/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

>>189935
As she moves towards the door, she moves her head back and looks towards Amber with a pouting expression. She stops. Then her lips curl back into a sly smile, combined with a partial lidding of the eyes.

"Very well. Keep your secrets."

She turns her head, and heads out the door.

>>189970
While Posey and her skeleton friends get the explosive and the guns from the plane, Kira will lead the rest of the party on hoof towards the airship, staying on the side of the central hill facing away from the GRU.

Survival: Speaking of Kira leading...
[1d20+11 = (11+11) = 22]

Silver: "I do not think you can reanimate something which was never animated in first place."

>>189970
Sneaky sneaky sneak

>>189970
I'm lurking.

>>189972
I want to point out that Kira previously rolled a 32 to do this.

Okay, so Silver is going with the NPC flock/herd across the island towards where he believes the airship ponies are. Kira is leading this group. Dust, I assume, would be with this group. Cavaliere, I do not know.

Brie is going.... to the Kostroma? I guess

Posey is taking the whale bone thing and is flying up towards the Sea Rover crash, I believe to pick up the torpedo and the machine gun, evidently all by herself. That sounds like something Posey would consider beneath her and refuse to do.

>>189976
>Posey is taking the whale bone thing and is flying up towards the Sea Rover crash, I believe to pick up the torpedo and the machine gun, evidently all by herself.
Iirc, Cavalier was with me.
>That sounds like something Posey would consider beneath her and refuse to do.
She has her Dreads, her Unseen Servant, and the Bone Lurker to do the manual labor forward. She only has to watch and give them orders.
Maybe it's breaking character a bit, but idk if it's right to refuse to commit to agreed-upon plans at this point.

>>189976
>I guess
Do you have questions? I thought this was pretty self-explanatory >>189947

>>189976
Is Posey able to pick up the bomb without issue?

>>189987
GM described the explosive portion of the bomb as weighing in the neighborhood of 500lbs, so Posey may want a team-lift

>>189970
>>189976
Cavaliere is going with Posey, as was said before. Don't we have the griffons with us?

>>189970
Cavaliere, who has seen Posey's morbid armor, looks toward the whale with a perusing glance. He replies, "She isn't a rock magician. Unicorn magic is typically specialized according to what the pony is good at and otherwise incapable of complex feats. She is a student of thanatology, or the mechanism of death, and knows enough to perform magic like this."

>>189971
Amber looks confused at her boss leaving. Why do ponies have to be so inquisitive yet enigmatic? Can't they just be forthright? Anyway, she keeps at her work and waits patiently for High Sewn to return.

>>190042
You have the Griffins, yes, but who are the griffins going with? Are the Griffins flying with Cavaliere and Posey while the ponies are going with Silver and Kira?

>>190043
That was what was implied. I wanted to take the communists too but Silver seems to want to escort them. That might be necessary for him to do regardless. They would have to fly under their own power, since none want to ride the bone lurker.

>>190042
Amber would do well to remember that mares, for all of their allure and mystique, are, at the end of day, females.

The minutes that follow are among those lulls in the day, when no customers enter the store and there are no tasks that need be done immediately. The store is oddly still and silent, with only the most subtle hum of a steam line, and the buzz of some backroom electric light, to break up the silence between the automobiles that pass outside. High Sewn has elected not to have music playing, though music often plays in the store when Guy is around, and Amber has heard the radio play in High Sewn's office. Perhaps this moment is peaceful. Perhaps it's unnerving. Perhaps it's a matter of perspective. When High Sewn returns into the store, she simply walks past Amber and towards her office.

Of those heading to the crash of the Sea Rover, Posey is of necessity the first to move, with a command directing the skeletal leviathan to the right, and up the adjacent hill. Though the fog has not returned in full, a lower cloud moves in the kiss the hill's peak. Posey, Cavaliere, and all who fly may immediate get the sense that it is not wise to fly in these parts in the dense fog, and especially not in a foggy night, for these clouds have rocks in them.

The bone whale, or "Monstro" or even "Bay lean," as it has been so lovingly named, moves some feet above the ground in a rythmic motion that mimics the movement of a whale in water, traversing through the air in death as it did the ocean in life.

It may take some prodding by Cavaliere, but the griffins follow shortly thereafter and on the same course, spreading their wings and taking to the air. None wish to come to close to the bone monstrosity, but the threat of a loss of visibility when the fog comes in force keeps the griffins near, lest they be separated and loss. Cavaliere, presumably, stays close to this group.

For all of the glory and majesty of what remains of the devil whale, the aluminum corpse of the Sea Rover deserves a few words of its own. Coming into view as the summit of the hill is rounded, it's great, 30-foot-tall vertical stabilizer comes into view perhaps before the cockpit windshield, the broken glass observatory of the nose, or the high-mounted wings with four engines and broken propellers. Though glass and the propellers are broken, and the wings bent, it remains almost entirely intact.

The light blue painted color scheme is on its own invocative of a large whale, as is its size. But this one could fly fast, high, and far. And whereas the devil whale ate whatever was smaller than it, the Sea Rover hunted prey bigger than itself.

One, perhaps two torpedoes are nearby. It'll be just a little effort to get a warhead, and a machine gun off of a mount.

For those bound to the ground, who seek to traverse the island to get to the presumed crash site on the other side, the route is familair. Or at least, half of it is. Between the two hills that form the southeast edge of the island, then up the line of the hill that splits the island in two, and towards a hill on the other side. There's the battle site where the first encounter with the Petrushkas and the creations took place, with the corpse of the dead Petruska remaining. Blackheel and more than one other stop to investigate the body, remarking in their native language. Remains of the ruined wall line the ridge of the hill, towards the medieval village.

What is different, however, is the sound of gun fire and explosions. They may not be so alone. The veil of fog is not so near as may be desired.

>>190048
What do Black Heel and the commies remark about as they pass the body, that Silver can hear?

Can Kira use her keen sense of hearing to lead the group safely around the battle going on?

>>190049
Translating,

The mulberry pony rescued from the village: "May you walk the fields of Elysium." He places his hoof to his chest and bows, a gesture Silver is familiar with in Celestialism

Starfire: "Be at peace now, comrade." He makes a gentler bow.

Blackheel winces and shakes his head. "What a waste. All of this over a whale carcass in a forest. I should have shot that damn griffin and the hippogriff when they started acting strange."

The grey pegasus, Rustling Pine, says, "What tore him up?" And looks away quickly.

That sounds like a dice roll

>>190046
Amber doesn't mind the quiet, though she would prefer to enrapture herself in music. When High Sewn returns, the younger mare decides to speak up. "Miss Sewn, what is the best part of living in a city?" she asks.

>>190047
Cavaliere prowls next to the clowder of griffons, keeping an ear out in the fog. When they arrive at the now-deserted plane, he wastes no more time. "Sørvik, Nils, pak het machinegeweer en draag het naar buiten. Laat het niet vallen!" And, quickly switching languages, "Bøkli, Ingerstadt, let's finish dissecting that torpedo. We will need to grab a canvas cloth for the warhead. There should be one in here."

>>190052
Amber doesn't need a radio. She can call to mind great symphonies played on instruments she can correlate with no known form, recalled from some memory, or from some depths of her psyche she cannot quite place. The tracts are not necessarily full, instead taking the form of fleeting fragments as if from a half-remembered dream. But they are glorious.

High Sewn stops, turns her head, and looks towards Amber. She opens her mouth to say something but stays there frozen for some time more than a second. She closes her mouth, then opens it again to say,
"It's where everything is." As if straining to say what is really meant.

>>190053
Amber peers at the mare. She's nothing if not interesting, if hard to interpret at times. "And what's 'everything?'" Amber asks, a small smile curling across her lips.

>>190054
Speaking as she stands in place,
"Culture. Power. Entertainment. Everything. It's all in the city. If you wish to go dancing, you may do that in the city. If you wish to make connections with important business ponies - at a dance - you may do so in the city. Probably only in the city. If you wish to buy a dress for said dance - either one - you may do so in the city. If you need to go to the hospital, if you have a lawsuit, if you need to buy certain materials en bulk... It's much easier in the city. Everything happens here. Anything can happen here. My dear filly, I scarcely know where to begin."

