/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

>>187040 →
The bat pony's perked up, tufted-ears drop back, angling outwards somewhat. What she had of a smile disappears as her lips drop and curve downwards. Her eyelids likewise drop to a half-closed, almost rested position. She lets out a small, somewhat high-pitched sigh

"As I should have thought. Very well then."

She takes a moment to pull the documents closer to herself, and to rearrange them to face herself. Vir can see that the papers include the big, block letters of type-written pages, but more prominently, black and white photos of ponies. She looks down at the contents of the open manilla folder.

Vir can see that the little mare is what would be called "conventionally attractive," with a concave belly, weaker muscles, and a long, thin muzzle. Well, attractive if you can get past those elements that make her alien, like the fangs, the snake-like eyes, or the naked wings. Surely, she must be popular with the bat pony stallions.

"Let's see" She starts talking, "The police identified three suspects. Technically there were more, but the remainder were just foals who were around. I have narrowed it down to three.

The first is a pony by the name of Hock Spire, a cranberry colored stallion above middle age -

more soon(TM)

>>188328
Cavaliere answers the question directed at Silver.

"We are treasure hunters, of a sort. This island used to be settled and is a beaching spot for seals. In between the various maritime patrols that come here, we believed we could find valuables that were left behind."

>>188328
Sense Motive: Hmmmmm...before Silver answers, he assesses Black Heel's honor, whether he would tell Stalliongrad about the mission or not should Silver not prove persuasive enough to get him to join up with the party.

[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]

>>188328
"Then what are you crying about getting stabbed in the back for. Do you think we're here because we planned any of this? I appreciate your skepticism and anxiety, but from THIS group you're more likely to be stabbed in the face, and it'll be me who does it,"
He returns to the torpedo, awaiting further stages of dissembly.
Tell me when to roll, I don't even have access to my player sheet anymore

>>188333
<nope, don't do it,....
No I'm gonna.

With all the substantive dialogue, a fair amount of time has passed. In recognition that the explosive was disabled, by that one post I "didn't" (but did 3 times, if you count the follow up) then by now, the torpedo should be entirely able to be extracted. And so.

Brie drops down from the machinery, cuffing off his hooves. "Pretty sure we just need the means to move it. Its quite heavy. There's a few undone bolts, for safety, but whoever intends to pack this monstrosity will need to get in position. Unless I should just trigger the dis-loge mechanism and we can try and pick it up off the ground."

>>188330
"Seals and a deserted island... Right..."

>>188331
Silver knows this,

As a Comisar, he is neither a part of the military nor a civilian, but works directly for the Communist Party of Stalliongrad. He does not entirely trust Silver and the party - or anyone for that matter at this time, save evidently for the ponies in his group of survivors.

>>188347
Even if keeping the secret is necessary for preventing a war?

>>188331
You should not be telling them anything more than you need to.

>>188360
Wait, I withdraw this entirely. We're supposed to be pirates

>>188359
Silver whispers in Posey's ear as to not be overheard by Black Heel: "He already has negative assumptions about our reasons for being here and he does not seem to be buying any of your stories about us being pirates or treasure hunters. If he would be willing to keep secret, it might help smooth over his fears if he knows truth about our mission."

>>188403
Posey takes ten on her innuendo check
"I would be wary of telling them more than they need to know. Captain Waters did tell us to operate with secrecy. We are supposed to be pirates, remember?"

>>188331
Cavaliere looks over at Silver's uncertainty with a concerned glance.

Brie finishes with a "shoo-ing" gesture, as though to suggest that you should hurry the fuck up with the dialogue

>>188347
Silver: "You know, thinking on it, there is no guarantee that killing Traveler would leave anything behind to be studied. These demons and monsters he is summoning in battle merely turn to dust upon expiration, it is possible same may happen to him, especially if our bat's hypothesis is proven correct."

>>188413
Innuendo
"I disagree with divulging any further secrets, but I already agreed to leave decisions regarding the party's plans to you. I believe I could persuade him to buy the pirate story if I spoke with him, but truth or lie, it is important that we all stick with the same story."

>>188358
That may change things

>>188440
"I don't know. Maybe. That may be why the modus operandi so far has been to keep the entity in its dormant state. I would prefer the thing die."

>>188441
"No. You would not like to have a conversation with the 'Traveler'. For all of its claims to ignorance, it knows how to manipulate ponies and other creatures. It will invade your mind, steal images from your memory, and take the form of some god or whatever so that you will respect it, and then it will manipulate you.

I have no idea if it can regret. It does seem to feel a desire for revenge. I wish for it to feel and desire no more."

>>188456
Silver: "It is also possible that upon expiration Traveler's body would lose supernatural abilities that would provide research opportunities. Only way for GRU to guarantee that he can be brought home and studied would be to capture him alive, and that is likely primary objective of their operation here on this island."

>>188456
Cavaliere looks toward the ground in thought.
"Its powers of manipulation, however extraordinary, might be limited. Records indicate this thing has killed numerous ponies. If it had unconditional obedience from them, why would it kill them?"

>>188458
Orange Unicorn
"Yes. Like a unicorn's horn. If you have a well preserved one, you can use it as a conduit, but it loses something when it is dead. And the entity, we did not know what it was. We uh, we still don't know what it is, but to find that it was alive was a blessing, as it let us read the ambient magic it put off. A vivisection was desired, but impossible with the equipment on the ship, so we tried to keep it in stable condition on the way to Rave-" Blackheel reaches over and places his right hoof pretty firmly into the orange stallion's right cheek. With his lips partly open, the hoof is forced through to the teeth in some places.

>>188459
Blackheel:
"Bizarre as it is, hubris is one quality it hasn't demonstrated, at least entirely. We know with the snow ponies that it was willing to place itself in a subservient position in their belief system. Something similar happened here on the Kostroma. If you tell it it isn't a god, it'll back off until it finds something you will accept."

>>188484
The orange stallion, who just had a hoof removed from his mouth, winces, rubs his cheek, and speaks:
"t would be easy to say that killing the ponies made it stronger somehow... but it was weaker when we found it than it surely must have been before we came."

Blackheel speaks up,
"When I rejected it, it pissed it off. And that is when it became overtly violent."

>>188493
"Maybe, but it does seem to notice when ponies tell it one thing, and then do another. And it pisses it off."

>>188497
Silver: "Talking to him through one of possessed ponies we captured, he seems to have weird idea of what is 'True Harmony'. I wonder if he believes in some kind of corrupted Elements of Harmony. Think on it; he gets angry at any form of dishonesty, even something as simple as innuendo or other turns of phrase to say one thing and mean another. He controls minds of his victims, forcing them to be loyal to him and to turn against their former comrades. He believes he will save everyone from death and suffering even though his gesture of kindness will cause even more, and his 'generous' gift is neither freely given nor able to be rejected. I suppose one could look to these demons he is summoning as example of corrupted magic. I do not know how laughter would fit in, but laughter is little bit weird anyways."

>>188501
Turning toward Silver, Cavaliere responds,
"Would it have any idea of the Elements of Harmony? It looks to be ignorant of the societies it encounters, with what it knows reflecting the beliefs of those it talks with. In this case it has mainly been Soviet ponies and a griffon."

