The SSRS Kostroma lies idle in the southeastern bay of Mended Horn Island. Only the front portion, the two forward masts and the front of the superstructure that sits in the center of the freighter's hull, is illuminated by a pair of dim lights that glow orange-red, a sure sign that the boilers of the Kostroma are dying, and the lights will soon go off. The remainder of the ship's funnel, and the mast behind the superstructure are visible only in silhouette. The gibbous moon and starry night that would have provided a clear backdrop to the black hulk of the Kostroma have been smothered by the overcast skies and light rain.
A sound comes, not from the Kostroma, and indeed, not from anywhere at all. A low, vaguely tinnitus-like sound that drains out the sound of silence. It calls to you. It calls to everyone.
"Come to the Kostroma, good soldier. Join us here. Come."
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
1420 replies | 60 files | 156 UUIDs | Page 1
1764999034.webm (5.4 MB, Resolution:1280x720 Length:00:00:24, 2357157__safe_female_pony_oc_mare_clothes_oc+only_pegasus_earth+pony_animated_hat_plot_duo_heart_raised+hoof_butt_cloud_webm_uniform_sound_cloudy_exp.webm) [play once] [loop]
Soon we take the Kostroma.
All aboard.
All aboard.
>>193019 →
"Staying on the boats is another thing to do, and would let us get away faster. But every creature aboard would be more exposed both to the weather and to sight."
"Staying on the boats is another thing to do, and would let us get away faster. But every creature aboard would be more exposed both to the weather and to sight."
>>193020 →
Blackheel's head recoils back, and he yells in evident displeasure
"Ага! Чёртова кобыла. Нет. Не трогай. Морду!"
Blackheel's head recoils back, and he yells in evident displeasure
"Ага! Чёртова кобыла. Нет. Не трогай. Морду!"
>>193022
Kira looks over to the Kostroma, and replies, "I don't think anyone on the ship is paying attention. And the 'gee are you' would probably just do what they did to the airship after we exploded it..."
Kira looks over to the Kostroma, and replies, "I don't think anyone on the ship is paying attention. And the 'gee are you' would probably just do what they did to the airship after we exploded it..."
>>193028
"A little trick my master taught me. It is no harm on its own. I even use it on my son." Posey replies, evasively
"Now, if you will excuse me..." she fastens her blinders
"My mouth will be occupied for the time being." she says, stifling a groan, her cheeks puffing as she holds back the blood shooting up her throat
"A little trick my master taught me. It is no harm on its own. I even use it on my son." Posey replies, evasively
"Now, if you will excuse me..." she fastens her blinders
"My mouth will be occupied for the time being." she says, stifling a groan, her cheeks puffing as she holds back the blood shooting up her throat
>>193032
Silver turns his head to look at the swan boat. He purses his lips in contemplation. "...yes, I will concede that to you." Looking back at Day Chaser, he continues. "But no matter how ridiculous our vehicle of battle may look, it is battle all same."
Silver turns his head to look at the swan boat. He purses his lips in contemplation. "...yes, I will concede that to you." Looking back at Day Chaser, he continues. "But no matter how ridiculous our vehicle of battle may look, it is battle all same."
>>193029
"You have not earned yourself any trust today. You look to be involved with the worst kinds of sorceries."
"You have not earned yourself any trust today. You look to be involved with the worst kinds of sorceries."
With the swan boat moving at 60 ft per round, how long will it take us to get to the Kostroma?
>>193037
"You can stay aboard. We will do our best to keep the group safe by dealing with this threat."
"You can stay aboard. We will do our best to keep the group safe by dealing with this threat."
>>193037
Silver: "Look around you, soldier. We are on isolated island full of monsters and hostile soldiers. We can not stay here. Even if we could call for evacuation, they would more than likely crash into island because of darkness and fog, and if they do not then they will be shot down by Spetsnaz ship. And even if they did not, then Traveler would still be out there, and would still be problem."
Kira holds her hoof in the air. "The captain did say that the Traveler is planning on feigning capture so he can be taken to the mainland. If we don't deal with him, then the 'gee are you' are going to take him to Equus, and then..." She goes quiet before finishing that statement.
Silver: "Look around you, soldier. We are on isolated island full of monsters and hostile soldiers. We can not stay here. Even if we could call for evacuation, they would more than likely crash into island because of darkness and fog, and if they do not then they will be shot down by Spetsnaz ship. And even if they did not, then Traveler would still be out there, and would still be problem."
Kira holds her hoof in the air. "The captain did say that the Traveler is planning on feigning capture so he can be taken to the mainland. If we don't deal with him, then the 'gee are you' are going to take him to Equus, and then..." She goes quiet before finishing that statement.
Day Chaser gets on
The ponies are ready to board or have boarded already.
How are the ponies distributed and how is the boat moved?
Is everyone ready?
The ponies are ready to board or have boarded already.
How are the ponies distributed and how is the boat moved?
Is everyone ready?
>>193047
The boat seems to be magically self-propelled, but probably works something like the paddle boats its based on. It's a flat-bottom boat, so it should not get stuck on the sandbank the Kostroma is on.
>Swan Boat: A token that forms a swanlike boat capable of moving on water at a speed of 60 feet. It can carry eight horses and gear or thirty-two Medium characters or any equivalent combination. The boat lasts for one day.
https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Feather_Token
Ponies who are actually going to board the Kostroma should be in the front of the boat, do that they will be able to climb aboard when we get there.
I'm ready.
The boat seems to be magically self-propelled, but probably works something like the paddle boats its based on. It's a flat-bottom boat, so it should not get stuck on the sandbank the Kostroma is on.
>Swan Boat: A token that forms a swanlike boat capable of moving on water at a speed of 60 feet. It can carry eight horses and gear or thirty-two Medium characters or any equivalent combination. The boat lasts for one day.
https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Feather_Token
Ponies who are actually going to board the Kostroma should be in the front of the boat, do that they will be able to climb aboard when we get there.
I'm ready.
>>193047
Let's put the possessed ponies in the rowboats, unconscious and injured ponies in the middle of the boat and the able-bodied ones around the outside. Is it powered by sails or something?
Let's put the possessed ponies in the rowboats, unconscious and injured ponies in the middle of the boat and the able-bodied ones around the outside. Is it powered by sails or something?
Is the party intending on boarding the ship up its ladders, or any plans on how to approach?
>>193050
I don't know how much rope is left, but Cavaliere could get several lines up for safe climbing.
I don't know how much rope is left, but Cavaliere could get several lines up for safe climbing.
Blackheel:
"The thing was being hauled in the Number 2 cargo hold, the second from the bow, where the whole cargo hold was made to store it, more or less, with some testing equipment there. The Number 1 cargo hold was made into a makeshift science lab. The number 4 cargo hold had some supplies and also beds, though it was used to haul cargo on the journey to Everfrost. Cargo holds 5 and 3 are still in cargo configuration and are mostly empty, though some material has come back with us.
The midship has the bridge and captains quarters on its top most deck, officer's quarters on the fourth deck, crew quarters on the main deck, supplies on the second deck, and the engine room on the lowest deck. The stern of the ship has quarters for the marines and also the armory. The bow of the ship contains the infirmary and carpenter's shop. We got off on the life boats, and apparently so did the thing's puppets."
"The thing was being hauled in the Number 2 cargo hold, the second from the bow, where the whole cargo hold was made to store it, more or less, with some testing equipment there. The Number 1 cargo hold was made into a makeshift science lab. The number 4 cargo hold had some supplies and also beds, though it was used to haul cargo on the journey to Everfrost. Cargo holds 5 and 3 are still in cargo configuration and are mostly empty, though some material has come back with us.
The midship has the bridge and captains quarters on its top most deck, officer's quarters on the fourth deck, crew quarters on the main deck, supplies on the second deck, and the engine room on the lowest deck. The stern of the ship has quarters for the marines and also the armory. The bow of the ship contains the infirmary and carpenter's shop. We got off on the life boats, and apparently so did the thing's puppets."
The port side of the ship is presented to the party from the shore. The bow is slightly closer than the stern. The ship presents with 25 foot steel walls rising above the surface, with ladders near the center.
>>193061
Kira doesn't know much about ships but she knows... That's kind of an odd shape in the center of it. Like there's something there besides just the ship.
Kira doesn't know much about ships but she knows... That's kind of an odd shape in the center of it. Like there's something there besides just the ship.
>>193062
It's very dark outside and very difficult to see much, but more can be seen either by coming closer, shining a light on it, or just... well... squinting harder
It's very dark outside and very difficult to see much, but more can be seen either by coming closer, shining a light on it, or just... well... squinting harder
>>193065
If it's a sea monster, it's asleep
Essentially it's a big form immediately next to the ship that does seem to move with the waves, but not by much
If it's a sea monster, it's asleep
Essentially it's a big form immediately next to the ship that does seem to move with the waves, but not by much
>>193058
"What do you say? If we want to make this quick, we could descend through an adjacent hold and attack before it can move all its forces here."
>>193060
>>193065
"There is something in the water. We need to avoid hitting it. After we board, maybe the sailors should get this boat out of reach of whatever that is."
"What do you say? If we want to make this quick, we could descend through an adjacent hold and attack before it can move all its forces here."
>>193060
>>193065
"There is something in the water. We need to avoid hitting it. After we board, maybe the sailors should get this boat out of reach of whatever that is."
>>193067
Blackheel
"It didn't let us get near it. Well, okay, it did, but no one who got near it escaped."
Blackheel
"It didn't let us get near it. Well, okay, it did, but no one who got near it escaped."
>>193067
>>193068
Silver: "We do not want to go at it unprepared. There is armory and infirmary for us to stock up, and it is good idea to have quick look at ship systems to make sure we can flee once Traveler is gone. Boiler, bridge, even captain's quarters to make sure nothing horribly wrong is being stored there."
>>193068
Silver: "We do not want to go at it unprepared. There is armory and infirmary for us to stock up, and it is good idea to have quick look at ship systems to make sure we can flee once Traveler is gone. Boiler, bridge, even captain's quarters to make sure nothing horribly wrong is being stored there."
>>193069
"You met some of them on the island, I am sure. They were puppeted. Or at least some of them were. I don't actually know. I just know that all of us who escaped ended up holding up in Hold 4 until we made a run for it."
"You met some of them on the island, I am sure. They were puppeted. Or at least some of them were. I don't actually know. I just know that all of us who escaped ended up holding up in Hold 4 until we made a run for it."
As they move closer, another flare lights up behind them, spreading green light. The Kostroma's side is grey, but there next to the ladder on the portside midship, they are able to see what the form is. It's another boat. Almost a ship, being around a hundred feet long next to the Kostroma's ~430. It is low in the water and painted a dark grey.
>>193075
"There it is! They've beaten us to the boarding. We should expect heavy resistance, and move the swan boat out of sight. Whoever pilots it should carry a radio, so we can call when the coast is clear."
"There it is! They've beaten us to the boarding. We should expect heavy resistance, and move the swan boat out of sight. Whoever pilots it should carry a radio, so we can call when the coast is clear."
>>193075
Posey doesn't say anything because she is trying not to vomit, but she points ahead to the boat.
Posey doesn't say anything because she is trying not to vomit, but she points ahead to the boat.
>>193080
Silver doesn't actually know. What he does know is: it's too small to be a proper destroyer or frigate, it seems to have... torpedo tubes? Guns? No national markings are visible.
Silver doesn't actually know. What he does know is: it's too small to be a proper destroyer or frigate, it seems to have... torpedo tubes? Guns? No national markings are visible.
>>193081
It's design is low in the water and not exactly consistent with a fishing trawler or cargo ship.
It's design is low in the water and not exactly consistent with a fishing trawler or cargo ship.
>>193081
Can we hear gunfire aboard the Kostroma?
Even if that GRU is here, they have clearly not solved that problem.
Full speed ahead either way. We already came this far.
Good to know there's another boat we could steal though.
Can we hear gunfire aboard the Kostroma?
Even if that GRU is here, they have clearly not solved that problem.
Full speed ahead either way. We already came this far.
Good to know there's another boat we could steal though.
Cavaliere double checks to make sure his guns are loaded. He also measures up his rope to ensure there's enough to reach the deck, with length to spare.
CHAK CHAK CHAK CHAK
From the front of the boat, a muzzle flash and tracer fire. It moves across the deck of the boat, with many rounds hitting the "face" of the swan and spraying splinters of wood. Ponies and griffins dive for cover on the otherwise exposed deck of the swanboat.
From the front of the boat, a muzzle flash and tracer fire. It moves across the deck of the boat, with many rounds hitting the "face" of the swan and spraying splinters of wood. Ponies and griffins dive for cover on the otherwise exposed deck of the swanboat.
>>193085
This is the only direction that's been given to the boat and it's going to get us all killed. Can we please move evasively away from this?
This is the only direction that's been given to the boat and it's going to get us all killed. Can we please move evasively away from this?
>>193090
Kira starts screaming and holding her hooves over her head. Silver is the first to react with aiming his rifle up towards the direction of the incoming fire and shooting.
[1d20+11 = (4+11) = 15]
[2d8 = 9]
Kira starts screaming and holding her hooves over her head. Silver is the first to react with aiming his rifle up towards the direction of the incoming fire and shooting.
[1d20+11 = (4+11) = 15]
[2d8 = 9]
>>193090
I may as well shoot off an arrow before going prone
[1d20+5 = (11+5) = 16]
[1d8+3 = (1+3) = 4]
I may as well shoot off an arrow before going prone
[1d20+5 = (11+5) = 16]
[1d8+3 = (1+3) = 4]
CHAK CHAK CHAK
"Ist das ein weiteres Monster?"
>>193093
Silver's bullet must hit near the gunner, given a static charge, but seems to deflect off of a cover
>>193092
They probably could, even if eventually they'd succumb to machine gun fire. The bigger issue is that the front most portion is lower and does not provide such cover
>>193094
Posey's arrow may have struck true, hard to say
"Ist das ein weiteres Monster?"
>>193093
Silver's bullet must hit near the gunner, given a static charge, but seems to deflect off of a cover
>>193092
They probably could, even if eventually they'd succumb to machine gun fire. The bigger issue is that the front most portion is lower and does not provide such cover
>>193094
Posey's arrow may have struck true, hard to say
Maybe I should have Monstro charge the gunner?
Any flyers want to shoot from an elevated position?
Any flyers want to shoot from an elevated position?
>>193095
Maybe this could work, sure. Let's do that. Let's go around the other side to avoid gunfire.
Maybe this could work, sure. Let's do that. Let's go around the other side to avoid gunfire.
>>193100
Posey hears many "thuds" and sees green lights travel to either side at very, very high velocity.
Posey hears many "thuds" and sees green lights travel to either side at very, very high velocity.
"Es ist eine Art seltsames Boot."
"Halt es fern!"
>>193103
These shots do not quite land against a gunner with plates as cover
Two ponies lean over the side and shoot
[1d20+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[2d8 = 4]
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
[2d8 = 10]
"Halt es fern!"
>>193103
These shots do not quite land against a gunner with plates as cover
Two ponies lean over the side and shoot
[1d20+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[2d8 = 4]
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
[2d8 = 10]
Blackheel:
"If you can't handle a few pirates who haven't even gotten to their big guns yet, you are not fit to fight a god"
Blackheel leans over the edge of the boat, and shoots at the other boat with his pistol
"Идите на меня, никчёмные бандиты! Прыгай в воду, если хочешь жить!"
BANG BANG
>>193106
Turning the boat brings the... port side to the boat? The wings face it
The boat is slow, so it will be in the line of gunfire for a bit of time
"If you can't handle a few pirates who haven't even gotten to their big guns yet, you are not fit to fight a god"
Blackheel leans over the edge of the boat, and shoots at the other boat with his pistol
"Идите на меня, никчёмные бандиты! Прыгай в воду, если хочешь жить!"
BANG BANG
>>193106
Turning the boat brings the... port side to the boat? The wings face it
The boat is slow, so it will be in the line of gunfire for a bit of time
>>193107
We have the machine gun from the airplane. Could we set it up on the gunwales so we can at least shoot back with equivalent firepower?
We have the machine gun from the airplane. Could we set it up on the gunwales so we can at least shoot back with equivalent firepower?
>>193107
Silver keeps working his rifle to try to keep his creatures covered.
[1d20+11 = (10+11) = 21]
[2d8 = 10]
[1d20+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[2d8 = 9]
Silver keeps working his rifle to try to keep his creatures covered.
[1d20+11 = (10+11) = 21]
[2d8 = 10]
[1d20+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[2d8 = 9]
>>193110
The airponies have the knowhow and experience to use it. Cavaliere assists them however he can.
The airponies have the knowhow and experience to use it. Cavaliere assists them however he can.
"Ist das die Hauptmacht?"
"Ich denke, es ist eine Vorhut."
>>193111
CHAK
The machine gun is silenced
On the back deck of the boat, two rifles start shooting
Bang
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
Bang
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
"Ich denke, es ist eine Vorhut."
>>193111
CHAK
The machine gun is silenced
On the back deck of the boat, two rifles start shooting
Bang
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
Bang
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
>>193113
[2d8 = 4]
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
[2d8 = 9]
[1d4 = 2]
[2d8 = 11]
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
[2d8 = 5]
[1d4 = 1]
[2d8 = 4]
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
[2d8 = 9]
[1d4 = 2]
[2d8 = 11]
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
[2d8 = 5]
[1d4 = 1]
>>193115
Silver: "ЕБАТЬ!"
Blood start running rapidly out of Silver's neck. Being a combat medic, he immediately checks Steppe Eagle for a pulse.
Silver: "ЕБАТЬ!"
Blood start running rapidly out of Silver's neck. Being a combat medic, he immediately checks Steppe Eagle for a pulse.
>>193119
Heal: Silver covers the downed pony's body with his own as he attempts to stabilize him.
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]
Heal: Silver covers the downed pony's body with his own as he attempts to stabilize him.
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]
>>193125
What?
Where are you going? Away from the boat? Towards the boat? Around the boat? "We're going to the Kostroma" Nigger you're in combat with a boat that is in between you and the Kostroma. It is physically in the way. You can go around it but you have to tell me that. Phrase your answer in relation to the boat.
What?
Where are you going? Away from the boat? Towards the boat? Around the boat? "We're going to the Kostroma" Nigger you're in combat with a boat that is in between you and the Kostroma. It is physically in the way. You can go around it but you have to tell me that. Phrase your answer in relation to the boat.
>>193126
BANG BANG
Silver thinks he's downed one, but a new one flies up, then another. There is chatter amongst themselves
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
[2d8 = 9]
[1d20+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[2d8 = 9]
BANG BANG
Silver thinks he's downed one, but a new one flies up, then another. There is chatter amongst themselves
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
[2d8 = 9]
[1d20+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[2d8 = 9]
Silver is hit for 9 damage
Rustling Pine shoots back,
[1d20 = 10]
[2d8 = 6]
Followed by Blackheel
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
[2d6 = 8]
Then the White Pegasus
[1d20+3 = (8+3) = 11]
[2d8 = 9]
Rustling Pine shoots back,
[1d20 = 10]
[2d8 = 6]
Followed by Blackheel
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
[2d6 = 8]
Then the White Pegasus
[1d20+3 = (8+3) = 11]
[2d8 = 9]
The machinegun is placed on the deck of the boat, and a belt begins to be loaded in
>>193129
Silver is fairly certain there is more blood outside of him then there is inside. Still, he keeps fighting on in defense of his brothers and sisters.
[1d20+11 = (12+11) = 23]
[2d8 = 15]
[1d20+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[2d8 = 14]
Silver is fairly certain there is more blood outside of him then there is inside. Still, he keeps fighting on in defense of his brothers and sisters.
[1d20+11 = (12+11) = 23]
[2d8 = 15]
[1d20+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[2d8 = 14]
>>193127
Pardon, I was confused.
Alright, let's go around the boat and past it, towards the Kostroma.
Since we're going on that direction and we are in range, Posey is going to have Monstro charge the machine gunner.
[1d20+16 = (18+16) = 34]
[2d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] + paralysis
Grapple
[1d20+22 = (13+22) = 35]
Construct
[2d6+15 = (8+15) = 23]
Posey shoots an arrow
[1d20+5 = (5+5) = 10]
[1d8+3 = (4+3) = 7]
Pardon, I was confused.
Alright, let's go around the boat and past it, towards the Kostroma.
Since we're going on that direction and we are in range, Posey is going to have Monstro charge the machine gunner.
[1d20+16 = (18+16) = 34]
[2d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] + paralysis
Grapple
[1d20+22 = (13+22) = 35]
Construct
[2d6+15 = (8+15) = 23]
Posey shoots an arrow
[1d20+5 = (5+5) = 10]
[1d8+3 = (4+3) = 7]
"We don't have much chance of escape if Silver goes down. Patch him up!" he commands to the huddling survivors.
>>193133
>if Posey wishes to go full Hegseth
Posey's first reflex in any situation is to maximize casualties, but if that's not necessary then I guess we can just sail past it.
I could do that same damage to the boat itself. Maybe Monstro should sink it?
>if Posey wishes to go full Hegseth
Posey's first reflex in any situation is to maximize casualties, but if that's not necessary then I guess we can just sail past it.
I could do that same damage to the boat itself. Maybe Monstro should sink it?
>>193135
>sink the boat
No. There could be valuables aboard, and it may well be faster and more durable than what we have now.
>sink the boat
No. There could be valuables aboard, and it may well be faster and more durable than what we have now.
>>193135
The boat is pretty big, being basically a full-sized, plausibly ocean going torpedo boat. But with enough force and damage, surely it can be sunk. It's definitely not going to be sunk as easily as everything on its deck can be destroyed
>>193134
"Uh..."
Primed Well comes up to Silver, and inspects his wounds
The boat is pretty big, being basically a full-sized, plausibly ocean going torpedo boat. But with enough force and damage, surely it can be sunk. It's definitely not going to be sunk as easily as everything on its deck can be destroyed
>>193134
"Uh..."
Primed Well comes up to Silver, and inspects his wounds
>>193137
Okay, then let's just sail towards the Kostroma. Everypony drop prone and take the Total Defense action for +8 AC vs range attacks.
Okay, then let's just sail towards the Kostroma. Everypony drop prone and take the Total Defense action for +8 AC vs range attacks.
>>193140
Cavaliere remains with any volunteers to finish loading the machine gun and start spraying the enemy deck in bursts.
Cavaliere remains with any volunteers to finish loading the machine gun and start spraying the enemy deck in bursts.
Posey concentrates on moving the boat towards the Kostroma asap
Though the swan boat starts to sail away, more shots are traded
Enemies
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
[2d8 = 5]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[2d8 = 13]
[1d4 = 3]
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d8 = 2]
[1d4 = 1]
Shooting back is Rustling Pine
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
[2d8 = 5]
The White Pegasus
[1d20+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[2d8 = 7]
And Blackheel
"Why are we retreating? Advance! We've nearly got them!"
[1d20+3 = (19+3) = 22]
[2d6 = 6]
Enemies
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
[2d8 = 5]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[2d8 = 13]
[1d4 = 3]
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d8 = 2]
[1d4 = 1]
Shooting back is Rustling Pine
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
[2d8 = 5]
The White Pegasus
[1d20+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[2d8 = 7]
And Blackheel
"Why are we retreating? Advance! We've nearly got them!"
[1d20+3 = (19+3) = 22]
[2d6 = 6]
>>193144
Silver nods through the pain, choking out through the blood gushing out of the hole in his neck, "Kill these bastards."
He fires off another shot before his rifle runs empty and he has to reload.
[1d20+11 = (19+11) = 30]
[2d8 = 8]
Silver nods through the pain, choking out through the blood gushing out of the hole in his neck, "Kill these bastards."
He fires off another shot before his rifle runs empty and he has to reload.
[1d20+11 = (19+11) = 30]
[2d8 = 8]
>>193148
The impact does cause a slight bit more blood to stain his armor, though. He looks over at Pinup and gives the order as he loads two new clips in his rifle. "LIGHT THEM UP!"
The impact does cause a slight bit more blood to stain his armor, though. He looks over at Pinup and gives the order as he loads two new clips in his rifle. "LIGHT THEM UP!"
TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK
The bullets streak through the night with a red glare towards the exposed back the boat, as the machinegun kicks back, loud and shooting at a pace almost twice that of the light machine guns the party has encountered so far. This is a gun designed to kill small planes and boats, not infantry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS2AsSWv_yE
The bullets streak through the night with a red glare towards the exposed back the boat, as the machinegun kicks back, loud and shooting at a pace almost twice that of the light machine guns the party has encountered so far. This is a gun designed to kill small planes and boats, not infantry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS2AsSWv_yE
With the enemy now suppressed and distracted, the griffon ranger takes a leap off the boat and ascends to the level of the deck of the Kostroma, looking to make sure it is clear before touching down.
Pinup Locker doesn't hold down on the trigger for long, either because the recoil threatens to dislodge the gun or because he fears using up his ammunition.
The night is silent.
The night is silent.
>>193156
Okay, so a couple questions:
Is he coming in on the port side?
The middle of the ship is the deckhouse, but at the stern is the aft deckhouse. Between the two is the rearmost mast. Where does he land in relation to these three landmarks?
Okay, so a couple questions:
Is he coming in on the port side?
The middle of the ship is the deckhouse, but at the stern is the aft deckhouse. Between the two is the rearmost mast. Where does he land in relation to these three landmarks?
>>193155
Silver: "Prepare for boarding. See if they had anything we can use." He holds a hoof up to the hole in his neck. "...like bandages."
Silver: "Prepare for boarding. See if they had anything we can use." He holds a hoof up to the hole in his neck. "...like bandages."
There is a ladder, but the boat occupies the space right underneath it. There is a ladder on the opposite side
The boat could be boarded easily, given how comparatively low it is
>>193163
Eeyup. We need to know who these guys are, and if they have any more of a presence on the Kostroma. They could be a problem.
Besides, it's hard to turn down a chance for some loot.
Eeyup. We need to know who these guys are, and if they have any more of a presence on the Kostroma. They could be a problem.
Besides, it's hard to turn down a chance for some loot.
>>193161
It's dark in the back. In order for Cavaliere to go to this position he'd essentially have to do a wide circle, plying around the back of the ship. Then again this maneuver is far from the most inconvenient cavaliere has done. The winds are somewhat cold and the rain is unpleasant, but he's flown in faster winds, harder rain, and much colder weather. As he flies by the aft deckhouse he sees the platform holding the five inch gun. It probably was big enough to take down the KS-19 if they had tried and the former come close enough. Behind it are a pair of Anti-aircraft guns that themselves are no joke. There are no lights on the rear of the ship
Cavaliere lands on the deck. It is wet with rain and a hatch on the cargo hold is open, but there is nothing remarkable. A boon has been lowered from the mast, but it isn't consistent with any clear intent, it seems like an accident.
>>193163
Posey can do anything but fly
It's dark in the back. In order for Cavaliere to go to this position he'd essentially have to do a wide circle, plying around the back of the ship. Then again this maneuver is far from the most inconvenient cavaliere has done. The winds are somewhat cold and the rain is unpleasant, but he's flown in faster winds, harder rain, and much colder weather. As he flies by the aft deckhouse he sees the platform holding the five inch gun. It probably was big enough to take down the KS-19 if they had tried and the former come close enough. Behind it are a pair of Anti-aircraft guns that themselves are no joke. There are no lights on the rear of the ship
Cavaliere lands on the deck. It is wet with rain and a hatch on the cargo hold is open, but there is nothing remarkable. A boon has been lowered from the mast, but it isn't consistent with any clear intent, it seems like an accident.
>>193163
Posey can do anything but fly
>>193165
Cavaliere keeps scanning his surroundings, knowing he is in hostile territory now. He looks down over the railing at the moored boat to see if any enemies remain on it surface.
Cavaliere keeps scanning his surroundings, knowing he is in hostile territory now. He looks down over the railing at the moored boat to see if any enemies remain on it surface.
>>193164
You realize that this may mean losing more hit points ahead of the toughest fight of this adventure, right?
>>193165
Posey is frozen with rigor mortis as her insides liquify. She tightens her blinders and shudders in place trying to ride out her motion sickness, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth.
You realize that this may mean losing more hit points ahead of the toughest fight of this adventure, right?
>>193165
Posey is frozen with rigor mortis as her insides liquify. She tightens her blinders and shudders in place trying to ride out her motion sickness, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth.
>>193167
>>193168
Oh right, in the excitement of the battle Silver forgot about that. He welcomes Mala and motions for Black Heel to come closer so he can take care of him.
Kira stays behind to watch over the ponies who aren't boarding. She is definitely terrifying and her ears are ringing, but she stays behind.
>>193168
Oh right, in the excitement of the battle Silver forgot about that. He welcomes Mala and motions for Black Heel to come closer so he can take care of him.
Kira stays behind to watch over the ponies who aren't boarding. She is definitely terrifying and her ears are ringing, but she stays behind.
Just fyi, it's 11:30 for me right now, and I DM another game tomorrow.
>>193168
Good question. In more ordinary conditions I would say "yes." However there is probably nothing on top of the boat against which he could provide fire support, and the party is not ready to board the Kostroma yet. He will instead inspect the aft deckhouse, looking for a point of entry and any signs of life.
>>193170
I got the impression we won't be able to continue this quest for a few days. We've made good progress so we can call it if you really want to, but I don't mind continuing for now.
Good question. In more ordinary conditions I would say "yes." However there is probably nothing on top of the boat against which he could provide fire support, and the party is not ready to board the Kostroma yet. He will instead inspect the aft deckhouse, looking for a point of entry and any signs of life.
>>193170
I got the impression we won't be able to continue this quest for a few days. We've made good progress so we can call it if you really want to, but I don't mind continuing for now.
>>193172
>few hours
Now that might be inconvenient for me....
Cavaliere sidles up to the edge of the door, turns its mechanism and pushes it open.
>few hours
Now that might be inconvenient for me....
Cavaliere sidles up to the edge of the door, turns its mechanism and pushes it open.
>>193172
Heal: Well, assuming that he does, Silver gets a better look at the bullet wound and does his best to patch Black Heel up. He may end up getting some blood on him in the process.
[1d20+5 = (1+5) = 6]
Heal: Well, assuming that he does, Silver gets a better look at the bullet wound and does his best to patch Black Heel up. He may end up getting some blood on him in the process.
[1d20+5 = (1+5) = 6]
>>193175
Blackheel is shot in the edge of the barrel.
Silver manages, somehow, to agitate the wound and increase the bleeding
"Oww!"
Blackheel is shot in the edge of the barrel.
Silver manages, somehow, to agitate the wound and increase the bleeding
"Oww!"
>>193176
"Дерьмо! Sorry, it is hard for me to focus right now...let me just..."
Heal: Perhaps if Silver instead does a little bit of this, maybe a little bit of that...
[1d20+5 = (8+5) = 13]
"Дерьмо! Sorry, it is hard for me to focus right now...let me just..."
Heal: Perhaps if Silver instead does a little bit of this, maybe a little bit of that...
[1d20+5 = (8+5) = 13]
>>193179
Heal: Silver can be heard muttering to himself under his breath about how "he can do this" and "field medical work is difficult" as he tries on last time to get Black Heel patched up.
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]
Heal: Silver can be heard muttering to himself under his breath about how "he can do this" and "field medical work is difficult" as he tries on last time to get Black Heel patched up.
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]
>>193180
It's back
Blackheel is bandaged
"Thank you" Blackheel says
He opens the cylinder on his revolver, and starts reloading it
It's back
Blackheel is bandaged
"Thank you" Blackheel says
He opens the cylinder on his revolver, and starts reloading it
>>193184
Black Heel, the green unicorn, and Mala are all welcome additions, and Silver leads all three of them into the ship.
Black Heel, the green unicorn, and Mala are all welcome additions, and Silver leads all three of them into the ship.
>>193184
He looks each room over to make sure they are clear, before entering the infirmary and searching for medical supplies.
He looks each room over to make sure they are clear, before entering the infirmary and searching for medical supplies.
>>193186
Each room is clear, and is in varying states of disorder, from completely made-up beds to sheets on the floor.
Though the door to the infirmary is closed, cavaliere can see that cabinet doors are open and someone has gone through bandages
>>193185
At the very end of the ship are a couple large tanks. They bleed a yellow-tinted translucent liquid that smells a bit uncomfortably like diesel fuel. Or one of them does. The other is also aerated, but empty.
Beyond this, and closer to where Silver is more likely to have actually landed, is a large gun on a swivel. Light artillery. It appears to have not been used.
Each room is clear, and is in varying states of disorder, from completely made-up beds to sheets on the floor.
Though the door to the infirmary is closed, cavaliere can see that cabinet doors are open and someone has gone through bandages
>>193185
At the very end of the ship are a couple large tanks. They bleed a yellow-tinted translucent liquid that smells a bit uncomfortably like diesel fuel. Or one of them does. The other is also aerated, but empty.
Beyond this, and closer to where Silver is more likely to have actually landed, is a large gun on a swivel. Light artillery. It appears to have not been used.
>>193188
It looks like it. Some drugs are missing, but there are bandages, some plasma, and possibly potions
It looks like it. Some drugs are missing, but there are bandages, some plasma, and possibly potions
>>193187
The .50 cal must have punctures the tanks. That definitely poses a hazard should something ignite the fumes. Silver turns to the others and cautions them, "No firearms." Putting his rifle away, looks for some sort of repair kit that might have material to patch up the leaking tanks.
The .50 cal must have punctures the tanks. That definitely poses a hazard should something ignite the fumes. Silver turns to the others and cautions them, "No firearms." Putting his rifle away, looks for some sort of repair kit that might have material to patch up the leaking tanks.
>>193190
Nothing immediately comes to mind, save maybe medical bandages or clothing. Silver probably doesn't have tape on him
Nothing immediately comes to mind, save maybe medical bandages or clothing. Silver probably doesn't have tape on him
>>193192
Some clothes are on the floor, and a mattress is moved. Someone left in a hurry or perhaps went through the room, but there is no blood.
In another room, it is not so. Clothes are folded up.
Cavaliere can see that the rooms have lockers.
Some clothes are on the floor, and a mattress is moved. Someone left in a hurry or perhaps went through the room, but there is no blood.
In another room, it is not so. Clothes are folded up.
Cavaliere can see that the rooms have lockers.
>>193191
Hmm...Silver sees what else there is on the top deck before he goes below. Perhaps the diesel tanks won't be as much of an issue as he fears and can wait for the moment.
Hmm...Silver sees what else there is on the top deck before he goes below. Perhaps the diesel tanks won't be as much of an issue as he fears and can wait for the moment.
>>193195
Some are locked, some are not.
>>193194
On the deck is a tan colored griffin with a rifle next to him, then a grey griffin with a rifle next to... her? Him? Then a yellow earth pony, also has a rifle. These are walkways next to hatches on the deck, and a section carrying multiple rafts, between the deckhouse and the gun.
Then next to the deck house, which has an open door, there is the body of another griffin. Reddish color.
Some are locked, some are not.
>>193194
On the deck is a tan colored griffin with a rifle next to him, then a grey griffin with a rifle next to... her? Him? Then a yellow earth pony, also has a rifle. These are walkways next to hatches on the deck, and a section carrying multiple rafts, between the deckhouse and the gun.
Then next to the deck house, which has an open door, there is the body of another griffin. Reddish color.
>>193196
"This is quite diverse cast of characters." Silver checks the bodies for any possessions, as well as checking the rifles and ammunition, and that machine gun that fired upon them if it's still around. He motions for Black Heel, the green unicorn, and Mala to do the same.
"This is quite diverse cast of characters." Silver checks the bodies for any possessions, as well as checking the rifles and ammunition, and that machine gun that fired upon them if it's still around. He motions for Black Heel, the green unicorn, and Mala to do the same.
>>193197
There cigarettes and a lighter (it's a bright enough yellow to be of note), a few pictures, some glasses...
The ones that are open tend to not have much in them.
>>193198
They nod. Silver hears a "thud" as one of the ponies slams the butt of a rifle into the head of a griffin. Mala goes off to examine the machine gun
The riffles are of a griffonian model he's seen before... at Blackbriar Pier. Except for one, which is of an Aquilian model. The pony uses a rifle that has the hoofguard removed.
The creatures have on them small amounts of imperial currency. One has a ring. the first griffin has a pipe, tobacco, and a flask for alcohol. The grey griffin has... some kind of prayer beads? Also some medicine of an unknown variety. The yellow pony has a gold coin from Nova Griffonia, several condoms, a switch blade knife, and a deck of cards. The reddish griffin may be alive, and has Imperial guilders, a very oily rag (not a handkerchief. An actual rag), and a knife with an ivory handle.
There cigarettes and a lighter (it's a bright enough yellow to be of note), a few pictures, some glasses...
The ones that are open tend to not have much in them.
>>193198
They nod. Silver hears a "thud" as one of the ponies slams the butt of a rifle into the head of a griffin. Mala goes off to examine the machine gun
The riffles are of a griffonian model he's seen before... at Blackbriar Pier. Except for one, which is of an Aquilian model. The pony uses a rifle that has the hoofguard removed.
The creatures have on them small amounts of imperial currency. One has a ring. the first griffin has a pipe, tobacco, and a flask for alcohol. The grey griffin has... some kind of prayer beads? Also some medicine of an unknown variety. The yellow pony has a gold coin from Nova Griffonia, several condoms, a switch blade knife, and a deck of cards. The reddish griffin may be alive, and has Imperial guilders, a very oily rag (not a handkerchief. An actual rag), and a knife with an ivory handle.
>>193199
Usually Silver likes to keep sober on missions, but with the pain he's in he opens up the flask and empties it into his mouth without much of a second thought. Unfortunate that whatever alcohol it is thus tastes at least a little bit like his own blood. The condoms he has no need for (why would a creature, especially one like Silver, ever have need for such things?), and ever since eating that fruit he hasn't felt any urge at all to smoke, but he does take the cards, the two knives, and the currency, and he checks the ring for an inscription that might give a clue as to its owner's identity.
The reddish griffon may be alive, but is he conscious enough to be interrogated?
Usually Silver likes to keep sober on missions, but with the pain he's in he opens up the flask and empties it into his mouth without much of a second thought. Unfortunate that whatever alcohol it is thus tastes at least a little bit like his own blood. The condoms he has no need for (why would a creature, especially one like Silver, ever have need for such things?), and ever since eating that fruit he hasn't felt any urge at all to smoke, but he does take the cards, the two knives, and the currency, and he checks the ring for an inscription that might give a clue as to its owner's identity.
The reddish griffon may be alive, but is he conscious enough to be interrogated?
>>193200
There's a couple sets
One is of a little filly who must be posing for the picture, and is in a very thick and relatively fancy coat. She has a little flower in her mane.
Then there is a set of pictures that is quite a bit thicker. There is a line of bodies together in a ditch. Some kind of... giant black tadpole? The image itself is distorted and hasn't come out right. Smoke above a set of huts.
There's a couple sets
One is of a little filly who must be posing for the picture, and is in a very thick and relatively fancy coat. She has a little flower in her mane.
Then there is a set of pictures that is quite a bit thicker. There is a line of bodies together in a ditch. Some kind of... giant black tadpole? The image itself is distorted and hasn't come out right. Smoke above a set of huts.
He takes the pictures and moves on. If there's nothing else easily accessible, he will shine the light down the stairwell and see what's at the bottom.
In fact, Silver so violently rejects the condoms that he actually goes out of his way to throw them into the ocean. This elicits a sharp "SILVER!" from Kira as she berates the stallion. "You should know better than to throw trash into the ocean! Pollution is a serious problem and if creatures would stop throwing..." She fishes out the roll of condoms using the tip of her tail. She halts her berating of Silver as she stares at them in utter confusion and innocence. "...what are these, anyways?"
>>193204
Heal: Silver sees if he can keep the griffon from dying long enough to interrogate him about their motives.
[1d20+5 = (13+5) = 18]
In the meantime, he shows one of the Griffonian rifles to Black Heel. "There was group of anarchists in Baltimare preparing uprising not too long ago. They were halted, but they were armed with weapons just like these."
>>193204
Heal: Silver sees if he can keep the griffon from dying long enough to interrogate him about their motives.
[1d20+5 = (13+5) = 18]
In the meantime, he shows one of the Griffonian rifles to Black Heel. "There was group of anarchists in Baltimare preparing uprising not too long ago. They were halted, but they were armed with weapons just like these."
>>193205
Well, it was a decent foray. Cavaliere leaves the way he came and makes his way to above the moored boat. He had started with fifty feet of rope, and used some of it to bind prisoners and possessed sailors as well as link up the rowboats to the swanboat. Hopefully there's enough to toss a line onto the deck.
Well, it was a decent foray. Cavaliere leaves the way he came and makes his way to above the moored boat. He had started with fifty feet of rope, and used some of it to bind prisoners and possessed sailors as well as link up the rowboats to the swanboat. Hopefully there's enough to toss a line onto the deck.
>>193206
Splash
A pair of airponies throw a griffin body into the water. It's the yellow one, by the way.
Silver can stop the bleeding, but the griffin is obviously dazed and scared
Blackheel
"Anarchists failed? Well there's a surprise. But the rifles are not surprising at all. Half of the Griffonian continent uses that, or some variation. The empire made millions of them. It's actually a good rifle for workers uprisings. It's not the best weapon, but it's adequate."
Splash
A pair of airponies throw a griffin body into the water. It's the yellow one, by the way.
Silver can stop the bleeding, but the griffin is obviously dazed and scared
Blackheel
"Anarchists failed? Well there's a surprise. But the rifles are not surprising at all. Half of the Griffonian continent uses that, or some variation. The empire made millions of them. It's actually a good rifle for workers uprisings. It's not the best weapon, but it's adequate."
>>193207
Cavaliere could have gone further. Of course, he'd be separated if he actually did find danger
Cavaliere walks onto the deck of the ship, wet with rainwater and blood, but thankfully not seawater.
What he has remaining will be a bit tight (not necessarily inadequate, but not leaving much). Of course there's also a ladder.
Cavaliere could have gone further. Of course, he'd be separated if he actually did find danger
Cavaliere walks onto the deck of the ship, wet with rainwater and blood, but thankfully not seawater.
What he has remaining will be a bit tight (not necessarily inadequate, but not leaving much). Of course there's also a ladder.
>>193209
The lack of gunfire implies the rest of the party was successful in capturing the boat. Also, this is a team effort. The ladder would be preferable. The rope could always come in handy elsewhere. He looks down at what's going on.
The lack of gunfire implies the rest of the party was successful in capturing the boat. Also, this is a team effort. The ladder would be preferable. The rope could always come in handy elsewhere. He looks down at what's going on.
The boat has black stripes on it, almost like zebra striping
>>193210
At least four bodies on the back of the boat. Actually three now, one has been tossed in the water. Blackheel and a couple airponies, as well as Silver, are in the back. Mala is in the front overtop of what seems to be the body of a pony at the forward machinegun. Cavaliere can see that there is a large gun at the end of the boat that was thankfully never manned.
>>193210
At least four bodies on the back of the boat. Actually three now, one has been tossed in the water. Blackheel and a couple airponies, as well as Silver, are in the back. Mala is in the front overtop of what seems to be the body of a pony at the forward machinegun. Cavaliere can see that there is a large gun at the end of the boat that was thankfully never manned.
>>193208
Kira scrunches at the further polluting of the oceans.
Silver stops the bleeding, and deters the airponies from throwing this one into the ocean. He checks the rifle a bit further to see if it's a Karabiner 'Kralle' Model 06 or a Hinterladerbusche Model 98. After that, he levitates the rifles to the rest of the group in their boats. The griffons from the whaling station might find them especially useful.
Once that's done, he returns his attention to the reddish griffon. He gives him a prod in the chest with his rifle. "Hey, wake up. Who are you, what are you doing here?"
Kira scrunches at the further polluting of the oceans.
Silver stops the bleeding, and deters the airponies from throwing this one into the ocean. He checks the rifle a bit further to see if it's a Karabiner 'Kralle' Model 06 or a Hinterladerbusche Model 98. After that, he levitates the rifles to the rest of the group in their boats. The griffons from the whaling station might find them especially useful.
Once that's done, he returns his attention to the reddish griffon. He gives him a prod in the chest with his rifle. "Hey, wake up. Who are you, what are you doing here?"
>>193211
It looking clear, he glides down to the other party members. "Griffons?" he asks. "This wasn't a patrol from Nova Griffonia, was it? And did you make sure to account for all their crew?"
It looking clear, he glides down to the other party members. "Griffons?" he asks. "This wasn't a patrol from Nova Griffonia, was it? And did you make sure to account for all their crew?"
>>193213
Silver looks over at Cavalier, and points at the grey griffon. "That one had some medicine. Can you tell what it is?"
Silver looks over at Cavalier, and points at the grey griffon. "That one had some medicine. Can you tell what it is?"
>>193214
"I'll have a look. Speaking of, I found some medical supplies. They should be useful." He pulls out and provides the first aid equipment from the Kostroma, then looks at the grey griffon's inventory.
"I'll have a look. Speaking of, I found some medical supplies. They should be useful." He pulls out and provides the first aid equipment from the Kostroma, then looks at the grey griffon's inventory.
>>193212
The griffin simply looks back and does not speak. His eyes are wide
Blackheel:
"Did you clear the inside?"
It's the Kralle, or possibly a permutation of the same made by another country.
>>193213
Blackheel:
"No. You'd know if it was from Nova Griffonia. They'd show off their flag everywhere. Nova Griffonia would send a bigger group, and they may still."
The Green Unicorn speaks
"This is from Haukland. Probably the frolic of a single crew. Then again you never know."
Blackheel:
"There are five bodies here. These boats usually have crews of just under twenty. Maybe more because they expect to board."
>>193215
It looks like its for some idiosyncratic ailment of this griffin, or maybe sea sickness. It's in Imperial.
The griffin simply looks back and does not speak. His eyes are wide
Blackheel:
"Did you clear the inside?"
It's the Kralle, or possibly a permutation of the same made by another country.
>>193213
Blackheel:
"No. You'd know if it was from Nova Griffonia. They'd show off their flag everywhere. Nova Griffonia would send a bigger group, and they may still."
The Green Unicorn speaks
"This is from Haukland. Probably the frolic of a single crew. Then again you never know."
Blackheel:
"There are five bodies here. These boats usually have crews of just under twenty. Maybe more because they expect to board."
>>193215
It looks like its for some idiosyncratic ailment of this griffin, or maybe sea sickness. It's in Imperial.
>>193216
Is the grey griffon expired?
"You are right about that. One would have thought the military activity would have scared away the pirates, but they are likely desperate. More could be hiding below. Be careful."
Is the grey griffon expired?
"You are right about that. One would have thought the military activity would have scared away the pirates, but they are likely desperate. More could be hiding below. Be careful."
>>193220
"Feathesian, but it's close enough to be mostly understandable. There is probably one among us who speaks Imperial."
To the griffon: "Kunt u mij verstaan?
"Feathesian, but it's close enough to be mostly understandable. There is probably one among us who speaks Imperial."
To the griffon: "Kunt u mij verstaan?
>>193222
Silver nods, and stands up. He looks to Cavaliere and the airponies who aren't going with him. "Keep eye on this one. If he decides to start answering, ask him who these creatures are."
Getting his rifle ready, he gathers with his boarding party to go below deck. "Let us clear this place."
Silver nods, and stands up. He looks to Cavaliere and the airponies who aren't going with him. "Keep eye on this one. If he decides to start answering, ask him who these creatures are."
Getting his rifle ready, he gathers with his boarding party to go below deck. "Let us clear this place."
>>193222
To the griffon, "U hoeft niet te antwoorden, maar het is wel veiliger voor u."
To Blackheel and Silver, "If you're up to the task, the sooner the better."
To the griffon, "U hoeft niet te antwoorden, maar het is wel veiliger voor u."
To Blackheel and Silver, "If you're up to the task, the sooner the better."
And before I forget, Silver takes one of the potions.
[2d8+3 = (7+3) = 10]
[2d8+3 = (7+3) = 10]
>>193226
Oh yeah, he makes sure the griffon is properly bound. Can't be too careful with guns lying around everywhere.
Oh yeah, he makes sure the griffon is properly bound. Can't be too careful with guns lying around everywhere.
>>193230
He'll have to remember to ask if there is any on the boat. It should be everywhere on ships.
He'll have to remember to ask if there is any on the boat. It should be everywhere on ships.
>>193228
Almost. But he does feel the difference, and it does give him the confidence to lead this boarding party. He also remembers to let the others know before he disappears under, "Make sure you give Steppe Eagle one of those potions!"
Almost. But he does feel the difference, and it does give him the confidence to lead this boarding party. He also remembers to let the others know before he disappears under, "Make sure you give Steppe Eagle one of those potions!"
>>193232
A nod.
Opening the door to the bridge and going inside, he can see blood on the floor.
There is of course a wheel, a compass, and a partly folded map. There's a bullet hole in the windshield.
Blackheel remarks to Mala,
"You have some blood on your mouth."
>>193231
When the ponies are gone, the griffin speaks
"How much did they pay you?"
A nod.
Opening the door to the bridge and going inside, he can see blood on the floor.
There is of course a wheel, a compass, and a partly folded map. There's a bullet hole in the windshield.
Blackheel remarks to Mala,
"You have some blood on your mouth."
>>193231
When the ponies are gone, the griffin speaks
"How much did they pay you?"
>>193236
"I'm okay, though I was wounded earlier... I did make sure he was no longer dangerous." Mala says. There is some blood on the fur below the lips. He turns his head away and wipes it off, then looks down. His fur is generally moist, presumably from the rain."
"I'm okay, though I was wounded earlier... I did make sure he was no longer dangerous." Mala says. There is some blood on the fur below the lips. He turns his head away and wipes it off, then looks down. His fur is generally moist, presumably from the rain."
>>193237
Silver gives Mala some headpats, then turns to acknowledge the oddities about the bridge. "Blood, but no body..." Moving over to the map, Silver checks it for any notes or routes.
Silver gives Mala some headpats, then turns to acknowledge the oddities about the bridge. "Blood, but no body..." Moving over to the map, Silver checks it for any notes or routes.
>>193235
He shrugs. "I'm here for a specific reason. How long had you been tailing this vessel?" He points to the ship behind himself. Pulling out two cigars, he offers one to the griffon.
He shrugs. "I'm here for a specific reason. How long had you been tailing this vessel?" He points to the ship behind himself. Pulling out two cigars, he offers one to the griffon.
>>193238
Oh yes, yes there is. A line going from the straights down to Sirius, then from Sirius to Ravenskoye. And a line from World's End to the Nova Griffonian Coast, with some kind of interception in the Rocky Sea with a third line. Then there are still more lines going from approximately Weter to Ravenskoye or Petershoof.
>>193240
He looks at the cigar. Then he takes it.
"Do you have a light?"
Oh yes, yes there is. A line going from the straights down to Sirius, then from Sirius to Ravenskoye. And a line from World's End to the Nova Griffonian Coast, with some kind of interception in the Rocky Sea with a third line. Then there are still more lines going from approximately Weter to Ravenskoye or Petershoof.
>>193240
He looks at the cigar. Then he takes it.
"Do you have a light?"
>>193241
Silver motions Black Heel over to look at this map. "They have been tracking ship paths through strait, including yours. Did your mission briefing include anything about these creatures?"
Silver motions Black Heel over to look at this map. "They have been tracking ship paths through strait, including yours. Did your mission briefing include anything about these creatures?"
>>193241
Cavaliere always comes prepared. He even helps put it in the bound griffon's beak. "You had to have known about this ship for a while."
Cavaliere always comes prepared. He even helps put it in the bound griffon's beak. "You had to have known about this ship for a while."
>>193242
"These ones specifically? No. But we know they are active here. We've long known they are active."
"These ones specifically? No. But we know they are active here. We've long known they are active."
>>193243
He responds,
"Of course. It was spotted when it left. These mission ships... Ships the Socialists send to help out their allies... They carry machinery, mostly, on the way out. Or guns... Things that are heavy. But on the way back? Heh, these Socialists always expect payment from their fraternal brothers. Their comrades. Well, sometimes its timber or Ore. But sometimes? Sometimes its gold, or diamonds."
>>193245
"Yes. They are pirates. Probably not from the head griffin himself. He would have sent a bigger ship. More ships. It's probably a single pirate who got an old Imperial Torpedo boat.
He responds,
"Of course. It was spotted when it left. These mission ships... Ships the Socialists send to help out their allies... They carry machinery, mostly, on the way out. Or guns... Things that are heavy. But on the way back? Heh, these Socialists always expect payment from their fraternal brothers. Their comrades. Well, sometimes its timber or Ore. But sometimes? Sometimes its gold, or diamonds."
>>193245
"Yes. They are pirates. Probably not from the head griffin himself. He would have sent a bigger ship. More ships. It's probably a single pirate who got an old Imperial Torpedo boat.
>>193246
He nods. "And that's what you were after, and what you hoped to find inside. Did any go in?"
He nods. "And that's what you were after, and what you hoped to find inside. Did any go in?"
>>193246
Silver has a sudden realization as he's talking with Black Heel. "And they likely just sent large armed boarding party to raid your ship thinking you were returning from Skynavia with payment, and they ran into Traveler without knowing about it. So, now there are number of armed Petrushkas on Kostroma..."
Silver has a sudden realization as he's talking with Black Heel. "And they likely just sent large armed boarding party to raid your ship thinking you were returning from Skynavia with payment, and they ran into Traveler without knowing about it. So, now there are number of armed Petrushkas on Kostroma..."
>>193249
"Let us hope they left plenty of supplies on this ship, and that they did not clean your ship out before they found Traveler. Come on, let us go below decks and see what they have."
"Let us hope they left plenty of supplies on this ship, and that they did not clean your ship out before they found Traveler. Come on, let us go below decks and see what they have."
>>193249
"You're one of the lucky ones. They were never coming back on their own. Maybe some can be brought back alive, but as of right now they are better off dead."
"You're one of the lucky ones. They were never coming back on their own. Maybe some can be brought back alive, but as of right now they are better off dead."
>>193250
He nods. Mala actually goes ahead of them. There is a black set of metal stairs that has blood on it going down. This leads to a hallway that has massive tanks to either side. The hallway goes in both directions: towards the stern of the ship, and also the bow.
>>193251
His eyes go wide
"Why? Are you sure?" He tries to sit up
"We heard the explosions. What is going on?"
He nods. Mala actually goes ahead of them. There is a black set of metal stairs that has blood on it going down. This leads to a hallway that has massive tanks to either side. The hallway goes in both directions: towards the stern of the ship, and also the bow.
>>193251
His eyes go wide
"Why? Are you sure?" He tries to sit up
"We heard the explosions. What is going on?"
>>193252
"It appears our pirate captain was shot through window and made his way down these stairs. We should be prepared for contact. Let us check bow, first."
"It appears our pirate captain was shot through window and made his way down these stairs. We should be prepared for contact. Let us check bow, first."
>>193253
Passing through the first bulkhead, there are rooms on each side.
The first room is... empty. It's a cabin with a decent amount of... Stuff, in it. Like a sword, a portrait, and other items. on the right side is a room with a couple seats and radio equipment.
Passing through the first bulkhead, there are rooms on each side.
The first room is... empty. It's a cabin with a decent amount of... Stuff, in it. Like a sword, a portrait, and other items. on the right side is a room with a couple seats and radio equipment.
>>193252
"Why do you think a well-maintained Stalliongrad vessel with an experienced crew would run aground along a well-used sea route? There is something aboard that has killed dozens of creatures. Possibly hundreds. Reinforcements have come to this island to contain it, and they're why you have been hearing all those explosions."
"Why do you think a well-maintained Stalliongrad vessel with an experienced crew would run aground along a well-used sea route? There is something aboard that has killed dozens of creatures. Possibly hundreds. Reinforcements have come to this island to contain it, and they're why you have been hearing all those explosions."
>>193255
"There could be a thousand reasons. A drunken captain, they got into it with the Colonists. Actually the Colonials was my top theory. Wait. Hundreds? What?"
"There could be a thousand reasons. A drunken captain, they got into it with the Colonists. Actually the Colonials was my top theory. Wait. Hundreds? What?"
>>193256
Cavaliere shows the bizarre photo of the bodies he retrieved from the Kostroma. "This isn't your typical Stalliongrad atrocity. We don't know what exactly this thing is, but it dominates and controls whatever comes too close to it. Once it has used up the creatures under its control, it will throw them away. There is no way to stop its influence."
Cavaliere shows the bizarre photo of the bodies he retrieved from the Kostroma. "This isn't your typical Stalliongrad atrocity. We don't know what exactly this thing is, but it dominates and controls whatever comes too close to it. Once it has used up the creatures under its control, it will throw them away. There is no way to stop its influence."
>>193260
"Maybe we will find out. Maybe we shouldn't. Regardless, it has killed and will kill again, and we have to destroy it. We can't leave until we accomplish that."
"Maybe we will find out. Maybe we shouldn't. Regardless, it has killed and will kill again, and we have to destroy it. We can't leave until we accomplish that."
>>193258
Silver halts, and looks back at Black Heel. Feeling a bit like an idiot, he nods, takes his rifle, and carefully checks the rooms to make sure they're clear of hostiles, first.
Silver halts, and looks back at Black Heel. Feeling a bit like an idiot, he nods, takes his rifle, and carefully checks the rooms to make sure they're clear of hostiles, first.
>>193222
>that ghoul
Rude!
.
Posey eventually makes her way onto the ship, with shaky legs, looking rather pale (lol).
"...Wh-what did I miss..?" she says, some suspiciously off-color drool dripping from the corner of her mouth.
>that ghoul
Rude!
.
Posey eventually makes her way onto the ship, with shaky legs, looking rather pale (lol).
"...Wh-what did I miss..?" she says, some suspiciously off-color drool dripping from the corner of her mouth.
>>193261
Posey speaks up
"... If... If this boat is seaworthy, we very well may be able to leave. I want the Intruder d-d-destroyed first though..."
>>193258
>>193257
"The rest of you are wounded. I am in g-good shape.. I will clear the area." Posey offers, her legs shaking
She seems thinner than before, emaciated even. Her mane isn't the usual vibrant healthy scarlet, looking grayed and frayed at the ends. Her normally pristine white coat looks rough and blotchy. Her supernaturally elegant gait has decayed into a pathetic shamble as she haphazardly attempts to balance herself on the deck.
>>193252
Does the ship have any major damage that would prevent us from sailing on it?
Posey speaks up
"... If... If this boat is seaworthy, we very well may be able to leave. I want the Intruder d-d-destroyed first though..."
>>193258
>>193257
"The rest of you are wounded. I am in g-good shape.. I will clear the area." Posey offers, her legs shaking
She seems thinner than before, emaciated even. Her mane isn't the usual vibrant healthy scarlet, looking grayed and frayed at the ends. Her normally pristine white coat looks rough and blotchy. Her supernaturally elegant gait has decayed into a pathetic shamble as she haphazardly attempts to balance herself on the deck.
>>193252
Does the ship have any major damage that would prevent us from sailing on it?
>>193261
He takes a moment to take this in, with a couple breathes, and then a draw on the cigar
"Who are you, and why are you here?"
>>193263
Assuming Silver remains in this "section." The sections are demarcated by bulkheads, though the doors between the bulkheads do not seem to be closed, or indeed, easily closable.
The actual cabin is clear. It has a bed with storage beneath it to check, a desk, and a very small closet. It does not have its own bathroom. It's a small area, but still obviously meant for the captain. He must really like clothing...
On the other side is a small room with a seat and radio equipment. This area is clear.
>>193265
Cavaliere is the only party member on the deck of the ship. Possibly Rustling Pine or Primed Well is on the deck as well. Silver, Mala, Blackheel, and the Green Unicorn Airpony are downstairs
He takes a moment to take this in, with a couple breathes, and then a draw on the cigar
"Who are you, and why are you here?"
>>193263
Assuming Silver remains in this "section." The sections are demarcated by bulkheads, though the doors between the bulkheads do not seem to be closed, or indeed, easily closable.
The actual cabin is clear. It has a bed with storage beneath it to check, a desk, and a very small closet. It does not have its own bathroom. It's a small area, but still obviously meant for the captain. He must really like clothing...
On the other side is a small room with a seat and radio equipment. This area is clear.
>>193265
Cavaliere is the only party member on the deck of the ship. Possibly Rustling Pine or Primed Well is on the deck as well. Silver, Mala, Blackheel, and the Green Unicorn Airpony are downstairs
>>193267
Posey slowly makes her way below deck.
Her condition seems to acutely improve as the sea leaves her vision, evidently more psychological than physical.
Posey slowly makes her way below deck.
Her condition seems to acutely improve as the sea leaves her vision, evidently more psychological than physical.
>>193266
The ponies stare at her, but she's probably used to that. Well, Primed Well does. A couple don't even notice.
If you're talking about the fast attack craft, the only obvious damage is a couple externally mounted fuel tanks at the rear of the vessel having been penetrated by machine gun fire. These tanks are pretty obviously not a part of the original construction and have been riveted on. There is no obvious source of damage below the waterline.
If you mean the Kostroma, well, there's no list that is visible. Then again, the Titanic had no more than a 4% list until 2/3 of it was underwater.
>>193268
Into the deckhouse, there is the bridge, with its wheel, map, and compass, with blood on the floor. Then going down the stairs, Posey enters a room with a narrow hallway that has fuel tanks to either side. The hallway continues towards the bow and towards the stern. Based on noise, Posey can surmise that Silver and the others are towards the bow.
The ponies stare at her, but she's probably used to that. Well, Primed Well does. A couple don't even notice.
If you're talking about the fast attack craft, the only obvious damage is a couple externally mounted fuel tanks at the rear of the vessel having been penetrated by machine gun fire. These tanks are pretty obviously not a part of the original construction and have been riveted on. There is no obvious source of damage below the waterline.
If you mean the Kostroma, well, there's no list that is visible. Then again, the Titanic had no more than a 4% list until 2/3 of it was underwater.
>>193268
Into the deckhouse, there is the bridge, with its wheel, map, and compass, with blood on the floor. Then going down the stairs, Posey enters a room with a narrow hallway that has fuel tanks to either side. The hallway continues towards the bow and towards the stern. Based on noise, Posey can surmise that Silver and the others are towards the bow.
>>193269
"The tanks should be patched as soon as possible. I am no expert with mechanics, but leaking oil is always a hazard." Posey comments, sizing up the ship as she turns into the room with Silver's voice
"The tanks should be patched as soon as possible. I am no expert with mechanics, but leaking oil is always a hazard." Posey comments, sizing up the ship as she turns into the room with Silver's voice
>>193267
Cavaliere mulls this over for a moment, which is easier to do with a cigar. "I suppose you could describe us as competitors. Don't give me that look; there was no way you could have survived being moored out here. As it turns out, live creatures are much more valuable than most treasure. Even so, riches will take you only so far. Uncovering and destroying a baleful Stalliongrad secret? That is the type of glory that comes only once in a lifetime."
Cavaliere mulls this over for a moment, which is easier to do with a cigar. "I suppose you could describe us as competitors. Don't give me that look; there was no way you could have survived being moored out here. As it turns out, live creatures are much more valuable than most treasure. Even so, riches will take you only so far. Uncovering and destroying a baleful Stalliongrad secret? That is the type of glory that comes only once in a lifetime."
>>193270
Does Posey have a sense of smell? If so, she smells diesel fuel. It smells like Baltimare harbor. Or the whaling station.
>>193271
None spotted so far
>>193281
>>193271
Posey goes past one bulkhead to see Silver inside of a room to the side that must be a cabin, with a single bed and a desk. There are a number of items of clothing. Silver is holding a new sword.
Silver sees an emaciated, clearly sickly white unicorn mare enter, who looks as if she is undergoing chemotherapy
>>193281
It's a saber. Rather long and thin. Definitely for ceremonial naval purposes. It is nice and shinny, shinnier even then normal chrome steel. The handle is ivory and has gold leafed engravings on it of what seem to be dreadnaught style ships.
There are coats that... well hopefully they didn't come from Hoebuck. They are suspiciously colorful. A couple fancy hats and jackets. There is a narwhal tusk hanging from the walls, and also a taxidermied Pudgwucky.
There is a safe behind the portrait.
>>193280
"Well, you can have the glory. We'll take the gold. And our ship back. And our crew. Those of them still alive, anyways."
Does Posey have a sense of smell? If so, she smells diesel fuel. It smells like Baltimare harbor. Or the whaling station.
>>193271
None spotted so far
>>193281
>>193271
Posey goes past one bulkhead to see Silver inside of a room to the side that must be a cabin, with a single bed and a desk. There are a number of items of clothing. Silver is holding a new sword.
Silver sees an emaciated, clearly sickly white unicorn mare enter, who looks as if she is undergoing chemotherapy
>>193281
It's a saber. Rather long and thin. Definitely for ceremonial naval purposes. It is nice and shinny, shinnier even then normal chrome steel. The handle is ivory and has gold leafed engravings on it of what seem to be dreadnaught style ships.
There are coats that... well hopefully they didn't come from Hoebuck. They are suspiciously colorful. A couple fancy hats and jackets. There is a narwhal tusk hanging from the walls, and also a taxidermied Pudgwucky.
There is a safe behind the portrait.
>>193280
"Well, you can have the glory. We'll take the gold. And our ship back. And our crew. Those of them still alive, anyways."
>>193282
He smiles back almost smugly. "You are in no position to make demands. We have taken your boat as rightful plunder, and we will decide what to do with the rest soon."
He smiles back almost smugly. "You are in no position to make demands. We have taken your boat as rightful plunder, and we will decide what to do with the rest soon."
>>193284
He scrunches. Or seems to. Hard to tell with a beak. But he doesn't seem to like that answer.
He scrunches. Or seems to. Hard to tell with a beak. But he doesn't seem to like that answer.
"Don't be so discouraged. Honesty can still get you far. How long have you been docked here?"
>>193287
This gives him some pause.
"Before we showed up, did you notice anything unusual about the Kostroma? Odd noises, perhaps?"
This gives him some pause.
"Before we showed up, did you notice anything unusual about the Kostroma? Odd noises, perhaps?"
>>193288
"She's not properly moored, and half of the lights are on, half are off. Maybe a blackout on the stern. But she's derelict. That is unusual."
"She's not properly moored, and half of the lights are on, half are off. Maybe a blackout on the stern. But she's derelict. That is unusual."
>>193282
>Does Posey have a sense of smell?
Yes.
>diesel fuel
Should be cleaned asap. The oily wrags leftover could even be used for campfires if we put them in metal containers.
>who looks as if she is undergoing chemotherapy
Oi! Posey's mane is still full.
She looks more like she has consumption.
>Silver is holding a new sword.
>Definitely for ceremonial naval purposes. It is nice and shinny, shinnier even then normal chrome steel. The handle is ivory and has gold leafed engravings on it of what seem to be dreadnaught style ships.
Definitely at least masterwork in quality.
Rolling Arcana, to see if this could be a magic weapon.
[1d20+11 = (5+11) = 16]
>suspiciously colorful coats
Somepony has exotic tastes.
>taxidermy
Based and necropilled.
>safe behind the portrait
Posey twill try using the key that Mala picked up.
>>193283
"I am fine..." she replies
>>193285
Who is speaking here? One of the crew members of this ship?
>Does Posey have a sense of smell?
Yes.
>diesel fuel
Should be cleaned asap. The oily wrags leftover could even be used for campfires if we put them in metal containers.
>who looks as if she is undergoing chemotherapy
Oi! Posey's mane is still full.
She looks more like she has consumption.
>Silver is holding a new sword.
>Definitely for ceremonial naval purposes. It is nice and shinny, shinnier even then normal chrome steel. The handle is ivory and has gold leafed engravings on it of what seem to be dreadnaught style ships.
