantly, it requires making decisions and commitments that I just really don't feel up to. I know that feel. Writing content is hard. I DM'd last weekend and had to climb the same hill. >on discord I don't know what's going on on discord, so I can't comment. >one I got from Cavaliere this morning telling me I fucked up scheduling Scheduling is a group effort: we could all do better. >And this is besides the outright aggressive posts towards me like on discord That's really unacceptable, and you should not have to put up with that. You should at least block them. >telling me I am "sucking Posey's cock" On Saturday night Wtf? All we did was fight an ettin-thingy on Saturday. Nothing even remotely resembling that. That sounds like baseless faggotry, not constructive criticism. >you-can-guess-who I think I can guess.... >I am guaranteed to get some kind of out of character negative remark hurled my way more often than I have sessions Must be demoralizing. >Much of this is Brie, who wants to complain that I'm not giving him attention but still refuses to respond to my post telling him the skill check succeeded, but it is not limited to Brie. Ugh... >There are no small comments of praise anymore. I, for one, am having fun. This quest is cool. It keeps getting more complex whenever I feel like I've figured out where it is going. >This isn't fun for me anymore. Are you saying you want to stop? I would be disappointed, but I wouldn't hold it to you. I have stopped Gaming games in the past because I just lost the will to keep doing them. No hard feelings or shame if you're just tired of it. >I've been extremely un-confident in a lot of my narrative decisions in a way that I can't really convey or make felt I've been there... >These are what I work for, and I remember them long after the person who first said it has forgotten. Oh, I didn't know you appreciated feedback that much. I can be more vocal in my enthusiasm.
>>188027 On the one hand, the pot calling the kettle, on the other hand, okay,
But saying, I have gone to extreme lengths to show GM how much I appreciate his efforts and time, to an increasing degree, The idea that theres been no positive feedback is literally of the devil, because it is a lie
>>188022 >you're sucking posey's cock Oh, one time I said that, not repeated, but okay, let's have it out. Yes, you're more responsive to less effort posts, especially in a happenstance spray "All the inputs" manner, NGL, it gets results, Yes, it pertains to the dopamine receptivity of anonboard rp posting. Its a thing, become aware, and learn from. No one will hate or criticize you, its part of the process.
>>188022 >And even for Sven, I need to not only write out Moonlit Meadow's reaction to her, but also three different little stories that are their own investigative trails. Hope you start to feel better soon. <3 Don't feel like you have to do anything special for me scratch that, I don't want you to do anything special for me. No, big stories for for trails and not several ones either.
I don't believe in responsibility. If a tree falls on you, don't jump out the way. Take a breath and step aside and if you're too late, at least you were at peace both in life and death. ^^
Just keep her thinking that Vir is a crazy pone. Give her a location to seek out and she will do so. There's no need to overthink it with me. I know you want to do it good but this reminds me how DWK ruined his own fun in making pony videos. He cared so much about making it good that it became a burden for him and while I get that it's us players that causing you most(all?) of your stress, it's better to "not even try while trying" and give me that level of effort. I feel like you know me, I will literally role-play with a rock if you put one before. Imo, Fren.^^
>>188022 >one I got from Cavaliere this morning telling me I fucked up scheduling I'm sorry, GM Pony. I really wasn't intending on being negative or passive aggressive. What I wanted to convey was that it would be a nice courtesy to post if a game isn't happening one night, or alternatively to post when one is happening. I tend to be too direct rather than gentle in my approach. >"the trucks should be Canadian Military Patterns and not American." Had I known this remark would have a haunting effect I never would have said it. Being snarky and critical is second nature to me, as I grew up watching MST3K and Cinema Sins, and to me pointing out flaws in something helps to improve it down the line I also started in this thread making sardonic comments about the game and its players, and though that was very silly it never harmed anyone's willingness to continue. I also like the game's setting of Equestria at War and this manifests partly as wanting the game to be consistent with that setting in various ways. I'll refrain from doing anymore of that. >But It isn't hard to see these are much rarer now than the bitching about scheduling or how I respond to a skill check or about loot or the combat encounters, or if a depicted plane is of an American or British airframe. But I have enjoyed this quest and all its little details. It's why I keep notes so that even after it's over I can explore hints and plots that are left over. The atmosphere of this quest has also been incredible and you should be confident in it enough that you don't have to ponder, "how will this be received by the players?"
