Continuing
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
1428 replies | 70 files | 365 UUIDs | Page 2
1328 replies and 62 files omitted.
>>192870
Kira rushes over to collect what arrows she can, though she's lost a few more permanently. Silver takes an assessment of his wounds and does his best to patch them up.
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23]
Can Kira tell that the rest of the party has gone to the shore?
Kira rushes over to collect what arrows she can, though she's lost a few more permanently. Silver takes an assessment of his wounds and does his best to patch them up.
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23]
Can Kira tell that the rest of the party has gone to the shore?
>>192880
She knows that they have moved, and moved the opposite direction of the threat
Silver is definitely wounded, stabbed in the shoulder and barrel repeatedly.
Kira gets a few of her arrows, and several more would be beyond the village, to the north
She knows that they have moved, and moved the opposite direction of the threat
Silver is definitely wounded, stabbed in the shoulder and barrel repeatedly.
Kira gets a few of her arrows, and several more would be beyond the village, to the north
>>192881
Silver does what he can to ensure that he at least doesn't bleed out, and he does the same for Kira. Kira gets what she can from the local area, since it's too dangerous to try to go for the others. She looks out to where the soldiers are coming from, and points in the opposite direction for both Silver and Posey. "I think the others would have gone that way, towards the water."
Silver nods in reply. "That does make sense. Come on, we need to get moving."
Silver does what he can to ensure that he at least doesn't bleed out, and he does the same for Kira. Kira gets what she can from the local area, since it's too dangerous to try to go for the others. She looks out to where the soldiers are coming from, and points in the opposite direction for both Silver and Posey. "I think the others would have gone that way, towards the water."
Silver nods in reply. "That does make sense. Come on, we need to get moving."
Posey returns to the herd after closing her wounds.
"This has been a waste of time. We should leave immediately."
"This has been a waste of time. We should leave immediately."
>>192883
"Hooked In! We're here to rescue you!" Cavaliere calls out after him. He picks up his hat and waves at the pony, hoping to grab his attention.
"Hooked In! We're here to rescue you!" Cavaliere calls out after him. He picks up his hat and waves at the pony, hoping to grab his attention.
>>192891
Cavaliere sees the figure dart along the surf ahead of him. He's in the water, with waves passing by. He doesn't hear much splashing, but the waves drown out most sounds. The pony does not respond to Cavaliere. It's certainly an earth pony. A lighter coat color, but clothing that's a greenish color, likely taken off and tied around the waist. He looks rather small. Could almost be that Barley Corn, really. He's heading away from Cavaliere, and towards the third rowboat, which has been dislodged from the shore with the rising tide.
Cavaliere sees the figure dart along the surf ahead of him. He's in the water, with waves passing by. He doesn't hear much splashing, but the waves drown out most sounds. The pony does not respond to Cavaliere. It's certainly an earth pony. A lighter coat color, but clothing that's a greenish color, likely taken off and tied around the waist. He looks rather small. Could almost be that Barley Corn, really. He's heading away from Cavaliere, and towards the third rowboat, which has been dislodged from the shore with the rising tide.
>>192892
Cavaliere gets a running start, leaps, and flies just overhead to the rowboat. "Stop and listen to me, airpony!" he calls out, practically into his ear.
Cavaliere gets a running start, leaps, and flies just overhead to the rowboat. "Stop and listen to me, airpony!" he calls out, practically into his ear.
>>192893
The pony hops ahead, moving into the water. He heads for the boat. Though he has a head start, Cavaliere starts to catch up. The pony jumps and Cavaliere loses sight of him just at the rowboat. But the open top boat... seems to be empty?
The pony hops ahead, moving into the water. He heads for the boat. Though he has a head start, Cavaliere starts to catch up. The pony jumps and Cavaliere loses sight of him just at the rowboat. But the open top boat... seems to be empty?
>>192895
Can she?
I think that Posey remained closer to the village, rather than going down to the shore. Cavaliere would also be a bit further north at the point
Can she?
I think that Posey remained closer to the village, rather than going down to the shore. Cavaliere would also be a bit further north at the point
>>192898
She needs about a minute to restore herself to beauty, but otherwise no plans.
She returns to the group and asks what passed in the past few minutes.
>Anything in particular
If chasing ghosts is an option, she would gladly participate in that.
"What is going on? Where did Cavalier fly off to? Are we ready to gallop towards the shore?"
She needs about a minute to restore herself to beauty, but otherwise no plans.
She returns to the group and asks what passed in the past few minutes.
>Anything in particular
If chasing ghosts is an option, she would gladly participate in that.
"What is going on? Where did Cavalier fly off to? Are we ready to gallop towards the shore?"
>>192894
Cavaliere lands in the boat and investigates its interior. If indeed it is empty, he dives into the water beneath to look for the desperate pony.
Cavaliere lands in the boat and investigates its interior. If indeed it is empty, he dives into the water beneath to look for the desperate pony.
>>192900
Cavaliere looks inside to see... nothing. Several inches of seawater sloshing about in the bottom of the boat as it moves in the waves. Under a plank that constitutes a seat, a... Wait. That large protrusion, a more yellow color than the green seawater, white painted planks, and dark brown of exposed wood - that could just be a pony.
Cavaliere sees it, hiding underneath the plank, but too large to be completely covered by it, his lays on his side, is curled up in a ball, wears a green unform and khaki pants (Cavaliere could have sworn he saw a pony wearing clothing the other way around, but nevermind that). His eyes are closed, and his mouth is partly in the water. He can't drown in two inches of water, but four inches? He likely would. He is non-responsive.
Cavaliere looks inside to see... nothing. Several inches of seawater sloshing about in the bottom of the boat as it moves in the waves. Under a plank that constitutes a seat, a... Wait. That large protrusion, a more yellow color than the green seawater, white painted planks, and dark brown of exposed wood - that could just be a pony.
Cavaliere sees it, hiding underneath the plank, but too large to be completely covered by it, his lays on his side, is curled up in a ball, wears a green unform and khaki pants (Cavaliere could have sworn he saw a pony wearing clothing the other way around, but nevermind that). His eyes are closed, and his mouth is partly in the water. He can't drown in two inches of water, but four inches? He likely would. He is non-responsive.
>>192901
Cavaliere heaves him over his shoulders and rushes through the surf to the shore as quickly as he can. His movement is much less graceful than his flight, not that he cares. Just beyond the waves, he shoves the pony onto the ground, mouth to the side, and presses on his chest to get water out, maybe stimulating breath as well. Then he checks for signs of life.
Cavaliere heaves him over his shoulders and rushes through the surf to the shore as quickly as he can. His movement is much less graceful than his flight, not that he cares. Just beyond the waves, he shoves the pony onto the ground, mouth to the side, and presses on his chest to get water out, maybe stimulating breath as well. Then he checks for signs of life.
>>192902
The pony is most definitely heavy, being a fully grown adult earth pony stallion, and Cavaliere can neither fly nor run with him. The raft wasn't exactly far from shore, though every touch of the water, every splash and every wave, is biting, with the northern waters being not far above freezing. The pony himself must surely be cold. He does not seem to have breathed in any water. He stirs slightly, but seems to be unconscious. He breezes, though his breathing is slow.
The pony is most definitely heavy, being a fully grown adult earth pony stallion, and Cavaliere can neither fly nor run with him. The raft wasn't exactly far from shore, though every touch of the water, every splash and every wave, is biting, with the northern waters being not far above freezing. The pony himself must surely be cold. He does not seem to have breathed in any water. He stirs slightly, but seems to be unconscious. He breezes, though his breathing is slow.
1764444377.mp4 (1.2 MB, Resolution:720x720 Length:00:00:11, TQROWC-ZMQShsTwm.mp4) [play once] [loop]
>>192901
>wears a green unform and khaki pants (Cavaliere could have sworn he saw a pony wearing clothing the other way around, but nevermind that)
>wears a green unform and khaki pants (Cavaliere could have sworn he saw a pony wearing clothing the other way around, but nevermind that)
>>192904
Cavaliere is shivering by the time he leaves the water, but he feels a great deal of satisfaction for having found the missing crew member.