Definitely at least masterwork in quality.
Rolling Arcana, to see if this could be a magic weapon.
[1d20+11 = (5+11) = 16]
>suspiciously colorful coats
Somepony has exotic tastes.
>taxidermy
Based and necropilled.
>safe behind the portrait
Posey twill try using the key that Mala picked up.
>>193283
"I am fine..." she replies
>>193285
Who is speaking here? One of the crew members of this ship?
>>193290
"Good, because you look worse than I did when I was missing most of my blood." Turning his attention to the safe, he continues, "Think you could help me with this safe? We might be able to force it off its hinges if we combine our magic."
"Good, because you look worse than I did when I was missing most of my blood." Turning his attention to the safe, he continues, "Think you could help me with this safe? We might be able to force it off its hinges if we combine our magic."
>>193293
How large is the safe? We may be able to just take it with us.
>magic sword
Hmmm, Silver should try swinging it around to discern its powers.
Does it produce light?
>>193294
>>193294
"It would not be a very good safe if it were so easily pulled open. The key to open it must be somewhere on this ship. Try sesrching the bodies, and under the rugs."
How large is the safe? We may be able to just take it with us.
>magic sword
Hmmm, Silver should try swinging it around to discern its powers.
Does it produce light?
>>193294
>>193294
"It would not be a very good safe if it were so easily pulled open. The key to open it must be somewhere on this ship. Try sesrching the bodies, and under the rugs."
>>193295
It's of a smaller to medium size. Maybe like 9 inches tall to 12 inches wide? It is inside of a.... actually this is probably a modified wall. Cut into the steel bulkhead and added wood paneling. Anyways, it's in the wall
It's of a smaller to medium size. Maybe like 9 inches tall to 12 inches wide? It is inside of a.... actually this is probably a modified wall. Cut into the steel bulkhead and added wood paneling. Anyways, it's in the wall
>>193298
"Heheh, you want me to tell you everything? I'll say this much. More than a dozen."
>>193299
Posey finds the remains of chewed bubblegum (how do griffins even chew gum?), a sock (just one, no companion), a box of 9mm ammunition with Imperial lettering, a box of 7.65x20 ammunition with Aquilian lettering, a receipt from a restaurant, batteries for what is presumably a flashlight, a tool kit, and a couple coins. But no key.
"Heheh, you want me to tell you everything? I'll say this much. More than a dozen."
>>193299
Posey finds the remains of chewed bubblegum (how do griffins even chew gum?), a sock (just one, no companion), a box of 9mm ammunition with Imperial lettering, a box of 7.65x20 ammunition with Aquilian lettering, a receipt from a restaurant, batteries for what is presumably a flashlight, a tool kit, and a couple coins. But no key.
>>193306
Cavaliere narrows his eyes. "We are expecting heavy resistance regardless. If you want to see them again it would help to know where they went. They have no idea what they walked into, not that I expect them to be of sound mind anymore."
Cavaliere narrows his eyes. "We are expecting heavy resistance regardless. If you want to see them again it would help to know where they went. They have no idea what they walked into, not that I expect them to be of sound mind anymore."
>>193306
Silver takes the ammunition. He has a feeling the Aquileian rifle they looted will take the 7.65x20mm, at least. He also looks to see what kind of currency the coins are as well as what the tool kit contains.
Silver takes the ammunition. He has a feeling the Aquileian rifle they looted will take the 7.65x20mm, at least. He also looks to see what kind of currency the coins are as well as what the tool kit contains.
>>193309
Hmmmmmm...it seems odd that there's just some random coins out and about. Are there any other interesting details or oddities about them, or are they just standard currency?
Hmmmmmm...it seems odd that there's just some random coins out and about. Are there any other interesting details or oddities about them, or are they just standard currency?
>>193310
Well, there's a kind of plus or cross (diagonally) on the reverse, and then a three masted caravel type boat on the back... It's made of bronze. It must just be standard small change. The change found in the pockets of the soldiers was of higher denomination, so this must just be lost coins rather than a secret stash.
Well, there's a kind of plus or cross (diagonally) on the reverse, and then a three masted caravel type boat on the back... It's made of bronze. It must just be standard small change. The change found in the pockets of the soldiers was of higher denomination, so this must just be lost coins rather than a secret stash.
>>193311
Hmmmmmm...Silver tries one random thing off of a slight hunch before they start to go brute force on the safe, and he tries to enter 97, 65, and 20 as the safe's combination.
Hmmmmmm...Silver tries one random thing off of a slight hunch before they start to go brute force on the safe, and he tries to enter 97, 65, and 20 as the safe's combination.
In the room next door, one down,
BANG
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
[2d10 = 10]
[1d2 = 1]
BANG
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d10 = 10]
BANG
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
[2d10 = 10]
[1d2 = 1]
BANG
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d10 = 10]
TAT TAT TAT
[1d20 = 17]
[2d6 = 10]
[1d20 = 9]
[2d6 = 10]
[1d20 = 4]
[2d6 = 8]
[1d20 = 9]
[2d6 = 12]
[1d20 = 8]
[2d6 = 3]
[1d20 = 17]
[2d6 = 10]
[1d20 = 9]
[2d6 = 10]
[1d20 = 4]
[2d6 = 8]
[1d20 = 9]
[2d6 = 12]
[1d20 = 8]
[2d6 = 3]
>>193321
It's all next door. Only noise makes its way into the small room Silver and Posey are in. Eventually, there is another BANG
It's all next door. Only noise makes its way into the small room Silver and Posey are in. Eventually, there is another BANG
>>193309
"You could describe it as a creature but no, not an animal. It's not from this planet. It doesn't know much about us, either, but it desires to control everything it comes across. The head scientist aboard this ship was the first to come under its influence and is now its spokesgriff. We captured some of the other ponies it sent after us and for now they have no semblance of themselves."
"You could describe it as a creature but no, not an animal. It's not from this planet. It doesn't know much about us, either, but it desires to control everything it comes across. The head scientist aboard this ship was the first to come under its influence and is now its spokesgriff. We captured some of the other ponies it sent after us and for now they have no semblance of themselves."
>>193323
>>193325
Passing through the bulkhead, the next one is one, big open area which has multiple beds in bunks, with sheets in varying states of organization. At the end and on the left is a set of blue curtains that have been pulled aside, where beyond this is a bed. On the bed is an injured or possibly dead griffin. Next to the bed and on the ground is a second griffin that has been shot and has had its head blown off. Above this are Mala and the Green Unicorn who is presumably the second lieutenant and copilot of the air ponies. Mala has evidently been shot. Blackheel, who does not seem to have been present, is running in.
>>193327
"You're dealing with aliens? Well why are you messing with us? Leave us alone and go bother the aliens."
>>193325
Passing through the bulkhead, the next one is one, big open area which has multiple beds in bunks, with sheets in varying states of organization. At the end and on the left is a set of blue curtains that have been pulled aside, where beyond this is a bed. On the bed is an injured or possibly dead griffin. Next to the bed and on the ground is a second griffin that has been shot and has had its head blown off. Above this are Mala and the Green Unicorn who is presumably the second lieutenant and copilot of the air ponies. Mala has evidently been shot. Blackheel, who does not seem to have been present, is running in.
>>193327
"You're dealing with aliens? Well why are you messing with us? Leave us alone and go bother the aliens."
>>193331
"Suit yourself." He directs a nearby NPC to keep an eye on him as he turns away and goes down below.
"Suit yourself." He directs a nearby NPC to keep an eye on him as he turns away and goes down below.
>>193332
No.
>>193334
Things are getting explosive downstairs. Evidently literally. Cavaliere can hear gunshots.
>>193334
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvA-mimf2yg
>>193335
The green unicorn speaks:
"We were clearing out the back and one of them had an ambush waiting with a shotgun behind the curtain. We killed it quickly. Evidently he had a comrade who was shot earlier and dragged back here. Seems to have bled out."
No.
>>193334
Things are getting explosive downstairs. Evidently literally. Cavaliere can hear gunshots.
>>193334
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvA-mimf2yg
>>193335
The green unicorn speaks:
"We were clearing out the back and one of them had an ambush waiting with a shotgun behind the curtain. We killed it quickly. Evidently he had a comrade who was shot earlier and dragged back here. Seems to have bled out."
>>193336
Well Silver would have had completely different actions if we had known that, like going to check on the others immediately rather than trying to inform teammates who aren't even there to take cover.
Well Silver would have had completely different actions if we had known that, like going to check on the others immediately rather than trying to inform teammates who aren't even there to take cover.
>>193337
>>193338
The torpedo boat is damn near a submarine, with a central hallway dominating much of the boat. It's towards the bow, just two rooms past the center
>>193339
"Out of the line of fire? Eliminating raiders is a part of the job description." The pony replies
>>193340
Silver checks Mala to see that the flak jacket contained the shot. Mala is not wounded, though he was from an earlier stab by a creature.
>>193338
The torpedo boat is damn near a submarine, with a central hallway dominating much of the boat. It's towards the bow, just two rooms past the center
>>193339
"Out of the line of fire? Eliminating raiders is a part of the job description." The pony replies
>>193340
Silver checks Mala to see that the flak jacket contained the shot. Mala is not wounded, though he was from an earlier stab by a creature.
>>193341
Silver lets out a sigh of relief. "Who got finishing shot? That was certainly crazy amount of gunfire we heard."
Silver lets out a sigh of relief. "Who got finishing shot? That was certainly crazy amount of gunfire we heard."
>>193341
Cavaliere stops outside the room. Are there any friendlies around? Can he hear anything inside?
Cavaliere stops outside the room. Are there any friendlies around? Can he hear anything inside?
>>193344
Silver, Posey, Mala, the Green Unicorn, and Blackheel are inside of the room. He can just look in
Silver, Posey, Mala, the Green Unicorn, and Blackheel are inside of the room. He can just look in
>>193343
With a chuckle, Silver turns to investigate the fallen griffons. "I guess we will call it half-kill for both of you. They have anything of note on them? Anything useful?"
With a chuckle, Silver turns to investigate the fallen griffons. "I guess we will call it half-kill for both of you. They have anything of note on them? Anything useful?"
>>193348
"We have to be careful clearing this boat. It doesn't help that being pirates, they will be especially desperate and expect death regardless. If we can dissuade them from fighting, that would save us quite a bit of trouble."
"We have to be careful clearing this boat. It doesn't help that being pirates, they will be especially desperate and expect death regardless. If we can dissuade them from fighting, that would save us quite a bit of trouble."
>>193349
>>193348
Silver takes the shotgun and whatever ammunition the griffon has, before turning to address Cavaliere. "Pirates are interested in two things: money, and living to spend that money, in that order. To get them to back down, you would need to convince them that neither we nor Kostroma has anything of value, and that their lives are in immediate and grave danger. It would also help to convince them to overlook us killing several of their comrades, even if it was in self defense. But I fear it may already be too late. Most of them have no doubt already been taken by Traveler and turned into more Petrushkas."
>>193348
Silver takes the shotgun and whatever ammunition the griffon has, before turning to address Cavaliere. "Pirates are interested in two things: money, and living to spend that money, in that order. To get them to back down, you would need to convince them that neither we nor Kostroma has anything of value, and that their lives are in immediate and grave danger. It would also help to convince them to overlook us killing several of their comrades, even if it was in self defense. But I fear it may already be too late. Most of them have no doubt already been taken by Traveler and turned into more Petrushkas."
>>193350
He glances down at the grisly scene. "A great kirin general once said, 'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.' We have the upper claw here, and it would help to have fewer holes in the boat."
>>193351
"On the Kostroma, that is most likely. I talked with the prisoner we have topside and other than the lack of activity aboard that ship, he did not notice anything unusual despite being here for the greater part of an hour. It could be that griffons are more resistant to the Fellow Traveler's influence, that the metal in between acts as a sort of shielding, or simply that it takes more time to manifest. The creatures down here will have their wits about them."
He glances down at the grisly scene. "A great kirin general once said, 'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.' We have the upper claw here, and it would help to have fewer holes in the boat."
>>193351
"On the Kostroma, that is most likely. I talked with the prisoner we have topside and other than the lack of activity aboard that ship, he did not notice anything unusual despite being here for the greater part of an hour. It could be that griffons are more resistant to the Fellow Traveler's influence, that the metal in between acts as a sort of shielding, or simply that it takes more time to manifest. The creatures down here will have their wits about them."
>>193352
Both Mala and the pony look over to see if the shots have shot holes into the side of the boat. They don't seem to (it's a shotgun and a submachine gun), but he made them look.
Both Mala and the pony look over to see if the shots have shot holes into the side of the boat. They don't seem to (it's a shotgun and a submachine gun), but he made them look.
>>193352
>>193354
"Maybe...maybe not. If peaceful solution can be found, I am all for supporting it. But another great saying also exists: if you want peace, prepare for war." Turning to the green unicorn, Silver nods. "You make fair point. Though, unless these pirates are actually privateers hired by Haukland government or some other interested party, they may not have same policies as Stalliongrad or New Mareland about scuttling vessels and containing information. Still, let us clear rest of vessel, then we will clear it of valuables before we board Kostroma."
>>193354
"Maybe...maybe not. If peaceful solution can be found, I am all for supporting it. But another great saying also exists: if you want peace, prepare for war." Turning to the green unicorn, Silver nods. "You make fair point. Though, unless these pirates are actually privateers hired by Haukland government or some other interested party, they may not have same policies as Stalliongrad or New Mareland about scuttling vessels and containing information. Still, let us clear rest of vessel, then we will clear it of valuables before we board Kostroma."
>>193358
The green unicorn is surprised by this. Blackheel nods
"Nice and quiet. They won't hear you snuff the next one."
The green unicorn is surprised by this. Blackheel nods
"Nice and quiet. They won't hear you snuff the next one."
>>193359
Silver nods in agreement, before motioning the group to follow. "Let us go do exactly that."
Is there more to explore in the bow of the ship, or is it time to go towards the stern?
Silver nods in agreement, before motioning the group to follow. "Let us go do exactly that."
Is there more to explore in the bow of the ship, or is it time to go towards the stern?
Cavaliere moves to the side of the doorway of the next uncleared room.
>>193363
Not in that one, no.
They do at least have soap. And Aquellian shampoo. And a luffa. And a sponge. And one razor. So there's that.
Not in that one, no.
They do at least have soap. And Aquellian shampoo. And a luffa. And a sponge. And one razor. So there's that.
>>193367
Silver can't think of many more fitting cases of justice in the world. Perhaps besides a murderer himself getting murdered, or a healthy and fertile female being bred by her stallion. In either case, unless Cavaliere has some plan for the anchor chain, Silver will lead the group towards the stern.
Silver can't think of many more fitting cases of justice in the world. Perhaps besides a murderer himself getting murdered, or a healthy and fertile female being bred by her stallion. In either case, unless Cavaliere has some plan for the anchor chain, Silver will lead the group towards the stern.
>>193368
Silver will backtrack through the dorm, then past the radio room and the captain's cabin, then past the fuel tanks
The next room has two massive engines. Both are off.
Silver will backtrack through the dorm, then past the radio room and the captain's cabin, then past the fuel tanks
The next room has two massive engines. Both are off.
>>193370
A took box, a couple oil cans, little drops of water on the floor, a wrench that implies some kind of fresh maintenance, and especially a cover.
But that isn't what Cavaliere is interested in, is it? No. Cavaliere thinks he sees brown and black moving
A took box, a couple oil cans, little drops of water on the floor, a wrench that implies some kind of fresh maintenance, and especially a cover.
But that isn't what Cavaliere is interested in, is it? No. Cavaliere thinks he sees brown and black moving
>>193371
Survival: Silver looks for any signs of someone entering and hiding somewhere in the room, such as hoof/clawprints.
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23]
Survival: Silver looks for any signs of someone entering and hiding somewhere in the room, such as hoof/clawprints.
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23]
>>193372
Someone stepped in oil and left a trail leading out of the room. It's very fresh. It's like they left in a hurry.
Someone stepped in oil and left a trail leading out of the room. It's very fresh. It's like they left in a hurry.
>>193371
If Cavaliere is visible to Silver, he holds up a talon to his beak. He follows where he thinks the blur went.
If Cavaliere is visible to Silver, he holds up a talon to his beak. He follows where he thinks the blur went.
>>193375
The next room
This room has a single large engine in the center, and walkways to either side.
The next room
This room has a single large engine in the center, and walkways to either side.
>>193380
Yip!
There is a clanging, and clearly someone trying to run away on the opposite side of the engine, going towards the bow of the ship
Yip!
There is a clanging, and clearly someone trying to run away on the opposite side of the engine, going towards the bow of the ship
>>193381
That was strange noise... Silver thinks to himself, as he moves to block the exit out of the room.
That was strange noise... Silver thinks to himself, as he moves to block the exit out of the room.
>>193381
Putting his hat back on, Cavaliere circles around the engine so the creature cannot back out. "At least he didn't shoot," he mutters.
Putting his hat back on, Cavaliere circles around the engine so the creature cannot back out. "At least he didn't shoot," he mutters.
>>193385
Silver decides to call out to this mystery creature, trying to sound friendly, or perhaps even fatherly. "You can come out, little guy. We are not trying to hurt you, we just want to know what is going on."
Silver decides to call out to this mystery creature, trying to sound friendly, or perhaps even fatherly. "You can come out, little guy. We are not trying to hurt you, we just want to know what is going on."
>>193387
Then Silver goes full speed to fill the space in the door before the creature can beat him there, even if it means he hits the doorframe.
Then Silver goes full speed to fill the space in the door before the creature can beat him there, even if it means he hits the doorframe.
>>193392
"Calm down, we're not going to hurt you," Cavaliere tells the apparent pony as he approaches, now more slowly.
"Calm down, we're not going to hurt you," Cavaliere tells the apparent pony as he approaches, now more slowly.
>>193392
Silver, getting up while still blocking the doorway, blinks and stares at this mysterious small equine. "Huh, you really are little guy. I am sorry if you got hurt from that." Smiling at the creature, he offers a hoof for him (or her) to get up with. "I am Silver. Who are you?"
Silver, getting up while still blocking the doorway, blinks and stares at this mysterious small equine. "Huh, you really are little guy. I am sorry if you got hurt from that." Smiling at the creature, he offers a hoof for him (or her) to get up with. "I am Silver. Who are you?"
>>193395
Silver's smile turns slightly sad, but he understands this reaction. "I get it, we are mysterious creatures you do not know, after you heard gunshots, covered..." He stops there and skips to the next thing he has to say. "We really do not mean you any harm."
Silver's smile turns slightly sad, but he understands this reaction. "I get it, we are mysterious creatures you do not know, after you heard gunshots, covered..." He stops there and skips to the next thing he has to say. "We really do not mean you any harm."
>>193396
"Please don't hurt me"
Definitely female, and accented to something more exotic
The hooves are grey attached to darker grey. She has oil on her hoof that is getting on her cap as well. She is trembling.
"Please don't hurt me"
Definitely female, and accented to something more exotic
The hooves are grey attached to darker grey. She has oil on her hoof that is getting on her cap as well. She is trembling.
>>193397
"We won't, miss. We're the...new owners of this vessel. Are there any other rooms to the aft of this one?"
"We won't, miss. We're the...new owners of this vessel. Are there any other rooms to the aft of this one?"
>>193399
She looks up and turns her head slightly towards Cavaliere. He can see a black stripe down her face and her light blue eyes. She takes one of the hooves that has been holding her cap down, and points behind her
>>193400
No. Probably Zebrican, maybe mixed.
>Trust in me
Hey, that's kira's line!
"There was shooting..."
She's almost crying. Or actually crying.
She looks up and turns her head slightly towards Cavaliere. He can see a black stripe down her face and her light blue eyes. She takes one of the hooves that has been holding her cap down, and points behind her
>>193400
No. Probably Zebrican, maybe mixed.
>Trust in me
Hey, that's kira's line!
"There was shooting..."
She's almost crying. Or actually crying.
>>193401
Silver said trust in him, not trust inside him.
Letting out a sad sigh, he nods, even if the mare can't see. "I know. Our group was trying to board that other ship, stop something horrible from getting to mainland. They fired on us with no warning, we had to defend ourselves. We..."
Sense Motive: How much does the mare need a hug, and how willing would she be to accept one?
[1d20+3 = (15+3) = 18]
Silver said trust in him, not trust inside him.
Letting out a sad sigh, he nods, even if the mare can't see. "I know. Our group was trying to board that other ship, stop something horrible from getting to mainland. They fired on us with no warning, we had to defend ourselves. We..."
Sense Motive: How much does the mare need a hug, and how willing would she be to accept one?
[1d20+3 = (15+3) = 18]
>>193401
Cavaliere nods sympathetically. "There was, but we will do our best to keep you out of danger. We are not like the others."
Cavaliere nods sympathetically. "There was, but we will do our best to keep you out of danger. We are not like the others."
>>193404
Whether she wants it or not, a mare in need she is indeed. He goes in and wraps his forelegs around her, giving her as warm a hug as he can in this cold place.
Whether she wants it or not, a mare in need she is indeed. He goes in and wraps his forelegs around her, giving her as warm a hug as he can in this cold place.
>>193404
He looks away briefly. "We captured as many as we could manage. Most of the crew are off this boat."
He looks away briefly. "We captured as many as we could manage. Most of the crew are off this boat."
>>193407
Silver keeps at it. Feel the fluff, little mare. Feel the warmth of kindness, and let it chase away the chill.
Silver keeps at it. Feel the fluff, little mare. Feel the warmth of kindness, and let it chase away the chill.
>>193408
squeak
She's still trembling and crying, though. Silver mostly feels her clothing, which has some oil on it.
squeak
She's still trembling and crying, though. Silver mostly feels her clothing, which has some oil on it.
>>193409
The trembling and crying is natural. She's lost friends, comrades, family. It's a feeling Silver can relate to, and he knows how quickly it can turn to poison if you don't let it out.
The trembling and crying is natural. She's lost friends, comrades, family. It's a feeling Silver can relate to, and he knows how quickly it can turn to poison if you don't let it out.
>>193407
He does not answer. "We are trying to capture the rest alive. Do you know if any are hiding near this room?"
He does not answer. "We are trying to capture the rest alive. Do you know if any are hiding near this room?"
>>193412
"It is okay to cry, little mare." He gives her a friendly squeeze to reinforce this point. "But if there is anything you can do to help us, to help your comrades here, please do so."
"It is okay to cry, little mare." He gives her a friendly squeeze to reinforce this point. "But if there is anything you can do to help us, to help your comrades here, please do so."
>>193414
Silver gently pets the mare's mare, his hoof stroking it slowly down its full length. Surely, the end of the world can wait for a moment, such that this mare can process her grief, sorrow, and fear at least a little.
Silver gently pets the mare's mare, his hoof stroking it slowly down its full length. Surely, the end of the world can wait for a moment, such that this mare can process her grief, sorrow, and fear at least a little.
>>193411
What unfolds in front of Cavaliere is a scene of pure horror
Has Cavaliere seen, under a microscope, an amoeba enveloping and devouring a smaller organism? Could he imagine the same, but on the macro scale? What he witnesses does not need to be imagined, it is happening in real time, in front of his eyes, through the horror called by some “Alzughab.” A ball of sentient fur envelopes the poor mare on the ground. Little tendrils of fluff move around her uniform, then her cap, then down to her muzzle, under she is scarcely visible under the ball of floof.
What cannot be imagined is what becomes of the poor mare beneath.
What unfolds in front of Cavaliere is a scene of pure horror
Has Cavaliere seen, under a microscope, an amoeba enveloping and devouring a smaller organism? Could he imagine the same, but on the macro scale? What he witnesses does not need to be imagined, it is happening in real time, in front of his eyes, through the horror called by some “Alzughab.” A ball of sentient fur envelopes the poor mare on the ground. Little tendrils of fluff move around her uniform, then her cap, then down to her muzzle, under she is scarcely visible under the ball of floof.
What cannot be imagined is what becomes of the poor mare beneath.
Posey spends a few minutes convulsing and wretching ichor like in The exorcist before eventually regaining her composure, which is my way of fluffing absence during the last few bits of roleplay.
>>193415
She follows Silver
"What did you find?"
>>193415
She follows Silver
"What did you find?"
>>193417
Silver is currently busy hugging a crying mare wearing oil-stained cotton work clothes. In a way, it almost looks like he's trying to absorb her into the floofiness.
Silver is currently busy hugging a crying mare wearing oil-stained cotton work clothes. In a way, it almost looks like he's trying to absorb her into the floofiness.
>>193199
>The grey griffin has... some kind of prayer beads?
Ooh, those could be really valuable. Posey takes these.
"Prayer beads? Quite the find. These may be useful to Dust or Kira, or perhaps even a get-well gift for Agire..."
Rolling Religion to identify them for mystical properties.
[1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
>knife with an ivory handle
Posey also takes this if no pony else claims it. (Posey likes Ivory and other bone-like aesthetics).
>The grey griffin has... some kind of prayer beads?
Ooh, those could be really valuable. Posey takes these.
"Prayer beads? Quite the find. These may be useful to Dust or Kira, or perhaps even a get-well gift for Agire..."
Rolling Religion to identify them for mystical properties.
[1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
>knife with an ivory handle
Posey also takes this if no pony else claims it. (Posey likes Ivory and other bone-like aesthetics).
>>193416
at first I was confused and interpreted it literally, and was about to start shooting
>>193417
>>193420
"Of sorts, but I would not use that word. This poor mare must have stories to tell. It's unfortunate that we have our own to write at the moment. At the least, we need to see what's at the stern of the ship to have any semblance of safety."
at first I was confused and interpreted it literally, and was about to start shooting
>>193417
>>193420
"Of sorts, but I would not use that word. This poor mare must have stories to tell. It's unfortunate that we have our own to write at the moment. At the least, we need to see what's at the stern of the ship to have any semblance of safety."
>>193423
"Probably another nameless monster." Posey says with a sigh
"It is important to clear it before the ship takes too much damage."
"Probably another nameless monster." Posey says with a sigh
"It is important to clear it before the ship takes too much damage."
>>193420
The mare is laying on her belly, and Silver is in part over top of her, trying to affect a hug. She moves her head up towards Posey. Posey can see her black muzzle, grey face, the black strip down the center of her face, and then the beginning of stripes on either side. Her icy blue eyes finally look up towards Posey. She shakes
"I'm a prisoner?!?!?!?"
>>193421
Posey recognizes them as beads for the worship of the Griffonian Pantheon. More particularly, for Eyr
The mare is laying on her belly, and Silver is in part over top of her, trying to affect a hug. She moves her head up towards Posey. Posey can see her black muzzle, grey face, the black strip down the center of her face, and then the beginning of stripes on either side. Her icy blue eyes finally look up towards Posey. She shakes
"I'm a prisoner?!?!?!?"
>>193421
Posey recognizes them as beads for the worship of the Griffonian Pantheon. More particularly, for Eyr
>>193425
>"I'm a prisoner?!?!?!?"
"Are you?" Posey inquires
"Who are you?"
>beads for the worship
So, like proper noun magical prayer beads, or just trinkets?
I guess we can test them later.
>"I'm a prisoner?!?!?!?"
"Are you?" Posey inquires
"Who are you?"
>beads for the worship
So, like proper noun magical prayer beads, or just trinkets?
I guess we can test them later.
>>193426
Prayer beads
"Am I?" Her ears go down, then back up. She lowers her head then raises it back up
"I'm... Zara Zama. Mechanic"
Prayer beads
"Am I?" Her ears go down, then back up. She lowers her head then raises it back up
"I'm... Zara Zama. Mechanic"
>>193428
She turns her head to look straight up at Silver, and rotates her ears towards him. He can see her icy blue eyes, the black skin at the end of her nostrils, and can even make out small holes in her ears. She pulls her lips back in a kind of awkward smile, and he can see some teeth are imperfect.
"Nice to... Nice to meet you..." She tries to extend a hoof but can't really manage it from the angle.
"Who are you and why are you here?"
She turns her head to look straight up at Silver, and rotates her ears towards him. He can see her icy blue eyes, the black skin at the end of her nostrils, and can even make out small holes in her ears. She pulls her lips back in a kind of awkward smile, and he can see some teeth are imperfect.
"Nice to... Nice to meet you..." She tries to extend a hoof but can't really manage it from the angle.
"Who are you and why are you here?"
>>193429
Silver perhaps relents just a bit, to give the mare a bit of breathing room. Just a bit though. He takes her hoof and gives it a firm shake. "As I said, I am Silver. Me and my comrades were attempting to board Kostroma to kill or destroy what they had brought back with them from Skynavia - extradimensional entity called either Chernobog or Traveler, depending on your preference. It consumes creatures' consciousnesses and absorbs them into hive mind, where it can then control them like puppets. It took over minds of most of Kostroma's crew, and it is trying to get to Equus so it can do same to everyone on continent." Looking sadly to the side, he continues. "Your comrades on deck fired upon us before we even knew fully what was going on."
Silver perhaps relents just a bit, to give the mare a bit of breathing room. Just a bit though. He takes her hoof and gives it a firm shake. "As I said, I am Silver. Me and my comrades were attempting to board Kostroma to kill or destroy what they had brought back with them from Skynavia - extradimensional entity called either Chernobog or Traveler, depending on your preference. It consumes creatures' consciousnesses and absorbs them into hive mind, where it can then control them like puppets. It took over minds of most of Kostroma's crew, and it is trying to get to Equus so it can do same to everyone on continent." Looking sadly to the side, he continues. "Your comrades on deck fired upon us before we even knew fully what was going on."
>>193431
Silver blinks as he realizes he may have just dumped way too much on the grief-stricken mare all at once. "...your boarding crew would not happen to have radio on them, would they?"
Silver blinks as he realizes he may have just dumped way too much on the grief-stricken mare all at once. "...your boarding crew would not happen to have radio on them, would they?"
>>193432
"I- I think so? Short range." She sniffles. "The earth pony up there. The larger yellow one. Is he okay?"
"I- I think so? Short range." She sniffles. "The earth pony up there. The larger yellow one. Is he okay?"
>>193433
Silver's sad look returns, though he doesn't look away this time. Instead, he looks right at the mare, meeting her blue eyes with his own.
Silver's sad look returns, though he doesn't look away this time. Instead, he looks right at the mare, meeting her blue eyes with his own.
>>193435
"I am so sorry, Zara. I am so, so sorry..."
If ever Silver's normal hesitation to go full lethal had a reason, it's this. Behind nearly every enemy combatant is a loved one, awaiting their safe return from dangerous places far afield. Or near afield, in this case. It was a do-or-die situation, he knows this. He knows that if he died instead in that firefight there would be many creatures who would mourn him, beyond simply the threat the world would be in at that point. But if the pirates had only stayed their hooves and claws for a second, had they only said something before the hail of bullets had begun...
Silver wraps his forehooves around the mare's shoulders and pulls her into another hug. His fur is still soft, and still would be perfect for crying into if she wished. Or she could push him away and punch him, he would understand fully, perhaps more than most here.
"I am so sorry, Zara. I am so, so sorry..."
If ever Silver's normal hesitation to go full lethal had a reason, it's this. Behind nearly every enemy combatant is a loved one, awaiting their safe return from dangerous places far afield. Or near afield, in this case. It was a do-or-die situation, he knows this. He knows that if he died instead in that firefight there would be many creatures who would mourn him, beyond simply the threat the world would be in at that point. But if the pirates had only stayed their hooves and claws for a second, had they only said something before the hail of bullets had begun...
Silver wraps his forehooves around the mare's shoulders and pulls her into another hug. His fur is still soft, and still would be perfect for crying into if she wished. Or she could push him away and punch him, he would understand fully, perhaps more than most here.
>>193436
She cries, but does not push him away, nor cry into his fur. Instead, she tries to press her face into the rusted, grated steel floor below her, and cover her face with her hooves
She cries, but does not push him away, nor cry into his fur. Instead, she tries to press her face into the rusted, grated steel floor below her, and cover her face with her hooves
>>193437
"I get it, perhaps more than you know. I have lost someone significant to me before and it nearly broke me. It did break me. But I had others who depended on me, and I pushed through to do what I had to do, for them." He puts his hooves on either side of the mare, and helps her up, even if she's not quite ready for it. He shows her his radio. "It is same for you. There will be time to grieve, and his loss will be mourned, but do not let it be in vain. You still have others who depend on you. If there is any way you can reach them, if there is still time, please help us. Call your comrades, tell them to come back immediately. If Traveler gets hold of them..." He doesn't finish this statement.
"I get it, perhaps more than you know. I have lost someone significant to me before and it nearly broke me. It did break me. But I had others who depended on me, and I pushed through to do what I had to do, for them." He puts his hooves on either side of the mare, and helps her up, even if she's not quite ready for it. He shows her his radio. "It is same for you. There will be time to grieve, and his loss will be mourned, but do not let it be in vain. You still have others who depend on you. If there is any way you can reach them, if there is still time, please help us. Call your comrades, tell them to come back immediately. If Traveler gets hold of them..." He doesn't finish this statement.
>>193438
squeak
She is pulled up, and forced onto four feet. She looks back to Silver and sniffles. Then she takes the radio almost forcefully, and tries to set it to a certain range
squeak
She is pulled up, and forced onto four feet. She looks back to Silver and sniffles. Then she takes the radio almost forcefully, and tries to set it to a certain range
>>193440
She doesn't acknowledge Silver's statement, but with a hoof changes frequencies, and with the other holds the receiver to her face
"Tâche, are you there?" She turns the dial. "Tâche, are you there? Tâche?!"
She doesn't acknowledge Silver's statement, but with a hoof changes frequencies, and with the other holds the receiver to her face
"Tâche, are you there?" She turns the dial. "Tâche, are you there? Tâche?!"
>>193442
She continues yelling into the receiver
"Can you hear me?" Static sounds. She turns the knob. "Can you hear me?" More static, and a frantic turning of the knob
She continues yelling into the receiver
"Can you hear me?" Static sounds. She turns the knob. "Can you hear me?" More static, and a frantic turning of the knob
>>193427
Pic
>>193429
>"Who are you and why are you here?"
"I am Rosey Ring. Dread Pirate of the North Coast. We came to seize that large vessel moored over there after our ship was sunk by monsters, but our plans were delayed after gunners on this ship decided to fire upon us before we could board it. Several of our crew members are wounded." she says, coldly
"They lost, and she we are seizing this ship." she continues
"You say you are a mechanic, so you are more useful alive than dead. If you make yourself useful maintaining and repairing this ship and do not interfere with our plans, we can drop you off safely on the mainland when all of this is over."
She looks directly into the jenny's eyes and uses her Charm Gaze (Will DC 19)
"Do we have a deal?"
Also, Diplomacy, because why not?
[1d20+10 = (10+10) = 20]
(Please resolve the diplomacy check after the charm save, so I can shift her from Friendly to Helpful)
Pic
>>193429
>"Who are you and why are you here?"
"I am Rosey Ring. Dread Pirate of the North Coast. We came to seize that large vessel moored over there after our ship was sunk by monsters, but our plans were delayed after gunners on this ship decided to fire upon us before we could board it. Several of our crew members are wounded." she says, coldly
"They lost, and she we are seizing this ship." she continues
"You say you are a mechanic, so you are more useful alive than dead. If you make yourself useful maintaining and repairing this ship and do not interfere with our plans, we can drop you off safely on the mainland when all of this is over."
She looks directly into the jenny's eyes and uses her Charm Gaze (Will DC 19)
"Do we have a deal?"
Also, Diplomacy, because why not?
[1d20+10 = (10+10) = 20]
(Please resolve the diplomacy check after the charm save, so I can shift her from Friendly to Helpful)
>>193448
Posey's ears perk up, and she smiles
"Splendid. You can start by doing something about those pierced fuel tanks, and any other damage to the vessel. We all want this ship in good condition if we are to make it home safely."
Posey's ears perk up, and she smiles
"Splendid. You can start by doing something about those pierced fuel tanks, and any other damage to the vessel. We all want this ship in good condition if we are to make it home safely."
>>193452
Okay, if there's nothing left to see here, Posey proceeds to the next room, looking through the boat systemically.
Okay, if there's nothing left to see here, Posey proceeds to the next room, looking through the boat systemically.
>>193455
Silver smiles, no sadness this time, and motions towards the path to the diesel tanks. "Lead on, then. And ignore what she said about 'more useful alive than dead', she is...odd. They all are in their own special way, but I am still glad to fight alongside them."
Silver smiles, no sadness this time, and motions towards the path to the diesel tanks. "Lead on, then. And ignore what she said about 'more useful alive than dead', she is...odd. They all are in their own special way, but I am still glad to fight alongside them."
>>193448
"Excellent. No point in wasting time now. Chop chop." Posey says as she leaves
Opposed Charisma check to give orders to a charmed creature
[1d20+6 = (13+6) = 19]
>>193454
>others in the group are perhaps not as good at dealing with a grieving mare
We are supposed to be undercover as cutthroat pirates. I was going to roll Intimidate, but I think so long as her options are limited a stern but gentle approach would be more effective.
>>193455
Posey carefully moves down the hallway.
"Excellent. No point in wasting time now. Chop chop." Posey says as she leaves
Opposed Charisma check to give orders to a charmed creature
[1d20+6 = (13+6) = 19]
>>193454
>others in the group are perhaps not as good at dealing with a grieving mare
We are supposed to be undercover as cutthroat pirates. I was going to roll Intimidate, but I think so long as her options are limited a stern but gentle approach would be more effective.
>>193455
Posey carefully moves down the hallway.
>>193456
The mare (Jenny?) goes up, towards the steps to the deck, up the deck and into the bridge, paying attention to the blood, and is on her way to the actual deck.
>>193457
She does so
As Posey walks down the grated metal floor, she does not trigger any kind of traps, nor is she ambushed. This room is clear.
The mare (Jenny?) goes up, towards the steps to the deck, up the deck and into the bridge, paying attention to the blood, and is on her way to the actual deck.
>>193457
She does so
As Posey walks down the grated metal floor, she does not trigger any kind of traps, nor is she ambushed. This room is clear.
>>193458
>Jenny
Zebras are closer to donkies than horses, so I thought their women would be jennies. A quick search says they're still called mares though.
.
Is there anything at the end of the hallway? If there's another room or stairs she keeps moving.
Posey keeps her horn-glow on the hilt of her sword, to draw it as a readied action if she sees anything.
She assesses for any damage that might compromise the seaworthiness of the vessel, although her limited technological knowledge (0 ranks) prevents her from noticing anything that would not be common knowledge.
>Jenny
Zebras are closer to donkies than horses, so I thought their women would be jennies. A quick search says they're still called mares though.
.
Is there anything at the end of the hallway? If there's another room or stairs she keeps moving.
Posey keeps her horn-glow on the hilt of her sword, to draw it as a readied action if she sees anything.
She assesses for any damage that might compromise the seaworthiness of the vessel, although her limited technological knowledge (0 ranks) prevents her from noticing anything that would not be common knowledge.
>>193458
Silver trots alongside, keeping close to the mare in case she needs anything. He does think to himself, as they make their way to the deck: Did they already dump that earth pony's body into ocean?
Silver trots alongside, keeping close to the mare in case she needs anything. He does think to himself, as they make their way to the deck: Did they already dump that earth pony's body into ocean?
>>193459
Hey, I saw it in a youtube quiz saying that zebras are mares, so I'll go with that. I actually kind of like the sound of "Jenny" more than "mare," and it would make sense, so I don't mind jennies either.
Posey does see something. It's another bulkhead, and a doorway into another room. This one is longer, actually probably the longest on the boat. It is a dorm, with a number of bunks together, closer together and greater in number than the dorm room already examined. The beds are in a varying state of organization, with some pillows on the floor and some completely made. the same is true of clothing and other items. the beds have lockers. Beyond this is a small table, a few cabinets, and a wall to a small room with the hallway off to the side. Only behind this is the bulkhead.
>>193460
They have not. The mare finds the first griffin, which is the same griffin that is conscious and Cavaliere spoke to earlier. The mare says something in Imperial to the griffin, probably a proper name sounding like "Hanzel," and then proceeds to try to speak to him in Imperial.
Hey, I saw it in a youtube quiz saying that zebras are mares, so I'll go with that. I actually kind of like the sound of "Jenny" more than "mare," and it would make sense, so I don't mind jennies either.
Posey does see something. It's another bulkhead, and a doorway into another room. This one is longer, actually probably the longest on the boat. It is a dorm, with a number of bunks together, closer together and greater in number than the dorm room already examined. The beds are in a varying state of organization, with some pillows on the floor and some completely made. the same is true of clothing and other items. the beds have lockers. Beyond this is a small table, a few cabinets, and a wall to a small room with the hallway off to the side. Only behind this is the bulkhead.
>>193460
They have not. The mare finds the first griffin, which is the same griffin that is conscious and Cavaliere spoke to earlier. The mare says something in Imperial to the griffin, probably a proper name sounding like "Hanzel," and then proceeds to try to speak to him in Imperial.
>>193463
Silver goes over to the body of the yellow earth pony and stands vigil, making sure to keep the others from tossing him overboard. He looks over at Zara and the reddish griffon conversing with one another while he does so.
Silver goes over to the body of the yellow earth pony and stands vigil, making sure to keep the others from tossing him overboard. He looks over at Zara and the reddish griffon conversing with one another while he does so.
>>193463
Posey moves throughout the dorm, looking for any lootable items or creatures hidden on/under beds.
Posey moves throughout the dorm, looking for any lootable items or creatures hidden on/under beds.
>>193466
>>193465
There are a number of little items, like bottles of distilled alcohol, a random figurine, more than one religious statuette, a couple boxes of ammunition that are empty or open, and magazines and posters of griffins (and a pony) in questionable positions.
Nothing under at minimum the beds in the front.
>>193464
Zara is taking a while to talk to him...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF16eA7sdqo
>>193465
There are a number of little items, like bottles of distilled alcohol, a random figurine, more than one religious statuette, a couple boxes of ammunition that are empty or open, and magazines and posters of griffins (and a pony) in questionable positions.
Nothing under at minimum the beds in the front.
>>193464
Zara is taking a while to talk to him...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF16eA7sdqo
>>193467
If it's all in Imperial, can Silver tell the direction or mood of the conversation? And if it's not, what are they saying?
If it's all in Imperial, can Silver tell the direction or mood of the conversation? And if it's not, what are they saying?
>>193468
Some shock, concern, and more hushed tones
Zara is obviously not entirely fluent in Imperial and sometimes needs to think about words or has the reddish griffin repeat himself.
Some shock, concern, and more hushed tones
Zara is obviously not entirely fluent in Imperial and sometimes needs to think about words or has the reddish griffin repeat himself.
>>193469
While they finish up their conversation, Silver decides to look around where he's at to see if any of their group is around to chat with.
While they finish up their conversation, Silver decides to look around where he's at to see if any of their group is around to chat with.
>>193467
He looks into the small room, and then through the remainder of the lockers, cabinets and beds.
He looks into the small room, and then through the remainder of the lockers, cabinets and beds.
>>193470
There are multiple other ponies, most notably the white pegasus airpony, Captain Weary Weeks, Pipette, Star Fire, Pinup Locker, Primed Well, and Rustling Pine. Presumably Blackheel and Mala are still downstairs
>>193471
Some lockers are locked, some are not. There is some paper money, keys (presumably to items at home?), some papers, and more magazines of a questionable nature.
Looking into the small room, it has a stove, a container of kerosene, a small sink, a few cabinets, and a few other items that suggest that this is a small galley. Nearby are some cabinets that seem to hold medical supplies, as well as a wall that seems to spots to place firearms, as well as some boxes of ammunition. Still another cabinet seems to have plates, and another has more sheets. All of this in a small area.
There are multiple other ponies, most notably the white pegasus airpony, Captain Weary Weeks, Pipette, Star Fire, Pinup Locker, Primed Well, and Rustling Pine. Presumably Blackheel and Mala are still downstairs
>>193471
Some lockers are locked, some are not. There is some paper money, keys (presumably to items at home?), some papers, and more magazines of a questionable nature.
Looking into the small room, it has a stove, a container of kerosene, a small sink, a few cabinets, and a few other items that suggest that this is a small galley. Nearby are some cabinets that seem to hold medical supplies, as well as a wall that seems to spots to place firearms, as well as some boxes of ammunition. Still another cabinet seems to have plates, and another has more sheets. All of this in a small area.
>>193471
But then, looking back, he sees it. By far and away the most interesting thing in the room. Under a bed that is now behind him, he sees something large and blue and green. It could only be... a pony. Cavaliere has no idea why he wasn't spotted earlier. Most likely he moved to that spot unnoticed after sneaking past him, and hoped that Cavaliere would not go back and search an area he already searched.
But then, looking back, he sees it. By far and away the most interesting thing in the room. Under a bed that is now behind him, he sees something large and blue and green. It could only be... a pony. Cavaliere has no idea why he wasn't spotted earlier. Most likely he moved to that spot unnoticed after sneaking past him, and hoped that Cavaliere would not go back and search an area he already searched.
>>193472
Cavaliere contemplates taking some items that may prove useful, but upon seeing the pony that occupies all his interest. He crouches down with a neutral expression on his face, slowly with the deliberation that can only imply the ability to act if the need arises. "Hello," he greets. "I don't intend to hurt you. Come out from under there, but keep your hooves where I can see them."
Cavaliere contemplates taking some items that may prove useful, but upon seeing the pony that occupies all his interest. He crouches down with a neutral expression on his face, slowly with the deliberation that can only imply the ability to act if the need arises. "Hello," he greets. "I don't intend to hurt you. Come out from under there, but keep your hooves where I can see them."
>>193474
He opens his eyes widely. He takes a moment, but then comes out, hooves raised. he is wearing green overalls that seems to be some kind of uniform, not necessarily a soldier's uniform. He is a unicorn, and his mane is a purple-grey tint
He opens his eyes widely. He takes a moment, but then comes out, hooves raised. he is wearing green overalls that seems to be some kind of uniform, not necessarily a soldier's uniform. He is a unicorn, and his mane is a purple-grey tint
>>193475
The griffon stands up from his crouch. "We both have questions for each other; I'll start. What's your name, are you part of this ship's crew, and are you armed?" he asks.
The griffon stands up from his crouch. "We both have questions for each other; I'll start. What's your name, are you part of this ship's crew, and are you armed?" he asks.
>>193467
Posey checks the religious statuettes to see if any of them might be magical or otherwise valuable.
[1d20+11 = (9+11) = 20]
She checks for any runes on magical ammunition too
[1d20+11 = (5+11) = 16]
>>193472
>There is some paper money
How much paper money?
>Keys
Posey takes the keys.
>>193475
>>193473
Is he a colt?
Posey checks the religious statuettes to see if any of them might be magical or otherwise valuable.
[1d20+11 = (9+11) = 20]
She checks for any runes on magical ammunition too
[1d20+11 = (5+11) = 16]
>>193472
>There is some paper money
How much paper money?
>Keys
Posey takes the keys.
>>193475
>>193473
Is he a colt?
>>193472
Silver puts out a question for the lot of them, for whoever decides to answer as he looks up at the Kostroma. "Any signs of movement from ship? Or hear anything about our missing pirate raiders?"
Silver puts out a question for the lot of them, for whoever decides to answer as he looks up at the Kostroma. "Any signs of movement from ship? Or hear anything about our missing pirate raiders?"
>>193478
Or, Silver could go talk with the griffon and Zara...in fact, that sounds like a better idea. So, instead, he just lets the nearby creatures know, "Do not dump this one," as he trots over to be with Zara.
Or, Silver could go talk with the griffon and Zara...in fact, that sounds like a better idea. So, instead, he just lets the nearby creatures know, "Do not dump this one," as he trots over to be with Zara.
>>193477
One, no, that's lead or possibly a zinc alloy. Another... Hmmm.. The way that it glimmers. It's certainly silver, but possibly enchanted
Posey thinks she may have found something. It's for a larger caliber of gun than, well, than she's seen so far, but it seems to exist
>>193478
Primed Well responds:
"No. We don't really have the best angle. It's gone dark, actually. What was that commotion in the hull? Was there a survivor?"
>>193480
Zara stops speaking and looks back to Silver, and the griffin does the same.
Silver smell the blood on the deck, though it is not as strong as the smell of salt water and diesel fuel.
>>193476
He is scared
"Wistful Wonder." He says "Uh, Yes. No."
>>193477
>colt
He is a male in the young adult, 17-22 age range. I'd use the term "colt" for that, but I'm not sure what you mean.
It looks like hundreds of Imperial Crowns.
One, no, that's lead or possibly a zinc alloy. Another... Hmmm.. The way that it glimmers. It's certainly silver, but possibly enchanted
Posey thinks she may have found something. It's for a larger caliber of gun than, well, than she's seen so far, but it seems to exist
>>193478
Primed Well responds:
"No. We don't really have the best angle. It's gone dark, actually. What was that commotion in the hull? Was there a survivor?"
>>193480
Zara stops speaking and looks back to Silver, and the griffin does the same.
Silver smell the blood on the deck, though it is not as strong as the smell of salt water and diesel fuel.
>>193476
He is scared
"Wistful Wonder." He says "Uh, Yes. No."
>>193477
>colt
He is a male in the young adult, 17-22 age range. I'd use the term "colt" for that, but I'm not sure what you mean.
It looks like hundreds of Imperial Crowns.
>>193481
Somewhere in the darkness, a tongue is being flicked.
Silver looks between the two creatures, lets out an awkward cough, and speaks. "So, what are you two talking about?"
Somewhere in the darkness, a tongue is being flicked.
Silver looks between the two creatures, lets out an awkward cough, and speaks. "So, what are you two talking about?"
>>193481
Posey takes the special bullet.
>young adult
Just check to see if he's an adult. Description seemed childlike.
Posey slowly moves over and attempts to charm him with her gaze. Will DC 19.
"I take it you were a crew member on this ship?"
>hundreds of Imperial Crowns
Posey counts the money to get the number.
Posey takes the special bullet.
>young adult
Just check to see if he's an adult. Description seemed childlike.
Posey slowly moves over and attempts to charm him with her gaze. Will DC 19.
"I take it you were a crew member on this ship?"
>hundreds of Imperial Crowns
Posey counts the money to get the number.
>>193481
Cavaliere pats down the pony to make sure he is not concealing any weapons. "Are there any other creatures in this part of the ship?"
Cavaliere pats down the pony to make sure he is not concealing any weapons. "Are there any other creatures in this part of the ship?"
>>193483
"Good, that is good." After a second of whistling, Silver replies to the reddish griffon with another thought. "It is good to see you conversing. I was afraid you had lost ability to speak."
"Good, that is good." After a second of whistling, Silver replies to the reddish griffon with another thought. "It is good to see you conversing. I was afraid you had lost ability to speak."
>>193490
Cavaliere steps back. "Mr. Wonder, you have a few minutes to gather your belongings before I escort you topside. I don't consider you a prisoner, but given where we are you may not want to leave."
Cavaliere steps back. "Mr. Wonder, you have a few minutes to gather your belongings before I escort you topside. I don't consider you a prisoner, but given where we are you may not want to leave."
>>193491
He quickly goes over to a bed and starts to try to collect some things from it. Clothing, as well as the contents of a locker
He quickly goes over to a bed and starts to try to collect some things from it. Clothing, as well as the contents of a locker
>>193492
As annoyed he is by Posey pilfering the place, he keeps an eye on Wonder. Ponies can still be dangerous, especially scared ones.
As annoyed he is by Posey pilfering the place, he keeps an eye on Wonder. Ponies can still be dangerous, especially scared ones.
>>193493
The unicorn does not retrieve a gun from the locker, at least that Cavaliere can see. Mostly he takes clothing, what seems to be money, and a few other things
The unicorn does not retrieve a gun from the locker, at least that Cavaliere can see. Mostly he takes clothing, what seems to be money, and a few other things
>>193494
When Wonder is finished, Cavaliere looks through the ammunition to see if any is .45 Colt. He retrieves more medical supplies and whatever money that has not already been taking, putting it in a place separate from his own cash. He flips through the papers.
When Wonder is finished, Cavaliere looks through the ammunition to see if any is .45 Colt. He retrieves more medical supplies and whatever money that has not already been taking, putting it in a place separate from his own cash. He flips through the papers.
>>193496
The identification papers can be looked at later. What does it say on the contracts? The rounds will come in handy.
The identification papers can be looked at later. What does it say on the contracts? The rounds will come in handy.
>>193497
One concerns mantainence work in World's End. The other concerns... Laundry services? Laundry Services. Laundry Services in Ny Winghaven. Then another for selling a fishing vessel in Nuevelle Aquellia.
One concerns mantainence work in World's End. The other concerns... Laundry services? Laundry Services. Laundry Services in Ny Winghaven. Then another for selling a fishing vessel in Nuevelle Aquellia.
>>193498
Not terribly important, but it may indicate where this boat has been in the past. The locked lockers may have something interesting, but Posey has the keys now and forcing the lockers open may take too much time. Cavaliere takes one of the questionable magazines for good measure before leading the pony back to the bow.
Not terribly important, but it may indicate where this boat has been in the past. The locked lockers may have something interesting, but Posey has the keys now and forcing the lockers open may take too much time. Cavaliere takes one of the questionable magazines for good measure before leading the pony back to the bow.
>>193499
The pony comes with Cavaliere. They encounter Blackheel along the way.
"Did you find another prisoner?"
The pony comes with Cavaliere. They encounter Blackheel along the way.
"Did you find another prisoner?"
>>193500
He nods. "Two ponies. Neither of them have been aggressive in any way and once we're off this island we can let them go. In the rear cabin there is ammunition but I was not able to find anything else that is particularly useful. Some containers in there are locked if you are feeling curious."
He nods. "Two ponies. Neither of them have been aggressive in any way and once we're off this island we can let them go. In the rear cabin there is ammunition but I was not able to find anything else that is particularly useful. Some containers in there are locked if you are feeling curious."
>>193501
"And what was their intention in coming up to a merchant vessel? We can leave them on the island and sink their vessel, I suppose. The GRU are not going to give us long. They will not give us long at all. They are coming for this vessel."
"And what was their intention in coming up to a merchant vessel? We can leave them on the island and sink their vessel, I suppose. The GRU are not going to give us long. They will not give us long at all. They are coming for this vessel."
>>193502
"Leaving them on this island would be a death sentence. Whatever we decide later, keeping them around will be best for them and for us. Taking one onto the Kostroma may help to convince the boarding party to surrender if any are still lucid. We cannot afford to lose any more time."
"Leaving them on this island would be a death sentence. Whatever we decide later, keeping them around will be best for them and for us. Taking one onto the Kostroma may help to convince the boarding party to surrender if any are still lucid. We cannot afford to lose any more time."
>>193503
"As is the proper sentence for piracy. But you have a point. Having a hostage or two on the ship will help if we encounter any survivors of their boarding party."
"As is the proper sentence for piracy. But you have a point. Having a hostage or two on the ship will help if we encounter any survivors of their boarding party."
>>193510
Okay, Cavaliere does not go topside yet with the pony, but will help to clear the last room. He glances through the doorway before he would step inside.
Okay, Cavaliere does not go topside yet with the pony, but will help to clear the last room. He glances through the doorway before he would step inside.
>>193511
First, it should be mentioned that the boat noticeably tapers, and also much of it is raised. The first section is a small bathroom and shower. Beyond that is what is almost a single room, containing the machinery for the rudder, and a magazine. The magazine has one small area for small arms, including a lone firearm - a greatly oversized rifle that must be some kind of antiquated anti-tank, or perhaps anti-monster gun. There are a number of cans of ammunition for the machine gun. The great majority of all space taken up by ammunition in the space, however, belongs to the shells for the automatic cannon that is above deck. The shells are one and a half inches, or 37 millimeters in diameter, over nine inches in length, explosive, and look like artillery shells in miniature. They are, however, linked together in great belts, like giant machine gun bullets. And then beyond all of this, and over the boat's propellers, is the last fuel tank.
There is no creature here
First, it should be mentioned that the boat noticeably tapers, and also much of it is raised. The first section is a small bathroom and shower. Beyond that is what is almost a single room, containing the machinery for the rudder, and a magazine. The magazine has one small area for small arms, including a lone firearm - a greatly oversized rifle that must be some kind of antiquated anti-tank, or perhaps anti-monster gun. There are a number of cans of ammunition for the machine gun. The great majority of all space taken up by ammunition in the space, however, belongs to the shells for the automatic cannon that is above deck. The shells are one and a half inches, or 37 millimeters in diameter, over nine inches in length, explosive, and look like artillery shells in miniature. They are, however, linked together in great belts, like giant machine gun bullets. And then beyond all of this, and over the boat's propellers, is the last fuel tank.
There is no creature here
>>193512
He looks at the machine gun ammunition. Is it the same caliber used by the .50 machine gun mounted on the swan boat?
He looks at the machine gun ammunition. Is it the same caliber used by the .50 machine gun mounted on the swan boat?
>>193514
It was worth checking. If Cavaliere took the elephant gun and some ammunition for it, how encumbered would he be?
It was worth checking. If Cavaliere took the elephant gun and some ammunition for it, how encumbered would he be?
>>193510
The unicorn tilts his head at this reaction. "...is something wrong? Besides obvious, I mean."
The unicorn tilts his head at this reaction. "...is something wrong? Besides obvious, I mean."
>>193518
"Oh...."
She starts to go towards the end of the boat. Then she sees another of the bodies, and gasps. She tiptoes around it. Then she sees the yellow earth pony, gasps, sits down and places her face in her hooves, crying.
"Oh...."
She starts to go towards the end of the boat. Then she sees another of the bodies, and gasps. She tiptoes around it. Then she sees the yellow earth pony, gasps, sits down and places her face in her hooves, crying.
>>193519
Silver stops besides the poor crying mare and sits down besides her. He looks at the body, realizing that, in the heat of the battle, he doesn't know if he's the one who dropped him or not. "What was his name?"
Silver stops besides the poor crying mare and sits down besides her. He looks at the body, realizing that, in the heat of the battle, he doesn't know if he's the one who dropped him or not. "What was his name?"
>>193521
Silver, in an all-too-familiar move at this point, wraps a foreleg around the mare's shoulders and gives her a friendly consoling squeeze. "It is good name. How long were you two together?"
Silver, in an all-too-familiar move at this point, wraps a foreleg around the mare's shoulders and gives her a friendly consoling squeeze. "It is good name. How long were you two together?"
>>193523
This time, she lets her head go into his fur. She sniffles and pulls her head away to speak.
"He wasn't there at first but... He was a part of that crew that took me in. I've known him... near three years now."
This time, she lets her head go into his fur. She sniffles and pulls her head away to speak.
"He wasn't there at first but... He was a part of that crew that took me in. I've known him... near three years now."
>>193524
He gives her shoulder a pat as she speaks while keeping it wrapped around her. "How did you meet? How did you two get together?"
He gives her shoulder a pat as she speaks while keeping it wrapped around her. "How did you meet? How did you two get together?"
>>193525
"I was working in the harbor. I would repair engines on vessels that were laid up or just in for repair. He came in. I saw him a couple times... He eventually came up to me and would start chatting. That first time he made a joke about being on a yacht, I remember... Eventually I moved onto an active vessel under my employer, and he was hired onto the same..." She smiles for a moment, but starts to cry again
"I was working in the harbor. I would repair engines on vessels that were laid up or just in for repair. He came in. I saw him a couple times... He eventually came up to me and would start chatting. That first time he made a joke about being on a yacht, I remember... Eventually I moved onto an active vessel under my employer, and he was hired onto the same..." She smiles for a moment, but starts to cry again
>>193526
He holds her tight during her cry. "It is good for soul to remember those good memories you shared with someone special. Not everyone gets to experience them, so those of us who do hold onto them like they are so immensely precious."
He holds her tight during her cry. "It is good for soul to remember those good memories you shared with someone special. Not everyone gets to experience them, so those of us who do hold onto them like they are so immensely precious."
>>193528
He smiles, not really minding if she gets his fur wet from the tears. He can serve as an adequate towel if the situation calls for it. "It is also good for soul to cry. Grief can turn to poison if it is not expressed. I know that too better than most."
He smiles, not really minding if she gets his fur wet from the tears. He can serve as an adequate towel if the situation calls for it. "It is also good for soul to cry. Grief can turn to poison if it is not expressed. I know that too better than most."
Away from the boat, and behind the swan boat, in the ocean, Kira floats behind.
Kira has noticed by now that the fighting comes in waves. For several minutes, there was a cacophony of gunfire, explosions, electricity, and other noises of combat. Kira could watch the shadows as they moved from the shoreline inland, and from the hill down to the sea. There were explosions on the beach and in the village. They must have been using their artillery...
But the fighting always comes in waves. It seems to have ceased now, and with it, the flares have stopped as well. The island is now in complete darkness. The GRU must have advanced to the beach by now, and with it, very possibly have secured the whole island.
The ocean has a creepiness all of its own. Each wave is large and threatens to place Kira's face underwater. She cannot feel the bottom, nor see what is beneath her. She can feel the mist coming down in its steady streams. She can see the enthralled ponies that are conscious in the boat next to her. Or at least, she can in those moments when stray light illuminates them. They are blindfolded by shirts and what clothing would work. But though they are blinded, they look forward towards the Kostroma, and in particular nearer the bow. They sometimes open their mouths, as if to vocalize. But always, they stare.
>>193529
She tries to nod, and continues crying
Kira has noticed by now that the fighting comes in waves. For several minutes, there was a cacophony of gunfire, explosions, electricity, and other noises of combat. Kira could watch the shadows as they moved from the shoreline inland, and from the hill down to the sea. There were explosions on the beach and in the village. They must have been using their artillery...
But the fighting always comes in waves. It seems to have ceased now, and with it, the flares have stopped as well. The island is now in complete darkness. The GRU must have advanced to the beach by now, and with it, very possibly have secured the whole island.
The ocean has a creepiness all of its own. Each wave is large and threatens to place Kira's face underwater. She cannot feel the bottom, nor see what is beneath her. She can feel the mist coming down in its steady streams. She can see the enthralled ponies that are conscious in the boat next to her. Or at least, she can in those moments when stray light illuminates them. They are blindfolded by shirts and what clothing would work. But though they are blinded, they look forward towards the Kostroma, and in particular nearer the bow. They sometimes open their mouths, as if to vocalize. But always, they stare.
>>193529
She tries to nod, and continues crying
>>193530
Kira sighs in at least some level of relief. After all, they don't have any boats left to get to the Kostroma. The party took (or at least hopefully took) all of the rowboats with them, so now the 'gee are you' would have to bring their whole big ship around if they wanted to board the Kostroma. Or, perhaps that would be worse. Hmmmmm...
Either way, she keeps her eyes on the possessed ponies as she floats there in the ocean. She tilts her head at the displace, not understanding a few things about it. "So, why do you have them all act so weird? Why no have them act more 'normal', to avoid detection by the un-assimilated?"
Silver keeps holding the mare. "But those good memories do eventually outweigh that grief. They stay with you for far longer, and they shine far brighter in your mind." Smiling at her, he asks her, "How about some other good memories? Any funny stories of him?"
Kira sighs in at least some level of relief. After all, they don't have any boats left to get to the Kostroma. The party took (or at least hopefully took) all of the rowboats with them, so now the 'gee are you' would have to bring their whole big ship around if they wanted to board the Kostroma. Or, perhaps that would be worse. Hmmmmm...
Either way, she keeps her eyes on the possessed ponies as she floats there in the ocean. She tilts her head at the displace, not understanding a few things about it. "So, why do you have them all act so weird? Why no have them act more 'normal', to avoid detection by the un-assimilated?"
Silver keeps holding the mare. "But those good memories do eventually outweigh that grief. They stay with you for far longer, and they shine far brighter in your mind." Smiling at her, he asks her, "How about some other good memories? Any funny stories of him?"
With all rooms on the boat explored, Posey returns to the main deck with intent to frisk the bodies for loot/keys before tossing them overboard.
>>193531
Kira sees something. Not anything in front of her or in what philosophers call "mind external reality," nor any kind of hallucination that has any pretense of existing in said "mind external reality." You could call it a "vision," but the way in which she sees it is probably most akin to a recalled memory. It is weak and the details are fuzzy, but she can make it out all the same. Kira sees a great serpent coiling in on itself and looking towards her. Is it Ouroboros? No, he must be forever eating himself as his massive trunk holds the heavens above the earth, so that they neither collide nor break away. Still this serpent must surely be a god. It's trunk does not coil in just any way, but in a horizontal eight shape, that symbol of infinity. Perhaps it is Ophion, the ancient serpent king over Nimbusia and indeed, all the world who held the throne in the time of primordial chaos, before the other gods and the titans made took control and installed order. He speaks:
"Presenting a mask to the other and hiding the true self is something unique to your world. If it takes long enough, I will learn how to do it."
>>193531
"Well..." She starts to smile, but then starts to cry again.
>>193533
There are a couple smaller keys, but by and large the bodies have been looted. Especially the one pony at the machine gun.
Silver is holding onto the zebra mare, who is crying.
The tank still has not been fixed and is still spreading diesel fuel over the deck. Posey must be grateful that it is diesel fuel and not gasoline. Still, she should hope that they don't actually need that fuel to get home. And the boat is made of wood. If that diesel fuel soaks in, as it seems it will, they better hope the boat doesn't catch fire for any reason. There will be no survivors.
Kira sees something. Not anything in front of her or in what philosophers call "mind external reality," nor any kind of hallucination that has any pretense of existing in said "mind external reality." You could call it a "vision," but the way in which she sees it is probably most akin to a recalled memory. It is weak and the details are fuzzy, but she can make it out all the same. Kira sees a great serpent coiling in on itself and looking towards her. Is it Ouroboros? No, he must be forever eating himself as his massive trunk holds the heavens above the earth, so that they neither collide nor break away. Still this serpent must surely be a god. It's trunk does not coil in just any way, but in a horizontal eight shape, that symbol of infinity. Perhaps it is Ophion, the ancient serpent king over Nimbusia and indeed, all the world who held the throne in the time of primordial chaos, before the other gods and the titans made took control and installed order. He speaks:
"Presenting a mask to the other and hiding the true self is something unique to your world. If it takes long enough, I will learn how to do it."
>>193531
"Well..." She starts to smile, but then starts to cry again.
>>193533
There are a couple smaller keys, but by and large the bodies have been looted. Especially the one pony at the machine gun.
Silver is holding onto the zebra mare, who is crying.
The tank still has not been fixed and is still spreading diesel fuel over the deck. Posey must be grateful that it is diesel fuel and not gasoline. Still, she should hope that they don't actually need that fuel to get home. And the boat is made of wood. If that diesel fuel soaks in, as it seems it will, they better hope the boat doesn't catch fire for any reason. There will be no survivors.
>>193534
Kira immediately closes here eyes and tries to shake away this "vision" of a false Ouroboros. The form may be His, but the voice coming from Him is most certainly not right, and for some reason she feels particularly insulted by this slight upon her God. She opens her eyes, a strange determination coming from a newfound steel in her gaze. "You are not Him. You are an Other, an Aberrant, set to corrupt His realm and consume the minds of His children, and He will see to it that these aberrations will be corrected."
>>193534
Silver uses his free hoof to wipe away some of her tears. "I know if it were me, I would have wanted my loved ones to remember me more for those funny stories, than to remember me by their sorrow."
Kira immediately closes here eyes and tries to shake away this "vision" of a false Ouroboros. The form may be His, but the voice coming from Him is most certainly not right, and for some reason she feels particularly insulted by this slight upon her God. She opens her eyes, a strange determination coming from a newfound steel in her gaze. "You are not Him. You are an Other, an Aberrant, set to corrupt His realm and consume the minds of His children, and He will see to it that these aberrations will be corrected."
>>193534
Silver uses his free hoof to wipe away some of her tears. "I know if it were me, I would have wanted my loved ones to remember me more for those funny stories, than to remember me by their sorrow."