>>188497
"That violent reaction might not be hubris, but it could be a vulnerability we can exploit. Its rage over total rejection will cause it to overexpend itself. We need to learn how to survive its wrath. From what I read about the village, with enough effort on its part it looks to be able to control even those who reject it."

Brie realizes he will have to do all the thinking, without assistance from the party, and without the benefit of a safety net.
He places a hoof on his holstered revolver and addresses the Orange stallion
>>188497
"Oh don't be bashful, you were about to say something. Go on then," he says flashing a warning glance at Blackheel.

Supposing that might count as an intimidation check
[1d20 = 13]

>>188507
Silver: "He mentioned Harmony by name specifically, and it would be odd to talk about 'True Harmony' without having any idea of actual Harmony. Clearly he has at least some knowledge of what should be beyond his ken, but what he knows appears to be surface level as if he has only ever heard of and learned of these things second-hoof. Or perhaps only seeing them through viewing lens."

>>188512
Brie feels like he's taking crazy pills, or y'all being retarded.
"Am I the only bat who noticed Blackheel stuff a hoof in the face of this one?" he says, very clearly designating the orange unicorn who got gagged by Blackheel. "Please forgive me if I insist on getting to the bottom of THAT," Brie says, drawing his firearm.

>>188497
Brie fires a 'playful' shot (#7) out over the shoulder of the unicorn stallion
"Now is NOT the time for circumspection! We're well within the "shit" as it were, and your ability to survive it seems to depend on US. Now. What were you about to say about Raven...."

Is Brie really firing a gunshot into the air to scare the orange stallion into talking?

>>188498
Blackheel lowers his eyelids and his lips
"Do not tip off the entity to your plans."

>>188500
Blackheel:
"I didn't take you for having a sense of curiosity at all."

>>188501
Blackheel:
"Oh, you must be Equestrian, with all of those ideas about Harmony being divided into incommensurable parts. No, Harmony must be one and united. Anyways, if it is enacting an interpretation of Harmony, I do not trust its interpretation. It does seem to try to mirror the beliefs of those it is in communication with, and this mimicry doesn't seem to be just a feint."

>>188507
The orange stallion, who no longer has a hoof in his mouth, says

"It seems to have some ability to access the memories, or at least the thoughts of creatures."

More fully addressing Cavaliere, and readjusting his hooves,
"It can control those who do not wish to be controlled, certainly. These protective helmets are not just for show."

>>188516
Brie may be losing patience with this commie fuck.
"You seem to be laboring under the delusion that you have some degree of choice or say in the matter; allow me to absolve you of this delusion! Whether or not you go the obvious memo, your very survival depends on us you see here.
So, whether I SEEM curious or not, you would do your hooves well to answer our questions, and promptly! The Traveler will never catch wind of our plans because we make them up as we go, if that's your concern," Brie states firmly before pausing and addressing the orange stallion, "Thank you."

Still with his gun drawn, but seeing that Ms. Ring may be suffering the affects of sedatives, Brie continues.
"Let me guess: you think that we might be a bunch of filthy capitalists here to steal everything not nailed down, something like that? Well, let me assure you we ARE filthy capitalists and that we WILL steal everything not nailed down. But that of course will come AFTER dispensing with this very unpolitical and far beyond the pale threat that you can clearly speak to it's ability to dominate minds! One wonders why there's even a modicum of hesitation here!" Brie waves the revolver as though to say 'this is silly'

>>188513
If Brie is willing to stay his hoof and not just randomly fire into the air, Silver answers, "Orange stallion was about to give confidential information about final destination of Traveler and Black Heel did not want him speaking so freely. Apparently there must be some sort of secret research labratory in Ravenskoe, and Black Heel is afraid we would take that knowledge to other state entities."

>>188516
Silver: "You can be Severyanan and believe in Harmony just as Equestrians do. My father was, and he taught me all he knew of Harmony when I was colt growing up in St. Petershoof. But yes, I do not trust it when others claim to have changed Harmony into its 'true' variant."

Kira, how up to this point has been silently listening to the conversation while wriggling about in place like the ADHD noodle she is, speaks up. "There's more than one type of Harmony? I thought Harmony was just...Harmony."

>all these posts
I'm channeling James Spader!
"Let's make a deal shall we? Just for today, pretend that we're good friends who share everything and want all of us to succeed. That's the ostensible doctrine of communism isn't it? And for the same period, we will pretend that that isn't an absurd ideology. Seems fair doesn't it? After today, you can go back to hating money, and we can go back to being happy because we have it. The prize you NEED to focus on for the time being is," and Brie assumes to be cut off by Silver
>>188521
Thats up to GM. I don't deny it was reckless and flippant.

>>188522
>>188520
>>188519
>>188517
The following is immediately evident to Brie:

Intimidation requires an appearance of an imbalance of power in favor of the intimidator. The presence of a friend or ally immediately gives a dramatic boost to either party, as that basically doubles the power.

The orange stallion Brie seems to be focused on is kind of effeminate and is not a normal combatant. Blackheel is larger, of stronger will, and stronger overall. The other two stallions are each armed, and have presumably been through basic training. Neither seems to speak Ponish (unless they are keeping that fact to themselves) and have nothing to tell Brie, and they will only understand tone, body language, actions, and whatever Blackheel and the orange stallion choose to tell them. Together, the four stallions appear stronger (to themselves) than Brie singularly.

To say the same thing bluntly, if Brie could somehow isolate the orange stallion, he'll likely succeed. If Brie has to face all four of them, but has the appearance of the full support of the party, it's a more perilous proposition, but it has a decent chance of success. But simultaneously talking to both Blackheel and the orange stallion when he only really wants or needs to talk to the orange stallion, and making a sound that will stop the conversation and get the attention of the entire set of communists, all while seeming at odds with the approach of the other party members...

>>188530
>>188521
Blackheel's ears go down, and his eyes half close.
"Oh. I see."

But his ears go up, his eyes widen, and he moves a couple steps to the right when Kira moves closer, trying to move away, and angling his body towards her.

"No. There is only one Harmony."

>>188530
Blackheel tilts his head,
"'Tailor thoughts'? How do you 'tailor your thoughts?"

>>188532
A few things of note:
1. The intimidation check was directed at the orange stallion, I apologize for neglecting to specify.
The intimidation check was intended to convey to the stallion that while he may regret going against Blackheel, he might more immediately regret not telling us what we want to know, and it's 7 on 4.
2. It can have been a poorly worded diplacy check if it is really that troublesome.
>>188534
"Ever get a song stuck in your head? Similar, except it's deliberate."

>>188535
I know, but at the same time he's talking to both ponies when he speaks, and then a gunshot (even when suppressed) is kind of hard to miss...

>>188536
Appreciated, it wasn't intended to interject into any existing conversation, it was more intended to occur during a brief pause, assuming he doesn't willingly cough up the information. The actual sequence of dialogue is difficult to ascertain in a timeline.

>>188534
Kira tilts her head at Black Heel. Her only response seemingly as he moves to try to get away is to flick her tongue. "But...you and Silver disagree about it. How come?"