>>190055
Amber glances off to the side, then back to High Sewn, a bemused expression on her face. "Those all sound very grand, but I don't know how I can possibly get involved in those things. I don't suppose waiting for them to happen would work? Life so far has been…dull," she remarks with a frown.

>>190051
The small herd traverses the top of the hill, through that old medieval village where they encountered resistance before.

Starfire moves near Silver, staring at him, but looking away when Silver acknowledges the stare, and glances back. He keeps a guarded distance, but has some sort of fascination, clearly, He moves forward and shows interest in Kira. Oddly, he's less motivated to keep a distance from Kira, attempting to come near her long body, staring at her scales, and looking as if he may pounce. It's Kira, actually, who keeps her distance from the group, travelling ahead in advance. Starfire's dual yellow and red mane is frizzled, long, and wavy under his hat. His light green eyes look tired under his spectacles. His body must be kind of slim, though it's not easy to tell with how lose fitting his white coat is. His tail is longer than normal for a stallion, and shares the yellow and red scheme.

Blackheel likewise tends to be distant from Silver, but unlike Starfire this does not seem to be a deliberate choice. He talks with the mulberry pony and the royal purple stallion, who comments as they enter the village. He stops to look inside of the hut where the mulberry pony was rescued. Steppe Eagle and Rustling Pine, as well as the engineer of unknown name, help move along the wounded ponies. Mala keeps guard of the rear, looking over the train of blindfolded and gagged petrushkas who are pulled in a rope by the engineer pony. Patient Pippette walks near Dust, though after a while she moves to the front, closer towards Kira.

>>190047
Posey gets to work, ordering the minions to load the items in a timely fashion.
When all is done, she readies the loaded lurker to proceed after Kira'a group.

Posey and Cavailiare may be able to see some of what follows

>>190051
>>190074
Kira is likely the first creature to look over the side of the hill towards the bay. Or maybe she isn't. The view is open from many parts of the hill as the weather has cleared and the herd is along the ridge, and sounds of explosions and danger emanate from the lower position.

The northeastern bay is not quite symmetrical with that of the south and west, but it's very nearly a mirror. The hill descends towards the water, where there is a black, basalt beach that is thin in some areas but noticeable and thick in others, especially near the center. The bay has a sort of half circular shape with a hill, low cliffs and a thinner portion of the island on the left, culminating in a small light house, and then on the right, a taller and thicker hill bathed in green, and this one almost alone is crowned with fog. There are some cliffs to the right, though as a whole there is a decline towards the water that is covered in grass and traversable on hoof. The island is thicker and not as long on the right as the left, breaking up the symmetry. Off in the far distance, another island can be seen that is a smaller companion to this one. But the party isn't interested in the scenery.

In the center of the bay can be seen a grey coated warship, presumably a destroyer, or perhaps a frigate. But more importantly, on the beach in the center are several beached row boats, with ponies outside and on the main beach. Near the center they have set up boxes, and there is an attempt - on pause at the moment - to set up tents. Two mortars are set up, with several ponies manning them.

But there is ongoing action. On the right, near where the ponies are going, are two, very long legged... things. You could say they are vaguely equine in shape, being quadrupedal... except they aren't quadrupedal. A superfluous fifth leg exists on each... thing, although for one it is on the front and on the other it is on the back. It's also greatly larger than a pony, being something like twelve feet tall, although this is more so caused by unnatural long legs than an unnaturally large body, though both have this latter feature. In one, the number of heads is correct, while the other has a vestigial head that mostly stays out of view on the thing's right side. Or maybe the other one has a vestigial head too, you just can't see it. It is hard to tell if it has elephant grey skin, or if its creator has understood the concept of fur. There are black lines along one of them, presumably some kind of dirt or oil or other contaminent, though at this distance little can be said with certain. The things advance forward, down towards the beach. One of them picks up a large rock with two of its three forelegs.

It throws the rock at a group of ponies who stand near each other, moving back in a fighting withdrawal. There must be a dozen of them, or at least ten. Ponies in dull green uniforms that don't stand out significantly against the green and yellow grass, and contrast most significantly with the black sand and gravel of the beach. They wear black gas masks and carry brown saddle bags. Most carry the vlazhny rifle, though many don't. One carrying a light machine gun with a great pan magazine and an assistant run further back, before going prone and laying down a machine gun. The group of ponies shoot at the two things, which roar back, opening a black mouth that opens all the way to the back of the head as if the jaw were not attached. Through the sky, a little black line can be seen as a mortar round goes far and lands behind one of the things. Then another hits the second one on the head. There's a delay of many seconds, to be sure, where the mortar can be seen dropped in the tube, launching high in the air, and falling on its target.

But the things don't make effective use of the time. Some distortion of light, some kind of will of the wisp floats near the things, momentarily taking their attention. The crack of rifles follows quickly, hitting the things and making them recoil. Then a mortar round hits the second in the head, causing its head to explode into smoke. It's body follows a second later, but the left more of the two charges forward, scattering rocks forward that hit a couple soldiers and seems to daze them. The thing charges towards the beach, and at this point, the center of the dozen ponies break and they move back. But even this breaking is a retreat backwards with rifles and bayonets facing this alien enemy. On the far left, a couple ponies keep up fire with automatic weapons. On the far right, the pan on the machine gun is put into place, and there is a "tat tat tat tat" until the thing screams and turns into smoke, just feet before coming into contact with the line of ponies.

Yet this isn't the only set of twelve ponies. Another, to the left of the center, stands in a line. A pony wearing a gas mask and the great black cassock of the northern rite of Equestrian Harmonism walks past the soldiers letting a thurible swing. The soldiers stand at the ready, and each offers his rifle to the priest, who lets each weapon bathe in the smoke from the thurible, then touches it with his hoof.

More boats move in, to both the left and right shores of the bay, including towards where the ponies wish to go.

Kira quickly gets the impression that it's best to hug the southern slope of the hill, out of the line of sight of these ponies.

>>190056
"Well..." she takes a moment to respond. "It isn't like living in a village, or a small town. There, you are kind of just thrust into life. You know everypony. You know what your life is. What your place within the world is. In the city... You really have to insert yourself into things. Like when I entered Canterlot. I was into the trade of prepared fibers. Yarn, for example. So I began to learn ponies in the trade. Of course I didn't go to Canterlot alone but... You have to go out there and take advantage of things yourself. If you don't, well, you won't really take advantage of very much at all."

>>190076
>Posey and Cavailiare may be able to see some of what follows
"Giddy up, Monstro!" Posey shouts, as she hears the sounds of combat in the distance
Monstro takes the Run Action, proceeding at 120 ft per round.
>the priest
Hmmmmm... Is he handsome?

>>190076
>Kira quickly gets the impression that it's best to hug the southern slope of the hill, out of the line of sight of these ponies.
If Posey is in any position to do the same, she follows this maneuver, ordering her bone lurker to fly as low to the ground as it can.

>>190077
Amber nods. "I've been wantin' to do that! Well, it's tough to do if you don't know anybody…I guess going around town helps. There are lots of nice ponies everywhere. Maybe learning music will be the 'inserting myself' that I need.
Everypony likes music, after all."

>>190074
>>190076
Okay, am back from doing a thing.

Silver takes a moment to give Starfire's slender, tired body a look over. Certain thoughts are brought to the forefront of his mind, though he puts them aside for later when the danger has passed. Kira for one, should she notice, would be ecstatic to see the ponies growing more comfortable with being around her.

Looking over the battlefield, Kira grows uneasy watching the weapons and tactics being used by the GRU, drawing similarities between them and the foes who are currently attacking her people back home. Silver whispers quietly to the group upon seeing the priest. "He is blessing their weapons. They will be more effective against these abominations. Traveler will have to send far, far more if it wants to keep them from overwhelming island."

Kira gladly leads the group along the southern slope of the hill, having zero interest in being on the receiving end of those weapons.

>>190081
Wait, this is the GRU? I thought we were looking for the airponies?
Or are we just spotting them as we pass by? Anyway, let's keep a low profile and head towards the airponies.

I did not expect the communists to have a priest with them. They're full of surprises.