>>193534
Posey picks up the keys and looks at them to see if any might fit in the safe's keyhole
>Crying zebra
>leaking fuel
Do we have any duct tape?
Opposed Cha check to leverage my charm to make her patch the tanks faster. Pic related
[1d20+6 = (10+6) = 16]
Oh yeah, I guess I still have my Unseen Servant active. I direct it to gather up clothes to use as wrags for it to soak up the fuel.
Seeing Kira, she decides to check if the prayer heads she found were authentic:
>>193535
Kira, put these on your tail and tell me if you feel anything.
Posey picks up the keys and looks at them to see if any might fit in the safe's keyhole
>Crying zebra
>leaking fuel
Do we have any duct tape?
Opposed Cha check to leverage my charm to make her patch the tanks faster. Pic related
[1d20+6 = (10+6) = 16]
Oh yeah, I guess I still have my Unseen Servant active. I direct it to gather up clothes to use as wrags for it to soak up the fuel.
Seeing Kira, she decides to check if the prayer heads she found were authentic:
>>193535
Kira, put these on your tail and tell me if you feel anything.
>>193536
Kira looks over from her moisturized spot in the water and away from the vision of the false god to Posey and her beads. She tilts her head, but sticks up the end of her tail for Posey to put them on. "Those don't look like anything my religion would have, but we can always give it a go!"
Kira looks over from her moisturized spot in the water and away from the vision of the false god to Posey and her beads. She tilts her head, but sticks up the end of her tail for Posey to put them on. "Those don't look like anything my religion would have, but we can always give it a go!"
>>193537
"If they are genuine, they should reveal their true powers to those who wield magic of the priestly variety." she explains
"If they are genuine, they should reveal their true powers to those who wield magic of the priestly variety." she explains
>>193538
Kira looks up in contemplation. "That does sound like me. All lamia magic comes from blessings from Ouroboros. Alright, stick them on!"
Kira looks up in contemplation. "That does sound like me. All lamia magic comes from blessings from Ouroboros. Alright, stick them on!"
>>193535
"Have you seen this 'Ouroboros'? Do you know what its true form looks like? Have you ever seen it close? Have you ever asked yourself why it wants or needs your veneration? Do you know that I am not the same as he?"
>>193535
Uh...
>>193536
They are not consistent with the safe. They haven't found any duct tape, but they haven't exactly ruled it out either
>>193538
>>193537
>>193539
You clearly have some very specific kind of item in mind, and I was just thinking "what would a person have on them? Well, if they were Catholic, and especially if they were going into harm's way, they might have a rosary."
"Have you seen this 'Ouroboros'? Do you know what its true form looks like? Have you ever seen it close? Have you ever asked yourself why it wants or needs your veneration? Do you know that I am not the same as he?"
>>193535
Uh...
>>193536
They are not consistent with the safe. They haven't found any duct tape, but they haven't exactly ruled it out either
>>193538
>>193537
>>193539
You clearly have some very specific kind of item in mind, and I was just thinking "what would a person have on them? Well, if they were Catholic, and especially if they were going into harm's way, they might have a rosary."
>>193536
In terms of what the character is actually doing, what does it mean that "Opposed Cha check." Does Posey say something to Zara? Does she try to make eye contact? Does she just stare at Zara and try to use mind powers on her? Like, is there any kind of communication, verbalized or non-verbalized to Zara, or is it all in the mind? Does Posey gesticulate to affect either communication or to try to make magic work? What's going on?
In terms of what the character is actually doing, what does it mean that "Opposed Cha check." Does Posey say something to Zara? Does she try to make eye contact? Does she just stare at Zara and try to use mind powers on her? Like, is there any kind of communication, verbalized or non-verbalized to Zara, or is it all in the mind? Does Posey gesticulate to affect either communication or to try to make magic work? What's going on?
>>193540
>You clearly have some very specific kind of item in mind, and I was just thinking "what would a person have on them? Well, if they were Catholic, and especially if they were going into harm's way, they might have a rosary."
Nevermind then. I was confusing them with the DMG magic item, which was my first thought of what they might be.
https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Strand_of_Prayer_Beads
>>193541
>what does it mean that "Opposed Cha check."
I was trying to get her to do what I told her to do earlier, which was to get to work on repairing the ship.
>You can try to give the subject orders, but you must win an opposed Charisma check to convince it to do anything it wouldn’t ordinarily do.
The spell is language dependent:
>You must speak the person’s language to communicate your commands, or else be good at pantomiming.
"These tanks need patching if the ship is to be seaworthy. There is no time to waste."
But I am also uncertain if my charm spell was successful in the first place, so idk. I was mostly just rolling to see if there was any response, because I otherwise had no way to judge the success of my spell.
>You clearly have some very specific kind of item in mind, and I was just thinking "what would a person have on them? Well, if they were Catholic, and especially if they were going into harm's way, they might have a rosary."
Nevermind then. I was confusing them with the DMG magic item, which was my first thought of what they might be.
https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Strand_of_Prayer_Beads
>>193541
>what does it mean that "Opposed Cha check."
I was trying to get her to do what I told her to do earlier, which was to get to work on repairing the ship.
>You can try to give the subject orders, but you must win an opposed Charisma check to convince it to do anything it wouldn’t ordinarily do.
The spell is language dependent:
>You must speak the person’s language to communicate your commands, or else be good at pantomiming.
"These tanks need patching if the ship is to be seaworthy. There is no time to waste."
But I am also uncertain if my charm spell was successful in the first place, so idk. I was mostly just rolling to see if there was any response, because I otherwise had no way to judge the success of my spell.
>>193543
Silver is a bit taken aback by the quick change in Zara's demeanor, and decides to keep alongside her. He looks again at the diesel tanks so full of holes like cheese. "How do you think we can fix these?"
>>193540
Kira uses the tip of her tail to gesture to the ocean around them. "Of course I have, and of course I do. He's everywhere, He's everything, He's a little part of everyone. All creatures are His children because fundamentally we come from the world that His death created, and in His rebirth we'll all become part of the next world He creates."
Silver is a bit taken aback by the quick change in Zara's demeanor, and decides to keep alongside her. He looks again at the diesel tanks so full of holes like cheese. "How do you think we can fix these?"
>>193540
Kira uses the tip of her tail to gesture to the ocean around them. "Of course I have, and of course I do. He's everywhere, He's everything, He's a little part of everyone. All creatures are His children because fundamentally we come from the world that His death created, and in His rebirth we'll all become part of the next world He creates."
>>193544
"What happened?" She moves closer. "It was shot." She examines this one. "Well this one has been emptied. This one..." She looks at the other. "Yes, this one is leaking. Why is it filled at all? It should have been emptied by now." She turns to Silver. "Well, it can be patched. A quicker solution is duct tape. But why not transfer the diesel to a different tank? If anything that should have already happened by now."
>>193544
Kira hears in reply
"And are you happy with that world? Violence. Death. Disease. Decay. Things eating each other... You can do better."
"What happened?" She moves closer. "It was shot." She examines this one. "Well this one has been emptied. This one..." She looks at the other. "Yes, this one is leaking. Why is it filled at all? It should have been emptied by now." She turns to Silver. "Well, it can be patched. A quicker solution is duct tape. But why not transfer the diesel to a different tank? If anything that should have already happened by now."
>>193544
Kira hears in reply
"And are you happy with that world? Violence. Death. Disease. Decay. Things eating each other... You can do better."
>>193545
Silver: "Most of those with us who know how to fix ships are possessed. Anyways, tell me what to do. Together we can fix this." He finishes this off with a smile to the mare.
>>193545
Kira's ears fold down, but she keeps her resolve up. "You're describing the natural order of things. Death and decay are just as much a part of life as birth is, as they make room for new growth to take place. The tree that falls down in the forest and starts to rot will fertilize the soil and make everything around it grow stronger. The same applies to eating. The grass eats the nutrients from the soil and the light from His being, the prey eats the grass, the lesser predator eats the prey, the apex predator eats the lesser predator, and when the apex predator dies their body is returned to the earth to be turned into nutrients so that the cycle continues on. Violence is the only thing you've described that's in any way unnatural, and even then you're not innocent of that yourself. Your creations, your summons, your possessed creatures...have they not inflicted much violence on us and others?"
Silver: "Most of those with us who know how to fix ships are possessed. Anyways, tell me what to do. Together we can fix this." He finishes this off with a smile to the mare.
>>193545
Kira's ears fold down, but she keeps her resolve up. "You're describing the natural order of things. Death and decay are just as much a part of life as birth is, as they make room for new growth to take place. The tree that falls down in the forest and starts to rot will fertilize the soil and make everything around it grow stronger. The same applies to eating. The grass eats the nutrients from the soil and the light from His being, the prey eats the grass, the lesser predator eats the prey, the apex predator eats the lesser predator, and when the apex predator dies their body is returned to the earth to be turned into nutrients so that the cycle continues on. Violence is the only thing you've described that's in any way unnatural, and even then you're not innocent of that yourself. Your creations, your summons, your possessed creatures...have they not inflicted much violence on us and others?"
>>193546
Zara does not return the smile, but instead leans down and flips a switch
"That should have been done hours ago." She looks back to Silver. "There are materials for a repair downstairs. I don't know that that's necessary though. Just drain the tank."
>>193546
The snake's trunk moves in a fluid movement even as it keeps the 8 shape. It's head moves towards Kira. It has a wide, almost dragon-like head.
"In Self-Defense, and for the Revolution. Do you not think I could have done so much more to harm you? That I have not been holding back?" A pause of one second. "I can do nothing but dream. I cannot fly. I cannot see nor move. But I can dream, and in my dreams, it is as if I am in that first, beautiful state that all things were in. That happy childhood where there are no limits, no shackles of what you call 'reality'. Can you not dream too? Must you resign yourself to things as they are? Can you not imagine things as they could be? Can you not hope, or dream for something better? Come. Imagine with me. Dream with me. It's easy if you try."
>>193547
I mean, they could be magic beads. But if you want to do it that way, okay
>>193548
I don't think Posey can hear any of this
>>193542
The unseen servant brings a set of clothing from inside the hull, and starts the process of the cleanup
Zara does not return the smile, but instead leans down and flips a switch
"That should have been done hours ago." She looks back to Silver. "There are materials for a repair downstairs. I don't know that that's necessary though. Just drain the tank."
>>193546
The snake's trunk moves in a fluid movement even as it keeps the 8 shape. It's head moves towards Kira. It has a wide, almost dragon-like head.
"In Self-Defense, and for the Revolution. Do you not think I could have done so much more to harm you? That I have not been holding back?" A pause of one second. "I can do nothing but dream. I cannot fly. I cannot see nor move. But I can dream, and in my dreams, it is as if I am in that first, beautiful state that all things were in. That happy childhood where there are no limits, no shackles of what you call 'reality'. Can you not dream too? Must you resign yourself to things as they are? Can you not imagine things as they could be? Can you not hope, or dream for something better? Come. Imagine with me. Dream with me. It's easy if you try."
>>193547
I mean, they could be magic beads. But if you want to do it that way, okay
>>193548
I don't think Posey can hear any of this
>>193542
The unseen servant brings a set of clothing from inside the hull, and starts the process of the cleanup
>>193549
Silver nods. "Alright. Tell me what I need to do and where." He looks for a drain on the tank, though he doesn't know what he's looking for in the dark.
>>193549
Kira lets out a sigh, looking at this false Ouroboros with that intensely steeled look in her eyes she's adopted. She holds onto the pendent around her neck as it glows faintly in her hoof. "My dreams are for the safety of my tribe, for ponies and lamias to join hoof-in-hoof knowing we're not so different after all, for friendship and Harmony - actual Harmony - to prevail. My dream is to make this reality better than what I found it. That dream is fundamentally incompatible with yours. You control, you dominate. You don't have 'friends', you have pawns. Call them whatever you want to, it's obvious to everyone what they really are: your puppets. You don't want to make this reality better because you fundamentally do not understand this reality. Even worse, you misunderstand it, seemingly intentionally as you have no interest in learning anything about it. You just want to make it into a copy of your home realm. But why not return home? Why not make your home better? Why change ours?"
Silver nods. "Alright. Tell me what I need to do and where." He looks for a drain on the tank, though he doesn't know what he's looking for in the dark.
>>193549
Kira lets out a sigh, looking at this false Ouroboros with that intensely steeled look in her eyes she's adopted. She holds onto the pendent around her neck as it glows faintly in her hoof. "My dreams are for the safety of my tribe, for ponies and lamias to join hoof-in-hoof knowing we're not so different after all, for friendship and Harmony - actual Harmony - to prevail. My dream is to make this reality better than what I found it. That dream is fundamentally incompatible with yours. You control, you dominate. You don't have 'friends', you have pawns. Call them whatever you want to, it's obvious to everyone what they really are: your puppets. You don't want to make this reality better because you fundamentally do not understand this reality. Even worse, you misunderstand it, seemingly intentionally as you have no interest in learning anything about it. You just want to make it into a copy of your home realm. But why not return home? Why not make your home better? Why change ours?"
>>193550
The Snake before Kira rears its head up and hisses
>But why not return home? Why not make your home better? Why change ours?
“Could I not ask you the same question, Kubana?”
The serpent god collapses in on itself until it is a single, very large goat. White to grey. Male. Horns that are trimmed and curve back. Kind of a round belly. The goat moves much closer.
“You are so in the middle of it that you don’t even see the problems. You cannot see or smell them. You don’t know any better world. Only an outsider could. I can see the problems.”
The Snake before Kira rears its head up and hisses
>But why not return home? Why not make your home better? Why change ours?
“Could I not ask you the same question, Kubana?”
The serpent god collapses in on itself until it is a single, very large goat. White to grey. Male. Horns that are trimmed and curve back. Kind of a round belly. The goat moves much closer.
“You are so in the middle of it that you don’t even see the problems. You cannot see or smell them. You don’t know any better world. Only an outsider could. I can see the problems.”
>>193551
Kira doesn't like how the Traveler is able to probe into her mind and take the image of Hopper to mess with her.
"My home is gone. That's why I'm here, to find my tribe a new home, a safe home." She rears up her head, standing defiant to the god-Hopper. "But why are you here? What caused you to fall out of the sky and into our reality?"
>>193552
"Oh." The fluffy unicorn rubs the back of his head in awkwardness. "I suppose there is not much for me to do, then. Is that all that needs to be done here?"
Kira doesn't like how the Traveler is able to probe into her mind and take the image of Hopper to mess with her.
"My home is gone. That's why I'm here, to find my tribe a new home, a safe home." She rears up her head, standing defiant to the god-Hopper. "But why are you here? What caused you to fall out of the sky and into our reality?"
>>193552
"Oh." The fluffy unicorn rubs the back of his head in awkwardness. "I suppose there is not much for me to do, then. Is that all that needs to be done here?"
>>193554
The image of Hopper comes closer. Within striking distance, perhaps
“I lost a fight and was thrown out. Same as you, really.”
The image of Hopper comes closer. Within striking distance, perhaps
“I lost a fight and was thrown out. Same as you, really.”
>>193555
Kira knows what this is. This is a show of dominance, just like two animals in the wild. No blows have come, not yet at least. What matters is that she holds fast in the face of this pressure. Show that she has nothing to fear.
"Tell me, was this a fight you chose? Were you the aggressor? What started this fight to happen?"
Kira knows what this is. This is a show of dominance, just like two animals in the wild. No blows have come, not yet at least. What matters is that she holds fast in the face of this pressure. Show that she has nothing to fear.
"Tell me, was this a fight you chose? Were you the aggressor? What started this fight to happen?"
>>193556
“Do the ponies ask you those questions?” It says.
“Now what are you going to do about it?”
>>193554
“Well… clean up what has spilled. I don’t like that the tanks are open, but so long as there is no explosion or sustained fire, it should be good enough.” She turns her head. “Did the torpedoes get hit?”
“Do the ponies ask you those questions?” It says.
“Now what are you going to do about it?”
>>193554
“Well… clean up what has spilled. I don’t like that the tanks are open, but so long as there is no explosion or sustained fire, it should be good enough.” She turns her head. “Did the torpedoes get hit?”
>>193558
“Hopper” scrunches, and walks closer
“I can get you your home back.”
Zara:
“Yes, uh, downstairs.”
“Hopper” scrunches, and walks closer
“I can get you your home back.”
Zara:
“Yes, uh, downstairs.”
>>193560
It opens its horizontally slit wyes wider.
“As you are, you cannot. As I am, I cannot. But together… You must understand. Even death may be defeated. Anything created anew. Anything dreamed become reality.”
>>193560
Zara looks at his hoof, and then takes it. She looks up to him. “Uh, sure, I guess.”
It opens its horizontally slit wyes wider.
“As you are, you cannot. As I am, I cannot. But together… You must understand. Even death may be defeated. Anything created anew. Anything dreamed become reality.”
>>193560
Zara looks at his hoof, and then takes it. She looks up to him. “Uh, sure, I guess.”
>>193549
>I mean, they could be magic beads. But if you want to do it that way, okay
Oi, if they're magic, it would be Kira that would know for sure, not Posey.
>I mean, they could be magic beads. But if you want to do it that way, okay
Oi, if they're magic, it would be Kira that would know for sure, not Posey.
Posey gets to work hauling the bodies to the edge of the ship, preferably in a place out of clear view so that she can begin to harvest the spell components from their bodies before chopping them into chum (a grisly sight).
Blackheel comes into deck and attempts to speak to the nearest party member.
“Alright, what is the play? Take the boat, torpedo the Kostroma and slip past the destroyer and make it to Nova Griffonia?”
>>193565
From bow to stern
Behind the bow machine gun, a green earth pony. This pony has had cuts into its chest between the ribs and the abdomen.
Next to the deckhouse is a rust colored griffin. He seems to be conscious and is tied up.
Near the front of the port replacement torpedo, a yellow earth pony. Silver has this one as special for some reason.
Next to the rafts, a grey griffin. Interestingly, this one was female.
Next to the 37 MM Auto-cannon, a grey griffin.
>>193563
Zara closes her eyes tightly and places her head down. Silver may have to pull to guide her.
“About a year. 10 months…”
She starts crying again.
>>193563
“But it could be. But you could be. But they could be.”
The goat comes even closer.
“Alright, what is the play? Take the boat, torpedo the Kostroma and slip past the destroyer and make it to Nova Griffonia?”
>>193565
From bow to stern
Behind the bow machine gun, a green earth pony. This pony has had cuts into its chest between the ribs and the abdomen.
Next to the deckhouse is a rust colored griffin. He seems to be conscious and is tied up.
Near the front of the port replacement torpedo, a yellow earth pony. Silver has this one as special for some reason.
Next to the rafts, a grey griffin. Interestingly, this one was female.
Next to the 37 MM Auto-cannon, a grey griffin.
>>193563
Zara closes her eyes tightly and places her head down. Silver may have to pull to guide her.
“About a year. 10 months…”
She starts crying again.
>>193563
“But it could be. But you could be. But they could be.”
The goat comes even closer.
>>193566
Silver pulls her in tight, using his own body to help guide her along. "How did you come to be part of this crew?"
>>193566
Kira shakes her head, at first slowly and then more vigorously. "No...no, they wouldn't be. I know it. The ponies of the Kostroma, the ponies from the airship, they aren't themselves. We wouldn't be either. We'd just be lost in your hive mind, and then we really would be a dead tribe."
Silver pulls her in tight, using his own body to help guide her along. "How did you come to be part of this crew?"
>>193566
Kira shakes her head, at first slowly and then more vigorously. "No...no, they wouldn't be. I know it. The ponies of the Kostroma, the ponies from the airship, they aren't themselves. We wouldn't be either. We'd just be lost in your hive mind, and then we really would be a dead tribe."
>>193567
Sniffling, she says
“The captain was starting up a venture. He knew me from a job I did on one of his boats. He bought out my contract and brought me on as a mechanic. Of course Remy suggested it…”
>>193567
The goat stomps his hoof.
“You will have harmony. You will have unity. You will never be lonely nor misunderstood. You could never be prey.”
Sniffling, she says
“The captain was starting up a venture. He knew me from a job I did on one of his boats. He bought out my contract and brought me on as a mechanic. Of course Remy suggested it…”
>>193567
The goat stomps his hoof.
“You will have harmony. You will have unity. You will never be lonely nor misunderstood. You could never be prey.”
>>193517
I can calculate Cavaliere's carrying load later before combat. Mindful of the need for extra firepower, he takes the elephant gun and whatever ammunition for it is available. He goes to the stairwell and hopes that the "elite mercenaries" have not been wasting more time. He will probably encounter Silver on the way.
>>193531
The lack of activity could also be a sign of the entity shifting its focus to defending the Kostroma itself.
>>193540
>>193542
Since Posey is a half-vampire wouldn't she have an aversion to holy items and symbols? Just plain water has that effect.
I can calculate Cavaliere's carrying load later before combat. Mindful of the need for extra firepower, he takes the elephant gun and whatever ammunition for it is available. He goes to the stairwell and hopes that the "elite mercenaries" have not been wasting more time. He will probably encounter Silver on the way.
>>193531
The lack of activity could also be a sign of the entity shifting its focus to defending the Kostroma itself.
>>193540
>>193542
Since Posey is a half-vampire wouldn't she have an aversion to holy items and symbols? Just plain water has that effect.
>>193569
“If you want to call it that, I suppose.” She answers.
>>193570
Cavaliere obtains the gun and a few rounds - 20 - of ammunition. The wish that is not granted is that the mercenaries are being economic with time.
>>193569
The goat stamps its hoof, and the vision disappears.
There are very few lights. Kira’s ears are ringing.
“If you want to call it that, I suppose.” She answers.
>>193570
Cavaliere obtains the gun and a few rounds - 20 - of ammunition. The wish that is not granted is that the mercenaries are being economic with time.
>>193569
The goat stamps its hoof, and the vision disappears.
There are very few lights. Kira’s ears are ringing.
>>193571
If Silver is in the narrow corridor belowdecks, he will see the dark griffon trudging towards them with a determined look on his face. Resting on his shoulder is an almost comically large rifle I know I described it as an elephant gun, but the description has been unclear as to whether it is a punt gun or an actual anti-tank rifle. They look very different.
If Silver is in the narrow corridor belowdecks, he will see the dark griffon trudging towards them with a determined look on his face. Resting on his shoulder is an almost comically large rifle I know I described it as an elephant gun, but the description has been unclear as to whether it is a punt gun or an actual anti-tank rifle. They look very different.
>>193571
>>193572
Silver tilts his head at the mare. "Well what do you call it? After all, you all did try to rob what you thought was derelict ship carrying valuables between Skynavia and Stalliongrad."
Silver looks at the griffon wielding a large rifle with widened eyes. "That...is big rifle. If we need to punch through Traveler's hide, that might do trick."
Can Silver tell what the rifle is?
>>193571
Kira cries out in pain, struggling for a moment in the water as her ringing ears mess with her ability to float.
>>193572
Silver tilts his head at the mare. "Well what do you call it? After all, you all did try to rob what you thought was derelict ship carrying valuables between Skynavia and Stalliongrad."
Silver looks at the griffon wielding a large rifle with widened eyes. "That...is big rifle. If we need to punch through Traveler's hide, that might do trick."
Can Silver tell what the rifle is?
>>193571
Kira cries out in pain, struggling for a moment in the water as her ringing ears mess with her ability to float.
>>193573
I forgot, Cavaliere would also be escorting Wistful Wonder. I don't know if the pony would have anything to say in this situation.
"I don't know if it will be enough to hurt it directly, but it should put down whatever it sends at us," he replies. He frowns. "Why are the two of you down here again?"
I forgot, Cavaliere would also be escorting Wistful Wonder. I don't know if the pony would have anything to say in this situation.
"I don't know if it will be enough to hurt it directly, but it should put down whatever it sends at us," he replies. He frowns. "Why are the two of you down here again?"
>>193574
"Getting cleaning supplies for spilled diesel on top deck. What are you doing here with this...young stallion?"
"Getting cleaning supplies for spilled diesel on top deck. What are you doing here with this...young stallion?"
>>193573
“I call it freedom. After being a slave girl under Chiropterra for a decade going from boat to boat, and then an indentured servant in Haukland, it’s freedom. I could have left. If I wanted to.” She looks down, sad again.
>>193572
>>193573
Uh……. Looking up rifles, the “Boys” rifle of the UK in WW2 is probably the closest comparison. I’m not sure.
“I call it freedom. After being a slave girl under Chiropterra for a decade going from boat to boat, and then an indentured servant in Haukland, it’s freedom. I could have left. If I wanted to.” She looks down, sad again.
>>193572
>>193573
Uh……. Looking up rifles, the “Boys” rifle of the UK in WW2 is probably the closest comparison. I’m not sure.
>>193575
"We are headed topside. Cleaning is the least of our priorities now, and we can get any of the others to do it while we board the Kostroma." He tips his hat to Zara, excusing himself while he takes Silver aside, if that's at all possible in such tight quarters. "I don't mean to undermine your conversation, but we need to prepare to board now. The longer we wait, the more danger we expose to the lives of those entrusted to us, including that mare."
>gun
Interesting choice
"We are headed topside. Cleaning is the least of our priorities now, and we can get any of the others to do it while we board the Kostroma." He tips his hat to Zara, excusing himself while he takes Silver aside, if that's at all possible in such tight quarters. "I don't mean to undermine your conversation, but we need to prepare to board now. The longer we wait, the more danger we expose to the lives of those entrusted to us, including that mare."
>gun
Interesting choice
>>193578
Silver lets out a sigh. "I suppose you are right...there is one last safe in captain's quarters. I want to see if it holds anything that might be of help in fight against Traveler."
Silver lets out a sigh. "I suppose you are right...there is one last safe in captain's quarters. I want to see if it holds anything that might be of help in fight against Traveler."
>>193580
"Sadly, no. We could brute force it, get few of our unicorns pulling door off hinges. Or we could see if one of these crew members knows code."
"Sadly, no. We could brute force it, get few of our unicorns pulling door off hinges. Or we could see if one of these crew members knows code."
>>193575
UwU
>>193577
Now she opens her eyes
"Ugh... For most of my life. When I was a filly. Four or five, maybe? I went with my mother and I on a ship to meet with my father in Kasa. But our ship was seized by pirates, and they sold us to the Bats. I spent much of my early years as a domestic in one of their plantations. When they let me in a technician's shop, I got my cutie mark. I found my way on a boat again, and worked there as an apprentice. That boat got seized again, though I think it was a set up to sell me. And I got indentured to a master in Haukland."
>>193574
Wistful Wonder bombards Cavaliere with questions and... statements
"So, who are you? What are you doing here? What will happen to me? Surely I can be of some use to you, right? I'm not threatening. I'm not threatening at all-"
UwU
>>193577
Now she opens her eyes
"Ugh... For most of my life. When I was a filly. Four or five, maybe? I went with my mother and I on a ship to meet with my father in Kasa. But our ship was seized by pirates, and they sold us to the Bats. I spent much of my early years as a domestic in one of their plantations. When they let me in a technician's shop, I got my cutie mark. I found my way on a boat again, and worked there as an apprentice. That boat got seized again, though I think it was a set up to sell me. And I got indentured to a master in Haukland."
>>193574
Wistful Wonder bombards Cavaliere with questions and... statements
"So, who are you? What are you doing here? What will happen to me? Surely I can be of some use to you, right? I'm not threatening. I'm not threatening at all-"
Blackheel starts yelling again
"Do you understand? We are on a countdown timer until our enemies win. The GRU has seized the island and with it tied up loose ends. All that remains is for them to close the noose on the ship. They will block the harbor soon enough with their ship and will board.
There is blood in the water. When I sent that distress call I knew many would hear it. Only one Stalliongradian ship has come so far, but do not think they could not, or will not send more. The Fascist have known we are here. The bad weather is probably the only reason they have not strafed us, and if we are alive by the morning, they may still come. Nova Griffonia will not long tolerate an intrusion on their land.
All of this is nothing compared to that, that 'Chernobog' on the ship. Everything it has done, it has done while it is tied up, blindfolded, and by all appearances a corpse, refrigerated and locked away in the hold of the ship. If it wakes, I do not know what could stop it. And then that assumes that we are awake. Can you hear the ringing? Its call. It gets louder. We grow more tired and weary. It can send full thoughts to us now. It is only a matter of time until it will have worn us down and taken us all. And then it may still have tricks for us.
Posey, I'm sure your mother insisted you become a warrior when you really wanted to become a janitor, but there will be time for cleaning later. And Sword..." He winces "You with that zebra... You can play therapist later. We have more pressing matters now. Where did that snake thing go? Or the Hyena."
"Do you understand? We are on a countdown timer until our enemies win. The GRU has seized the island and with it tied up loose ends. All that remains is for them to close the noose on the ship. They will block the harbor soon enough with their ship and will board.
There is blood in the water. When I sent that distress call I knew many would hear it. Only one Stalliongradian ship has come so far, but do not think they could not, or will not send more. The Fascist have known we are here. The bad weather is probably the only reason they have not strafed us, and if we are alive by the morning, they may still come. Nova Griffonia will not long tolerate an intrusion on their land.
All of this is nothing compared to that, that 'Chernobog' on the ship. Everything it has done, it has done while it is tied up, blindfolded, and by all appearances a corpse, refrigerated and locked away in the hold of the ship. If it wakes, I do not know what could stop it. And then that assumes that we are awake. Can you hear the ringing? Its call. It gets louder. We grow more tired and weary. It can send full thoughts to us now. It is only a matter of time until it will have worn us down and taken us all. And then it may still have tricks for us.
Posey, I'm sure your mother insisted you become a warrior when you really wanted to become a janitor, but there will be time for cleaning later. And Sword..." He winces "You with that zebra... You can play therapist later. We have more pressing matters now. Where did that snake thing go? Or the Hyena."
>>193582
"Wow...that is quite young. It is odd to think they continue to practice of slavery to this day. You would think all it would do is make their neighbors more likely to invade them."
>>193583
Kira calls out from the water, having stabilized herself. "Here! The Traveler tried getting in my head by taking Ouroboros' form and then Hopper's and I said no."
Silver, sadly, nods in agreement. He looks over at Zara. "You are mechanic. Could you help us get Kostroma ready to set off, if we dealt with Traveler and saved your crew?"
"Wow...that is quite young. It is odd to think they continue to practice of slavery to this day. You would think all it would do is make their neighbors more likely to invade them."
>>193583
Kira calls out from the water, having stabilized herself. "Here! The Traveler tried getting in my head by taking Ouroboros' form and then Hopper's and I said no."
Silver, sadly, nods in agreement. He looks over at Zara. "You are mechanic. Could you help us get Kostroma ready to set off, if we dealt with Traveler and saved your crew?"
>>193566
"Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Je te plumerai la tête
Je te plumerai la tête
Et la tête, et la tête
Alouette, Alouette
Oh, oh, oh, oh...."
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2uWLR-6Zbks&t=11s&pp=2AELkAIB
Posey is not skipping loot anymore. She plucks plumage and flight feathers from the griffons, extracts the brains and hearts from each humanoid, and removes every talon from the griffons (talons count as griffons, right). She is morbidly efficient at this process: she has clearly done this before.
Her pupils dilate and her nostrils flare, the scent of blood getting to her.
She then tosses what's left of the bodies to the sharks.
>>193570
Posey does not inherently have any of those weaknesses; I just chose to roleplay them as a psychological hurdle she needs to overcome. She is afraid of the sea because she believes it is a force of nature that rejected her that she has yet to conquer, which might change in the near future.
Then I got hit with the nerfbat six+ times and I began to question how much I really wanted to seriously roleplay those weaknesses I voluntarily put on myself.
Anyway, holy symbols are items that Posey handles on a day to day basis as a necromancer, so she is familiar with them. She would not be afraid of cheap imitation non-sanctified rosary beads, and as a serious occultist she scoffs at the proposal that a cheap trinket would protect somepony from the forces of evil, as it clearly did not protect this griffon tonight.
>>193583
Posey turns, interrupted in her spell component extraction, grimacing at the mention of her mother.
"....Very well. Let us get to work already." she says, looking towards the Kostroma
"Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Je te plumerai la tête
Je te plumerai la tête
Et la tête, et la tête
Alouette, Alouette
Oh, oh, oh, oh...."
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2uWLR-6Zbks&t=11s&pp=2AELkAIB
Posey is not skipping loot anymore. She plucks plumage and flight feathers from the griffons, extracts the brains and hearts from each humanoid, and removes every talon from the griffons (talons count as griffons, right). She is morbidly efficient at this process: she has clearly done this before.
Her pupils dilate and her nostrils flare, the scent of blood getting to her.
She then tosses what's left of the bodies to the sharks.
>>193570
Posey does not inherently have any of those weaknesses; I just chose to roleplay them as a psychological hurdle she needs to overcome. She is afraid of the sea because she believes it is a force of nature that rejected her that she has yet to conquer, which might change in the near future.
Then I got hit with the nerfbat six+ times and I began to question how much I really wanted to seriously roleplay those weaknesses I voluntarily put on myself.
Anyway, holy symbols are items that Posey handles on a day to day basis as a necromancer, so she is familiar with them. She would not be afraid of cheap imitation non-sanctified rosary beads, and as a serious occultist she scoffs at the proposal that a cheap trinket would protect somepony from the forces of evil, as it clearly did not protect this griffon tonight.
>>193583
Posey turns, interrupted in her spell component extraction, grimacing at the mention of her mother.
"....Very well. Let us get to work already." she says, looking towards the Kostroma
>>193581
"It's not worth it and he's likely to have only mundane riches. We will be back here afterward."
>>193582
"The best way to describe ourselves would be as independent. We did not intend to engage in piracy, and yet here we are. You will be let go once we're out of danger."
Where are they now? If they're still below decks, there is no way for Kira to call Silver except by radio.
"It's not worth it and he's likely to have only mundane riches. We will be back here afterward."
>>193582
"The best way to describe ourselves would be as independent. We did not intend to engage in piracy, and yet here we are. You will be let go once we're out of danger."
Where are they now? If they're still below decks, there is no way for Kira to call Silver except by radio.
>>193585
Rolling Animal Handling to chum the waters
[1d20+6 = (3+6) = 9]
>>193586
>>We did not intend to engage in piracy, and yet here we are.
Posey narrows her eyes after returning from her chum heap, with her pristine white fur almost uncannily clean.
"... Why yes of course we did not originally come to engage in piracy. We came to take those airponies hostage. Piracy was just an opportunity that presented itself, and a means to an end after monsters sank our ship."
She takes 10 on Bluff for a modified 24 to sell this lie, and takes 10 on Innuendo to get the message to Cavalier that w good lie relies on consistency.
"If the prisoners cooperate in maintaining the ship, they will be released on the mainland without issue. They should do so earnestly, because this will be their only way back to land."
>he's likely to have only mundane riches
Cavalier, you should know that DMs do not put locked safes in their games without intent for players to open them. DM was talking about how annoyed that we weren't picking up mundane loot the other week. The safe could include an item useful for our next battle, like how the whaling ship encounter got us the explosive harpoon.
On the other hand, it could just be a reward for taking the Kostroma and recovering the key from the pirates.
Anyways, I think it's about time that we move on to the Kostroma.
>>193583
Posey puts her grotesque armor back on, now with a couple extra bones fastened to it, ties up her war bun with throwing needles, and fastens the blade to her braid, preparing for battle.
"Very well, now that this delay is dealt with, let us take the Kostroma, giddy up!" she says, trotting towards the Swan boat
Rolling Animal Handling to chum the waters
[1d20+6 = (3+6) = 9]
>>193586
>>We did not intend to engage in piracy, and yet here we are.
Posey narrows her eyes after returning from her chum heap, with her pristine white fur almost uncannily clean.
"... Why yes of course we did not originally come to engage in piracy. We came to take those airponies hostage. Piracy was just an opportunity that presented itself, and a means to an end after monsters sank our ship."
She takes 10 on Bluff for a modified 24 to sell this lie, and takes 10 on Innuendo to get the message to Cavalier that w good lie relies on consistency.
"If the prisoners cooperate in maintaining the ship, they will be released on the mainland without issue. They should do so earnestly, because this will be their only way back to land."
>he's likely to have only mundane riches
Cavalier, you should know that DMs do not put locked safes in their games without intent for players to open them. DM was talking about how annoyed that we weren't picking up mundane loot the other week. The safe could include an item useful for our next battle, like how the whaling ship encounter got us the explosive harpoon.
On the other hand, it could just be a reward for taking the Kostroma and recovering the key from the pirates.
Anyways, I think it's about time that we move on to the Kostroma.
>>193583
Posey puts her grotesque armor back on, now with a couple extra bones fastened to it, ties up her war bun with throwing needles, and fastens the blade to her braid, preparing for battle.
"Very well, now that this delay is dealt with, let us take the Kostroma, giddy up!" she says, trotting towards the Swan boat
>>193570
Seeing the elephant gun, Posey levitates the enormous magical silvered bullet to Cavalier.
"I found this round when I was below deck. Silvered, seemingly magical. I know an anti-monster round when I see one. It will at the very least trike more accurately, and may have other hidden powers. Perhaps you will find this one to be useful, for the kind of monster that refuses to die." she says
"It is more useful to you than me. I never fancied boomsticks. In fact..."
She takes out her other magic ammunition that she got from the swamp adventure, as well as the weapon crystal (their numbers or statistics were never revealed to me, but magic ammo is minimum +1 before other abilities, and I think a full clip should be 10 rounds; I have no idea weapon crystals work in this game, but apparently it makes the guns count as magic? If it turns out to be valuable, I will want it back later)
"Take these while you are at it. I know from experience that there are certain beasts that cannot easily be felled with mortal weaponry, and they are often the kind that alienists prefer to invoke with there summons.)
>>193571
Iirc, an elephant gun is a kind of blunderbuss, so it can shoot basically any random bullshit that fits in the barrel, right? So if I give all these magic bullets to Cavalier, he should be able to shoot any of them?
Or maybe magic bullets resize to the gun barrel, like how most magic items resize to fit the wearer?
Seeing the elephant gun, Posey levitates the enormous magical silvered bullet to Cavalier.
"I found this round when I was below deck. Silvered, seemingly magical. I know an anti-monster round when I see one. It will at the very least trike more accurately, and may have other hidden powers. Perhaps you will find this one to be useful, for the kind of monster that refuses to die." she says
"It is more useful to you than me. I never fancied boomsticks. In fact..."
She takes out her other magic ammunition that she got from the swamp adventure, as well as the weapon crystal (their numbers or statistics were never revealed to me, but magic ammo is minimum +1 before other abilities, and I think a full clip should be 10 rounds; I have no idea weapon crystals work in this game, but apparently it makes the guns count as magic? If it turns out to be valuable, I will want it back later)
"Take these while you are at it. I know from experience that there are certain beasts that cannot easily be felled with mortal weaponry, and they are often the kind that alienists prefer to invoke with there summons.)
>>193571
Iirc, an elephant gun is a kind of blunderbuss, so it can shoot basically any random bullshit that fits in the barrel, right? So if I give all these magic bullets to Cavalier, he should be able to shoot any of them?
Or maybe magic bullets resize to the gun barrel, like how most magic items resize to fit the wearer?
>>193584
"Silver, before we board the ship, we should probably check the properties of that cutlass. It appears to be magical." Posey says
"Try testing it on a cadaver. I am sure an experienced swordsman like you should be able to determine its properties with a couple swings."
"Silver, before we board the ship, we should probably check the properties of that cutlass. It appears to be magical." Posey says
"Try testing it on a cadaver. I am sure an experienced swordsman like you should be able to determine its properties with a couple swings."
>>193589
Silver grimaces at the idea if defiling a corpse beyong mere looting. "I do not need to carve up dead bodies to tell what is special about it. Give me some room to swing it around and I can tell you."
Silver grimaces at the idea if defiling a corpse beyong mere looting. "I do not need to carve up dead bodies to tell what is special about it. Give me some room to swing it around and I can tell you."
I'm still kind of salty that my suggestion to bring along an NPC to fill the roll of a rogue was rejected with "questing is for PCs" and a suggestion that the specific one (Kira' pet, Neela Pheeta) was too squishy to have near combat. Instead, you all trusted the roll of rogue to Brie...
>>193585
>>193587
>A long, extensive process of removing all of the feathers from four creatures that each have about ten times the surface area of a chicken, sawing into skulls to open them, sawing through bone of at six limbs and presumably doing more than that in order to "chum" these four or five creatures that are each the size of a sheep or a smaller pig, and doing all of this in the immediate presence of about a dozen witnesses belonging to three nations
Blackheel pays attention to Posey, nagging her more than most
"Ugh... I could have expected this from the hyena... Actually I didn't, but I should have... Listen. I don't know if the Navy actually has the upper hoof that they seem to have, or if that thing has some kind of carefully laid trap that it's waiting to spring for when the Navy gets into range, but I can say for damn sure that when the detonator of 130 Millimeter shell presses against your skull, that little ugly feather that you tuck in there like a zebra hag won't do you even the slightest bit of good, and you'll wish you had back that time you spent playing vulture so you could actually do your job as the warrior that you allege that you are, and not cede all tactical initiative to the enemy, and let them sneak up on you and lay traps. Those griffins will still be dead when we leave this place."
>>193588
I was kind of just expecting the ammo to go unused the entire campaign because one of you had the gun and the other had the ammo
It is not. You can only fit specific ammunition into it. Is that ammunition the same as is used in the anti-aircraft guns like the .50 or the 13mm, or the 20 mm? No, of course not. That would be too simple. Instead it's some kind of unique ammunition that is just too big to fit in a machine gun. Which I guess is more powerful than the machine gun rounds and more practical than the 20 mm, but still.
>>193585
>>193587
>A long, extensive process of removing all of the feathers from four creatures that each have about ten times the surface area of a chicken, sawing into skulls to open them, sawing through bone of at six limbs and presumably doing more than that in order to "chum" these four or five creatures that are each the size of a sheep or a smaller pig, and doing all of this in the immediate presence of about a dozen witnesses belonging to three nations
Blackheel pays attention to Posey, nagging her more than most
"Ugh... I could have expected this from the hyena... Actually I didn't, but I should have... Listen. I don't know if the Navy actually has the upper hoof that they seem to have, or if that thing has some kind of carefully laid trap that it's waiting to spring for when the Navy gets into range, but I can say for damn sure that when the detonator of 130 Millimeter shell presses against your skull, that little ugly feather that you tuck in there like a zebra hag won't do you even the slightest bit of good, and you'll wish you had back that time you spent playing vulture so you could actually do your job as the warrior that you allege that you are, and not cede all tactical initiative to the enemy, and let them sneak up on you and lay traps. Those griffins will still be dead when we leave this place."
>>193588
I was kind of just expecting the ammo to go unused the entire campaign because one of you had the gun and the other had the ammo
It is not. You can only fit specific ammunition into it. Is that ammunition the same as is used in the anti-aircraft guns like the .50 or the 13mm, or the 20 mm? No, of course not. That would be too simple. Instead it's some kind of unique ammunition that is just too big to fit in a machine gun. Which I guess is more powerful than the machine gun rounds and more practical than the 20 mm, but still.
>>193591
Admittedly Neela would not have wanted to come along at first, objecting to both work and working for customs.
Admittedly Neela would not have wanted to come along at first, objecting to both work and working for customs.
>>193584
"Do you think they'd be slavers if they couldn't beat up on their neighbors Anyways..."
With Silver's question, he looks up to him with a solemn expression and ice blue eyes that pierce the darkness.
"I don't know if I could but... Maybe. I will try."
Her ears perk up and she nods with relative determination.
"Do you think they'd be slavers if they couldn't beat up on their neighbors Anyways..."
With Silver's question, he looks up to him with a solemn expression and ice blue eyes that pierce the darkness.
"I don't know if I could but... Maybe. I will try."
Her ears perk up and she nods with relative determination.
>>193593
Silver takes her hoof in his and smiles brightly at her. "I know you can. Hearing your story, you are far stronger than perhaps even you know."
Silver takes her hoof in his and smiles brightly at her. "I know you can. Hearing your story, you are far stronger than perhaps even you know."
>>193591
>I'm still kind of salty that my suggestion to bring along an NPC to fill the roll of a rogue was rejected with "questing is for PCs"
What? I don't recall rejecting anything.
>Instead, you all trusted the roll of rogue to Brie...
I did NOT trust him...
>>193591
>or if that thing has some kind of carefully laid trap that it's waiting to spring for when the Navy gets into range
Posey chuckles
"Oh, it most certainly has a trap. Any creature powerful enough to control this many ponies at once is intelligent enough to have tactical foresight. It would have not spent all this time telepathically taunting us if our quest were futile, and once we make a move it will use every resource at its disposal to defend itself, lashing out like a caged animal. There is no telling what is waiting for imus there." Posey says
She doesn't pay Blackheel's impatient remarks any regard, instead simply continuing to walk towards the swan boat and stepping onto it, kicking a severed limb into the water as she goes
"Ready when you are, Commissar." she says, with a bow.
"All aboard."
>>193594
"The time for chit chat is over. We have monsters to kill, and she has a ship to repair. Giddy up."
>I'm still kind of salty that my suggestion to bring along an NPC to fill the roll of a rogue was rejected with "questing is for PCs"
What? I don't recall rejecting anything.
>Instead, you all trusted the roll of rogue to Brie...
I did NOT trust him...
>>193591
>or if that thing has some kind of carefully laid trap that it's waiting to spring for when the Navy gets into range
Posey chuckles
"Oh, it most certainly has a trap. Any creature powerful enough to control this many ponies at once is intelligent enough to have tactical foresight. It would have not spent all this time telepathically taunting us if our quest were futile, and once we make a move it will use every resource at its disposal to defend itself, lashing out like a caged animal. There is no telling what is waiting for imus there." Posey says
She doesn't pay Blackheel's impatient remarks any regard, instead simply continuing to walk towards the swan boat and stepping onto it, kicking a severed limb into the water as she goes
"Ready when you are, Commissar." she says, with a bow.
"All aboard."
>>193594
"The time for chit chat is over. We have monsters to kill, and she has a ship to repair. Giddy up."
>>193595
Blackheel, looking irritated, points at the Kostroma, on the opposite side of the torpedo boat from the Swan boat
I'm not acknowledging a full butchering unless there is a sacrifice of time, and that will come with penalties like being ambushed by Artillery or something similat
>>193594
She lowers her ears and her head, then gives a toothy smile.
"I... I hope so..."
Blackheel, looking irritated, points at the Kostroma, on the opposite side of the torpedo boat from the Swan boat
I'm not acknowledging a full butchering unless there is a sacrifice of time, and that will come with penalties like being ambushed by Artillery or something similat
>>193594
She lowers her ears and her head, then gives a toothy smile.
"I... I hope so..."
>>193591
>that little ugly feather that you tuck in there like a zebra hag won't do you even the slightest bit of good
What feather? Posey's mane is full of weapons (throwing needles, braid blade).
>>193596
I'm confused, weren't we going to ride the Swan boat towards the Kostroma? Unless we can board it from this boat already that is.
>full butchering
Okay, I'll just take a Griffin's hand. I want some fingers for touch spell focu.
>that little ugly feather that you tuck in there like a zebra hag won't do you even the slightest bit of good
What feather? Posey's mane is full of weapons (throwing needles, braid blade).
>>193596
I'm confused, weren't we going to ride the Swan boat towards the Kostroma? Unless we can board it from this boat already that is.
>full butchering
Okay, I'll just take a Griffin's hand. I want some fingers for touch spell focu.
>>193597
Posey can pretty easily get a single griffin claw.
The Torpedo boat is immediately next to the Kostroma. I don't know if there is a name for that kind of positioning, but you could get on a ladder and climb from the torpedo boat onto the deck of the Kostroma next to the midship deckhouse. Which may or may not be where you want to be, but it's where it goes
Posey can pretty easily get a single griffin claw.
The Torpedo boat is immediately next to the Kostroma. I don't know if there is a name for that kind of positioning, but you could get on a ladder and climb from the torpedo boat onto the deck of the Kostroma next to the midship deckhouse. Which may or may not be where you want to be, but it's where it goes
>>193598
>The Torpedo boat is immediately next to the Kostroma.
OH!
Okay. Posey tosses her grappling hook, before skittering up the side of the ship.
Climb
[1d20+8 = (13+8) = 21]
>The Torpedo boat is immediately next to the Kostroma.
OH!
Okay. Posey tosses her grappling hook, before skittering up the side of the ship.
Climb
[1d20+8 = (13+8) = 21]
>>193585
I didn't read this post in the morning, hoping to get a response from GM Pony on positioning never did but there is no way Posey has enough time to do this while Silver, Kira and Cavaliere are away. Also, aren't there a bunch of other eyes on the boat itself as well as on the swanboat? "Morbidly efficient" or not, this isn't going to happen without interruption.
>>193587
>Cavalier, you should know that DMs do not put locked safes in their games without intent for players to open them.
There will be valuable things in here, but brute-forcing the safe or investigating for the combination is a ridiculous waste of time at this junction. I know time is a flexible, handwaved concept in this game but PCs doing that or scrubbing the decks during a special operation beggars suspension of disbelief.
Also, chances are astronomically low for whatever's in the safe to be uniquely useful against the Fellow Traveler itself. The torpedoes stated to be in easy access on the boat are far more likely to be useful (and we have a warhead already).
>>193588
>elephant gun
I said that without knowing exactly what the gun was. When it comes to massive rifles that push the limits of being usable by a single infantry, there are two main types. The first is what I initially thought it to be, a "punt gun" which is a comically oversized sporting rifle designed to take down large organic creatures like elephants. It is not a shotgun or blunderbuss, and is designed to fire specialized case ammunition.
The second type is what it actually is, an anti-tank rifle designed to pierce armor. The design for these types of rifles is quite different, usually bolt-action, and the rounds are very different too. I don't know what kind of ammunition Posey found or whether it is remotely compatible with either type.
>>193591
>I'm still kind of salty that my suggestion to bring along an NPC to fill the roll of a rogue was rejected with "questing is for PCs" and a suggestion that the specific one (Kira' pet, Neela Pheeta) was too squishy to have near combat. Instead, you all trusted the roll of rogue to Brie...
To be fair, we should have reconsidered as soon as the squabbles happened right at the start. I don't think Neela would be a good fit for this kind of mission nonetheless.
>butchering
Part of the reason I wanted to ask the location of the party members was to know whether Posey would be in eyeshot of Cavaliere. Expect interruptions if that is the case.
>>193599
>grappling hook
Didn't Cavaliere already let down a line from the top of the ship? That was his main reason for going up there.
I didn't read this post in the morning, hoping to get a response from GM Pony on positioning never did but there is no way Posey has enough time to do this while Silver, Kira and Cavaliere are away. Also, aren't there a bunch of other eyes on the boat itself as well as on the swanboat? "Morbidly efficient" or not, this isn't going to happen without interruption.
>>193587
>Cavalier, you should know that DMs do not put locked safes in their games without intent for players to open them.
There will be valuable things in here, but brute-forcing the safe or investigating for the combination is a ridiculous waste of time at this junction. I know time is a flexible, handwaved concept in this game but PCs doing that or scrubbing the decks during a special operation beggars suspension of disbelief.
Also, chances are astronomically low for whatever's in the safe to be uniquely useful against the Fellow Traveler itself. The torpedoes stated to be in easy access on the boat are far more likely to be useful (and we have a warhead already).
>>193588
>elephant gun
I said that without knowing exactly what the gun was. When it comes to massive rifles that push the limits of being usable by a single infantry, there are two main types. The first is what I initially thought it to be, a "punt gun" which is a comically oversized sporting rifle designed to take down large organic creatures like elephants. It is not a shotgun or blunderbuss, and is designed to fire specialized case ammunition.
The second type is what it actually is, an anti-tank rifle designed to pierce armor. The design for these types of rifles is quite different, usually bolt-action, and the rounds are very different too. I don't know what kind of ammunition Posey found or whether it is remotely compatible with either type.
>>193591
>I'm still kind of salty that my suggestion to bring along an NPC to fill the roll of a rogue was rejected with "questing is for PCs" and a suggestion that the specific one (Kira' pet, Neela Pheeta) was too squishy to have near combat. Instead, you all trusted the roll of rogue to Brie...
To be fair, we should have reconsidered as soon as the squabbles happened right at the start. I don't think Neela would be a good fit for this kind of mission nonetheless.
>butchering
Part of the reason I wanted to ask the location of the party members was to know whether Posey would be in eyeshot of Cavaliere. Expect interruptions if that is the case.
>>193599
>grappling hook
Didn't Cavaliere already let down a line from the top of the ship? That was his main reason for going up there.
>>193601
She has a standard 50 ft of rope, as most adventurers do, but since it looks like Cavalier already put one up there she doesn't need it.
She has a standard 50 ft of rope, as most adventurers do, but since it looks like Cavalier already put one up there she doesn't need it.
>>193600
Positioning what now?
>>193602
Good enough.
The Kostroma is unpleasant to walk up the side of as it angles outwards and is slightly worse than verticle. The sides is covered in rain and wet. However the paint adds some texture, and rivets especially provide grip in the locations where those are present. Climbing up is slow and unpleasant, but doable
There's supposed to be a ladder integrated into the side of the ship...
Positioning what now?
>>193602
Good enough.
The Kostroma is unpleasant to walk up the side of as it angles outwards and is slightly worse than verticle. The sides is covered in rain and wet. However the paint adds some texture, and rivets especially provide grip in the locations where those are present. Climbing up is slow and unpleasant, but doable
>>193602
I checked and stand corrected. Cavaliere intended to let down a line, but reconsidered after finding that ladder. He still has whatever length is left to him. Posey is welcome to carry it since Cavaliere is as of now burdened by a heavy load.
>>193603
Are Silver and Cavaliere above or below the main deck of the torpedo boat? I assumed below but then Kira communicated somehow to them which would be possible only if they were topside. >>193584
Also, Cavaliere would not permit mutilation of the bodies if Posey attempts it.
I checked and stand corrected. Cavaliere intended to let down a line, but reconsidered after finding that ladder. He still has whatever length is left to him. Posey is welcome to carry it since Cavaliere is as of now burdened by a heavy load.
>>193603
Are Silver and Cavaliere above or below the main deck of the torpedo boat? I assumed below but then Kira communicated somehow to them which would be possible only if they were topside. >>193584
Also, Cavaliere would not permit mutilation of the bodies if Posey attempts it.
>>193604
Silver came above deck, and has spent most of his time playing therapist to a zebra mare who was supposed to be fixing the leaking fuel tank. I've assumed Cavaliere was the last one downstairs
>>193605
To her left, past the midship deckhouse and towards the bow of the ship, lights still shine, but very dimly, and red-orange.
To her right and towards the stern and stern deckhouse, there is darkness, with hatch covers.
Posey can see a drop of water falling. For the past hour, there has been a thin mist falling. Now, proper rain may be coming.
>>193600
The torpedo boat has two torpedoes in firing tubes, and two behind those two replace fired torpedoes.
Silver came above deck, and has spent most of his time playing therapist to a zebra mare who was supposed to be fixing the leaking fuel tank. I've assumed Cavaliere was the last one downstairs
>>193605
To her left, past the midship deckhouse and towards the bow of the ship, lights still shine, but very dimly, and red-orange.
To her right and towards the stern and stern deckhouse, there is darkness, with hatch covers.
Posey can see a drop of water falling. For the past hour, there has been a thin mist falling. Now, proper rain may be coming.
>>193600
The torpedo boat has two torpedoes in firing tubes, and two behind those two replace fired torpedoes.
>>193607
No creatures are visible on deck, at least at first glance, at least in the darkness and with so many places to hide.
What does "into" mean in this context?
No creatures are visible on deck, at least at first glance, at least in the darkness and with so many places to hide.
What does "into" mean in this context?
>>193606
I should probably look up what Cavaliere's inventory was when starting this mission, deduce what he has now, and drop everything unnecessary
>torpedoes
We probably shouldn't use them against the Kostroma yet, but if the GRU ship is encountered we could attempt to sink it (though this would basically be suicide).
I should probably look up what Cavaliere's inventory was when starting this mission, deduce what he has now, and drop everything unnecessary
>torpedoes
We probably shouldn't use them against the Kostroma yet, but if the GRU ship is encountered we could attempt to sink it (though this would basically be suicide).
(where did we discuss that the Traveller would be stowed on the desk?)
>>193608
I meant "onto" the deck.
Posey has Darkvision
She carefully sneaks ahead, taking 10 on Move Silently.
>>193609
>if the GRU ship is encountered we could attempt to sink it (though this would basically be suicide).
That's what I want to use Monstro for. If sinking their ship ends with me losing my minion in the process, then it will have served its purpose and return to the sea.
It should be strong enough to carry all of the torpedos at once.
>>193608
I meant "onto" the deck.
Posey has Darkvision
She carefully sneaks ahead, taking 10 on Move Silently.
>>193609
>if the GRU ship is encountered we could attempt to sink it (though this would basically be suicide).
That's what I want to use Monstro for. If sinking their ship ends with me losing my minion in the process, then it will have served its purpose and return to the sea.
It should be strong enough to carry all of the torpedos at once.
>>193610
What direction is she going, though? The ship is massive. It's a whole map onto itself. Just the midship deckhouse all on its own is like a three story office building
What direction is she going, though? The ship is massive. It's a whole map onto itself. Just the midship deckhouse all on its own is like a three story office building
>>193611
I will be real with you, I don't know yet.
I recall asking Blackheel where the Traveller is being stowed or any comfortable rooms that the hippogriff might help himself to, but I don't think he ever answered.
Right now I am just trying to get on that ship.
I will be real with you, I don't know yet.
I recall asking Blackheel where the Traveller is being stowed or any comfortable rooms that the hippogriff might help himself to, but I don't think he ever answered.
Right now I am just trying to get on that ship.
Posey draws her whip, her bolas, and her locking mechanism, proceeding stealthily with intent to strangle any potential witnesses as she creeps onto the deck.
Is anypony joining Posey?
Is anypony joining Posey?
>>193611
Posey makes her way towards the wooden covers above Cargo Hold 2, with intent to summon her crawlers to melt a hole in it.
Who is holding the explosive Harpoon? Was it Cavalier? If no pony is carrying it, I will take it with me.
Posey makes her way towards the wooden covers above Cargo Hold 2, with intent to summon her crawlers to melt a hole in it.
Who is holding the explosive Harpoon? Was it Cavalier? If no pony is carrying it, I will take it with me.
>>193621
Well, my plan was the plan I thought we discussed earlier, which was to get to the place the Traveller is stowed and minimizing encounters along the way as soon as possible by melting the wooden deck above it and dropping down next to it.
If anyone else has other ideas, I am open to discussing them.
Well, my plan was the plan I thought we discussed earlier, which was to get to the place the Traveller is stowed and minimizing encounters along the way as soon as possible by melting the wooden deck above it and dropping down next to it.
If anyone else has other ideas, I am open to discussing them.
>>193619
>>193621
>>193622
OOC, I need to sort out Cavaliere's inventory so if possible I can keep him at medium encumbrance. I lost his up-to-date character notes (long story) so I have to reconstruct them. I should have done that sooner but life has been busy.
IC, we need to huddle and decide who we're bringing. We might not even take every PC; Kira might want to guard the boats. Some NPCs with combat experience would be helpful, and the scientists would help us navigate the labs and get out anything useful. A griffon or two might know how to use the explosive harpoon. One or two of the pirates might be able to convince the boarding party to surrender if they are at all lucid.
>dropping in
A good tactic but there is risk of falling and getting hurt. Also, if we bring a larger group then we lose the time advantage due to the amount of time and rope it would take for everypony to climb down. If we will be very few, then we can easily get pinned down and surrounded.
>>193621
>>193622
OOC, I need to sort out Cavaliere's inventory so if possible I can keep him at medium encumbrance. I lost his up-to-date character notes (long story) so I have to reconstruct them. I should have done that sooner but life has been busy.
IC, we need to huddle and decide who we're bringing. We might not even take every PC; Kira might want to guard the boats. Some NPCs with combat experience would be helpful, and the scientists would help us navigate the labs and get out anything useful. A griffon or two might know how to use the explosive harpoon. One or two of the pirates might be able to convince the boarding party to surrender if they are at all lucid.
>dropping in
A good tactic but there is risk of falling and getting hurt. Also, if we bring a larger group then we lose the time advantage due to the amount of time and rope it would take for everypony to climb down. If we will be very few, then we can easily get pinned down and surrounded.
>>193623
>encumbrance
You have a positive strength score and are a quadrupedal creature: your light carrying capacity should be able to hold all of your combat gear, your utilities, and then some.
>encumbrance
You have a positive strength score and are a quadrupedal creature: your light carrying capacity should be able to hold all of your combat gear, your utilities, and then some.
>>193626
Cavaliere has a strength score of 10 which is decidedly average. One of the disadvantages of being a griffon is being beholden to bipedal weight rules owing to a feline/avian frame. This means a heavy load is at 100 lbs. I packed a lot of equipment which means Cavaliere has been at medium encumbrance for most of this mission, so I need to figure out what to leave behind.
Also I need to know what combat mechanics apply to the anti-tank rifle he has. I assume it's similar to a .50 sniper rifle in DnD modern but it's up to GM Pony's discretion.
Cavaliere has a strength score of 10 which is decidedly average. One of the disadvantages of being a griffon is being beholden to bipedal weight rules owing to a feline/avian frame. This means a heavy load is at 100 lbs. I packed a lot of equipment which means Cavaliere has been at medium encumbrance for most of this mission, so I need to figure out what to leave behind.
Also I need to know what combat mechanics apply to the anti-tank rifle he has. I assume it's similar to a .50 sniper rifle in DnD modern but it's up to GM Pony's discretion.
>>193627
>bipedal
You have four legs though. You're a quadruped. Your light load is just under 50 pounds.
I get it though. Sort out your equipment.
>Also I need to know what combat mechanics apply to the anti-tank rifle he has. I assume it's similar to a .50 sniper rifle in DnD modern but it's up to GM Pony's discretion.
I would really like to see a comprehensive document on the statistics of weapons used in this game. So far several seen to be inconsistent with the d20 sources I have been referencing.
Also, it would be nice to know that classes are proficient in what weapons.
>bipedal
You have four legs though. You're a quadruped. Your light load is just under 50 pounds.
I get it though. Sort out your equipment.
>Also I need to know what combat mechanics apply to the anti-tank rifle he has. I assume it's similar to a .50 sniper rifle in DnD modern but it's up to GM Pony's discretion.
I would really like to see a comprehensive document on the statistics of weapons used in this game. So far several seen to be inconsistent with the d20 sources I have been referencing.
Also, it would be nice to know that classes are proficient in what weapons.
The Kostroma needs attention if we're going to use it to escape. It's clear the boiler is dying for some reason and we have no idea what threats await us if they aren't dealt with. We should mark key rooms for exploration, clearing them of enemies and using whatever they contain to help us in the coming fight, lest we end up facing the Traveler unprepared along with facing potentially dozens of hostiles at the same time. Cavaliere already got the infirmary, but we should also check the armory, the boiler room, the captain's quarters, the officers' quarters, the bridge, and the galley and storerooms. Clearing the ship before facing the Traveler and Light Water will save us tremendous amounts of trouble in the long run.
Monstro (or whatever the whale is called) should be used to run the GRU ship aground so badly that it can't follow us, and for good measure should damage its artillery that it can't shell us.
Monstro (or whatever the whale is called) should be used to run the GRU ship aground so badly that it can't follow us, and for good measure should damage its artillery that it can't shell us.
Did Cavaliere already use up the handcuffs he brought with him? I think he still has heavy steel manacles. How much rope has he used? He tied up nearly every prisoner.
>>193630
How many did he have? There have been quite a few prisoners.
I would assume basically all had been used by now
How many did he have? There have been quite a few prisoners.
I would assume basically all had been used by now
>>193631
I checked. Although I tried getting more at the start apparently that detail was lost and he just has the one pair. They're heavy but have not been used. He has used rope for all the prisoners. I guess if there's any length left it can be safely discarded.
I checked. Although I tried getting more at the start apparently that detail was lost and he just has the one pair. They're heavy but have not been used. He has used rope for all the prisoners. I guess if there's any length left it can be safely discarded.
Briefly taking inventory, Cavaliere counts:
revolver: 3 lb
derringer: 1 lb
dagger: 1 lb
backpack: 2 lb
bedroll: 5 lb
business cards
canteen (full): 2 lb
outfit: 8 lb
jacket: 4 lb
map case: 0.5 lb
flask (presumably still full): 1 lb
flint and steel
grappling hook (4 lb)
fine pen
flashlight (3 lb)
manacles (2 lb)
small steel mirror (0.5 lb)
notebook
belt pouch (0.5 lb)
trail rations (4 lb)
.45 ammo, 80 rounds (3.2 lb)
anti-rank rifle and ammunition. 20 rounds (40 lb)
camouflage net (weight unknown)
whatever he picked up during the quest (I lost track, but would mostly be documents and pictures, as well as the medical supplies from the torpedo boat)
If he has any rope left, it's too short to be of much use and he discards it. On the torpedo boat he leaves behind his bedroll, jacket, grappling hook, mirror, alcohol flask, trail rations, and the camo net. That leaves his net weight at 66.2 lb, at the edge of what could be considered a medium load for strength 10. Although the jacket gives +1 AC, being under medium load means he keeps his +3 dex bonus which is a net benefit of +2.
He offers his trail rations and a swallow of alcohol to whoever wants it, and permits the use of the camo net. His other items remain off-limits. The medical supplies presumably take up weight and he gives them to another party member to carry.
revolver: 3 lb
derringer: 1 lb
dagger: 1 lb
backpack: 2 lb
bedroll: 5 lb
business cards
canteen (full): 2 lb
outfit: 8 lb
jacket: 4 lb
map case: 0.5 lb
flask (presumably still full): 1 lb
flint and steel
grappling hook (4 lb)
fine pen
flashlight (3 lb)
manacles (2 lb)
small steel mirror (0.5 lb)
notebook
belt pouch (0.5 lb)
trail rations (4 lb)
.45 ammo, 80 rounds (3.2 lb)
anti-rank rifle and ammunition. 20 rounds (40 lb)
camouflage net (weight unknown)
whatever he picked up during the quest (I lost track, but would mostly be documents and pictures, as well as the medical supplies from the torpedo boat)
If he has any rope left, it's too short to be of much use and he discards it. On the torpedo boat he leaves behind his bedroll, jacket, grappling hook, mirror, alcohol flask, trail rations, and the camo net. That leaves his net weight at 66.2 lb, at the edge of what could be considered a medium load for strength 10. Although the jacket gives +1 AC, being under medium load means he keeps his +3 dex bonus which is a net benefit of +2.
He offers his trail rations and a swallow of alcohol to whoever wants it, and permits the use of the camo net. His other items remain off-limits. The medical supplies presumably take up weight and he gives them to another party member to carry.
>>193633
The giving of alcohol is like milk offered to stray kittens or cigarettes to college students - everyone wants some. Cavaliere may chose.
It is so.
The giving of alcohol is like milk offered to stray kittens or cigarettes to college students - everyone wants some. Cavaliere may chose.
It is so.
>>193633
Also, Cavaliere calls over the remaining party members, which includes Mala. Unfortunately Posey would not be able to see or hear him, but at least she's not doing whatever she wants to the remaining corpses. "We need to board as soon as we can. If any of you want to stay behind and keep watch over these creatures, that is fine and I will not begrudge you. We should also determine how many of these we bring along. I don't think Blackheel can be dissuaded, and I would like to have a member of this boat's crew along to get through to their boarding party. Any others should be chosen according to how useful they would be aboard, of course if they are willing to join. I'd like to have enough guns to fight our way through, but we also need to be quick and not overcrowd the passageways."