>>188034 This post came off a bit commanding but it's not meant that way. You do you of course. I just want to relieve you of that pressure you feel. ^^ And my suggestion is based on personal experienced too. The way I get started doing things that are hard to do is by doing one metaphoric step in that direction. If I want to do the dishes, I only make myself turn on the tap.
>>188035 >Fucking A right, Vir is pure Indeed. ^^ Though, she immediately tried too preen the wings of a bat-pony upon seeing one without asking consent so, I guess, Brie & Lacey wouldn't be safe.^^
>>188042 >Being snarky and critical is second nature to me "Something we have in common," Brie offers casually, attempting to turn a meta OOC comment into an IC topic for banter,... its fine if you don't wanna, but I have lots of things for Brie to say to/with Garv, when you're ready. ^_~
Ostensibly and presumptively, Brie is preparing to fuck with something that could eviscerate his face. He is not going into this with his usual cavaliere attitute, with flippant quips to fire out. No no, this is a very serious matter that will require the utmost of care. In the meantime, he's happy to make all sorts of jibes and comments, never with any ACTUAL malice, just a general sense of "I'm bored, and fuck you, its funny".
Oh don't look at me like that, I haven't even started putting ornaments on Posey!
Unbidden, but unable to refrain, Brie blurts out: "This whole fucking thing stinks. Mind control? What the fuck?? I've dealt with mafiosos with their heads up their ponut, but this? I dunno mare,...."
GM, let me be the first to say "All hail". I came back to this fucking SITE because I wanted to play more. Yes yes, I'm a crass asshole, who flippantly likes crossing lines/boundaries. Yes, we can speak to "the issues" but I came back here expressly and intrinsically for the game. Having said, let me be the first on record to say "tell me what to do and I will do it". Ngl, I'm NOT good at intuiting what do do without express explanation, but I AM good at doing what needs doing, when I know what that is.
I'm sorry I said the heinous things. I say heinous things. Maybe someday I can stop saying heinous things, idk.
And SINCE no one has responded yet, and SINCE I am that one nigger,...
Lacey is the sort that is quick to diffuse a situation if at all possible. Why? Because it generally leads to more profit, and she wants to have done everything to prevent having to kill everyone in the room. She's not opposed to it, it's just troublesome to have to literally clean up after. Wink.
>>188133 While you're being buttmad, notice that the first of the posts you're objecting to was on the 28th, and the rest are from today. So if you're mad that I posted today, lets talk about it and see if we can come to a resolution. But if you think you're gonna >imply and I'm gonna start towing the line you think I should, well I'll give you three guesses how THATS likely to turn out
<In the waaaaaaaaater's deep embrace, Addy find her special place This incessant song has been stuck in Brie's head for a very annoying minute. He really hopes it doesn't affect his disable device modifier, this is an awfully big bomb,... <Gems and ore in a fluid race, a druid's calm in nature's grace Yeah, you're lucky no one has called you out for playing a druid <Feck off, its cooking-related
Blackheel stands there, seven or so feet from the edge of the cliff, staring at Silver and making eye contact with his blood red eyes. Though his mouth gives no expression, and though his thick, fur-tufted legs stand solid and firm, a closer examination reveals signs of trembles - lesser, to be sure, than in the others, but present all the same.
But for all the bravado, his lips pull back even as they remain closed. He picks up the mouthpiece with an aura of red magic, places it near his mouth, holds down on the send-button with magic, and speaks:
"Это политический комиссар Блэкхил, отвечающий за надзор за международной миссией помощи в Костроме. Вы слышали наш призыв к ответчику?" - "This is political commissar Blackheel, in charge of overseeing an international aid mission on the Kostroma. Have you heard our distress call?"