He checks the pony's dogtags, then his pulse, before putting his jacket around him. Is there any sign of Kira around?
Cavaliere is shivering by the time he leaves the water, but he feels a great deal of satisfaction for having found the missing crew member.
He checks the pony's dogtags, then his pulse, before putting his jacket around him. Is there any sign of Kira around?
>>192907
He is alive. Slowed heartrate. He's shivering. Dog Tag states, "Hooked In, Seaman First Class, Republican Naval Air Service, Republic of New Mareland." Note that he had a pistol with him when he was found next to him. An Equestrian design.
Kira is....
He is alive. Slowed heartrate. He's shivering. Dog Tag states, "Hooked In, Seaman First Class, Republican Naval Air Service, Republic of New Mareland." Note that he had a pistol with him when he was found next to him. An Equestrian design.
Kira is....
>>192908
"Kirafiki, over here!" he calls out, but not loudly enough to be a proper shout. "I need your help carrying this pony!"
If nopony is around, he will lift and carry the pony himself and head southwest to where the larger group should be coming from.
"Kirafiki, over here!" he calls out, but not loudly enough to be a proper shout. "I need your help carrying this pony!"
If nopony is around, he will lift and carry the pony himself and head southwest to where the larger group should be coming from.
>>192910
>adorable
He is a sodden mess and we haven't even looked at him closely. Anyway, Cavaliere helps get the entire group together before the wounded get treated. They might not get another chance.
>adorable
He is a sodden mess and we haven't even looked at him closely. Anyway, Cavaliere helps get the entire group together before the wounded get treated. They might not get another chance.
Posey eventually makes her way over to the action, a bit shaky.
>>192909
"What have you found?" she implores
>>192909
"What have you found?" she implores
Further away, between and on the hillside and the village, the ground explodes - as often as not, literally - into a cacophony of sounds. A "tat tat tat," is almost constant, sometimes from two different sources, and rarely for longer than a few seconds is there any kind of pause. Often it is supplemented by a rapid, higher pitched "cha cha cha," and constant "pops." Then there are the loud and sudden BOOMs that are loud enough to shake the ground, startle griffins and ponies alike, and probably even catch the party members off guard, even when they are expecting them. Likewise, playing in the symphany, are the screams, cries, and howls of animals unknown. The last is closest in sound to the cry of a hawk, but any party member could just as well believe it was made by a violin, stringed in some exotic manner of Griffonia. There are more "chics," and sounds that could be from a dying phonograph, intermittent with sounds of electrical discharge or of a magical aura. And will all of this, the sound of beating drums. Actual drums, beaten in a martial harmony, and joined on occasion by violin and the pony voice, playing together with determination.
It is just as well that the hillside is so loud, because on the beach, the herd that has for so long followed the party is... spooked, for some reason. The purple earth pony rescued at the first village is talking to himself, shaking, on his belly with his hooves over his head. The griffins, and not exclusively Sorvik, are talking loudly among themselves, periodically flapping their wings. The white pegasus airpony, for so long very steady, is now flapping his wings, and running around frantically. The engineer pony, for so long silent, is now having some kind of serious discussion with Black Heel. And the Captain stares at the Kostroma, and silently walks into the water towards it.
And yet all of this noise does not entirely drown out the ringing. It's now less like tinnitus - that is to say, a single, high pitched sound, but is so many lower pitched noises together. Like radio static, really. And it's much, much louder than before.
It is just as well that the hillside is so loud, because on the beach, the herd that has for so long followed the party is... spooked, for some reason. The purple earth pony rescued at the first village is talking to himself, shaking, on his belly with his hooves over his head. The griffins, and not exclusively Sorvik, are talking loudly among themselves, periodically flapping their wings. The white pegasus airpony, for so long very steady, is now flapping his wings, and running around frantically. The engineer pony, for so long silent, is now having some kind of serious discussion with Black Heel. And the Captain stares at the Kostroma, and silently walks into the water towards it.
And yet all of this noise does not entirely drown out the ringing. It's now less like tinnitus - that is to say, a single, high pitched sound, but is so many lower pitched noises together. Like radio static, really. And it's much, much louder than before.
>>192913
Kira hears the sloshing of water as the captain wades into the icy ocean and her eyes widen to the size of dinner plates. She bolts up using her snake body to slither into the water and wrap the Captain up. "WOAH WOAH, DON'T GO IN THERE! YOU'LL FREEZE TO DEATH!"
Silver looks around at the chaos enveloping the group, and belts out in as loud a voice as he can muster into the frigid air: "ENOUGH!"
Kira hears the sloshing of water as the captain wades into the icy ocean and her eyes widen to the size of dinner plates. She bolts up using her snake body to slither into the water and wrap the Captain up. "WOAH WOAH, DON'T GO IN THERE! YOU'LL FREEZE TO DEATH!"
Silver looks around at the chaos enveloping the group, and belts out in as loud a voice as he can muster into the frigid air: "ENOUGH!"
>>192914
This quiets all the ponies (and griffins), who turn and stare at Silver, wide eyed. And usually sit down.
Black Heel,
"I... Had it under control..."
squeaky
Ponies are kind of squishy, just a bit. This one made it to waste deep water and was fairly wet when Kira got to him. He needs to be dragged back, back to shore.
>>192911
He is a pony, and therefore, may be presumed to be adorable
This quiets all the ponies (and griffins), who turn and stare at Silver, wide eyed. And usually sit down.
Black Heel,
"I... Had it under control..."
squeaky
Ponies are kind of squishy, just a bit. This one made it to waste deep water and was fairly wet when Kira got to him. He needs to be dragged back, back to shore.
>>192911
He is a pony, and therefore, may be presumed to be adorable
>>192915
Kira pulls the Captain back to the shore, to the safety of dry land. She's thankful for the blessing from Ouroboros that's letting her survive comfortably even in this chill. She hopes as she wraps around the Captain that he might feel at least a bit of His warmth, and that it might combat the madness of the Traveler.
Silver turns to look at all of the gathered creatures. He maintains an authoritative tone of voice, one he's very familiar with through his days as a soldier. "Look at you, quivering in your shoes over some overgrown whale. Are you going to let this outsider make you quake with fear when your nation, our species, has survived far worse?" Turning to the Kostroma survivors, he continues in Severyanan. "И вы собираетесь отпустить это чудовище на свободу, чтобы оно пробралось на материк и снова сделало то же самое с вашими друзьями, вашей семьей, вашей страной?"
Kira pulls the Captain back to the shore, to the safety of dry land. She's thankful for the blessing from Ouroboros that's letting her survive comfortably even in this chill. She hopes as she wraps around the Captain that he might feel at least a bit of His warmth, and that it might combat the madness of the Traveler.
Silver turns to look at all of the gathered creatures. He maintains an authoritative tone of voice, one he's very familiar with through his days as a soldier. "Look at you, quivering in your shoes over some overgrown whale. Are you going to let this outsider make you quake with fear when your nation, our species, has survived far worse?" Turning to the Kostroma survivors, he continues in Severyanan. "И вы собираетесь отпустить это чудовище на свободу, чтобы оно пробралось на материк и снова сделало то же самое с вашими друзьями, вашей семьей, вашей страной?"
>>192913
I would like to make a Rally check (Heroes Of Battle, page 73) to improve troop readiness and dispel this evidently supernatural morale effect before we head towards the Kostroma. May I do so?
I would like to make a Rally check (Heroes Of Battle, page 73) to improve troop readiness and dispel this evidently supernatural morale effect before we head towards the Kostroma. May I do so?
Posey trots towards the herd, gnashing her teeth with her eyes glowing faintly. She whirls her capes and tossed her mane, drawing attention towards herself and away from the other supernatural horror on the island.