>"Why are you here?"
Posey speaks up, with her usual flat tone
"We came to plunder a ship that we heard may have crashed here, take the airponies hostage, and maybe steal a ship while we were at it." she says, with her expression neutral
"We are what you might call 'swashbuckling treasure hunters'. We came because our sources said we would find an opportunity here, and we traveled here with a transport talisman, to evade scrutiny, but the naval ship and the Traveller complicate our plans." She continues
She takes a step forward
"I am sure that you have your criticisms for our way of life, but before you open your mouth, know that we have all heard it before. We care not how society sees us, because society never cared for us."
She gestures behind her to the party
"A grisled veteran, with no decorations to show for it. A zegro shaman, far flung from his ruined homeland, viewed with suspicion and superstition. A serpent, seen as a monster by anypony's standards. A thestral native, doing what he can to survive in a society that crushed his people. A griffon slinger, heraldic by nature but a grunt in a chaotic time where noble causes are few and far between....."
She pauses
"...And a blackweave warmagus, forced to find a new life when the magic she defiled herself to learn was suddenly considered forbidden by the council of warmagi in her nation..."
She raises her head
"Society never did anything for us, so we care not for their ethics or property; I am certain that the Stalliongrad propagandists informed you that nothing matters in the outlands unless you have money. We all came from separate backgrounds, and have separate motivations and dreams. I would be lying if I said we trusted eachother, but in spite of our differences we cooperate as equals. We work together for our booty, and we divide by rule of hoof."
https://youtu.be/kP9Uyg3BAIw?si=MGk0c8L0r1UhHP3m

She puffs out her chest proudly, the bones on her armor rattling
"I am the Dread Pirate Rosey Ring, Lurking Terror of the Northern Coast, and this is my crew. Will you cooperate with us, Commissar Blackheel?"
She raises a hoof towards Blackheel

Bluff, to lie
[1d20+16 = (15+16) = 31]
Diplomacy
[1d20+10 = (16+10) = 26]

>>188541
Blackheel stares at Posey in silence for one, two, three seconds before replying

"So you are here to bring your society to this island and my ship. This helps us, how?"

>>188546
"No. We are here to get our treasure and leave, but to do that we first need to take care of the Traveller. I believe that we could help eachother."

>>188534
Cavaliere holds up a claw to one side, motioning to Kira to keep her distance.

"Easier said than done, but a creature of sufficient willpower can concentrate on only certain details he would let his adversary know."

>>188546
"With all respect, present circumstances are forcing our cooperation, however you might view us."

>>188521
Brie steps back and passes by Silver, whispering "Do snap a photo of this group, in case they don't survive."

>>188554
>>188555
>>188552
>>188551
>>188547
The green stallion speaks
"Что они говорят?

Blackheel partly moves his head to the right, but tries to keep his eyes on Posey and those around her rather than look to the green stallion
"Они пираты или, в лучшем случае, утилизаторы. Они охотятся за нашим кораблем."

Green stallion replies:
"Они хотят управлять кораблем, на котором их набито только копытами? А их стало больше?"

Blackheel, speaking firmly and holding up his right hoof, foreleg held out, in the direction of the green stallion:
"Тихий. Один из них может вас понять."

The Grey stallion speaks, louder and kind of angrily:
"Это бред. Мы должны встретиться со спецназом на пляже и отбить их много!"

Blackheel, replying firmly and making eye contact with the Grey stallion, again putting his hoof up:
"Не на глазах у наших гостей."

Then he speaks to the party:

"What do you need us to do?"

>>188539
Blackheel does not answer after the other matters are brought up

>>188575
Silver sighs, feeling like everything that's been said has only served to make things worse and growing rather annoyed with the situation. He responds to the ponies in Severyanan. "Мы здесь не ради вашего корабля. Какие идиоты-пираты попытаются захватить судно с более чем 50 членами экипажа группой из 7 пиратов?"

>>188577
The Grey stallion simply stares at Silver silently.

>>188581
Brie's hoof darts toward his makeshift holster
"Perhaps some of this is lost in translation, but for all of YOUR misgivings (better believe there are plenty we could argue if now were the time) we ARE trying to keep you ALIVE," Brie says with increasing impatience

>>188581
>>188583
Silver shoots a look of warning towards Brie before continuing to speak. "Такая глупая история... слушайте, я знаю, что вы все нам не доверяете, и это справедливо. Вы только что с нами познакомились, и после того, как услышали историю о том, что мы "пираты"? Конечно, вы будете подозрительны. Но я надеюсь, вы знаете, что нам не нужно было приходить вам на помощь. Мы могли бы следовать нашему первоначальному плану и попасть на этот остров и обратно, даже не узнав об этом. Но мы этого не сделали. Мы услышали ваш сигнал бедствия и пришли на помощь, без каких-либо обещаний вознаграждения или даже того, что вы не будете просто стрелять в нас сразу же, как только увидите нас. А когда мы нашли ваших товарищей, и увидели, что они не были самими собой? Мы сделали все возможное, чтобы взять их живыми, чтобы после победы над Странником они вернулись в нормальное состояние. Я надеюсь, это что-то значит в ваших глазах, что наши намерения действительно добрые, и мы здесь только для того, чтобы помочь."

>>188584
Brie interprets the intended message, while also countering with a warning glance

>>188575
>"What do you need us to do?"
We need you to help us board the Kostroma, and suppress the resistance of the enthralled sailors and summons, to give us access to the Traveller so that it can be destroyed. Then, if all goes well, we would like help delaying or distracting the GRU, so that it doesn't blast us when we sail away with our talisman undetected, after finding our booty. The GRU will likely want to sweep the Kostroma as soon as they get a signal that the 'mutiny' is over, and that should buy our crew time to escape."
>>188584
Posey chimes in
"If our intent were to attack you, we would have done so already."

>>188584
>Just translated
Bruh, pls don't say things that contradict the charisma check I just typed out....

>>188588
While complimentary to Rosie's bluff check, there isn't a lie there

>>188588
>>188589
Cavaliere adds to Brie's point, "You are more useful to us alive, and as allies. War might be good for business insofar as there's disorder to profit from, but mind control…is a threat that bears no opportunity except for the possessor. There might be no limit to what this entity can do if given enough time."

>>188581
>>188584
Silver adds on to what he said as he facehooves himself. "Моим спутникам нужно поработать над своими навыками общения. Вы заметите, что то, что мы уже сделали, гораздо больше, чем ГРУ сделает для вас. Вы слышали пони по радио. Вы сами должны добраться до них через невообразимое количество монстров, которых Путешественник, несомненно, призвал, чтобы противостоять вам и им. Они также не знают, кто из вас лоялен, а кто «предатели» благодаря вашему сигналу о мутании, и они не будут дожидаться, чтобы узнать, что «предатели» просто не являются собой прямо сейчас, прежде чем они их уничтожат. Есть также тот факт, что сочетание вашего провала в вашей миссии и чувствительного характера материалов, которые вы перевозили, означает, что даже если они решат, что вы все еще лояльны, они не могут просто отпустить вас на свободу и рисковать тем, что вы расскажете кому-то о том, что вы перевозили на «Костроме». Если бы характер вашего груза достиг ушей международного сообщества, последовала бы негативная реакция и инциденты по всему миру."