The final resting spot of the Sea Rover is on the leeward of the hill, just beneath the summit. The sound of the wind is subdued and the air has a sort of stillness to it. In this lonely patch of still air the fog remains, though much thinner than before, and most of the sky presents grey. Down the slope, however, a part of the south bay is visible, including a small hamlet of semi-modern buildings, a lonely stone keep on the far side, and a derelict freight ship holding steady at an odd angle. Though pops and cracks often penetrate the silence, even the ringing of tinnitus is sometimes overcome by a sound best understood as the sound of moving water past the ears; a pervasive, muffled rumbling never quite loud enough to truly overpower the wind, or even the most distant of cracks and pops.

The torpedo has at least been separated into a warhead and propulsion section, with the warhead the lighter if the two by far. With rope and especially the help of the sealing griffins, this may be lifted into the ribcage and held into place. There is a second torpedo if truly desired, but this is much heavier and may only be moved by rope.

The machine gun presents a kind of challenge. It may be taken off of its turret, but Cavaliere would be wise to remember that this is not an infantry M2 designed for heavy fire support. It is not intended to be carried on pony back. It is not intended to be used against infantry at all. This is an anti-vehicle weapon designed to kill smaller frame aircraft, or even small ocean vessels. https://youtu.be/sS2AsSWv_yE?si=XY_NglE6CsYajxU3
It has a covered feed that links to an unattached feed box, and a separate feed to collect ejected casings. It is not at all easy to replace the band - or carry it, for that matter, given it is not attached - but at least jans may be cleared. The sights are for anti-aircraft use, and there’s no obvious way to absorb recoil as it has no proper mount; it is intended to be fixed onto a vehicle.

>>190085
We have a kind of aircraft to mount the guns on, don't we?

>>190086
Technically, yes. Should the effort be taken to mount it, at least.

>>190087
We can travel much faster in the air than the other party does on hoof, so let's take the time to mount them before we leave.

>>190087
>>190088
Are we able to catch up with the rest of the group after loading the weapons?

>>190081
Blackheel moves closer to Silver, followed by Starfire and Pipette, who keep slightly back. Blackheel says,

“If they brought a priest, they must consider the situation to be fairly dire. I hardly need to explain to you that that is not standard procedure. He must have been brought on for the morale of the troops.”

Blackheek is almost cut off by a voice from the back.

One of the tied up Petrushkas speak. It’s the third one back, second to the last. A burgundy stallion in a navy uniform. He’s bandaged up, and has a makeshift blindfold covering his eyes. He is half a step out of line, and pointing his muzzle towards Blackheel.

He then speaks, or perhaps yells, in a strained voice almost like a whisper; a voice that bypasses the vocal cords and uses only the mouth to form words. Perhaps the pony’s vocal cords are damaged. Certainly he was wounded. Maybe Kira crushed a rib, or crushed a bit more than that. Or maybe he who forms the words does not understand quite how words are made…

“What is he doing here?” The Petrushka demands. Mala moves forward and points his shotgun at the Petrushka, but in no way dies the Petrushka react. He certainly can’t see it. The entire line of Petrushkas turn their heads in the direction of Blackheel. The red Petrushka speaks again:

“That Traitor. He who would reject harmony. What is he doing here?”

>>190089
Eventually, sure

>>190090
Are we present for this conversation?

>>190091
It seems unlikely to me that if Posey were around for this scene that she’d be paying attention to what the ponies are talking about, and able to hear it from the back of the whale. But if you want to make an argument for it…

>>190090
Silver looks over, and quickly rushes to the burgundy stallion. He shoves a hoof in the stallion's mouth to stop him from talking as he half whispers, half hisses out to the stallion (or, more accurately, the Traveler), "Do you want to get off this island to new lands, where you can spread your gift of True Harmony to all?"

>>190092
Posey would definitely be interested in anything concerning priesthood within military ranks, or the ramblings of creatures possessed by the Traveller. The bone lurker is flying low to the ground.
I will just roll a listen check to see if I can overhear.
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]

>>190085
>The torpedo has at least been separated into a warhead and propulsion section, with the warhead the lighter if the two by far. With rope and especially the help of the sealing griffins, this may be lifted into the ribcage and held into place.
Frenly reminder, Brie made plenty enough side-commets that the party would know that A. an integrated explosive (grenade, or satchel charge) would be more than sufficient to detonate, alongside - according to (you) - too vigorous of an impact.

>>190093
It answers,

“Yes. I think so. We wish to spread Harmony.”

>>190094
Sure

>>190095
Also sure

>>190096
Silver: "Then trust in my plan. Also send more summons to slow down invaders on Northern shore, they have machine guns and priest blessing their weapons."

Kira peaks over the hill to make sure the GRU isn't advancing on their position.

>>190096
Posey's cute little ears swivel in on the conversation as her flying beast lurks in the ear over the rear of the herd. It has peaked her interest.
>>190097
Bluffing the Traveller. Interesting idea.
We could at least get it to expend its resources.

>>190097
It replies,
“How could that, that ‘arch reactionary’ be a part of any plan?”

>>190099
Silver: "If you can convert him, it will prove power of True Harmony beyond any doubt, but you can not convert him from afar. True Harmony's power must be displayed in person, to convert someone with such reactionary ideas in their mind."

>"Could it be naive enough to fall for something like that? This mission might be easier than we expected."
Posey thinks to herself

>>190101
That’s a very good point. I’m kind of feeling like there should at minimum be a roll here. Or a challenge.

>>190102
Let's see here, then. The dice gods gave Kira a nat 20 earlier, they may have run out of generosity. Or, perhaps not.

[1d20 = 9]

>>190103
I'm gonna assist with my smooth-talking superspy bluff mod
"She raises good points. You should listen to her." Posey chimes in
Bluff
[1d20+16 = (5+16) = 21]

>>190096
>also sure
Just reminding that it can be detonated easily OR accidentally, without the assistance of an explosives expert

>>190100
>>190103
It takes a moment to respond.

“Yes…” then it turns to Silver.

“If you can make him unconscious, I can persuade him more easily.”

A second of pause, then it turns to Silver,
“Why don’t you join in our unity?”

Then to Posey, though it misses her exact position,
“Or you, you who backed out just before achieving Harmony?”

>>190106
"Add another blindfold. And put a helmet on him. Or anything made of metal around his head." Posey demands, with a flat tone
If she was disturbed by this behavior, she does not show it on her face, but she narrows her eyes with professional caution

"No more word about our position. Do not even THINK about where we are headed. Everypony just follow Kira as she tracks the scent."

>>190106
>>190107
Silver: "To achieve great things, sometimes it requires one working from outside. Trust in me."

Silver turns away from the vessel, and nods at Posey's statement. Kira resumes leading the party, assuming nothing else interrupts them.

>>190107
This time, it gets Posey’s position correct. It speaks in its loud whisper,

“You. You are lonely. Resentful at the world. I know what it is like to resent. To hate those who have reduced you to where you are. But this world is not at fault. This world, with all of its limitations, may be transcended, or lifted, to something better than what you see. Come back. I can show you. Come back to me. I have seen you. I know you. I was like you until I came here. I can make it better. I can make you better.”

Mala keeps his position, but Blackheel moves closer, and holds onto his revolver.

>>190108
The Petrushka hisses at Silver

>>190109
Posey ignores the statements, not looking towards the pony
"Do not engage with the prisoner any further. Gag him."

>>190109
Silver places a hoof on Black Heel's shoulder. "Ignore him, it is just Traveler speaking through his vessel. Your soldier is still in there, beneath all of that. But yes, we should gag them."

>>190111
>>190112
The Petrushka aims its blindfolded head first towards Posey, and then towards Silver, and hisses.

>>190114
"Mindsight? Well then, have it your way."
Posey hops off her bone lurker and draws her blackjack, smashing the pony in the head to knock him out

If one blow isn't sufficient, she hits him again until he is unconscious.

>>190085
Cavaliere takes 10 to hold the items within the ribcage. He looks wistfully towards the second torpedo. "I'd like to be more sure we can kill this thing. That torpedo isn't armed and might be safe to move via towing across the terrain. It'd strain the rope and drastically slow down your 'vehicle,' 'Captain.'"