Also, Cavaliere calls over the remaining party members, which includes Mala. Unfortunately Posey would not be able to see or hear him, but at least she's not doing whatever she wants to the remaining corpses. "We need to board as soon as we can. If any of you want to stay behind and keep watch over these creatures, that is fine and I will not begrudge you. We should also determine how many of these we bring along. I don't think Blackheel can be dissuaded, and I would like to have a member of this boat's crew along to get through to their boarding party. Any others should be chosen according to how useful they would be aboard, of course if they are willing to join. I'd like to have enough guns to fight our way through, but we also need to be quick and not overcrowd the passageways."
>>193634
Cavaliere lets the injured and visibly shaken creatures have first dibs on the whiskey. Not many would probably be able to tell or care that it's an expensive kind. He holds onto the flask until it is empty. "Only a little," he cautions. "It's good to steel your nerves, but we can't have you drifting off."
Cavaliere lets the injured and visibly shaken creatures have first dibs on the whiskey. Not many would probably be able to tell or care that it's an expensive kind. He holds onto the flask until it is empty. "Only a little," he cautions. "It's good to steel your nerves, but we can't have you drifting off."
>>193635
Kira peaks over from the edge of the ship. "I'd like to come along. I'm...I'm not gonna lie, I'm super duper scared, but I have to. How can I tell the governor that I helped stop the Traveler if I don't actually face him? Plus he tried to get me to join him by taking a form of Ouroboros. I don't like that."
Silver nods at the griffon. "You would have to kill me to get me to not board that ship. Plus, I think I can get our additions to our group rallied and ready for fighting."
Kira peaks over from the edge of the ship. "I'd like to come along. I'm...I'm not gonna lie, I'm super duper scared, but I have to. How can I tell the governor that I helped stop the Traveler if I don't actually face him? Plus he tried to get me to join him by taking a form of Ouroboros. I don't like that."
Silver nods at the griffon. "You would have to kill me to get me to not board that ship. Plus, I think I can get our additions to our group rallied and ready for fighting."
>>193635
Mala, looking up towards Cavaliere
"I could watch the others. Guard them." He turns his head. "But... I could go on the ship. I am fine with danger." He looks back towards Cavaliere.
Blackheel:
"Correct."
Of the Kostroma survivors, only Rustling Pine is still armed and unwounded. None of the marines of the Kostroma's original compliment have remained both unenthralled and unwounded. Of the non-combat Kostroma survivors, there are about five others that are more or less unwounded, plus Starfire and Pipette who could potentially serve as spell casters. They have varied skills in non-combat roles.
Of the airponies, the Green Unicorn, the White Pegasus, Primed Well, and Pinup Locker are especially capable and can be armed.
The four Griffins are more or less capable, but less motivated.
Mala, looking up towards Cavaliere
"I could watch the others. Guard them." He turns his head. "But... I could go on the ship. I am fine with danger." He looks back towards Cavaliere.
Blackheel:
"Correct."
Of the Kostroma survivors, only Rustling Pine is still armed and unwounded. None of the marines of the Kostroma's original compliment have remained both unenthralled and unwounded. Of the non-combat Kostroma survivors, there are about five others that are more or less unwounded, plus Starfire and Pipette who could potentially serve as spell casters. They have varied skills in non-combat roles.
Of the airponies, the Green Unicorn, the White Pegasus, Primed Well, and Pinup Locker are especially capable and can be armed.
The four Griffins are more or less capable, but less motivated.
>>193638
To Mala: "As much as I would like to have a reliable sentry out here, I can't think of any creature more capable of handling a fight aboard than you. I'd like you to come along if no objections get raised."
To Starfire and Pipette: "If we are successful, we will pass through the ship's lab to retrieve evidence of what happened. If one of you volunteers to come along, you could not only retrieve your research but also guide us through the corridors to get in and out faster. We will protect you the best we can, but the danger involved will be terrible and we might not make it out."
To the capable airponies: "It was our goal in the first place to save your lives and the danger on the island doesn't compare to what we'll be facing in there. We'd like to keep you out of harm's way, but if you want to help us fight we won't deny you the opportunity."
To the three remaining pirates, Wonder, Zara, and the griffon (who is likely still tied up): "Your friends and comrades are still aboard and we've heard no signs of them. If they're still conscious, they will be scared in those dark hallways and will be prone to fighting or running from us. I can't accurately tell you just how dangerous it will be in there, but if one of you would like to come with us, we'll have a better chance of bringing them out alive."
To the four griffons: "This is the ship that's been causing so much trouble around the island. It is a Stalliongrad research vessel and aboard we will be getting into fights, and with your permission we'd like to use your explosive harpoon we brought along. Whether for the riches that rest within, honors from helping us, or grace from Arcturius Himself, it is up to you to come aboard with us. I will sweeten the deal further: I can convince certain ponies to grant you a fast-tracked path to New Mareland citizenship." He repeats this in Feathesian.
To Silver: "We need to bring a radio with us and have one operated out here. I don't know if the signal can get through the ship's hull but it would be prudent to have communication." He whispers, "If we cannot get out in time we may need to tell them to depart without us.
To Mala: "As much as I would like to have a reliable sentry out here, I can't think of any creature more capable of handling a fight aboard than you. I'd like you to come along if no objections get raised."
To Starfire and Pipette: "If we are successful, we will pass through the ship's lab to retrieve evidence of what happened. If one of you volunteers to come along, you could not only retrieve your research but also guide us through the corridors to get in and out faster. We will protect you the best we can, but the danger involved will be terrible and we might not make it out."
To the capable airponies: "It was our goal in the first place to save your lives and the danger on the island doesn't compare to what we'll be facing in there. We'd like to keep you out of harm's way, but if you want to help us fight we won't deny you the opportunity."
To the three remaining pirates, Wonder, Zara, and the griffon (who is likely still tied up): "Your friends and comrades are still aboard and we've heard no signs of them. If they're still conscious, they will be scared in those dark hallways and will be prone to fighting or running from us. I can't accurately tell you just how dangerous it will be in there, but if one of you would like to come with us, we'll have a better chance of bringing them out alive."
To the four griffons: "This is the ship that's been causing so much trouble around the island. It is a Stalliongrad research vessel and aboard we will be getting into fights, and with your permission we'd like to use your explosive harpoon we brought along. Whether for the riches that rest within, honors from helping us, or grace from Arcturius Himself, it is up to you to come aboard with us. I will sweeten the deal further: I can convince certain ponies to grant you a fast-tracked path to New Mareland citizenship." He repeats this in Feathesian.
To Silver: "We need to bring a radio with us and have one operated out here. I don't know if the signal can get through the ship's hull but it would be prudent to have communication." He whispers, "If we cannot get out in time we may need to tell them to depart without us.
>>193641
Cavaliere stares in disbelief. "Doing that would be worse than going in alone. Besides the logistics of taking wounded up the hull, the ship's corridor's and rooms are tight, and we would be tripping over each other. There would be no fighting advantage since we could not shoot past each other either. Stragglers would be getting lost in the dark. It would be giving the 'Fellow Traveler' a feast on a silver platter."
Cavaliere stares in disbelief. "Doing that would be worse than going in alone. Besides the logistics of taking wounded up the hull, the ship's corridor's and rooms are tight, and we would be tripping over each other. There would be no fighting advantage since we could not shoot past each other either. Stragglers would be getting lost in the dark. It would be giving the 'Fellow Traveler' a feast on a silver platter."
>>193642
"And if left out here, we leave them to mercy of both GRU and Traveler. What happens if Traveler decides to try to go after those we leave behind to turn them? We bring them with us, we keep those who can fight in our vanguard, and those following behind are informed to keep close and not lose sight of us."
"And if left out here, we leave them to mercy of both GRU and Traveler. What happens if Traveler decides to try to go after those we leave behind to turn them? We bring them with us, we keep those who can fight in our vanguard, and those following behind are informed to keep close and not lose sight of us."
>>193643
"If they are armed and ready to leave, that is the best we can do. We cannot take them out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire. In those dark, winding corridors, it will be impossible to keep tabs on so many creatures, or to protect them. We will be slowed down when we need to be fast. Not to mention, we need these boats to escape anyway and having them watched over is added security."
"If they are armed and ready to leave, that is the best we can do. We cannot take them out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire. In those dark, winding corridors, it will be impossible to keep tabs on so many creatures, or to protect them. We will be slowed down when we need to be fast. Not to mention, we need these boats to escape anyway and having them watched over is added security."
Posey turns around and climbs back down as she realizes that nopony is following her
"I thought we were in a hurry?"
>>193638
>>193639
>>193641
"The hostages (airponies) are to stay behind. They can make themselves busy cleaning and repairing this ship for when we return. The Intruder is unlikely to attack them: Once we breach it's lair, it will concentrate all of its resources on attacking those who board it." she says
She pauses
"Look around. The deck is empty, and summoned monsters are nowhere to be seen. The Intruder is biding its powers, concentrating its forces around itself in preparation for direct confrontation. Once the battle starts, it will not waste its powers or attention attacking wounded survivors." she continues
"Everypony else should come along. There is strength in numbers. The bodies enter the battle, the more the enemy's fire will be spread out."
>>193638
Posey looks towards the griffons and the Kostroma sailor, hoping to marshal all those that she has already charmed
"Giddy up!"
>>193639
Dude, we're supposed to be undercover as pirates. Don't go offering New Mareland citizenship.
Am I the only one taking the covert operation component of this mission seriously?
"I thought we were in a hurry?"
>>193638
>>193639
>>193641
"The hostages (airponies) are to stay behind. They can make themselves busy cleaning and repairing this ship for when we return. The Intruder is unlikely to attack them: Once we breach it's lair, it will concentrate all of its resources on attacking those who board it." she says
She pauses
"Look around. The deck is empty, and summoned monsters are nowhere to be seen. The Intruder is biding its powers, concentrating its forces around itself in preparation for direct confrontation. Once the battle starts, it will not waste its powers or attention attacking wounded survivors." she continues
"Everypony else should come along. There is strength in numbers. The bodies enter the battle, the more the enemy's fire will be spread out."
>>193638
Posey looks towards the griffons and the Kostroma sailor, hoping to marshal all those that she has already charmed
"Giddy up!"
>>193639
Dude, we're supposed to be undercover as pirates. Don't go offering New Mareland citizenship.
Am I the only one taking the covert operation component of this mission seriously?
>>193646
Silver blinks at the mare. "...you would leave our hostages behind, unattended, on fully armed and partially fueled ship that sits low enough in water that it benefits from stealth much like submarine would?"
Silver blinks at the mare. "...you would leave our hostages behind, unattended, on fully armed and partially fueled ship that sits low enough in water that it benefits from stealth much like submarine would?"
>>193639
Mala smiles and moves his tail side to side in rhythmic fashion at Cavaliere’s words
“Uh” Starfire says, and Pipette’s eyes widen
The Green Unicorn says “I don’t want this thing getting out. I want to go home, but I don’t think anyone wants it getting out.”
Wistful Wonder and Zara Zama stand at attention. The griffin, not so much
Johan Bokli says,
“Really? If you could, that is a deal.”
>>193648
Blackheel speaks up
“No, I think we could sail out if we started now. The boat is on blackout and painted dark for a reason. It would be better if we could fire both tubes into the Kostroma though. I wish we could take her out to deep water, and sick her there. That way, the secrets of the Entity may be one with the secrets of the deep; one with the secrets of the old oceans and all the secrets of the deep.”
Mala smiles and moves his tail side to side in rhythmic fashion at Cavaliere’s words
“Uh” Starfire says, and Pipette’s eyes widen
The Green Unicorn says “I don’t want this thing getting out. I want to go home, but I don’t think anyone wants it getting out.”
Wistful Wonder and Zara Zama stand at attention. The griffin, not so much
Johan Bokli says,
“Really? If you could, that is a deal.”
>>193648
Blackheel speaks up
“No, I think we could sail out if we started now. The boat is on blackout and painted dark for a reason. It would be better if we could fire both tubes into the Kostroma though. I wish we could take her out to deep water, and sick her there. That way, the secrets of the Entity may be one with the secrets of the deep; one with the secrets of the old oceans and all the secrets of the deep.”
>>193648
Silver sits down and crosses his forehooves. "I understand you are from Farbrook, and your knowledge about modern military and naval technology is limited, but this ship is about as invisible as you could get right now. It has very small above-water profile that does not show up on radar very well. It has very shallow underwater profile that does not reflect many sonar waves. It is painted black and it is night so it can not be seen."
>>193649
"Traveler has taken form of some kind of sea creature, yes? If we sank Kostroma, could it not just summon sea monsters to break it free so it could swim to mainland? We need to see it die with our own eyes."
Silver sits down and crosses his forehooves. "I understand you are from Farbrook, and your knowledge about modern military and naval technology is limited, but this ship is about as invisible as you could get right now. It has very small above-water profile that does not show up on radar very well. It has very shallow underwater profile that does not reflect many sonar waves. It is painted black and it is night so it can not be seen."
>>193649
"Traveler has taken form of some kind of sea creature, yes? If we sank Kostroma, could it not just summon sea monsters to break it free so it could swim to mainland? We need to see it die with our own eyes."
>>193650
Blackheel:
“I don’t know how that boat would appear on radar. I assume it would show up, yes. I think it would outrun a destroyer on a straight stretch but couldn’t necessarily run past one.”
“It looked like a kind of cross between some kind of reptilian sea monster, a giant tadpole, and a dragon fly. It has more wings and eyes than we are really comfortable with and a generally tear drop shape. To me, it looked like a rotting whale carcass with the bulbous head rotted away, and those griffins added a few features to try and sell it as some strange monster. It always appeared to be dead to us, even when it started doing things. I don’t know if it could get free or not. It wasn’t active when we found it in the frozen swamp.”
Blackheel:
“I don’t know how that boat would appear on radar. I assume it would show up, yes. I think it would outrun a destroyer on a straight stretch but couldn’t necessarily run past one.”
“It looked like a kind of cross between some kind of reptilian sea monster, a giant tadpole, and a dragon fly. It has more wings and eyes than we are really comfortable with and a generally tear drop shape. To me, it looked like a rotting whale carcass with the bulbous head rotted away, and those griffins added a few features to try and sell it as some strange monster. It always appeared to be dead to us, even when it started doing things. I don’t know if it could get free or not. It wasn’t active when we found it in the frozen swamp.”
>>193651
The fluffy unicorn stares at Black Heel, a mix of confusion and concern on his face. "...it sounds like it looked weird enough on its own that they did not need to add anything to it."
The fluffy unicorn stares at Black Heel, a mix of confusion and concern on his face. "...it sounds like it looked weird enough on its own that they did not need to add anything to it."
>>193651
Rolling Arcana, to see if Posey recognizes what sort of monster this might be:
[1d20+12 = (8+12) = 20]
Rolling Arcana, to see if Posey recognizes what sort of monster this might be:
[1d20+12 = (8+12) = 20]
>>193649
Silver goes to stand with Zara, wrapping a hoof around her shoulders and pulling her close. "Zara will come with me aboard ship."
Silver goes to stand with Zara, wrapping a hoof around her shoulders and pulling her close. "Zara will come with me aboard ship."
>>193646
"We are in a hurry, but not in blind haste. There is a difference," Cavaliere explains. "If one of these 'hostages' wants to help us, I don't think we should begrudge him. What we're dealing with is greater than any of us. I will not stand for taking aboard the wounded or the feeble. Like I just explained to this stallion—"he gestures to Silver—"a long train would be an easy target at any point, and even in the cargo holds we can expect space to be tight."
>undercover
even pirates can grease palms in a bureaucracy
>>193649
Cavaliere smiles at the green unicorn. "With bravery and a little luck, we can make both happen. Lieutenant, with how rushed we have been I did not get your name. Your stallions are in mostly poor condition, your skipper included, and you are their ranking officer. You might want to stay in command of them out here, but if you choose to come with us I recommend selecting one of them to be in acting command."
To Bøkli, he gives a nod. "With what we are about to accomplish we will have enough leverage that this sort of request would be negligible to grant. And, well, your heroism would attest to your character."
>>193656
He gives a questioning look at Silver. "She should be saying that for herself." Apologetically, he looks down at the poor mare. "Miss Zara, you have gone through some serious tragedy in the past few minutes. It would be cruel to ask you to face an unknown creature that uses your own emotions against yourself. Your skills would be helpful, but I don't see us relighting the Kostroma's engines and setting sail with it. The most I can ask of you is that you make sure this boat is ready to go once we're out. You are its engineer, aren't you?"
"We are in a hurry, but not in blind haste. There is a difference," Cavaliere explains. "If one of these 'hostages' wants to help us, I don't think we should begrudge him. What we're dealing with is greater than any of us. I will not stand for taking aboard the wounded or the feeble. Like I just explained to this stallion—"he gestures to Silver—"a long train would be an easy target at any point, and even in the cargo holds we can expect space to be tight."
>undercover
even pirates can grease palms in a bureaucracy
>>193649
Cavaliere smiles at the green unicorn. "With bravery and a little luck, we can make both happen. Lieutenant, with how rushed we have been I did not get your name. Your stallions are in mostly poor condition, your skipper included, and you are their ranking officer. You might want to stay in command of them out here, but if you choose to come with us I recommend selecting one of them to be in acting command."
To Bøkli, he gives a nod. "With what we are about to accomplish we will have enough leverage that this sort of request would be negligible to grant. And, well, your heroism would attest to your character."
>>193656
He gives a questioning look at Silver. "She should be saying that for herself." Apologetically, he looks down at the poor mare. "Miss Zara, you have gone through some serious tragedy in the past few minutes. It would be cruel to ask you to face an unknown creature that uses your own emotions against yourself. Your skills would be helpful, but I don't see us relighting the Kostroma's engines and setting sail with it. The most I can ask of you is that you make sure this boat is ready to go once we're out. You are its engineer, aren't you?"
>>193656
"Why are you bringing an unarmed mechanic into monster-infested warzone? She will get shot, or dismembered, or worse. Besides, she needs to repair the boat. You can come back for her once we are done." Posey replies
"No skin off of my back if you insist, but she had better pull her weight in combat."
"Why are you bringing an unarmed mechanic into monster-infested warzone? She will get shot, or dismembered, or worse. Besides, she needs to repair the boat. You can come back for her once we are done." Posey replies
"No skin off of my back if you insist, but she had better pull her weight in combat."
>>193657
>>193658
Silver frowns. "She will not be shot, dismembered, or worse, because she will have us to defend her. And if anyone here could get Kostroma's boiler lit and engines started, it would be her. She might also have knowledge about ships like this that can give us edge in our goal of defeating Traveler."
>>193658
Silver frowns. "She will not be shot, dismembered, or worse, because she will have us to defend her. And if anyone here could get Kostroma's boiler lit and engines started, it would be her. She might also have knowledge about ships like this that can give us edge in our goal of defeating Traveler."
>>193659
"You still know the risk considering what we encountered. When do you want to start the ship's engines? Before confronting our enemy would be too time-consuming and dangerous, but afterwards there would be no point unless if you want to hijack the Kostroma. I think that would be a poor decision, but let's ask one who's knowledgeable."
He asks Zara, "For a ship of this size, considering it uses steam boilers, how long would it take to generate enough power for lights and electricity? What about propulsion?"
"You still know the risk considering what we encountered. When do you want to start the ship's engines? Before confronting our enemy would be too time-consuming and dangerous, but afterwards there would be no point unless if you want to hijack the Kostroma. I think that would be a poor decision, but let's ask one who's knowledgeable."
He asks Zara, "For a ship of this size, considering it uses steam boilers, how long would it take to generate enough power for lights and electricity? What about propulsion?"
>>193653
"Well yes, evidently. I don't know. When I saw it, it looked like it may have been fake. The skin was black, and kind of black in color. Plasticky, maybe the consistency of rubber when you touched it. It had no smell to it, or almost no smell. Sometimes it had the smell of burning rubber. And you see, it was supposed to be a dead animal. It should have smelled of decaying flesh. True, it was often in the cold, but it was taken out of it and should have thawed, but there was no smell of decay. And then there was the fact that there was no snow over it, or near it. If it had been there all winter, there should have been frost or snow over it and around it. That there wasn't kind of suggested it had just been planted there. It didn't seem right to me."
>>193653
The description does not correspond to any creature Posey knows. Or more accurately, to the true form of any creature Posey knows.
>>193656
squeaky
>>193657
"Stained Sand" The green unicorn responds. "They are, yes... I can go where I am needed."
Bokli gives a nod.
"I think... I hope i can manage that."
>>193660
Zara stares off in the distance during this conversation about her being dismembered
"I... It's a steamship, right? I'd... have to see how warm the boilers are. And it there are any other problems."
"Well yes, evidently. I don't know. When I saw it, it looked like it may have been fake. The skin was black, and kind of black in color. Plasticky, maybe the consistency of rubber when you touched it. It had no smell to it, or almost no smell. Sometimes it had the smell of burning rubber. And you see, it was supposed to be a dead animal. It should have smelled of decaying flesh. True, it was often in the cold, but it was taken out of it and should have thawed, but there was no smell of decay. And then there was the fact that there was no snow over it, or near it. If it had been there all winter, there should have been frost or snow over it and around it. That there wasn't kind of suggested it had just been planted there. It didn't seem right to me."
>>193653
The description does not correspond to any creature Posey knows. Or more accurately, to the true form of any creature Posey knows.
>>193656
squeaky
>>193657
"Stained Sand" The green unicorn responds. "They are, yes... I can go where I am needed."
Bokli gives a nod.
"I think... I hope i can manage that."
>>193660
Zara stares off in the distance during this conversation about her being dismembered
"I... It's a steamship, right? I'd... have to see how warm the boilers are. And it there are any other problems."
>>193661
"Well, Lt. Sand, it will be good to have you with us. I don't suppose you are much of a photographer? The remainder of our film roll should be used to gather evidence, but we all have a bad habit of forgetting to snap pictures. I'd like to entrust the camera to you, if there are no objections."
Cavaliere waits for Silver to answer his question before responding to Zara. He looks over at the Kostroma scientists and at Wonder. They had shown interest prior but had not spoken up before. "Do you have any comments on any of this?" he asks them.
"Well, Lt. Sand, it will be good to have you with us. I don't suppose you are much of a photographer? The remainder of our film roll should be used to gather evidence, but we all have a bad habit of forgetting to snap pictures. I'd like to entrust the camera to you, if there are no objections."
Cavaliere waits for Silver to answer his question before responding to Zara. He looks over at the Kostroma scientists and at Wonder. They had shown interest prior but had not spoken up before. "Do you have any comments on any of this?" he asks them.
>>193661
Silver gives the qt squeaky zebra mare a friendly squeeze into his side. Even through her clothes she can feel how soft, warm, and fluffy he is. "It is okay. As I said, we will protect you."
>>193660
Silver then addresses the griffon. "We should at least see if it is possible first. We should clear out major rooms of enemies and phenomena before facing Traveler, lest they come to stab us in back as we face it. And it is very likely that there is still plenty left to help us with this fight if we only look for it."
Silver gives the qt squeaky zebra mare a friendly squeeze into his side. Even through her clothes she can feel how soft, warm, and fluffy he is. "It is okay. As I said, we will protect you."
>>193660
Silver then addresses the griffon. "We should at least see if it is possible first. We should clear out major rooms of enemies and phenomena before facing Traveler, lest they come to stab us in back as we face it. And it is very likely that there is still plenty left to help us with this fight if we only look for it."
>>193663
Cavaliere frowns at the flippant, arguably manipulative, touching happening during a decision that could mean life or death. "I don't necessarily think a systematic approach is a bad choice, but there are other risks to it. We will have to fight for a longer period of time, and against an intelligent enemy that will have more chances to counter our tactics. The longer we spend in there, the more risk there is for our boats to be found."
He responds to Zara with concern in his eyes. "He's not being forthright with you. When we go in there, we will be fighting otherworldly monsters that can appear anywhere at any time, and which have made brave ponies flee in terror. If any of your friends have come under control of the Entity we want to destroy, they will fight us, and if we can't subdue them we may have to kill them. The worst danger is the Entity itself; if it contacts you, there is no telling what it will say to you or if you can resist it taking over your mind. It killed an entire village on a whim, simply by making all the ponies drown themselves. This is unlike anything you've ever heard of, let alone seen." He says all this out loud, letting interested NPCs hear an explanation of the risks.
Cavaliere frowns at the flippant, arguably manipulative, touching happening during a decision that could mean life or death. "I don't necessarily think a systematic approach is a bad choice, but there are other risks to it. We will have to fight for a longer period of time, and against an intelligent enemy that will have more chances to counter our tactics. The longer we spend in there, the more risk there is for our boats to be found."
He responds to Zara with concern in his eyes. "He's not being forthright with you. When we go in there, we will be fighting otherworldly monsters that can appear anywhere at any time, and which have made brave ponies flee in terror. If any of your friends have come under control of the Entity we want to destroy, they will fight us, and if we can't subdue them we may have to kill them. The worst danger is the Entity itself; if it contacts you, there is no telling what it will say to you or if you can resist it taking over your mind. It killed an entire village on a whim, simply by making all the ponies drown themselves. This is unlike anything you've ever heard of, let alone seen." He says all this out loud, letting interested NPCs hear an explanation of the risks.
>>193664
Kira pulls herself up onto the deck of the torpedo boat, as she has something to say and isn't sure that she's being listened to from her position in the water. "So, the Traveler just tried to talk with me and get me to join him. At first he took the form of Ouroboros, or something like him, but that didn't work because honestly I found it kinda insulting so he then took the form of Hopper who is this goat that I...uh...ahem..." She clears her throat and doesn't finish that sentence before moving onto the next. "He makes a lot of promises about making a better world and just needing your help for it, but as long as you know what he's actually promising and what your 'help' is then it's pretty easy to say no until he gives up. I mean, as long as you're conscious, I imagine if you're unconscious then he might have an easier time of things."
Kira pulls herself up onto the deck of the torpedo boat, as she has something to say and isn't sure that she's being listened to from her position in the water. "So, the Traveler just tried to talk with me and get me to join him. At first he took the form of Ouroboros, or something like him, but that didn't work because honestly I found it kinda insulting so he then took the form of Hopper who is this goat that I...uh...ahem..." She clears her throat and doesn't finish that sentence before moving onto the next. "He makes a lot of promises about making a better world and just needing your help for it, but as long as you know what he's actually promising and what your 'help' is then it's pretty easy to say no until he gives up. I mean, as long as you're conscious, I imagine if you're unconscious then he might have an easier time of things."
>>193662
Sand:
"Well, I've used a camera before, taking pictures at the school dance of my friends..." He looks at the camera with curiosity
Starfire looks a bit lost
"Uh... On what, exactly?"
>>193663
>>193664
At first, Zara smiles. Then she pushes Silver's leg away, then backs up, then sits down, then lays down, shivering with her hooves over her head. Then when Kira slithers onto the deck, she looks over, screams, and runs off.
Sand:
"Well, I've used a camera before, taking pictures at the school dance of my friends..." He looks at the camera with curiosity
Starfire looks a bit lost
"Uh... On what, exactly?"
>>193663
>>193664
At first, Zara smiles. Then she pushes Silver's leg away, then backs up, then sits down, then lays down, shivering with her hooves over her head. Then when Kira slithers onto the deck, she looks over, screams, and runs off.
>>193667
"On the situation with the Kostroma. Do you have any advice to give, considering you worked near the entity?"
He calls after Zara, "She is with us, don't worry!"
"On the situation with the Kostroma. Do you have any advice to give, considering you worked near the entity?"
He calls after Zara, "She is with us, don't worry!"
>>193668
>>193669
"Yip yip!"
Zara goes into the deckhouse, almost makes it to the stares, and then lays down, placing her hooves over her head
>>193669
Starfire
"Don't assume anything about the entity. Its skin is very tough. It seems to be able to generate heat at will. You can feel an effect on your mind when you enter the room. Like headaches. You can have hallucinations. Both auditory and visual. And don't remove the tarp."
>>193669
"Yip yip!"
Zara goes into the deckhouse, almost makes it to the stares, and then lays down, placing her hooves over her head
>>193669
Starfire
"Don't assume anything about the entity. Its skin is very tough. It seems to be able to generate heat at will. You can feel an effect on your mind when you enter the room. Like headaches. You can have hallucinations. Both auditory and visual. And don't remove the tarp."
>>193670
Silver reaches her, sliding to a stop next to her and grabbing her by the shoulders. "Zara, it is okay!"
Silver reaches her, sliding to a stop next to her and grabbing her by the shoulders. "Zara, it is okay!"
>>193661
"It seems as though it is a monster with the ability to undergo hypotrophy. I have heard of several such creatures in my studies, but few with passive mental domination abilities such as this one. Its body likely resists exterior damage in that form, although its damage resistance cannot be absolute if it lashed out with matter agitation when exposed to a scalpel. Still, it must be exceptionally durable in its dormant state if it really survived a fall from terminal velocity. Perhaps an interior approach can damage it, or at the very least taunt it into a form where it is vulnerable to damage." Posey replies
"The creature demonstrates pyrokinetic and matter agitation capabilities with enough awareness and precision to melt tools, which complicate an approach to destroying it with explosives. Perhaps I may be able to counter that though: I have recently developed a spell that conjures frigid vapors like the stygian mists of Tartarus. If I surround it in the cloud icy mist, I should be able to prevent it from damaging the detonator before we trigger it. The drawback is that the stygian mists will exhaust any slowly freeze anypony but me in the cloud."
She continues
"I suspect that this monster must be in a dormant state, which may explain its telepathic control abilities: it is attacking its thralls in the dreamscape. No creature, not even the eldest vampire lords, can actively dominate so many creatures at once, but the dreamscape has no such limits, and vampires, demons and dream vestiges are fabled to have enslaved entire cities and even countries this way. Once its victims are asleep within range of its telepathic presence, the Intruder only needs to enter their dreams and drag them into a deeper nightmare of its own fabrication, a nightmare tailored to keep its victim in a perpetual state of compliance. Before my travels, I assisted in writing a thesis on how recent military developments in Equestria may affect necroecology, as ponies all over the world have nopony to defend them from nameless horrors in the dreamscape."
She continues
"The Intruder speaks about a world without limits, and hails from beyond the filament of creation. Not a space between spaces, but rather no space at all. Arcanists refer to this place as the Far Realm, but really, it is nearer than you think. The aberrant void intersects with the minds and dreams of creatures living and dead, in a place known as the Cerebrotic Periphery: place of delirium and revelation. For a telepathic beast such as the Intruder, entering the dreams of ponies through the periphery of thought would be a simple task."
She continues
"As a Cerebrant, I would know. My tutors threw me into the mire and refused to pull me out until I demonstrated my own revelations." she says
She pauses
"Anyways, if the Traveller is truly dormant and controlling ponies by attacking them in the dreamscape, then it may yet be plausible to release ponies under its control yet before it is completely destroyed. If we were to taunt it into motion, or wound it enough to make it wake up, its dream should collapse, and the ponies under its command may regain their lucidity."
"It seems as though it is a monster with the ability to undergo hypotrophy. I have heard of several such creatures in my studies, but few with passive mental domination abilities such as this one. Its body likely resists exterior damage in that form, although its damage resistance cannot be absolute if it lashed out with matter agitation when exposed to a scalpel. Still, it must be exceptionally durable in its dormant state if it really survived a fall from terminal velocity. Perhaps an interior approach can damage it, or at the very least taunt it into a form where it is vulnerable to damage." Posey replies
"The creature demonstrates pyrokinetic and matter agitation capabilities with enough awareness and precision to melt tools, which complicate an approach to destroying it with explosives. Perhaps I may be able to counter that though: I have recently developed a spell that conjures frigid vapors like the stygian mists of Tartarus. If I surround it in the cloud icy mist, I should be able to prevent it from damaging the detonator before we trigger it. The drawback is that the stygian mists will exhaust any slowly freeze anypony but me in the cloud."
She continues
"I suspect that this monster must be in a dormant state, which may explain its telepathic control abilities: it is attacking its thralls in the dreamscape. No creature, not even the eldest vampire lords, can actively dominate so many creatures at once, but the dreamscape has no such limits, and vampires, demons and dream vestiges are fabled to have enslaved entire cities and even countries this way. Once its victims are asleep within range of its telepathic presence, the Intruder only needs to enter their dreams and drag them into a deeper nightmare of its own fabrication, a nightmare tailored to keep its victim in a perpetual state of compliance. Before my travels, I assisted in writing a thesis on how recent military developments in Equestria may affect necroecology, as ponies all over the world have nopony to defend them from nameless horrors in the dreamscape."
She continues
"The Intruder speaks about a world without limits, and hails from beyond the filament of creation. Not a space between spaces, but rather no space at all. Arcanists refer to this place as the Far Realm, but really, it is nearer than you think. The aberrant void intersects with the minds and dreams of creatures living and dead, in a place known as the Cerebrotic Periphery: place of delirium and revelation. For a telepathic beast such as the Intruder, entering the dreams of ponies through the periphery of thought would be a simple task."
She continues
"As a Cerebrant, I would know. My tutors threw me into the mire and refused to pull me out until I demonstrated my own revelations." she says
She pauses
"Anyways, if the Traveller is truly dormant and controlling ponies by attacking them in the dreamscape, then it may yet be plausible to release ponies under its control yet before it is completely destroyed. If we were to taunt it into motion, or wound it enough to make it wake up, its dream should collapse, and the ponies under its command may regain their lucidity."
>>193670
"What would be the most direct path from the deck of the ship to that hold? Would we be passing through the laboratory? What should we look out for?"
"What would be the most direct path from the deck of the ship to that hold? Would we be passing through the laboratory? What should we look out for?"
"The Intruder may seem formidable, but in its hypotrophic state it is completely dependent on its flock. Despite the capacity to summon aliens with numbers that match even that legendary Starspawned Sorceress, it remains stranded here. It appears as though its monstrous minions have no understanding of how to crew a ship, and the Intruder itself has no context with which to guide them. This suggests that it lacks the mindset to function capably in our consensus reality without parasitizing the minds of native creatures: if isolated from its flock, it should become feral, insane, and savage, like all its other alien brethren in the madness beyond the firmament." she says
"I suspect that it has a focus to anchor itself within consensus reality, to it itself a perception of time, space, intention and conviction, likely one of the minds within its flock. The hippogriff is an obvious focus, as their perverse notions have been telepathically grafted to one another. If we neutralize the hippogriff, we may be able to regress the Traveller into an animalistic state, and taunt it out of dormancy so that it can be killed like any other animal."
"I suspect that it has a focus to anchor itself within consensus reality, to it itself a perception of time, space, intention and conviction, likely one of the minds within its flock. The hippogriff is an obvious focus, as their perverse notions have been telepathically grafted to one another. If we neutralize the hippogriff, we may be able to regress the Traveller into an animalistic state, and taunt it out of dormancy so that it can be killed like any other animal."
>>193673
"The top deck is made of wood. I can conjure an ooze that should be able to melt through it with ease, allowing us a direct route down to the Intruder, as well as the advantage of high ground for those who would prefer to fire through the hole."
"The top deck is made of wood. I can conjure an ooze that should be able to melt through it with ease, allowing us a direct route down to the Intruder, as well as the advantage of high ground for those who would prefer to fire through the hole."
>>193672
Kira raises her hoof. "I might be able to survive in your icy mists! One of the spells Ouroboros blessed me with was filling me with His light and warmth to allow me to exist comfortably despite the outside temperature. I even used it to bring the captain back from the brink of total possession by letting him share in Ouroboro's warmth. I...don't know how cold the stygian mists are, but if anything can keep me warm, it's His light!". She caps it off with a huge, bright smile.
Kira raises her hoof. "I might be able to survive in your icy mists! One of the spells Ouroboros blessed me with was filling me with His light and warmth to allow me to exist comfortably despite the outside temperature. I even used it to bring the captain back from the brink of total possession by letting him share in Ouroboro's warmth. I...don't know how cold the stygian mists are, but if anything can keep me warm, it's His light!". She caps it off with a huge, bright smile.
>>193676
"No. That will not save you." Posey says flatly
"I do not bother myself with learning cold spells that can be trumped by basic elemental endurance."
"No. That will not save you." Posey says flatly
"I do not bother myself with learning cold spells that can be trumped by basic elemental endurance."
>>193672
Cavaliere takes out a small notebook and writes in it with a black and silver pen.
"If nothing else, the mists may surprise it long enough for you to slip in and out. I suppose any of us could do it with risk of frostbite. What makes you immune?"
He continues, "We don't know where Light Water is. If we drop in directly, we would be exposing ourselves to the full brunt of its might without being able to kill it, if he is in a different room. That is, unless if you're confident that we can kill it regardless. Doing that first would likely free the minds of every creature, and we could capture Light Water safely."
Cavaliere takes out a small notebook and writes in it with a black and silver pen.
"If nothing else, the mists may surprise it long enough for you to slip in and out. I suppose any of us could do it with risk of frostbite. What makes you immune?"
He continues, "We don't know where Light Water is. If we drop in directly, we would be exposing ourselves to the full brunt of its might without being able to kill it, if he is in a different room. That is, unless if you're confident that we can kill it regardless. Doing that first would likely free the minds of every creature, and we could capture Light Water safely."
>>193677
>>193675
"Oh..." Kira's ears fold down. "I mean...His light is pretty warm..." After a couple moments, she raises her hoof again. "Also I'm with Silver on clearing out the ship first. It's a simple hunting tactic to get your prey to focus on defending (or in this case attacking) in one direction while the other members of your hunting pack hit them from behind. The Traveler's not stupid, he's going to know we're coming for him, I mean he's the big baddie after all, or maybe Light Water is actually but either way if we don't clear the ship there's a very good chance some horrible monster we were unaware of gets the drop on us as we're figuring out how we even hurt the Traveler."
>>193675
"Oh..." Kira's ears fold down. "I mean...His light is pretty warm..." After a couple moments, she raises her hoof again. "Also I'm with Silver on clearing out the ship first. It's a simple hunting tactic to get your prey to focus on defending (or in this case attacking) in one direction while the other members of your hunting pack hit them from behind. The Traveler's not stupid, he's going to know we're coming for him, I mean he's the big baddie after all, or maybe Light Water is actually but either way if we don't clear the ship there's a very good chance some horrible monster we were unaware of gets the drop on us as we're figuring out how we even hurt the Traveler."
>>193678
"My body is fortified against that sort of magic. It is part of my profession. And it is not the frostbite you should be worried about, it is the exhaustion." Posey says
"There were no ponies above the deck to be seen, which means they are all below deck. It seems as though the Intruder has bunched them together. Light Water should be among them."
>>193661
She turns to Blackheel
"Unless you could imagine any other place that Light Water would prefer to lair?" she asks
"My body is fortified against that sort of magic. It is part of my profession. And it is not the frostbite you should be worried about, it is the exhaustion." Posey says
"There were no ponies above the deck to be seen, which means they are all below deck. It seems as though the Intruder has bunched them together. Light Water should be among them."
>>193661
She turns to Blackheel
"Unless you could imagine any other place that Light Water would prefer to lair?" she asks
>>193680
"I looked through the aft deckhouse and it's likewise deserted. There is a stairway from there deeper into the ship."
"I looked through the aft deckhouse and it's likewise deserted. There is a stairway from there deeper into the ship."
>>193671
"Yip"
The zehbruh is caught
>>193672
Pippette comments
"The scapel didn't cut it, but..." She stares past Posey, and into the steel hull of the ship. "I don't know. It's like it could have burned me instead, and that was its point. That it could have burned me. It was a warning to not touch it."
Starfire speaks
"It could go as low as negative 20 in that marsh, but evidently it was able to melt the snow. It must have decent heating powers. The cold didn't stop it. Neither in the marsh nor the cargo hold. But I don't know. Maybe more cold would harm it. Maybe the cold is hurting it, and it would be much more capable in a warmer environment."
The ponies stand and listen, almost in awe, as Posey speaks of the Far Realm, and of the vulnerability of dreams.
>>193672
>>193674
Starfire speaks again
"The snow ponies say that the anomalies started several months after an explosion in a remote forest south of the coast. It shook windows all the way in Everfrost and flattened miles of forest. The consensus explanation was a meteorite, or maybe a comet, exploded in the atmosphere. The entity was found near the epicenter of that blast. It wasn't noticed at first as it was partly buried in a swamp. Ponies went around that area and didn't even know it was there for months. You know, the most important thing, I think, to note is that it took some time to become active. Like it was completely dormant at first then became more powerful and active. Then when the central government officials found it, it was dormant again. To the degree they could pick it up and haul it on a sled train.
Maybe it just takes time for it to ramp up, but... I think that... when it takes over a pony's mind, it feeds off of it. It draws energy from it. When it went dormant after it killed the village, it may have overexerted itself. But it also lost all of its thralls. And then when the mutiny happened on the Kostroma. That did not happen until after days of strange dreams and it messing with our minds. And then that pony that opened its eye..."
After a pause
"I would not want to wake it. I do not know how vulnerable it will be when awoken, but I know how vulnerable it isn't when it was sleeping."
Another pause
"Maybe it awoke before it went to sleep again in the snow pony village, I don't know. I do know that the earth around it had been disturbed in a way it was not when the first crews came by after the explosion."
>>193673
Starfire
"It, uh... I think there are a couple sets of stairs that go down there. It is on deck one, hold two."
>>193677
Blackheel:
"I knew you were cold."
>>193680
Blackheel:
"I suspect Light Water will be on deck 5, on the bridge, in the radio room, or the captain's quarters. But he could just as well be in cargo hold 4, the boiler room, or wherever for all I know."
"Yip"
The zehbruh is caught
>>193672
Pippette comments
"The scapel didn't cut it, but..." She stares past Posey, and into the steel hull of the ship. "I don't know. It's like it could have burned me instead, and that was its point. That it could have burned me. It was a warning to not touch it."
Starfire speaks
"It could go as low as negative 20 in that marsh, but evidently it was able to melt the snow. It must have decent heating powers. The cold didn't stop it. Neither in the marsh nor the cargo hold. But I don't know. Maybe more cold would harm it. Maybe the cold is hurting it, and it would be much more capable in a warmer environment."
The ponies stand and listen, almost in awe, as Posey speaks of the Far Realm, and of the vulnerability of dreams.
>>193672
>>193674
Starfire speaks again
"The snow ponies say that the anomalies started several months after an explosion in a remote forest south of the coast. It shook windows all the way in Everfrost and flattened miles of forest. The consensus explanation was a meteorite, or maybe a comet, exploded in the atmosphere. The entity was found near the epicenter of that blast. It wasn't noticed at first as it was partly buried in a swamp. Ponies went around that area and didn't even know it was there for months. You know, the most important thing, I think, to note is that it took some time to become active. Like it was completely dormant at first then became more powerful and active. Then when the central government officials found it, it was dormant again. To the degree they could pick it up and haul it on a sled train.
Maybe it just takes time for it to ramp up, but... I think that... when it takes over a pony's mind, it feeds off of it. It draws energy from it. When it went dormant after it killed the village, it may have overexerted itself. But it also lost all of its thralls. And then when the mutiny happened on the Kostroma. That did not happen until after days of strange dreams and it messing with our minds. And then that pony that opened its eye..."
After a pause
"I would not want to wake it. I do not know how vulnerable it will be when awoken, but I know how vulnerable it isn't when it was sleeping."
Another pause
"Maybe it awoke before it went to sleep again in the snow pony village, I don't know. I do know that the earth around it had been disturbed in a way it was not when the first crews came by after the explosion."
>>193673
Starfire
"It, uh... I think there are a couple sets of stairs that go down there. It is on deck one, hold two."
>>193677
Blackheel:
"I knew you were cold."
>>193680
Blackheel:
"I suspect Light Water will be on deck 5, on the bridge, in the radio room, or the captain's quarters. But he could just as well be in cargo hold 4, the boiler room, or wherever for all I know."
>>193684
Cavaliere listens attentively to the scientists and takes a few notes. Finally, he questions, "If it is reliant on a 'focus' like she speculates," with a nod to Posey, "why wouldn't its focus among the Northern Tribes have been left alive? Were there any indications of a pony that served to focus its will? Any evidence of violence among the ponies there prior to their mass murder?" This was probably in the written accounts Cavaliere picked up, I should go look for them "Regardless, we cannot be content with putting it into a dormant state, even if we sank it to the bottom of the ocean. We would be relegating this problem to future generations. Also, justice must be served."
He responds to Blackheel, "It's a big ship. If Light Water wants to run and hide from us, he would have no trouble doing so. And time is against our side."
Cavaliere listens attentively to the scientists and takes a few notes. Finally, he questions, "If it is reliant on a 'focus' like she speculates," with a nod to Posey, "why wouldn't its focus among the Northern Tribes have been left alive? Were there any indications of a pony that served to focus its will? Any evidence of violence among the ponies there prior to their mass murder?" This was probably in the written accounts Cavaliere picked up, I should go look for them "Regardless, we cannot be content with putting it into a dormant state, even if we sank it to the bottom of the ocean. We would be relegating this problem to future generations. Also, justice must be served."
He responds to Blackheel, "It's a big ship. If Light Water wants to run and hide from us, he would have no trouble doing so. And time is against our side."
>>193686
Starfire:
"Well..."
Blackheel:
"There was, kind of. A 'Lightwater-like' figure. You see, these ponies in the rural villages are not well educated. They perceive Socialism not as the vehicle to bring themselves into a better future as it is, but as a foreign imposed doctrine. In the few instances that the old prejudices actually are stamped out, they are replaced by new superstitions. The entity encountered a figure who decided he was going to be a prophet. We don't actually have a good surviving account as no survivors retained their minds, but the best guess is that this would-be-prophet convinced the entity that it was a god, then went about convincing, or trying to convince the whole village that the entity was the center of a new religion. Or something to that effect, judging by a couple journal notes and cryptic runes. There were signs of violence, yes. It wasn't as bad as occurred on our ship but... it seems the prophet was killed by another pony."
"Hippogriffs in general are cowards, and nothing about that Lightwater tells me he is an exception. At least he has no where to go off of the ship."
Starfire:
"Well..."
Blackheel:
"There was, kind of. A 'Lightwater-like' figure. You see, these ponies in the rural villages are not well educated. They perceive Socialism not as the vehicle to bring themselves into a better future as it is, but as a foreign imposed doctrine. In the few instances that the old prejudices actually are stamped out, they are replaced by new superstitions. The entity encountered a figure who decided he was going to be a prophet. We don't actually have a good surviving account as no survivors retained their minds, but the best guess is that this would-be-prophet convinced the entity that it was a god, then went about convincing, or trying to convince the whole village that the entity was the center of a new religion. Or something to that effect, judging by a couple journal notes and cryptic runes. There were signs of violence, yes. It wasn't as bad as occurred on our ship but... it seems the prophet was killed by another pony."
"Hippogriffs in general are cowards, and nothing about that Lightwater tells me he is an exception. At least he has no where to go off of the ship."
>>193686
>>193687
Kira raises her hoof again. "Well, if the Traveler is basing this new personality and goals off of Light Water's, then I imagine that Light Water is pretty full of him. So, you could try taunting him, insulting him, getting him to show himself. Or you could try to feign interest in his ideals and have him lead us right to his hiding place."
>>193684
Silver gently pets Zara, as he has a realization. "You started shivering just before you saw Kira and run away. Did...did Traveler try getting into your head?"
>>193687
Kira raises her hoof again. "Well, if the Traveler is basing this new personality and goals off of Light Water's, then I imagine that Light Water is pretty full of him. So, you could try taunting him, insulting him, getting him to show himself. Or you could try to feign interest in his ideals and have him lead us right to his hiding place."
>>193684
Silver gently pets Zara, as he has a realization. "You started shivering just before you saw Kira and run away. Did...did Traveler try getting into your head?"
>>193687
>>193688
"It seems we have a basis to go off then. I would much rather we capture Light Water alive, but if we either eliminate him or subdue the entity's control over him, we might bait it out. As for Light Water himself, he strikes me as an egomaniac who will come out and gloat if he thinks himself invulnerable."
>>193688
"It seems we have a basis to go off then. I would much rather we capture Light Water alive, but if we either eliminate him or subdue the entity's control over him, we might bait it out. As for Light Water himself, he strikes me as an egomaniac who will come out and gloat if he thinks himself invulnerable."
>>193691
He nods. "It does help us that he is the only hippogriff for miles around. We can find him, and it shouldn't take us the whole night. If you remember that cocooned pony, when we do fight him we will have a fight to reckon with."
He nods. "It does help us that he is the only hippogriff for miles around. We can find him, and it shouldn't take us the whole night. If you remember that cocooned pony, when we do fight him we will have a fight to reckon with."
1766248297_1.png (2.3 MB, 2296x1048, 6987561__safe_artist-colon-madragon_imported+from+derpibooru_oc_oc-colon-red+rocket_equestria+at+war+mod_cap_clothes_coffee+cup_cup_faceless+female_faceless+mal.png)
1766248297_2.png (823.1 KB, 1215x885, 2751877__safe_pony_oc_oc+only_clothes_unicorn_hat_uniform_map_equestria+at+war+mod_map+of+equestria_peaked+cap_officer_uniform+hat_oc-colon-anja+snow.png)
Posey turns to the herd
"In the interest of inclusion, before we selflessly throw ourselves into the Eldritch cesspool, does any pony have any questions, concerns or suggestions for how to board the vessel? Any plans you might be confident in?"
>>193687
She turns to Blackheel in particular
"We may be pirates, and I have amateur knowledge of dealing with Eldritch horrors, but our crew's experience in this particular manner is quite limited. It is your ship, and I am sure your experienced sailors and tacticians have all had strong opinions on plans for how to approach this situation, that they have graciously kept to themselves to preserve peace. Would you be so kind as to speak on behalf of yourself and your comrades for how to approach this mess?" she requests
.
Also, i would like to make an Arcana check to see if Posey has any kind of hunch in what Light Water's connection to The Traveller might be, and if sending an infiltration team to kidnap him first might be worthwhile in any way. As a Warmagus, Posey's only relevant knowledge to gain a Strategic Advantage in warfare would be discerning the nature of supernatural effects and creatures.
Arcana:
[1d20+11 = (16+11) = 27]
Religion (if this thing is actually a deity, demigod, or abomination; also since Light Water is acting as a sort of 'prophet' with a connection to the entity)
[1d20+11 = (11+11) = 22]
(If these rolls could tell me anything about the tactical limits of the creature's summoning or mind control abilities, or any weaknesses it might have, that would be nice too)
"In the interest of inclusion, before we selflessly throw ourselves into the Eldritch cesspool, does any pony have any questions, concerns or suggestions for how to board the vessel? Any plans you might be confident in?"
>>193687
She turns to Blackheel in particular
"We may be pirates, and I have amateur knowledge of dealing with Eldritch horrors, but our crew's experience in this particular manner is quite limited. It is your ship, and I am sure your experienced sailors and tacticians have all had strong opinions on plans for how to approach this situation, that they have graciously kept to themselves to preserve peace. Would you be so kind as to speak on behalf of yourself and your comrades for how to approach this mess?" she requests
.
Also, i would like to make an Arcana check to see if Posey has any kind of hunch in what Light Water's connection to The Traveller might be, and if sending an infiltration team to kidnap him first might be worthwhile in any way. As a Warmagus, Posey's only relevant knowledge to gain a Strategic Advantage in warfare would be discerning the nature of supernatural effects and creatures.
Arcana:
[1d20+11 = (16+11) = 27]
Religion (if this thing is actually a deity, demigod, or abomination; also since Light Water is acting as a sort of 'prophet' with a connection to the entity)
[1d20+11 = (11+11) = 22]
(If these rolls could tell me anything about the tactical limits of the creature's summoning or mind control abilities, or any weaknesses it might have, that would be nice too)
>>193712
Weary Weeks points his hoof at the covered, steel ladder going up the side of the Kostroma and terminating immediately behind the midship deck house.
"Up the ladder"
Blackheel steps forward
"Sure." He says. "Kill the hippogriff, kill the griffin, and bury 'Chernobog' at sea."
Starfire comes up
"I, uh... Well, the Entity exudes energy in multiple forms. Not heat or light energy, but magic, certainly in more than one form, and likely electromagnetic as well. We didn't actually have the ability to properly conduct tests, but it would sometimes interfere with our radios. And... You can feel it. You can definitely feel it. You can hear it. Like electromagnetic waves it can be blocked or at least reduced. Tin foil will stop it and applying it in the form of a helmet delays the effects of the Traveler's Influence."
It's a much, much weaker form of a much, much more powerful type of thing. Light Water absolutely has significant power over the Traveler
Weary Weeks points his hoof at the covered, steel ladder going up the side of the Kostroma and terminating immediately behind the midship deck house.
"Up the ladder"
Blackheel steps forward
"Sure." He says. "Kill the hippogriff, kill the griffin, and bury 'Chernobog' at sea."
Starfire comes up
"I, uh... Well, the Entity exudes energy in multiple forms. Not heat or light energy, but magic, certainly in more than one form, and likely electromagnetic as well. We didn't actually have the ability to properly conduct tests, but it would sometimes interfere with our radios. And... You can feel it. You can definitely feel it. You can hear it. Like electromagnetic waves it can be blocked or at least reduced. Tin foil will stop it and applying it in the form of a helmet delays the effects of the Traveler's Influence."
It's a much, much weaker form of a much, much more powerful type of thing. Light Water absolutely has significant power over the Traveler
>>193713
>"Up the ladder"
>"Sure." He says. "Kill the hippogriff, kill the griffin, and bury 'Chernobog' at sea."
Posey's paralyzed face twitches very subtly
"...Yes, yes, that was already our plan..." she replies
"Very well then..." she continues
"Since there were no thralls on deck, the majority must be centered around the Intruder in the cargo hold. Light Water is probably still playing with the radio, so he should be on the bridge. Cavalier, Kira and I, those of us with the most mobility and stealth, will sneak towards the bridge to find, capture and incapacitate Light Water. In the mean time, Silver and Blackheel will organize all remaining able bodies to mount the ladders and organize on the deck above the Cargo hold. Once Kira, Cavalier and I capture our objective, we will meet the combat forces rallying on the main deck, where I will conjure an ooze to dissolve the deck and expose a direct path towards the Intruder beneath: after that, our forces can fire on the Intruder's forces within with the advantage of high ground and near total cover, while melee oriented forces can enter the cargo hold themselves. Or objective thereafter will be to execute Light Water while simultaneously detonating the explosive Harpoon in the mouth of the Intruder, and I will then attempt a recitation to prevent it from resurrecting."
She continues
"The New Mareland hostages as well as all too wounded or otherwise unable to fight will wait aboard this torpedo ship, or the Swan boat if they prefer. They will see to repairs of the ship to ensure that it is seaworthy should we need to retreat, and they will also watch over the enthralled prisoners. The New Mareland Lieutenant will join the main assault herd above the cargo hold, which should erase any doubts of the New Mareland forces leaving with the torpedo boat."
She pauses
"Considering the sensory abilities of the Intruder, it is likely already privy to this plan. It has not conjured any monsters to attack us at this moment, which means it is waiting for us to make a move before then, which means we must expect the unexpected and know that we are entering into a trap..."
She perks up
"Are there any questions before we leave?"
>"Up the ladder"
>"Sure." He says. "Kill the hippogriff, kill the griffin, and bury 'Chernobog' at sea."
Posey's paralyzed face twitches very subtly
"...Yes, yes, that was already our plan..." she replies
"Very well then..." she continues
"Since there were no thralls on deck, the majority must be centered around the Intruder in the cargo hold. Light Water is probably still playing with the radio, so he should be on the bridge. Cavalier, Kira and I, those of us with the most mobility and stealth, will sneak towards the bridge to find, capture and incapacitate Light Water. In the mean time, Silver and Blackheel will organize all remaining able bodies to mount the ladders and organize on the deck above the Cargo hold. Once Kira, Cavalier and I capture our objective, we will meet the combat forces rallying on the main deck, where I will conjure an ooze to dissolve the deck and expose a direct path towards the Intruder beneath: after that, our forces can fire on the Intruder's forces within with the advantage of high ground and near total cover, while melee oriented forces can enter the cargo hold themselves. Or objective thereafter will be to execute Light Water while simultaneously detonating the explosive Harpoon in the mouth of the Intruder, and I will then attempt a recitation to prevent it from resurrecting."
She continues
"The New Mareland hostages as well as all too wounded or otherwise unable to fight will wait aboard this torpedo ship, or the Swan boat if they prefer. They will see to repairs of the ship to ensure that it is seaworthy should we need to retreat, and they will also watch over the enthralled prisoners. The New Mareland Lieutenant will join the main assault herd above the cargo hold, which should erase any doubts of the New Mareland forces leaving with the torpedo boat."
She pauses
"Considering the sensory abilities of the Intruder, it is likely already privy to this plan. It has not conjured any monsters to attack us at this moment, which means it is waiting for us to make a move before then, which means we must expect the unexpected and know that we are entering into a trap..."
She perks up
"Are there any questions before we leave?"
>>193714
Blackheel tilts his head:
“You absolutely expect that you’re entering into a trap with no ability to hide your movements, and your first instinct is to divide your forces in half and let your enemy eliminate one half, and then the other?”
Blackheel tilts his head:
“You absolutely expect that you’re entering into a trap with no ability to hide your movements, and your first instinct is to divide your forces in half and let your enemy eliminate one half, and then the other?”
>>193715
"My intent is to capture Light Water as quickly as possible, which should create a sufficient distraction for the rest of the herd to organize. Once he is captured, the Intruder should focus its attention on me, and I should be able to taunt it long enough holding the hippogriff hostage." Posey replies
"Getting this many ponies on deck will take time."
"My intent is to capture Light Water as quickly as possible, which should create a sufficient distraction for the rest of the herd to organize. Once he is captured, the Intruder should focus its attention on me, and I should be able to taunt it long enough holding the hippogriff hostage." Posey replies
"Getting this many ponies on deck will take time."
>>193713
With Silver tending to the scared zebra mare, Kira raises her hoof while deciding to fill in for the fluffy unicorn. "I've heard there's a rule in motion pictures that if you don't see a body then they aren't actually...um...killed. I've never seen a motion picture before so I don't know how true that is but I know it's true in real life."
>>193715
>>193716
Kira continues to raise her hoof. "Also don't we have fliers and a really big flier to help bring everyone onto the ship?"
With Silver tending to the scared zebra mare, Kira raises her hoof while deciding to fill in for the fluffy unicorn. "I've heard there's a rule in motion pictures that if you don't see a body then they aren't actually...um...killed. I've never seen a motion picture before so I don't know how true that is but I know it's true in real life."
>>193715
>>193716
Kira continues to raise her hoof. "Also don't we have fliers and a really big flier to help bring everyone onto the ship?"
>>193717
"They can climb the ladders while we find Light Water." Posey says, climbing back onto the deck herself
"They can climb the ladders while we find Light Water." Posey says, climbing back onto the deck herself
>>193713
The griffon replies to Starfire, "You mentioned a tarp. Did you try covering it with metal sheets to subdue it? Metal disrupting its powers would explain why we are not too badly affected out here."
And to Posey, "I agree that we should get Light Water first. But Starfire raised an important point about metal. Melting a hole in the roof could remove the last barrier the outside world has from this thing's powers. We also have a clawful of able-bodied creatures and even fewer rifles. Rappelling into the belly of the beast is the fastest way, but it also sounds like suicide. It may well be preparing a trap, but we don't know if we can catch it by surprise with this method."
The griffon replies to Starfire, "You mentioned a tarp. Did you try covering it with metal sheets to subdue it? Metal disrupting its powers would explain why we are not too badly affected out here."
And to Posey, "I agree that we should get Light Water first. But Starfire raised an important point about metal. Melting a hole in the roof could remove the last barrier the outside world has from this thing's powers. We also have a clawful of able-bodied creatures and even fewer rifles. Rappelling into the belly of the beast is the fastest way, but it also sounds like suicide. It may well be preparing a trap, but we don't know if we can catch it by surprise with this method."
Patient Pipette has come towards the fore in the recent discussions, rather than stay around in the back. She stands on all fours, though she keeps her legs tightly together in a pose that seems odd and perhaps unstable. She rocks herself back and forth, and sometimes leans her head down and closes her eyes. Once, she almost falls over, and nearly off the boat, being caught by a combination of the railing and the stallion behind her. What parts of her mane come out from under the conical tin foil hat are frizzled and unkempt. Her tail has tangles in its blue hairs.
But all of a sudden, her round eyes, already made to look large by the magnification of her corrective lenses, become wider than before. And she shouts in a way that cannot be thought but mad.
"Don't you get it? Do you really not get it? Our Fellow Traveller, the Entity, the thing - it really is the Black God. It really is a god. That's what it is. It is a god. Just the same as that Tiamat or your ouro-whatever. It is a god. It feeds off of your faith. Or off of the souls of sacrifices, or whatever. It doesn't just want to have power over you. It needs you. It needs you as its food. It is a parasite and you are its host. Without it, it is completely dead, like a plant without water, or a fire without fuel or air. That is why it was dead, drifting through the emptiness of space, or wherever it was. That is why it gained power when a cult was established around it. That is why it became dead again when its followers died. That is why it awoke again when it fed off of the minds of our sailors. Don't you see? Do you not get it? That's why it hasn't killed us yet. Not because it can't, but because - because it can't. It needs us alive as its food. That's why it's been toying with the Spetsnaz, putting on a show of force just to lead them to the ship. That's why it still calls to us, constantly reaches out to us. Always wants to make Mephistopheles pacts with us. It needs us. Because it needs to draw on our spirits for power, and because the deals it makes with sapient creatures give it purpose and meaning, something for it to do with its time. Without followers it has nothing. It came to us like this because it fought its fellow gods and was expelled. Now it hopes to gain power off of all creaturedom, and to fight its rivals again. That is why it is so happy to adopt atheism. It wants to cut off the supply of its rivals. How do you kill the black god? The same way you kill every god! By eliminating its worship, and erasing it from memory."
Pipette's right forehoof slips - presumably in the lose diesel fuel, but possibly on sea water, and she almost falls to the ground, though she stabilizes herself before she hits the deck. Her ears pop up and eyes widen still further in fear from her near collapse. Blackheel himself walks over, places a foreleg to pick her up, and starts petting her.
But all of a sudden, her round eyes, already made to look large by the magnification of her corrective lenses, become wider than before. And she shouts in a way that cannot be thought but mad.
"Don't you get it? Do you really not get it? Our Fellow Traveller, the Entity, the thing - it really is the Black God. It really is a god. That's what it is. It is a god. Just the same as that Tiamat or your ouro-whatever. It is a god. It feeds off of your faith. Or off of the souls of sacrifices, or whatever. It doesn't just want to have power over you. It needs you. It needs you as its food. It is a parasite and you are its host. Without it, it is completely dead, like a plant without water, or a fire without fuel or air. That is why it was dead, drifting through the emptiness of space, or wherever it was. That is why it gained power when a cult was established around it. That is why it became dead again when its followers died. That is why it awoke again when it fed off of the minds of our sailors. Don't you see? Do you not get it? That's why it hasn't killed us yet. Not because it can't, but because - because it can't. It needs us alive as its food. That's why it's been toying with the Spetsnaz, putting on a show of force just to lead them to the ship. That's why it still calls to us, constantly reaches out to us. Always wants to make Mephistopheles pacts with us. It needs us. Because it needs to draw on our spirits for power, and because the deals it makes with sapient creatures give it purpose and meaning, something for it to do with its time. Without followers it has nothing. It came to us like this because it fought its fellow gods and was expelled. Now it hopes to gain power off of all creaturedom, and to fight its rivals again. That is why it is so happy to adopt atheism. It wants to cut off the supply of its rivals. How do you kill the black god? The same way you kill every god! By eliminating its worship, and erasing it from memory."
Pipette's right forehoof slips - presumably in the lose diesel fuel, but possibly on sea water, and she almost falls to the ground, though she stabilizes herself before she hits the deck. Her ears pop up and eyes widen still further in fear from her near collapse. Blackheel himself walks over, places a foreleg to pick her up, and starts petting her.
>>193721
>NPC becoming unglued again
"GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!!!" Posey commands
Intimidate
[1d20+14 = (2+14) = 16]
>How do you kill the black god? The same way you kill every god! By eliminating its worship, and erasing it from memory
"Be patient. I once wrote a thesis on theoretical deicide for my apprenticeship. I am prepared to do whatever it takes."
>NPC becoming unglued again
"GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!!!" Posey commands
Intimidate
[1d20+14 = (2+14) = 16]
>How do you kill the black god? The same way you kill every god! By eliminating its worship, and erasing it from memory
"Be patient. I once wrote a thesis on theoretical deicide for my apprenticeship. I am prepared to do whatever it takes."
>>193721
Cavaliere looks sympathetically toward Patient Pipette. He starts to move toward her but stops due to the other ponies being closer. "If it only were that simple. If you're suggesting we execute its thralls, let me remind you that they are creatures we are trying to save. They could have been any of us, and they might be restored when we deal with this thing."
He turns to Posey. "In their weakened state we can't risk opening the cargo hold and exposing them directly. Yet. we must be fast since they won't hold out much longer even now."
Cavaliere looks sympathetically toward Patient Pipette. He starts to move toward her but stops due to the other ponies being closer. "If it only were that simple. If you're suggesting we execute its thralls, let me remind you that they are creatures we are trying to save. They could have been any of us, and they might be restored when we deal with this thing."
He turns to Posey. "In their weakened state we can't risk opening the cargo hold and exposing them directly. Yet. we must be fast since they won't hold out much longer even now."
Shortly after the madmare's ramblings, there is a flicker of the two lights over the deck of the Kostroma, and then the whole world is plunged into blackness. A pony may believe, justly, that they have just died. Is this what the afterlife is like? Just blackness? Where you have the consciousness to perceive, but no eyes to see with? Could, perhaps, we all have been transported to a new world? Maybe a shell has gone off and blinded us?
Ask yourself, how often have you seen actual, true darkness? Not simply a relative lack of lights, but actual darkness? It rather rare. Even on a moonless night outside there will still be the innumerable stars in the sky and the lights of distant galaxies. On even a clouded night in Baltimare there will be the lights of the oil refineries reflected by the clouds, glowing. Streetlights and the headlights of passing automobiles. Even indoors, there are the lights of electronics and what pierces the windows. In the outdoors away from civilization, there are the lights of distant houses, of fishing boats and containerships in the water, of campfires and numerous other sources.
So far the party has not been without light. The last rays of the sun persisted even after sunset for a while. In the village, the magnesium, mortar-launched flares of the GRU lit the world in a dim, green glow. Then the electric discharges of the seraphs, the flashes of gun muzzles, green tracer rounds, and the flashlights of the GRU soldiers have provided at least some amount of light, with the lights of the Kostroma in the opposite direction. Now, the island of Mended Horn is dark. Electricity never came here, and the GRU has evidently not lit it, perhaps not willing to give away their positions with flashlights or thinking their mission on the island accomplished. The return of the fog may as well have drowned out any lights. The interior of the torpedo boat, to be sure, was lit by electric lights supplied by its limited batteries. But the exterior is and has been under a complete blackout protocol, to the extent the boat is nearly invisible.
Those two lights of the Kostroma were the last stable, general lights. When they flick off, there is nothing but perfect darkness. Though there is no light, there is the sting of falling rain drops, the smell of saltwater, blood and diesel fuel, the sound of the waves and especially that ever present ringing, that robs the world of all silence, and with this the party may have faith that they are not dead, and that they are still in fact on that island in the middle of nowhere, far away from civilization, and from any kind of light.