>further subtext
You can be an ally, armed and dangerous, or you can join the chain gang

>>188595
Okay, let's not undermine ourselves here.
I just rolled a 30 on bluff, and a 26 on diplomacy: if it was possible to persuade Blackheel at all, that should have done it. Before we add additional dialogue that could challenge or complicate the results of the check, we should press him for an answer. We don't want to shoot ourselves in the foot by giving him time to second guess himself after he was persuaded with a successful check.
>>188575
>>188586
Posey clears her throat audibly, drawing attention to herself and distracting from tangential discussion (taking 10 on bluff).
"So, Blackheel, what will it be? Will you help us destroy the Traveller? Answer quickly, because we need to act before the GRU does."
>>188596
Intimidation is my speciality, so leave that part to me please.

>>188603
Yes captain.
Though, the appearance of having a loose cannon that you can call to heel can aid in intimidation factor

>>188603
I mean.. You told him you were going to hijack his ship. Like, sure the bluff and diplomacy were high, but like as charmingly as you can say "I am here to carjack you" or "I am here to rob you"... There's only so much charm you can add to that message

>>188610
Technically, she said that thats what we CAME to do, but have since decided that the Traveler is a greater priority. And while there was no agreement between characters, if Posey gets to be 'captain' for the remainder of this, then Brie absolutely can parlay for the safe keeping of these ponies.

>>188610
I thought I indicated that we came to salvage a separate ship.

>>188613
>>188610
As in, the airship, that we heard crashed.

>>188613
>>188614
Perhaps if Rosey stated these things more definitively, emphasizing that the Commissar and his equipment will (regrettably) remain un-commandeered

Oh shit. Don't tell him about the airship

>>188616
I tried to be non-specific.
>>188610
Should I make another charisma check to clarify that we are not here for their ship?

>>188618
>>188610
Seems plausible

>>188610
Let Kira try something:

Kira gathers her coils together in a pile, and sits her pony half on top. She looks at Black Heel, making her eyes really big, dilated, and sparkly. She puts her forehooves together in front of her in a pleading position as she lets out a long "Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssse!" in as cutesy and innocent a voice she can muster. She tops it all off with a pouty lip for extra cuteness, hoping it pushes her attempt over the top to convince the commie ponies to come along with them.

I dunno if it needs a roll or if the cuteness alone would be enough

>>188626
Brie is grateful that his mask conceals his incredulous expression e,_,e as he continues to contemplate firing a warning shot

>>188626
I'm going to count this as an Aid Another for +2 to my own diplomacy check to clarify that we are not after their ship.
[1d20+12 = (14+12) = 26]

>>188628
26 should be enough after the previous successful checks, right? That's enough to shift attitude from unfriendly to friendly.

>>188626
>>188630
Of course that requires a check, under ordinary circumstances; and yes of course a 26 would give Kira a +2 to her skill check.
Whether that results in a successful negotiation (assuming such a thing is even POSSIBLE) remains to be seen.

>>188628
I'm going to follow this up with an opposed charisma check to influence any of the commies that I already have charmed to go along with our plan.
[1d20+6 = (19+6) = 25]

>>188634
30 Bluff
26 Diplomacy
25 to give a charmed creature orders

This is as well as I can realistically deliver in a social encounter. If these checks don't succeed in convincing the commissar, I think we should just go find the marines.
Unless there was some sort of hidden key dialogue phrase we should have mentioned that would have automatically earned allegiance, in which case a hint would be appreciated.

>>188635
Brie is waiting on a response from GM to add his "reckless discharge of firearm, and intimidation" bonus to the negotiations

Brie has entertained all of this jovially, but it seems that the Commissar 8allisn't taking thing sufficiently seriously.
And so Brie will casually and overly gregariously say to the Commissar (who is woefully uncircumspect, given the circumstances) "While you contemplate our good Captain's offer," he teases playfully, making his way toward the gray pony "Consider how surprised he will be when I place a gun to his head and without question, splatter his brains about the floor; and technically I could have already, assuming my ducks are in a row. They are by the way, I could have this one dead with a surprise round, and that one doesnt even have his gun out," he says gesturing toward the other guard. "Pathetic. Now then. Do you want to play along, or do I get out my 'paint' brushes?" They arent for paint, but they are literally in his inventory.

Ready action, anyone twitches, its a free action to draw and its stabby stab on grey pony with the gun

And technically speaking, since Brie isn't betraying hostile body language, this would all count as a surprise round, excepting the Commissar and the nerd, they would get standard initiative.

[1d20 = 10]
Not sure what skill check this might apply to so unmodified, but I sense there might need to be a skill check in there

Apparently, he ISN'T finished. He continues placatingly, "Oh yes, I know you're all gruff and hearty ponyfolk, forged in the crucible of hard work and determination, but killing is our business, and here uncharacteristically, we are offering to keep you not only alive but in possession of all your goods and resources. Believe me when I say," he chuckles "This is HIGHLY unanticipated AND unprecedented. By the way, I lied about using the gun, I just wanted you to visualize it. No, I will use the blade. It will be a pity."

>>188610
And just for artistic effect, he removes his mask, so there's no ambiguity to his face. "You may have ascertained that I'm the quarter-master, and you are keeping our (cuz you're either hostages or temporary allies, he interjects mutteringly, to be heard but to imply that this is the salient point) Captain waiting."

>>188637
>>188640
>>188641
>>188642
>>188643
>>188644
>>188651
>>188652
>>188653
>9 consecutive posts
The GM is obviously not ready to run yet. Spamming and/or announcing additional antagonistic actions only delays GM's readiness and willingness to continue.

Can you please just freaking wait until the results of my charisma check are resolved BEFORE you decide to go around attacking or threatening NPCs? We already agreed on a plan for negotiation.

>>188654
>antagonism
You insist on reframing my actions as malevolent.
>can you wait
I'm trying to assist your convoluted charisma check, in such as I can. There was no discussion, there was just you asserting out-of-character that you had it sorted; and then you phoned it in cuz (no bully) health concerns. And yes, I DO think I know better than ALL of you, and will assert so since no one is fucking posting.
*clears throat*
Any other questions?

>>188655
No one is posting because we're waiting for a response from GM pone, who has been busy and is a bit disheartened about the current state of the game.

>>188656
Why would he be disheartened? If anything, there's been a multifold interest in it, and thats just amongst the players. And reminder, he can shut me down with the quickness. IDK what you're on about. I think you as players need to trust more in GM, if I'm being honest

The green stallion looks over towards Kira and speaks
Что это? Это одно из творений черного бога?

Orange:
Нет, это то, что называется «ламия». Это существо из зебрики.

Green:
Но голова и грудь у него как у кобылы, как у своеобразной химеры.

Orange:
Вот только так они выглядят.

Green:
Почему это мило?

But Blackheel looks over towards the party members as they make their various approaches.

He moves back and tries to shield himself from Kira's power's of Hypnosis with a guarded expression.

To Posey, he nods along, and smiles, sometimes showing his pristine white teeth, and generally looking as if he wished to gain her affection.