>>190086
With the machine gun feeds, he has to be careful to coordinate movement via the accompanying griffons to prevent them from breaking. If the gun is tied to one of the beast's vertebrae, the feeds would be wrapped around and held with rope.
"There is no firing this from the creature, and we'd be lucky to hit anything if we put it on the ground. I wish we had a tripod. I suppose we could brace it against a rock, and pray we don't need to aim."

>>190089
>>190090
Cavaliere scouts ahead for Posey, or at least attempts to with the creature's speed, and when the GRU are spotted he gestures to keep the thing out of a clear sightline. It's not easy but at least the terrain is hilly.

>>190115
"Good call."

>>190115
Silver: "...I hope they will not mind having to be treated for concussions after this is done."

Kira: "You know, concussions are really bad for your health."

>>190115
>>190114
Are there any other prisoners for me to knock out?

>>190123
Yes, there are at least three more prisoners. Whether they need to be knocked out is a separate question.

>>190125
I say we may as well knock them out anyway.

Can Kira determine how far it is to the airponies?

>>190139
Survival: Well, let's see

[1d20+11 = (9+11) = 20]

>>190140
Kira already rolled a 30 earlier. She shouldn't need to roll again.
But nice roll.

>>190139
>>190140
Less than a mile, but not there yet.

>>190128
Does she?

>>190144
Are they walking in their own? It would be inconvenient to carry them.

>>190144
Kira relays this information to the others. "We're pretty close, we just need to keep plodding on."

>>190145
Silver: "Probably good idea to leave them be until we need to. I worry for their mental and physical wellbeing if we keeping hitting them over head."

>>190145
Yes.

>>190146
Mala looks down at the now knocked out pony, then back up to Silver.

"I think his ear plugs got loose... I'll get him off of the line. It'll only take a moment." He tilts his head. "Do you still want him?"

>>190147
Silver nods, and gives Mala some much-deserved pets between the ears. "Yes. No creatures left behind."

>>190148
Mala smiles and bends his neck upwards to better receive the pets. He closes his eyes as he does so but opens them when he next speaks to Silver.

"How will he be carried though?"

>>190149
Kira now pipes up, wanting to feel more useful. "How heavy is he? I might be able to carry him if we tied him around my back!"

>>190150
Mala moves a step back as Kira nears,

"Uh, not that large. 160 pounds, maybe."

>>190147
Posey does not knock out anymore ponies unless they express behaviors similar to the one she just knocked out.

>>190144
Alright then. It should not take us long to get there.
Do we see any signs of airpony activity on the way there? Hoofprints? Blood splatters? Signs of a struggle?

>>190151
Kira turns around, showing her back to Mala and Silver. "Mind helping tie him to me?"

Silver looks at Mala, to see if he'd help him assist the snej with this idea.

>>190153
I'm still deciding on precisely what I want to do next

If there are preferences...

>>190154
Mala looks back to Silver with a "do I have to?" expression. He's taken initiative to do things before...

>>190155
Silver chuckles slightly. "Would you help me with this, please?"

>>190157
Mala looks up towards Silver with his big, brown eyes and leans back. His tail slowly curls down and to the right as he stands there, almost frozen in place but at the same time leaning further and further back, until it seems he is in danger of falling over on his hind quarters. But he jumps up in a sudden movement and with his mouth and paws moves to remove the unconscious pony from the line, though he takes the rope in his mouth and drags the pony towards Kira. All the same, he seems to want to not touch the giant snake-thing.

>>190158
Silver helps with the moving of the unconscious pony as Kira giggles. "Come on, Mala, I don't bite. Remember how friendly we were getting on the plane ride?"

>>190159
Mala turns his head towards Kira, his body angled diagonally towards her. His ears stand tall, and his eyes are focused on her. He says nothing, but stands there for several seconds.

>>190160
Kira twists around to look back at Mala, smiling. She flicks her tongue out in the air.

>>190161
Mala looks down towards Kira's body, then back to her eyes, then back down again, dragging the pony forward. He moves his paws along trying to find exactly where on Kira's body to place the pony. He starts high on Kira's back, on top of the goat, feeling the creature inside her with the press of his paws. Then he backs off of that, and moves lower on her body, where her tail is thinner and less conducive to carrying anything. The process is rather invasive, and Mala's frantic movement with his paws betrays that he feels the process is awkward.

>>190162
Kira: "It's okay, Mala. Why don't you try to put him higher up my back? It'll be a little hard to carry him from down there. Silver is willing to help you if you want!"

>>190163
Mala skittishly pulls the pony high onto Kira's back, and tries to tie him to her, at first seeming to circle around her body, but then instead more conservatively tying the pony to Kira's backpack and the leather straps already on her body. He tries to make sure it is secure but does not seem to want to intrude much. He does step onto her back at one point. Oddly he's gentler than even Neela despite being much larger, with soft padded paws and with soft and deliberate steps.

>>190164
Silver helps to finish up the tying, making sure it's nice and secure. Kira moves around, making sure the pony will stay stuck to her.

>>190155
>>190144
Have we made all necessary checks to get to the airponies? We're just waiting for everyone to be ready to progress to the next plot point, right?

>>190171
I believe so, yeah.

>>190164
>>190165
Kira, eventually deciding that the pony is securely tied to her, reaches down and gives Mala a big hug with her forelegs. "Thank you so much, Mala! You're such a big helper!" Once the hug is finished, she gets back up and points in the direction of where the party needs to go. "Okay, creatures! To the destination!"

>>190173
"Kira, keep a look out so that you detect the airponies before they detect us. When you sense them, signal me so that I can approach them before the herd does. If the airponies have had even half as rough of a day as we have, they will be on lookout for any incoming threats." Posey says
Posey begins to strip off her grotesque armor, revealing her less-threatening, fluffy white self. She bundles her armor with her weapons and pack saddle on top of Monstrous, keeping only her satchel that contains her tiara and spell components.

"We also do not know if the Traveller has enthralled any of them yet. I would like to go ahead of the herd to parlay with the airponies and affirm their cooperation in being rescued. If I get shot... I get shot..." she adds, with a shrug

"So be a dear and keep that tongue of yours to the wind so you can smell them before they see us."

>>190175
Kira does a mock salute with a giggle. At the mention of her tongue, Kira flicks in in the air as she begins to keep a lookout for ponies.

Spot: [1d20+8 = (3+8) = 11]
Listen: [1d20+8 = (2+8) = 10]

>>190176
Maybe just take 10 instead.

[1d3 = 2]

>>190165
Mala is surprised, and looks down towards his paws, presumably making sure to avoid being captured in Kira's constrictor grip. He repositions his paws to be in a more stable position. However, he relents, and hugs back.

Though his shape is sort of like a pony, he does not feel or smell like one. His head is lower on the shoulder, he is rather fat, though fairly muscular and with a large bone frame, making him very large over all. His legs are thinner than those of an equivalent sized pony. He has a distinct smell, not necessarily subtle or pleasant. But the biggest difference by far is how much fluffier he is, with thick fur on much of his body and a mane that extends halfway down his back.

After the initial reluctance, he does seem to value the hug. He probably doesn't get many, and certainly not from females.

>>190175
>Posey is taking active measures to not appear so obviously hostile
Noted.

>>190176
With a flick of her tongue, Kira can tell what she already should have known: that all smells, however strong or subtle, are carried on the wind. And the party is upwind of the alleged location of the airponies.

>>190178
Kira giggles, and gives Mala a nice friendly squeeze. "You feel nice and soft!"

Relenting on the hug after a bit, Kira resumes leading the party towards the crashed airship.

>>190177
Kira: "Hmmmm...nope, not getting scents so far. If they have a lamia too, though, they might be able to smell us."

>>190178
>party is upwind of the alleged location of the airponies
Well, does Kira see/hear them first?

I may as well roll for what Posey sees
Spot
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
Listen
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]

I guess I can have Posey's dreads do some scouting. They have +8 racial bonus to spot, and they will fly upwards to get a Pegasus's eye view.
Dread 1
Spot
[1d20+5 = (9+5) = 14]
Listen
[1d20+5 = (10+5) = 15]
Dread 2
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]
[1d20+5 = (12+5) = 17]

I gather that this is gentle hill terrain, so spot checks would begin at 2d10x10 feet, right?