Even Posey, who so disdains Celestia's light, may have noticed that her universe has shrunken to a bubble sixty feet in diameter. If a thrall at the anti aircraft gun at the stern took a shot at her with the four inch gun, she would never know. She would simply pass from existence to non-existence. If one of the Traveller's Seraphs took a pass at her, she'd have enough time to know what hit her, but not enough time to do anything about it.
It's maybe a second and a half before the first lights come on. Cavaliere surely turns his flashlight back on, and a soldier flicks a cigarette lighter. The scratching sound of a lighted flare is sure to follow.
After four seconds, the two lights flicker back on. They glow red. Not as a sign of danger, not out of any malign plan, but because the amount of power they are receiving is less than the wattage of the bulbs. The darkness is nothing other than the entropy of civilizational systems, of a boiler no longer fed by fire and a battery system that will not be recharged. With the next cold wind that comes down from the north over the Nova Griffonian Tiaga, the oil will gel and the water of the boiler will freeze. Then the Kostroma will be one with the ruined huts of Mended Horn - one with the stone temples covered in vines in deep forests, of cut stones in the empty, zebrican deserts, and of decaying castles on lonely Equestrian hills. A sign of a civilization that once was and now is not, and nothing more.
A few things become blatantly obvious. One, that the light, so long taken for granted, is not going to remain. Second, that everyone except for Posey is useless without light, and even Posey is less effective. Third, that your own sources of light reveal your position. Fourth, that handheld sources of light are not extremely effective at illumination. Fifth, that they are unwieldy, requiring a hoof or claw. And then unnervingly and finally, that if you light a flare, you best keep a hold of it, lest it fall on a wooden deck covered in diesel fuel.
Ask yourself, how often have you seen actual, true darkness? Not simply a relative lack of lights, but actual darkness? It rather rare. Even on a moonless night outside there will still be the innumerable stars in the sky and the lights of distant galaxies. On even a clouded night in Baltimare there will be the lights of the oil refineries reflected by the clouds, glowing. Streetlights and the headlights of passing automobiles. Even indoors, there are the lights of electronics and what pierces the windows. In the outdoors away from civilization, there are the lights of distant houses, of fishing boats and containerships in the water, of campfires and numerous other sources.
So far the party has not been without light. The last rays of the sun persisted even after sunset for a while. In the village, the magnesium, mortar-launched flares of the GRU lit the world in a dim, green glow. Then the electric discharges of the seraphs, the flashes of gun muzzles, green tracer rounds, and the flashlights of the GRU soldiers have provided at least some amount of light, with the lights of the Kostroma in the opposite direction. Now, the island of Mended Horn is dark. Electricity never came here, and the GRU has evidently not lit it, perhaps not willing to give away their positions with flashlights or thinking their mission on the island accomplished. The return of the fog may as well have drowned out any lights. The interior of the torpedo boat, to be sure, was lit by electric lights supplied by its limited batteries. But the exterior is and has been under a complete blackout protocol, to the extent the boat is nearly invisible.
Those two lights of the Kostroma were the last stable, general lights. When they flick off, there is nothing but perfect darkness. Though there is no light, there is the sting of falling rain drops, the smell of saltwater, blood and diesel fuel, the sound of the waves and especially that ever present ringing, that robs the world of all silence, and with this the party may have faith that they are not dead, and that they are still in fact on that island in the middle of nowhere, far away from civilization, and from any kind of light.
Even Posey, who so disdains Celestia's light, may have noticed that her universe has shrunken to a bubble sixty feet in diameter. If a thrall at the anti aircraft gun at the stern took a shot at her with the four inch gun, she would never know. She would simply pass from existence to non-existence. If one of the Traveller's Seraphs took a pass at her, she'd have enough time to know what hit her, but not enough time to do anything about it.
It's maybe a second and a half before the first lights come on. Cavaliere surely turns his flashlight back on, and a soldier flicks a cigarette lighter. The scratching sound of a lighted flare is sure to follow.
After four seconds, the two lights flicker back on. They glow red. Not as a sign of danger, not out of any malign plan, but because the amount of power they are receiving is less than the wattage of the bulbs. The darkness is nothing other than the entropy of civilizational systems, of a boiler no longer fed by fire and a battery system that will not be recharged. With the next cold wind that comes down from the north over the Nova Griffonian Tiaga, the oil will gel and the water of the boiler will freeze. Then the Kostroma will be one with the ruined huts of Mended Horn - one with the stone temples covered in vines in deep forests, of cut stones in the empty, zebrican deserts, and of decaying castles on lonely Equestrian hills. A sign of a civilization that once was and now is not, and nothing more.
A few things become blatantly obvious. One, that the light, so long taken for granted, is not going to remain. Second, that everyone except for Posey is useless without light, and even Posey is less effective. Third, that your own sources of light reveal your position. Fourth, that handheld sources of light are not extremely effective at illumination. Fifth, that they are unwieldy, requiring a hoof or claw. And then unnervingly and finally, that if you light a flare, you best keep a hold of it, lest it fall on a wooden deck covered in diesel fuel.
>>193725
>I chose to believe that Posey slapped her
Sure, I'll do that too if I can reach her with my horn.
>>193724
>then the whole world is plunged into blackness
"...Oh buck...!" Posey says, well versed in her occultism tropes
At least my crawlers would have an advantage.
>Second, that everyone except for Posey is useless without light, and even Posey is less effective.
Kira has scent, doesn't she? She should be able to detect incoming creatures within 30-60 ft.
>>193723
>>193693
She taps Kira and Cavalier on the shoulders with the subtle glow of her horn, guiding them towards her
"We need to catch that bird. Follow me." She says, crawling upwards
>I chose to believe that Posey slapped her
Sure, I'll do that too if I can reach her with my horn.
>>193724
>then the whole world is plunged into blackness
"...Oh buck...!" Posey says, well versed in her occultism tropes
At least my crawlers would have an advantage.
>Second, that everyone except for Posey is useless without light, and even Posey is less effective.
Kira has scent, doesn't she? She should be able to detect incoming creatures within 30-60 ft.
>>193723
>>193693
She taps Kira and Cavalier on the shoulders with the subtle glow of her horn, guiding them towards her
"We need to catch that bird. Follow me." She says, crawling upwards
>>193724
"Do not light a flare, and stay away from the edges of the boat," Cavaliere cautions. His flashlight is tilted downwards, a claw wrapped around the end, focusing the beam onto a spot amidst the huddling ponies. The light reflecting off the deck is not much, and probably not visible at a long distance (though it's important not to assume), but even that is probably a welcome relief to the frightened ponies.
"I wish we had made it here sooner. Still—"
>>193726
"I'll be up shortly. Set a rotating watch of able-bodied creatures on the deck of this boat, but get all the conscious, free-minded creatures below into the light. We will contact you when we get Light Water. Before that, however, can you tell me if radio signals can penetrate the hull of the Kostroma? How narrow are the corridors aboard? Is there any of you experienced with the ship's boilers?"
"Do not light a flare, and stay away from the edges of the boat," Cavaliere cautions. His flashlight is tilted downwards, a claw wrapped around the end, focusing the beam onto a spot amidst the huddling ponies. The light reflecting off the deck is not much, and probably not visible at a long distance (though it's important not to assume), but even that is probably a welcome relief to the frightened ponies.
"I wish we had made it here sooner. Still—"
>>193726
"I'll be up shortly. Set a rotating watch of able-bodied creatures on the deck of this boat, but get all the conscious, free-minded creatures below into the light. We will contact you when we get Light Water. Before that, however, can you tell me if radio signals can penetrate the hull of the Kostroma? How narrow are the corridors aboard? Is there any of you experienced with the ship's boilers?"
>>193727
The pony tosses the flare into the water. It continues to burn, and a fish in the upper water can be seen before it darts away and the light goes out.
Star Fire
"Well, the steel hull reflects some radio waves, but not all. It doesn't stop it, no. The corridors are... well, about one, to one point three meters in width. And..."
Blackheel:
"One pony here should be conscious and among the engine crew. And Partial view as well. One oiler, one engineer."
The pony tosses the flare into the water. It continues to burn, and a fish in the upper water can be seen before it darts away and the light goes out.
Star Fire
"Well, the steel hull reflects some radio waves, but not all. It doesn't stop it, no. The corridors are... well, about one, to one point three meters in width. And..."
Blackheel:
"One pony here should be conscious and among the engine crew. And Partial view as well. One oiler, one engineer."
>>193728
He asks Partial View and the other, "What would it take for the engines to be relit enough for electricity?"
He asks Partial View and the other, "What would it take for the engines to be relit enough for electricity?"
Posey crawls onto the deck and gestures with her horn for Cavalier and Kira to follow.
>>193729
There is a moment of silence, then another pony (Pipette) translates for him. After a relation through the interpreter, the reply comes:
"Electricity comes from a separate power generator that is fed by steam from the boiler. It requires much less steam than the engines."
There is a moment of silence, then another pony (Pipette) translates for him. After a relation through the interpreter, the reply comes:
"Electricity comes from a separate power generator that is fed by steam from the boiler. It requires much less steam than the engines."
>>193724
>>193726
>>193730
Kira lets out an "eep!" and shrinks down. She has much experience with the dark, but this? This is...different. Even with the other sources of light, Kira's own keen snake vision is rendered nearly useless. Just as Posey's observation, Kira will have to rely on her other keen senses to get around. Her ears turn to follow Posey's voice as she speaks, and her eyes seek out the very little light being produced from Posey's horn. "Okay...here we go..."
Silver, meanwhile, looks out at the darkened ship from the windows of the deck house, and turns to Zara. "I know it is dangerous, that much is correct, but there are others relying on you now. Us, your comrades inside...we all need you to stand with us against this darkness. You have significant experience with working on ships, and with your help we can relight Kostroma's boiler and bring back light." He smiles at the zebra mare as he offers her a hoof to stand back up. "Plus if it does come to fighting, there is not much for you to worry about; we are pretty good at it."
>>193726
>>193730
Kira lets out an "eep!" and shrinks down. She has much experience with the dark, but this? This is...different. Even with the other sources of light, Kira's own keen snake vision is rendered nearly useless. Just as Posey's observation, Kira will have to rely on her other keen senses to get around. Her ears turn to follow Posey's voice as she speaks, and her eyes seek out the very little light being produced from Posey's horn. "Okay...here we go..."
Silver, meanwhile, looks out at the darkened ship from the windows of the deck house, and turns to Zara. "I know it is dangerous, that much is correct, but there are others relying on you now. Us, your comrades inside...we all need you to stand with us against this darkness. You have significant experience with working on ships, and with your help we can relight Kostroma's boiler and bring back light." He smiles at the zebra mare as he offers her a hoof to stand back up. "Plus if it does come to fighting, there is not much for you to worry about; we are pretty good at it."
>>193731
"That gives us options, thank you. Commissar Blackheel, if you can stay quiet you may want to meet Dr. Light Water by coming along with us."
"That gives us options, thank you. Commissar Blackheel, if you can stay quiet you may want to meet Dr. Light Water by coming along with us."
>>193732
Zara trembles, and sheds a tear. She lets out a short and sharp "yip" when the lights go out, though there is some light that seeps out through the entryway to the lower deck. When Silver asks his question, she looks into his eyes and takes a deep breath. Her ears go back up, though she still shakes
"Okay." She gives a single nod. "I will go."
>>193733
Blackheel
"Oh I'll meet him alright."
Zara trembles, and sheds a tear. She lets out a short and sharp "yip" when the lights go out, though there is some light that seeps out through the entryway to the lower deck. When Silver asks his question, she looks into his eyes and takes a deep breath. Her ears go back up, though she still shakes
"Okay." She gives a single nod. "I will go."
>>193733
Blackheel
"Oh I'll meet him alright."
One of the griffins I believe had a rifle that was of lower quality than a bolt action rifle. Two rifles would have been picked up from defeated petrushkas. Four rifles are on the torpedo boat besides the Manticore gun picked up by Cavaliere. Two Kostroma survivors (Steppe Eagle and Rustling Pine) were carrying rifles, though Steppe Eagle is out of service. Of the airponies, the white pegasus carried a rifle and Stained Sand carried a Bits submachine gun.
When Zara comes on deck, she volunteers the following:
"I disassembled the last four cylinder head valve assemblies on the number three engine to do maintenance. on the valves. Engines one and two will turn on just fine, but the boat will pull to starboard and will not run as fast. With a bit of tinkering I could disengage the last four cylinders so that the number three engine can run with its first sixteen cylinders, but that would take a few minutes."
When Zara comes on deck, she volunteers the following:
"I disassembled the last four cylinder head valve assemblies on the number three engine to do maintenance. on the valves. Engines one and two will turn on just fine, but the boat will pull to starboard and will not run as fast. With a bit of tinkering I could disengage the last four cylinders so that the number three engine can run with its first sixteen cylinders, but that would take a few minutes."
>>193735
Cavaliere cannot be easily seen but his voice betrays skepticism. "It would be too dangerous to go now, especially when you consider how low in the ship it would be. However we do have three radios, and if you insist I cannot stop you. The aft deckhouse is empty and has a stairway down, plus it is farthest from the entity."
>>193736
"Bøkli, grab a rifle of your choice. I hope you know how to use one. Carry the harpoon as well."
To Zara, he sighs and says, "They were running the boat in this sort of condition? I think it better if you take the time to work on the engine here so we can make a faster escape. Regardless, I can't stay here any longer. Ms. Kirafiki, Commissar, I think you should start ascending."
Cavaliere shines his light on the entryway for the creatures taking shelter, so they don't risk falling off, then he switches it off and makes his way to the ladder. Only Posey can see the anti-tank rifle slung over his shoulder, with it looking almost comically large, but its rattling as he ascends the ladder can be heard.
Cavaliere cannot be easily seen but his voice betrays skepticism. "It would be too dangerous to go now, especially when you consider how low in the ship it would be. However we do have three radios, and if you insist I cannot stop you. The aft deckhouse is empty and has a stairway down, plus it is farthest from the entity."
>>193736
"Bøkli, grab a rifle of your choice. I hope you know how to use one. Carry the harpoon as well."
To Zara, he sighs and says, "They were running the boat in this sort of condition? I think it better if you take the time to work on the engine here so we can make a faster escape. Regardless, I can't stay here any longer. Ms. Kirafiki, Commissar, I think you should start ascending."
Cavaliere shines his light on the entryway for the creatures taking shelter, so they don't risk falling off, then he switches it off and makes his way to the ladder. Only Posey can see the anti-tank rifle slung over his shoulder, with it looking almost comically large, but its rattling as he ascends the ladder can be heard.
>>193740
Bokli
"Vaguely... Okay, I will see if I can get the harpoon as well."
Zara:
"Yes. Well, no, but there was a faulty valve on piston 17 so when the engines were turned off, I disassembled the cylinder head to do maintenance. The boat can run with only two engines, but part of engine 3 has been taken apart."
Bokli
"Vaguely... Okay, I will see if I can get the harpoon as well."
Zara:
"Yes. Well, no, but there was a faulty valve on piston 17 so when the engines were turned off, I disassembled the cylinder head to do maintenance. The boat can run with only two engines, but part of engine 3 has been taken apart."
>>193742
If Blackheel is within earshot, Cavaliere asks if he has picked up a radio. Cavaliere is too close to being overburdened and neither Posey nor Kira likely know how to use it.
If Blackheel is within earshot, Cavaliere asks if he has picked up a radio. Cavaliere is too close to being overburdened and neither Posey nor Kira likely know how to use it.
Blackheel registers one last protest before he ascends with the party
"Do not underestimate Lightwater. He is not some random puppet nor sailor. He is the prophet of the new religion he has founded. He created 'Our Fellow Traveller' as much as he found it. When he was in the International School, he was taught at least the basics of revolutionary warfare, which is to say guerilla warfare. He will be well guarded and well-endowed with whatever powers the Entity can give him. Even if he did not have access to psychic sensation, he had no network of scouts throughout the vessel, and even if he has not looked out the windows of the ship and seen us here, he would know we are coming, for the very simple fact that you very explicitly told him you were coming to kill him when you spoke to him over the radio. He knows you will be walking right into his office. He knows you aren't coming just to sit down, drink some tea, smoke a cigar, and chat about the finer details of Socialist Theory. And he will be prepared. You'd best be too."
But then again, Blackheel doesn't have a ship anymore, and is no longer commander of the mission.
>>193748
Yes
>>193744
"No, but I'll take it." Blackheel says
"Do not underestimate Lightwater. He is not some random puppet nor sailor. He is the prophet of the new religion he has founded. He created 'Our Fellow Traveller' as much as he found it. When he was in the International School, he was taught at least the basics of revolutionary warfare, which is to say guerilla warfare. He will be well guarded and well-endowed with whatever powers the Entity can give him. Even if he did not have access to psychic sensation, he had no network of scouts throughout the vessel, and even if he has not looked out the windows of the ship and seen us here, he would know we are coming, for the very simple fact that you very explicitly told him you were coming to kill him when you spoke to him over the radio. He knows you will be walking right into his office. He knows you aren't coming just to sit down, drink some tea, smoke a cigar, and chat about the finer details of Socialist Theory. And he will be prepared. You'd best be too."
But then again, Blackheel doesn't have a ship anymore, and is no longer commander of the mission.
>>193748
Yes
>>193744
"No, but I'll take it." Blackheel says
>>193749
Funny, this was basically the personality I was going to give Posey before I changed it because I thought it would be annoying. Back when I was going to play her as a Cleric.
Funny, this was basically the personality I was going to give Posey before I changed it because I thought it would be annoying. Back when I was going to play her as a Cleric.
>>193750
He’s literally a Soviet Commissar, those guys from Enemy at the Gates and Warhammer 40k who are as big of a threat to their troops as the enemy. You ought to expect that kind of annoying.
Just respond with “Well, we have one boat. How boats do you have now?”
He’s literally a Soviet Commissar, those guys from Enemy at the Gates and Warhammer 40k who are as big of a threat to their troops as the enemy. You ought to expect that kind of annoying.
Just respond with “Well, we have one boat. How boats do you have now?”
>>193751
I was talking about the description of Light Water.
Posey, having crawled onto the Kostroma, gestures for the others to follow her.
I was talking about the description of Light Water.
Posey, having crawled onto the Kostroma, gestures for the others to follow her.
>>193736
>>193740
>>193742
Silver speaks up as he looks up at the barely illuminated Kostroma. "No, that boiler is far greater priority. We have until next strong downdraft before it goes fully dead, then we will be completely in dark. We need you with us in that ship to bring it back to life, Zara. I need you." He reaches over with a pleading hoof and takes Zara's own hoof with it.
>>193740
>>193742
Silver speaks up as he looks up at the barely illuminated Kostroma. "No, that boiler is far greater priority. We have until next strong downdraft before it goes fully dead, then we will be completely in dark. We need you with us in that ship to bring it back to life, Zara. I need you." He reaches over with a pleading hoof and takes Zara's own hoof with it.
Okay, so I think all NPCs going are Mala, Blackheel, Bokli, Stained Sand, Zara, Partial View... Did I miss someone?
>>193753
Zara, sitting down, folds her ears back and looks down towards her hoof and Silver's. Her ears go back up, and she looks towards Silver and pulls her lips back, showing her teeth in an awkward smile. She blushes, or seems to.
"Okay. I can go with you." She stands up. "Into that big... scary ship." her ears go back, and she shakes, but her ears go right back up.
>>193753
Zara, sitting down, folds her ears back and looks down towards her hoof and Silver's. Her ears go back up, and she looks towards Silver and pulls her lips back, showing her teeth in an awkward smile. She blushes, or seems to.
"Okay. I can go with you." She stands up. "Into that big... scary ship." her ears go back, and she shakes, but her ears go right back up.
>>193754
I can't think of many others. I hope that's going to be okay.
Silver smiles at the obviously scared mare. "It is okay, I will protect you." Calling out to the rest of the boiler squad, he says, "Come on, let us get these lights back on! Rest of you keep armed and ready in case of trouble. Get our wounded below deck where they can rest. Now squad, on me!"
With that, the big fluffy unicorn moves to the ship's ladder, climbing up it first with the confidence that the rest of the boiler squad will be right behind him.
I can't think of many others. I hope that's going to be okay.
Silver smiles at the obviously scared mare. "It is okay, I will protect you." Calling out to the rest of the boiler squad, he says, "Come on, let us get these lights back on! Rest of you keep armed and ready in case of trouble. Get our wounded below deck where they can rest. Now squad, on me!"
With that, the big fluffy unicorn moves to the ship's ladder, climbing up it first with the confidence that the rest of the boiler squad will be right behind him.
>>193754
Wasn't there another Kostroma engineer or oiler?
Since there will not be another chance without being too obvious, Cavaliere makes sure the magazine is loaded with the heavy rifle rounds before inserting it into the top feed of the rifle. With a claw, he pulls the bolt back, and slides it forward to chamber a round. It is louder than a standard bolt-action rifle and has a distinctive sound to it, but the well-oiled mechanism is satisfying to listen to.
It probably is possible to top-up rifles but that might be powergaming a little.
>>193756
"At least have the decency to ask them first," Cavaliere grumbles.
Wasn't there another Kostroma engineer or oiler?
Since there will not be another chance without being too obvious, Cavaliere makes sure the magazine is loaded with the heavy rifle rounds before inserting it into the top feed of the rifle. With a claw, he pulls the bolt back, and slides it forward to chamber a round. It is louder than a standard bolt-action rifle and has a distinctive sound to it, but the well-oiled mechanism is satisfying to listen to.
It probably is possible to top-up rifles but that might be powergaming a little.
>>193756
"At least have the decency to ask them first," Cavaliere grumbles.
"Last call. Take stock of medical supplies. Commissar, Ms. Kirafiki, did you get any? Silver, do not leave without taking some for your team."
I'm not going to bother with aliases since I have no idea what aliases characters wanted to use, even though some ponies might want to hide their identities. Only thing worth remembering is that Posey is going by Rosey Ring
Also this reminds me of setting out on a road trip and remembering to bring things only at the last minute, I swear
I'm not going to bother with aliases since I have no idea what aliases characters wanted to use, even though some ponies might want to hide their identities. Only thing worth remembering is that Posey is going by Rosey Ring
Also this reminds me of setting out on a road trip and remembering to bring things only at the last minute, I swear
The superstructure extends three stories into the air with some objects on the roof, and is rectangular in shape. Think of it almost like an office building, or a hotel.
Blackheel:
"The top deck, the Bridge deck, contains the bridge, the radio room, the navigation room, and the captain's quarters. Below that, deck 4, is the Boat deck. It's almost entirely officer's quarters. Below that, deck 3, which is the main deck of the ship, is the Crew Deck. That's where we'll be entering. It has the mess halls, the galley, and the crew quarters. Below that, the first deck below the ship, is the supply deck with storage. Below that is Deck 1, which is the boiler room, which has its own mezzanine for the machinery."
>>193762
Starfire: "Uh, okay."
Pipette walks up before saying anything. "Okay."
Blackheel:
"The top deck, the Bridge deck, contains the bridge, the radio room, the navigation room, and the captain's quarters. Below that, deck 4, is the Boat deck. It's almost entirely officer's quarters. Below that, deck 3, which is the main deck of the ship, is the Crew Deck. That's where we'll be entering. It has the mess halls, the galley, and the crew quarters. Below that, the first deck below the ship, is the supply deck with storage. Below that is Deck 1, which is the boiler room, which has its own mezzanine for the machinery."
>>193762
Starfire: "Uh, okay."
Pipette walks up before saying anything. "Okay."
>>193765
Cavaliere looks up to the where the tower would be if it were visible. "Is there an outside stair or way to get to the bridge deck? I'd prefer if we make a silent entry and work our way down."
Cavaliere looks up to the where the tower would be if it were visible. "Is there an outside stair or way to get to the bridge deck? I'd prefer if we make a silent entry and work our way down."
>>193767
>>193768
>>193771
Kira looks up at the impressive structure and suddenly freezes. Her scales all along the back of her tail shiver and the fur on her pony half sticks up straight. She immediately goes to wrap the end of her tail around Garv and hold Posey with her forehooves. "Guys we can't go in there after Light Water in the dark. Every instinct of mine is telling me it's a trap that we'd be slithering into blindly. I mean, you did tell him over the radio thingy that we were coming for him..."
>>193768
>>193771
Kira looks up at the impressive structure and suddenly freezes. Her scales all along the back of her tail shiver and the fur on her pony half sticks up straight. She immediately goes to wrap the end of her tail around Garv and hold Posey with her forehooves. "Guys we can't go in there after Light Water in the dark. Every instinct of mine is telling me it's a trap that we'd be slithering into blindly. I mean, you did tell him over the radio thingy that we were coming for him..."
>>193774
Posey, already on the deck and making her way towards the bridge, stops abruptly and turns, her neck cracking uncannily and her golden cat-like eyes glaring menacingly in the darkness
"Then what DO we do, Kira?! We cannot just sit here debating hypothetical nonsense like arcane gradschool students!"
Posey, already on the deck and making her way towards the bridge, stops abruptly and turns, her neck cracking uncannily and her golden cat-like eyes glaring menacingly in the darkness
"Then what DO we do, Kira?! We cannot just sit here debating hypothetical nonsense like arcane gradschool students!"
>>193775
>>193774
Posey's ears flicker, realizing that for the first time in her unlife that the cover of darkness is NOT a tactical advantage.
"Well, we could all just go to the boiler room first, to try to switch the lights on. I do want to see if this ship is in condition to be worth seizing before we die fighting for it." she suggests
>>193774
Posey's ears flicker, realizing that for the first time in her unlife that the cover of darkness is NOT a tactical advantage.
"Well, we could all just go to the boiler room first, to try to switch the lights on. I do want to see if this ship is in condition to be worth seizing before we die fighting for it." she suggests
>>193779
Posey gestures to Monstro, and the massive beast clamps what's left of its jaw onto the side of the Kostroma, extending its shambling tail down towards the torpedo boat, forming a grisly bridge, wide enough for at least three ponies to walk across at once.
"Everypony on board."
Posey gestures to Monstro, and the massive beast clamps what's left of its jaw onto the side of the Kostroma, extending its shambling tail down towards the torpedo boat, forming a grisly bridge, wide enough for at least three ponies to walk across at once.
"Everypony on board."
>>193779
Kira is glad that Posey has relented, her eyes relaxing somewhat from the panicked look that is shared by many wild animals facing dangerous beasts. She is still concerned, though. "Can dying not be an option? Like, what if we subdued the possessed creatures before we faced Light Water and the Traveler? I imagine they're hiding everywhere, waiting to ambush us at the worst possible moment..."
Kira is glad that Posey has relented, her eyes relaxing somewhat from the panicked look that is shared by many wild animals facing dangerous beasts. She is still concerned, though. "Can dying not be an option? Like, what if we subdued the possessed creatures before we faced Light Water and the Traveler? I imagine they're hiding everywhere, waiting to ambush us at the worst possible moment..."
Posey looks back down across her unliving bridge. She has now put her horrible armor back on, the bones on it rattling as she rests menacingly. Her horn surges with deadly power, and the ring of fire around her cutie mark flares up. A crimson halo of sanguine magic and the outlines of dying stars forms around the back of her head, like horrible crown. Her sharp white fangs glint in the dark.
"Listen close, you landlubbing worms, this is what we are going to do."
Posey, in character, explains the plan described in: >>193786 → >>193777 → . I do not want to type it again, do use your imaginations in a way that makes sense.
She takes 10 on an opposed Charisma check (modified 16) to leverage all charmed creatures (I assume about half the herd) to comply. She takes 10 on an Intimidate check (modified 25) to coerce any creatures that appear too nervous or cowardly to follow to comply. She takes 10 on a diplomacy check (modified 20) to persuade any uncharmed creatures that need coaxing. She takes 10 on Bluff check (modified 24) to convince everypony that this is a good idea. She takes 10 on Perform (Weapon Drill) (Modified 17) to twirl her sword and catch it in a really cool way and catch it in mid air, to impress the herd and demonstrate her fighting prowness.
After this she gallops off into the dark, in the direction of the boiler room. The subtle glow of her horn shoots off into the distance, like a guiding star or a firefly. She does not wait for feedback.
"Listen close, you landlubbing worms, this is what we are going to do."
Posey, in character, explains the plan described in: >>193786 → >>193777 → . I do not want to type it again, do use your imaginations in a way that makes sense.
She takes 10 on an opposed Charisma check (modified 16) to leverage all charmed creatures (I assume about half the herd) to comply. She takes 10 on an Intimidate check (modified 25) to coerce any creatures that appear too nervous or cowardly to follow to comply. She takes 10 on a diplomacy check (modified 20) to persuade any uncharmed creatures that need coaxing. She takes 10 on Bluff check (modified 24) to convince everypony that this is a good idea. She takes 10 on Perform (Weapon Drill) (Modified 17) to twirl her sword and catch it in a really cool way and catch it in mid air, to impress the herd and demonstrate her fighting prowness.
After this she gallops off into the dark, in the direction of the boiler room. The subtle glow of her horn shoots off into the distance, like a guiding star or a firefly. She does not wait for feedback.
>>193787
>>193768
Silver unsheathes his sword and plants it into the ship's deck, it still glowing blue from resonating with his magic, while belting out in a commanding voice, "HOLD IT!" to the strange mare who just tried to take command. He's tired of not being listened to and not being taken seriously. Now, he will speak, and he will be heard. Looking back at Black Heel and Zara, he asks them, "How much tin foil is on these ships?" Next, he turns to Pipette. "Have any other materials shown ability to block or weaken Traveler's mind control abilities?"
Kira smiles and stands bouncing in place while clapping her hooves together. "Oh, you're trying to see if we can weaken the Traveler by nonlethally removing the thralls from his control! That way we don't have to kill any of them and we make the Traveler far easier to fight!" She stops bouncing long enough to show her pendent off to the group. "If we can bring them all together and at least weaken the Traveler's control, I can try to fill them with Ouroboros' light. With His light guarding them, they'll be protected from the Traveler's attempts to repossess them! It worked for the airship captain, after all."
>>193768
Silver unsheathes his sword and plants it into the ship's deck, it still glowing blue from resonating with his magic, while belting out in a commanding voice, "HOLD IT!" to the strange mare who just tried to take command. He's tired of not being listened to and not being taken seriously. Now, he will speak, and he will be heard. Looking back at Black Heel and Zara, he asks them, "How much tin foil is on these ships?" Next, he turns to Pipette. "Have any other materials shown ability to block or weaken Traveler's mind control abilities?"
Kira smiles and stands bouncing in place while clapping her hooves together. "Oh, you're trying to see if we can weaken the Traveler by nonlethally removing the thralls from his control! That way we don't have to kill any of them and we make the Traveler far easier to fight!" She stops bouncing long enough to show her pendent off to the group. "If we can bring them all together and at least weaken the Traveler's control, I can try to fill them with Ouroboros' light. With His light guarding them, they'll be protected from the Traveler's attempts to repossess them! It worked for the airship captain, after all."
>>193788
Zara:
"What?"
Blackheel:
"Some more I think, but we used a decent portion of it."
Pipette looks kind of surprised, but that may just be her general state at the moment
"Well... metals. Lead would do it, for example. The denser, the better."
Zara:
"What?"
Blackheel:
"Some more I think, but we used a decent portion of it."
Pipette looks kind of surprised, but that may just be her general state at the moment
"Well... metals. Lead would do it, for example. The denser, the better."
>>193802
Silver scratches his chin. "Lead, huh..." Looking over at Zara, he briefly explains. "Traveler's mind control effects can be countered through use of certain metals. Tin foil is one type. Lead is apparently another." Looking back at Pipette, he continues. "Are there any rooms in Kostroma that happen to be lead lined? If it is at least able to disrupt connection between Traveler and Petrushka, then perhaps Kira's god may be able to finish job by severing that connection."
Kira is immensely happy that she and her god are being included in the plan to save the possessed creatures.
Silver scratches his chin. "Lead, huh..." Looking over at Zara, he briefly explains. "Traveler's mind control effects can be countered through use of certain metals. Tin foil is one type. Lead is apparently another." Looking back at Pipette, he continues. "Are there any rooms in Kostroma that happen to be lead lined? If it is at least able to disrupt connection between Traveler and Petrushka, then perhaps Kira's god may be able to finish job by severing that connection."
Kira is immensely happy that she and her god are being included in the plan to save the possessed creatures.
>>193805
Pipette:
"I don't... well Cargo hold 5..."
Blackheel:
"The Kostroma was also carrying a load of Chromium."
Pipette:
"I don't... well Cargo hold 5..."
Blackheel:
"The Kostroma was also carrying a load of Chromium."
>>193807
Starfire:
"No. Well... Yes. I mean. Kind of. Maybe. You see, it's not a pure chromium, it's a ferro chromium. And more to the point its in pieces. In order to block at least electromagnetic waves you need a solid metal, because otherwise the waves will go around but... Metal will absorb or reflect many waves and chromium is denser than most metals."
Pipette:
"The bulkheads did something."
Starfire:
"That is probably true. You see, the steel bulkheads of the ship... When we were on Sirius, we changed sleeping arrangements so that many of us who, well... who ultimately made it out, slept in the stern of the ship and did work in the stern cargo holds away from the thing. That places us further away from it, but it also puts the steel bulkheads between us and it. Now, the bulkheads don't entirely stop signals, not for the least reason because they have doors and gaps and air vents and other ways through them. But they did stop some of the waves. At least it seems."
Starfire:
"No. Well... Yes. I mean. Kind of. Maybe. You see, it's not a pure chromium, it's a ferro chromium. And more to the point its in pieces. In order to block at least electromagnetic waves you need a solid metal, because otherwise the waves will go around but... Metal will absorb or reflect many waves and chromium is denser than most metals."
Pipette:
"The bulkheads did something."
Starfire:
"That is probably true. You see, the steel bulkheads of the ship... When we were on Sirius, we changed sleeping arrangements so that many of us who, well... who ultimately made it out, slept in the stern of the ship and did work in the stern cargo holds away from the thing. That places us further away from it, but it also puts the steel bulkheads between us and it. Now, the bulkheads don't entirely stop signals, not for the least reason because they have doors and gaps and air vents and other ways through them. But they did stop some of the waves. At least it seems."
>>193808
Kira steps in to speak next. "I think that's all I need. If we can weaken the Traveller's influence enough by placing the possessed creatures in the stern cargo holds, and we can take those pieces of ferro chromium and place them over the mental pathways where the Traveler's control must be entering their minds, then I can call upon Ouroboros to purge them of the Traveler's influence." She holds the pendant around her neck with a hoof, it glowly slightly with a golden light as she does so. "I...I know you all don't believe in gods, and even if you did He just seems like some weird foreign god that a bunch of half-pony half-snake creatures worship, but...He's real. I know He's real. I've felt His light, His warmth, His presence in everything in this world. We're all His children, whether you're a lamia, a zebra, a pony, a griffon, a deer, or whatever, and if I can reconnect those poor souls with Him when the Traveler's influence is weakened, I know he can bring them back to us. And then we won't have to kill anyone, and we can be the kinds of heroes who save creatures! And who wouldn't want to be that kind of hero?"
Kira steps in to speak next. "I think that's all I need. If we can weaken the Traveller's influence enough by placing the possessed creatures in the stern cargo holds, and we can take those pieces of ferro chromium and place them over the mental pathways where the Traveler's control must be entering their minds, then I can call upon Ouroboros to purge them of the Traveler's influence." She holds the pendant around her neck with a hoof, it glowly slightly with a golden light as she does so. "I...I know you all don't believe in gods, and even if you did He just seems like some weird foreign god that a bunch of half-pony half-snake creatures worship, but...He's real. I know He's real. I've felt His light, His warmth, His presence in everything in this world. We're all His children, whether you're a lamia, a zebra, a pony, a griffon, a deer, or whatever, and if I can reconnect those poor souls with Him when the Traveler's influence is weakened, I know he can bring them back to us. And then we won't have to kill anyone, and we can be the kinds of heroes who save creatures! And who wouldn't want to be that kind of hero?"
>>193812
Starfire pulls his lips back
"Uh..."
Pipette raises her right forehoof slightly
"Well..."
Kira can't help but think that the ponies still haven't gone over her appearance. Not just part snake, but a snake twice as large as an anaconda. Then a pony portion that looks... completely normal. At odds with the snake. But beyond that, the leather armor, and her obvious wounds. Well, and also the lump in the belly as well. And she's asking the ponies of science (and ideology) to place faith in the Snake god...
"Let's do it." Blackheel steps forward. "Do it." he says, firmly
Starfire pulls his lips back
"Uh..."
Pipette raises her right forehoof slightly
"Well..."
Kira can't help but think that the ponies still haven't gone over her appearance. Not just part snake, but a snake twice as large as an anaconda. Then a pony portion that looks... completely normal. At odds with the snake. But beyond that, the leather armor, and her obvious wounds. Well, and also the lump in the belly as well. And she's asking the ponies of science (and ideology) to place faith in the Snake god...
"Let's do it." Blackheel steps forward. "Do it." he says, firmly
>>193815
Does Posey see anything on the entrance of the Kostroma as she leads the way to the boiler room? Any signs of struggle? Blood splatters? Hoofprints? Signs of patrolling monsters?
Does Posey see anything on the entrance of the Kostroma as she leads the way to the boiler room? Any signs of struggle? Blood splatters? Hoofprints? Signs of patrolling monsters?
1766631764.gif (685.7 KB, 520x293, ApplejackHoldingRainbowDashBack.gif)
>>193788
"It's worth a try. If that fails, knocking them out and restraining them like with the others would suffice. You brought extra rope, correct?
>>193806
Cavaliere looks at the mare. "Is there any particular reason why it was put in a regular cargo hold and not the one lined with lead?"
>>193808
"The aft deckhouse is clear and has a stairway downward. If we were to make a saferoom, that would be the place to try. Yet, 'safe' is relative and I cannot help but feel we should avoid taking the incapable or unwilling aboard. We have two boats; let's send one out to sea with a radio and we will rendezvous when we finally leave. They will be less likely to be spotted out there."
>>193816
Pic related. I know you're eager to get on with it but let's agree to a course of action first.
"It's worth a try. If that fails, knocking them out and restraining them like with the others would suffice. You brought extra rope, correct?
>>193806
Cavaliere looks at the mare. "Is there any particular reason why it was put in a regular cargo hold and not the one lined with lead?"
>>193808
"The aft deckhouse is clear and has a stairway downward. If we were to make a saferoom, that would be the place to try. Yet, 'safe' is relative and I cannot help but feel we should avoid taking the incapable or unwilling aboard. We have two boats; let's send one out to sea with a radio and we will rendezvous when we finally leave. They will be less likely to be spotted out there."
>>193816
Pic related. I know you're eager to get on with it but let's agree to a course of action first.
>>193818
Pipette:
"Well... there isn;t exactly one lined with lead, but... deck one of Cargo hold 2... like most cargo holds it is divided into a larger upper section and a smaller bottom section - it is refrigerated. We were working under the assumption that the, the Enity may be a dead animal, so we did not want it to decay. The other cargo holds are used for carrying barrels of oil, machinery, or bulk materials."
Blackheel:
"It was the comparatively safe place on the ship after the mutiny. Where we held out until we came to the island and made out getaway."
Pipette:
"Well... there isn;t exactly one lined with lead, but... deck one of Cargo hold 2... like most cargo holds it is divided into a larger upper section and a smaller bottom section - it is refrigerated. We were working under the assumption that the, the Enity may be a dead animal, so we did not want it to decay. The other cargo holds are used for carrying barrels of oil, machinery, or bulk materials."
Blackheel:
"It was the comparatively safe place on the ship after the mutiny. Where we held out until we came to the island and made out getaway."
>>193821
Cavaliere considers the fact that he probably searched through part of the quarters of the survivors. "Was it still refrigerated after the mutiny? Do you know if it had any effect on it?"
Cavaliere considers the fact that he probably searched through part of the quarters of the survivors. "Was it still refrigerated after the mutiny? Do you know if it had any effect on it?"
>>193822
Pipette:
"Probably not. It will not remain refrigerated with the power going off. The cold couldn't completely stop it, given that it was active in the northern winter, but maybe it's been slowing it down for all we know."
Pipette:
"Probably not. It will not remain refrigerated with the power going off. The cold couldn't completely stop it, given that it was active in the northern winter, but maybe it's been slowing it down for all we know."
>>193824
Cavaliere asks Posey, "You mentioned your mist is not mundane but is magical. Would it be enhanced if the ambient temperature was lower?"
Cavaliere asks Posey, "You mentioned your mist is not mundane but is magical. Would it be enhanced if the ambient temperature was lower?"
>>193815
Kira knows how odd she looks, and how odd He must seem to outsiders without the belief needed to believe in Him, but she knows He's real. The fact that Black Heel is willing to give Him - and her, by extention - a chance, even if it's born out of desperation from him wanting his crew back, fills her with joy. She happily bounces a little bit more as she claps her hooves together, making big thump sounds as she does so.
Kira knows how odd she looks, and how odd He must seem to outsiders without the belief needed to believe in Him, but she knows He's real. The fact that Black Heel is willing to give Him - and her, by extention - a chance, even if it's born out of desperation from him wanting his crew back, fills her with joy. She happily bounces a little bit more as she claps her hooves together, making big thump sounds as she does so.
So
I have Posey, presumably ahead of the group, presumably advancing kind of indifferently to who follows, and presumably with a lit horn.
Blackheel and Stained Sand behind, probably going along with Posey. Presumably with lit horns.
Cavaliere next, presumably with a flashlight out. Probably armed with his revolver? With Cavaliere, Johan Bokli and Wistful Wonder, the later of whom may not be armed.
Behind, Silver and Kira. With Silver and Kira are Starfire and Patient Pipette, all unicorns with lit horns. I have Zara Zama with Silver as well, at least at the moment.
Any details or differences to the order of battle, please tell me in reply.
I have Posey, presumably ahead of the group, presumably advancing kind of indifferently to who follows, and presumably with a lit horn.
Blackheel and Stained Sand behind, probably going along with Posey. Presumably with lit horns.
Cavaliere next, presumably with a flashlight out. Probably armed with his revolver? With Cavaliere, Johan Bokli and Wistful Wonder, the later of whom may not be armed.
Behind, Silver and Kira. With Silver and Kira are Starfire and Patient Pipette, all unicorns with lit horns. I have Zara Zama with Silver as well, at least at the moment.
Any details or differences to the order of battle, please tell me in reply.
>>193838
Hmmmmm...should Silver be further towards the front? He's about at 60% health, and he's definitely a good frontline soldier with his greatsword.
Hmmmmm...should Silver be further towards the front? He's about at 60% health, and he's definitely a good frontline soldier with his greatsword.
>>193838
Cavaliere has the anti-tank rifle, his revolver, and his holdout weapon. None are out but he can quickdraw his revolver as needed.
Can we give a rifle to each unarmed pony who doesn't object to using one? Cavaliere can also lend his dagger to one of them (its only utility for him is to cut stuff like rope, since he does an equivalent amount of damage [but nonlethal] unarmed).
Cavaliere has the anti-tank rifle, his revolver, and his holdout weapon. None are out but he can quickdraw his revolver as needed.
Can we give a rifle to each unarmed pony who doesn't object to using one? Cavaliere can also lend his dagger to one of them (its only utility for him is to cut stuff like rope, since he does an equivalent amount of damage [but nonlethal] unarmed).
>>193841
His what? Is it a gun or a melee weapon?
Also are we sending the rest of the survivors out to sea? I think we should so they're not sitting ducks. I don't know how the speeds of the swan boat and the torpedo boat compare, but the former is probably slower. Assuming exposure to the weather won't be too bad, we can have them all embark on the swan boat, get away from the shore, and reserve the torpedo boat for ourselves for a fast getaway.
>>193842
Besides the reluctant griffons, I don't think we have many combat-trained creatures who aren't already walking wounded. We would want them protecting the others while we're away.
Also I like how you placed Cavaliere in the middle, since he'll be strongest providing fire support. Maybe he can't use Posey as a weapon mount like she promised but he can make do.
His what? Is it a gun or a melee weapon?
Also are we sending the rest of the survivors out to sea? I think we should so they're not sitting ducks. I don't know how the speeds of the swan boat and the torpedo boat compare, but the former is probably slower. Assuming exposure to the weather won't be too bad, we can have them all embark on the swan boat, get away from the shore, and reserve the torpedo boat for ourselves for a fast getaway.
>>193842
Besides the reluctant griffons, I don't think we have many combat-trained creatures who aren't already walking wounded. We would want them protecting the others while we're away.
Also I like how you placed Cavaliere in the middle, since he'll be strongest providing fire support. Maybe he can't use Posey as a weapon mount like she promised but he can make do.
>>193843
His Lavender Rifle, in response to you asking if we could give the unarmed characters rifles.
>>193842
Hmmmmm...then perhaps Silver should be in the rear. Especially as they're likely to get ambushed from behind in the dark on their way to the boiler.
This won't be the only rear Silver is in tonight.
His Lavender Rifle, in response to you asking if we could give the unarmed characters rifles.
>>193842
Hmmmmm...then perhaps Silver should be in the rear. Especially as they're likely to get ambushed from behind in the dark on their way to the boiler.
This won't be the only rear Silver is in tonight.
>>193844
Is that a magical rifle? It would be better to have a trained combatant use it to its fullest potential. I was referring to the bolt-action rifles we left behind, one of which Bokli took. I don't know if Blackheel took one, but he would be a good candidate for the Lavender.
Is that a magical rifle? It would be better to have a trained combatant use it to its fullest potential. I was referring to the bolt-action rifles we left behind, one of which Bokli took. I don't know if Blackheel took one, but he would be a good candidate for the Lavender.
chest cavity squirms
"Hush, sister, you shall feed soon..." (whispered)
>>193838
>I have Posey, presumably ahead of the group, presumably advancing kind of indifferently to who follows
Posey will go ahead of the group because she has decent HP, resistance to most psychic attacks, and most importantly she can see in the dark, which prevents enemies from surprising her. Furthermore, although she is a caster, almost all of her attacks are touch-range.
>Presumably with lit horns
I'm not really sure what the intensity of horn light is, but I would assume it's enough to make a tiny glowing dot visible to somepony just a square behind her to be led through the dark?
>the later of whom may not be armed
Anypony who isn't armed should have a club or a sling (costing 0 gp). They can make slings out of scrap cloth.
Also, can I roll Arcana to determine the properties of the sword we got on the pirate ship? It's better to know it's enhancement bonus or abilities now so that we can make tactical decisions in combat.
Cavalier could probably also use the cutlass, since he doesn't have a magic weapon and a cutlass is finesse.
Btw, I still have a "weapon crystal", whatever that does.
>>193843
>His what? Is it a gun or a melee weapon?
He has a +2 Shortsword on his shotgun as a bayonet.
>Also are we sending the rest of the survivors out to sea? I think we should so they're not sitting ducks.
The Intruder's summons can reach anywhere on the island. It shouldn't really matter. The only threat they can evade is the GRU, but if the GRU sinks us here it won't matter anyway.
>speed
The swan boat is absurdly fast by boat standards, at 60ft per round.
> Assuming exposure to the weather won't be too bad, we can have them all embark on the swan boat, get away from the shore, and reserve the torpedo boat for ourselves for a fast getaway.
I trust them more with the swan boat because it's probably not seaworthy and also not worth anything, but I don't think it matters.
I want able-bodied creatures maintaining the torpedo boat so that it's ready for us to use later.
"Hush, sister, you shall feed soon..." (whispered)
>>193838
>I have Posey, presumably ahead of the group, presumably advancing kind of indifferently to who follows
Posey will go ahead of the group because she has decent HP, resistance to most psychic attacks, and most importantly she can see in the dark, which prevents enemies from surprising her. Furthermore, although she is a caster, almost all of her attacks are touch-range.
>Presumably with lit horns
I'm not really sure what the intensity of horn light is, but I would assume it's enough to make a tiny glowing dot visible to somepony just a square behind her to be led through the dark?
>the later of whom may not be armed
Anypony who isn't armed should have a club or a sling (costing 0 gp). They can make slings out of scrap cloth.
Also, can I roll Arcana to determine the properties of the sword we got on the pirate ship? It's better to know it's enhancement bonus or abilities now so that we can make tactical decisions in combat.
Cavalier could probably also use the cutlass, since he doesn't have a magic weapon and a cutlass is finesse.
Btw, I still have a "weapon crystal", whatever that does.
>>193843
>His what? Is it a gun or a melee weapon?
He has a +2 Shortsword on his shotgun as a bayonet.
>Also are we sending the rest of the survivors out to sea? I think we should so they're not sitting ducks.
The Intruder's summons can reach anywhere on the island. It shouldn't really matter. The only threat they can evade is the GRU, but if the GRU sinks us here it won't matter anyway.
>speed
The swan boat is absurdly fast by boat standards, at 60ft per round.
> Assuming exposure to the weather won't be too bad, we can have them all embark on the swan boat, get away from the shore, and reserve the torpedo boat for ourselves for a fast getaway.
I trust them more with the swan boat because it's probably not seaworthy and also not worth anything, but I don't think it matters.
I want able-bodied creatures maintaining the torpedo boat so that it's ready for us to use later.
>>193848
>60 feet per round
The torpedo boat is significantly faster at least at top speed.
>lit horn
A lit horn is kind of comparable to a flashlight, and is simultaneously better and worse. It is better in that it sends light in every direction, or nearly every direction, so that you can see to your side. It is much worse in that it cannot project light far forward, so that you cannot really see, say, the far wall of at least larger rooms. A horn's wattage is overall probably less than most flashlights.
>Sword
The one picked up can be classified as a rapier
>60 feet per round
The torpedo boat is significantly faster at least at top speed.
>lit horn
A lit horn is kind of comparable to a flashlight, and is simultaneously better and worse. It is better in that it sends light in every direction, or nearly every direction, so that you can see to your side. It is much worse in that it cannot project light far forward, so that you cannot really see, say, the far wall of at least larger rooms. A horn's wattage is overall probably less than most flashlights.
>Sword
The one picked up can be classified as a rapier
>>193848
>Cavalier could probably also use the cutlass, since he doesn't have a magic weapon and a cutlass is finesse.
He could except that he is only 1 pound below a heavy burden (assuming a pony accepts his dagger) and that would put him overweight. As he expends ammunition he will get lighter and might be able to accept it later on.
>He has a +2 Shortsword on his shotgun as a bayonet.
Isn't that for Mala? Or does Silver also have one?
>The Intruder's summons can reach anywhere on the island. It shouldn't really matter. The only threat they can evade is the GRU, but if the GRU sinks us here it won't matter anyway.
It matters to Cavaliere. Also we may have a chance to escape by the skin of our teeth, while the leaderless, encumbered and desperate survivors would have no such chance. Giving them a head start and getting them out of visibility means we don't have to worry about them. Consider that if we lose them we also lose a large amount of the reward money since most of the airponies are out there.
>I trust them more with the swan boat because it's probably not seaworthy and also not worth anything, but I don't think it matters.
But it is seaworthy? That's why we took it with us. Anyway the only creatures that can maintain the torpedo boat are with us right now, since apparently restoring the Kostroma is priority.
>>193849
>rapier
That's even better for Cavaliere.
>Cavalier could probably also use the cutlass, since he doesn't have a magic weapon and a cutlass is finesse.
He could except that he is only 1 pound below a heavy burden (assuming a pony accepts his dagger) and that would put him overweight. As he expends ammunition he will get lighter and might be able to accept it later on.
>He has a +2 Shortsword on his shotgun as a bayonet.
Isn't that for Mala? Or does Silver also have one?
>The Intruder's summons can reach anywhere on the island. It shouldn't really matter. The only threat they can evade is the GRU, but if the GRU sinks us here it won't matter anyway.
It matters to Cavaliere. Also we may have a chance to escape by the skin of our teeth, while the leaderless, encumbered and desperate survivors would have no such chance. Giving them a head start and getting them out of visibility means we don't have to worry about them. Consider that if we lose them we also lose a large amount of the reward money since most of the airponies are out there.
>I trust them more with the swan boat because it's probably not seaworthy and also not worth anything, but I don't think it matters.
But it is seaworthy? That's why we took it with us. Anyway the only creatures that can maintain the torpedo boat are with us right now, since apparently restoring the Kostroma is priority.
>>193849
>rapier
That's even better for Cavaliere.
>>193849
>A lit horn is kind of comparable to a flashlight
Alright.
While I'm asking, could I have an exhaustive description of how the unicorn horn/telekinesis ability works? I assumed the basics, that it's a supernatural ability with an effective caster level equal to character level and a key ability score of Charisma where relevant and that it can pick up and manipulate small objects, but I don't know its reach or weight limitations are, or it it can be used to touch creatures.
>The one picked up can be classified as a rapier
Okay, rolling Arcana to determine its magical properties:
[1d20+12 = (17+12) = 29]
If it can't be told from sight alone, Posey takes hold of it and tries swinging with it to test it out.
>A lit horn is kind of comparable to a flashlight
Alright.
While I'm asking, could I have an exhaustive description of how the unicorn horn/telekinesis ability works? I assumed the basics, that it's a supernatural ability with an effective caster level equal to character level and a key ability score of Charisma where relevant and that it can pick up and manipulate small objects, but I don't know its reach or weight limitations are, or it it can be used to touch creatures.
>The one picked up can be classified as a rapier
Okay, rolling Arcana to determine its magical properties:
[1d20+12 = (17+12) = 29]
If it can't be told from sight alone, Posey takes hold of it and tries swinging with it to test it out.
>>193851
>does it matter if he is overweight?
It very much does. His AC would drop from 13 to 11, he would incur a -6 penalty to certain checks (he has -3 now), and he would have a lower run modifier.
This confusion as to who has what is exactly why I want inventories from everypony, so we know what weapons and gear are available to the party. I stand to guess that we all have lost at least part of our character notes since we embarked, but even a general overview or estimate would help.
>does it matter if he is overweight?
It very much does. His AC would drop from 13 to 11, he would incur a -6 penalty to certain checks (he has -3 now), and he would have a lower run modifier.
This confusion as to who has what is exactly why I want inventories from everypony, so we know what weapons and gear are available to the party. I stand to guess that we all have lost at least part of our character notes since we embarked, but even a general overview or estimate would help.
>>193852
>exhaustive
You're not getting it quickly. What I'll say immediately is limit to the weight, attached to wisdom you may be able to attach it to charisma, you can touch creatures, no tactile sensation, not infinite distance. If you want feet and pounds (or metric if you're a weirdo) that will have to wait.
>>193853
I see...
>exhaustive
You're not getting it quickly. What I'll say immediately is limit to the weight, attached to wisdom you may be able to attach it to charisma, you can touch creatures, no tactile sensation, not infinite distance. If you want feet and pounds (or metric if you're a weirdo) that will have to wait.
>>193853
I see...
>>193853
You could also put your non-essential equipment in a separate sack, and then drop that sack as a free action at the beginning of combat.
I assume you use fly-by-attack, so keeping your flight is preferable.
>13 to 11
.... You're a Dex build with monk levels, and your AC is 13? Do you not have Wisdom or armor?
Bro, take one of my spare armor pieces. I have a set of studded leather and a flak jacket (effectively chain shirt) that I looted from somewhere and forgot to sell them.
If you have any equipment you can't carry, just hand them off to somepony else.
>>193854
>immediately is limit to the weight, attached to wisdom you may be able to attach it to charisma, you can touch creatures, no tactile sensation, not infinite distance.
Good for now.
You could also put your non-essential equipment in a separate sack, and then drop that sack as a free action at the beginning of combat.
I assume you use fly-by-attack, so keeping your flight is preferable.
>13 to 11
.... You're a Dex build with monk levels, and your AC is 13? Do you not have Wisdom or armor?
Bro, take one of my spare armor pieces. I have a set of studded leather and a flak jacket (effectively chain shirt) that I looted from somewhere and forgot to sell them.
If you have any equipment you can't carry, just hand them off to somepony else.
>>193854
>immediately is limit to the weight, attached to wisdom you may be able to attach it to charisma, you can touch creatures, no tactile sensation, not infinite distance.
Good for now.
>>193855
>non-essential equipment
Maybe. All that he has that is not strictly essential is a water canteen, a map case and a set of manacles. That's 4.5 lb. Let's say he puts these in his belt pouch (0.5 lb) and drops it at the start of combat to lose 5 lb. Wouldn't that take a turn anyway? I don't mind giving these to another creature in our party, and taking the rapier.
>fly-by-attack
No, he doesn't have that feat, not that it's useful in the cramped confines of a ship.
>.... You're a Dex build with monk levels, and your AC is 13? Do you not have Wisdom or armor?
I forgot about the wisdom feature. That would give Cavaliere another +2 for 15 AC (he left his leather jacket behind). Unfortunately it does not apply if he has a medium load.
>studded leather
That would definitely put him into heavy load territory. However the +3 AC is tempting. It would give him 14 AC which is a net positive, but he gets the other maluses which I've listed.
>non-essential equipment
Maybe. All that he has that is not strictly essential is a water canteen, a map case and a set of manacles. That's 4.5 lb. Let's say he puts these in his belt pouch (0.5 lb) and drops it at the start of combat to lose 5 lb. Wouldn't that take a turn anyway? I don't mind giving these to another creature in our party, and taking the rapier.
>fly-by-attack
No, he doesn't have that feat, not that it's useful in the cramped confines of a ship.
>.... You're a Dex build with monk levels, and your AC is 13? Do you not have Wisdom or armor?
I forgot about the wisdom feature. That would give Cavaliere another +2 for 15 AC (he left his leather jacket behind). Unfortunately it does not apply if he has a medium load.
>studded leather
That would definitely put him into heavy load territory. However the +3 AC is tempting. It would give him 14 AC which is a net positive, but he gets the other maluses which I've listed.
>>193856
>All that he has that is not strictly essential is a water canteen, a map case and a set of manacles. That's 4.5 lb. Let's say he puts these in his belt pouch (0.5 lb) and drops it at the start of combat to lose 5 lb. Wouldn't that take a turn anyway? I don't mind giving these to another creature in our party, and taking the rapier.
I will take them, so long as you remember what they are. You can also just give them to an NPC to carry.
It should be a free action, iirc, or a move action at most to drop a sack.
>he gets the other maluses which I've listed
You don't stack armor encumbrance with load encumbrance:
>If your character is wearing armor, use the worse figure (from armor or from load) for each category. Do not stack the penalties.
So if you were to wear chain shirt, it would effectively be the same penalty.
When we get paid, you should invest some of your funds into a Bag of Holding or Handy Haversack. Lots of creative uses with those, especially for flying characters in modern settings.
>All that he has that is not strictly essential is a water canteen, a map case and a set of manacles. That's 4.5 lb. Let's say he puts these in his belt pouch (0.5 lb) and drops it at the start of combat to lose 5 lb. Wouldn't that take a turn anyway? I don't mind giving these to another creature in our party, and taking the rapier.
I will take them, so long as you remember what they are. You can also just give them to an NPC to carry.
It should be a free action, iirc, or a move action at most to drop a sack.
>he gets the other maluses which I've listed
You don't stack armor encumbrance with load encumbrance:
>If your character is wearing armor, use the worse figure (from armor or from load) for each category. Do not stack the penalties.
So if you were to wear chain shirt, it would effectively be the same penalty.
When we get paid, you should invest some of your funds into a Bag of Holding or Handy Haversack. Lots of creative uses with those, especially for flying characters in modern settings.
>>193857
>You can also just give them to an NPC to carry.
Not that I don't trust you, but I want to keep the other PCs unencumbered. Either Bokli or Wonder could carry them since they don't seem encumbered with much else.
>penalties
That's what I mean. He would lose his dex bonus to AC (though he would get +2 net for a total of 15), the skill check penalties, and be slower. However, since he's effectively the heavy weapons guy, I think the pros outweigh the cons in this matter, and the mail shirt would be better than the leather set at protecting him.
>weapon finesse
I just realized I don't have this feat listed and I don't think it's given to rangers for free. Lore-wise Cavaliere would be a skilled fencer, but when creating his character this wasn't terribly relevant in terms of gameplay. Also I don't know if we're going by DnD Modern rules and require the Archaic Weapons Proficiency feat to use effectively. These are important considerations for if the rapier will be useful at all.
>better storage
I agree, those are must-haves.
>You can also just give them to an NPC to carry.
Not that I don't trust you, but I want to keep the other PCs unencumbered. Either Bokli or Wonder could carry them since they don't seem encumbered with much else.
>penalties
That's what I mean. He would lose his dex bonus to AC (though he would get +2 net for a total of 15), the skill check penalties, and be slower. However, since he's effectively the heavy weapons guy, I think the pros outweigh the cons in this matter, and the mail shirt would be better than the leather set at protecting him.
>weapon finesse
I just realized I don't have this feat listed and I don't think it's given to rangers for free. Lore-wise Cavaliere would be a skilled fencer, but when creating his character this wasn't terribly relevant in terms of gameplay. Also I don't know if we're going by DnD Modern rules and require the Archaic Weapons Proficiency feat to use effectively. These are important considerations for if the rapier will be useful at all.
>better storage
I agree, those are must-haves.
I suppose we should pretend we haven't left the torpedo boat yet until we're actually ready to go.
Cavaliere says to the group, "Let's get all the sailors, airponies, griffons and other creatures who are not going with us into the swan boat. They can sail out of visual range of this island, then around and southwards. When we're done, we'll contact them via radio for a rendezvous. We should have call signs ready for that purpose." He looks to the mechanic. "I would have preferred if Ms. Zama stayed here to work on the engine; yet, it would be unwise to keep her here alone. Maybe it would be best if she came along, so long as we stick together."
While he says this, he presses a small latch on the cumbersome rifle and swivels the box magazine forward and out. He takes one of his bulky spare rounds and fills the magazine to capacity. Then he slots it back in the gun, keeping a round in the chamber in addition to the full magazine. He double-checks to make sure the safety on the rifle is on, before sliding the gun back over his shoulder. The long barrel sticks out like a second tail.
Cavaliere says to the group, "Let's get all the sailors, airponies, griffons and other creatures who are not going with us into the swan boat. They can sail out of visual range of this island, then around and southwards. When we're done, we'll contact them via radio for a rendezvous. We should have call signs ready for that purpose." He looks to the mechanic. "I would have preferred if Ms. Zama stayed here to work on the engine; yet, it would be unwise to keep her here alone. Maybe it would be best if she came along, so long as we stick together."
While he says this, he presses a small latch on the cumbersome rifle and swivels the box magazine forward and out. He takes one of his bulky spare rounds and fills the magazine to capacity. Then he slots it back in the gun, keeping a round in the chamber in addition to the full magazine. He double-checks to make sure the safety on the rifle is on, before sliding the gun back over his shoulder. The long barrel sticks out like a second tail.
>>193865
I'm actually ready to go.
>They can sail out of visual range of this island, then around and southwards.
"Why? That would only make it easier to lose them."
I'm actually ready to go.
>They can sail out of visual range of this island, then around and southwards.
"Why? That would only make it easier to lose them."
>>193867
So am I. But we still have a couple of details to iron out.
"The radio will let us contact them at a distance. They can't stay here or they will be in constant danger. They will be more hidden at sea and their practiced sailors will know how to navigate. If we fail to rendezvous, they could reach New Mareland waters and be picked up by a patrolling ship, which is safer for them than being captured by Stalliongrad."
So am I. But we still have a couple of details to iron out.
"The radio will let us contact them at a distance. They can't stay here or they will be in constant danger. They will be more hidden at sea and their practiced sailors will know how to navigate. If we fail to rendezvous, they could reach New Mareland waters and be picked up by a patrolling ship, which is safer for them than being captured by Stalliongrad."
>>193868
"That is unnecessary. Doing do would only put distance between us and our charges and would only further complicate plans. The open waters beyond this beach are no safer than the beach itself, as they are teaming with monsters both summoned and otherwise."
"That is unnecessary. Doing do would only put distance between us and our charges and would only further complicate plans. The open waters beyond this beach are no safer than the beach itself, as they are teaming with monsters both summoned and otherwise."
>>193869
Cavaliere replies calmly, "While we're inside it won't matter if they're three hundred feet away or thirty miles away, since we couldn't respond in time if anything happened and that risk is high. If the GRU have not spotted our presence yet, they soon will. As for open waters, I thought you never were in this part of the world? Why don't we go ask the sailors what they think?"
Cavaliere replies calmly, "While we're inside it won't matter if they're three hundred feet away or thirty miles away, since we couldn't respond in time if anything happened and that risk is high. If the GRU have not spotted our presence yet, they soon will. As for open waters, I thought you never were in this part of the world? Why don't we go ask the sailors what they think?"
>>193870
"We just talked about the kraken population a couple hours ago."
"Fine. Ask everypony where they want to go or stay themselves and let them do what they will. It makes deciding things easier."
"We just talked about the kraken population a couple hours ago."
"Fine. Ask everypony where they want to go or stay themselves and let them do what they will. It makes deciding things easier."
>>193871
There are three groups that have tagged along: the airponies, the Severyanans, and the griffons. Cavaliere says to each of them, "My team and I will have to board this ship and that means leaving you to fend for yourselves until we get back. I recommend taking the swan boat, sailing out of view of the island, and circling east to the south. When we're finished, we will use our radio to contact you and rendezvous in safety. Alternatively, you can stay here aboard this torpedo boat, but we don't know when the GRU will spot it and investigate. Many of you are seasoned sailors so I leave it to your discretion, so long as you don't fight each other. But decide quickly, because we can't lose any more time."
There are three groups that have tagged along: the airponies, the Severyanans, and the griffons. Cavaliere says to each of them, "My team and I will have to board this ship and that means leaving you to fend for yourselves until we get back. I recommend taking the swan boat, sailing out of view of the island, and circling east to the south. When we're finished, we will use our radio to contact you and rendezvous in safety. Alternatively, you can stay here aboard this torpedo boat, but we don't know when the GRU will spot it and investigate. Many of you are seasoned sailors so I leave it to your discretion, so long as you don't fight each other. But decide quickly, because we can't lose any more time."
>>193872
Everyone stares at Cavaliere with a stupefied expression https://ponerpics.org/img/view/2012/12/11/179810.png
Everyone stares at Cavaliere with a stupefied expression https://ponerpics.org/img/view/2012/12/11/179810.png
>>193872
Silver speaks up. "For record, I think it is not good plan. It takes away one of our escape options and simultaneously leaves all of them vulnerable without our protection."
Silver speaks up. "For record, I think it is not good plan. It takes away one of our escape options and simultaneously leaves all of them vulnerable without our protection."
Posey gives an impatient snort and stamps her front hoof.
She turns to the herd
"Discussing amongst ourselves gets us nowhere. The essential ponies are going to the boiler room. Everypony decide now where you want to go or stay. Those who are fit and brave enough to fight, grab a weapon and follow the herd, if you dare. Those who can help do anything about the dying boiler follow as well, if you dare. Those who are too weak or cowardly to do anything can just stay put and clean up that torpedo ship. Decide now!" she shouts, before turning and walking across the deck into the darkness
She turns to the herd
"Discussing amongst ourselves gets us nowhere. The essential ponies are going to the boiler room. Everypony decide now where you want to go or stay. Those who are fit and brave enough to fight, grab a weapon and follow the herd, if you dare. Those who can help do anything about the dying boiler follow as well, if you dare. Those who are too weak or cowardly to do anything can just stay put and clean up that torpedo ship. Decide now!" she shouts, before turning and walking across the deck into the darkness
While the NPCs are deciding where they want to go, could Posey's unseen put some of that leaked fuel in our empty potion flasks to make Molotov cocktails?
>>193875
GM, can I get a response to this, because idk what to say or do next until I get the result.
GM, can I get a response to this, because idk what to say or do next until I get the result.