There is silence for a moment, and a hint of static. But the static cuts out, and is replaced with a crisp, clear message from a male voice that slowly, enunciates every word. A listener may suspect that the speaker either is not a native speaker and knows the language only from classroom lectures, or perhaps that the speaker expects the listeners to not be native speakers. But the pronunciation is crisp and the accent correct.
"Ваш призыв был услышан. Режиссер приказал спецназу компании «Хладон» провести операцию «Буян». Весь костромской личный состав должен прибыть к месту высадки на северном берегу." - "Your call has been heard. The director ordered the special forces of the company "Halon" to carry out the operation "Buyan". All Kostroma personnel must arrive at the landing site on the northern shore."
"Вы можете прийти к нам?" - "Are you able to come to our position?"
"Согласно Буяну, компания Halon должна обеспечить безопасность всего острова. Сопротивление было встречено и решается. До тех пор весь костромской персонал должен прибыть на северный берег." - "Per Buyan, Halon Company is to secure the whole island. Resistance has been encountered and is being dealt with. Until then, all Kostroma personnel are to come to the north shore."
"Это комиссар Блэкхил. К кому мне обращаться?" - "This is Commissar Blackheel. To whom do I speak?"
"К простому частному. Я всего лишь посланник." - "To but a simple private. I am only a messenger."
"Я являюсь старшим комиссаром. Я прошу поговорить с комиссаром по поводу компании «Галон»." - "I am a ranking commissar. I request to speak with the commissar over Halon Company."
"Вы можете прийти и поговорить с ней лично. Связи по радио не будет." - "You may come speak to her in person. There will not be communication over the radio."
"Знаете ли вы об опасностях на этом острове?" - "Are you aware of the dangers on this island?"
"Режиссер предупреждает о мятеже, внешних влияниях и неизвестной враждебной силе, присутствующей на Mended Horn." - "The director has warned of a mutiny, outside influences, and an unknown hostile force present on Mended Horn."
"Я командую отрядом верных моряков, мы готовы помочь, но в основном не можем. - I command a detachment of loyal sailors, we are ready to help, but mostly we cannot."
"По распоряжению директора весь костромской персонал должен прибыть на Северный берег." - "By order of the director, all Kostroma personnel are to come to the North Shore."
Blackheel lowers the mouthpiece, and in a smack, his tongue comes out of his dry mouth. He moves it back to his mouth.
"Моя группа лояльна Советскому Союзу. Все сотрудники Костромы под подозрением? - My band is loyal to the Soviet. Are all Kostroma personnel under suspicion?"
"Было объявлено, что на острове присутствует неизвестный псих, обладающий враждебным внешним влиянием. Первая задача компании Halon - обезопасить остров Буян. Вопросы лояльности и дисциплины будут решаться только после того, как угроза будет нейтрализована." - "An unknown but hostile outside influence has been declared present on the island. The first task of Halon Company is to secure the island per Buyan. Matters of loyalty and discipline will be addressed only after the threat is neutralized."
"Есть иностранные граждане и конфиденциальная информация." - "There are foreign nationals present among the passengers of the Kostroma, and sensitive information is involved."
"Директор и ответственный командир знают о предназначении Костромы. Операция «Буян» решит эти вопросы, как только угроза на острове будет устранена." - "The Director and the commander in charge are aware of the mission of the Kostroma. Operation Buyan will address these matters once the threat on the island has been neutralized."
"Это враждебное влияние, оно обладает разумом управляемых костромскими пони. Они все еще верные пони, но под контролем плохого актера. Здесь мы имеем дело с магическим влиянием. Мало кто был вовлечен в настоящий мятеж. Можете ли вы распространить информацию о необходимости применения нелетальной силы везде, где это возможно?" - "This hostile influence, it has mind controlled ponies of the Kostroma. They are still loyal ponies, but under under the control of a bad actor. We are dealing with magical influence here. Few were involved in an actual mutiny. Can you spread the word to use non-lethal force wherever possible?"