>>190175
Cavaliere has been keeping an eye on the escorted griffons as well as his surroundings. He remarks,
"It's a good idea to have you along, unarmed, so as to not present a threat to them. I'd also like to talk with them. They might not expect a griffon, but one from Nova Griffonia might not be unwelcome."

>>190179
He exhales with something of a chuckle. "Heh…I don't think they will so don't worry. You might want to hang back. Too many strangers and those of unfamiliar appearance might put them on edge."

I'll roll as well:
Spot: [1d20+7 = (5+7) = 12]
Listen: [1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]

>>190181
"I will flag you over in appropriate order once I get a grasp of the situation. We will have our 'crew' approach them first, and let them know what to think of the Stalliongrad soldiers. Until then, keep the whalers under control, so that they do not break the line and compromise our parlay."
>>190179
"Silver. You should stay back with the Stalliongraders while I the rest of the team makes secondary contact with the airponies. You are the only one who speaks their language, so you need to be present with them."

>>190182
From far off on the hill, to the left and on the eastern side of the northern bay, sounds resembling speech can be heard.

Through breaks in the fog, which at the moment hugs only the summits of the thousand-foot hilltops, can be seen the glimmer of shinning aluminum.

>>190182
Silver nods in agreement, and goes to hand back with the commies. "Осталось совсем немного, мы уже близко."

>>190181
Kira: "Awwwwww...well, what if I try to keep my tail hidden? A lot of ponies mistake me for a bat pony if they can't see my tail."

>>190182
Cavaliere looks doubtfully at Posey, but slowly nods. "We'll be here when you need us."
>>190184
"I'm sure you can do that well, but they might be so eager for rescue, they could approach us before we have a chance of hiding anything."

>>190183
Alright. Posey will trot ahead with only her longspear, which she ties a piece of white fabric to, with intent to wave it at the airport once she gets close enough to Parley
>>190184
"Just wait a minute, Kira. I will explain it to them."

>>190185
>>190186
Kira turns her head to the ground, a little dejected. Her tongue flicks out from her mouth again.

>>190187
Cavaliere gives a small smile toward the lamia. "Don't worry, as soon as they realize they have nothing to fear from us, and how gentle you are, we will be able to mingle freely."

>>190188
>>190186
>>190187
The group passes the ruined houses of the old village, and along the hill between the bays. The destination, or at least the favored location right now, is a hill to the east of the North Bay. Though it is not adjacent to the south bay, it is higher than the that run along its length, and do not touch the cloud layer. The hill may be the tallest on the island, though with the cloud level at 900 or so feet, you can't really see.

Walking up this hill leaves the entire group vulnerable and visible, both to the destroyer and the Kostroma. There is no cover, or at least, no significant cover, to prevent them from being seen as they ascend, save possibly for rounding the hill and approaching from the other side. They are vulnerable. Or at least, until they reach the cloud level and reenter the fog.

>>190189
Hide: Kira gets as close to the ground as possible and widens he tail's stance, blending into the grass such as it looks merely like a breeze is blowing the stalks of grass in the direction she slithers. She looks back to the party, and instructs them to do much as the same as she does, helping them with their technique where possible.

[1d20+13 = (11+13) = 24]

>>190189
Having a gigantic floating whale certainly does not help matters.
>>190190
Cavaliere does the same in staying low to the ground, but also suggests, "If we take a longer route right along the hill, we can reach the top without exposing ourselves on this ridgeline."
Hide: [1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]

>>190189
>rounding the hill and approaching from the other side
I guess that's the only way then. We don't want to be seen by the Kostroma.

>>190190
>>190191
>>190192
The geography of this side of the island does not quite mirror the other, but there are similarities. Below the hill, to the right and south east, is a sort of valley that is less visible to either bay than the side of the hill. Moving along its still somewhat green grasses, past the remnants of gravel paths and small stone fences that demarcated the edges of fields and padlocks, the group presses onwards. In the background can often be heard the cracks and pops of gunfire, and explosions.

This route is not without cost, as it takes minutes longer. Minutes longer that the GRU is certainly making good use of, given how though the party moves away from the thumps of mortar fire, and the ground trembling thunder of what must be naval artillery, it hardly becomes more distant, but moves closer towards them. Reaching the edge of the island the cliffs are less severe, instead allowing someone to walk all the way down to the water. Off in the distance, across the purple-green of the ocean can be seen the outline of land - the Nova Griffonian Coast. But though this land on the horizon, with its vaguely defined forests and trees, and low hill, is perceptible, it does not dominate the view. Rather, the low lying clouds and fog, perhaps laden with snow as it meets the cold, continental air, fade into the black horizon in this land opposite the setting sun, until it appears as a dark grey abyss. slowly swallowing the world as the light retreats.

The hill itself has more visible rocks, and pillars of rocks, than the other side. The sea stacks and cliffs that abut the sea may be absent, but they have the equivalent further up the hill. When the party reenters that grey limbo they seem to have left the green and rolling hills of Northern Equestria - A northern Equestria whose form persist even as the land itself has been abandoned and forgotten by Celestia and her ponies - and entered some sort of alpine region beyond the reach of the sun, with black and grey rock faces that admit of no vegetation.

A few flakes of shinny material are strewn across the ground.

>>190193
Knowledge: Being close to the ground, Kira briefly examines the shiny material, wondering what it could be. A rock? Some kind of plant? Animal feces?

Nature: [1d20+3 = (2+3) = 5]
Geography: [1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]

>>190193
>A northern Equestria whose form persist even as the land itself has been abandoned and forgotten by Celestia and her ponies - and entered some sort of alpine region beyond the reach of the sun, with black and grey rock faces that admit of no vegetation.
"I have taken quite a liking to this island. Under different circumstances, I think I would come here for a vacation." Posey wonders aloud

Posey waits for the position of the airponies to be clear, before she gets ready to trot ahead of the herd to parlay.
>>190194
Gonna assist with an untrained Int check
[1d20+3 = (8+3) = 11]

>>190193
The griffon ranger trudges on ahead, less cautious about being hidden while behind the hill. He looks at the shiny flakes for just a moment, then calls out softly to the others, "We haven't any time to lose. Let's spread out."

He searches for the larger part of the wreckage, which might possibly house the ponies.
[1d20+2 = (12+2) = 14]

>>190195
It must surely be green and lovely in the springtime, when not caught in this grey limbo.

>>190194
It's... metal? Well, it's not a rock, and it's definitely not a plant. Do not eat.

>>190196
Cavaliere is the first to see it. It towers above the ground. Even in the fog it's hard to miss. It is a wonder that it was not seen before, though its color, an indistinct grey just near to that of the fog and almost the same as the basalt rock that forms its background, gives a hint as to how it has evaded view. Even so, Cavaliere must surely wonder if indeed this point of interest is unknown by the GRU and the Traveller, or if it is only a matter of time until either may come this way.

Little bits of metal are strewn across the ground, as are scrapes, gravel, and dirt that form drag marks. An aluminum pipe can be seen, and beyond that, the form of an aluminum truss, and then what must be an engine nacelle. It's a rather large form, as tall as Cavaliere. But it's what is beyond that that is rather more interesting.

Maybe 50 feet away can be seen what is, to be to the point, a blimp, deflated and intact but still in a recognizable form. It is at a perpendicular angle to Cavaliere, with the rear of the airship facing him. It must be caught on a rock formation on the side of the hill. The craft's port side is visible given the craft's list to starboard, but starboard is presumably difficult, though perhaps not impossible to access from its respective side.

The thin aluminum fins are still in part elevated into the air, though the bottom touches the ground, and the whole of the empennage sags and is partly deflated, especially where the empennage meets the middle, as it is folding in on itself. The great envelope retains more of its size than not, but it is dented in the front, and its folds move in the wind. The wind has dulled for the moment and as a whole seems less severe here than by the shore, this whole segment of the island perhaps in the lee of the western hills. Or maybe it's just a momentary pause. All the same, the air feels near still, and though the envelope flaps in the moving air, it generates only a periodic sound of pops as it moves. The entire structure is massive - even in its deflated state it is fifty feet or more in height - and with a volume more akin to that of a ship, like a frigate or even a destroyer. Before reaching the underslung car, Cavaliere can see a metal cylinder on the ground that appears to be some kind of bomb. Past this is the broken remains of some kind of landing gear - a rubber wheel on an aluminum strut

But it is the car that is the most interesting. It must be thirty feet long. The port side engine nacelle is still attached on its outrigger to the car, even as the propeller blades are broken. The car has its windows, still closed and intact, and its doors, presently closed. From the center of the car, a machinegun barrel protrudes.