To Brie, he gives a partly open mouthed, partly squinted eye expression that is most comparable to the look Tucker Carlson gives to most of his guests.

To Cavaliere, he nods but maintains a serious expression.

To Silver, he closes his mouth and gives a concerned, if somewhat warm expression

And when they are done, he answers

"Very well... I can see your point... Your goal here. I will go along with you, if you can help me try to save my crew, and salvage what I can of this- this mission. Everything has clearly gone awry... It must be resolved. And that... That evil creature, that rat bastard must be stopped. And the Entity too, if we can."

>>188667
To the orange and green pony, Kira simply tilts her head and bleps out her tongue with a confused expression on her face. Silver responds to them, "Знаешь, ты можешь спросить ее сам. Она, честно говоря, самое доброе, самое милое, самое невинное существо, которое ты, вероятно, когда-либо встречал. И да, она также очаровательна. Она не говорит на нашем языке, так что тебе придется говорить с ней на эквестрийском."

To Black Heel, Silver lets out a sigh of relief, and returns his warm smile back to him. "Good, I am glad to have you. I know you do not trust us fully as of yet, but we will show you that we can be. We will end this horror, save your crew, and get off this goddesses-forsaken island."

>>188674
>>188667
To further prove her friendliness to the commies, Kira takes the end of her tail in her hooves, and bends it into a heart shape as an "offering".

>>188674
>>188675
The green stallion's eyes go wide, and his mouth hangs partly open. He takes a quick breath. Green pony:
"Что он делает? Почему он это делает?"

The grey stallion speaks,
"Посмотрите на эту гигантскую шишку в его животе. Он что-то съел. Съел ли он пони?"

The green stallion makes an "ep" and falls over onto his side. The orange, grey, and green stallions all look over at him. Blackheel, however, looks over towards Posey, to whom he is smiling.

The orange stallion looks over to the grey stallion and says,
"Ну а если она съела, то и сейчас не вредна"

Then the orange stallion looks over towards Kira and tries to smile
"Hi."

Blackheel turns to Silver and speaks
"That is better. So what is this plan? Kill it with explosives?"

>>188676
Kira smiles brightly back at the orange stallion, and waves at him. "Hello! What's your name? Mine's Kira."

Silver nods at Black Heel. "That is basic gist of plan. Our resident bat is our explosives expert, he converted explosive warhead of torpedo into improvised explosive device, and turned crashed plane's radio into remote detonator. We will use magic to weaken Traveler, then force explosive inside him and detonate it remotely. For dealing with monsters he summons, we took machine gun from crashed plane's turret. It fires too fast to be used while standing or moving, but when prone and crew-served it will prove very effective in tearing any monsters or demons to little bits."

>>188675
Don't get shot
>>188676
They aren't outside of getting shot yet, and this little 'gesture' only confirms that they're coming with, Brie will remain ready to kill them until they're bound like the chain gang, or unarmed.

>>188678
>Don't get shot
???

>>188677
Blackheel places his hoof to his chin
"Well, it sounds like you have some idea. I am skeptical if that will be enough, and more to the point, if it will let us get close enough. If this thing wakes up..." He shudders and shakes his head. "We must try."

The orange stallion's ears go back briefly, and he pulls his lips back to show his teeth.
"Uh, my name is Starfire"

>>188682
Silver: "Exactly. We must try."

Kira claps her hooves together excitedly. "Ooooo! I love that name! Do your friends speak Ponish, too, or is it just you and Black Heel?"

>>188667
>>188676
> I will go along with you, if you can help me try to save my crew, and salvage what I can of this- this mission. Everything has clearly gone awry... It must be resolved.
>Blackheel, however, looks over towards Posey, to whom he is smiling.
"Good choice. With your help, we should be able to minimize casualties when we board the ship. Let us make haste; we want to board it before the GRU does. You can fill us in on the layout of the ship and the crew's forces as we travel." Posey says
>>188678
>Don't get shot
Don't be stupid.
>>188682
"Getting close is one thing, getting close without killing off the enthralled sailors is another. I suspect that the Traveller will be spurred out of torpor once we get close though: it will not simply surrender to being destroyed once it begins to be damaged by magic."

>>188684
>>188682
Silver: "But first, there are still some potential allies to be recruited. Pipette mentioned another group of soldiers holed up in some ruins towards Kostroma. There are also airponies at crashed airship that could provide extra ponypower."

Also we need to get down to the whale skeleton, still

>>188683
Starfire:
"No, uh, I am with the University of Lemongrad, and the uh, the science team here. On the expedition. I learned Ponish in school. Blackhoof learned it at the Harmony school. Rustling Pine over here is in the Merchant Marine. He does not know Equestrian Common, nor does Steppe Eagle, who is a marine."

>>188684
"Yes" Blackheel says with a nod.
"It will not want us to get close, and that is sure."

>>188685
Blackheel
"Yes, my sailors had to make a run for it. Rescuing them should be a top priority."

>>188684
>Don't be stupid
NOh (you), Captain
>>188685
"Indeed, none of us are about to carry this," Brie says, gesturing toward the torpedo.
>>188686
"Anything it 'doesn't' want is probably in line with what we're going to do. So, if you have any other suggestions about what it doesn't want, they might be useful to divulge."

>>188686
Kira: "Woooooow! Wait, is the Harmony school the same one that Princess Twilight founded? The one that taught creatures from around the world all about the magic of friendship and Harmony?"

Silver: "Rescue them we will, but there are couple of stops we will make along away between us and them."

Starfire:

"Well, we've seen it go through a state of torpor more than once. It was inactive after hitting the ground, became more active, and was in torpor, or it seemed to be anyways. Something caused it to go dormant again... I think it had something to do with what happened with the village."

Then Blackheel speaks,
"Those things peasants call 'gods,' they always want faith, belief, sacrifices. Have you ever wondered what an alleged god needs with a chicken? Or why it would care if anyone had 'faith' in it or not? The usual explaination is that this is peasants rationalizing the payments and fealty they must give to their feudal lords and the like, but I've heard another reason given. These 'gods' are emotional-magical parasites, like a changeling, or a siren, or a windigo. They feed off of your fealty.

I don't know what in Tartarus this thing is. I had thought it was a beached carcass. But this 'Fellow Traveller,' 'Seraph,' 'Chernobog'... I think it may work in that way. Feed off of the belief or minds of those who follow it. In any case, I have no desire for it to have any followers at all."

>>188687
"It did not like me rejecting it. Telling it 'no,' that it was wrong. That, it certainly didn't like."

>>188691
To Kira:
"No. That 'school' was part of an attempt to conspire with other autocracies in a global effort to permanently freeze-out and stop any revolution. It makes sense in a sort of way, as a revolution anywhere inspires more elsewhere."

To Silver:
"Like where? We are limited on time."

>>188698
Silver: "As I said, it is all on way to your soldiers. No detours, just brief stops. We are not yet in position to take on eldritch deity, but after these stops we will be. Or, at least as close to be as we could hope for."