Her voice drips with all the venom you would expect from a Dread Pirate, but there is an undertone of bold determination.
"Listen here, you worms." she glowers
"We have already successfully retrieved our hostages. All that remains is for us to leave this island. We have the means to leave this rock ourselves, but if the rest of you want to leave then you had best stop ponying around and listen here." she says
She points towards the Kostroma
"That ship, your ship, is one of two vessels large enough to carry all of us, the other being the GRU, whom I intend to sink. The Kostroma is currently occupied by the Intruder and a herd or mentally pliable sailors. We intend to take that ship, and part of its crew if we can manage. Those of you who want to learn a spot aboard the ship cam follow us. Those who would rather freeze alone on this rock can be our guests. I believe your volk have a saying that goes something like 'those who do not work, neither shall they eat'; we pirates operate the same way. Everypony pulls their weight."
She rearw, kicking her front hooves in the air
"So you can either cower in place like panicked herd animals and die for certain, or you can stampede your way through this storm and perhaps make it out alive!" she draws her sword and points it into the air. Her golden eyes shine in the dim light, her scarlet mane flows in the sea wind like a flag, and a blazing halo of crimson energy wreathes her head in a corona of dying stars.
she whirls her cape and turns to gallop towards the Kostroma
"I have already made my choice. Do not wait up."
[1d20+13 = (6+13) = 19] (possibly, +1-4; I haven't established my commander rating)
Also opposed Charisma check to influence any creatures already charmed by Posey into following her into battle.
[1d20+6 = (7+6) = 13]
Her voice drips with all the venom you would expect from a Dread Pirate, but there is an undertone of bold determination.
"Listen here, you worms." she glowers
"We have already successfully retrieved our hostages. All that remains is for us to leave this island. We have the means to leave this rock ourselves, but if the rest of you want to leave then you had best stop ponying around and listen here." she says
She points towards the Kostroma
"That ship, your ship, is one of two vessels large enough to carry all of us, the other being the GRU, whom I intend to sink. The Kostroma is currently occupied by the Intruder and a herd or mentally pliable sailors. We intend to take that ship, and part of its crew if we can manage. Those of you who want to learn a spot aboard the ship cam follow us. Those who would rather freeze alone on this rock can be our guests. I believe your volk have a saying that goes something like 'those who do not work, neither shall they eat'; we pirates operate the same way. Everypony pulls their weight."
She rearw, kicking her front hooves in the air
"So you can either cower in place like panicked herd animals and die for certain, or you can stampede your way through this storm and perhaps make it out alive!" she draws her sword and points it into the air. Her golden eyes shine in the dim light, her scarlet mane flows in the sea wind like a flag, and a blazing halo of crimson energy wreathes her head in a corona of dying stars.
she whirls her cape and turns to gallop towards the Kostroma
"I have already made my choice. Do not wait up."
[1d20+13 = (6+13) = 19] (possibly, +1-4; I haven't established my commander rating)
Also opposed Charisma check to influence any creatures already charmed by Posey into following her into battle.
[1d20+6 = (7+6) = 13]
>>192913
Any ponies still looking scared? Maybe a diplomacy roll from Cavaliere can help. Anyway we need to make sure all wounded are stabilized before we do anything else.
Any ponies still looking scared? Maybe a diplomacy roll from Cavaliere can help. Anyway we need to make sure all wounded are stabilized before we do anything else.
>>192920
Between Silver's rousing speech and Posey's display of bravado, the creatures are subdued and listening to the words of the two. The Kostroma survivors particularly nod along to Silver's words, though the griffins still seem disgruntled. Black Heel moves forward to speak,
"Yes, we're agreed on the principle of the thing, but the fact remains.... How do you kill a god? This 'Black god' has powers of magic that we haven't exactly seen before. And then the Kostroma, well, much of the crew has had its minds melted, we're not sure if they will ever recover, and if they do, it will likely not be, you know, in less than an hour. This GRU company is the first to be here, to be sure, but you have to know that more will come, and I don't just mean from Stalliongrad. Many of the Petrushkas are surely dead or soon will be. And then the Kostroma itself... it probably ran aground. It may be damaged, and it's a magnet of... Attention. And this is all besides the question of where we will go after then. Some of us have families we need to get back to, and some would just as soon move to Weter, but it's... not so simple."
Between Silver's rousing speech and Posey's display of bravado, the creatures are subdued and listening to the words of the two. The Kostroma survivors particularly nod along to Silver's words, though the griffins still seem disgruntled. Black Heel moves forward to speak,
"Yes, we're agreed on the principle of the thing, but the fact remains.... How do you kill a god? This 'Black god' has powers of magic that we haven't exactly seen before. And then the Kostroma, well, much of the crew has had its minds melted, we're not sure if they will ever recover, and if they do, it will likely not be, you know, in less than an hour. This GRU company is the first to be here, to be sure, but you have to know that more will come, and I don't just mean from Stalliongrad. Many of the Petrushkas are surely dead or soon will be. And then the Kostroma itself... it probably ran aground. It may be damaged, and it's a magnet of... Attention. And this is all besides the question of where we will go after then. Some of us have families we need to get back to, and some would just as soon move to Weter, but it's... not so simple."
>>192924
Cavaliere answers Black Heel, "None of this is simple. Let me give you the facts that lie before us. First, though none of us expected or came prepared for a battle like this, we are still alive. This enemy is neither all-powerful nor all-knowing considering how often it has tried to kill us. Second, even if it's not all-powerful now, it is too dangerous to be left alive.
We must destroy it however we can to ensure it doesn't arrive at the mainland. Finally, ours is a mission of rescue and once we destroy this creature, we will get you off this rock however we can."
"So let's go over how we destroy this creature. If its 'spawn' can be killed by conventional means, it stands to reason that if it is of the same nature, enough conventional munitions can be enough against it. We took as much precious time as we could spare to secure that means, and it will be up to us–" he gestures among the party members "–to strike at it. We will not force any of you to confront it directly, since it is too dangerous."
"As for escape, your best chance is to stick together and leave all at once. This last airpony," and he points to the unconscious one just rescued, "tried to escape in a small rowboat. None of you could make it in these seas on one of those, even if you knew where to go. Whether it is by the Kostroma or another vessel, we will get you off this island, if you just trust us."
Cavaliere answers Black Heel, "None of this is simple. Let me give you the facts that lie before us. First, though none of us expected or came prepared for a battle like this, we are still alive. This enemy is neither all-powerful nor all-knowing considering how often it has tried to kill us. Second, even if it's not all-powerful now, it is too dangerous to be left alive.
We must destroy it however we can to ensure it doesn't arrive at the mainland. Finally, ours is a mission of rescue and once we destroy this creature, we will get you off this rock however we can."
"So let's go over how we destroy this creature. If its 'spawn' can be killed by conventional means, it stands to reason that if it is of the same nature, enough conventional munitions can be enough against it. We took as much precious time as we could spare to secure that means, and it will be up to us–" he gestures among the party members "–to strike at it. We will not force any of you to confront it directly, since it is too dangerous."
"As for escape, your best chance is to stick together and leave all at once. This last airpony," and he points to the unconscious one just rescued, "tried to escape in a small rowboat. None of you could make it in these seas on one of those, even if you knew where to go. Whether it is by the Kostroma or another vessel, we will get you off this island, if you just trust us."
>>192924
>How do you kill a god?
"I happen to be an erudite in that particular field. I am an esteemed alienist, and I once wrote a thesis on arcane studies related to mythological deicide. It is a tricky thing,but certainly feasible, especially in this context." Posey says, tossing her mane
"Destiny brought us together, and in the grand cosmos there are no coincidences. Even the greatest challenge is but an opportunity. If destroying its corporeal vessel is not enough, then I have some ideas for how to deal with its spiritual essence as it emerges." she continues
"And then I will take its ruinous powers and add them to my own. Then we can be certain that it will never comes back. I did not believe I would get to complete the oldest project of my masters so soon, but fate it seems would have it this way." she says, with a subtle but wicked grin
"I want that hippogriff alive. Let him watch as I destroy everything he dreamed of, before he withers away to nothingness with his precious intruder."