>>190197
Can Kira see or hear any activity?

Spot: [1d20+8 = (20+8) = 28]
Listen: [1d20+8 = (5+8) = 13]

>>190198
Gonna wait for tht reply to this before I post my action, but I intend to trot ahead of the herd to parlay with the airponies.

>>190197
With how colossal the craft is, no doubt they have only minutes to spare, even with the approaching dusk.

Not wanting to attract unwanted attention, to signal to the rest of the party Cavaliere picks up a small pebble and tosses it behind him to designate a location. If there is a pony behind that machine gun, its intention will be suspicious at best. He will, however reluctantly, let Posey go first.

>>190198
The scene is almost silent, with only the flapping of the envelope providing any distinct noise, besides the distant cracks and that ever-present tinnitus ring. The barrel of the machine gun seems to move, but so do a few other, smaller objects that move with the gentle wind.

>>190197
>>190201
Posey trots ahead of the herd (at least 100 ft or more, preferably with most creatures out of sight), her white flag raised clearly atop her longspear.
She orders Monstro to stay behind with the group, and for her Dreads to carry her equipment, ready to fly it over to her should she need it.

She does not conceal herself as she approaches in line of fire. She walks calmly and confidently, puffing out her chest in her usual coquettish manner, unfazed by the vulnerability of potentially putting herself in direct artillery fire.

"~Yoohoo! Are there any survivors there?" she calls towards the car

>>190198
>>190202
No response; at least, not immediately.

>>190203
Posey walks right up to the car and taps on the to glass with her spear
"Oh come on now. Captain Waters is going to be really disappointed if you are all dead." she says

>>190202
Cavaliere sighs, wishing he had gone up instead. He looks to see if it's possible to circle around the blimp without being spotted.

>>190205
Being seen is the point of a parlay. If we sneak up on them, they would think we are trying to attack them.

>>190205
It may be possible, although the craft is backed against the hillside so it is not clear if it may be entered that way. At least, without being noticed.

>>190202
>>190204
As she nears, she can finally see that there seems to be a figure inside holding the machine gun on a side mount.

"Not a step further. Who are you, and where did you come from?"

>>190206
>>190207
And yet, Posey's safety….
Cavaliere stays within concealment and intently watches the exchange.

>>190207
Posey looks towards the sight beyond the gun barrel
>Who are you, and where did you come from?
Posey whirls her cape and puffs out her chest, striking her usual extravagant pose
"I am Rosey Ring, the Undying Sorceress. I am an freelancing warmagus, and an adventuring mercenary sent by Captain Waters from New Mareland to retrieve the crew of this airship." She says
"My team and I arrived thinking it would be simple, but recent GRU and monster activity has complicated our escape plans. If you would be so kind as to cooperate, we should all be able to get off of this desolate rock soon enough."

>>190208
>And yet, Posey's safety….
Professional airponies wouldn't shoot an unarmed mare waving a white flag.
If I get shot, I get shot. It is a risk I am willing to take.

>>190209
Is now the part where I roll diplomacy?

>>190211
Why not?

Kira flicks her tongue as she watches the encounter, waiting for a moment where she can say hello to the new ponies.

>>190209
He lowers his side of the machine gun, which raises the barrel. He peaks over through the open window. Posey can see that the figure is a hornless stallion of indigo color, wearing a leather cap of some sort.

"Fuck me, 'Captain Waters'? Now I don't know what the fuck a 'womaggus' is or a GR you, nor why they'd send a single mare, but damned if I'm not glad to hear that name."

>>190212
Alright. I guess I have been talking for more than a minute. Looks like they're unfriendly rn. With my mod, I have no chance of making things worse, so I may as well roll. Let's see if I can get them to Indifferent or Friendly.

[1d20+10 = (9+10) = 19]

>>190215
>>190216
Much warmer if a bit unsure and confused. He reacts very positively to the name.

>>190215
>>190217
As soon as Posey has line of sight, she attempts to charm the pony with her gaze.
"Yes, yes... Captain Waters was willing to pay through the nose to get you back, so let us not disappoint him. I am not alone though. I have half a dozen other mercenaries with me. We also came to a temporary truce with some of the Stalliongrad fighters, who are positioned in the far rear: they still think we are pirates, and you will be posing as hostages we are ransoming to New Mareland. I will explain it in detail later. First thing is first though: how many of you are there?"

>>190215
>>190217
Kira decides now is a good time. She pokes her head up and waves to the stallion while keeping her tail hidden. "Hi! There's more of us, we're just trying to keep hidden because of the 'gee are you' and the demons all across the island."

>>190218
His pupils visibly become larger, and then he blinks three times in quick succession.

"They uh, uh, - there are six of us in here. We have wounded. They need medical attention, and uh, there's some kind of madness. I got a couple tied up in here."

>>190219
"Another mare?" He says, looking over

Posey gestures to the group, giving the signal for the mercenaries (and only the mercenaries) to approach.

"Dust, tend to the wounded. Silver, keep the Stalliongraders from getting too close, so we can salvage some plausibly deniability for this covert operation."
>>190220
"It appears as though your airponies have fallen under the control of the psychic monster that is on this island. We have encountered it before. We will soon be embarking on a mission to destroy that monster, which should hopefully end their condition."
>"Another mare?"
"Something like that. Do not fret. She does not bite." "But I do OwO"

I have to sleep soon. The party can freely enter dialogue now.

>>190220
Kira: "Yup! Good thing too. I mean, I imagine some males from the tribe could survive this, but others..." She trails off, before shaking her head and smiling at the stallion. "Anyways, yeah, that's the Traveler. Apparently he's some kind of eldritch extradimensional deity? He's on the ship you were following. We're gonna go stop him! The important thing is that none of you fall asleep or fall unconscious by any means, that's how he gets ya!"

Silver, meanwhile, looks back to the commie ponies. "Похоже, они дружелюбны. Видимо, некоторые из них тоже попали под влияние Путешественника."

I'm assuming Dust would go to the ship to tend to the wounded if his player was here. Can we assume that's what Dust is doing?

>>190222
>I'm assuming Dust would go to the ship to tend to the wounded if his player was here. Can we assume that's what Dust is doing?
It doesn't cost him anything to roll the Medicine skill, so we can just assume he's doing it. I have a bunch of spare med packs. If he takes 10 all of the wounded can heal 1d4 HP.

>>190220
Cavaliere approaches the airship quickly. "If only these were better circumstances," he greets the stallion with a nod. "My name is Cavaliere. We will have to evacuate ASAP to get your ponies to safety. What's the condition of your wounded, and can they walk?"

I gotta sleep. Work tomorrow.

Cheers to the group for finally finding out charges. Now we just need to destroy the travellers so we can escape this place.

>>190220
"How many in good condition? How many wounded? How many mad? Have any airponies perished?" Posey inquires
"We can tend to the wounded, and carry the prisoners. For now, we need you to evacuate the ship, because Captain Waters hired us to torch the systems so that the technology does not fall into enemy hooves. We have a boat talisman for our extraction, and I have conjured a minion that can transport a couple of creatures through the air."

>>190222
Posey addresses, Silver, taking 10 on innuendo
"Remember, we are posing as pirates. I already told Blackheel that we came here to take the airponies hostage. Tell them that these are our prisoners that we intend to ransom for profit, and that we are not working with or for the Fascists. Whether or not Blackheel believes it will be in question, but we need to maintain plausible deniability in contested territory."

>>190222
How far away is Silver?

>>190236
Hmmmmm...not super far away, they're still within the bounds of the group. He's with the commies, who are likely at the very back of the group to prevent any misunderstandings.