Kira: "Awwww. I kinda wish she sought out some lamias to join it, though. Hardly anyone over on his continent knows who we are, and the majority who meet me at first just think I'm some kind of mindless monster..." Hearing Black Heel's apparent view on the peasant beliefs about gods, Kira tilts her head at him. "Um...well, to be honest we don't even know if gods are real. Well, this one seems to be real, or maybe he's just some kind of demon or something. Demons are real, right? Anyways, all of the stories say they're real, and I'd like to think they're real. But maybe even if they aren't, there's still good in believing in them? Like, this world can be pretty sad sometimes, and it can drag you down, and it can even be pretty lonely at times too, but maybe believing in something greater than yourself, and following the teachings related to them...maybe it helps people feel like they belong to a community? And it helps keep their spirits up even during bad times?" Kira finishes up her shpeal by tapping her hooves together and looking bashfully towards the ground. "...or something like that, maybe...I don't know..."

>>188701
In that his mask is off, Brie's disdain for the idea that "we're not ready to take on an Eldritch deity" is apparent by his very obviously raised eyebrow, suggesting only that he has contempt for the idea that anypone could operate from a position of inability.
No, this goes back to his training and experience, pertaining to the Row family and lineage. Would you like to hear it? I could spaghetti-dump it now like a pile of angel-hair pasta You don't know, but thats gonna be a thing, even tho I'll fucking do it even though it hurts my soul
As I was saying, Oddly enough, the Row family - which the present heiress "picked" Brie to be "hers" (with complications) - has lineage history with "a" monstrocity (whether it "was" the traveler or not, I leave that to GM, but it pertains to Brie's interest in having a Brief! conversation with the aforementioned) but AN monstrocity (one assumes you'll foregive/forego the use of "an" before monstrocity, it was just to provide emphasis).
Anyhoo, the whole point of this diatribe is to indicate that Brie ISN'T just being impatient (though there is that) when he swiftly pulls his revolver from it's sling/frame, points it in the air (yes, regrettably away from anyone) and fires off a shot.
"Splendid! Can we go now? I trust any necessary discussion can occur in transit."

>>188698
Posey speaks up
"The topic of religion and extraplanar contact is a motif in my former field. Time and time again unicorns have contacted nameless horrors from beyond the void, for glory, pleasure or power, and through it brought rot and ruin. Exorcising unwelcome guests and cleaning up the messes that follow was my line of work... It was a bit of a thankless job."
She continues
"That being said, the kind of predatory entity that arrives with intent feed on the minds of the living may be the easiest to deal with, and perhaps the most predictable since its base intentions are already clear. It can give us confidence that its powers are limited, which means that it can be destroyed."
>Have you ever wondered what an alleged god needs with a chicken?
"The sacrifice of a chicken is generally symbolic: proof of the devotion of the celebrant. It is not the value of the sacrifice that draws the attention of the entity, but the advent that the sacrifice was made. Perhaps the entity is being called up on to fulfill an age-old pact, or perhaps they are inspired by the faith of the celebrant, or perhaps even... most dreadfully, they might be curious..." she lingers at the last one
"The most dreadful entities that interact with mortals are not the ones who come to feed on our souls or bring us ruin, but the ones with nothing to gain. In the vastness of the cosmos, there lurk entities who are so vast and incalculable that they are simply curious that a being as small as a pony is able to successfully contact them at all. To put it in perspective, you would not normally pay any mind to troup of ants as you were walking by, but surely it would catch your attention if the mindless ants were able to successfully spell out your name? To the most powerful beings, the feat of mortals simply being able to comprehend them enough to make an offering once in a millennium is sometimes all it takes to draw their attention, to the doom of the celebrants who would foolishly contact such a being."

>>188709
"Incapacitating enough of its followers might physically weaken it to the point it'll be vulnerable," the griffon responds.

"Even large creatures are easy prey for the legendary bullet ants, if there's enough of them that is. If we're right on its vulnerability, our relative insignificance might even be an advantage."

>>188712
>Incapacitating enough of its followers might physically weaken it to the point it'll be vulnerable,"
That was my original plan, BUT I do not believe Commissar Blackheel would appreciate it, and I would rather keep our working relationship for the time being."
>Even large creatures are easy prey for the legendary bullet ants
Posey chuckles
"Perhaps ants my feel confident in attacking being far beyond their comprehension, but the its easier not to draw their attention at all, lest the owner of the crawlspace come back with a can of DEET."

>>188712
>>188714
Silver: "It must be said, 'incapacitate', does not necessarily mean 'kill'."

>>188699
"O... kay"

>>188701
Blackheel raises an eyebrow to Silver. Then he shakes his head to Kira, and answers

"Belief in the immaterial distracts from the very real, very material demons that hurt us and lord over us here, and from the very real community and paradise we may build here on Earth."

>>188709
Blackheel smiles

"They have quite the fairy tales over in... Where are you from again? Anyways, I don't know what it wants or what, if anything at all it feeds on. What I do know is that it has quite the impact on the minds of ponies, and I'm not going to let it spread."

>>188712
>>188714

"I do think that being out of sight and out of mind is the better move now, but... It knows me."
>>188712

>>188717
Apologies for directing >>188705 at the floof, yes, I'm serious this time.

>>188717
This causes Kira to tilt her head the other way. "There are demons that lord over ponies?"

>>188719
He nods
"Distracting may be beneficial, yes. It does not notice everything, and it cares for some facts... some ponies, more than others."

>>188720
"Not literally, no. The danger is of an altogether worse kind. There are creatures who would seek to enjoy the fruits of another's labor, and to that end, they will deceive and instill fear."

>>188723
Kira: "But not actual demons...I'm not sure I know why that's worse than real demons like the ones we've fought." She smiles at Black Heel. "Is this one of those communism things? I'm sorry if I don't get many of those, we don't really have communism back home. Or really any ideologies or political parties, to be honest."

>>188724
He simply stares at her, and blinks.

>>188734
Kira: "...um...Mr. Heel? Are you okay?"

>>188734
>>188718
Can I PLEASE recklessly discharge the firearm now? They already said they would fight with us. We can be friendly after getting some good will through combat.
>>188735
"If you're missing his meaning, he's referring to Capitalists as being the 'demons' that would seek to enjoy the fruits, and deceive and instill fear, dear."

>>188736
Kira continues to look confused. "Capitalists? What are those?"

>>188737
Brie unironically facehoofs at that

>>188738
Kira scrunches. "What? Did I say something wrong?"

>>188739
He raises his hoof in a placating gesture. "It's far too difficult to adequately discuss here. The short version is that we - as pirates he emphasizes that as though to remind Kira,... wait does Kira even know what a pirate is? are a form of "Capitalist". We acquire goods through less scrupulous - but inherently more honest - methods than conventional capitalists. But to simply answer your question, WE are capitalists."

>>188740
Kira nods along, then makes a face as to suggest she understands. "Ohhhhhhhhhhh. So, capitalists are scrupulous, dishonest pirates." She closes one eye, and adopts a very stereotypical pirate accent. "Aye gotcha capt'n! Yarhar!"