"Мы знаем о враждебном влиянии. Весь костромской персонал должен явиться на северный берег." - "We are aware of the hostile influence. All Kostroma personnel are to report to the north shore."
Blackheel takes his magic off of the "send" button and lowers the mouthpiece
>>188217 Silver bows his head at the commissar, before looking back up at him with sadness. "They have their mission, and they have made it clear they will complete it, no matter cost. Those ponies and non ponies of Kostroma, those who are now playthings of this Traveler, they have no choice in matter whether they are to be anyone's enemy. But you all do have choice. You can follow their orders, head to North Beach, and hope they do not decide it is too much trouble to figure out if you all truly are loyal or not...or you can join us, help us take out Traveler, and try to save as many creatures as we possibly can as we escape this island. We have plan, we have means, and with your aid we will have numbers necessary to make our assault upon Kostroma just that much easier. I will not lie to you, it is difficult choice to be made. But it is necessary one. And it must be made."
>>188218 Blackheel stands silently. He looks back to the orange stallion, then to the green one, and glances at the grey. Then he looks back to Silver, making eye contact. He tilts his head and raises an eyebrow.
>>188219 Silver: "Core of it as it pertains to Traveler is this: our explosives expert is turning torpedo from crashed naval bomber into remote detonated improvised explosive device. Our resident blackweave specialist will use her magic to rot Traveler from inside out. It will not be near enough to kill it outright...but it will weaken it. We will then force explosive inside its body, likely though mouth but any orifice will suffice. Its hide has proven resistant to damage, but its internals should not be, and combined with rotting magic and it being in dimension where death is unavoidable certainty it should be enough to make it vulnerable to conventional damage if not kill it outright. For dealing with any summoned monsters, we are also repurposing bomber's MG from its turret. While its high rate of fire means it will be unusable from standing position, from prone position it should be enough to turn any monster Traveler could summon to shreds. Once all that is done comes our plan of escape, where we send out message using magic across island to newly freed Kostroma crewmembers to return to ship ASAP. If needed, we can send rescue party to give aid to this objective. We will then simply use rising tide to unbeach ship and sail away to safety with as many creatures as possible. We are working on summoning ally to help with transporting explosive and MG from plane, but I am also hoping we can use this ally to disable GRU ship to prevent them from pursuing us as we make our escape."
>>188217 Posey does not speak the language, but as a warmagus in a despotic army herself, she recognizes the telltale monotonous sound of a messenger repeating the same unreasonable orders over and over and ignoring extraneous circumstances. "Let me guess: The higher ups were unhelpful?"
>>188233 Silver: "That is basic idea. They ignored any of Black Heel's concerns and kept repeating same order for Kostroma crew to come to their landing site at North Beach."
>>188119 "This island attracts nothing but the worst kind of attention. It reminds me of the common ant lion, which digs a pitfall where it waits at the center. Prey falling in only get closer to its maw from their struggles. I'm hoping this island more easily relinquishes its arrivals."
>>188246 >presuming to be smoking a cigarette "Is it a griffon thing to over-embellish things? Forget I said it. How are we with our friends, while I... oh dear. I really don't know how many dicerolls it will take. OOPSIE I just made an ooc post, but it was in character so I really dont know
Sometimes unable to restrain himself, Brie is simply trying to occupy his mind. Very grateful for his mask, he's never felt so off-put before. For one, there's this traveler and all this mind control nonsense, which does NOT sit well with him, as a pony who very much values his autonomy. Then there's the fact that WHERE'S THE FUCKING MILITARY?? Oh, yes, there's that one group, but they're obviously not here to mend sails. All the while, all we have is a rag-tag band of misfits,....
Brie looks up from the bomb >>188246 "Anything needing to be addressed?"