>How do you kill a god?
"I happen to be an erudite in that particular field. I am an esteemed alienist, and I once wrote a thesis on arcane studies related to mythological deicide. It is a tricky thing,but certainly feasible, especially in this context." Posey says, tossing her mane
"Destiny brought us together, and in the grand cosmos there are no coincidences. Even the greatest challenge is but an opportunity. If destroying its corporeal vessel is not enough, then I have some ideas for how to deal with its spiritual essence as it emerges." she continues
"And then I will take its ruinous powers and add them to my own. Then we can be certain that it will never comes back. I did not believe I would get to complete the oldest project of my masters so soon, but fate it seems would have it this way." she says, with a subtle but wicked grin
"I want that hippogriff alive. Let him watch as I destroy everything he dreamed of, before he withers away to nothingness with his precious intruder."
>>192925
Black Heel pauses, pulls his lips back to show his teeth, then returns his lips to the more neutral expression. He looks quickly to the right, then back to Cavaliere. He swallows, then says:
“The Commandant in Ravenskoye… he might, as I have, seen what has become of this expedition and come to the conclusion that it is a fire that must be stamped out. I fear it is more likely that he will want to capture the thing, probably ‘kill’ it first, and dissect it to attempt to understand its powers. But what I know this: it cannot be allowed on the Homeland, nor near any major city. I still fear what might have happened had I allowed the crew to disembark at Sirius. It must be stopped. By whatever means, at whatever costs. But if we fail, the word must get out.”
>>192926
“There will be no ‘taking of ruinous powers.’ If that were my intent, I’d just let the GRU handle it. And that hippogriff must be shot before he can do any more harm.”
Black Heel pauses, pulls his lips back to show his teeth, then returns his lips to the more neutral expression. He looks quickly to the right, then back to Cavaliere. He swallows, then says:
“The Commandant in Ravenskoye… he might, as I have, seen what has become of this expedition and come to the conclusion that it is a fire that must be stamped out. I fear it is more likely that he will want to capture the thing, probably ‘kill’ it first, and dissect it to attempt to understand its powers. But what I know this: it cannot be allowed on the Homeland, nor near any major city. I still fear what might have happened had I allowed the crew to disembark at Sirius. It must be stopped. By whatever means, at whatever costs. But if we fail, the word must get out.”
>>192926
“There will be no ‘taking of ruinous powers.’ If that were my intent, I’d just let the GRU handle it. And that hippogriff must be shot before he can do any more harm.”
>>192927
"Cut off his wings, his tongue, his claws, his eyes, his ears, I just want his heart faintly beating in the moment we destroy the Intruder. He will die with it."
"Cut off his wings, his tongue, his claws, his eyes, his ears, I just want his heart faintly beating in the moment we destroy the Intruder. He will die with it."
>>192928
The party has more than one (maybe even three, at this point) short range radios. Enough range to cover anywhere on the island, the bays, and a bit beyond it, but they won't be able to call Trottingham with it.
>>192929
"'Our Fellow Traveller' has none of those things, only his lucid dreams, and that is enough. Do not underestimate the Hippogriff either."
The party has more than one (maybe even three, at this point) short range radios. Enough range to cover anywhere on the island, the bays, and a bit beyond it, but they won't be able to call Trottingham with it.
>>192929
"'Our Fellow Traveller' has none of those things, only his lucid dreams, and that is enough. Do not underestimate the Hippogriff either."
>>192930
"I underestimate neither, which is why I intend to obliterate them entirely. By the time this night is over, it may be like they never even existed."
"I underestimate neither, which is why I intend to obliterate them entirely. By the time this night is over, it may be like they never even existed."
>>192931
"It's too late for them to have never existed...." pressing his lips together. "But that, I can agree with." He nods once, sharply.
"It's too late for them to have never existed...." pressing his lips together. "But that, I can agree with." He nods once, sharply.
>>192934
"Insane or not, he knows more about this creature than any other being alive. With this knowledge it might be possible to prevent this situation from happening ever again."
"Insane or not, he knows more about this creature than any other being alive. With this knowledge it might be possible to prevent this situation from happening ever again."
>>192935
Blackheel pauses for a moment.
"I shudder at the possibility of there being... another one of those things on our planet at some point in the future... I have to question how much will be learned and how much forgotten. How much should be forgotten... I would be just as well that any esoteric knowledge gained die with him."
Blackheel pauses for a moment.
"I shudder at the possibility of there being... another one of those things on our planet at some point in the future... I have to question how much will be learned and how much forgotten. How much should be forgotten... I would be just as well that any esoteric knowledge gained die with him."
>>192936
"We also need to bring him to justice, even if there is no penalty that may be sufficient for what he has done."
"We also need to bring him to justice, even if there is no penalty that may be sufficient for what he has done."
>>192924
Silver: "This thing made mistake of coming to our reality. I do not know nature of its home, but I know one thing about ours: death is inevitable, it is part of life. And if this thing seeks to continue to exist in our reality, then it must bend to its rules or it will break." He picks back up into his authoritative voice. "And with Goddesses as my witness we will break it. We will teach it about death, and we are very good teachers."
Kira flicks her tongue into the cold air, and decides to try something. She puts a hoof to the talisman around her neck, which begins to glow faintly with a golden light. She may have run out of spells, but she hopes she can still reach out to Him. Placing her other hoof on the Captain's head, she offers up a prayer. "Ouroboros, please guide this wayward creature back into Your light. His mind remains ensnared by otherworldly powers which seek to corrupt Your world and end Your cycle. Cleanse the madness which has taken hold to him, and bring Your child back."
Silver: "This thing made mistake of coming to our reality. I do not know nature of its home, but I know one thing about ours: death is inevitable, it is part of life. And if this thing seeks to continue to exist in our reality, then it must bend to its rules or it will break." He picks back up into his authoritative voice. "And with Goddesses as my witness we will break it. We will teach it about death, and we are very good teachers."
Kira flicks her tongue into the cold air, and decides to try something. She puts a hoof to the talisman around her neck, which begins to glow faintly with a golden light. She may have run out of spells, but she hopes she can still reach out to Him. Placing her other hoof on the Captain's head, she offers up a prayer. "Ouroboros, please guide this wayward creature back into Your light. His mind remains ensnared by otherworldly powers which seek to corrupt Your world and end Your cycle. Cleanse the madness which has taken hold to him, and bring Your child back."
>>192937
"'Justice'? To whose court? Under what law?" He shakes his head. "There is no revenge nor justice against a metastatic cancer. Only cutting it out or destroying it before it can spread and kill its host."
>>192938
Black Heel nods.
Kira feels, or at least thinks she can feel, the spirit run through her, and to the pony. If anyone can help fight against... this... it must surely be Ouroboros.
"'Justice'? To whose court? Under what law?" He shakes his head. "There is no revenge nor justice against a metastatic cancer. Only cutting it out or destroying it before it can spread and kill its host."
>>192938
Black Heel nods.
Kira feels, or at least thinks she can feel, the spirit run through her, and to the pony. If anyone can help fight against... this... it must surely be Ouroboros.
>>192939
Cavaliere remains determined. "The hippogriff made his choices. As destructive as he has been, he will face the consequences of his crimes in a court of law. It won't matter which one."
Cavaliere remains determined. "The hippogriff made his choices. As destructive as he has been, he will face the consequences of his crimes in a court of law. It won't matter which one."
>>192942
Kira lets out a sigh, and gives the poor pony some pets on the head. This progress will have to do for now, she thinks to herself. Looking around at the large group they now have with them, Kira holds her talisman tighter and speaks aloud one more prayer. "And, Ouroboros...if You could watch over them, too, and keep them safe...we're about to head into the heart of the beast, and the Traveler...he might not be even near as strong as You, but he's still a powerful and dangerous foe. They're still Your children, just as much as we are. They need Your guiding light, too."