But what Brie DOES believe in:
"The ideal scenario of course is an operant authority entity, designed to increase the opportunities to it's participants. It resembles the Changeling philosophy, but without the compromise of personal autonomy. Let those who would establish themselves as 'primary movers' pave the way for the mass to enjoy the full fruit of the endeavor. It's a form of Socialism, but it's Nationalistic in it's focus," he says with a slightly knowing twitch

>>188717
>Where are you from again?
"I came from Farbrook, and I speak from experience. Anyways, you are right that this problem needs to be dealt with quickly. I've made contact with its mind before, and managed to resist it for now thanks to the results of my training, but given the reach if its ability it is only a matter of time before it enthralls every mind on the island."
>>188720
"Yes." Posey replies
"There are many such cases, but all of them are rather obscure."
>>188723
>There are creatures who would seek to enjoy the fruits of another's labor, and to that end, they will deceive and instill fear
Pic related
>>188734
"She is from an uncontacted tribe, but she is still helpful. Please be patient with her."

>>188741
"Yes, yes, yes... Dishonest pirates, unlike us..." Posey says, rolling her eyes a little
"Kira, be a dear and help Pipette pack up whatever she needs to move out." Posey says, changing the the subject

Assuming a degree of privacy and whisper -adviseabke cuz lets not think that NPCs were meant for this exchange.
"There has been an extra-ordinary effort to keep these alive. Delightful, but can we stop leading with the Disney channel?" He says gesturing to the far too-nice Kira. Bless her heart (in the southern sense) shes being friendly. Isn't it adorable? Meanwhile we have god-things to kill."

Sorry, it was me >>188756
I dont olan tbat my ID will shift frequently

And yes, I apologize for my spelling mistakes and for having neglected to orange-text the spoken bits. But seriously - and I'm taking a stance now - we are past the time to be adding to our facebook friends list. We are far PAST time to get a move on on the ABONINABLE THREAT - which yes, we can be said to be insulated by GM suggestion, nothing is blowing up at the moment - but we're SUPPOSED to be pretending to be characters who are pretending to have a sense of urgency/mortality.

Meaning, beyond personal plans, I wouldn't be bothered if Brie died.

BUT HE SURE AS FUCK WOULD BE
And that's how the characters should feel, just saying. This probably could have gone in OOC, but the OOC thread is just an excuse to disregard posts.

Yes, this is a sperging. And its out of character.

Kira, yoy're adorable, but stfu.
Garv, you havent said anything
Dusty hasn't said fucking ANYTHING, ostensibly cuz rhyming is a chore.
And then theres the 3 of us.
Silver doesnt want to get to the bottom of anything. One assumes this is delightful for Silver, but its not. For everyone. Get a fucking move on.
Rosey is actually in my 'exalted' list, in that he seems to want the game to proceed. Hopefully it will.
Thats all, for now

>>188740
>>188741
>>188742
Blackheel:
"That's a bit... imprecise... 'capitalist' refers to a specific role in a specific system, but uh," He looks down, and then back up "the lesson is this: every creature, every one of them, has a kind of primitive side to them. A reptilian, vestigial part that looks out for their own self interest. Greed. Hunger. Hate. Fear. And this side comes out especially when resources are scarce. When you need to compete to survive. But every creature also has better angels in their nature. A capacity to work together, to place the good of the other above their own. Now, it doesn't always have the chance to come out. But with the right education, and the right environment, we can make better creatures, and we can make a better world. And it's a virtuous cycle, because the better things are the better they can become.

Understand that in every society, most aspects of that society, from religion to the economic system and especially the political system, are all designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many. And where someone ends up in life usually depends on where they begin. But if we are willing to change things, we can make a better world. And slowly bring about a better life - this, our only life - for all. And that is what we strive for."

>>188746
"I see..."

>>188723
>>188740
>>188759
>>188760
Finally Cavaliere answers, "Your respective economic statements, which are–forgive me for saying this–steeped in paranoia, help to shed some light on your personalities. Still, we should put off this conversation for the sake of this 'better world,' which we can help along at this moment. The time is now for a plan of action."

He gestures to the direction the crashed airship is thought to be, and starts scratching out a crude map of the island with a talon. "We need to look for survivors at that vessel. I, our reptilian friend, our batpony, and our zebra will head directly there. The unicorns, the griffons, and the Stalliongrad ponies should grab the munitions from this plane and haul them to just outside the Kostroma. You have experience with earthworks and machine guns, so you should set up a defense there, expecting the entity to attack. You implied that it knows your location at all times, Commissar." He draws a line close to a circle and draws an X at the end, and then draws another line from a different direction approaching that circle. "With fighting-capable survivors in tow, we will attack the ship from another angle, finding a breach through the hull.
Then, we converge and sweep the lower decks to the cargo bay."

Leaning back, Cavaliere queries, "I'd welcome your feedback on this plan."

Is Dust kill?

>>188760
Kira nods along to Black Heel's explanation. She raises an eyebrow and looks back at her snake tail as he mentions how every creature has a 'reptilian, vestigial part'. She does the same again, this time looking down at her own pony half at his mention of 'better angels in their nature'.

Silver pipes in. "We can likely continue these conversations along our route. We really should get moving, however. No telling how long until Traveler decides to turn his attention towards you again, Black Heel."

>>188760
Posey nods along, smiling and raising the occasional eyebrow; feigning interest in and receptiveness to Blackheel's moral and political philosophy. She does this deliberately, so as to make herself a more appealing as a potential comrade and to gain the Commissar's trust, not unlike a pretty white girl getting a commie to splurge incriminating secrets for Project Veritas.
"Fascinating. You can tell us more about it on the way to the Kostroma."

>>188761
Blackheel raises an eyebrow at Cavaliere, and takes a moment before replying

"You wish to split up your forces. I suppose we did the same... not exactly by choice, and it hasn't worked out very well... But yes, I suppose it would try to attack me, specifically."

I'm a bit confused. Are we currently travelling while walking, or are we in one location and staying there?

>>188767
Cavaliere takes Brie aside momentarily. "It's a difficult decision for us to make. We were hired to make sure no foreign eyes would see the contents of that crash site and I intend on following that contract through. This includes keeping the griffons away, and especially the Commissar. They will be a risk if they don't leave with us, and if they do you can bet the fascists will not be fond of them being privy to their secrets. We can't leave them unescorted either, but I have faith in our team members to be able to protect them."

"I intend to visit the site of the Leviathan skeleton to draw on the arcane powers of my old mentor in preparation for battle. I will go alone if I have to. In fact, I would appreciate some privacy, for my mentor's practices are not public information."
Posey announces

>>188762
>>188763
Blackheel:
"Yes, let's go."

>>188767
Blackheel:
"You haven't extracted the explosives yet?! Then what in Tartarus are you doing here yapping?! Get going!"

>>188775
ears swivel

>>188776
Blackheel:
"Oh, so now you want to split off too? Who else is splitting off?"

>>188777
Blackheel:
"Literally who?"

>>188778
Oh no you don't. I can link you all the posts where I was attempting to get a skill check, or something associated with disassembling the torpedo, culminating with this post. If we missed out on the opportunity to take photos and such,....
>>188334
"Clearly someone ought to have taken advantage of the ample opportunities to subject me to skill checks over the past few months."