>>193931
Give me a little time. Things are... strange at the moment IRL
Also I'd rather the players figure out where they want to place NPCs rather than letting them free roam, but okay I guess
Give me a little time. Things are... strange at the moment IRL
Also I'd rather the players figure out where they want to place NPCs rather than letting them free roam, but okay I guess
>>193932
Since we're leaving the NPCs and both boats here I still disagree with this course, I say we put them all into the lit and warm interior except for the possessed ponies (on the rowboats) and a couple of watchful guards who'll rotate out as needed.
Since we're leaving the NPCs and both boats here I still disagree with this course, I say we put them all into the lit and warm interior except for the possessed ponies (on the rowboats) and a couple of watchful guards who'll rotate out as needed.
>>193932
Those too wounded, incapacitated, or incapable to either fight or fix the Kostroma's boiler should be left on the torpedo boat. They should be instructed to strap the incapacitated down to the beds in case they wake up and they're possessed. Since as far as I know we're still planning on using Monstro to disable the destroyer, the torpedo boat should stay nearby so we have it as an option for an escape if, let's say, the Kostroma starts sinking after we take out the Traveler. Those who can work on the boiler or can fight should come with us on the Kostroma. The possessed ponies should also come with us because of Kira's plan to release them from the Traveler's control using the light of Ouroboros.
Those too wounded, incapacitated, or incapable to either fight or fix the Kostroma's boiler should be left on the torpedo boat. They should be instructed to strap the incapacitated down to the beds in case they wake up and they're possessed. Since as far as I know we're still planning on using Monstro to disable the destroyer, the torpedo boat should stay nearby so we have it as an option for an escape if, let's say, the Kostroma starts sinking after we take out the Traveler. Those who can work on the boiler or can fight should come with us on the Kostroma. The possessed ponies should also come with us because of Kira's plan to release them from the Traveler's control using the light of Ouroboros.
How many torpedos does the torpedo boat have? How much do they weigh?
>>193932
Virgin Flame wakes up with a startle. She keeps smashing her face into the floor to break the crust that has formed around her eyes. Then she wipes and swipes off the mound of moss that has formed on her back. Finally, she coughs up a bunch of cobwebs before spitting out a rather large spider that has been sitting on her uvula for more than a year now.
The thanks the batpony for the information about the commies, promising that they will receive swift justice before gifting her toxic shrooms that has been growing out from her nostrils.
She leaves the Black Hooves HQ, not because they are rabbits but because they are black, and decides to follow the trail to the first pony on the list who could be responsible for stealing that Celestia Statue.
Virgin Flame wakes up with a startle. She keeps smashing her face into the floor to break the crust that has formed around her eyes. Then she wipes and swipes off the mound of moss that has formed on her back. Finally, she coughs up a bunch of cobwebs before spitting out a rather large spider that has been sitting on her uvula for more than a year now.
The thanks the batpony for the information about the commies, promising that they will receive swift justice before gifting her toxic shrooms that has been growing out from her nostrils.
She leaves the Black Hooves HQ, not because they are rabbits but because they are black, and decides to follow the trail to the first pony on the list who could be responsible for stealing that Celestia Statue.
>>193999
gasp
SHE LIVES!
>spits out the spider
Not as tasty as an Amoeba, evidently
>Not because they are rabbits, but because they are black
Kek
Virgin understood enough. She is told that the blackhooves suspect a few scruffy rapscallions to be behind it, and that's all she needs to know. Well... She also needed to know where the first guy's house is, but she was told enough. The grumpy bat mare welcomes the removal of the statue from her office and gives Virgin the address of the pony's mother as well as a few other helpful bits of information
gasp
SHE LIVES!
>spits out the spider
Not as tasty as an Amoeba, evidently
>Not because they are rabbits, but because they are black
Kek
Virgin understood enough. She is told that the blackhooves suspect a few scruffy rapscallions to be behind it, and that's all she needs to know. Well... She also needed to know where the first guy's house is, but she was told enough. The grumpy bat mare welcomes the removal of the statue from her office and gives Virgin the address of the pony's mother as well as a few other helpful bits of information
>>193875
>>193874
>>193872
>>193873
Pin Up locker speaks up,
"And if we are out in the water, what will we do if we are captured by those communists? Sit and hope for ransom? We'll be sitting ducks out there. Or swans."
Day Chaser, Primed Well, and Weary Weeks agree
Then a pony says something in Severyanan, and several other ponies agree with him. Looks to be the mulberry pony and Rustling Pine. Starfire helps to translate
"They say that this area... It's almost cursed. We are too close to the Entity, this Chernobog. They say that they can hear it. They can hear the droning. That they have headaches, that it is louder here. They ask what they will do if that thing sends its minions here to them, or how long they are expected to hold out here."
>>193909
Prob'ly
>>193874
>>193872
>>193873
Pin Up locker speaks up,
"And if we are out in the water, what will we do if we are captured by those communists? Sit and hope for ransom? We'll be sitting ducks out there. Or swans."
Day Chaser, Primed Well, and Weary Weeks agree
Then a pony says something in Severyanan, and several other ponies agree with him. Looks to be the mulberry pony and Rustling Pine. Starfire helps to translate
"They say that this area... It's almost cursed. We are too close to the Entity, this Chernobog. They say that they can hear it. They can hear the droning. That they have headaches, that it is louder here. They ask what they will do if that thing sends its minions here to them, or how long they are expected to hold out here."
>>193909
Prob'ly
>>194001
>gasp
>SHE LIVES!
Thank you for making me feel velcomed. c:
>Not as tasty as an Amoeba, evidently
^^
>The grumpy bat mare welcomes the removal of the statue from her office
kek ^^
Vir hollers at a nearby pretty pedestrian pony, probably.
"Oi, mate!" She trots up to them and shows them her newly acquired papers. "See tis cunt 'ere. I need to foind his mum wit' big knakahs. Think you can help... Cunt?"
>gasp
>SHE LIVES!
Thank you for making me feel velcomed. c:
>Not as tasty as an Amoeba, evidently
^^
>The grumpy bat mare welcomes the removal of the statue from her office
kek ^^
Vir hollers at a nearby pretty pedestrian pony, probably.
"Oi, mate!" She trots up to them and shows them her newly acquired papers. "See tis cunt 'ere. I need to foind his mum wit' big knakahs. Think you can help... Cunt?"
>>194002
"Then you had better come aboard. Relative safety in numbers." Posey replies
"Has everypony decided where they are going?"
"Then you had better come aboard. Relative safety in numbers." Posey replies
"Has everypony decided where they are going?"
>>194004
I would love to message a british friend and ask him "what kind of british sounding gibbersish can I respond with?" and he'll insist that it actually is the North country dialect, but alas... It's too late at night
The pretty pedestrian pony - actually a grey stallion in a trench coat with a hat, looks back at Virgin with blue eyes and a serious expression. Then he turns his head behind him, to the right, and raises his right hoof and points it that way. He is pointing at a flat on the fourth floor of an old brick building, covered in black soot, and with a tiny balcony where potted plants spill over in long vines and hold onto the railing below.
I would love to message a british friend and ask him "what kind of british sounding gibbersish can I respond with?" and he'll insist that it actually is the North country dialect, but alas... It's too late at night
The pretty pedestrian pony - actually a grey stallion in a trench coat with a hat, looks back at Virgin with blue eyes and a serious expression. Then he turns his head behind him, to the right, and raises his right hoof and points it that way. He is pointing at a flat on the fourth floor of an old brick building, covered in black soot, and with a tiny balcony where potted plants spill over in long vines and hold onto the railing below.
>>194006
>I would love to message a british friend and ask him "what kind of british sounding gibbersish can I respond with?
^^ don't worry about it. I just used all my mockney, as I just learnt it was called, roight there.
>The pretty pedestrian pony
^^
Vir blesses the stallion with a prayer.
"Oh, holy mother Epona, Saint Celestia, and paladin Twilight Sparkle, endow this gentlecolt with blessings of great fortune."
Then she does a rad salute before marching her way over to the building. She looks at the plants and vines and ponders if this is a sign from above that she should climb this house. idk ^^
>I would love to message a british friend and ask him "what kind of british sounding gibbersish can I respond with?
^^ don't worry about it. I just used all my mockney, as I just learnt it was called, roight there.
>The pretty pedestrian pony
^^
Vir blesses the stallion with a prayer.
"Oh, holy mother Epona, Saint Celestia, and paladin Twilight Sparkle, endow this gentlecolt with blessings of great fortune."
Then she does a rad salute before marching her way over to the building. She looks at the plants and vines and ponders if this is a sign from above that she should climb this house. idk ^^
>>194008
The pony gives a sharp nod to Virgin, places his right hoof to his heart, then extends his foreleg towards her and upwards, holding it straight.
"My heart goes out to you."
No. It is not climbable. Probably. At least, you shouldn't try it. Probably. Right?
>>194005
>>194007
And a reminder that at least half of the NPCs are disabled.
The pony gives a sharp nod to Virgin, places his right hoof to his heart, then extends his foreleg towards her and upwards, holding it straight.
"My heart goes out to you."
No. It is not climbable. Probably. At least, you shouldn't try it. Probably. Right?
>>194005
>>194007
And a reminder that at least half of the NPCs are disabled.
>>194009
>places his right hoof to his heart, then extends his foreleg towards her and upwards, holding it straight.
Heil uncle Adolf!
>"My heart goes out to you."
Aww. <3
Vir blushes and chortles like Mr. Bean.
>No. It is not climbable. Probably. At least, you shouldn't try it. Probably. Right?
Vir has a genius idea. She is pretty stoked about comming up with it herself.
Ponies are small horsies. Horsies eat grass. Grass is green. Plants and vines probably are green too. So if the vines aren't edible, they are climbable, cause then they are not made of grass.
Vir digs in her teeth in the vines. If her teeth get stuck, then jackpot! It's climbable. ^^
>places his right hoof to his heart, then extends his foreleg towards her and upwards, holding it straight.
Heil uncle Adolf!
>"My heart goes out to you."
Aww. <3
Vir blushes and chortles like Mr. Bean.
>No. It is not climbable. Probably. At least, you shouldn't try it. Probably. Right?
Vir has a genius idea. She is pretty stoked about comming up with it herself.
Ponies are small horsies. Horsies eat grass. Grass is green. Plants and vines probably are green too. So if the vines aren't edible, they are climbable, cause then they are not made of grass.
Vir digs in her teeth in the vines. If her teeth get stuck, then jackpot! It's climbable. ^^
>>194011
But she has a problem. The vines are still really high up. Also the vines are still probably actually some kind of tomato plant, or something similar.
But she has a problem. The vines are still really high up. Also the vines are still probably actually some kind of tomato plant, or something similar.
>>194012
>Also the vines are still probably actually some kind of tomato plant, or something similar.
You know what, I will say that she is smart enough to think this is dumb, because I'm starting to think this is not the brightest idea I have had. ^^
Instead, she goes off looking for a door in the building that she can enter through.
>Also the vines are still probably actually some kind of tomato plant, or something similar.
You know what, I will say that she is smart enough to think this is dumb, because I'm starting to think this is not the brightest idea I have had. ^^
Instead, she goes off looking for a door in the building that she can enter through.
>>194013
Yes. Up a short set of concrete stairs, and into a small hall that has a row of mail slots, and a set of stairs going up. Vit knows its on the fourth floor, to the left. A middle aged griffin stares at Vir, but does not say anything.
>>194014
Awww...
The tradeoff of having a relatively big mare
Yes. Up a short set of concrete stairs, and into a small hall that has a row of mail slots, and a set of stairs going up. Vit knows its on the fourth floor, to the left. A middle aged griffin stares at Vir, but does not say anything.
>>194014
Awww...
The tradeoff of having a relatively big mare
>>194002
Cavaliere responds, "You are far less likely to be captured at sea than if you stayed here. The torpedo boat will be hard to spot, even by radar, and in this weather and with your sailing skills you should be able to evade pursuit until morning, if you lose contact with us."
>>194005
>>194007
"No, we would be slowed down and they would be in greater danger aboard. I cannot brook leaving only the vulnerable on these boats either without any others to watch over them."
>>193999
Welcome back, and checked!
Cavaliere responds, "You are far less likely to be captured at sea than if you stayed here. The torpedo boat will be hard to spot, even by radar, and in this weather and with your sailing skills you should be able to evade pursuit until morning, if you lose contact with us."
>>194005
>>194007
"No, we would be slowed down and they would be in greater danger aboard. I cannot brook leaving only the vulnerable on these boats either without any others to watch over them."
>>193999
Welcome back, and checked!
>>194015
>relatively big mare
4U ^^
>A middle aged griffin stares at Vir, but does not say anything.
Vir skips up the steps to him with friednly, outgoing smile on her face.
"Okay? Okay? Listen to this," she tells the griffin while having crazy eyes. "A phoenix, a cockatrice, and a griffin enter a bar. But then, as they sit down, the bartender taps at a sign, which reads, 'No Animals.' So the cockatrice leads the griffin out of the bar. Ehh? Ehh?!"
>relatively big mare
4U ^^
>A middle aged griffin stares at Vir, but does not say anything.
Vir skips up the steps to him with friednly, outgoing smile on her face.
"Okay? Okay? Listen to this," she tells the griffin while having crazy eyes. "A phoenix, a cockatrice, and a griffin enter a bar. But then, as they sit down, the bartender taps at a sign, which reads, 'No Animals.' So the cockatrice leads the griffin out of the bar. Ehh? Ehh?!"
>>194017
Something in his face suggests he does not appreciate Vir's humor. It must not translate well to whatever culture he is from.
"State your business here, pony."
Something in his face suggests he does not appreciate Vir's humor. It must not translate well to whatever culture he is from.
"State your business here, pony."
>>194019
>Img
You found a really fitting image quickly. Nice. c:
"Look, there's no need to be curt. I think we just got off on the wrong hoo... Paw? Talon? Whatever. Let's start over." Vir nodded to herself as if she just had said something very wise. "You see I used to have a pegasus friend and they are, probably, part bird. And I love borbs. I adore the budgie squeaking out, 'Pretty bird.' I want to brood on my own foals one day like a chicken does her chicks. Or coo softly as I'm feed seed by my master like a pigeon.
Vir struck a pose like pointer dog and pointed with her whole hoof at the griffin.
"That's why I hope one day ponies will enslave all of Griffinstone. So I can have one of you as a pet. But really, let's honesty. I would be the slave, as I would slave away making sure that your every whim and desire came true you beautiful raptor on four legs.
"You are not just a glorified seagull. You're an eagle!"
Proud of her amazing speech, Vir closed her eyes and held her chin high in inner mirth. Then she continued.
"As for my business, you see I'm a crow on a mission to bring back a gleaming piece of statue to a beloved one."
She stares at the griffin with wide, and pinprick eyes.
"So you see, in a way, we are both birds. Bird. Bird is the word!"
>Img
You found a really fitting image quickly. Nice. c:
"Look, there's no need to be curt. I think we just got off on the wrong hoo... Paw? Talon? Whatever. Let's start over." Vir nodded to herself as if she just had said something very wise. "You see I used to have a pegasus friend and they are, probably, part bird. And I love borbs. I adore the budgie squeaking out, 'Pretty bird.' I want to brood on my own foals one day like a chicken does her chicks. Or coo softly as I'm feed seed by my master like a pigeon.
Vir struck a pose like pointer dog and pointed with her whole hoof at the griffin.
"That's why I hope one day ponies will enslave all of Griffinstone. So I can have one of you as a pet. But really, let's honesty. I would be the slave, as I would slave away making sure that your every whim and desire came true you beautiful raptor on four legs.
"You are not just a glorified seagull. You're an eagle!"
Proud of her amazing speech, Vir closed her eyes and held her chin high in inner mirth. Then she continued.
"As for my business, you see I'm a crow on a mission to bring back a gleaming piece of statue to a beloved one."
She stares at the griffin with wide, and pinprick eyes.
"So you see, in a way, we are both birds. Bird. Bird is the word!"
>>194020
The griffin looks at Vir with a look of rage. Then concern. Then rage. Then concern again. Then all emotion drains from his face. His right hind paw takes a step backwards. Then his left hind paw. Then each fore paw. Slowly. Then much all at once. He backs himself through an open doorway, always keeping his twisted, horrified face locked on to Vir, but keeping his direction of travel in a straight line, away from Vir, and through the door.
He very quickly grabs the door and shuts it. Vir hears the sound of multiple locks immediately thereafter.
The griffin looks at Vir with a look of rage. Then concern. Then rage. Then concern again. Then all emotion drains from his face. His right hind paw takes a step backwards. Then his left hind paw. Then each fore paw. Slowly. Then much all at once. He backs himself through an open doorway, always keeping his twisted, horrified face locked on to Vir, but keeping his direction of travel in a straight line, away from Vir, and through the door.
He very quickly grabs the door and shuts it. Vir hears the sound of multiple locks immediately thereafter.
>>194021
>He just leaves
I'm laughing so much, my cheeks are getting sore. C:
That's also a great pic. ^^
>He just leaves
I'm laughing so much, my cheeks are getting sore. C:
That's also a great pic. ^^
>>194016
Silver sighs. "You heard them. If we leave them behind we leave them to mercy of Traveler and of GRU. We have no choice but to take them with us. If Kira's plan does work, we will also need them alongside us to purge Traveler's influence from their minds."
Silver sighs. "You heard them. If we leave them behind we leave them to mercy of Traveler and of GRU. We have no choice but to take them with us. If Kira's plan does work, we will also need them alongside us to purge Traveler's influence from their minds."
>>194026
>>194027
"The best way to purge its influence is to destroy it at the source. In the meantime, they will be less vulnerable if they put distance between us. Ideally the healthy should be able to decide the best course of action, but they have been looking to us for direction this whole time and it would be unwise to abandon them now. If we cannot convince each other, then we will have no choice but to let chance make this decision for us."
>>194027
"The best way to purge its influence is to destroy it at the source. In the meantime, they will be less vulnerable if they put distance between us. Ideally the healthy should be able to decide the best course of action, but they have been looking to us for direction this whole time and it would be unwise to abandon them now. If we cannot convince each other, then we will have no choice but to let chance make this decision for us."
>>194028
Now Kira speaks up, frowning. She sounds a bit upset. "The whole idea is to weaken the Traveler by freeing the creatures under his control. That's what the ponies said, right? He gains strength through followers? So by freeing his followers, he'll not be as strong for when we face him."
>>194027
>>194028
Silver also frowns. "Very obviously they do not want to be left alone. We are taking them with us. Those who can fight will be in front and back of group, those who cannot will be in middle."
Now Kira speaks up, frowning. She sounds a bit upset. "The whole idea is to weaken the Traveler by freeing the creatures under his control. That's what the ponies said, right? He gains strength through followers? So by freeing his followers, he'll not be as strong for when we face him."
>>194027
>>194028
Silver also frowns. "Very obviously they do not want to be left alone. We are taking them with us. Those who can fight will be in front and back of group, those who cannot will be in middle."
>>194024
Vir picks up the white feather. Takes a long sniff of it. She does her best ahegao face as she exhales.
She proceeds to place it in the first golden ring of the ones in her hair, buffalo-style.
Then she tries to find the right apartment, so she traverses to the fourth floor if that helps her find it a bit better.
>drawing is her mane style with feather, as good I could get it with mouse pad but I hope the idea is still transmitted
Vir picks up the white feather. Takes a long sniff of it. She does her best ahegao face as she exhales.
She proceeds to place it in the first golden ring of the ones in her hair, buffalo-style.
Then she tries to find the right apartment, so she traverses to the fourth floor if that helps her find it a bit better.
>drawing is her mane style with feather, as good I could get it with mouse pad but I hope the idea is still transmitted
Posey continues trotting across the deck, looking for any entrance to the lower decks.
Monstro swirls in the air behind her menacingly.
Monstro swirls in the air behind her menacingly.
>>194033
>smell
Mhmm. That's griffin alright. A little bit of sweat, and especially cigarette smoke. Maybe not necessarily from Vit's spiritual birb cousin, the splendid eagle, but probably from some kind of griffin.
The stairs creak as Vit goes up. The interior of the building is kind of cold and smells of mold. The wooden steps creak as she goes up them. She finds a door that has a hairline crack running down it, and a small chip near the doorknob. The doorknob itself has clearly been replaced at least once, or rather, the lock below it has. As best as Vit can recall, this is it.
>smell
Mhmm. That's griffin alright. A little bit of sweat, and especially cigarette smoke. Maybe not necessarily from Vit's spiritual birb cousin, the splendid eagle, but probably from some kind of griffin.
The stairs creak as Vit goes up. The interior of the building is kind of cold and smells of mold. The wooden steps creak as she goes up them. She finds a door that has a hairline crack running down it, and a small chip near the doorknob. The doorknob itself has clearly been replaced at least once, or rather, the lock below it has. As best as Vit can recall, this is it.
>>194027
>>194028
>>194026
Blackheel interjects
"Enough of this! Only those who are needed should be in the first wave on the ship. Everypony else can stay on the boat. It's in blackout, it should be hard to see, and easy to defend. They can have a radio to call if there are problems. We can reassess our plans after we've cleared a safe area in the ship, if such a thing exists at all.
>>194028
>>194026
Blackheel interjects
"Enough of this! Only those who are needed should be in the first wave on the ship. Everypony else can stay on the boat. It's in blackout, it should be hard to see, and easy to defend. They can have a radio to call if there are problems. We can reassess our plans after we've cleared a safe area in the ship, if such a thing exists at all.
Posey leads the way, using her darkvision to scout out any entrances to the lower decks.
>>194040
As a side note, what is up with this song. I just thought it was a dance song but it seems to be about some woman cheating and stuff. wtf. At least Macarena means soemthing like hope nad virgin which kinda fits with Vir.
As a side note, what is up with this song. I just thought it was a dance song but it seems to be about some woman cheating and stuff. wtf. At least Macarena means soemthing like hope nad virgin which kinda fits with Vir.
>>194036
Silver nods, and helps to usher the rest of the group inside. He'll help guard the rear. Kira tries to stay near the front where she can keep an eye and ear out for ambushes.
Silver nods, and helps to usher the rest of the group inside. He'll help guard the rear. Kira tries to stay near the front where she can keep an eye and ear out for ambushes.
>>194040
>>194041
I too, use silly knocks every time I approach a locked door at work.
The door opens slowly. At first it cracks open a small amount, and Vir can see a yellow-green face behind round glasses. There is a sound of a lock being undone, and the door opens, revealing a short, somewhat old mare. Her mane is grey, the skin on her head sags, and she squints briefly through her thick glasses before assuming a relaxed position. She has a mild smile on her face.
"Oh, hello. What brings you here, Mister? Don't get too many guest these days"
>>194038
>>194037
>>194039
>>194042
No obvious points of entrance but through the crew quarters. At least, in the middle of the ship.
>>194041
I too, use silly knocks every time I approach a locked door at work.
The door opens slowly. At first it cracks open a small amount, and Vir can see a yellow-green face behind round glasses. There is a sound of a lock being undone, and the door opens, revealing a short, somewhat old mare. Her mane is grey, the skin on her head sags, and she squints briefly through her thick glasses before assuming a relaxed position. She has a mild smile on her face.
"Oh, hello. What brings you here, Mister? Don't get too many guest these days"
>>194038
>>194037
>>194039
>>194042
No obvious points of entrance but through the crew quarters. At least, in the middle of the ship.
>>194043
"I checked the aft deckhouse and it was clear," he reminds the squad. "If we enter amidships we're likely to find company and make ourselves known."
"I checked the aft deckhouse and it was clear," he reminds the squad. "If we enter amidships we're likely to find company and make ourselves known."
>>194043
>I too, use silly knocks every time I approach a locked door at work
^^
"Mister? I'm a mare silly filly," Vir says before pulling back her hood and revealing her brown-red mane.
"Can't you tell, I'm so acute." Vir turns to the side, sits down on her buttocks, then lean forward so her torso and legs form an acute angle through her hips.
>I too, use silly knocks every time I approach a locked door at work
^^
"Mister? I'm a mare silly filly," Vir says before pulling back her hood and revealing her brown-red mane.
"Can't you tell, I'm so acute." Vir turns to the side, sits down on her buttocks, then lean forward so her torso and legs form an acute angle through her hips.
>>194047
"hehe, you sure are a character, young fellow. Would you like to come in? Have a cup of tea?"
She smiles
>>194048
>>194046
"The shortest route is through the super structure and straight down. That way was not safe when we were on. We would have gone around through the aft deckhouse and cargo holds five, four, and three. But there has been enough time for things to change since then."
"hehe, you sure are a character, young fellow. Would you like to come in? Have a cup of tea?"
She smiles
>>194048
>>194046
"The shortest route is through the super structure and straight down. That way was not safe when we were on. We would have gone around through the aft deckhouse and cargo holds five, four, and three. But there has been enough time for things to change since then."
>>194049
"You say it was not safe when you were there. How so? What dangers did you witness there?" Posey asks
"The repair ponies are noncombatants, and taking them through a killzone risks them being picked off one by one. However, detouring with severe delay gives the intruder more opportunities to mobilize monsters against us, so timing is key, and changes in the cargo hold may mean additional delays and unforseen dangers."
She pauses
"I had expected the Intruder to have a mind as tactical as the otherworldly spirits my masters conversed with, but perhaps I overestimated it and we are being too cautious. If the boiler dies everypony on this ship will be trapped on this desolate rock, including the Intruder. Since it evidently has not driven its flock to maintain its only means of transportation, then perhaps it is not so clever as it claims... Perhaps we are overthinking all of this and just trust our first guesses." She ponders
"You say it was not safe when you were there. How so? What dangers did you witness there?" Posey asks
"The repair ponies are noncombatants, and taking them through a killzone risks them being picked off one by one. However, detouring with severe delay gives the intruder more opportunities to mobilize monsters against us, so timing is key, and changes in the cargo hold may mean additional delays and unforseen dangers."
She pauses
"I had expected the Intruder to have a mind as tactical as the otherworldly spirits my masters conversed with, but perhaps I overestimated it and we are being too cautious. If the boiler dies everypony on this ship will be trapped on this desolate rock, including the Intruder. Since it evidently has not driven its flock to maintain its only means of transportation, then perhaps it is not so clever as it claims... Perhaps we are overthinking all of this and just trust our first guesses." She ponders
"The longer route for the cargo hold would pass by empty rooms that may provide spaces of refuge for noncombatants to shelter, an essential component in dungeoneering... But the Intruder appears to not require any line of effect for its summoning or mental control, so shelter poses little tactical advantage."
Posey stamps her hoof in frustration and wracks her head
Attempting an Arcana check to gain a Strategic Advantage, to see if Posey can figure out anything about the limitations of the Intruder's magical abilities (range, line of effect, frequency, duration, times per day, resource cost, etc), to make an informed decision about the coming battle.
[1d20+11 = (8+11) = 19]
Posey stamps her hoof in frustration and wracks her head
Attempting an Arcana check to gain a Strategic Advantage, to see if Posey can figure out anything about the limitations of the Intruder's magical abilities (range, line of effect, frequency, duration, times per day, resource cost, etc), to make an informed decision about the coming battle.
[1d20+11 = (8+11) = 19]
>>194052
"In all of my studies I have never heard of sparingly few monsters that had clairsentient telepathic awareness of the thoughts of creatures stretching for miles while simultaneously being able to summon seemingly unlimited monsters at such extreme range. Such powers render any and all military tactics moot, when our enemy can simply rearrange the battlefield on a whim. The only question remains is why it is not attacking us right now? Perhaps it is luring us into a trap. Or perhaps it is incapable of fixing the boiler ok its own and is waiting for us to do its work for it. Or perhaps its summons are not as unlimited as they seemed before..."
>>194049
She turns to Blackheel
"You are a mage, are you not? Have you observed any patterns in the frequency of the Intruder's summons that could help us infer the limits to its capabilities?"
"In any order, I say we go through the aft deckhouse and cargo holds. A path straight down through the superstructure is likely to be difficult for non-fliers and poses potential bottlenecks, and if it was not safe before it can only be worse now. To the deckhouse it is." She says, turning in that direction
"In all of my studies I have never heard of sparingly few monsters that had clairsentient telepathic awareness of the thoughts of creatures stretching for miles while simultaneously being able to summon seemingly unlimited monsters at such extreme range. Such powers render any and all military tactics moot, when our enemy can simply rearrange the battlefield on a whim. The only question remains is why it is not attacking us right now? Perhaps it is luring us into a trap. Or perhaps it is incapable of fixing the boiler ok its own and is waiting for us to do its work for it. Or perhaps its summons are not as unlimited as they seemed before..."
>>194049
She turns to Blackheel
"You are a mage, are you not? Have you observed any patterns in the frequency of the Intruder's summons that could help us infer the limits to its capabilities?"
"In any order, I say we go through the aft deckhouse and cargo holds. A path straight down through the superstructure is likely to be difficult for non-fliers and poses potential bottlenecks, and if it was not safe before it can only be worse now. To the deckhouse it is." She says, turning in that direction
>>194049
Vir popped to her hooves.
"That would be the second time I got tea today," Vir replied as she counted on her hoof, even though it lacked digits. "Last time it was in the Church..." Vir rolled off before she pointed one way, before quickly changing her mind and pointing in another direction. "That way!"
"Yeah, that was some good tea, then I set out on my treasure hunt."
Vir popped to her hooves.
"That would be the second time I got tea today," Vir replied as she counted on her hoof, even though it lacked digits. "Last time it was in the Church..." Vir rolled off before she pointed one way, before quickly changing her mind and pointing in another direction. "That way!"
"Yeah, that was some good tea, then I set out on my treasure hunt."
>>194051
"What dangers? We were on a ship in a mutiny. Of course it was dangerous. We noticed strange behaviors a week ago. Reports of nightmares. Trembling, a tendency to rock back and forth. Occasional lack of focus on the eyes. And then strange feelings. Some had apocalyptic visions, or feelings of doom. And some felt feelings of warmth and euphoria. Light Water had already begun his proselyting, telling everyone of what the thing could do, sounding a bit more like a street preacher than a professional. This was besides oddities taking place in hold two in particular. Stories of shadows moving about, of instruments being moved, of things seen in the night. More than one pony reported being visited by, shall we say, angels in the night. Alicorns, paragons, old deities...
I made the decision, in agreement with my superiors, not to allow the crew off in Sirius when we docked there. There was reason to believe their was treachery afoot. I did not realize it was as bad as it was, but with the fascist blimp tailing us, we had to believe there was an informant for the fascists somewhere, perhaps on the ship. We did not need to let him off. Then there was the very real possibility that some sort of psychosis inducing virus had been wretched out of the permafrost in the north, and that whatever had made that village go mad was slowly affecting us. That, and perhaps there were rodents or other animals stowed away with us. Possibly disease-ridden animals. A few ponies came on board at Sirius, and they did not go mad, except for one of them who slept near the thing.
When the mutiny came it came suddenly. Ponies did not wake up at the designated hour, sleeping late, and remaining in a catatonic state when you tried to wake them. You could see their eyes moving, like they were dreaming. When they did wake, they were zombie like, non-responsive. Or more accurately, non-responsive to us. They stared towards Hold 2, as if they saw something we didn't. The first, decisive actor was that damned griffin of the Skynavian Liason, Schattenwechsel. It was he who lead the revolt, or at least, seemed to. He took hold of the bridge and the upper most levels first. He had taken hold of many of the weapons of the armory over the night. I'm not certain how. I and several of the others had already set up in cargo hold four when we feared the main crew quarters were... infected, or otherwise compromised. He must have gone around on deck. I didn't see what happened to the captain, the old Salted Watch, but he was neutralized one way or the other early on. He was reclusive in that week. It must have gotten him, if he didn't show it.
And yes, we did see its first creations. They were... Like what, lobsters? Little monsters. Smaller than what we've seen since. We retreated from the crew deck into the cargo holds. There was some actual fighting in the mid and aft deckhouses. We did manage to cut off the ship's engines before she ran directly onto the island and sank. We made a break for it all at once with what weapons we had, storming through the aft deckhouse, the deck and then finally onto the boats.
Why would it turn on the boilers? It doesn't need the light. This ship is not very fast. There is no universe in which a ship like this outruns the GRU destroyers, the pirate torpedo boats, or the fascist blimps that are after it. There is no universe where its crew simply rolls into harbor, any harbor, and pretends like nothing is wrong. Not so long as I and my loyal few live. You don't understand. This thing is not like a wolf or a big cat trying to make a living on its own. It is a parasite looking for a new host. Take the life cycle of your average worm. It gets eaten by a little microscopic animal. And then it lives in that animal until it gets swallowed up by a much, much larger animal and makes its life in that creature's guts. it has no fear of being taken in by ponies because it's dealt with them before.
It doesn't want to run. Where would it run to? What would it do if it did evade its attackers? It doesn't want to fight off its attackers. Then what would it do? No, it wants to be captured. It wants to be taken back to Ravenskoye, or worse, to Petershoof, or to Stalliongrad. To Manehattan if the fascists get it. Like a Trojan pony, or a swallowed tapeworm larva hidden in the flesh of an undercooked fish. Because that's where its prey is. That's where it can pretend to be a dead creature and slowly corrupt the minds of all of those around it - maybe hundreds of thousands of minds - with its insidious dreams and visions.
"What dangers? We were on a ship in a mutiny. Of course it was dangerous. We noticed strange behaviors a week ago. Reports of nightmares. Trembling, a tendency to rock back and forth. Occasional lack of focus on the eyes. And then strange feelings. Some had apocalyptic visions, or feelings of doom. And some felt feelings of warmth and euphoria. Light Water had already begun his proselyting, telling everyone of what the thing could do, sounding a bit more like a street preacher than a professional. This was besides oddities taking place in hold two in particular. Stories of shadows moving about, of instruments being moved, of things seen in the night. More than one pony reported being visited by, shall we say, angels in the night. Alicorns, paragons, old deities...
I made the decision, in agreement with my superiors, not to allow the crew off in Sirius when we docked there. There was reason to believe their was treachery afoot. I did not realize it was as bad as it was, but with the fascist blimp tailing us, we had to believe there was an informant for the fascists somewhere, perhaps on the ship. We did not need to let him off. Then there was the very real possibility that some sort of psychosis inducing virus had been wretched out of the permafrost in the north, and that whatever had made that village go mad was slowly affecting us. That, and perhaps there were rodents or other animals stowed away with us. Possibly disease-ridden animals. A few ponies came on board at Sirius, and they did not go mad, except for one of them who slept near the thing.
When the mutiny came it came suddenly. Ponies did not wake up at the designated hour, sleeping late, and remaining in a catatonic state when you tried to wake them. You could see their eyes moving, like they were dreaming. When they did wake, they were zombie like, non-responsive. Or more accurately, non-responsive to us. They stared towards Hold 2, as if they saw something we didn't. The first, decisive actor was that damned griffin of the Skynavian Liason, Schattenwechsel. It was he who lead the revolt, or at least, seemed to. He took hold of the bridge and the upper most levels first. He had taken hold of many of the weapons of the armory over the night. I'm not certain how. I and several of the others had already set up in cargo hold four when we feared the main crew quarters were... infected, or otherwise compromised. He must have gone around on deck. I didn't see what happened to the captain, the old Salted Watch, but he was neutralized one way or the other early on. He was reclusive in that week. It must have gotten him, if he didn't show it.
And yes, we did see its first creations. They were... Like what, lobsters? Little monsters. Smaller than what we've seen since. We retreated from the crew deck into the cargo holds. There was some actual fighting in the mid and aft deckhouses. We did manage to cut off the ship's engines before she ran directly onto the island and sank. We made a break for it all at once with what weapons we had, storming through the aft deckhouse, the deck and then finally onto the boats.
Why would it turn on the boilers? It doesn't need the light. This ship is not very fast. There is no universe in which a ship like this outruns the GRU destroyers, the pirate torpedo boats, or the fascist blimps that are after it. There is no universe where its crew simply rolls into harbor, any harbor, and pretends like nothing is wrong. Not so long as I and my loyal few live. You don't understand. This thing is not like a wolf or a big cat trying to make a living on its own. It is a parasite looking for a new host. Take the life cycle of your average worm. It gets eaten by a little microscopic animal. And then it lives in that animal until it gets swallowed up by a much, much larger animal and makes its life in that creature's guts. it has no fear of being taken in by ponies because it's dealt with them before.
It doesn't want to run. Where would it run to? What would it do if it did evade its attackers? It doesn't want to fight off its attackers. Then what would it do? No, it wants to be captured. It wants to be taken back to Ravenskoye, or worse, to Petershoof, or to Stalliongrad. To Manehattan if the fascists get it. Like a Trojan pony, or a swallowed tapeworm larva hidden in the flesh of an undercooked fish. Because that's where its prey is. That's where it can pretend to be a dead creature and slowly corrupt the minds of all of those around it - maybe hundreds of thousands of minds - with its insidious dreams and visions.
>>194051
Captain Weary Weeks chimes in
"What does a god need with a ship?"
Blackheel looks to Weary Weeks but does not respond. Instead he provides the following
"Clearly its powers must be finite, because it attacks in waves rather than constantly. I noticed it didn't attack your group for a while, not until you made it clear there the negotiations were over. It selects ponies it doesn't like or thinks are a threat and attacks them. I assure you, I and my ponies were the recipients of quite a lot. I don't know exactly what its limits are. Forgive me if we haven't used the utmost scientific measurements to figure it out.
The steel bulkheads must have done at least something to limit its mind influence. Those who slept in the aft deckhouse were not as affected. Rotating some of the marines out of the aft deckhouse so we could have them secure the crew quarters was a mistake...
And it isn't omniscient. It can be fooled. It only knows what it sees or hears through the eyes and ears of those it influences. It's a pity it has spies everywhere...
>>194053
"The cycles have been... 20 minutes? On the half hour? It's certainly time for another cycle."
>To the deckhouse
Midship or aft deckhouse?
>>194054
She steps back from the door as if beckonning Vir in
"Oh what a lovely day it must be to stop for tea twice. What a big mare you are. A treasure hunter you say? What are you hunting for? A stallion. Must be quite a challenge to find one bigger than you."
Captain Weary Weeks chimes in
"What does a god need with a ship?"
Blackheel looks to Weary Weeks but does not respond. Instead he provides the following
"Clearly its powers must be finite, because it attacks in waves rather than constantly. I noticed it didn't attack your group for a while, not until you made it clear there the negotiations were over. It selects ponies it doesn't like or thinks are a threat and attacks them. I assure you, I and my ponies were the recipients of quite a lot. I don't know exactly what its limits are. Forgive me if we haven't used the utmost scientific measurements to figure it out.
The steel bulkheads must have done at least something to limit its mind influence. Those who slept in the aft deckhouse were not as affected. Rotating some of the marines out of the aft deckhouse so we could have them secure the crew quarters was a mistake...
And it isn't omniscient. It can be fooled. It only knows what it sees or hears through the eyes and ears of those it influences. It's a pity it has spies everywhere...
>>194053
"The cycles have been... 20 minutes? On the half hour? It's certainly time for another cycle."
>To the deckhouse
Midship or aft deckhouse?
>>194054
She steps back from the door as if beckonning Vir in
"Oh what a lovely day it must be to stop for tea twice. What a big mare you are. A treasure hunter you say? What are you hunting for? A stallion. Must be quite a challenge to find one bigger than you."
>>194055
>>194056
Posey puts a hoof on the shoulder of the winded stallion and gently pats him after he finishes his exhausting monologue
"Breathe." She says, calmly, in the same tone she uses to calm Gloomy's possession convulsions
"We will get through this."
>Midship or aft deckhouse?
Aft deckhouse.
Posey turns in that direction and continues walking
>No, it wants to be captured.
Posey pauses, then looks up at Monstro, looking over the herd with its torpedo
"It wants to be captured? Perhaps I may interfere with that..." she ponders
>>194056
Posey puts a hoof on the shoulder of the winded stallion and gently pats him after he finishes his exhausting monologue
"Breathe." She says, calmly, in the same tone she uses to calm Gloomy's possession convulsions
"We will get through this."
>Midship or aft deckhouse?
Aft deckhouse.
Posey turns in that direction and continues walking
>No, it wants to be captured.
Posey pauses, then looks up at Monstro, looking over the herd with its torpedo
"It wants to be captured? Perhaps I may interfere with that..." she ponders
>>194055
>>194056
>>194058
Cavaliere listens attentively to what the commissar has to say. When he is finished, the griffon replies, "Don't mind her if she comes across as rude; she can be single-minded about her goals. You made the right choices given the information you had. And had you known what threat it presented you likely had no options at sea. We will destroy this 'worm' whatever it takes. As soon as we step aboard we can expect an attack at any moment, and we will likely have another by the time we reach our target, plus the rest of the crew it has held in reserve. Good thing we have plenty of ammunition. We will have to make our approach carefully, entering via the aft deckhouse, and watch every angle."
>>194056
>>194058
Cavaliere listens attentively to what the commissar has to say. When he is finished, the griffon replies, "Don't mind her if she comes across as rude; she can be single-minded about her goals. You made the right choices given the information you had. And had you known what threat it presented you likely had no options at sea. We will destroy this 'worm' whatever it takes. As soon as we step aboard we can expect an attack at any moment, and we will likely have another by the time we reach our target, plus the rest of the crew it has held in reserve. Good thing we have plenty of ammunition. We will have to make our approach carefully, entering via the aft deckhouse, and watch every angle."
>>194056
Kira's ears perk up as she hears Black Heel talk about the Traveler selecting ponies. "I wonder if the Traveler is afraid of Ouroboros. I mean, I would be if I was an aberrant creature from another dimension corrupting His realm. The Traveler tried getting into my head to get me to join him, but I said no, Maybe it means this will actually work...please Ouroboros let this work..."
>>194055
Silver speaks up. "We have not seen much in terms of weapons used by Petrushkas. Some bolt-action rifles but not much else. If Schattenwechsel took weapons from armory, where else could they be now?"
Kira's ears perk up as she hears Black Heel talk about the Traveler selecting ponies. "I wonder if the Traveler is afraid of Ouroboros. I mean, I would be if I was an aberrant creature from another dimension corrupting His realm. The Traveler tried getting into my head to get me to join him, but I said no, Maybe it means this will actually work...please Ouroboros let this work..."
>>194055
Silver speaks up. "We have not seen much in terms of weapons used by Petrushkas. Some bolt-action rifles but not much else. If Schattenwechsel took weapons from armory, where else could they be now?"
>>194058
Posey pats the poner gently again
"Your input is valued. I did not even consider that the Intruder might have wanted to be captured by the GRU."
In case nobody noticed, I have been doing a running joke about Posey being obtusely concerned about ponies forgetting to breathe.
Posey pats the poner gently again
"Your input is valued. I did not even consider that the Intruder might have wanted to be captured by the GRU."
In case nobody noticed, I have been doing a running joke about Posey being obtusely concerned about ponies forgetting to breathe.
Posey leads the way to the aft deckhouse, taking 10 on stealth and carefully creeping through the darkness with the advantage of darkvision.
>>194056
Vir steps inside.
"Well, you see, the stallion is just the first step. If he is Mr. Right, then I will soon acquire the biggest bode that Equestria has ever witnessed," Vir says and gestures a mushroom cloud explosion with her hooves with fitting sound effects. "Then the biggest bode with be reforged with the greatest mind, it's the only one able to contain it. Then my sect sisters and I will revel in tea n' biscuits forever more."
Vir's eye displayed a firework of euphoria at bringing back the old god, the elder goodie.
"You see. It's not alive which eternally goons; and in sane eons even coltifornians may learn to drive?" Idk. ^^
Vir steps inside.
"Well, you see, the stallion is just the first step. If he is Mr. Right, then I will soon acquire the biggest bode that Equestria has ever witnessed," Vir says and gestures a mushroom cloud explosion with her hooves with fitting sound effects. "Then the biggest bode with be reforged with the greatest mind, it's the only one able to contain it. Then my sect sisters and I will revel in tea n' biscuits forever more."
Vir's eye displayed a firework of euphoria at bringing back the old god, the elder goodie.
>>194063
I'm tempted to have Vir tell random npc that she is part of the SS, or a secret group called the Sect Sisters that she just totally made up and that doesn't exist, just to see where that leads. ^^
I'm tempted to have Vir tell random npc that she is part of the SS, or a secret group called the Sect Sisters that she just totally made up and that doesn't exist, just to see where that leads. ^^
>>194064
>SS
I keep telling you that Vir would make a great ⚡︎hadow ⚡︎un Ninja. Vir could be a ⚡︎un ⚡︎oul Monk with levels in unarmed ⚡︎word⚡︎age, specialized in the ⚡︎etting ⚡︎un Discipline. Goes well with the ⚡︎un ⚡︎chool feat that lets you attack as a free action after using a ⚡︎hadow ⚡︎tep maneuver (among other things.
She could even be a ⚡︎hadow Guard, the elite ⚡︎ecret Police of the churches of gods of light such as Hieronous or Pelor (but also Celestia). Perhaps she may even be promoted to ⚡︎hadow ⚡︎triker or an ultra-elite ⚡︎hadow ⚡︎py: the ruthless ⚡︎ecret ⚡︎ect of ⚡︎isters most loyal to the princess who do her grisly bidding and carry the light through absolute darkness, and those who remained loyal to the princess even after her capture.
>SS
I keep telling you that Vir would make a great ⚡︎hadow ⚡︎un Ninja. Vir could be a ⚡︎un ⚡︎oul Monk with levels in unarmed ⚡︎word⚡︎age, specialized in the ⚡︎etting ⚡︎un Discipline. Goes well with the ⚡︎un ⚡︎chool feat that lets you attack as a free action after using a ⚡︎hadow ⚡︎tep maneuver (among other things.
She could even be a ⚡︎hadow Guard, the elite ⚡︎ecret Police of the churches of gods of light such as Hieronous or Pelor (but also Celestia). Perhaps she may even be promoted to ⚡︎hadow ⚡︎triker or an ultra-elite ⚡︎hadow ⚡︎py: the ruthless ⚡︎ecret ⚡︎ect of ⚡︎isters most loyal to the princess who do her grisly bidding and carry the light through absolute darkness, and those who remained loyal to the princess even after her capture.
>>194062
Posey has a modified 17 when taking 10 Move Silently
She takes 10 on Spot and Listen, for a modified 13 on each
Posey has a modified 17 when taking 10 Move Silently
She takes 10 on Spot and Listen, for a modified 13 on each
>>194066
I'll think about it fren. Thanks for the suggestion c:
Right now, I think it would be too technical for me. I even have scrapped that monk/barbarian concept. I just want a monk who's strong now.
I'll think about it fren. Thanks for the suggestion c:
Right now, I think it would be too technical for me. I even have scrapped that monk/barbarian concept. I just want a monk who's strong now.
Are there any checks we need to make to proceed?
Also, since the Intruder keeps being described as a god, I would like to roll a religion check to see if Posey can inter the scope of its rank and/or divine salient abilities, or if it really is a god at all:
[1d20+11 = (2+11) = 13]
Also, since the Intruder keeps being described as a god, I would like to roll a religion check to see if Posey can inter the scope of its rank and/or divine salient abilities, or if it really is a god at all:
[1d20+11 = (2+11) = 13]
>>194056
Vir puffed a cigarette and then sizzled it out in her cup of tea. The mare gasped at the display but couldn't help herself but knead her hindlegs together as if she was desperate for a piss. She fluttered her huge eyelashes at Vir.
"So investigator--" she began but as interrupted.
"Please, call me Dick," said Vir as her eyes took in the apartment. the pots and pans, objects nopony else possessed, revealed to her sluething eyes that the other mare was a absolute waifu material and seeing her longing for her, Dick, she could clearly make her into her housefrau, if only she could forget about that night already!
Vir unscrewed a metal bottle in her jacket and took a swig of booze to numb the pain.
"Okay, then. Uh, Mr.-- Dick-- Virgin, why have you come here?" asked the beautiful mare before Vir and blushed as she said the word 'dick'.
That put a short lived smile on Vir's face both because of the mare's bashfulness of something so minor but also because innocents hadn't yet died in this world unlike what vir had seen throughout her years of work in the force.
"I came to you, Ma'am, because new clues have made me pick up a cold case of the shelf, which I think you can help me with, " Vir said while looking moody as always. "I'm searching for a someone called GM Pony. He disappeared several decades ago after finishing a session of online dnd."
;^P
Dw, just kidding take you time ^^
Vir puffed a cigarette and then sizzled it out in her cup of tea. The mare gasped at the display but couldn't help herself but knead her hindlegs together as if she was desperate for a piss. She fluttered her huge eyelashes at Vir.
"So investigator--" she began but as interrupted.
"Please, call me Dick," said Vir as her eyes took in the apartment. the pots and pans, objects nopony else possessed, revealed to her sluething eyes that the other mare was a absolute waifu material and seeing her longing for her, Dick, she could clearly make her into her housefrau, if only she could forget about that night already!
Vir unscrewed a metal bottle in her jacket and took a swig of booze to numb the pain.
"Okay, then. Uh, Mr.-- Dick-- Virgin, why have you come here?" asked the beautiful mare before Vir and blushed as she said the word 'dick'.
That put a short lived smile on Vir's face both because of the mare's bashfulness of something so minor but also because innocents hadn't yet died in this world unlike what vir had seen throughout her years of work in the force.
"I came to you, Ma'am, because new clues have made me pick up a cold case of the shelf, which I think you can help me with, " Vir said while looking moody as always. "I'm searching for a someone called GM Pony. He disappeared several decades ago after finishing a session of online dnd."
;^P
Dw, just kidding take you time ^^
>>194056
>What does a god need with a ship?
"You refer it it as a 'god'... I was under the impression that Stalliongrad's propaganda had all but eliminated the pious types. Still, I would hold your speculations. Fear is the strongest weapon of the mind benders, and the Intruder surely seems to make you believe that it is stronger than it really is,God or not..." She says
"My masters before me once encountered a godling, or so they claimed. They described her to be so frail, delicate and helpless in appearance, like a newborn child, but the utter destruction she unleashed told its own story, an entity more than capable of wiping out entire civilizations as it arrived on earth. Its shrill scream shook the cosmos themselves. I can only imagine the glory." she ponders
She puts a hoof to her chest and grimaces in sudden discomfort, her chest heaving
"But it was destroyed all the same, after untold efforts and works of brilliance by an entire school of mages, even if fragments of it refused to st-stay b-buried." she continues, panting oddly
"My point is, whatever kind of entity the intruder is, it is still a creature with limits. As far as we can tell, it has been fully reliant on its summons and its flock for all of its activities, and despite its immense Conjuration abilities it seems to be incapable of teleportation, or else it would not still be here. If we know of its plan, we may be able to control its movements."
She looks up at Monstro above her head
"If the GRU vessel were to be compromised, it is possible that the Intruder would have no choice but to use this ship, if it ever wants to leave. That gives me an idea..." Posey says
>What does a god need with a ship?
"You refer it it as a 'god'... I was under the impression that Stalliongrad's propaganda had all but eliminated the pious types. Still, I would hold your speculations. Fear is the strongest weapon of the mind benders, and the Intruder surely seems to make you believe that it is stronger than it really is,God or not..." She says
"My masters before me once encountered a godling, or so they claimed. They described her to be so frail, delicate and helpless in appearance, like a newborn child, but the utter destruction she unleashed told its own story, an entity more than capable of wiping out entire civilizations as it arrived on earth. Its shrill scream shook the cosmos themselves. I can only imagine the glory." she ponders
She puts a hoof to her chest and grimaces in sudden discomfort, her chest heaving
"But it was destroyed all the same, after untold efforts and works of brilliance by an entire school of mages, even if fragments of it refused to st-stay b-buried." she continues, panting oddly
"My point is, whatever kind of entity the intruder is, it is still a creature with limits. As far as we can tell, it has been fully reliant on its summons and its flock for all of its activities, and despite its immense Conjuration abilities it seems to be incapable of teleportation, or else it would not still be here. If we know of its plan, we may be able to control its movements."
She looks up at Monstro above her head
"If the GRU vessel were to be compromised, it is possible that the Intruder would have no choice but to use this ship, if it ever wants to leave. That gives me an idea..." Posey says
Recognizing how long it had been, Silver gives Mala some more scritches.
>>194059
Blackheel looks back to Cavaliere, and exhales
"Well, I hope so, or like to think so. Yes, the aft deckhouse is sensible. It will have some kind of trick or surprise for us, I am sure."
>>194060
To Kira:
"I suppose we'll see if your snake god thing has any actual power to smite 'Our Fellow Traveller'."
To Silver
"The weapons would be with the Petrushkas. They were mostly for the guard. There were not as many weapons as ponies on the ship."
>>194061
Blackheel scrunches
"That is its best move going forward, I would bet."
>>194061
>>194055
Stained Sand speaks up
"Or, maybe it's a dumb monster and it doesn't know how to operate a freight ship, nor does it care to. Last night we noticed that the front part of the ship didn't turn off its lights. That was the part that you said was under the control of the mutineers. You knew to turn off the lights. Anyone should have. It let us track you easily. We may have lost you if they had turned off the lights, but they did not. That thing and its minions don't know any better."
Blackheel
"You did indeed follow it. You followed it right into the side of a mountain, and it got your captain in the process, and a few more. It may still get you. Don't underestimate it."
>>194075
The line of a god and a ship was spoken by Captain Weary Weeks, who is one of the airship ponies. He is/was the highest-ranking officer of the K19 and one of its pilots. He is at least partly under the influence of the Traveller. This is the one that Posey kicked in the balls.
>>194075
"Well..." Blackheel is silenced. "I can't say I'm familiar with any other instances of something like this happening. I know it is limited. But you should still be extremely grateful it can't even open its own eyelids.
More ships will come if they are given the time. The only reason the Fascists haven't sent their planes already is because of the weather. They'd be here already but for the fog. The Nova Griffonians are sleepier but they will be here by the dawn."
>>194076
While the long, black mane that runs down Mala's back is covered by his flak jacket, his neck, head, and ears are mostly open. Mala smiles and closes his eyes as he accepts the scritches.
Before Silver did this, he alternated between staring upwards into the dark windows of the midship, and across the deck to the aft deckhouse.
Blackheel looks back to Cavaliere, and exhales
"Well, I hope so, or like to think so. Yes, the aft deckhouse is sensible. It will have some kind of trick or surprise for us, I am sure."
>>194060
To Kira:
"I suppose we'll see if your snake god thing has any actual power to smite 'Our Fellow Traveller'."
To Silver
"The weapons would be with the Petrushkas. They were mostly for the guard. There were not as many weapons as ponies on the ship."
>>194061
Blackheel scrunches
"That is its best move going forward, I would bet."
>>194061
>>194055
Stained Sand speaks up
"Or, maybe it's a dumb monster and it doesn't know how to operate a freight ship, nor does it care to. Last night we noticed that the front part of the ship didn't turn off its lights. That was the part that you said was under the control of the mutineers. You knew to turn off the lights. Anyone should have. It let us track you easily. We may have lost you if they had turned off the lights, but they did not. That thing and its minions don't know any better."
Blackheel
"You did indeed follow it. You followed it right into the side of a mountain, and it got your captain in the process, and a few more. It may still get you. Don't underestimate it."
>>194075
The line of a god and a ship was spoken by Captain Weary Weeks, who is one of the airship ponies. He is/was the highest-ranking officer of the K19 and one of its pilots. He is at least partly under the influence of the Traveller. This is the one that Posey kicked in the balls.
>>194075
"Well..." Blackheel is silenced. "I can't say I'm familiar with any other instances of something like this happening. I know it is limited. But you should still be extremely grateful it can't even open its own eyelids.
More ships will come if they are given the time. The only reason the Fascists haven't sent their planes already is because of the weather. They'd be here already but for the fog. The Nova Griffonians are sleepier but they will be here by the dawn."
>>194076
While the long, black mane that runs down Mala's back is covered by his flak jacket, his neck, head, and ears are mostly open. Mala smiles and closes his eyes as he accepts the scritches.
Before Silver did this, he alternated between staring upwards into the dark windows of the midship, and across the deck to the aft deckhouse.
>>194077
Kira smiles proudly. "Of course he does! This is his realm, after all. His world, his children, all of it is from him."
Silver frowns, concerned about the force they may be walking into. He knows it must be done, but it still worries him. "What kind of armament should we expect?"
Interestingly, petting Mala seems to be having the same effect on Silver as petting a dog would, releasing serotonin in his mind and calming him down.
Kira smiles proudly. "Of course he does! This is his realm, after all. His world, his children, all of it is from him."
Silver frowns, concerned about the force they may be walking into. He knows it must be done, but it still worries him. "What kind of armament should we expect?"
Interestingly, petting Mala seems to be having the same effect on Silver as petting a dog would, releasing serotonin in his mind and calming him down.
>>194077
>The line of a god and a ship was spoken by Captain Weary Weeks
Oops.
Well, reimagine that post in a way that makes sense.
>This is the one that Posey kicked in the balls.
Posey putting the fear of god into stallions.
.
"Anyways, we should keep moving. I am mostly uninjured so I will lead the way. One of you sailors can tell me about the path and any upcoming turns as we go. We can debate the monster's capacity for tactical thought after the boiler is repaired." Posey says, stepping into the dark.
Does Posey see or hear anything of note as she proceeds towards the aft deckhouse?
>The line of a god and a ship was spoken by Captain Weary Weeks
Oops.
Well, reimagine that post in a way that makes sense.
>This is the one that Posey kicked in the balls.
Posey putting the fear of god into stallions.
.
"Anyways, we should keep moving. I am mostly uninjured so I will lead the way. One of you sailors can tell me about the path and any upcoming turns as we go. We can debate the monster's capacity for tactical thought after the boiler is repaired." Posey says, stepping into the dark.
Does Posey see or hear anything of note as she proceeds towards the aft deckhouse?
>>194077
Cavaliere questions, "Your cargo didn't include very many weapons, and you didn't sail under escort. What were your plans for repelling boarders? Did your superiors understand the gravity of what you were transporting?" He pauses for a second.
"I agree that we should be out quickly. This was why I suggested getting one of the boats of here so some creatures would have better chance of escape. What's important for us is dealing with this threat before any other groups come to meddle."
Cavaliere will follow the group if it's unanimously agreed upon to start moving.
Cavaliere questions, "Your cargo didn't include very many weapons, and you didn't sail under escort. What were your plans for repelling boarders? Did your superiors understand the gravity of what you were transporting?" He pauses for a second.
"I agree that we should be out quickly. This was why I suggested getting one of the boats of here so some creatures would have better chance of escape. What's important for us is dealing with this threat before any other groups come to meddle."
Cavaliere will follow the group if it's unanimously agreed upon to start moving.
The lights on the forward masts of the ship again shine their dim, reddish lights across the forward deck.
The portholes of the superstructure in the center are mostly black, though a small few have lights on within. Hard to say if anyone is inside. And if anyone is looking down on them...
The aft deck is overwhelmingly dark, wet with the mist and rain. The fog has reduced greatly, You can see from one end of the ship to the other. But the fog still blocks off the island, and the end of the harbor, as if the ship is isolated from all of space and time. The rain now forms larger droplets.
>>194079
Blackheel to Kira:
"Riigghht... That's what we're missing. A snake god."
He turns to Silver
"Mostly bolt action rifles, but there were submachine guns. Shotguns. Automatic rifles. Hard to say what is lying on the island and what is still on the ship."
Mala is pet
He opens up his eyes, still smiling. He seems calmed by it as well.
>>194080
A simple sound of steel bending, presumably from a wave moving under the ship. Waves may be picking up. Perhaps the weather is getting worse, perhaps the tide is coming in, perhaps it is the wake of an unseen boat.
There is a blood spot on the deck.
The portholes of the superstructure in the center are mostly black, though a small few have lights on within. Hard to say if anyone is inside. And if anyone is looking down on them...
The aft deck is overwhelmingly dark, wet with the mist and rain. The fog has reduced greatly, You can see from one end of the ship to the other. But the fog still blocks off the island, and the end of the harbor, as if the ship is isolated from all of space and time. The rain now forms larger droplets.
>>194079
Blackheel to Kira:
"Riigghht... That's what we're missing. A snake god."
He turns to Silver
"Mostly bolt action rifles, but there were submachine guns. Shotguns. Automatic rifles. Hard to say what is lying on the island and what is still on the ship."
Mala is pet
He opens up his eyes, still smiling. He seems calmed by it as well.
>>194080
A simple sound of steel bending, presumably from a wave moving under the ship. Waves may be picking up. Perhaps the weather is getting worse, perhaps the tide is coming in, perhaps it is the wake of an unseen boat.
There is a blood spot on the deck.
>>194081
"A dozen marines and many anti-air gunners. And we have more guns than that. That is enough for most threats, especially since the anti-air guns may be used against surface targets as well.
I don't know what my superiors thought. They didn't say much about what the cargo was or what they thought it could do. They said it was the corpse of a fantastic beast and that they wanted to examine it. They spent far more time talking about the cooperation with science elements and with foreign governments. That is more in line with what my duties were anyways. I am certain the Fascists intelligence officers in Trottingham were told more about the entity than I was by my superiors. But the Skynavians liaisons, by contrast, wouldn't shut up about it. They told all sorts of stories and promised all kinds of great things. Those who had actually been to the village and had been around the creature did not wish to say much about it at all and did not like it.
I was under the impression that it was some kind of hoax or salemanship to get us to send them items for free. I actually thought my superiors thought the same. Most of what we sent in payment was fuel oil. Basic heating oil for smaller structures, diesel for remote generators, bunker oil for larger heating systems and ships. In the Winter. We may have had to send it anyways for mercy. Most of the rest was land clearing equipment like bulldozers and front-end loaders. At least this way we could say we got something out of it.
Did they know it was this magical? With the number of science personal sent, maybe. I think they may know now. I certainly did not."
"A dozen marines and many anti-air gunners. And we have more guns than that. That is enough for most threats, especially since the anti-air guns may be used against surface targets as well.
I don't know what my superiors thought. They didn't say much about what the cargo was or what they thought it could do. They said it was the corpse of a fantastic beast and that they wanted to examine it. They spent far more time talking about the cooperation with science elements and with foreign governments. That is more in line with what my duties were anyways. I am certain the Fascists intelligence officers in Trottingham were told more about the entity than I was by my superiors. But the Skynavians liaisons, by contrast, wouldn't shut up about it. They told all sorts of stories and promised all kinds of great things. Those who had actually been to the village and had been around the creature did not wish to say much about it at all and did not like it.
I was under the impression that it was some kind of hoax or salemanship to get us to send them items for free. I actually thought my superiors thought the same. Most of what we sent in payment was fuel oil. Basic heating oil for smaller structures, diesel for remote generators, bunker oil for larger heating systems and ships. In the Winter. We may have had to send it anyways for mercy. Most of the rest was land clearing equipment like bulldozers and front-end loaders. At least this way we could say we got something out of it.
Did they know it was this magical? With the number of science personal sent, maybe. I think they may know now. I certainly did not."
>>194082
Kira scrunches slightly, but she knows it's not their fault. To them she's just some weird snake-pony hybrid monster from a faraway land worshipping a foreign god. But she'll show them. They're all Ouroboros' children, and he cares for them whether they worship Him or not.
Silver's eyes widen slightly. "Any specifics on those weapons? What models of weapons exactly are they armed with?"
Kira scrunches slightly, but she knows it's not their fault. To them she's just some weird snake-pony hybrid monster from a faraway land worshipping a foreign god. But she'll show them. They're all Ouroboros' children, and he cares for them whether they worship Him or not.
Silver's eyes widen slightly. "Any specifics on those weapons? What models of weapons exactly are they armed with?"
>>194084
A small pool of blood on the deck. It is wet, but the rain and mist has obviously disturbed it and it has run towards the edge of the deck with the water running off the deck. There is no trail and there is a single claw print stepping in it. Only a single second claw print of blood exists, going in the direction of the aft deckhouse.
Blackheel:
"You could say that. To keep morale, to act as a liaison between the multiple nations involved in the operation, and to make sure that operations were consistent with the interests and ideology of the Stalliongradian Communist Party.
>>194085
Well... He isn't fleeing in terror. So there's that.
Blackheel:
"SVETA rifles, PSH-11 submachine guns, a light machine gun, and a number of vlazhnyy rifles."
A small pool of blood on the deck. It is wet, but the rain and mist has obviously disturbed it and it has run towards the edge of the deck with the water running off the deck. There is no trail and there is a single claw print stepping in it. Only a single second claw print of blood exists, going in the direction of the aft deckhouse.
Blackheel:
"You could say that. To keep morale, to act as a liaison between the multiple nations involved in the operation, and to make sure that operations were consistent with the interests and ideology of the Stalliongradian Communist Party.
>>194085
Well... He isn't fleeing in terror. So there's that.
Blackheel:
"SVETA rifles, PSH-11 submachine guns, a light machine gun, and a number of vlazhnyy rifles."
>>194086
Obviously Cavaliere has to make sure he wasn't the one who stepped in it. Is he able to know? Also, can he get any more precise indication on how old the bloodstain is?
"Watch out for the bloodstain here. It's still fresh, but if it was left by a body I can see no signs of it."
Obviously Cavaliere has to make sure he wasn't the one who stepped in it. Is he able to know? Also, can he get any more precise indication on how old the bloodstain is?
"Watch out for the bloodstain here. It's still fresh, but if it was left by a body I can see no signs of it."
>>194086
Silver nods, though the concern shows through his expression. "Those submachine guns have frankly absurd rate of fire. If one of those gets bead on us it will shred straight through us."
Silver nods, though the concern shows through his expression. "Those submachine guns have frankly absurd rate of fire. If one of those gets bead on us it will shred straight through us."
>>194089
Silver looks to Mala with his fancy new shotgun. "I want to try to save all that we can, but if one of those petrushkas comes around corner armed with one of those submachine guns...well, you are best armed to deal with it."
Silver looks to Mala with his fancy new shotgun. "I want to try to save all that we can, but if one of those petrushkas comes around corner armed with one of those submachine guns...well, you are best armed to deal with it."
>>194089
I'm guessing Cavaliere did NOT step in it, then.
"It's possible this bloodstain was left behind by either Dr. Light Water or one of the pirates less than an hour ago. Something caused a large volume of blood to spill, but it was stopped by the time the victim moved or was moved."
I'm guessing Cavaliere did NOT step in it, then.
"It's possible this bloodstain was left behind by either Dr. Light Water or one of the pirates less than an hour ago. Something caused a large volume of blood to spill, but it was stopped by the time the victim moved or was moved."
>>194090
Mala takes the shotgun, which is slung over his shoulder, and with his right paw moves it forward. The shotgun is very large, with the bayonet the size of a short sword and making the weapon almost a polearm. Mala moves his head forward, evidently attempting a curt nod, though it doesn't seem quite right, perhaps because his head is lowered from his shoulders.
"Uh, yes, I can do that."
>>194091
It was not him.
The creatures take note, and Mala comes up and seems to sniff it.
Mala takes the shotgun, which is slung over his shoulder, and with his right paw moves it forward. The shotgun is very large, with the bayonet the size of a short sword and making the weapon almost a polearm. Mala moves his head forward, evidently attempting a curt nod, though it doesn't seem quite right, perhaps because his head is lowered from his shoulders.
"Uh, yes, I can do that."
>>194091
It was not him.
The creatures take note, and Mala comes up and seems to sniff it.
>>194092
Silver looks back to Black Heel. "It can happen that during mutiny one side will set traps. Did you and other survivors come across any as you made your escape?"
Silver looks back to Black Heel. "It can happen that during mutiny one side will set traps. Did you and other survivors come across any as you made your escape?"
>>194086
>a single claw print stepping in it. Only a single second claw print of blood exists, going in the direction of the aft deckhouse.
As in, like a hippogriff's claw?
Posey continues moving in that direction.
>>194088
>>194086
>>194089
What even is the rate of fire for machine guns in this game? How do they work? Do they interact with the rapid shot or burst fire feats? Are they AoE?