Silver nods at Black Heel, and looks to see how close the party is to making their way towards the ship. He has one more rousing speech to give, before they depart.
Kira lets out a sigh, and gives the poor pony some pets on the head. This progress will have to do for now, she thinks to herself. Looking around at the large group they now have with them, Kira holds her talisman tighter and speaks aloud one more prayer. "And, Ouroboros...if You could watch over them, too, and keep them safe...we're about to head into the heart of the beast, and the Traveler...he might not be even near as strong as You, but he's still a powerful and dangerous foe. They're still Your children, just as much as we are. They need Your guiding light, too."
Silver nods at Black Heel, and looks to see how close the party is to making their way towards the ship. He has one more rousing speech to give, before they depart.
>>192942
"I would prefer to perform the execution myself. He will be the subject in my ceremony to prevent the Intruder from remanifesting. I believe it is essential that he is executed in the same moment that vessel of the Intruder is destroyed."
"Besides, he insulted my friends, my masters, and my sisters. I have a bone to pick with him."
"But enough about that, we should be discussing how to board the ship. I would like you to describe the layout of the ship in detail, with a sketch if possible, particularly where the Intruder is stowed."
"I would prefer to perform the execution myself. He will be the subject in my ceremony to prevent the Intruder from remanifesting. I believe it is essential that he is executed in the same moment that vessel of the Intruder is destroyed."
"Besides, he insulted my friends, my masters, and my sisters. I have a bone to pick with him."
"But enough about that, we should be discussing how to board the ship. I would like you to describe the layout of the ship in detail, with a sketch if possible, particularly where the Intruder is stowed."
>>192945
"He's done far worse than petty words to me. No theatrics, no antiquated system of honor. Just a simple elimination of an obvious threat. That is how it must be done.
I don't know the layout in detail. I am a political officer. But surely one of the sailors can help."
>>192944
Black Heel nods sharply
>>192943
The pony is pat, and closes his eyes. Then he scrunches, and tries to wiggle out of whatever grasp Kira still has him in.
Kira looks up towards the heavens, surely. She can't see the stars, only the bottom of the evermoving clouds where they are lit by the dim green light, and blackness everywhere else. It's cold, and the rain has not ceased.
The herd is now concentrated on the beach. A few ponies of the Kostroma have started to pull on a rowboat to bring it further into shore.
Two ponies approach Silver: Pinup Locker and Primed Well, although a third pony, the White Pegasus, is not far behind.
Primed Well speaks
"I don't think we can carry them much further. The wounded, I mean. We are tired, and we need to rest."
"He's done far worse than petty words to me. No theatrics, no antiquated system of honor. Just a simple elimination of an obvious threat. That is how it must be done.
I don't know the layout in detail. I am a political officer. But surely one of the sailors can help."
>>192944
Black Heel nods sharply
>>192943
The pony is pat, and closes his eyes. Then he scrunches, and tries to wiggle out of whatever grasp Kira still has him in.
Kira looks up towards the heavens, surely. She can't see the stars, only the bottom of the evermoving clouds where they are lit by the dim green light, and blackness everywhere else. It's cold, and the rain has not ceased.
The herd is now concentrated on the beach. A few ponies of the Kostroma have started to pull on a rowboat to bring it further into shore.
Two ponies approach Silver: Pinup Locker and Primed Well, although a third pony, the White Pegasus, is not far behind.
Primed Well speaks
"I don't think we can carry them much further. The wounded, I mean. We are tired, and we need to rest."
>>192946
"Then have one of your sailors sketch a map for my crew. I do not speak the tongue of your sailors. Knowing where to board and the path to where the Intruder is stowed is essential to capturing the vessel." Posey replies
"I believe that capturing the hippogriff as soon as possible will be imperative. So it is important to identify where he would be waiting on the ship. Did he have a preferred quarters? Or perhaps the ship has a more comfortable room for officers that he would have helped himself to?"
"Then have one of your sailors sketch a map for my crew. I do not speak the tongue of your sailors. Knowing where to board and the path to where the Intruder is stowed is essential to capturing the vessel." Posey replies
"I believe that capturing the hippogriff as soon as possible will be imperative. So it is important to identify where he would be waiting on the ship. Did he have a preferred quarters? Or perhaps the ship has a more comfortable room for officers that he would have helped himself to?"
>>192946
Cavaliere nods to Primed Well. "Let's at least get off this beach. We'll set up a bivouac, then our unit and whatever volunteers who want to brave the risk will proceed to the Kostroma. It's not far now."
Cavaliere nods to Primed Well. "Let's at least get off this beach. We'll set up a bivouac, then our unit and whatever volunteers who want to brave the risk will proceed to the Kostroma. It's not far now."
>>192946
>>192948
Silver looks out to the town where the GRU was advancing from, and then out towards the water where the Kostroma awaits. "I do not think universe will give us much time for rest. I am not even so sure that we will be able to get through to anyone to evacuate wounded, and that if we do that they will not crash into darkened island or be shot down by Spetsnaz ship, but...we will try."
Kira blinks, and flicks her tongue at the captain. Before she lets him go just yet, she asks him, "Is that you in there? Like, the 'you' you, not the Traveler? Are you going to try to run into the water again?"
>>192948
Silver looks out to the town where the GRU was advancing from, and then out towards the water where the Kostroma awaits. "I do not think universe will give us much time for rest. I am not even so sure that we will be able to get through to anyone to evacuate wounded, and that if we do that they will not crash into darkened island or be shot down by Spetsnaz ship, but...we will try."
Kira blinks, and flicks her tongue at the captain. Before she lets him go just yet, she asks him, "Is that you in there? Like, the 'you' you, not the Traveler? Are you going to try to run into the water again?"
>>192948
"Agreed. Onwards!" Posey replies, tossing her mane, twirling her sword, and galloping towards the ship
"Agreed. Onwards!" Posey replies, tossing her mane, twirling her sword, and galloping towards the ship
>>192951
Cavaliere stares at the Captain with disapproval. "Captain!" he barks. "Are you going to abandon your stallions like this? You know there isn't enough space on those boats for your crew, and you have no provisions. Even a seasoned sailor would consider it suicide, and your experience is in aeronautics. If you run off now, you will be marked as MIA."
Cavaliere stares at the Captain with disapproval. "Captain!" he barks. "Are you going to abandon your stallions like this? You know there isn't enough space on those boats for your crew, and you have no provisions. Even a seasoned sailor would consider it suicide, and your experience is in aeronautics. If you run off now, you will be marked as MIA."
>>192951
Kira blinks again. Her tongue flicks out again. "So...is that a yes?"
Silver nods, and looks out to the Kostroma. "There is only one way we can do that. We need to defeat Traveler."
Kira blinks again. Her tongue flicks out again. "So...is that a yes?"
Silver nods, and looks out to the Kostroma. "There is only one way we can do that. We need to defeat Traveler."
>>192957
"This 'beast' is helping to save your life. Ms. Kirafiki, let him loose. Thank you for restraining him."
"This 'beast' is helping to save your life. Ms. Kirafiki, let him loose. Thank you for restraining him."
>>192953
"Silver, get the Talisman ready. Once we identify the strike points we can immediately board the vessel."
"Silver, get the Talisman ready. Once we identify the strike points we can immediately board the vessel."
>>192966
Silver: "Oh, that thing. Hang on it is..." Taking a couple seconds to search through his bags, Silver pulls out the requested item. "...here. I am still unclear on what this does and how this is meant to help us."
Silver: "Oh, that thing. Hang on it is..." Taking a couple seconds to search through his bags, Silver pulls out the requested item. "...here. I am still unclear on what this does and how this is meant to help us."