>>188778
Brie adopts a more polite demeanor. "The explosives involved, while safe and stable in their deployment chassis, are soft and a bit volatile to impact when in their pure form, which it will be with just a few turns of a few bolts. However, it will need to go directly into the... hooves?... of whatever will be carrying it. This is not a load we can just pull out like it's an engine and put on blocks."

>>188778
>Blackheel:
>"Oh, so now you want to split off too? Who else is splitting off?"
"That was my intent, yes. The powers of my master take time to culminate." She replies
"My ritual will certainly be helpful in the boarding of the Kostroma. You will thank me later."

Unless somebody wants to propose a reason for others to follow Posey to the skeleton, I would like Posey to depart and make her preparations.

>>188761
Silver: "Hmm...well, pro of this plan is that we can complete all of our objectives all together, saving on time. Con is that we will not be able to help other groups if one of us gets attacked. If Traveler is smart, he would use opportunity to divide and conquer. We already almost lost you and Brie to creatures disguising themselves as terrain, when you chased after that one fleeing pony. I would say only go with this plan if everyone was completely confident with their ability to survive battle."

>>188792
Mala moves his head sharply, looking up and over towards Brie. He clearly wasn't expecting his name to be called.

"Uh... Uh, do you want me to guard the prisoners? Or uh, your, your uh, new friends?"
He makes an awkward smile that shows off his sharp, jagged, yellowed teeth.

>>188791
Blackheel:
"Don't assume the spetsnaz will just sit idly."

>>188788
Blackheel moves closer, tilts his head, and smiles
"Isn't that dangerous? If it isn't, shouldn't you take along some of our less combat ready ponies, so that they may stay out of the fire? And if it is, wouldn't our time be better spent elsewhere?"

>>188803
Mala closes his lips and tilts his head down as he looks to the ground

"Okay....."

Mala is Silver's cohort. Shouldn't he be with him?
>>188801
Posey tosses her mane and kicks the soil a a bit with her hoof
"The specifics of the arrangement do not matter to me, so long as I get to those whale bones."
She looks towards the group
"If any intend to follow, say so now."

>>188788
>>188791
>>188801
I had forgotten about Mala. Sorry.

Cavaliere looks troubled after Posey makes her announcement.
"Each group, roughly equally split in two, can defend against the threats we've seen if we're cautious. Being split into three makes things much more dangerous. The commissar is correct, the special forces are also looking for us and we have to avoid detection as well. I have faith in our veteran here," he says as he nods to Silver, "but having him safeguard the griffons, the prisoners and the escaped crew all on his own against these threats is a risky move. One of us, probably myself, would have to be split from the airship search party. Would three be enough to help, protect, and escort them?"

>>188804
Silver gives Mala some much needed headpats

>>188808
Brie REALLY wishes we weren't having this conversation in front of the commies.
"Well here is what ISN'T going to happen. Our one provided method of getting off this island is NOT going off on a solo mission," he's referring to the feather token, which he assumes to be in Rosey's posession since she's the one who keeps mentioning it.
"So whether one of us accompanies Captain Ring, or she hands off the expandable boat."

>>188809
Mala smiles and moves his head upwards, into the headpats

Okay, so who if any is actually following Posey to the leviathan skeleton? You don't need to come, but others expressed intent to come for reasons I am not quite sure of. Whatever the situation is, I would like to move the story forward now.
I am adamant about following through with this part of my plan; I compromised on other parts, but this is the thing I want to do: my contribution to the adventure as a necromancer.

Posey gallops off into the mist unless otherwise obstructed.

>>188813
It would take only a couple of sentences from the each of us to figure that part out. There is no need to be so reckless.

Since there is nopony chomping at the bit, Cavaliere would pinch his beak in frustration and then hurry to follow her. That might be something she decidedly does not want, depending on the magic she intends to use.

>>188811
D'awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Silver also scritches around Mala's ears.

scritch scritch scritch

>>188814
If you would like to tag along you could go ahead and roll Survival to help us get there more smoothly. You are a Ranger afterall. We've been there before, and you have a bird's eye view, so it shouldn't be too hard.

Posey takes a few rounds to get up to full speed. She eventually gets to full gallop, and maintains that speed with uncanny stamina...
Wow, that mare can run.

Posey notices Cavalier following her
"Oh, you are coming with me? While you are here be a dear and make yourself useful by making sure we head in the right direction." Posey says, looking back, still running

>>188827
If you're gonna meta-critic him, I'll meta-critic you. Lets not go there

>>188828
It's not criticism. It's a request. I'm asking him in-character to use his skills to help me with my task.

Maybe instead of "If you would like to (ahem) tag along" (kinda a douche way to put it) then consider "It would be helpful to me if you did this"

>>188829
No, you're being a pretentious asshole

clippity clopping sounds

"You know, the frigid night fog on this island reminds me of home. I wish this visit could have been under less urgent circumstances. The weather is so delightful it makes me want to dance." Posey says, skipping and prancing through the fog with grace, the cold weather making her undead sinews limber

>>188832
I trust you're done with that

>>188842
>>188827
Your character’s not getting off this fucking island without an agreed meeting point or means of communication, and I am 100% enforcing that. >but we’re meeting on the ship. You wouldn’t even try to meet a friend at a bar without a cell phone or at least a semi-specific time, nevermind assault a fortified position filled with an unknown hostile force. That would be like if Eisenhower told the Canadians and the British “hey, let’s group up at Normandy” without a plan, a more specific location, or even a date

>>188831
>>188828
>>188829
>>188830
>>188831
Shut the hell up

>>188844
Yessir

>>188844
Okay.
I would like to go back to the leviathan skeleton though. I guess we should figure out a way to communicate first.

Posey makes an abrupt about face mid-gallop as she realizes this.
"On second thought... We should establish where we are going to meet, and how we will stay in contact."

>>188827
>>188842
>>188844
>>188847
Cavaliere stares in exasperation, and wonders if he should use the rest of his rope to physically tie down every party member until a plan is agreed upon.

>>188848
Mala looks over to Cavaliere, takes his shotgun which thus far has been resting on the sling, moves it to a ready position, and nods.

>>188849
Cavaliere glares sternly at Posey, then at the rest of the party. "Captain, we almost mistook your eagerness for desertion. None of us leaves until we figure out how we handle this situation and when and where we will regroup. Running off not only risks your own life but that of every other creature here."

On top of all his other concerns, now he has to worry about loss of confidence on the part of the griffons and the Kostroma crew, who were already reluctant to tag along….

I don't recall asserting myself as Captain of the (fake) crew, but I guess you're free to go with that.
>>188850
Posey turns around
"Alright then, where shall we meet again?"

I have to sleep. I am not picky about the plan so long as I get to visit the whale bones. If you guys decide on something I will just go along with that.

>>188541
It was this one

>>188851
Starfire moves forward, tilts to the left towards Posey, and with a stamping motion, moves his two forelegs slightly apart and whips his tail

"You know Chernobog can summon monsters from the air? And the Spetsnaz, I have not met them, but I cannot imagine they will be so trusting of foreigners. Are you certain whatever you're doing is worth it?"
He tilts his head and moves his lips apart in an awkward smile that shows off mostly white teeth with one silver tooth. A closer look reveals he is shaking.