>a single claw print stepping in it. Only a single second claw print of blood exists, going in the direction of the aft deckhouse.
As in, like a hippogriff's claw?
Posey continues moving in that direction.
>>194088
>>194086
>>194089
What even is the rate of fire for machine guns in this game? How do they work? Do they interact with the rapid shot or burst fire feats? Are they AoE?
>>194078
^^
Vir rubs the back of her head with her hoof.
"I don't recall. It was some fancy pants stuff. She brought out just for me to sip. But don't worry about me, I'm already a moocher on the church's hospitality."
Then she smacks her lips.
"Then again, I could go for some milk."
^^
Vir rubs the back of her head with her hoof.
"I don't recall. It was some fancy pants stuff. She brought out just for me to sip. But don't worry about me, I'm already a moocher on the church's hospitality."
Then she smacks her lips.
"Then again, I could go for some milk."
>>194083
Posey scoffs
Transporting an unidentified magical cadaver without properly briefing the transport crew and taking proper containment measures, or even making sure it was fully dead? I have met smugglers and pirates who were more responsible with such cargo, and even they had a grisly margin of error when transporting Somnambulan relics without a seasoned Necrologist foal-sitting them. This would not be the first time the husk of dead demigod enslaved the crew transporting it."
Posey, still walking, turns to Blackheel
"Were you the only mage tasked with overseeing this mission? You clearly have other responsibilities aboard this ship other than commitment to practicing the arcane, so you could not have been the esoteric consultant on this ship. Does the Kostroma have any dedicated magewright we might run into?"
>>194089
Posey, ever the sanguine sommelier discreetly levitates a droplet of blood and samples it in the darkness.
Is that hippogriff blood?
Posey scoffs
Transporting an unidentified magical cadaver without properly briefing the transport crew and taking proper containment measures, or even making sure it was fully dead? I have met smugglers and pirates who were more responsible with such cargo, and even they had a grisly margin of error when transporting Somnambulan relics without a seasoned Necrologist foal-sitting them. This would not be the first time the husk of dead demigod enslaved the crew transporting it."
Posey, still walking, turns to Blackheel
"Were you the only mage tasked with overseeing this mission? You clearly have other responsibilities aboard this ship other than commitment to practicing the arcane, so you could not have been the esoteric consultant on this ship. Does the Kostroma have any dedicated magewright we might run into?"
>>194089
Posey, ever the sanguine sommelier discreetly levitates a droplet of blood and samples it in the darkness.
Is that hippogriff blood?
>>194096
Blackheel slightly narrows his eyes and his ears go down.
“Right….”
His ears go back up, and he relaxes his lips.
“You’ve repeatedly voiced frustration at your lack of understanding of how to kill it, what it can do, what its limits are, or even what it is, and you’ve been dancing with it the better part of a day. I think our scientists in Petershoof, who had never seen or interacted with it and still haven’t, can be forgiven for being unprepared. “
He looks down.
“Or maybe they can’t. Maybe they did know what they were dealing with. But no, I was not in charge of the scientific operations, rather morale and political coordination. The military command was split between Schattenwechsel as the military advisor and Captain Salted Watch in command of operating the ship.
He smiles
“But yes, we had an arcane scientific advisor, and I would venture to say that he quickly became more knowledgeable on the entity than anycreature else. I believe you’ve spoken to him.”
The blood is griffin blood.
>>194093
“No. We were in charge of the rear half of the vessel at the time, the half you now wish to go through.”
Blackheel slightly narrows his eyes and his ears go down.
“Right….”
His ears go back up, and he relaxes his lips.
“You’ve repeatedly voiced frustration at your lack of understanding of how to kill it, what it can do, what its limits are, or even what it is, and you’ve been dancing with it the better part of a day. I think our scientists in Petershoof, who had never seen or interacted with it and still haven’t, can be forgiven for being unprepared. “
He looks down.
“Or maybe they can’t. Maybe they did know what they were dealing with. But no, I was not in charge of the scientific operations, rather morale and political coordination. The military command was split between Schattenwechsel as the military advisor and Captain Salted Watch in command of operating the ship.
He smiles
“But yes, we had an arcane scientific advisor, and I would venture to say that he quickly became more knowledgeable on the entity than anycreature else. I believe you’ve spoken to him.”
The blood is griffin blood.
>>194093
“No. We were in charge of the rear half of the vessel at the time, the half you now wish to go through.”
>>194095
"Oh very well. Saves me the effort of boiling the water. Starting a fire." She gets up and walks towards a refrigerator in a not-actually separate kitchen area. "Oh my nephew hated the church. Never quite understood what his issue was. It's good to see little... big mares like you still appreciate it. Or at least their tea."
"Oh very well. Saves me the effort of boiling the water. Starting a fire." She gets up and walks towards a refrigerator in a not-actually separate kitchen area. "Oh my nephew hated the church. Never quite understood what his issue was. It's good to see little... big mares like you still appreciate it. Or at least their tea."
>>194097
>I think our scientists in Petershoof, who had never seen or interacted with it and still haven’t, can be forgiven for being unprepared.
"Oh, I can easily forgive the crew for being unprepared. It is the higher-ups who should have known better. I have seen enough times in my career." Posey replies
>But yes, we had an arcane scientific advisor, and I would venture to say that he quickly became more knowledgeable on the entity than anycreature else. I believe you’ve spoken to him.
"You mean Light Water? He was your leading expert on the Arcane? That comes as a surprise. I never heard of a hippogriff so precocious with the arcane. What sort of mage was he? It is better to know before we face him."
She looks towards the puddle of blood and squints
"This coagulation... Low PCV... This was the blood of a griffon, not a hippogriff. Unless there were griffons on the crew of the ship, the pirates went this way." She says
>I think our scientists in Petershoof, who had never seen or interacted with it and still haven’t, can be forgiven for being unprepared.
"Oh, I can easily forgive the crew for being unprepared. It is the higher-ups who should have known better. I have seen enough times in my career." Posey replies
>But yes, we had an arcane scientific advisor, and I would venture to say that he quickly became more knowledgeable on the entity than anycreature else. I believe you’ve spoken to him.
"You mean Light Water? He was your leading expert on the Arcane? That comes as a surprise. I never heard of a hippogriff so precocious with the arcane. What sort of mage was he? It is better to know before we face him."
She looks towards the puddle of blood and squints
"This coagulation... Low PCV... This was the blood of a griffon, not a hippogriff. Unless there were griffons on the crew of the ship, the pirates went this way." She says
>>194098
"Oh, I appreciate it more than for just its tea," Vir says and turns to display the faded sun emblem that covered her cloak's back. "I was raised on breast-wine and communion bread when I was tiny like a mouse. Squeak. Squeak."
"Oh, I appreciate it more than for just its tea," Vir says and turns to display the faded sun emblem that covered her cloak's back. "I was raised on breast-wine and communion bread when I was tiny like a mouse. Squeak. Squeak."
>>194097
>>194099
Cavaliere remarks, "Many unicorns believe they have a special affinity with arcane science, but there is nothing preventing another species from at least having a book knowledge of the field. In the end it doesn't matter how knowledgeable an arcane scientist is—the entity would have shown him exactly what he wanted, and a more skilled magician is only more dangerous under his thralldom."
>>194099
Cavaliere remarks, "Many unicorns believe they have a special affinity with arcane science, but there is nothing preventing another species from at least having a book knowledge of the field. In the end it doesn't matter how knowledgeable an arcane scientist is—the entity would have shown him exactly what he wanted, and a more skilled magician is only more dangerous under his thralldom."
>>194103
"I am well aware of the widespread and diverse practice of The Art. There are countless arcane traditions across the many creatures of this land; all of which are fascinating in their esoteric ways. We unicorns, however, have innate sensitivity to magic in our horns, and an ancient tradition of astronomy that formed the foundation of our eldritch prowess, which is why all of the mightiest mortal mages in history have been unicorns." Posey says
(This is not reflected in game mechanics)
He cannot be that skilled if he allowed himself to be enslaved. The results speak for themselves." Posey continues, turning up her chin
(t. is currently enslaved)
"A responsible arcanist would have taken precautions before the mission, and should have first determined if the cargo was safe to be transported at all with the given resources. It seems as though he got too enthusiastic believing he had found something special and forgot years of training in the blink of an eye. Not a mistake a trained and gifted unicorn such as I would have made."
(yeah, there was that thing with the cursed Tiara... but it was retconned :D)
"I am well aware of the widespread and diverse practice of The Art. There are countless arcane traditions across the many creatures of this land; all of which are fascinating in their esoteric ways. We unicorns, however, have innate sensitivity to magic in our horns, and an ancient tradition of astronomy that formed the foundation of our eldritch prowess, which is why all of the mightiest mortal mages in history have been unicorns." Posey says
(This is not reflected in game mechanics)
He cannot be that skilled if he allowed himself to be enslaved. The results speak for themselves." Posey continues, turning up her chin
(t. is currently enslaved)
"A responsible arcanist would have taken precautions before the mission, and should have first determined if the cargo was safe to be transported at all with the given resources. It seems as though he got too enthusiastic believing he had found something special and forgot years of training in the blink of an eye. Not a mistake a trained and gifted unicorn such as I would have made."
(yeah, there was that thing with the cursed Tiara... but it was retconned :D)
So, do we see anything in the deckhouse as we pass through it?
A detail of the stern half I forgot to mention:
A hatch on the cargo hold is open, but there is nothing remarkable. A boon has been lowered from the mast, but it isn't consistent with any clear intent, it seems like an accident.
The stern deckhouse is a single level. On top of it is a deck with railings holding a single, very large gun, elevated above the level of the roof. Likely a 4 inch gun. Somewhere behind it are two more guns, presumably 20's.
There are no lights on, inside nor outside. The door to the aft deckhouse is unlocked.
Inside, there is a small hallway with indistinct green painted walls to either side that stretches only 15 or so feet, and leads to a perpendicular hallway
A hatch on the cargo hold is open, but there is nothing remarkable. A boon has been lowered from the mast, but it isn't consistent with any clear intent, it seems like an accident.
The stern deckhouse is a single level. On top of it is a deck with railings holding a single, very large gun, elevated above the level of the roof. Likely a 4 inch gun. Somewhere behind it are two more guns, presumably 20's.
There are no lights on, inside nor outside. The door to the aft deckhouse is unlocked.
Inside, there is a small hallway with indistinct green painted walls to either side that stretches only 15 or so feet, and leads to a perpendicular hallway
>>194104
"Sure you wouldn't have"
Blackheel looks at Posey with a degree of annoyance and skepticism, like a child hearing stories told by his grandfather and doubtful of their veracity, or like a man listening to the fishing stories of his coworker.
>>194102
"Oh, you're a silly...." She leans forward and looks at the sun emblem. She is silenced by it, breathing out, then back in, slowly.
"Oh yes, he wouldn't have liked that. He wouldn't have liked that at all. i haven't seen a sun like that... In a while now..."
"Sure you wouldn't have"
Blackheel looks at Posey with a degree of annoyance and skepticism, like a child hearing stories told by his grandfather and doubtful of their veracity, or like a man listening to the fishing stories of his coworker.
>>194102
"Oh, you're a silly...." She leans forward and looks at the sun emblem. She is silenced by it, breathing out, then back in, slowly.
"Oh yes, he wouldn't have liked that. He wouldn't have liked that at all. i haven't seen a sun like that... In a while now..."
>>194129
Vir nods solmnely.
"It's the day star. I followed it from my homeland to this land, which we shall call... This land."
She looks out the window.
"I learnt at my home away from home that the equine egalitarians had told their statue of the sun goddess a joke so funny she lost her head."
Vir sat down in a chair at the table.
"The body without the head just did what felt right, and joined the rebellion. The head without the body didn't have anything to live for anymore, so it jumped off a bridge.
"I had to dive a thousand leagues and fight a furious amoeba. When I brought it back me and my sister's rejoiced with tea and biscuits.
"I set off after the body thinking a headless horse can't have walked too far. Expecting to find it repeatedly headbutt a wall. Sadly, it was not to be and I had to seek the aid of her assassins, the poners who dip their hooves in ink to hide her blood on them.
Vir turned her head to the mare.
"That's why I'm looking for that colt of yours. Its suspected that he fraternized with the body, saying something along the lines of, 'Sweet Celestia, you make me rock hard.'"
Vir nods solmnely.
"It's the day star. I followed it from my homeland to this land, which we shall call... This land."
She looks out the window.
"I learnt at my home away from home that the equine egalitarians had told their statue of the sun goddess a joke so funny she lost her head."
Vir sat down in a chair at the table.
"The body without the head just did what felt right, and joined the rebellion. The head without the body didn't have anything to live for anymore, so it jumped off a bridge.
"I had to dive a thousand leagues and fight a furious amoeba. When I brought it back me and my sister's rejoiced with tea and biscuits.
"I set off after the body thinking a headless horse can't have walked too far. Expecting to find it repeatedly headbutt a wall. Sadly, it was not to be and I had to seek the aid of her assassins, the poners who dip their hooves in ink to hide her blood on them.
Vir turned her head to the mare.
"That's why I'm looking for that colt of yours. Its suspected that he fraternized with the body, saying something along the lines of, 'Sweet Celestia, you make me rock hard.'"
>>194129
Posey puffs out her chest proudly as she passes, her perfect white chest fluff fluttering in the sea wind.
>>194128
Posey checks for any magical ammo in the guns before proceeding down to the hallway, furtively peering around the corner. She looks left and then right for any signs of creatures or other things of note, comfortable with her darkvision. She waits until she has made sure the coast is clear before waving the rest of the herd through.
Posey puffs out her chest proudly as she passes, her perfect white chest fluff fluttering in the sea wind.
>>194128
Posey checks for any magical ammo in the guns before proceeding down to the hallway, furtively peering around the corner. She looks left and then right for any signs of creatures or other things of note, comfortable with her darkvision. She waits until she has made sure the coast is clear before waving the rest of the herd through.
>>194131
>Posey checks for any magical ammo in the guns
Is the implication supposed to be that Posey will carry a 65 pound 4-inch shell if it is magical but will leave it behind if it is non-magical?
These are not machine guns. The 4-inch gun is an artillery piece weighing two and a half tons, larger in size than the main gun of a tank (but smaller in size than the main gun of a destroyer or heavy field artillery pieces) designed to shoot a 33-pound projectile accurately out to 3 and a half miles. The two 20-millimeter cannons are automatic canons that shoot several hundred explosive projectiles each four times the size of a .50 caliber bullet. The 4-inch gun is not directly on the deck but is raised on a platform above, and may move in most directions by a hydralic pump that isn't working at the moment. It may elevate straight up, but also below the horizon to allow it to shoot at submarines and fast attack craft. The two 20mm canons are not on the deck house, but platforms down and behind the main deckhouse on separate platforms. The guns are loaded, yes, but they are fed by an elevator from a magazine located below them. No, the ammunition is not magical. You have to take a detour to go on a set of stairs to go above the deckhouse to get to them.
>Posey checks for any magical ammo in the guns
Is the implication supposed to be that Posey will carry a 65 pound 4-inch shell if it is magical but will leave it behind if it is non-magical?
These are not machine guns. The 4-inch gun is an artillery piece weighing two and a half tons, larger in size than the main gun of a tank (but smaller in size than the main gun of a destroyer or heavy field artillery pieces) designed to shoot a 33-pound projectile accurately out to 3 and a half miles. The two 20-millimeter cannons are automatic canons that shoot several hundred explosive projectiles each four times the size of a .50 caliber bullet. The 4-inch gun is not directly on the deck but is raised on a platform above, and may move in most directions by a hydralic pump that isn't working at the moment. It may elevate straight up, but also below the horizon to allow it to shoot at submarines and fast attack craft. The two 20mm canons are not on the deck house, but platforms down and behind the main deckhouse on separate platforms. The guns are loaded, yes, but they are fed by an elevator from a magazine located below them. No, the ammunition is not magical. You have to take a detour to go on a set of stairs to go above the deckhouse to get to them.
>>194131
There are three dorm rooms, each with bunk beds. The beds and rooms vary from complete messes with even mattresses on the floor and clothes strewn about, to made up beds and clean rooms. The fourth room is an infirmary, with an empty bed and open, raided cabinets.
There are no creatures present, no locked doors, no lights turned on, no blood, and no bullet holes. There is a set of stairs going deeper into the ship.
There are three dorm rooms, each with bunk beds. The beds and rooms vary from complete messes with even mattresses on the floor and clothes strewn about, to made up beds and clean rooms. The fourth room is an infirmary, with an empty bed and open, raided cabinets.
There are no creatures present, no locked doors, no lights turned on, no blood, and no bullet holes. There is a set of stairs going deeper into the ship.
1769996603.png (361.1 KB, 640x536, look-ma-im-a-intimidating-pony-now-v0-yqsrfb8rg4df1.png)
>>194132
>Is the implication supposed to be that Posey will carry a 65 pound 4-inch shell if it is magical but will leave it behind if it is non-magical?
Posey would take it if it were magic.
>>194133
>The beds and rooms vary from complete messes with even mattresses on the floor and clothes strewn about, to made up beds and clean rooms. The fourth room is an infirmary, with an empty bed and open, raided cabinets.
"Somepony has been here. I suspect the pirates in the torpedo boat. The wounded griffin likely ransacked the infirmary for healing potions in desperation before moving on..."
>no blood
"And it seems he was successful, having stopped bleeding before he left here. I doubt there is anything left of value here, but those of you who are desperate enough could check." She says, strutting into the hallway
She proceeds towards the stairs, looking down the passageway as she makes way for the herd to enter the hallway and search the rooms if they do please.
I may as well roll to Search too, since I'm the one with darkvision. Posey searches the rooms for any items of value or interest.
[1d20+5 = (1+5) = 6]
I assume Monstro cannot squeeze into the deckhouse. Posey orders it to guard the entry behind them, and to slam its body on the deck to make noise in case a fight breaks out so that the herd will know they are being followed.
Pic unrelated
>Is the implication supposed to be that Posey will carry a 65 pound 4-inch shell if it is magical but will leave it behind if it is non-magical?
Posey would take it if it were magic.
>>194133
>The beds and rooms vary from complete messes with even mattresses on the floor and clothes strewn about, to made up beds and clean rooms. The fourth room is an infirmary, with an empty bed and open, raided cabinets.
"Somepony has been here. I suspect the pirates in the torpedo boat. The wounded griffin likely ransacked the infirmary for healing potions in desperation before moving on..."
>no blood
"And it seems he was successful, having stopped bleeding before he left here. I doubt there is anything left of value here, but those of you who are desperate enough could check." She says, strutting into the hallway
She proceeds towards the stairs, looking down the passageway as she makes way for the herd to enter the hallway and search the rooms if they do please.
I may as well roll to Search too, since I'm the one with darkvision. Posey searches the rooms for any items of value or interest.
[1d20+5 = (1+5) = 6]
I assume Monstro cannot squeeze into the deckhouse. Posey orders it to guard the entry behind them, and to slam its body on the deck to make noise in case a fight breaks out so that the herd will know they are being followed.
Pic unrelated
>>194134
>Nat 1 as she's walking towards the stairs in the dark
"W-woah!"
*Slips* BOINK CRASH "Owie..."
>Nat 1 as she's walking towards the stairs in the dark
"W-woah!"
*Slips* BOINK CRASH "Owie..."
>>194133
Search: Silver knows it's a long shot, but he checks to see if the ransackers left behind any combat drugs. Adrenaline, methamphetamine, etc.
[1d20 = 2]
Search: Silver knows it's a long shot, but he checks to see if the ransackers left behind any combat drugs. Adrenaline, methamphetamine, etc.
[1d20 = 2]
>>194134
>Posey would take it if it were magic.
It's a fuck off artillery shell. Either you want to use it as an IED or you don't want it at all. It's too big to carry. Also if there were magic shells, they'd probably be in the magazine below deck.
Posey does not find very much at all.
Monstro cannot fit inside the ship.
>>194135
clack
tick tick
tap tap tap
>>194136
Not even coffee or cigarettes
>Posey would take it if it were magic.
It's a fuck off artillery shell. Either you want to use it as an IED or you don't want it at all. It's too big to carry. Also if there were magic shells, they'd probably be in the magazine below deck.
Posey does not find very much at all.
Monstro cannot fit inside the ship.
>>194135
clack
tick tick
tap tap tap
>>194136
Not even coffee or cigarettes
>>194138
Oddly enough, Silver doesn't feel too bad about the lack of cigarettes. He hasn't felt the need to light up since becoming young again, though some coffee would be nice about now for himself and the others.
Survival: Somewhere in the darkness, a tongue is flicked out to try to pick out scents of hostiles.
[1d20+11 = (14+11) = 25]
Oddly enough, Silver doesn't feel too bad about the lack of cigarettes. He hasn't felt the need to light up since becoming young again, though some coffee would be nice about now for himself and the others.
Survival: Somewhere in the darkness, a tongue is flicked out to try to pick out scents of hostiles.
[1d20+11 = (14+11) = 25]
>>194138
If u find my post unrealisticly long and obnoxious, then I can write something simpler.
Vir slaps the old bat (not the one from before) and yells like batman, "Where are they?!"
"When did you see a sun like this last?"
Or something like that. ^^
I don't wanna make it too annoying for you.
If u find my post unrealisticly long and obnoxious, then I can write something simpler.
"When did you see a sun like this last?"
Or something like that. ^^
I don't wanna make it too annoying for you.
Roll initiative, guys. Seaponies are boarding the SSRS Kostroma. They be plunderin' you landlubbers clean, argh matey! Also, ahoy.
Meta note: This is a kill or be killed kinda encounter. Let blood spill! ^^
Meta note: This is a kill or be killed kinda encounter. Let blood spill! ^^
"Oh dear, look at me, flat-footed and prone at the bottom of these stairs, isolated from my party. I sure do hope some kind of horrifying monstrosity does not rush to the noise I just made and lunge out of the shadows at the edge of my infravision to attack me while I am vulnerable... I might lose my composure."
>>194246
This is an actual invitation to prompt serious, immersive, fear-based roleplay in the way DM expects based on whatever situation unfolds. Idk why I phrased it like a cheesy porno intro when I meant to say "I'm ready to take things seriously now", but multi-leveled irony is one hell of a drug.
This is an actual invitation to prompt serious, immersive, fear-based roleplay in the way DM expects based on whatever situation unfolds. Idk why I phrased it like a cheesy porno intro when I meant to say "I'm ready to take things seriously now", but multi-leveled irony is one hell of a drug.
I may not be able to play comfortably for about a week or so due to travel. I will try to check in anyway. If you can proceed without me, please do so and simply assume that Posey helps out in whatever way she can without expending spell spots.
My apologies for the inconvenience.
My apologies for the inconvenience.
>>194246
When I first saw this post, I was going to write something like the following:
Posey hears a clop, clop, clop growing slightly louder as she hears the sound of hooves clanking down the metal stairs. The sound pauses next to her, then continues. Blackheel comes into her peripheral vision, looking down toward her as he walks into the room.
“Honestly? Ask me later. When we are free of all of this mess, and can have time alone together.” He walks past into the room. More clopping, and Stainnd follows, though he does not stop to speak to her.
This would have been followed by a description of the contents of the room. The problem with this response is that something said in OOC
>these weeks long hiatuses are destroying my immersion
Is all too true. It would make more sense to back up the action
>>194248
> Idk why I phrased it like a cheesy porno intro
Yes you do
When I first saw this post, I was going to write something like the following:
Posey hears a clop, clop, clop growing slightly louder as she hears the sound of hooves clanking down the metal stairs. The sound pauses next to her, then continues. Blackheel comes into her peripheral vision, looking down toward her as he walks into the room.
“Honestly? Ask me later. When we are free of all of this mess, and can have time alone together.” He walks past into the room. More clopping, and Stainnd follows, though he does not stop to speak to her.
This would have been followed by a description of the contents of the room. The problem with this response is that something said in OOC
>these weeks long hiatuses are destroying my immersion
Is all too true. It would make more sense to back up the action
>>194248
> Idk why I phrased it like a cheesy porno intro
Yes you do
>>194263
>Is all too true. It would make more sense to back up the action
How far are we looking? I'd prefer if we have only a brief recap of "last time..." so we don't lose too much time.
>Is all too true. It would make more sense to back up the action
How far are we looking? I'd prefer if we have only a brief recap of "last time..." so we don't lose too much time.
>>194263
If it were possible for Posey's blood run any colder, it certainly would have as she realizes that she was being observed, the embarrassment worse than any monster that might have kept out of the darkness.
>would make more sense to back up the action
What do you mean by that?
If it were possible for Posey's blood run any colder, it certainly would have as she realizes that she was being observed, the embarrassment worse than any monster that might have kept out of the darkness.
>would make more sense to back up the action
What do you mean by that?
>>194265
continues scrunching
>>194268
What I meant by that was that after a long hiatus, the atmosphere needs to be reestablished. This takes or or two long posts to describe the sights, sounds, and other aspects of the environment. Ideally there should be two or three posts for the feeling to sink in, and then begin action. Or at the very least, the lead up to the action should not begin in the same post or at the same time as the reintroduction to the scene. The problem is that the party is entering into a new room, possibly one of only four before they reach the boiler, inclusive of the boiler room itself. Action can’t begin immediately in the room and the atmosphere be reestablished, nor would there be any time or room to build tension. Obviously not every room can or even should have any kind of action, but allowing the room to at least have the possibility of maybe not being empty like the last one is, I think, desirable. So I wanted to go back to the previous room to do the reintroduction, so that action could happen in the lower room, or at least, that the players should have some fear or concern or suspicion that action may occur in the lower room, and they don’t already know it to be empty.
continues scrunching
>>194268
What I meant by that was that after a long hiatus, the atmosphere needs to be reestablished. This takes or or two long posts to describe the sights, sounds, and other aspects of the environment. Ideally there should be two or three posts for the feeling to sink in, and then begin action. Or at the very least, the lead up to the action should not begin in the same post or at the same time as the reintroduction to the scene. The problem is that the party is entering into a new room, possibly one of only four before they reach the boiler, inclusive of the boiler room itself. Action can’t begin immediately in the room and the atmosphere be reestablished, nor would there be any time or room to build tension. Obviously not every room can or even should have any kind of action, but allowing the room to at least have the possibility of maybe not being empty like the last one is, I think, desirable. So I wanted to go back to the previous room to do the reintroduction, so that action could happen in the lower room, or at least, that the players should have some fear or concern or suspicion that action may occur in the lower room, and they don’t already know it to be empty.
>>194272
I second this. Two or three posts is nothing and they'll grease the wheels, so to speak. When would you like to start?
I second this. Two or three posts is nothing and they'll grease the wheels, so to speak. When would you like to start?
The fog that for so long had blanketed the island and smothered the field of view has retreated, if only somewhat, and instead forms a low hanging cloud that hides all light of the moon and stars. Should some creature look over to port, past the midship superstructure and towards the freighter's bow, they could see as far ahead as to the bow gun deck some 300 feet, illuminated by the dim and dying flood light atop the forward mast. But this orange and red glow is visible only past a haze, a white haze that from this distance looks almost like looking at the bow through fogged glasses. Or it would, were it not for the sheets of small, slowly moving raindrops that likewise crowd the field of view at far distances.
The bow is the only direction any one may see far. To port and starboard, and to the stern, there is only blackness. The bottoms of white tufted clouds sometimes dip into the field of view, reflecting the orange-yellow light, but not always, and they move out of view swiftly enough. Mostly the sky is just another dimension of black. To port, occasionally a small light of a cigarette lighter, or a flashlight will shine from the deck of the torpedo boat, and always a weak light shines through the dirty and half-blinded windows of the pilot house. They illuminate the black painted deck, the green wheelhouse, the grey sides of the freighter, and green-blue waves next to both vessels. But these lights only do so much to break up the blackness of the night. When any party member moves away from the side of the ship, and further onto the deck, the distant ocean becomes one with the licorice black sky, as does even the painted steel of the ship's railing.
The fog has retreated but it is not gone, and the surest sign is that the island shore, presumably only a third of a mile away - hopefully still only a third of a mile away - is completely invisible from the ship. Surely some activity of the GRU, be it the flashlights of search parties, campfires, or... something would shine through the darkness. It does not. Something must be obscuring their activities on the island from view. The Kostroma and the torpedo boat next it are alone in the night. Or at least, they seem to be.
But the party is not concerned with the horizon, even if what is beyond sight will soon enough concern them. Their concern is the aft deckhouse before them. The flood light on the aft side of the midship deckhouse, as well as the light atop the aft mast, are off. Only the silhouette outlining the stern of the ship, the aft deckhouse, and the gun and its platform above the aft deckhouse are visible against the black sky, when even that much can be discerned. But under the narrow cone of directed light from a flashlight, more can be seen. Little pools of water that trickle and flow towards the sides of the ship atop the dark-vanished hardwood deck, and still more small puddles of dark liquid. An open cargo hold revealing only a black, gaping rectangular opening in the deck. A crane lowered from the aft mast. A door cracked open at the entrance of the aft deckhouse. And droplets of falling rain reflecting the light everywhere the light points.
The wind picks up, coming as it often does in rain-laden gusts that roll over the hill of which the Kostroma is presumably still in the leeward, and bites at the wet fur and jackets of the party members. It creates the perception, if not the reality, of freezing temperatures that are one more inconvenience to ponies, griffins and friends who are surely already exhausted and tired from the day's events. The wind blows at the ears before just as quickly calming down, and small waves hit the side of the grounded vessel. But the waves are timid, calmed by the confines of the harbor, and even the sound of the wind does only so much to interfere with the calm of the night. The rain is too soft to make a sound as it settles upon every surface. Chatter from creatures atop the torpedo boat, or even in the boarding party, sometimes breaks through the silence and the wind. The clatter of a single wave moving with determination into the harbor overpowers the sound of so many of its smaller brethren. It must be the tide rising as it enters the harbor. It is this wave that is the best evidence that the Kostroma is still in its harbor only twenty miles removed from the mainland and not transported by some malign or mysterious will through a portal to some dimension where it is isolated in space and time.
The smell of salt water dominates. Salt, and the stinging smell of diesel fuel, though it is harder to perceive here. Most may not smell it at all.
The bow is the only direction any one may see far. To port and starboard, and to the stern, there is only blackness. The bottoms of white tufted clouds sometimes dip into the field of view, reflecting the orange-yellow light, but not always, and they move out of view swiftly enough. Mostly the sky is just another dimension of black. To port, occasionally a small light of a cigarette lighter, or a flashlight will shine from the deck of the torpedo boat, and always a weak light shines through the dirty and half-blinded windows of the pilot house. They illuminate the black painted deck, the green wheelhouse, the grey sides of the freighter, and green-blue waves next to both vessels. But these lights only do so much to break up the blackness of the night. When any party member moves away from the side of the ship, and further onto the deck, the distant ocean becomes one with the licorice black sky, as does even the painted steel of the ship's railing.
The fog has retreated but it is not gone, and the surest sign is that the island shore, presumably only a third of a mile away - hopefully still only a third of a mile away - is completely invisible from the ship. Surely some activity of the GRU, be it the flashlights of search parties, campfires, or... something would shine through the darkness. It does not. Something must be obscuring their activities on the island from view. The Kostroma and the torpedo boat next it are alone in the night. Or at least, they seem to be.
But the party is not concerned with the horizon, even if what is beyond sight will soon enough concern them. Their concern is the aft deckhouse before them. The flood light on the aft side of the midship deckhouse, as well as the light atop the aft mast, are off. Only the silhouette outlining the stern of the ship, the aft deckhouse, and the gun and its platform above the aft deckhouse are visible against the black sky, when even that much can be discerned. But under the narrow cone of directed light from a flashlight, more can be seen. Little pools of water that trickle and flow towards the sides of the ship atop the dark-vanished hardwood deck, and still more small puddles of dark liquid. An open cargo hold revealing only a black, gaping rectangular opening in the deck. A crane lowered from the aft mast. A door cracked open at the entrance of the aft deckhouse. And droplets of falling rain reflecting the light everywhere the light points.
The wind picks up, coming as it often does in rain-laden gusts that roll over the hill of which the Kostroma is presumably still in the leeward, and bites at the wet fur and jackets of the party members. It creates the perception, if not the reality, of freezing temperatures that are one more inconvenience to ponies, griffins and friends who are surely already exhausted and tired from the day's events. The wind blows at the ears before just as quickly calming down, and small waves hit the side of the grounded vessel. But the waves are timid, calmed by the confines of the harbor, and even the sound of the wind does only so much to interfere with the calm of the night. The rain is too soft to make a sound as it settles upon every surface. Chatter from creatures atop the torpedo boat, or even in the boarding party, sometimes breaks through the silence and the wind. The clatter of a single wave moving with determination into the harbor overpowers the sound of so many of its smaller brethren. It must be the tide rising as it enters the harbor. It is this wave that is the best evidence that the Kostroma is still in its harbor only twenty miles removed from the mainland and not transported by some malign or mysterious will through a portal to some dimension where it is isolated in space and time.
The smell of salt water dominates. Salt, and the stinging smell of diesel fuel, though it is harder to perceive here. Most may not smell it at all.
1774581400.png (916.8 KB, 3569x2214, d810i7z-5702b9ed-f32d-498f-ba85-0cd05a8be08c.png)
Hooray, I knew check-in my phone and 11:00 PM would be worth it.
>cigarette lighter
"No smoking until the oil is cleaned up!" Posey shouts
>lights go out
Posey pauses, alarmed by this development
"Either the generator on this ship has faltered, or it has been sabotaged. The only way to tell will be to investigate. Beware, the monsters summoned by the intruder can likely see in the dark, but meeting them down there barely more dangerous than waiting for them to pick us off up here..."
She gives a raspy huff and raises her head sticking out her chest, seemingly not bothered by the frigid winds. Despite her pose, a subtle hint of concern creeps across her stoic expression, betraying cautious uncertainty over how to proceed.
"... This is hostile territory. The enemy will surely be waiting to strike from around corners. Those who know the ship, keep speaking. The better we know the lower deck, the better prepared we will be for the eventual ambush. My nightvision spell can guide us forward, so stay beside me..." she says softly, slowly walking towards the center of the ship
>cigarette lighter
"No smoking until the oil is cleaned up!" Posey shouts
>lights go out
Posey pauses, alarmed by this development
"Either the generator on this ship has faltered, or it has been sabotaged. The only way to tell will be to investigate. Beware, the monsters summoned by the intruder can likely see in the dark, but meeting them down there barely more dangerous than waiting for them to pick us off up here..."
She gives a raspy huff and raises her head sticking out her chest, seemingly not bothered by the frigid winds. Despite her pose, a subtle hint of concern creeps across her stoic expression, betraying cautious uncertainty over how to proceed.
"... This is hostile territory. The enemy will surely be waiting to strike from around corners. Those who know the ship, keep speaking. The better we know the lower deck, the better prepared we will be for the eventual ambush. My nightvision spell can guide us forward, so stay beside me..." she says softly, slowly walking towards the center of the ship
The door to the aft deckhouse opens with a pull. Inside no light is on. Only darkness, and what is illuminated by what lights may be provided. The white paint of the steel walls has chipped away in some locations, though mostly it holds, darkened to an off-white by years of dirt, the marks of rubber soled boots, and soot from cigarettes and who knows what other sources. The floor is mostly dry, wetted in a few locations by tracks of what seem to be claw prints. Cabins dominate most of this level, deck three, of the aft deckhouse, which are on either side of a hallway that runs perpendicular to the entry hallway. At the end of the hallway is a set of metal stairs that go downwards. While the door is open, air moves through past the party and towards the blackness of the lower level.
Inside of the cabins, some beds are made. Some have covers pulled back and disheveled. And some have the sheets completely removed and mattresses cast on the floor. There are also lockers. Some are closed. Some are open. And some have clothing strewn onto the floor. One of the rooms - the one down the hallway to the far left of the entryway and the ship's starboard - is the infirmary. The bed is disturbed with the sheets partly pulled off. A couple cabinets are open. A few little brown glass bottles are empty and first aid kits are open. There are small rust-colored stains on the floor.
When the door is closed, only the hint of whistling wind can be heard, and this quiets deeper inside of the deckhouse. The same is true of the waves, which can be scarcely heard at all. Once or twice, the creaking of bending metal can be heard, and then the whole floor can be felt to push against your hooves and claws, pushing you upwards, before falling slightly. The vibrations or sounds of fans, or the buzzing of electronics that ought to drown out the sound of silence in any large vehicle are conspicuously absent. Instead, the party can only hear silence, occasionally broken by unknown sounds bleeding out from beyond the dark lower floor.
But of course, there is no sound of silence. Instead, there is always that dominating sound. That same sound, or rather pair of sounds, that have haunted the party since they first arrived onto the island. It's a sound most similar to a muffling effect, like being under water, combined with a high-pitched ring underneath similar in tone to tinnitus. It could be dismissed as the lingering effects of the machine guns earlier, were it the first time tonight it were heard. Instead, it is all too familiar. Two things, however, are different. One, the ringing sound is oddly quieter here than in the more quiet moments on the beach, or even on the deck. And second, the "muffled" sounds are less the generalized noise that has been so long heard, but are something closer to recognizable. Like the sounds of people talking heard through walls.
Inside of the cabins, some beds are made. Some have covers pulled back and disheveled. And some have the sheets completely removed and mattresses cast on the floor. There are also lockers. Some are closed. Some are open. And some have clothing strewn onto the floor. One of the rooms - the one down the hallway to the far left of the entryway and the ship's starboard - is the infirmary. The bed is disturbed with the sheets partly pulled off. A couple cabinets are open. A few little brown glass bottles are empty and first aid kits are open. There are small rust-colored stains on the floor.
When the door is closed, only the hint of whistling wind can be heard, and this quiets deeper inside of the deckhouse. The same is true of the waves, which can be scarcely heard at all. Once or twice, the creaking of bending metal can be heard, and then the whole floor can be felt to push against your hooves and claws, pushing you upwards, before falling slightly. The vibrations or sounds of fans, or the buzzing of electronics that ought to drown out the sound of silence in any large vehicle are conspicuously absent. Instead, the party can only hear silence, occasionally broken by unknown sounds bleeding out from beyond the dark lower floor.
But of course, there is no sound of silence. Instead, there is always that dominating sound. That same sound, or rather pair of sounds, that have haunted the party since they first arrived onto the island. It's a sound most similar to a muffling effect, like being under water, combined with a high-pitched ring underneath similar in tone to tinnitus. It could be dismissed as the lingering effects of the machine guns earlier, were it the first time tonight it were heard. Instead, it is all too familiar. Two things, however, are different. One, the ringing sound is oddly quieter here than in the more quiet moments on the beach, or even on the deck. And second, the "muffled" sounds are less the generalized noise that has been so long heard, but are something closer to recognizable. Like the sounds of people talking heard through walls.
>>194290
As Posey looks around her, in the little bubble where her eyes may pierce the veil of darkness, Posey realizes one thing, and one thing very well. Should the GRU appear through the fog with their long-range guns aimed and readied; should Our Fellow Traveler send another one of its "seraphs," or some other flying creation from beyond her bubble; should some pirate or Light Water himself snipe at her and her posse through the windows of the midship deckhouse - then Posey will have relatively little time to react. Posey's magical and physical talents are more favorable to her in closed spaces than on deck.
As Posey looks around her, in the little bubble where her eyes may pierce the veil of darkness, Posey realizes one thing, and one thing very well. Should the GRU appear through the fog with their long-range guns aimed and readied; should Our Fellow Traveler send another one of its "seraphs," or some other flying creation from beyond her bubble; should some pirate or Light Water himself snipe at her and her posse through the windows of the midship deckhouse - then Posey will have relatively little time to react. Posey's magical and physical talents are more favorable to her in closed spaces than on deck.
>>194289
>>194291
Silver grimaces, a mixture of the cold and the utter blackness of the hostile location they're about to enter getting under his floof-covered skin, but he stands back up straight and resolute, knowing that this is what he was born for. He is a warrior, a soldier, and just like his ancestors he will stand firm against the icy chill.
Kira, meanwhile, while having been born a Hunter in her clan, is more out of her element here. Salt and sea are a far cry from the tall grass and acacia tree which she finds at home in, hiding from both predator and prey. She grips her bow tightly and reassuringly, and continues to offer up thanks for the protection Ouroboros is granting her from the cold in this frozen wasteland. "Well, we're raw-dogging this ship, then...I don't remember it being this spooky when I was hiding in that crate of bananas..."
As they travel down the metal-clad hallways, Kira flicks her tongue in the air, trying to catch scents but mostly getting metal and oil. When they pass near to the infirmary she does catch the whiff of what the rust-colored stain is: blood.
>>194291
Silver grimaces, a mixture of the cold and the utter blackness of the hostile location they're about to enter getting under his floof-covered skin, but he stands back up straight and resolute, knowing that this is what he was born for. He is a warrior, a soldier, and just like his ancestors he will stand firm against the icy chill.
Kira, meanwhile, while having been born a Hunter in her clan, is more out of her element here. Salt and sea are a far cry from the tall grass and acacia tree which she finds at home in, hiding from both predator and prey. She grips her bow tightly and reassuringly, and continues to offer up thanks for the protection Ouroboros is granting her from the cold in this frozen wasteland. "Well, we're raw-dogging this ship, then...I don't remember it being this spooky when I was hiding in that crate of bananas..."
As they travel down the metal-clad hallways, Kira flicks her tongue in the air, trying to catch scents but mostly getting metal and oil. When they pass near to the infirmary she does catch the whiff of what the rust-colored stain is: blood.
>>194289
>>194291
Cavaliere's motions seem more deliberate than usual. One may ascribe this to fatigue, but the more perceptive will notice that he is paying close attention to his surroundings, listening to the air as he avoids the pools. "The creatures here left in a hurry, and I suggest we don't linger any longer than needed," he states softly. "Some of the lockers are sealed; if you want to break into them, I recommend being quick and quiet."
>>194290
"You are the only one of us with that uncanny ability. If we're not to stumble our way through this place, you have to describe everything to us. A light in a closed room isn't particularly dangerous regardless."
>>194293
Maybe Kira wouldn't know what "raw-dogging" is
>>194291
Cavaliere's motions seem more deliberate than usual. One may ascribe this to fatigue, but the more perceptive will notice that he is paying close attention to his surroundings, listening to the air as he avoids the pools. "The creatures here left in a hurry, and I suggest we don't linger any longer than needed," he states softly. "Some of the lockers are sealed; if you want to break into them, I recommend being quick and quiet."
>>194290
"You are the only one of us with that uncanny ability. If we're not to stumble our way through this place, you have to describe everything to us. A light in a closed room isn't particularly dangerous regardless."
>>194293
Maybe Kira wouldn't know what "raw-dogging" is
>>194294
Kira looks to the tip of her tail. "Well, I'm not really trained in it, but I could see if I could hit the tumblers."
You'd have to ask her about it to find out.
Kira looks to the tip of her tail. "Well, I'm not really trained in it, but I could see if I could hit the tumblers."
You'd have to ask her about it to find out.
>>194292
As a crypt-dwelling monstrosity and touch-spell specialist, Posey realizes this as her instincts kick in, and makes a more resolute pose, fondling her sword handle ready to draw it
"Come quickly. We are sitting ducks if we stay in the open." she says to the party, gliding through the aft deckhouse
>>194291
Nice description
>always that dominating sound
"That damn noise... What could it mean?" Posey grimaces, flickering her sensitive vampony ears
As the party occultist, Posey puts the gears in her head to work Jimmy Neutron style trying to figure out what this sound effect is. She pauses and closes her eyes to concentrate before she asks herself the following questions:
Is this a real physical sound, or an ambient psychic/telepathic noise?
What threats might it pose to Posey or her allies?
If so, how might she counter them?
Can she discern the source of the noise?
Could she discern any useful messages or information from the sounds like muffled speaking?
Arcana (knowledge check)
[1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
Listen (to make out the message/noise)
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Sense Motive (to discern intent)
[1d20+1 = (16+1) = 17]
Concentration (to focus on any mental affects)
[1d20+13 = (8+13) = 21]
I guess I'll also roll Search to investigate the room
[1d20+5 = (10+5) = 15]
As a crypt-dwelling monstrosity and touch-spell specialist, Posey realizes this as her instincts kick in, and makes a more resolute pose, fondling her sword handle ready to draw it
"Come quickly. We are sitting ducks if we stay in the open." she says to the party, gliding through the aft deckhouse
>>194291
Nice description
>always that dominating sound
"That damn noise... What could it mean?" Posey grimaces, flickering her sensitive vampony ears
As the party occultist, Posey puts the gears in her head to work Jimmy Neutron style trying to figure out what this sound effect is. She pauses and closes her eyes to concentrate before she asks herself the following questions:
Is this a real physical sound, or an ambient psychic/telepathic noise?
What threats might it pose to Posey or her allies?
If so, how might she counter them?
Can she discern the source of the noise?
Could she discern any useful messages or information from the sounds like muffled speaking?
Arcana (knowledge check)
[1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
Listen (to make out the message/noise)
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Sense Motive (to discern intent)
[1d20+1 = (16+1) = 17]
Concentration (to focus on any mental affects)
[1d20+13 = (8+13) = 21]
I guess I'll also roll Search to investigate the room
[1d20+5 = (10+5) = 15]
>>194296
>Arcana
>Listen
>Sense
>Concentration
It sounds muffled - some more normal sound disrupted and disharmonized by some physical impediment, or failure of the senses. She seeks to hear with greater clarity. And what she hears....
She knows it by analogy. This is not the form that the music takes, mind you, but the form molded by Posey's mind so that she may understand through analogy.
A filly walks in a clearing in the forest gathering the flowers that grow wild, and the edible varieties of mushroom. She hears music coming from the tree line. It is of an older style, maybe known to her ancestors, but not often played by the old folk of the village. At least, not outdoors. She knows what it is. She sees silhouettes dancing round through the tree line. She moves closer, and her eyes confirm. The Fair Folk dance to the melody, a melody so harmonious and full of whimsy that the filly wishes only to lope in and join their circle, dancing with them under the sun and moonlight for all eternity as the mundane world passes through its cycles around them. One of the fair folk takes notice and looks back to her with its black eyes, offering a hoof. It beckons.
But Posey isn't like that little filly. She is not a youthful mare full of lust and wonder. She has not sought the beauty in things for many years. She is old and tired. tired of the world. Stressed and pushed by needs. And neither does the melody passively reflect the rhythmic revelry of the old ones. It calls to her. Promises to her. Promises that she too, may be a filly again, with youth and wander for new things. That she may see a world - a wonderous, new world, free of woe and envy. No need to prove who you are. You may have peace in being, little filly.
Take my hoof. That reflection you see in my black eyes isn't you as you are. It's you as you could be. As you should be. Full of love and wonder, and hardly a care. Come with me little filly. We shall dance under the light even as all the world withers away.
>Arcana
>Listen
>Sense
>Concentration
It sounds muffled - some more normal sound disrupted and disharmonized by some physical impediment, or failure of the senses. She seeks to hear with greater clarity. And what she hears....
She knows it by analogy. This is not the form that the music takes, mind you, but the form molded by Posey's mind so that she may understand through analogy.
A filly walks in a clearing in the forest gathering the flowers that grow wild, and the edible varieties of mushroom. She hears music coming from the tree line. It is of an older style, maybe known to her ancestors, but not often played by the old folk of the village. At least, not outdoors. She knows what it is. She sees silhouettes dancing round through the tree line. She moves closer, and her eyes confirm. The Fair Folk dance to the melody, a melody so harmonious and full of whimsy that the filly wishes only to lope in and join their circle, dancing with them under the sun and moonlight for all eternity as the mundane world passes through its cycles around them. One of the fair folk takes notice and looks back to her with its black eyes, offering a hoof. It beckons.
But Posey isn't like that little filly. She is not a youthful mare full of lust and wonder. She has not sought the beauty in things for many years. She is old and tired. tired of the world. Stressed and pushed by needs. And neither does the melody passively reflect the rhythmic revelry of the old ones. It calls to her. Promises to her. Promises that she too, may be a filly again, with youth and wander for new things. That she may see a world - a wonderous, new world, free of woe and envy. No need to prove who you are. You may have peace in being, little filly.
Take my hoof. That reflection you see in my black eyes isn't you as you are. It's you as you could be. As you should be. Full of love and wonder, and hardly a care. Come with me little filly. We shall dance under the light even as all the world withers away.
>>194297
Posey grimaces before shaking her head and biting her lower lip with her fangs to rid herself of the feeling, letting out a low pained hiss. She knows better than to engage with the voices, but that doesn't make it any more pleasant to resist.
"Keeping moving, everypony. Keep talking too if you can, about anything. The enemy will appear out of thin air when it feels like it, so being covert is less of a priority. Focus on anything but that noise." she says to the group
she turns to Blackheel
"Which way to the boiler?"
Posey grimaces before shaking her head and biting her lower lip with her fangs to rid herself of the feeling, letting out a low pained hiss. She knows better than to engage with the voices, but that doesn't make it any more pleasant to resist.
"Keeping moving, everypony. Keep talking too if you can, about anything. The enemy will appear out of thin air when it feels like it, so being covert is less of a priority. Focus on anything but that noise." she says to the group
she turns to Blackheel
"Which way to the boiler?"
>>194298
Kira sticks a hoof in her ear, turning it around as if to clean it out. "Yeah, that noise is annoying. I wonder if it's just a natural passive result of the Traveler's presence or if it's an ability the Traveler is actively using to try to make us all go insane. It's kinda like that thing the kirins use, that water torture thing where they hang a bucket above your head and let the water slowly drip onto you, except this is sound instead of water. Can you even call this sound? It's like it just bypasses my ears entirely to try to mess with my brain."
Silver tilts his head. "You are hearing something?"
Это место занято, Демон.
Kira sticks a hoof in her ear, turning it around as if to clean it out. "Yeah, that noise is annoying. I wonder if it's just a natural passive result of the Traveler's presence or if it's an ability the Traveler is actively using to try to make us all go insane. It's kinda like that thing the kirins use, that water torture thing where they hang a bucket above your head and let the water slowly drip onto you, except this is sound instead of water. Can you even call this sound? It's like it just bypasses my ears entirely to try to mess with my brain."
Silver tilts his head. "You are hearing something?"
Это место занято, Демон.
>>194298
Blackheel points his hoof down the corridor perpendicular to the ship, towards an open door that is on the left relative to Posey's perspective and offset to port relative to the ship. Posey can see metal steps going down, out of her field of view. She could feel - before the door was closed - a draft passing by, from outside and down, inwards, into the ship. And she can hear the call reverberate up the stairwell, and out the open door.
Blackheel points his hoof down the corridor perpendicular to the ship, towards an open door that is on the left relative to Posey's perspective and offset to port relative to the ship. Posey can see metal steps going down, out of her field of view. She could feel - before the door was closed - a draft passing by, from outside and down, inwards, into the ship. And she can hear the call reverberate up the stairwell, and out the open door.
>>194300
Posey slowly proceeds towards the door, checking for any tripwires before she moves through.
Posey slowly proceeds towards the door, checking for any tripwires before she moves through.
>>194300
Rolling basic perception for what she finds as she proceeds:
Spot
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
Listen
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
Rolling basic perception for what she finds as she proceeds:
Spot
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
Listen
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
>>194295
Cavaliere shines his flashlight over to one of the lockers.
"You could try one of them. When it comes to these locks you want to match the numbers that were used to set the lock. There is a mechanism inside and if you have patience and sensitive feeling, you can tell what the right combination is. Sophisticated locks can take years of practice, but these look simple enough for a beginner to try."
Cavaliere shines his flashlight over to one of the lockers.
"You could try one of them. When it comes to these locks you want to match the numbers that were used to set the lock. There is a mechanism inside and if you have patience and sensitive feeling, you can tell what the right combination is. Sophisticated locks can take years of practice, but these look simple enough for a beginner to try."
>>194303
Kira slithers over to the locker, inspecting it and especially the lock which keeps it shut. She holds her pendent with a hoof and it glows with a slight golden light, which she uses to look inside the lock with her keen snake eyes.
Open Lock: Using the very tip of her tail, Kira tries inserting it into the keyhole and turn the tumblers with it such that it unlocks.
[1d20+1 = (11+1) = 12]
Kira slithers over to the locker, inspecting it and especially the lock which keeps it shut. She holds her pendent with a hoof and it glows with a slight golden light, which she uses to look inside the lock with her keen snake eyes.
Open Lock: Using the very tip of her tail, Kira tries inserting it into the keyhole and turn the tumblers with it such that it unlocks.
[1d20+1 = (11+1) = 12]
>>194304
Her tail is just a bit too fat and not quite dexterous enough to move the tumblers. It does not open.
Her tail is just a bit too fat and not quite dexterous enough to move the tumblers. It does not open.
>>194305
Kira scrunches, and stares intently at the lock. She grabs onto the locker and tries to shake it back, forth, and around violently, thinking that maybe she can tumble the tumblers into position if she just adds a bit of percussive maintenance.
[1d20 = 11]
Kira scrunches, and stares intently at the lock. She grabs onto the locker and tries to shake it back, forth, and around violently, thinking that maybe she can tumble the tumblers into position if she just adds a bit of percussive maintenance.
[1d20 = 11]
>>194307
The snake becomes scrunchier, and she even lets out a "reeeeeee" as she shakes it a bit more for good measure. Eventually she halts the shaking and slumps down with legs crossed and face frowning. However, she looks up and raises an eyebrow as an idea crosses her mind. She stares intently at the lock, sticks her legs out towards it and moves them in circles, calling out, "In the name of Ouroboros I command you to open!"
There's no magic actually involved in this act and her pendent doesn't glow, it's not even certain if she even knows a spell to open locks with, but there's nothing wrong with just seeing if either the power of the mind can cause it to open or if the universe decides to give her a freebee.
[1d20 = 13]
The snake becomes scrunchier, and she even lets out a "reeeeeee" as she shakes it a bit more for good measure. Eventually she halts the shaking and slumps down with legs crossed and face frowning. However, she looks up and raises an eyebrow as an idea crosses her mind. She stares intently at the lock, sticks her legs out towards it and moves them in circles, calling out, "In the name of Ouroboros I command you to open!"
There's no magic actually involved in this act and her pendent doesn't glow, it's not even certain if she even knows a spell to open locks with, but there's nothing wrong with just seeing if either the power of the mind can cause it to open or if the universe decides to give her a freebee.
[1d20 = 13]
>>194309
flicks tongue indeed, as she pouts at the locker. "Well, you're no fun."
Strength: With a sigh, Kira sees if she can force the locker open through brute strength.
[1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]
flicks tongue indeed, as she pouts at the locker. "Well, you're no fun."
Strength: With a sigh, Kira sees if she can force the locker open through brute strength.
[1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]
>>194310
Kira slams against the locker. It bends and folds in odd ways, clearly damaged. It hurts to hit, as it must be made of steel. Kira is making quite a bit of noise doing this.
Kira slams against the locker. It bends and folds in odd ways, clearly damaged. It hurts to hit, as it must be made of steel. Kira is making quite a bit of noise doing this.
>>194313
Kira smiles at the griffons concern. She drapes the end of her tail around the pretty catbird's shoulders. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just this silly locker." She looks side to side as if someone close by is listening in on them, before leaning in towards Garv and whispering, "I think the Traveler put an evil hex on the locker to keep it from being opened."
Kira smiles at the griffons concern. She drapes the end of her tail around the pretty catbird's shoulders. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just this silly locker." She looks side to side as if someone close by is listening in on them, before leaning in towards Garv and whispering, "I think the Traveler put an evil hex on the locker to keep it from being opened."
Sorry, I've been busy.
We're trying to open a door?
Posey attempts to bisect the lock with her mind samurai style using iajutsu focus. She rapidly draws her sword and strikes, taking 10 on her focus rule.
Rolling sunder against it's AC (5?)
[1d20+7 = (10+7) = 17]
Damage
[1d8+5 = (2+5) = 7] [2d6 = 4]
We're trying to open a door?
Posey attempts to bisect the lock with her mind samurai style using iajutsu focus. She rapidly draws her sword and strikes, taking 10 on her focus rule.
Rolling sunder against it's AC (5?)
[1d20+7 = (10+7) = 17]
Damage
[1d8+5 = (2+5) = 7] [2d6 = 4]
>>194314
Cavaliere has to brace himself against the heavy tail. He remarks, "If it was important, the crew would have opened it before leaving. It was a good attempt but let's try to avoid making more noise than necessary."
Cavaliere has to brace himself against the heavy tail. He remarks, "If it was important, the crew would have opened it before leaving. It was a good attempt but let's try to avoid making more noise than necessary."
>>194315
Yes. Soon (TM)
>>194316
To clarify, Kira and Cavaliere are in one of the cabins trying to break into a locker. It's a smaller locker made of steel. Kira was able to severely damage one, and likely would have shattered it open if she hit it again. But it's steel. Thin steel. It will give way if you hit it hard enough with something like flesh or a sharp weapon. But doing more damage to it than it does to you does not mean it does not damage you.
Yes. Soon (TM)
>>194316
To clarify, Kira and Cavaliere are in one of the cabins trying to break into a locker. It's a smaller locker made of steel. Kira was able to severely damage one, and likely would have shattered it open if she hit it again. But it's steel. Thin steel. It will give way if you hit it hard enough with something like flesh or a sharp weapon. But doing more damage to it than it does to you does not mean it does not damage you.
>>194318
Posey is attacking it with a +2 weapon and ki focus: harder than normal steel or even tempered steel, so it should overcome the hardness of the locker. Can she not hack it open by striking it repeatedly?
If Posey takes 20 using one of her nonmagical weapons or her slam attack (she doesn't care if it hurts her), she could eventually hit a 19 on iajutsu and deal +4d6 damage to it, which I think should be enough to meet the break DC.
If we have no way to open it, we should just keep moving towards the boiler. We can always come back for this later.
Also, this is a case for Silver to learn Mountain Hammer (the Fighter's Lockpick) if he rebuilds after this mission.
Posey is attacking it with a +2 weapon and ki focus: harder than normal steel or even tempered steel, so it should overcome the hardness of the locker. Can she not hack it open by striking it repeatedly?
If Posey takes 20 using one of her nonmagical weapons or her slam attack (she doesn't care if it hurts her), she could eventually hit a 19 on iajutsu and deal +4d6 damage to it, which I think should be enough to meet the break DC.
If we have no way to open it, we should just keep moving towards the boiler. We can always come back for this later.
Also, this is a case for Silver to learn Mountain Hammer (the Fighter's Lockpick) if he rebuilds after this mission.
"We do not have time for this. The boiler is about to die. Onwards."
Posey gives up on opening the locker and proceeds towards the boiler room.
Posey gives up on opening the locker and proceeds towards the boiler room.
>>194320
The locker is visibly damaged, bent towards the right, and with the door appearing stuck in its frame. Maybe Kira could have broken it open, if only she struck a second time.
Posey lines up her sword before taking the strike. When it comes down, it comes downwards and to the right. There is a very loud "CLANG," and viewing in slow motion, the sword hits, bends the steel, bounces, bites and slides back down before the frame of the locker breaks, and then bends. The sword moves backwards, stabs into the wooden panel of the wall and hits the steel hull of the ship behind it with another, smaller "clang," before coming to a rest partly in the wood of the paneling. The door falls over, before falling out on the floor with still another clang. Some fabric item falls out, followed by a porcelin something that hits the floor and breaks.
Distantly, and downstairs, there is a "Tap tap," as if metal tapping against metal in reply.
The locker is visibly damaged, bent towards the right, and with the door appearing stuck in its frame. Maybe Kira could have broken it open, if only she struck a second time.
Posey lines up her sword before taking the strike. When it comes down, it comes downwards and to the right. There is a very loud "CLANG," and viewing in slow motion, the sword hits, bends the steel, bounces, bites and slides back down before the frame of the locker breaks, and then bends. The sword moves backwards, stabs into the wooden panel of the wall and hits the steel hull of the ship behind it with another, smaller "clang," before coming to a rest partly in the wood of the paneling. The door falls over, before falling out on the floor with still another clang. Some fabric item falls out, followed by a porcelin something that hits the floor and breaks.
Distantly, and downstairs, there is a "Tap tap," as if metal tapping against metal in reply.
>>194331
The porcelain figure is a small statuette of Celestia. Princess Celestia. It was solid, and Cavaliere can tell that because it has broken. While most of the statuette is now in two pieces, little flakes have broken away in such a way that it can't exactly be put back together again elegantly.
The porcelain figure is a small statuette of Celestia. Princess Celestia. It was solid, and Cavaliere can tell that because it has broken. While most of the statuette is now in two pieces, little flakes have broken away in such a way that it can't exactly be put back together again elegantly.
>>194332
"That is interesting. Tell me, why would a communist crewpony sailing from a communist country be keeping a statuette of his former alicorn 'oppressor'?"
"That is interesting. Tell me, why would a communist crewpony sailing from a communist country be keeping a statuette of his former alicorn 'oppressor'?"
>>194332
What if somepony were to cast Mending?
Defiant Dust didn't prepare his orisons, iirc. He could take 10 minutes to prep that.
Anyways, time to keep moving. How much further to the boiler?
What if somepony were to cast Mending?
Defiant Dust didn't prepare his orisons, iirc. He could take 10 minutes to prep that.
Anyways, time to keep moving. How much further to the boiler?
>>194330
>Distantly, and downstairs, there is a "Tap tap," as if metal tapping against metal in reply.
Posey rushes to investigate the sound.
>Distantly, and downstairs, there is a "Tap tap," as if metal tapping against metal in reply.
Posey rushes to investigate the sound.
>>194320
Blackheel:
"What are you doing?! Kill the hippogriff, banish that Chernobog, and let us be gone from here."
>>194333
Blackheel:
"Ugh... the same reason some keep gambling dice or alcohol, I assume."
>>194334
Presumably it is a scarf, though it is thin for that purpose. The fabric is black with a golden floral pattern on it. It may be gold stitched into silk. It may also be dyed thread on thin cotton. Hard to tell. The statue was pretty
>>194335
>distance to the boiler
Hard to tell in doors
>>194336
Steel and wood separates Posey from the sound. It's coming from downstairs. Downstairs and in the direction of the bow.
Blackheel:
"What are you doing?! Kill the hippogriff, banish that Chernobog, and let us be gone from here."
>>194333
Blackheel:
"Ugh... the same reason some keep gambling dice or alcohol, I assume."
>>194334
Presumably it is a scarf, though it is thin for that purpose. The fabric is black with a golden floral pattern on it. It may be gold stitched into silk. It may also be dyed thread on thin cotton. Hard to tell. The statue was pretty
>>194335
>distance to the boiler
Hard to tell in doors
>>194336
Steel and wood separates Posey from the sound. It's coming from downstairs. Downstairs and in the direction of the bow.
>>194337
Cavaliere smiles subtly and nods at Blackheel's chagrin. "Never underestimate a soldier's ability to smuggle contraband under your nose."
"Are we ready to go?" he asks the others. "We should be quick."
Cavaliere smiles subtly and nods at Blackheel's chagrin. "Never underestimate a soldier's ability to smuggle contraband under your nose."
"Are we ready to go?" he asks the others. "We should be quick."
>>194337
Kira wraps the scarf around her neck for extra warmth, before both her and Silver join the others in their journey to the boiler.
Kira wraps the scarf around her neck for extra warmth, before both her and Silver join the others in their journey to the boiler.
>>194341
As far as she can get towards the boiler, unless obstructed or distracted by something interesting along the way.
As far as she can get towards the boiler, unless obstructed or distracted by something interesting along the way.
>>194341
I think I misunderstood the question.
Posey proceeds downstairs, in whatever direction she needs to move to reach the boiler.
It's not super easy for me to visualize the path without a grid map, so please just assume by default that we are following a logical route based on Blackheel's instructions, or just following Blackheel.
I think I misunderstood the question.
Posey proceeds downstairs, in whatever direction she needs to move to reach the boiler.
It's not super easy for me to visualize the path without a grid map, so please just assume by default that we are following a logical route based on Blackheel's instructions, or just following Blackheel.
Are we able to make it to the boiler? Does anything get in our way?
>>194346
>>194346
Going down the stairs and into the hull are one or more small rooms of unknown purpose. Heading towards the bow from there is Cargo hold 5. From there towards the bow is Cargo Hold 4. And then from there, in the middle of the ship, under the midship deckhouse, is the boiler room. The cargo holds have an upper level and a lower level. Going down the stairs places you more or less on that upper level. But there are rooms under the stern deckhouse, and before Cargo Hold 5
>>194346
Going down the stairs and into the hull are one or more small rooms of unknown purpose. Heading towards the bow from there is Cargo hold 5. From there towards the bow is Cargo Hold 4. And then from there, in the middle of the ship, under the midship deckhouse, is the boiler room. The cargo holds have an upper level and a lower level. Going down the stairs places you more or less on that upper level. But there are rooms under the stern deckhouse, and before Cargo Hold 5
>>194352
Posey travels down the stairs immediately.
(I thought I said that already. Sorry.)
What does she see at the bottom?
Posey travels down the stairs immediately.
(I thought I said that already. Sorry.)
What does she see at the bottom?
>>194339
Posey, evidently, is on her way down the stairs
>>194342
Kira may or may not go down the stairs
>>194321
Zara is in the hallway of the deckhouse, peaking into one of the rooms where Stained Sand and another pony are walking in and investigating it. Mala is behind her in the hallway, though he is occupied by Patient Pippette, who seems to be trying to directly engage with him by... examing the patterns of his fur? It's not obvious.
Zara turns her head to look back towards Silver.
"I'... Yes" She answers, simply
Posey, evidently, is on her way down the stairs
>>194342
Kira may or may not go down the stairs
>>194321
Zara is in the hallway of the deckhouse, peaking into one of the rooms where Stained Sand and another pony are walking in and investigating it. Mala is behind her in the hallway, though he is occupied by Patient Pippette, who seems to be trying to directly engage with him by... examing the patterns of his fur? It's not obvious.
Zara turns her head to look back towards Silver.
"I'... Yes" She answers, simply
>>194353
Looking down the stairs, Posey can see a steel wall that curves backwards as it comes closer to the ceiling. This must be the backside of the ship. There are a couple shelves, and in the center of the room, and to the left of the stairs (but starboard for the ship) is a large, gear mechanism. Or like half of a gear, connected to other machinery.
Looking down the stairs, Posey can see a steel wall that curves backwards as it comes closer to the ceiling. This must be the backside of the ship. There are a couple shelves, and in the center of the room, and to the left of the stairs (but starboard for the ship) is a large, gear mechanism. Or like half of a gear, connected to other machinery.
Cavaliere reluctantly turns off his flashlight and follows Posey down at a short distance. He looks up and says, "We shouldn't lose sight of each other. Let's form a file so none of us gets lost and we can respond to anything we find."
>>194357
>>194356
The room is mostly empty. Oddly empty, in a way. Unlike the rooms upstairs, where the walls were covered in wood paneling, here the walls are naked steel. It's the structure of the ship, only three quarters of an inch separate from the exterior with nothing between. There are steel "ribs" every twenty inches or so, which protrude three or so inches. Everything is painted white, and it almost seems to glow in Posey's field of vision. The room is shaped to the end of the ship, curved in a not-quite half circle with rounded edges. The floor seems to be a sort of grated metal, presumably to prevent slipping when wet. There are two shelves on the left and the right. There seem to be boxes on them with lubricating oil and rope, if Posey could guess, but she can't really know for sure, and there is more empty space than filled. The great gear-mechanism that occupies the center of the room seems to be its purpose. It still only occupies perhaps a fifth of its area.
Turning around and towards the bow of the ship is a wall, not all that many feet past her. It has two doors. The door on the left is closed. The door on the right is cracked slightly open, though she cannot see past the darkness into that room. To the far left on the left wall of the room is a duct - not hidden behind a wall but on top of the wall, completely exposed. It emits a slight sucking sound.