>>192967
"It is a portable boat. That is why I made sure we had it..." Posey says
"The Swan boat is a self propelled magical vessel with exceptional speed, easily capable of overtaking most ships. It is capable of carrying thirty two ponies, and is similar in structure to a large keelboat or small barge. Although only barely seaworthy, its speed and portable nature make it an exceptional item for emergencies at sea. Being rather cheap to produce and easily stowed, it is a coveted item among pirates, and naval combatants in general, be it as a ship or as any other reason one might like to conjure a collosal object out of thin air." Posey explains
"The swan boat will last for twenty four hours once activated. We could use it now to board the Kostroma with ease, as its speed means that we should be able to avoid being fired upon as we approach, while also leaving all of us free to return fire if we do so. The neckband wings of the swan may even serve as a platform we may climb to board the ship."
"Combatants should board the swan boat, while Monstrosity tows the injured an unconscious in rowboats behind it. Once combatants board the Kostroma, the noncombatants may board the swan boat themselves and move it to a safe distance as the battle carries on aboard the Kostroma." Posey continues
"Flyers, including Monstro, may fly behind crew, using the Swan boat as cover should a firefight commence."
"It is a portable boat. That is why I made sure we had it..." Posey says
"The Swan boat is a self propelled magical vessel with exceptional speed, easily capable of overtaking most ships. It is capable of carrying thirty two ponies, and is similar in structure to a large keelboat or small barge. Although only barely seaworthy, its speed and portable nature make it an exceptional item for emergencies at sea. Being rather cheap to produce and easily stowed, it is a coveted item among pirates, and naval combatants in general, be it as a ship or as any other reason one might like to conjure a collosal object out of thin air." Posey explains
"The swan boat will last for twenty four hours once activated. We could use it now to board the Kostroma with ease, as its speed means that we should be able to avoid being fired upon as we approach, while also leaving all of us free to return fire if we do so. The neckband wings of the swan may even serve as a platform we may climb to board the ship."
"Combatants should board the swan boat, while Monstrosity tows the injured an unconscious in rowboats behind it. Once combatants board the Kostroma, the noncombatants may board the swan boat themselves and move it to a safe distance as the battle carries on aboard the Kostroma." Posey continues
"Flyers, including Monstro, may fly behind crew, using the Swan boat as cover should a firefight commence."
>>192961
The captain scrunches and crosses his hooves
>>192965
The captain is still displeased with Kira, standing up, taking one, two steps further away from her, facing her, scrunching, and also lowering his tail to tuck between his legs. Some aspect of his eyes still makes him look dazed and confused, like he can't focus on anything in particular.
Yet he takes Kira's question seriously
"I..." His eyes go up towards the right, his mouth opens slightly, his ears tend slightly back, and he tilts his head ever so slightly upwards. "Don't know." Drawing out that last word, and eventually settling his eyes on that shape looming over the dark, green waters in the distance, the SSRS Kostroma.
"But I did hear from him. He craves friendship, as surely as we do. For so long he was alone... Now, it's like a drug. He can't help it, you know. As he dreams, his dreams intermingle with our thoughts. Not much more than we can help being overheard talking to ourselves walking through the garden. Not that much more, anyways. It was a mistake, he thinks, trying to reach out on the ship. This next time he will play dead longer. Feign a defeat by those who do not understand. You know he sleeps, right? Though his dreams are powerful, maybe too powerful for the good of his friends, he wishes to awake. When he awakes, he will bring Elysium. He will bring Father to me."
He stares at the Kostroma
"It's just..." His ears twitch and move forward "I don't know, you know? When I was small my father took me to the Zoo in Sunset, and they had a Manticore. It was a big, ferocious beast. I could see it beyond the steel fence, and I knew I didn't want to meet it without those steel bars between me and him. And yet... somehow... I could imagine meeting that Manticore in the forest and... coming to an understanding. You know? Like what we want, deep down, isn't all that different. Like maybe he's not so scary afterall....."
He stares at the silhouette of the Kostroma
>>192980
Mala moves forward from his position on the edge of the beach, closer towards Posey. He reaches into his saddlebag, and produces a ring of keys that he hangs from his paw
"These?"
The captain scrunches and crosses his hooves
>>192965
The captain is still displeased with Kira, standing up, taking one, two steps further away from her, facing her, scrunching, and also lowering his tail to tuck between his legs. Some aspect of his eyes still makes him look dazed and confused, like he can't focus on anything in particular.
Yet he takes Kira's question seriously
"I..." His eyes go up towards the right, his mouth opens slightly, his ears tend slightly back, and he tilts his head ever so slightly upwards. "Don't know." Drawing out that last word, and eventually settling his eyes on that shape looming over the dark, green waters in the distance, the SSRS Kostroma.
"But I did hear from him. He craves friendship, as surely as we do. For so long he was alone... Now, it's like a drug. He can't help it, you know. As he dreams, his dreams intermingle with our thoughts. Not much more than we can help being overheard talking to ourselves walking through the garden. Not that much more, anyways. It was a mistake, he thinks, trying to reach out on the ship. This next time he will play dead longer. Feign a defeat by those who do not understand. You know he sleeps, right? Though his dreams are powerful, maybe too powerful for the good of his friends, he wishes to awake. When he awakes, he will bring Elysium. He will bring Father to me."
He stares at the Kostroma
"It's just..." His ears twitch and move forward "I don't know, you know? When I was small my father took me to the Zoo in Sunset, and they had a Manticore. It was a big, ferocious beast. I could see it beyond the steel fence, and I knew I didn't want to meet it without those steel bars between me and him. And yet... somehow... I could imagine meeting that Manticore in the forest and... coming to an understanding. You know? Like what we want, deep down, isn't all that different. Like maybe he's not so scary afterall....."
He stares at the silhouette of the Kostroma
>>192980
Mala moves forward from his position on the edge of the beach, closer towards Posey. He reaches into his saddlebag, and produces a ring of keys that he hangs from his paw
"These?"
>>192986
Cavaliere looks toward the captain as he speaks. Finally he replies, "That is good information to have. It's as good as we're going to get. What we're facing is far more dangerous than a Manticore, and we need to be prepared. If we hadn't moved from place to place so fast, I would have found guns for those trustworthy enough to be wielding one. Nevertheless, spending one minute too long could have been the death of any of us.
Cavaliere looks toward the captain as he speaks. Finally he replies, "That is good information to have. It's as good as we're going to get. What we're facing is far more dangerous than a Manticore, and we need to be prepared. If we hadn't moved from place to place so fast, I would have found guns for those trustworthy enough to be wielding one. Nevertheless, spending one minute too long could have been the death of any of us.
>>192986
Kira blinks, taking in the absolutely valuable information about the Traveler that the captain willingly gives. She has a feeling she wouldn't want to see the Traveler when he awakes. Placing a hoof on the captain's shoulder, she speaks to him, "You'd...you'd know if you met Him. We're all children of Ouroboros, we all came from Him when he made this iteration of the World-Cycle. He loves and cares for all of us. He's nothing like the Traveler. His friendship doesn't control the minds of innocent creatures, His dreams don't create horrors beyond mortal comprehension. He is light, He is life, He is creation, and when He awakes it won't be to create some twisted form of 'Elysium' representing some dark pit from whence He came, it will be to save all of us from a doomed existence and bring about the dawning of a new age." She lets out a sigh before she continues, "We all want to be understood. Ouroboros knows I want to be understood by ponies, to be known that I'm not some monster but another creature, another child of Ouroboros just like all of you are. But what's the point when we're all one? You wouldn't understand me because I wouldn't understand me anymore. I wouldn't be me, you wouldn't be you, we would be something else entirely...it would be horror. Complete and absolute horror that is truly beyond all mortal comprehension, to lose one's sense of self."
>>192990
Silver gives Posey the feather. "I do not see how this small feather can turn into something so large it can carry 32 ponies, but here. Do your magic, magic mare."