>>190236
I think we agreed on him being in the rear with the Stalliongraders, which should at least be out of earshot, so we can negotiate with the airponies while tricking the commies into thinking that we are taking the fascists hostage.
Idk the exact distance, but far enough I hope.

>>190236
>>190237
>>190238
Does anything else need clarifying?

Posey addresses the pony in the blimp
"Evacuate quickly. We have not much time. Be sure to extract anything of value, essential equipment, magic items, implements, weapons, munitions, and other things of worth."
She pauses
"Might I ask your name?"
>>190197
>Cavaliere can see a metal cylinder on the ground that appears to be some kind of bomb.
Oh good, another one. How big is it? We could make use of that.

>>190239
It would be nice to hear what Dust Defiant intends to do, since you're cued up for about the next 3 minutes worth of skill checks, declared actions, etc.

I would hope that Dust helps treat the airponies' wounds with his medicine skill when his player decides to check in, but I guess I cannot really speak for him.

Frenly reminder, the longer you take (taking 10s and what not) on all this, the longer Brie gets to play Metal Gear: Solid

>>190236
Can Posey see anypony else past the window?

Glad to see everyone's still up to their antics, for better or for worse. What's actually going on, as far as I'm aware Posey raised a whale but I don't actually know what's going on nor do I have time to back read.

>>190245
We just found the airponies. They are wounded. We are currently explaining the situation to them.

>>190245
We raised a flying whale, snuck across the island, and now we're at the airponies. Some of them are injured, some have been possessed and tied up.

>>190245
>I don't actually know what's going on nor do I have time to back read.
Other than what we just described, not very much happened since the skeleton was raised.

Oh yeah, we snuck past some GRU fighting abominations.

>>190245
>nor do I have time to back read
Then you wake up in the Entertron
Do I have to say it?

Maybe with an aneurysm

Oh, also, just for posterity's sake: can Silver tell in what state the airship is in? He has his suspicions, but he feels like he owes it to Brie to at least consider whether the airship can by very quickly patched up.

>>190252
Don't, stick to the mission

>>190253
Fine, jeez, I won't.

>>190236
In that case: where's the airship's propulsion systems located?

>>190252
It it's still bouyant enough to hang in the air, we could potentially have Monstro drag it through the air, but we are being paid to destroy it. We should still consider it as a potential option for our distraction.

Monstro can drag 48,000 pounds. Possibly double or triple that if buffed with the right spells (such as the lvl 2 Cleric spell Lighten Load).

>>190257
>Monstro can carry 24 tons
You might wanna run that past GM

>>190257
>distraction
*extraction

Though he speaks, he doesn't seem to want to come outside, at least not yet.

>>190222
The pony looks over and speaks. Kira can only see his blue-purple head, and the leather cap.

"Hey no. No. I know what you are. You're some kind of monster. Like s sea monster. That gets me to come outside, ride on your back, and then you eat me or something."

>>190224
His expression suggests possible surprise at seeing a griffin, but it isn't enough surprise to vocalize or to rise to skepticism.

"No standard uniform? Uh, hello. We have two that can't walk, and two I wouldn't let walk. One is severe, and the other still needs attention. There's a third that has something wrong but we didn't see any bleeding."

>>190226
"I am the only one here in proper good condition. Two are properly wounded, but one is unconscious and one cannot stand. Two are mad. I don't think any are dead but I ain't a doctor and I haven't checked since... I don't know when. I've never heard of a 'tailsman' in my time in the navy nor do I know what kinda craft a minion's supposed to be. Is that foreign speak for a skipper or something?" A pause, "Just get us out of here."

>>190239
"Heh heh, magic items? Sure, we'll get those along with our gold bars, diamonds and champagne bottles."

The bombs has an approximately tear drop shape and fins along the top, thinner end. However, it has metal rings around both the front and the back, giving it a psued-cylindrical shape and allowing it to store upright like a barrel.

>>190244
No. It's a reasonable sized car, and anypony else doesn't seem to be near windows, or at least, there isn't enough light to see inside.

>>190252
Sort of like the Sea Rover, it's mostly intact. The most obvious damage is that the starboard engine nacelle has broken off of its pylon and detached from the craft. Both propellers seem to be destroyed. There is some damage to the car and its windows which suggest it would not be water or airtight, though it doesn't seem to have been designed to be air or watertight to begin with. The envelope is partly deflated, probably having lost a third to half of its gas volume. There is a leak somewhere, though whether this is in damage to the envelope, where it connects to the car, or perhaps some kind of intentional release is hard to say. One of the fins and corresponding rudders, the one on the bottom, seems damaged as well. Landing gear has ripped off.

>>190255
On the ground, evidently. One nacelle is still connected to the car.

>>190278
>Though he speaks, he doesn't seem to want to come outside, at least not yet.
I can't blame him. This island is fucking spooky.
>"I am the only one here in proper good condition
"You are a formidable warrior, sir... What was your name? It is commendable that you alone were able to maintain control of the situation, and for that you have guaranteed the survival of your crew."
"We will be assisting you and your crew shortly. Please open the doors so that we may tend to the crew and torch the systems like Captain Waters ordered us to. In the mean time, you can tell us about what happened to get you in this mess."

Posey orders her Dreads to obey the verbal commands of anypony who requires assistance in doing mundane tasks around the ship.

>The bombs has an approximately tear drop shape and fins along the top, thinner end. However, it has metal rings around both the front and the back, giving it a psued-cylindrical shape and allowing it to store upright like a barrel.
How big is it?
>The envelope is partly deflated, probably having lost a third to half of its gas volume. There is a leak somewhere, though whether this is in damage to the envelope, where it connects to the car, or perhaps some kind of intentional release is hard to say.
I guess we will have to inspect it to see if it could float again after jettisoning the engines.

>>190278
He blinks slowly when the pony refers to Kira as a sea monster.
"She is not. Forgive us for our motley appearance, but I can assure you that at no point will you be eaten by any sort of creature."

"Your government wanted plausible deniability for this mission, as this island is disputed territory. That fighting–" he points to the sound of the weapons and explosions "Isn't us. We'll need to stabilize your crew and carry them to safety before we're spotted."

>>190278
Kira looks a bit saddened, pouting while she frowns. "I'm not a monster, though, I'm just a lamia. Think of me like a pony, just with a snake tail."

Silver: "Is that hydrogen or helium in there, you think?"

>>190279
Maybe 400 pounds, likely less

>>190279
The reticence and suspicion that the pony has, or seems to have, towards Kira and Cavaliere, does not translate to Posey
"I am Petty Officer Third Class Primed Well, radio operator and gunner. I uh, sure." He moves out of line of site, and a door that was previosuly firm to the cabin, opens. It will not, however, stay open without being pushed open, as the starboard list of the car means that a port side door will stay open only against the force of gravity.

"Colt, it's a long story." He says, peaking his head out of the door.

>>190280
"Really?" He tilts his head through the door. "Then who is it?" A pause "Are you sure about the creatures?"

>>190281
"You don't look like a llama. Wait, what?! Snake tail?"
He may close the door.

If Silver comes closer, he will look to him.
"Another? Uh, it's supposed to be helium admixture, but I know they've been mixing it up with the shortages."

>>190283
Kira holds her hooves up and waves them in front of her. Her body automatically flicks out her tongue in the air. "Wait, don't close the door! I'm friendly! See, I haven't eaten anyone in the party and I never would!"

Silver tells the commie ponies to hold for the moment as he comes closer to the airship. "Yeah, do not mind her. She is honestly kindest, sweetest creature you could ever meet. She is named Kira. I am Sergeant First Class Silver Sword." Silver looks up at the deflated airship. "Think there is enough left in there to get it to float, if we dropped engines? If not...is there enough hydrogen in there to set this thing ablaze?"

>>190284
He looks to Silver and answers,
"No, it's lost buoyancy. It's not exactly stable either and may blow away if the wind changes directions. It's supposed to be pure helium but we know they don't do that, not when they don't expect combat. Still, the hydrogen was likely the first to leak out. I haven't exactly tested if the gas is flammable."

Then he sees Kira

"Ah!" He closes the door and peaks through the window at the giant snake creature. "The fuck you haven't. What is that?" This may actually be the first time he's noticed that Kira is part snake.

>>190284
Blackheel asks, or tries to ask Silver,
"How long will this stop take?"

>>190283
>I am Petty Officer
"A humble name for such a valiant warrior."
>It will not, however, stay open without being pushed open, as the starboard list of the car means that a port side door will stay open only against the force of gravity.
Posey catches the door with her magic.
>>190284
>I haven't eaten anyone in the party
TRUUUUUUUST IIIIN MEEEEEEE!
>>190285
.
.
.
"Would anyone like a cigarette?"

>>190285
Silver looks back at Blackheel to answer. "Not long at all." He then returns his attention to Primed Well. "Alright. We will get you and your soldiers well and ready to travel. After that we will need to move quickly, explosions tend to bring lot of attention."

Kira scrunches, lifting her pony half back up into the air and putting her forehooves on her "hips". "I said I'm a lamia. I'm from Zebrica. And if you're talking about the bulge in my stomach, that's a goat." She quickly qualifies this by saying, "That I paid the farmer for and had a nice cup of tea with."

>>190286
Silver does have cigarettes if Posey wants any. Oddly enough, he hasn't felt the need to smoke since the quarry earlier.

Okay even by spam standards that was terrible. You're on a website dedicated towards people who like magical technicolored quadrupedal equines, why do you think we want to look at pics of hairy naked women? Seriously, do some research and maybe you might actually get someone.

Who has the explosives and the camera? It's about time that we do what we came for. We need to torch the engine systems.

>>190286
He smiles, even blushes. His ears go down. He stops trying to close the door and places his forelegs up on the door, pushing open somewhat.

"Thanks miss... It's a navy rank. Been flyin' for near two years now."

>>190286
"I'll take one, if you don't mind" Primed Well responds. More than one of the communists comes closer after they whisper among themselves. Like offering milk to stray cats, Posey is likely to be swarmed by ponies soon.

>>190288
"Uh, uh, okay. They aren't really able to travel on their own, but-"

Scrunching himself, Primed Well looks to Kira and nods "Mhmmm, sure you did."

>>190292
>"I'll take one, if you don't mind"
Posey passes him one of the vintage Victorian cigarettes from the petite antique box that she keeps only to make herself look cool (her taste for nicotine died when he lungs did).

>>190292
>>190293
To prevent Posey from getting swarmed, Silver pulls out his own pack of Old Guard cigarettes and offers some fags to the commie ponies. "Кто-нибудь хочет?" He also offers one to Primed Well, levitating it over to him using his magic. "That is why we have our zebra to help with healing. I am also trained with patching creatures up in field, if needed."

Kira scrunches harder.

>>190293
He takes it, leaning out of the door. She can see his indigo wings coming out through a hole in a brown-green uniform. He looks down at the cigarette.

"Huh... Never seen one like this before."

He remains in the doorway, not quite outside but not really allowing anypony inside, either.

He looks up towards Posey,
"Happen to have a light?"

>>190295
Silver is soon swarmed with communist ponies - three of them. All the same, Primed Well takes, or tries to take, the cigarette from Silver, leaning forward.

"A medic? Yes. Come here."

He does not look at the scrunchy-scary Kira

>>190296
Silver lights up the cigarettes for the three commie ponies, and when he manages to get free from the swarm, he heads up into the airship. He also offers Primed Well a light as he assesses the current condition of the ponies on board.

>>190297
Now we can tell once and for all of we have a hydrogen leak :)

>>190298
Silver figures that this pony is the expert, and if he's not worried about a lighter, then it's probably safe to have a lighter to light up a cigarettes.

>>190298
Kek

Well, none of the lights cause fire. Evidently the localized concentrations of hydrogen - if there is any - are not strong enough.

>>190297
Finally, Primed Well moves out of the way and allows Silver inside.

The first and most notable thing that Silver sees is another pony, crouched silently and closer to the ground. He is white in color, evidently an earth pony, and is wearing a brown-green uniform that is stained in blood on the lower chest. He is holding wrench as a weapon, and has evidently been hiding out of view this entire time, making no sound. He looks up towards Silver with blue eyes and a leather aviator cap. To either side of the narrow way are various devices. Towards the bow from the rear are several desks next to large radios, and a map on another desk. There is a desk with dials and meters, and then at the very fore is a recognizable cockpit, raised above a sort of split lower level. Towards the back is the side turret of the machine gun, a set of valves and the like for what must be the engines, and a small door going out towards them, a sectioned off room that seems to hold... bombs? and beyond that, multiple beds in a bunk formation. At the very end is a large window for observation, presumably.

In two of the bunks are ponies, one with much blood.

Possibly the most interesting location is just before the cockpit, where there is a separate, lower room that must be some kind of navigation sight or turret or... something. There is a door to it that is closed, which has a window.

At the window of this small area, pressed against the glass, Silver can see the face of a pony. It's a bat pony stallion, pressing his muzzle against the glass, and both hooves to either side of the glass. He has a massive smile, and his lips, or sometimes his cheeks, distort against the glass. His pupils are dilated so wide that his irises cannot be seen. The way the light glistens in his eyes it's almost like stars, or snow in a snow globe. His fur is peppered grey and white, and he, too, wears a leather cap that ties around his head. His expression is almost like a small colt, full of wonder or excitement, who pears through a toy store display window before being allowed to enter.

>>190300
Posey follows after Silver, looking around the cabin wordlessly. Her first order of business is to attempt to charm any pony that meets her gaze, as she always does to take control of a situation.

>>190300
Okay, priorities: assuming the crouching pony isn't going to attack them with his wrench, Silver immediately goes to the bunks and assesses the conditions of the ponies therein.

>>190301
The blue-eyed pony blinks thrice, and says
"Hello"

The bat pony in the Bombardier's chamber stares back at Posey with pupils that are not the split, snake eyes of bat ponies, but wide enough to consume the eye. She can see her own reflection in them, surrounded by white flakes that move like nascent stars in the primordial universe. He smiles widely and opens his mouth, which looks rather dried.

>>190302
One is... asleep? Unconscious? Hard to say. The other has severe bleeding. There was a clear effort to stop the bleeding with town pieces of clothing. He is still breathing, and if he is conscious, he is unresponsive.

>>190303
Heal: Well, let's see what Silver can do to ensure this pony is properly stabilized, at least.

[1d20+5 = (19+5) = 24]

>>190304
Silver can tell that the injuries are blunt force trauma, with ribs and broken bones puncturing lungs and causing internal bleeding as well as external. There's only so much that can be done, but Silver can sterilize the external wounds and also do as much as possible to reduce the bleeding. Silver has a potion to help coagulate the blood.

>>190303
>"Hello"
"Good evening, sir. Congratulations on surviving this far. I am Rosey Ring, a mercenary hired by Captain Waters."
>bat
"Another unfortunately enthralled. I see you have adequately contained him."
>>190305
Oof, sounds like Constitution damage. That won't be easy to fix without magic.

>>190305
Silver gives it to him to hopefully stop the internal bleeding, before turning his attention to the other unconscious pony in the bunks.

>>190291
I believe Silver has the camera, and maybe the explosives as well. Cavaliere has neither.
>>190300
Cavaliere quickly and silently retrieves a spare blanket and drapes it over the glass, blocking the bat pony from view. He whispers to Primed Well, "How long has he been like this?"

>>190306
>>190309
Primed Well looks over to the bat pony, who has a full view down the center of the car with his wide, all-seeing eyes pressed against the glass

"Ah! He got loose. He's not supposed to be up like that." He says. He then answers Cavaliere's question,
"Since morning the morning. Maybe before."

>>190307
This one seems to be alive. Probably. Signs of injury are not obvious.

>>190306
The white earth pony stands up. He is trembling.
"Ensign Pinup Locker" He answers

>>190310
Silver grabs onto the unconscious pony, and tries to shake him awake. "WAKE UP, SOLDIER!"

>>190310
He turns to Pinup Locker what a name!.
"Who is in acting command of this post?" he inquires.

>>190311
The pony shakes his head and shoots it up, shaking as if cold

"Huh? What?"

>>190312
"While the Captain is incapacitated and the Lieutenant is out... Primed Well, I believe."

I can change it