Kira blinks, taking in the absolutely valuable information about the Traveler that the captain willingly gives. She has a feeling she wouldn't want to see the Traveler when he awakes. Placing a hoof on the captain's shoulder, she speaks to him, "You'd...you'd know if you met Him. We're all children of Ouroboros, we all came from Him when he made this iteration of the World-Cycle. He loves and cares for all of us. He's nothing like the Traveler. His friendship doesn't control the minds of innocent creatures, His dreams don't create horrors beyond mortal comprehension. He is light, He is life, He is creation, and when He awakes it won't be to create some twisted form of 'Elysium' representing some dark pit from whence He came, it will be to save all of us from a doomed existence and bring about the dawning of a new age." She lets out a sigh before she continues, "We all want to be understood. Ouroboros knows I want to be understood by ponies, to be known that I'm not some monster but another creature, another child of Ouroboros just like all of you are. But what's the point when we're all one? You wouldn't understand me because I wouldn't understand me anymore. I wouldn't be me, you wouldn't be you, we would be something else entirely...it would be horror. Complete and absolute horror that is truly beyond all mortal comprehension, to lose one's sense of self."
>>192990
Silver gives Posey the feather. "I do not see how this small feather can turn into something so large it can carry 32 ponies, but here. Do your magic, magic mare."
>>192991
"Very well. Ready the lifeboats for towing." she says
She claps her hooves together, and orders Monstro forward, so ropes can be attached to it.
Posey steps towards the shore, brandishing the feather token.
"The first feather tokens were created by a mighty unicorn conjurer eons ago, in service of a brave an noble pegasus ranger known as "Quail" who wore dozens of them as a cloak. Each talisman contains powerful creation magic, and becomes a useful item once activated, albeit only temporary. Although they are tricky to make, their material cost is fairly limited, requiring only basic infusion reagents and feathers sometimes sourced from magical birds or even ponies, which makes each talisman special." Posey muses
She turns to show off the elegant and noble pale pearlescent off-white feather, which glistens off-pink in the last gasp of the fading light on the horizon
"Who knows, perhaps this one could even be from somepony famous?"
Posey then mutters an indiscernible arcane word and tosses the talisman into the sea. There it floats before growing at an exponential rate until in the span of less than six seconds it transforms into a grand and beautiful swan-like boat, with a long craning nech and comfy feathered interior. The vessel stretches 50 feet long and twenty feet wide, and floats gracefully on the water.
"I present to you, Her Majesty's Ship." she says, with a bow
"All aboard!"
"Very well. Ready the lifeboats for towing." she says
She claps her hooves together, and orders Monstro forward, so ropes can be attached to it.
Posey steps towards the shore, brandishing the feather token.
"The first feather tokens were created by a mighty unicorn conjurer eons ago, in service of a brave an noble pegasus ranger known as "Quail" who wore dozens of them as a cloak. Each talisman contains powerful creation magic, and becomes a useful item once activated, albeit only temporary. Although they are tricky to make, their material cost is fairly limited, requiring only basic infusion reagents and feathers sometimes sourced from magical birds or even ponies, which makes each talisman special." Posey muses
She turns to show off the elegant and noble pale pearlescent off-white feather, which glistens off-pink in the last gasp of the fading light on the horizon
"Who knows, perhaps this one could even be from somepony famous?"
Posey then mutters an indiscernible arcane word and tosses the talisman into the sea. There it floats before growing at an exponential rate until in the span of less than six seconds it transforms into a grand and beautiful swan-like boat, with a long craning nech and comfy feathered interior. The vessel stretches 50 feet long and twenty feet wide, and floats gracefully on the water.
"I present to you, Her Majesty's Ship." she says, with a bow
"All aboard!"
Posey boards the swan boat.
>>192992
Nice description!
Cavaliere stands back as the magical feather transforms into a seaworthy craft. He wastes no time to hook up the rowboats in a chain behind its stern, taking 10 in his rope tying abilities.
Nice description!
Cavaliere stands back as the magical feather transforms into a seaworthy craft. He wastes no time to hook up the rowboats in a chain behind its stern, taking 10 in his rope tying abilities.
>>192992
>>192986
>>192994
Kira is startled at the rapid transformation and appearance of the unusual watercraft. She slowly slithers up to it and flicks her tongue, trying to catch any unusual scents coming off of it. Even Silver takes a step back, clearly not expecting such a thing to happen. He quickly recomposes himself, however. Standing in front of the boat, he draws his greatsword and holds in aloft in the air above him, the silver-clad blade reflecting what little light is left from the sky or the dark sea as well as the light blue glow from Silver's magic grip.
"COMRADES! We may have once been adversaries, but on this fateful night and this forsaken isle, we now fight together as brothers and sisters, joined together in defense of this world and all who inhabit it! Though dark may be this night, filled with horrors from other realms of existence, our souls shall burn brightly through it!"
As if reacting to his words, his sword seems to shine brighter, a light blue glow forming around it like a beacon. His voice seems to carry an even greater conviction as it does so.
"The Traveler may attempt to control our minds, wield our bodies, but our hearts may never be tamed! Our fiery spirits like swords shall cut through this darkness, banish this Aberration back into depths from whence it came, and free this land and its inhabitants of this madness! And when we behold dawn once again, we will behold it victoriously leg-in-leg as brothers- and sisters-in-arms, and it will be brighter than any we have witnessed before!"
He thrusts his sword into the air, the glow intensifying to light up the faces of the creatures gathered before him. His voice swells to a crescendo as he rallies the creatures he now calls his comrades.
"WITH ME NOW, MY FRIENDS, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, MY COMRADES! URA! URA! URA! URA! UUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
>>192986
>>192994
Kira is startled at the rapid transformation and appearance of the unusual watercraft. She slowly slithers up to it and flicks her tongue, trying to catch any unusual scents coming off of it. Even Silver takes a step back, clearly not expecting such a thing to happen. He quickly recomposes himself, however. Standing in front of the boat, he draws his greatsword and holds in aloft in the air above him, the silver-clad blade reflecting what little light is left from the sky or the dark sea as well as the light blue glow from Silver's magic grip.
"COMRADES! We may have once been adversaries, but on this fateful night and this forsaken isle, we now fight together as brothers and sisters, joined together in defense of this world and all who inhabit it! Though dark may be this night, filled with horrors from other realms of existence, our souls shall burn brightly through it!"
As if reacting to his words, his sword seems to shine brighter, a light blue glow forming around it like a beacon. His voice seems to carry an even greater conviction as it does so.
"The Traveler may attempt to control our minds, wield our bodies, but our hearts may never be tamed! Our fiery spirits like swords shall cut through this darkness, banish this Aberration back into depths from whence it came, and free this land and its inhabitants of this madness! And when we behold dawn once again, we will behold it victoriously leg-in-leg as brothers- and sisters-in-arms, and it will be brighter than any we have witnessed before!"
He thrusts his sword into the air, the glow intensifying to light up the faces of the creatures gathered before him. His voice swells to a crescendo as he rallies the creatures he now calls his comrades.
"WITH ME NOW, MY FRIENDS, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, MY COMRADES! URA! URA! URA! URA! UUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Do the Stalliongraders ever reveal the location of where the Traveller is laired? I want to know where we are going before we storm the ship.
>>192988
Mala smiles and moves his head side to side
>>192989
"Then let's move" The captain says
>>192991
The Captain has a sort of flinch, as if surprised when Kira touches him, and his eyes go wide.
"Uh... I'm a bit confused by what is going on but... yes, I'd rather not be assimilated by... whatever it is..."
>>192992
For some reason Blackheel, Starfire and Weary Weeks don't seem to like "Her Majesty's," but the ponies, at first startled by the boat, take interest in it. Starfire is the first pony to step onto the boat, and a few more follow.
>>192995
Kira sees and now smells the massive, somewhat bird-shaped boat-thing in front of her. Birds are scary... But not all of them. Some of them are edible. Like swans. And this is like a swan, right? But it's too big to be edible. Kira couldn't swallow that. Probably no lamia could. At least Kira hopes that there's no lamia that could. But since it's so big, doesn't that make it scary? Come on Kira... It's an inanimate object, not a bird. It's nothing to be afraid of. But then again, an inanimate object can harm you. Like rocks when they fall. But wait. Isn't it able to move under its own propulsion? Doesn't that make it dangerous? Okay, it's back to being scary again, maybe a little.
>>192995
At first the ponies look on in hesistation, but a few ponies step forward soon enough. These are Pinup Locker, Primed Well, the white pegasus airpony, and the green unicorn. Steppe Eagle and Rustling Pine join thereafter. Patient Pipette in particular comes close to Silver, almost uncomfortably so. A number of ponies join in the final "URA!" whinnying and rearing on their hindlegs.
>>192994
Cavaliere works dilligently, with three rowboats in total.
Mala smiles and moves his head side to side
>>192989
"Then let's move" The captain says
>>192991
The Captain has a sort of flinch, as if surprised when Kira touches him, and his eyes go wide.
"Uh... I'm a bit confused by what is going on but... yes, I'd rather not be assimilated by... whatever it is..."
>>192992
For some reason Blackheel, Starfire and Weary Weeks don't seem to like "Her Majesty's," but the ponies, at first startled by the boat, take interest in it. Starfire is the first pony to step onto the boat, and a few more follow.
>>192995
Kira sees and now smells the massive, somewhat bird-shaped boat-thing in front of her. Birds are scary... But not all of them. Some of them are edible. Like swans. And this is like a swan, right? But it's too big to be edible. Kira couldn't swallow that. Probably no lamia could. At least Kira hopes that there's no lamia that could. But since it's so big, doesn't that make it scary? Come on Kira... It's an inanimate object, not a bird. It's nothing to be afraid of. But then again, an inanimate object can harm you. Like rocks when they fall. But wait. Isn't it able to move under its own propulsion? Doesn't that make it dangerous? Okay, it's back to being scary again, maybe a little.
>>192995
At first the ponies look on in hesistation, but a few ponies step forward soon enough. These are Pinup Locker, Primed Well, the white pegasus airpony, and the green unicorn. Steppe Eagle and Rustling Pine join thereafter. Patient Pipette in particular comes close to Silver, almost uncomfortably so. A number of ponies join in the final "URA!" whinnying and rearing on their hindlegs.
>>192994
Cavaliere works dilligently, with three rowboats in total.
>>193009
Kira shrinks down into the ground, looking like she'd bury herself then and there if she could. Raising a hoof, she asks out loud. "Um...do you think I could...maybe..." Her voice growing tiny, she finishes, "...float...behind...please?"
Silver levels his sword in the direction of the Kostroma, repeating what Cavaliere said just a few moments ago. "All aboard, to victory!"
Kira shrinks down into the ground, looking like she'd bury herself then and there if she could. Raising a hoof, she asks out loud. "Um...do you think I could...maybe..." Her voice growing tiny, she finishes, "...float...behind...please?"
Silver levels his sword in the direction of the Kostroma, repeating what Cavaliere said just a few moments ago. "All aboard, to victory!"
>>193009
Cavaliere turns to Blackheel, Starfire, and Partial View. "You have valuable skills and are familiar with the layout of the Kostroma. Would you also like to come aboard and help us fight?"
>>193010
In response to Kira, Cavaliere replies, [color #111]"If you want. We cannot and should not bring all these ponies aboard. Do you want to watch over them at their camp?"
Cavaliere turns to Blackheel, Starfire, and Partial View. "You have valuable skills and are familiar with the layout of the Kostroma. Would you also like to come aboard and help us fight?"
>>193010
In response to Kira, Cavaliere replies, [color #111]"If you want. We cannot and should not bring all these ponies aboard. Do you want to watch over them at their camp?"
>>193010
Well... There's water. Also smaller boats
A few ponies go to get on the swan boat, though not everyone is as enthusiastic
Day Chaser
"This is silly"
>>193011
Partial View either doesn't understand, doesn't hear, or just doesn't noticably react. Blackheel says, "And shoot that Hippogriff? Of course." He nods
Starfire on the other hoof, looks away, then raises his right hoof to rub his left leg
"Well... I'm not much of a fighter..."
Well... There's water. Also smaller boats
A few ponies go to get on the swan boat, though not everyone is as enthusiastic
Day Chaser
"This is silly"
>>193011
Partial View either doesn't understand, doesn't hear, or just doesn't noticably react. Blackheel says, "And shoot that Hippogriff? Of course." He nods
Starfire on the other hoof, looks away, then raises his right hoof to rub his left leg
"Well... I'm not much of a fighter..."
>>193009
I like how you describe things from Kira's sensory perspective.
Posey turns to Blackheel
"Blackheel, with your permission, I would like to give you my mark so that I may attempt to contact you should we be separated later." Posey offers in a completely non-sinister way.
Bluff
[1d20+16 = (9+16) = 25]
>>193012
"You know what is also silly? Freezing to death on a desert island. Get on the boat."
I like how you describe things from Kira's sensory perspective.
Posey turns to Blackheel
"Blackheel, with your permission, I would like to give you my mark so that I may attempt to contact you should we be separated later." Posey offers in a completely non-sinister way.
Bluff
[1d20+16 = (9+16) = 25]
>>193012
"You know what is also silly? Freezing to death on a desert island. Get on the boat."
>>193016
"Like a spell." Posey replies
"Just a little boop, for good luck...." she continues, reaching out her hoof out towards him, waiting for permission to touch.
"Like a spell." Posey replies
"Just a little boop, for good luck...." she continues, reaching out her hoof out towards him, waiting for permission to touch.
>>193012
Silver looks over at Day Chaser, his sword continuing to glow. He narrows his eyes at the pony. "Silly? There is nothing silly about this situation. What is it about this that is silly?"
>>193011
Kira taps her hooves together in front of her, and looks from Cavaliere to off to the side and back again. "But...won't the 'gee are you' and the monsters attack whoever is left behind?"
Silver looks over at Day Chaser, his sword continuing to glow. He narrows his eyes at the pony. "Silly? There is nothing silly about this situation. What is it about this that is silly?"
>>193011
Kira taps her hooves together in front of her, and looks from Cavaliere to off to the side and back again. "But...won't the 'gee are you' and the monsters attack whoever is left behind?"
1765049004_1.png (1.9 MB, 1079x1291, Screenshot_20251206-141233.png)
>>193018
"Very well. Boop."
Posey versatile casts two lvl 1 slots to cast Necrotic Cyst (saving my lvl 2 slots for later), giving Blackheel a gentle boop on the nose.
>The internal cyst is noticeable as a slight bulge on the subject's arm, abdomen, or face (wherever you chose to touch the target) or it is buried deeply enough in the flesh of your target that it is not immediately obvious—the subject may not realize what was implanted within her.
In this case, Posey does the latter, burying the cyst deep inside Blackheel's snoot, so far that it is not visible, although he might feel a slight scrunchy sensation as the spell manifests, although it should go away after a few seconds.
"Splendid. Now, on to the ship we go."
Once everypony is aboard the ship and/or lifeboats, Posey commands the swan boat to move towards the Kostroma.
"Very well. Boop."
Posey versatile casts two lvl 1 slots to cast Necrotic Cyst (saving my lvl 2 slots for later), giving Blackheel a gentle boop on the nose.
>The internal cyst is noticeable as a slight bulge on the subject's arm, abdomen, or face (wherever you chose to touch the target) or it is buried deeply enough in the flesh of your target that it is not immediately obvious—the subject may not realize what was implanted within her.
In this case, Posey does the latter, burying the cyst deep inside Blackheel's snoot, so far that it is not visible, although he might feel a slight scrunchy sensation as the spell manifests, although it should go away after a few seconds.
"Splendid. Now, on to the ship we go."
Once everypony is aboard the ship and/or lifeboats, Posey commands the swan boat to move towards the Kostroma.
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