But the most interesting sight in the room - even more than the gear mechanism, is what lay on the floor a foot left of, and perhaps four feet in front of the right door.
There is a pool of blood, partly dried, which covers a three foot radius area of the floor. In the center of that radius is... to be blunt, part of a griffin. "Part," because the hind quarters, the hind legs and the like, are completely missing. The griffin - it seems to be a male - has outstretched claws reaching forward as if in the direction of the stairs. Its beak is closed, its golden eyes remain open and in the direction of the stairs, its tan jacket has some blood on it but is mostly intact, its dark red feathers and wings remain close to its body, and it lies on its belly, as if crawling to the stairs. Everything below its ribcage is missing. No entrails are strewn behind it.
>>194356
The room is mostly empty. Oddly empty, in a way. Unlike the rooms upstairs, where the walls were covered in wood paneling, here the walls are naked steel. It's the structure of the ship, only three quarters of an inch separate from the exterior with nothing between. There are steel "ribs" every twenty inches or so, which protrude three or so inches. Everything is painted white, and it almost seems to glow in Posey's field of vision. The room is shaped to the end of the ship, curved in a not-quite half circle with rounded edges. The floor seems to be a sort of grated metal, presumably to prevent slipping when wet. There are two shelves on the left and the right. There seem to be boxes on them with lubricating oil and rope, if Posey could guess, but she can't really know for sure, and there is more empty space than filled. The great gear-mechanism that occupies the center of the room seems to be its purpose. It still only occupies perhaps a fifth of its area.
Turning around and towards the bow of the ship is a wall, not all that many feet past her. It has two doors. The door on the left is closed. The door on the right is cracked slightly open, though she cannot see past the darkness into that room. To the far left on the left wall of the room is a duct - not hidden behind a wall but on top of the wall, completely exposed. It emits a slight sucking sound.
But the most interesting sight in the room - even more than the gear mechanism, is what lay on the floor a foot left of, and perhaps four feet in front of the right door.
There is a pool of blood, partly dried, which covers a three foot radius area of the floor. In the center of that radius is... to be blunt, part of a griffin. "Part," because the hind quarters, the hind legs and the like, are completely missing. The griffin - it seems to be a male - has outstretched claws reaching forward as if in the direction of the stairs. Its beak is closed, its golden eyes remain open and in the direction of the stairs, its tan jacket has some blood on it but is mostly intact, its dark red feathers and wings remain close to its body, and it lies on its belly, as if crawling to the stairs. Everything below its ribcage is missing. No entrails are strewn behind it.
>>194358
"Somepony drag Silver down here do we can put that zegro to wor-"
Posey pauses as she sees the griffon, cautiously approaching the corpse to examine it
"Bisected cleanly... A conjuration effect? Could it be a portal mishap? Or baleful discorporation? "
Arcana to think of what sort of magical effect or monster may have caused this
[1d20+11 = (14+11) = 25]
Posey looks at the pool of blood for any pony or monster tracks, that might indicate activity, and then looks into the darkness on the opposite side of the griffon to see if whatever sundered it still lurks there.
Search
[1d20+5 = (15+5) = 20]
Spot
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
"Somepony drag Silver down here do we can put that zegro to wor-"
Posey pauses as she sees the griffon, cautiously approaching the corpse to examine it
"Bisected cleanly... A conjuration effect? Could it be a portal mishap? Or baleful discorporation? "
Arcana to think of what sort of magical effect or monster may have caused this
[1d20+11 = (14+11) = 25]
Posey looks at the pool of blood for any pony or monster tracks, that might indicate activity, and then looks into the darkness on the opposite side of the griffon to see if whatever sundered it still lurks there.
Search
[1d20+5 = (15+5) = 20]
Spot
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
>>194358
>>194359
With his light off, Cavaliere and the others cannot see their surroundings. He pulls out his flashlight, but refrains from turning it on. "Ms. Ring, what is bisected cleanly? What are we dealing with in here?" He says this softly, but perhaps his voice reverberates anyway off the metal walls. Even for the grizzled griffon, the oppressive darkness is a strong disincentive to talking at all, let alone loudly.
>>194359
With his light off, Cavaliere and the others cannot see their surroundings. He pulls out his flashlight, but refrains from turning it on. "Ms. Ring, what is bisected cleanly? What are we dealing with in here?" He says this softly, but perhaps his voice reverberates anyway off the metal walls. Even for the grizzled griffon, the oppressive darkness is a strong disincentive to talking at all, let alone loudly.
>>194360
Posey puts her hoof out to halt Cavalier and shushes, slowly pointing towards the body.
"Something anonymous happened here. The question is whether or not it has passed..."
Posey puts her hoof out to halt Cavalier and shushes, slowly pointing towards the body.
"Something anonymous happened here. The question is whether or not it has passed..."
>>194361
"This is a life-or-death situation and you have to be specific," he whispers sternly. "If you won't be, we cannot trust your eyes and we will use our own."
"This is a life-or-death situation and you have to be specific," he whispers sternly. "If you won't be, we cannot trust your eyes and we will use our own."
>>194359
Posey goes around to the other side, to look into its bisected torso.
This doesn't seem quite right. Posey knows what portal mishap looks like. Clean slices through intestine and bone. But that isn't exactly what we have here. Some of the intestine is outright missing. It's like predation, almost. But some of the intestine is indeed sliced, and some is hanging out, albeit not by much. Never more than a few inches. The bone is cracked, suggesting that it was broken with force. The thing likely was cut or sliced, albeit probably by more conventional - or at least, less precise - means.
There are no tracks, but there is a trail of blood going towards the right door. It seems the griffin probably was crawling or dragged from the door. Likely it was cut in half right there, right where it lay, after being mortally wounded earlier, in the other room. Hard to tell, though
The door is in the way, too closed to see past
>>194360
The vent makes a sucking noise from negative pressure
Posey goes around to the other side, to look into its bisected torso.
This doesn't seem quite right. Posey knows what portal mishap looks like. Clean slices through intestine and bone. But that isn't exactly what we have here. Some of the intestine is outright missing. It's like predation, almost. But some of the intestine is indeed sliced, and some is hanging out, albeit not by much. Never more than a few inches. The bone is cracked, suggesting that it was broken with force. The thing likely was cut or sliced, albeit probably by more conventional - or at least, less precise - means.
There are no tracks, but there is a trail of blood going towards the right door. It seems the griffin probably was crawling or dragged from the door. Likely it was cut in half right there, right where it lay, after being mortally wounded earlier, in the other room. Hard to tell, though
The door is in the way, too closed to see past
>>194360
The vent makes a sucking noise from negative pressure
>>194358
>>194359
>>194364
There are certain things that, when one sees it, it has an extreme negative effect on the mind. Kira has seen plenty of dead things, eaten things, and by virtue of being a lamia has seen (and participated in) things get eaten alive, but this...this is messed up. The lamia freezes for a moment, staring at the gore, before she slowly points to the room the griffon had come from. She speaks, though her voice is a bit shakey and she continues to stare at the half-griff. "Some...s-something bit this griffon in h-half. He w-was trying to crawl away, and it...it got him. Pulled his...his guts...out with his l-lower half. I think it's s-s-still in there. It left this out here. As a lure..."
Silver unsheathes his sword. Unfortunately, the light from his horn and his magic reflecting off of his blade casts a blue light upon the scene, making it more visible.
>>194359
>>194364
There are certain things that, when one sees it, it has an extreme negative effect on the mind. Kira has seen plenty of dead things, eaten things, and by virtue of being a lamia has seen (and participated in) things get eaten alive, but this...this is messed up. The lamia freezes for a moment, staring at the gore, before she slowly points to the room the griffon had come from. She speaks, though her voice is a bit shakey and she continues to stare at the half-griff. "Some...s-something bit this griffon in h-half. He w-was trying to crawl away, and it...it got him. Pulled his...his guts...out with his l-lower half. I think it's s-s-still in there. It left this out here. As a lure..."
Silver unsheathes his sword. Unfortunately, the light from his horn and his magic reflecting off of his blade casts a blue light upon the scene, making it more visible.
>>194365
There is no blood between the griffin and the stairs, save for what has pooled on the floor.
There is no blood between the griffin and the stairs, save for what has pooled on the floor.
>>194366
Kira tries to sneak up to the door on the right, where the griffon must have came from, and tries to use all of her senses - sight, sound, and smell - to figure out what's inside.
Hide: [1d20+14 = (9+14) = 23]
Move Silently: [1d20+14 = (18+14) = 32]
Spot: [1d20+8 = (20+8) = 28]
Listen: [1d20+8 = (16+8) = 24]
Survival: [1d20+11 = (9+11) = 20]
Kira tries to sneak up to the door on the right, where the griffon must have came from, and tries to use all of her senses - sight, sound, and smell - to figure out what's inside.
Hide: [1d20+14 = (9+14) = 23]
Move Silently: [1d20+14 = (18+14) = 32]
Spot: [1d20+8 = (20+8) = 28]
Listen: [1d20+8 = (16+8) = 24]
Survival: [1d20+11 = (9+11) = 20]
>>194367
>Hide
flicks tongue
>move silently
flicks tongue
>spot
It's dark
>Listen
There is a sound, though not especially loud, and somewhat damped by the door. The sound is like some kind of repeated clicking. It corresponds to no animal nor machine known to Kira. The constant pace seems more mechanical than animal, but Kira does not know for sure
>survival
Kira suspects that the griffin fell down after opening the door, or perhaps was let down, based on patterns in the blood.
>Hide
flicks tongue
>move silently
flicks tongue
>spot
It's dark
>Listen
There is a sound, though not especially loud, and somewhat damped by the door. The sound is like some kind of repeated clicking. It corresponds to no animal nor machine known to Kira. The constant pace seems more mechanical than animal, but Kira does not know for sure
>survival
Kira suspects that the griffin fell down after opening the door, or perhaps was let down, based on patterns in the blood.
>>194368
Damn, really thought a nat 20 for the Spot check would let her see *something*
Kira looks back to the group. "Only mechanical noises. Unless whatever was inside is super quiet." Kira goes quiet for a moment as she has a thought. "Machines can't hunt down creatures...right?"
Damn, really thought a nat 20 for the Spot check would let her see *something*
Kira looks back to the group. "Only mechanical noises. Unless whatever was inside is super quiet." Kira goes quiet for a moment as she has a thought. "Machines can't hunt down creatures...right?"
>>194369
the darkness stares back
Was that a smell check?
The smells of the room are, frankly, more subtle than those of the torpedo boat, with its smell of sweat, feathers, equines and the like. But Kira can smell something. Brass, explosives, griffin - more griffins, and that blood. She can smell oil and rock. Saltwater and mildew.
the darkness stares back
Was that a smell check?
The smells of the room are, frankly, more subtle than those of the torpedo boat, with its smell of sweat, feathers, equines and the like. But Kira can smell something. Brass, explosives, griffin - more griffins, and that blood. She can smell oil and rock. Saltwater and mildew.
>>194370
Kira has another thought as she turns to where Zara is. "Hey, Zara? Was the boarding party mostly griffons?"
Kira has another thought as she turns to where Zara is. "Hey, Zara? Was the boarding party mostly griffons?"
>>194374
Then Silver goes back to get her. It's not safe to be alone, here. Meanwhile, Kira gives her theory. "I think something ambushed the pirate boarding party in this room."
Then Silver goes back to get her. It's not safe to be alone, here. Meanwhile, Kira gives her theory. "I think something ambushed the pirate boarding party in this room."
>>194378
"Ah, so it is just normal frightened." Silver sits down next to the poor zebra mare, and pets her. "We have reached boiler. There is griffon in front of door who, uh...it is not pretty. Kira was going to ask you if boarding party was mostly griffons."
"Ah, so it is just normal frightened." Silver sits down next to the poor zebra mare, and pets her. "We have reached boiler. There is griffon in front of door who, uh...it is not pretty. Kira was going to ask you if boarding party was mostly griffons."
>>194379
Her mane is corse, and he feels her shake.
She raises her head
"The boiler? No, you can't have. Unless- have you gone very far?" She turns her head and her black muzzle to Silver "Yes?"
Her mane is corse, and he feels her shake.
She raises her head
"The boiler? No, you can't have. Unless- have you gone very far?" She turns her head and her black muzzle to Silver "Yes?"
>>194380
Silver tilts his head at the shaking mare. "I...do not think so? I do not have much frame of reference for ship layouts, but they must have entered some type of room with mechanical equipment and got ambushed by...something. I just assumed boiler because they might have been trying to turn on lights, themselves."
Silver tilts his head at the shaking mare. "I...do not think so? I do not have much frame of reference for ship layouts, but they must have entered some type of room with mechanical equipment and got ambushed by...something. I just assumed boiler because they might have been trying to turn on lights, themselves."
Sorry, I fell asleep.
>>194364
Posey checks if the body has any interesting items or information on it, before she carefully approaches the door, using her horn to open it from a safe distance. She readies her sword.
>predation
Can Posey identify the monster that could have done this?
Arcana
[1d20+11 = (7+11) = 18]
>>194363
Posey points at the griffon again making a bright flashing arrow with her magical glow.
"Dead griffon. Sliced in half through unknown means. Most likely monster activity."
>>194364
Posey checks if the body has any interesting items or information on it, before she carefully approaches the door, using her horn to open it from a safe distance. She readies her sword.
>predation
Can Posey identify the monster that could have done this?
Arcana
[1d20+11 = (7+11) = 18]
>>194363
Posey points at the griffon again making a bright flashing arrow with her magical glow.
"Dead griffon. Sliced in half through unknown means. Most likely monster activity."
Oh, it looks like the party already went through the door.
>>194370
Posey examines the additional bodies. As a sommelier, Posey is well familiar with blood splatters and the scent of fresh blood. Looks for tracks or anything else that might indicate what caused these wounds, as well as checking if the dead have any interesting items on them (armor that might be magical, rods, wands, rings, etc). She picks up any severed griffon talons, eyes, feathers or other loose parts to use as spellcasting components later.
(This is in the direction of the boiler, right? Posey is moving towards the boiler)
"It appears as though these poor souls found the attention of the monsters conjured by the Intruder. Caught flat-hoofed in the dark against physically powerful opponents with only ranged weapons in a close space and no clue what they were up against, they stood little chance against the beasts. With no visible tracks, it is likely that the monsters demanifested as soon as their work was done, gone as quickly as they came. The question remains as to why they were attacked seemingly randomly, when we as explicit enemies have been left alone this far...? Surely, they would have attacked us just as readily as they attacked these creatures, unless they are leading us into a trap... Or could it be that the Intruder has limits to th frequency of its summons? Whatever the case, we should press forward quickly while we can. Even if there is a trap, retreating or showing weakness now would only provoke it to summon beasts behind us." Posey ponders out loud, before trotting in the direction of the boiler
>>194370
Posey examines the additional bodies. As a sommelier, Posey is well familiar with blood splatters and the scent of fresh blood. Looks for tracks or anything else that might indicate what caused these wounds, as well as checking if the dead have any interesting items on them (armor that might be magical, rods, wands, rings, etc). She picks up any severed griffon talons, eyes, feathers or other loose parts to use as spellcasting components later.
(This is in the direction of the boiler, right? Posey is moving towards the boiler)
"It appears as though these poor souls found the attention of the monsters conjured by the Intruder. Caught flat-hoofed in the dark against physically powerful opponents with only ranged weapons in a close space and no clue what they were up against, they stood little chance against the beasts. With no visible tracks, it is likely that the monsters demanifested as soon as their work was done, gone as quickly as they came. The question remains as to why they were attacked seemingly randomly, when we as explicit enemies have been left alone this far...? Surely, they would have attacked us just as readily as they attacked these creatures, unless they are leading us into a trap... Or could it be that the Intruder has limits to th frequency of its summons? Whatever the case, we should press forward quickly while we can. Even if there is a trap, retreating or showing weakness now would only provoke it to summon beasts behind us." Posey ponders out loud, before trotting in the direction of the boiler
>>194382
>>194384
Cavaliere looks to the vent, then turns back to Posey. "Thank you. Keep telling us about our surroundings, and tell us if there is something worth taking a picture of. We shouldn't be hasty, either. For all we know, these things need light to appear. It seems some machinery in here is still working, or otherwise there's a pressure differential compared to outside."
>>194384
Cavaliere looks to the vent, then turns back to Posey. "Thank you. Keep telling us about our surroundings, and tell us if there is something worth taking a picture of. We shouldn't be hasty, either. For all we know, these things need light to appear. It seems some machinery in here is still working, or otherwise there's a pressure differential compared to outside."
>>194385
"We cannot afford to wait. The boiler is dying." Posey says, still walking in the direction of the boiler
"I will lead the way. Be ready to respond it anything attacks."
"We cannot afford to wait. The boiler is dying." Posey says, still walking in the direction of the boiler
"I will lead the way. Be ready to respond it anything attacks."
I really feel like the physical layout of the ship is just not getting across. It's a cargo ship. It's purpose is to carry cargo. most of the ship is taken up by big cargo holds. The middle of the ship has a big structure on top to hold the crew and underneath it is the engine and the boiler. The bow has equipment in it. And then the stern, which is where the party is, has a little structure on top of it like a poop deck in an old sailing ship. It houses the anti-aircraft gunnery crew, has anti-aircraft guns on top, and has the armory and the rudder under it.
Between the boiler room and the stern are two of the ship's five cargo holds. I want to repeat: this is a cargo ship. It is built to carry cargo. That's it's purpose. That's why it exists. It is a part of an international economic order designed to transfer large quantities of raw materials or finished products great distances safely and economically. It isn't a yacht. It isn't a warship. It is, however, armed.
The party is at the back of the ship. The back. They are at the rear most possible room that you can be in on the ship. If you go forward, you encounter two doors and two rooms. beyond that, is cargo hold 5. Beyond that, is cargo hold 4, which the party knows was made into a makeshift barracks. Beyond that, is the boiler and engine room.
Besides the choice of which of two doors to go through, there is only a single direction of travel: forward. Beyond that, there are only about three rooms in total separating them from the boiler room, and the boiler room itself is massive and open.
Between the boiler room and the stern are two of the ship's five cargo holds. I want to repeat: this is a cargo ship. It is built to carry cargo. That's it's purpose. That's why it exists. It is a part of an international economic order designed to transfer large quantities of raw materials or finished products great distances safely and economically. It isn't a yacht. It isn't a warship. It is, however, armed.
The party is at the back of the ship. The back. They are at the rear most possible room that you can be in on the ship. If you go forward, you encounter two doors and two rooms. beyond that, is cargo hold 5. Beyond that, is cargo hold 4, which the party knows was made into a makeshift barracks. Beyond that, is the boiler and engine room.
Besides the choice of which of two doors to go through, there is only a single direction of travel: forward. Beyond that, there are only about three rooms in total separating them from the boiler room, and the boiler room itself is massive and open.
>>194384
No. No one has gone through the door. Kira has looked through the door, but no one has turned on any light/otherwise established a source of illumination, nor opened the door.
No. No one has gone through the door. Kira has looked through the door, but no one has turned on any light/otherwise established a source of illumination, nor opened the door.
>>194384
Ship layout is this
Rudder control room > unknown room > cargo hold 5 > cargo hold 4 > boiler room
It's that simple and straightforward. There is only a single dimension involved here. There is only one direction of travel. You can technically go through a leftward door and the cargo holds as well as the boiler room have upper and lower levels, but for simplicity it's "walk forward."
Ship layout is this
Rudder control room > unknown room > cargo hold 5 > cargo hold 4 > boiler room
It's that simple and straightforward. There is only a single dimension involved here. There is only one direction of travel. You can technically go through a leftward door and the cargo holds as well as the boiler room have upper and lower levels, but for simplicity it's "walk forward."
Room
I should have made a map of the island a year ago. Here's a bad attempt at it, though it isn't so relevant anymore
>>194393
Silver leads the scared zebra mare back to the group. Before they leave, Kira also takes the gruesome time to see if the griffon had anything on his half-person worth taking.
Silver leads the scared zebra mare back to the group. Before they leave, Kira also takes the gruesome time to see if the griffon had anything on his half-person worth taking.
>>194399
Kira does look a little shaken up still, but she waves off the worry. "No no, I'll be fine, it's just..." she grimaces, "...really nasty. I mean like, I'm a hunter. I've hunted animals, both to eat and to harvest materials from them, and that usually involves things like skinning, gutting, removing meat from bone, but this is something else entirely. Brutality for brutality's sake, I guess." She looks down at the corpse as she looks for stuff to pilfer. "So is this what adventurers normally do? Go into spooky places and loot things off of dead bodies?"
Kira does look a little shaken up still, but she waves off the worry. "No no, I'll be fine, it's just..." she grimaces, "...really nasty. I mean like, I'm a hunter. I've hunted animals, both to eat and to harvest materials from them, and that usually involves things like skinning, gutting, removing meat from bone, but this is something else entirely. Brutality for brutality's sake, I guess." She looks down at the corpse as she looks for stuff to pilfer. "So is this what adventurers normally do? Go into spooky places and loot things off of dead bodies?"
Is anyone turning any sort of lights on, or is the hope that Posey will be able to see everything for the whole party and no one else will stump their toes in the dark?
>>194384
>>194397
Still grasped in the griffin's foremost claw is a pistol/carbine of an older model, known for its comparatively long range. The griffin wears a leather jacket. A tan color. in its larger pocket are multiple chains of silver. Jewelry, evidently. He carries several notes of stalliongradian paper currency, and several coins, also of stalliongrad. He has one battery, a utility knife, rope, a lock pick, and several stripper clips for the pistol.
>>194397
Still grasped in the griffin's foremost claw is a pistol/carbine of an older model, known for its comparatively long range. The griffin wears a leather jacket. A tan color. in its larger pocket are multiple chains of silver. Jewelry, evidently. He carries several notes of stalliongradian paper currency, and several coins, also of stalliongrad. He has one battery, a utility knife, rope, a lock pick, and several stripper clips for the pistol.
>>194404
A lockpick! Kira realizes that if they find another locked locker, they can safely unlock it using it and the knife. The rope and battery will also be useful. She holds up the pistol/carbine to the members of the party. "Anyone need a weapon?" She leaves the jacket behind, it's not her style anyways. Finally, she takes the jewelry and the money, and goes to ask the Kostroma survivors, "Are any of you missing these?"
A lockpick! Kira realizes that if they find another locked locker, they can safely unlock it using it and the knife. The rope and battery will also be useful. She holds up the pistol/carbine to the members of the party. "Anyone need a weapon?" She leaves the jacket behind, it's not her style anyways. Finally, she takes the jewelry and the money, and goes to ask the Kostroma survivors, "Are any of you missing these?"
>>194405
Blackheel walks down the stairs, arriving later than the others. He scrunches
"Uck... someone is. Damn pirates..."
Rustling pine moves his head closer and looks at the jewelry. He says a single sentence in his foreign language at a lower volume.
Blackheel walks down the stairs, arriving later than the others. He scrunches
"Uck... someone is. Damn pirates..."
Rustling pine moves his head closer and looks at the jewelry. He says a single sentence in his foreign language at a lower volume.
Characters without darkvision should consider investing in some spent ion stones with continual flame cast on them. They're nifty. You can even wrap them in cloth to dim the light.
>>194403
I was under the impression that other characters had their flashlights.
Posey has a flashlight that she could give away if anypony wants it.
>>194404
I thought I looked him earlier. Oh well.
Does that older gun look antique/masterwork? It might be magical.
>>194406
"Looting before securing the area. A common mistake." Posey chides
"His greed consumed him... That or whatever took his hind legs. He cannot alone be blamed for his fate though: he had no idea what he was up against." she continues
"Let us not make the same mistake. To the boiler. Follow me." she says, walking through the door on the right
>>194403
I was under the impression that other characters had their flashlights.
Posey has a flashlight that she could give away if anypony wants it.
>>194404
I thought I looked him earlier. Oh well.
Does that older gun look antique/masterwork? It might be magical.
>>194406
"Looting before securing the area. A common mistake." Posey chides
"His greed consumed him... That or whatever took his hind legs. He cannot alone be blamed for his fate though: he had no idea what he was up against." she continues
"Let us not make the same mistake. To the boiler. Follow me." she says, walking through the door on the right
>>194406
Cavaliere takes nothing. Assumedly no lights have been turned on, and he follows Posey
”Lead the way,” he says.
Cavaliere takes nothing. Assumedly no lights have been turned on, and he follows Posey
”Lead the way,” he says.
>>194408
Kira does have a hooded lantern and oil for it, should additional light sources be requested.
Kira does have a hooded lantern and oil for it, should additional light sources be requested.
>>194408
Posey opens the door. While there is some weight to it, it opens relatively easy.
Looking side, Posey can see shelves. Shelves, and a dumbwaiter like mechanism. She can see artillery shells, cannon shells, and empty racks. And a door. And at the two, two shapes that almost instantly shine bright lights onto Posey. It almost blinds her, though surely her eyes fair better than more light dependent eyes.
>>194409
>>194407
Posey opens the door. Perhaps as long as a second passes, then she is lit up by bright lights. The ponies can see the individual bones on her barding, tufts of wet fur, individual water droplets in her mane turned dark red by the water, and bright, white spots reflecting from her eyes
Posey opens the door. While there is some weight to it, it opens relatively easy.
Looking side, Posey can see shelves. Shelves, and a dumbwaiter like mechanism. She can see artillery shells, cannon shells, and empty racks. And a door. And at the two, two shapes that almost instantly shine bright lights onto Posey. It almost blinds her, though surely her eyes fair better than more light dependent eyes.
>>194409
>>194407
Posey opens the door. Perhaps as long as a second passes, then she is lit up by bright lights. The ponies can see the individual bones on her barding, tufts of wet fur, individual water droplets in her mane turned dark red by the water, and bright, white spots reflecting from her eyes
Pardon the delayed reply.
>>194412
>And at the two, two shapes that almost instantly shine bright lights onto Posey.
Posey hisses at the light, shielding herself with her cloak taking a moment to adjust before confronting this new peculiar room.
What are these shapes?
>>194412
>And at the two, two shapes that almost instantly shine bright lights onto Posey.
Posey hisses at the light, shielding herself with her cloak taking a moment to adjust before confronting this new peculiar room.
What are these shapes?
>>194413
The figures are quadrupeds, about the same approximate shape and size as normal creatures, if slightly larger. Posey cannot see them well at all because of the light, though she can make out the shape. The best guess? Griffons. Possibly hippogriffs or ponies with extra equipment on, or something similarly shaped
The figures are quadrupeds, about the same approximate shape and size as normal creatures, if slightly larger. Posey cannot see them well at all because of the light, though she can make out the shape. The best guess? Griffons. Possibly hippogriffs or ponies with extra equipment on, or something similarly shaped
>>194415
[color 111]”We mean you no harm,”[/color] Cavaliere calls out. ”We are not with the thing in the ship. Identify yourselves.”
[color 111]”We mean you no harm,”[/color] Cavaliere calls out. ”We are not with the thing in the ship. Identify yourselves.”
>>194415
Are there any dead bodies in the room?
Posey readies for combat, looking for any sign of weaponry as she readies her sword.
She takes a step into the room, intent on not showing weakness. Readying her sword.
"Who goes there?" she hisses
"Drop your weapons. We have you outnumbered."
Are there any dead bodies in the room?
Posey readies for combat, looking for any sign of weaponry as she readies her sword.
She takes a step into the room, intent on not showing weakness. Readying her sword.
"Who goes there?" she hisses
"Drop your weapons. We have you outnumbered."
(is there at least 10 feet between us? That will decide if I charge or 5 ft step)
Posey moves forward, limber with her dead nerves. As part of her movement, she draws her sword with a blinding flash, charging the blade with with destructive ki as she unleashes her bloodthirst. Her she charges to attack the creature that rolled 18 with her sword.
Iajitusu Focus check
[1d20+8 = (3+8) = 11]
Charge
[1d20+9 = (16+9) = 25]
Damage
[1d8+6 = (4+6) = 10]
Iajitusu Focus check
[1d20+8 = (3+8) = 11]
Charge
[1d20+9 = (16+9) = 25]
Damage
[1d8+6 = (4+6) = 10]
>>194426
Additional damage
[1d6 = 5]
As part of this attack, Posey demoralizes her opponent
Intimidate
[1d20+15 = (19+15) = 34]
Her turn is over.
(Sorry Kira. I didn't want to make you shoot into a melee, but Posey was blocking the door otherwise)
Additional damage
[1d6 = 5]
As part of this attack, Posey demoralizes her opponent
Intimidate
[1d20+15 = (19+15) = 34]
Her turn is over.
(Sorry Kira. I didn't want to make you shoot into a melee, but Posey was blocking the door otherwise)
>>194425
With Posey out of the way, Kira rushes into the room, quickly seeing the situation. With Posey tackling the quickest of the two opponents, Kira moves to grapple and coil around the other.
Touch Attack: [1d20+9 = (2+9) = 11]
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (6+13) = 19]
With Posey out of the way, Kira rushes into the room, quickly seeing the situation. With Posey tackling the quickest of the two opponents, Kira moves to grapple and coil around the other.
Touch Attack: [1d20+9 = (2+9) = 11]
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (6+13) = 19]
>>194426
>>194427
Posey launches forward into the room with her sword, and plants it in the chest of the creature, presumably breaking the breast bone. There is a sound almost like a whistle, or a quite scream, and the flashlight falls to the ground.
>>194428
Kira lunges towards the only thing she can see, which is a blinding light. As she moves, she hits at high speed the edge of a table, causing pain and potential bruising. She makes it all the same to the source of the light and lunges, just to find that she didn't know exactly what she was aiming at in the first place. She guesses wrong and just barely misses - although she manages to get a hoof or a mouth full of feather all the same (whichever she is using) and perhaps collides with the creature
>>194427
And yet, it isn't quite dead. It stabs at Posey with what seems to be a large knife or perhaps some kind of short sword
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
>>194427
Posey launches forward into the room with her sword, and plants it in the chest of the creature, presumably breaking the breast bone. There is a sound almost like a whistle, or a quite scream, and the flashlight falls to the ground.
>>194428
Kira lunges towards the only thing she can see, which is a blinding light. As she moves, she hits at high speed the edge of a table, causing pain and potential bruising. She makes it all the same to the source of the light and lunges, just to find that she didn't know exactly what she was aiming at in the first place. She guesses wrong and just barely misses - although she manages to get a hoof or a mouth full of feather all the same (whichever she is using) and perhaps collides with the creature
>>194427
And yet, it isn't quite dead. It stabs at Posey with what seems to be a large knife or perhaps some kind of short sword
[1d20+3 = (10+3) = 13]
>>194430
Kira lets out a hisssssssss, both at the bright light and the pain of running into something.
Kira lets out a hisssssssss, both at the bright light and the pain of running into something.
>>194430
Posey lets out a reflexive cackle in battle ecstacy. She puts on a manic grin as she deflects the knife with a bracer.
Did it seem affected by Posey's demoralize check? That could tell us if these two are sane or not.
Posey lets out a reflexive cackle in battle ecstacy. She puts on a manic grin as she deflects the knife with a bracer.
Did it seem affected by Posey's demoralize check? That could tell us if these two are sane or not.
>>194416
If they were going to identify themselves, they did not answer in the perhaps two seconds before Posey spoke
I think it's Silver's turn
>>194432
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsnPx0wgcw&pp=ygUQSSBjYW4ndCBzZWUgc2hpdA%3D%3D
Not enough to decide to just give up and die, as opposed to fight back
If they were going to identify themselves, they did not answer in the perhaps two seconds before Posey spoke
I think it's Silver's turn
>>194432
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsnPx0wgcw&pp=ygUQSSBjYW4ndCBzZWUgc2hpdA%3D%3D
Not enough to decide to just give up and die, as opposed to fight back
>>194433
Silver, returning with the zeeb to find this chaos, I believe has a flashlight, and he shines it in the room at the two opponents.
Silver, returning with the zeeb to find this chaos, I believe has a flashlight, and he shines it in the room at the two opponents.
>>194434
Silver shines it in to see:
The room is some sort of armory or magazine, with a number of artillery shells, boxes, empty racks, and smaller shells.
Posey in combat with a griffin which is clearly stabbed. There is another griffin there who has an absolutely massive python looking thing in front of it
The scene does not at all please Zara
"STOP IT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? STOP IT!"
>>194434
The second griffin, which seems disturbed, takes out a sword, drops its flashlight to the ground, and swipes at Kira
[1d20+1 = (15+1) = 16]
[1d6+1 = (3+1) = 4]
Silver shines it in to see:
The room is some sort of armory or magazine, with a number of artillery shells, boxes, empty racks, and smaller shells.
Posey in combat with a griffin which is clearly stabbed. There is another griffin there who has an absolutely massive python looking thing in front of it
The scene does not at all please Zara
"STOP IT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? STOP IT!"
>>194434
The second griffin, which seems disturbed, takes out a sword, drops its flashlight to the ground, and swipes at Kira
[1d20+1 = (15+1) = 16]
[1d6+1 = (3+1) = 4]
I freaking hate how I always get interrupted every time we finally get to combat in this game. I need you step out. I will try to be back soon.
Pose full-attacks on her turn
She opens with a Charnel touch, stygian entropy surging from the stigmata on her frog
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
[1d8+1 = (5+1) = 6]
She then leans forward in a nuzzling motion approaching her opponents neck, licking her lips: a veiled attempt at a bite
[1d20-1 = (19-1) = 18]
[1d4+3 = (4+3) = 7]
She whips her mane like a witch, attempting to slash at the creature's eyes with the blade in her mane
[1d20-5 = (14-5) = 9]
[1d3+3 = (1+3) = 4]
She then turns hoof and savagely bucks her opponent with a slam attack
[1d20-1 = (11-1) = 10]
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
Free demoralize
[1d20+15 = (18+15) = 33]
>>194435
...
OR
She waits patiently to see if her opponents surrender at Zara's interruption. One of those two things.
I need to step out...
Pose full-attacks on her turn
She opens with a Charnel touch, stygian entropy surging from the stigmata on her frog
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
[1d8+1 = (5+1) = 6]
She then leans forward in a nuzzling motion approaching her opponents neck, licking her lips: a veiled attempt at a bite
[1d20-1 = (19-1) = 18]
[1d4+3 = (4+3) = 7]
She whips her mane like a witch, attempting to slash at the creature's eyes with the blade in her mane
[1d20-5 = (14-5) = 9]
[1d3+3 = (1+3) = 4]
She then turns hoof and savagely bucks her opponent with a slam attack
[1d20-1 = (11-1) = 10]
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
Free demoralize
[1d20+15 = (18+15) = 33]
>>194435
...
OR
She waits patiently to see if her opponents surrender at Zara's interruption. One of those two things.
I need to step out...
>>194437
Yes
If the first creature she attacks dies, she 5 ft steps and moves on to the next opponent.
Unless it surrenders first.
G2g Sorry, I can't skip Easter dinner with family.
Yes
If the first creature she attacks dies, she 5 ft steps and moves on to the next opponent.
Unless it surrenders first.
G2g Sorry, I can't skip Easter dinner with family.
>>194439
Back for two minutes; prepping food.
Posey observes for a moment for any reason to halt combat before taking her turn as I described earlier.
"Any last words?" she implores, clearly chomping at the but to go for the kill
(because speaking is a free action on anyone else's turn)
Back for two minutes; prepping food.
Posey observes for a moment for any reason to halt combat before taking her turn as I described earlier.
"Any last words?" she implores, clearly chomping at the but to go for the kill
(because speaking is a free action on anyone else's turn)
>>194435
The sword finds purchase in the pony half of Kira, causing her to whimper. Silver rushes forward, his sword drawn and ready to parry any more swung blades, as he shouts out a, "ENOUGH!" that's quite loud in such a small room.
The sword finds purchase in the pony half of Kira, causing her to whimper. Silver rushes forward, his sword drawn and ready to parry any more swung blades, as he shouts out a, "ENOUGH!" that's quite loud in such a small room.
If the Griffins do not respond, Posey assumes they've lost their minds like the others and full attacks like I described.
That would be the end of her turn.
That would be the end of her turn.
>>194444
>Zebras bark like dogs
Awww, that's adorable.
"Your protest is acknowledged, Zara, but you should know that piracy is messy work."
Posey does not hesitate to kill after hearing anything but unconditional surrender. She finishes the griffon in front of her before directing her remaining attacks at the other one (which should be flanked), as described above.
>Zebras bark like dogs
Awww, that's adorable.
"Your protest is acknowledged, Zara, but you should know that piracy is messy work."
Posey does not hesitate to kill after hearing anything but unconditional surrender. She finishes the griffon in front of her before directing her remaining attacks at the other one (which should be flanked), as described above.
>>194446
They didn't respond after multiple attempts to communicate. What else can we do but fight?
I'm glad to hear any other plans, and I will comply with those plans if they are good, but combat seems like the only option right now.
They didn't respond after multiple attempts to communicate. What else can we do but fight?
I'm glad to hear any other plans, and I will comply with those plans if they are good, but combat seems like the only option right now.
>>194445
Posey touches the griffin, and that seems to be enough to knock it out. She may continue with a bite on the neck, though biting the other griffin is less successful.
Or maybe not
>>194448
Ackshually I think Kira moves before Posey? But Silver is not until after the first griffin who is after Posey
>>194451
Her tail curls around her jacket covered side
"I don't- No? Well, most do but a few don't. Ponish or Imperial"
>>194452
He does not.
Or maybe not
>>194448
Ackshually I think Kira moves before Posey? But Silver is not until after the first griffin who is after Posey
>>194451
Her tail curls around her jacket covered side
"I don't- No? Well, most do but a few don't. Ponish or Imperial"
>>194452
He does not.
>>194453
I guess Kira moves first then.
Posey hisses, clearly preferring the bloodshed over having to deal with more language barriers.
I guess Kira moves first then.
Posey hisses, clearly preferring the bloodshed over having to deal with more language barriers.
>>194454
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8OKJ8ZIWd0
No response, and they seem generally not especially responsive to most spoken statements except to acknowledge sensory input
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8OKJ8ZIWd0
No response, and they seem generally not especially responsive to most spoken statements except to acknowledge sensory input
>>194456
Does he in any way indicate that he is not one of the brainwashed thralls we've been fighting so far?
Posey, well familiar with enchantment, squints to discern this:
Sense Motive (to discern enchantment)
[1d20+6 = (6+6) = 12]
Does he in any way indicate that he is not one of the brainwashed thralls we've been fighting so far?
Posey, well familiar with enchantment, squints to discern this:
Sense Motive (to discern enchantment)
[1d20+6 = (6+6) = 12]
>>194456
Wait a minute, there was a pony version this whole time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iunZg3LCZ4o&pp=ygUTZG8geW91IHNwZWFrIHBvbmlzaA%3D%3D
>>194445
Zehbruh bark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWIrcvr7Hb4
>>194457
Posey's ability to discern thralls is not perfect given that almost all that have been encountered so far have been showing obvious signs of exposure and therefore paying attention to subtler body language was unnecessary. However, it should be noted that both griffins turn their heads and ears as if to unheard stimuli, and neither attempts to communicate with the other, or with anycreature else for that matter.
Wait a minute, there was a pony version this whole time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iunZg3LCZ4o&pp=ygUTZG8geW91IHNwZWFrIHBvbmlzaA%3D%3D
>>194445
Zehbruh bark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWIrcvr7Hb4
>>194457
Posey's ability to discern thralls is not perfect given that almost all that have been encountered so far have been showing obvious signs of exposure and therefore paying attention to subtler body language was unnecessary. However, it should be noted that both griffins turn their heads and ears as if to unheard stimuli, and neither attempts to communicate with the other, or with anycreature else for that matter.
>>194458
Kira has an idea. She leans in and whispers to the griffon she was facing off with: "The Traveler is a big stinky doo-doo butt."
Kira has an idea. She leans in and whispers to the griffon she was facing off with: "The Traveler is a big stinky doo-doo butt."
>>194459
An artillery shell is knocked off of a shelf, and falls towards Kira's trunk
[1d20 = 19]
[1d3 = 1]
An artillery shell is knocked off of a shelf, and falls towards Kira's trunk
[1d20 = 19]
[1d3 = 1]
>>194460
"OW!"
Eeyup, that's definitely some muscle tissue damage. However, is there any reaction from the griffon?
"OW!"
Eeyup, that's definitely some muscle tissue damage. However, is there any reaction from the griffon?
>>194462
GM already said that they make no attempts to communicate with anyone.
Are you done with your turn?
GM already said that they make no attempts to communicate with anyone.
Are you done with your turn?
>>194462
The shell lands about in the middle of Kira's body, a little under 2/3rds down her trunk, in the vicinity of her duodenum. It is perhaps providential that Hopper was there, and causing Kira's belly to slightly turn upwards, so that the tip landed on soft tissue instead of her spine or one of her ribs. Kira thinks it might have hit Hopper's head and even cracked it (more so). The rim and most of the shell lands second and hits the floor with a "thud." Honestly maybe it's best the tip of that shell didn't hit a hard surface.
The griffin whispers
"Sieh selbst"
>>194461
>she drinks in the lamentations of their jenny.
Kek. In fairness to Silver though, he's the only one trying to make a concubine of the prisoner. Posey could do the same with the Stalliongradian political officer, just saying.
>>194461
I love lamias but they really do not have butts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8rUoWXksXo
The shell lands about in the middle of Kira's body, a little under 2/3rds down her trunk, in the vicinity of her duodenum. It is perhaps providential that Hopper was there, and causing Kira's belly to slightly turn upwards, so that the tip landed on soft tissue instead of her spine or one of her ribs. Kira thinks it might have hit Hopper's head and even cracked it (more so). The rim and most of the shell lands second and hits the floor with a "thud." Honestly maybe it's best the tip of that shell didn't hit a hard surface.
The griffin whispers
"Sieh selbst"
>>194461
>she drinks in the lamentations of their jenny.
Kek. In fairness to Silver though, he's the only one trying to make a concubine of the prisoner. Posey could do the same with the Stalliongradian political officer, just saying.
>>194461
I love lamias but they really do not have butts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8rUoWXksXo
>>194464
Kira may be disappointed by that fact if she knew what not having a butt was costing her.
If Kira is the only thing keeping Posey from ganking the one griffon, then she accepts the risk that this action she is about to take will pose to her and makes to grapple and subdue the injured griffon.
Touch Attack: [1d20+9 = (18+9) = 27]
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (6+13) = 19]
Kira may be disappointed by that fact if she knew what not having a butt was costing her.
If Kira is the only thing keeping Posey from ganking the one griffon, then she accepts the risk that this action she is about to take will pose to her and makes to grapple and subdue the injured griffon.
Touch Attack: [1d20+9 = (18+9) = 27]
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (6+13) = 19]
>>194464
>Posey could do the same with the Stalliongradian political officer, just saying.
Maybe later. I want to clear this dungeon first, to remain professional. Dust isn't getting away easy either.
I have no idea who's turn it is, but Posey attacks the same way she did before on her turn, moving 5 ft between targets if necessary.
Charnel Touch
[1d20+4 = (16+4) = 20]
[1d8+1 = (2+1) = 3]
Slam
[1d20-1 = (1-1) = 0]
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]
Braid blade
[1d20-5 = (3-5) = -2]
[1d3+3 = (2+3) = 5]
Bite
[1d20-1 = (9-1) = 8]
[1d4+3 = (1+3) = 4]
>Posey could do the same with the Stalliongradian political officer, just saying.
Maybe later. I want to clear this dungeon first, to remain professional. Dust isn't getting away easy either.
I have no idea who's turn it is, but Posey attacks the same way she did before on her turn, moving 5 ft between targets if necessary.
Charnel Touch
[1d20+4 = (16+4) = 20]
[1d8+1 = (2+1) = 3]
Slam
[1d20-1 = (1-1) = 0]
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]
Braid blade
[1d20-5 = (3-5) = -2]
[1d3+3 = (2+3) = 5]
Bite
[1d20-1 = (9-1) = 8]
[1d4+3 = (1+3) = 4]
>>194466
Well, these are some shitty rolls...
Also I keep forgetting I'm a lvl 4 Sorcerer instead of an actual frontline martial... Gotta save slots though.
Well, these are some shitty rolls...
Also I keep forgetting I'm a lvl 4 Sorcerer instead of an actual frontline martial... Gotta save slots though.
>>194465
To be clear, is Kira attacking the griffin that Posey has stabbed and is about to kill, and ignoring the one that is right in front of her and has stabbed her?
>>194466
I need to see if I can drag Dust's player back so his character can be properly deflowered
Not... great attack rolls. Let me figure out if Kira stole Posey's griffin
To be clear, is Kira attacking the griffin that Posey has stabbed and is about to kill, and ignoring the one that is right in front of her and has stabbed her?
>>194466
I need to see if I can drag Dust's player back so his character can be properly deflowered
Not... great attack rolls. Let me figure out if Kira stole Posey's griffin
>>194469
Wait, I thought I already killed the other one with the previous attack?
Idk. Posey is just going to do the same thing again next turn. Her turn is over.
Also the demoralize should actually be on the first attack, so he has -2 AC if not Shaken.
Also, DC 19 will be her Frightful Presence.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Wait, I thought I already killed the other one with the previous attack?
Idk. Posey is just going to do the same thing again next turn. Her turn is over.
Also the demoralize should actually be on the first attack, so he has -2 AC if not Shaken.
Also, DC 19 will be her Frightful Presence.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
>>194470
Cavaliere is... not so great on the initiative. However, because he missed the first round, he can jump in after Kira has clarified what she's doing
>>194471
So ackshually Kira is first in initiative order, not Posey. So unlike Silver, Kira actually can stop in and stop Posey's kill, because Kira is actually supposed to go before Posey
>>194471
Cavaliere is... not so great on the initiative. However, because he missed the first round, he can jump in after Kira has clarified what she's doing
>>194471
So ackshually Kira is first in initiative order, not Posey. So unlike Silver, Kira actually can stop in and stop Posey's kill, because Kira is actually supposed to go before Posey
>>194471
>>194474
I have no idea what to even do in this situation. I feel like we messed this encounter up.
Uh, grapple?
I have no idea what to even do in this situation. I feel like we messed this encounter up.
Uh, grapple?
>>194471
>>194475
Posey sees an absolutely giant python like thing move in, grab the griffin, and knock it to the ground, disabling it. Posey touches the second griffin and channels her evil energy into it. But unlike the first griffin, it is not so hurt as that this is enough to disable it. The Traveller must have cursed her swings (or at least, that's what she tells herself) because her swings miss the griffin.
>>194476
Viable
>>194477
May as well ask Kira that although I suppose the answer is "squeeze them"
>>194475
Posey sees an absolutely giant python like thing move in, grab the griffin, and knock it to the ground, disabling it. Posey touches the second griffin and channels her evil energy into it. But unlike the first griffin, it is not so hurt as that this is enough to disable it. The Traveller must have cursed her swings (or at least, that's what she tells herself) because her swings miss the griffin.
>>194476
Viable
>>194477
May as well ask Kira that although I suppose the answer is "squeeze them"
>>194478
Okay. The two of them can knock them out with subdual damage after I attack the other one on my next turn.
I guess it's Silver's turn now?
Okay. The two of them can knock them out with subdual damage after I attack the other one on my next turn.
I guess it's Silver's turn now?
>>194483
He punches one enemy, presumably the closest.
”Your haste is going to get us all killed!” he exclaims.
I don’t have my character sheet with me
He punches one enemy, presumably the closest.
”Your haste is going to get us all killed!” he exclaims.
I don’t have my character sheet with me
>>194485
Do you remember your Strength/Dex? Let's extrapolate. Your BAB should be +5, I assume at least 16 to your primary attack stat, then +1 for brawl.
Your flurry should be at least +6/+6, I think. +8/+8 with flanking.
You only need to hit each of them once or so, then the rest of us can incapacitate them with normal attacks.
Do you remember your Strength/Dex? Let's extrapolate. Your BAB should be +5, I assume at least 16 to your primary attack stat, then +1 for brawl.
Your flurry should be at least +6/+6, I think. +8/+8 with flanking.
You only need to hit each of them once or so, then the rest of us can incapacitate them with normal attacks.
>>194486
I can’t remember if Cavaliere has Flurry of Blows. I have only his ranged attacks memorized.
I can’t remember if Cavaliere has Flurry of Blows. I have only his ranged attacks memorized.
>>194488
Regardless, should the griffon still be conscious, Silver goes to smack the griffon in the head with his sword pommel.
[1d20+8 = (15+8) = 23]
[2d6+8 = (6+8) = 14]
Regardless, should the griffon still be conscious, Silver goes to smack the griffon in the head with his sword pommel.
[1d20+8 = (15+8) = 23]
[2d6+8 = (6+8) = 14]
>>194494
Heal: Silver immediately goes to tend to the wounds of the griffon Kira has incapacitated to try to keep him from dying.
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]
Heal: Silver immediately goes to tend to the wounds of the griffon Kira has incapacitated to try to keep him from dying.
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]
>>194495
The griffin's jacket is removed, and a bedsheet taken from a room above, fetched by Stained Sand and then delivered to Silver by Zara, serves well to plug the wound and stop the bleeding, then is quickly wrapped around the griffin. It seems stabilized, if not well.
The griffin's jacket is removed, and a bedsheet taken from a room above, fetched by Stained Sand and then delivered to Silver by Zara, serves well to plug the wound and stop the bleeding, then is quickly wrapped around the griffin. It seems stabilized, if not well.
>>194496
Silver nods after finishing up, confident in the quality of the work he has performed. Kira gives Zara some headpats. "It's okay. If the Traveler possessed them, Ouroboros can free their minds once we turn the lights back on!"
Silver nods after finishing up, confident in the quality of the work he has performed. Kira gives Zara some headpats. "It's okay. If the Traveler possessed them, Ouroboros can free their minds once we turn the lights back on!"
>>194497
Zara is pat, temporarily parting her ears. She looks down at the griffins, inspecting them.
"They were part of the boarding party..." She turns back and looks to Kira, though she turns her head away. She speaks,
"What's this.. 'possess'"? Turning her eyes back at the end of the question and placing a forehoof down.
>>194498
A flashlight is helpful under these circumstances
Zara is pat, temporarily parting her ears. She looks down at the griffins, inspecting them.
"They were part of the boarding party..." She turns back and looks to Kira, though she turns her head away. She speaks,
"What's this.. 'possess'"? Turning her eyes back at the end of the question and placing a forehoof down.
>>194498
A flashlight is helpful under these circumstances
>>194494
Posey frisks the downed griffins for loot, before proceeding to open the door to cargo hold five.
She licks the bloodied edge of her sword as she moves through the darkness and into the door to the next room, savoring the bitter sting of enchanted silver on her tongue.
>>194495
"You know, going through the effort to patch them up now only increases the chance of fighting them for their ship when all of this is done..." Posey says, swishing her tail nonchalantly as she walks by
(Also, they were knocked out with nonlethal damage: It's not necessary to stabilize them. They will recover on their own)
Posey frisks the downed griffins for loot, before proceeding to open the door to cargo hold five.
She licks the bloodied edge of her sword as she moves through the darkness and into the door to the next room, savoring the bitter sting of enchanted silver on her tongue.
>>194495
"You know, going through the effort to patch them up now only increases the chance of fighting them for their ship when all of this is done..." Posey says, swishing her tail nonchalantly as she walks by
(Also, they were knocked out with nonlethal damage: It's not necessary to stabilize them. They will recover on their own)
>>194498
Kira does look uneasy. She still doesn't know if they were for sure. "Well...they did well to disorientate us..."
>>194499
Silver looks over to Zara, and replies. "This entity, 'Traveler' or 'Chernobog' depending on who you ask, can take over minds of creatures, make them puppets to its will. It whispers to you, tries to get you to agree to join it in exchange for it helping you with whatever desire you have, and then it has you..."
>>194500
Admittedly, Posey did run a griffon through the chest with her sword. Silver's the only one who can run someone through with his sword without killing them, here.
Kira does look uneasy. She still doesn't know if they were for sure. "Well...they did well to disorientate us..."
>>194499
Silver looks over to Zara, and replies. "This entity, 'Traveler' or 'Chernobog' depending on who you ask, can take over minds of creatures, make them puppets to its will. It whispers to you, tries to get you to agree to join it in exchange for it helping you with whatever desire you have, and then it has you..."
>>194500
Admittedly, Posey did run a griffon through the chest with her sword. Silver's the only one who can run someone through with his sword without killing them, here.
>>194501
It doesn't matter if they took lethal damage if the nonlethal damage is what knocked him out. If the sword strike were enough to cause him to bleed out, he would have just died on the spot.
It doesn't matter if they took lethal damage if the nonlethal damage is what knocked him out. If the sword strike were enough to cause him to bleed out, he would have just died on the spot.
>>194500
Short swords, hoofcuffs, ammunition for guns they do not hold, their flashlights, and small amounts of money that don't seem to match their nationalities. Small necklaces to Eyr and Boreas respectively. One has a locket shocking a griffin, one has a pocket watch. They carry no IDs.
It tastes like griffin blood and, well, enchanted silver
>>194501
Zara blinks
"How is that different from anyone else? I mean, I will take that over the Chiropterrans. They don't ask, they just steal creatures. I'd rather someone who asks first..."
>>194502
It lost 85% of its HP to a sword strike and some kind of magical thing. I'd rather the wound be bandage than just "nah, it'll be fine."
Short swords, hoofcuffs, ammunition for guns they do not hold, their flashlights, and small amounts of money that don't seem to match their nationalities. Small necklaces to Eyr and Boreas respectively. One has a locket shocking a griffin, one has a pocket watch. They carry no IDs.
It tastes like griffin blood and, well, enchanted silver
>>194501
Zara blinks
"How is that different from anyone else? I mean, I will take that over the Chiropterrans. They don't ask, they just steal creatures. I'd rather someone who asks first..."
>>194502
It lost 85% of its HP to a sword strike and some kind of magical thing. I'd rather the wound be bandage than just "nah, it'll be fine."
>>194503
”Unlike those of the Chiropterrans, its captives can’t even think on their own. We’re not sure how affected the boarding party is. Giving them a single message would have helped us find out…”
”Unlike those of the Chiropterrans, its captives can’t even think on their own. We’re not sure how affected the boarding party is. Giving them a single message would have helped us find out…”
>>194503
Silver shakes his head at the misunderstanding zebra. "They made prisoner of your body. Traveler, it makes prisoner of your mind. It takes you over wholly, both body and mind subsumed into something else. There is no more 'you', just Traveler's will. You can not resist its commands because you are no longer in control of yourself, even if its command is to attack your friends and allies who have refused its offer..."
Silver shakes his head at the misunderstanding zebra. "They made prisoner of your body. Traveler, it makes prisoner of your mind. It takes you over wholly, both body and mind subsumed into something else. There is no more 'you', just Traveler's will. You can not resist its commands because you are no longer in control of yourself, even if its command is to attack your friends and allies who have refused its offer..."
>>194507
>converted
I have to count my currency individually then. How much of each type?
Could you tell me what the watch and necklaces cost individually?
I know I said we should divide treasure at the end of the adventure, but it's been over a year and I don't think anyone has been keeping track.
>converted
I have to count my currency individually then. How much of each type?
Could you tell me what the watch and necklaces cost individually?
I know I said we should divide treasure at the end of the adventure, but it's been over a year and I don't think anyone has been keeping track.
>>194507
Silver comes a bit closer to the mare, and wraps his forelegs around her in a hug. "We will stop him, and free your friends."
Silver comes a bit closer to the mare, and wraps his forelegs around her in a hug. "We will stop him, and free your friends."
>>194507
”Even if crew members are relatively sane, these surroundings will leave any griffon on a hair trigger. Making our intentions clear from the outset may well save their hides…as well as ours.”
”Even if crew members are relatively sane, these surroundings will leave any griffon on a hair trigger. Making our intentions clear from the outset may well save their hides…as well as ours.”
>>194509
squeak
The zebra is hugged
Zara is pushed down by Silver, as her shoulder is higher than the top of Silver's barrel.
She tilts her muzzle up and looks into Silver's eyes with her own ice blue
"Are you- are you sure?"
>>194510
Blackheel and Stained Sand are in the room now
Stained Sand:
"I would be on edge, absolutely. Especially with an armed party"
Blackheel:
"I am skeptical that there are hold outs... but if there are, they would expect hostile forces before friendly."
squeak
The zebra is hugged
Zara is pushed down by Silver, as her shoulder is higher than the top of Silver's barrel.
She tilts her muzzle up and looks into Silver's eyes with her own ice blue
"Are you- are you sure?"
>>194510
Blackheel and Stained Sand are in the room now
Stained Sand:
"I would be on edge, absolutely. Especially with an armed party"
Blackheel:
"I am skeptical that there are hold outs... but if there are, they would expect hostile forces before friendly."
Also, GM, I have a bunch of unappraised jewelry items on my character sheet. I have asked to appraise them before, but you were busy those times so I just decided to do it later.
I am just going to list them all as their minimum value on the standard treasure tables, for convenience. I don't mind potentially losing money so long as I know how much money I actually have.
I am just going to list them all as their minimum value on the standard treasure tables, for convenience. I don't mind potentially losing money so long as I know how much money I actually have.
>>194512
I think this would be better to put a pin in and wait till later so that we can see about actually moving the party. We actually have all three players plus me here right now and that has become very rare
I think this would be better to put a pin in and wait till later so that we can see about actually moving the party. We actually have all three players plus me here right now and that has become very rare
>>194513
Alright. It's a work night, but I can be here for maybe a other hour or two.
What does Posey see as she goes through the next door?
Alright. It's a work night, but I can be here for maybe a other hour or two.
What does Posey see as she goes through the next door?
>>194514
Shouldn’t we investigate this room first? And isn’t there another adjoining one of similar size?
Shouldn’t we investigate this room first? And isn’t there another adjoining one of similar size?
>>194515
I guess we should, if there is anything to see. It would probably be easier to turn the boiler on first though, so we can come back when the place is lit.
I guess we should, if there is anything to see. It would probably be easier to turn the boiler on first though, so we can come back when the place is lit.
>>194511
Silver's eyes, blue like the sky, match very well with hers. He looks into hers with steeled determination as he replies, "I am sure."
Kira looks about the room they're in. "This looks like an armory...maybe there's still some weapons in here we can use?"
Silver's eyes, blue like the sky, match very well with hers. He looks into hers with steeled determination as he replies, "I am sure."
Kira looks about the room they're in. "This looks like an armory...maybe there's still some weapons in here we can use?"
>>194516
Posey has dark vision. Just tell us if there’s anything important.
Also sorry for being a drag during combat
Posey has dark vision. Just tell us if there’s anything important.
Also sorry for being a drag during combat
>>194516
Peaking through the door, at a quick first glimpse, Posey sees...
A large room, the far wall extending further even than the extent of Posey's dark vision. There is a light on on the left near the back, casting an orange-tinted light on a steel floor. There are some large boxes, barrels, and metal ingots. Mostly the room is empty, 30 feet to the ceiling. There is a big rectangular hole near the center front which rain droplets fall. Below it, another hole to an even lower level.
You must descend stairs to enter
>>194515
There is indeed an adjoining room
>>194518
The room is a magazine and part of an armory. It contains 4 inch shells, 20 millimeter cannon shells, and other boxes of ammunition, as well as empty racks that presumably held rifles.
Peaking through the door, at a quick first glimpse, Posey sees...
A large room, the far wall extending further even than the extent of Posey's dark vision. There is a light on on the left near the back, casting an orange-tinted light on a steel floor. There are some large boxes, barrels, and metal ingots. Mostly the room is empty, 30 feet to the ceiling. There is a big rectangular hole near the center front which rain droplets fall. Below it, another hole to an even lower level.
You must descend stairs to enter
>>194515
There is indeed an adjoining room
>>194518
The room is a magazine and part of an armory. It contains 4 inch shells, 20 millimeter cannon shells, and other boxes of ammunition, as well as empty racks that presumably held rifles.
>>194520
Search: Silver and Kira decide to see if there's anything left that's actually useable inside the armory.
Silver - [1d20 = 1]
Kira - [1d20+5 = (17+5) = 22]
Search: Silver and Kira decide to see if there's anything left that's actually useable inside the armory.
Silver - [1d20 = 1]
Kira - [1d20+5 = (17+5) = 22]
>>194521
Kira finds:
A rifle (singular), and ammunition to two distinct kinds of machine guns that do not seem to be present.
Kira finds:
A rifle (singular), and ammunition to two distinct kinds of machine guns that do not seem to be present.
>>194517
"That could be useful."
Posey looks for any magic weapons (because surely Stalliongrad isn't so broke that they would send their sailors out with literally zero ways to fight enemies impervious to nonmagical attacks)
Rolling Arcana
>>194520
Posey checks to see if the ammo is magical
Arcana
[1d20+11 = (10+11) = 21]
With her horn, she opens the door to the adjoining room
>metal ingots
Ooh, now we're talking
"That could be useful."
Posey looks for any magic weapons (because surely Stalliongrad isn't so broke that they would send their sailors out with literally zero ways to fight enemies impervious to nonmagical attacks)
Rolling Arcana
>>194520
Posey checks to see if the ammo is magical
Arcana
[1d20+11 = (10+11) = 21]
With her horn, she opens the door to the adjoining room
>metal ingots
Ooh, now we're talking
>>194524
Okay, Silver can break down the door this time. Let's investigate the adjoining door before we move into the cargo hold, but I really want to help myself to some gold bars right now.
Okay, Silver can break down the door this time. Let's investigate the adjoining door before we move into the cargo hold, but I really want to help myself to some gold bars right now.
>>194522
Kira blinks, and flicks her tongue. She finds the haul to be...well, honestly kinda impressive considering the description of the room. She has no idea what type of rifle it is, much less how to use it, but she imagines someone in the party might know. She silently laments how no one seems to carry anything for bows on these modern style ships. She looks to the adjoining room, hoping she might find the missing ammo for the rifle and the missing gun for the ammunition.
Open Lock: Using the knife and lockpick she got from the dead griffon outside, Kira attempts to pick the lock to the adjoining room.
[1d20+3 = (6+3) = 9]
Kira blinks, and flicks her tongue. She finds the haul to be...well, honestly kinda impressive considering the description of the room. She has no idea what type of rifle it is, much less how to use it, but she imagines someone in the party might know. She silently laments how no one seems to carry anything for bows on these modern style ships. She looks to the adjoining room, hoping she might find the missing ammo for the rifle and the missing gun for the ammunition.
Open Lock: Using the knife and lockpick she got from the dead griffon outside, Kira attempts to pick the lock to the adjoining room.
[1d20+3 = (6+3) = 9]
>>194521
Use your Greatsword to break down the door. With Power Attack, you are basically guaranteed to succeed on the first try unless you roll a 1.
Use your Greatsword to break down the door. With Power Attack, you are basically guaranteed to succeed on the first try unless you roll a 1.
>>194527
>>194528
Kira scrunches, finding that locks are just a bit outside the range of her apparent skills. Before she can attempt to make this one listen to the will of her God, Silver steps in, sword drawn, and nudges her aside. "This, I think I have."
Power Attack: Channeling his strength into a single almighty blow with his sword, Silver attempts to bust the doors down or in.
[1d20+7 = (13+7) = 20]
[2d6+20 = (3+20) = 23]
>>194528
Kira scrunches, finding that locks are just a bit outside the range of her apparent skills. Before she can attempt to make this one listen to the will of her God, Silver steps in, sword drawn, and nudges her aside. "This, I think I have."
Power Attack: Channeling his strength into a single almighty blow with his sword, Silver attempts to bust the doors down or in.
[1d20+7 = (13+7) = 20]
[2d6+20 = (3+20) = 23]
>>194530
The sword seems to glow as its wielded. It hits the door, and its hinges snap until it barely remains in place. A single kick or tug and it is out of the way
The sword seems to glow as its wielded. It hits the door, and its hinges snap until it barely remains in place. A single kick or tug and it is out of the way
>>194524
>No magic detected in the armory
Magehold will be thrilled when Posey reports to them that a single CR 3 Shadow can kill off the entire Stalliongrad Navy, or so Posey thinks to herself.
>>194529
>>194524
Waiting to see what's behind the door Silver broke down before Posey proceeds into the cargo hold.
>>194531
Oh, there we are.
What's behind it?
>No magic detected in the armory
Magehold will be thrilled when Posey reports to them that a single CR 3 Shadow can kill off the entire Stalliongrad Navy, or so Posey thinks to herself.
>>194529
>>194524
Waiting to see what's behind the door Silver broke down before Posey proceeds into the cargo hold.
>>194531
Oh, there we are.
What's behind it?
>>194534
>>194533
>>194532
Boom
Assuming Silver gets it before Cavaliere is done. I can almost imaging Cavaliere starting on it, then Silver bucks it. Or maybe not
Inside, it is another armory. This one focuses on small arms as opposed to anti-aircraft. It also does not appear to have been raided. At least not to the same degree.
Clearly visible is more ammunition, a couple Stalliongrad Automatic Rifles, a submachine gun, and a light machine gun. Besides nets, rope, pink tipped cannon shells, a harpoon, flare guns, and a grapple hook launcher
>>194533
>>194532
Boom
Assuming Silver gets it before Cavaliere is done. I can almost imaging Cavaliere starting on it, then Silver bucks it. Or maybe not
Inside, it is another armory. This one focuses on small arms as opposed to anti-aircraft. It also does not appear to have been raided. At least not to the same degree.
Clearly visible is more ammunition, a couple Stalliongrad Automatic Rifles, a submachine gun, and a light machine gun. Besides nets, rope, pink tipped cannon shells, a harpoon, flare guns, and a grapple hook launcher
>>194535
Silver immediately feels himself drawn to the light machine gun. It speaks to him, almost as if it was like the Traveler, as he picks it up to inspect it.
Silver immediately feels himself drawn to the light machine gun. It speaks to him, almost as if it was like the Traveler, as he picks it up to inspect it.
>>194535
>Clearly visible is more ammunition, a couple Stalliongrad Automatic Rifles, a submachine gun, and a light machine gun. Besides nets, rope, pink tipped cannon shells, a harpoon, flare guns, and a grapple hook launcher
I'm not proficient in guns (or am I?), but we should take all of these. All of them. I will add them to my sheet if no pony takes them.
Posey, as the party arcanist, checks for any inscriptions or runes to suggest magic weaponry or ammo.
>Clearly visible is more ammunition, a couple Stalliongrad Automatic Rifles, a submachine gun, and a light machine gun. Besides nets, rope, pink tipped cannon shells, a harpoon, flare guns, and a grapple hook launcher
I'm not proficient in guns (or am I?), but we should take all of these. All of them. I will add them to my sheet if no pony takes them.
Posey, as the party arcanist, checks for any inscriptions or runes to suggest magic weaponry or ammo.
>>194539
Silver looks for a sling for it, and adds it to his inventory. Kira meanwhile calls in Black Heel after giving the machine gun ammunition she found to Silver. "Hey, I don't know much about firearms, but...are these any good? Could these be enough to arm everyone?
Silver looks for a sling for it, and adds it to his inventory. Kira meanwhile calls in Black Heel after giving the machine gun ammunition she found to Silver. "Hey, I don't know much about firearms, but...are these any good? Could these be enough to arm everyone?
>>194535
Arcana, to check for signs of magic weaponry.
[1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
Posey levitates a couple flare guns into her satchel, since they're simple weapons. If the harpoon has a launcher, she takes that too, since it's an archaic weapon. If any of the weapons look masterwork/antique, she grabs them.
"Warriors had best arm themselves. We have a lot of fighting ahead of us. I will continue to scout ahead." she says, moving to the next room.
>>194539
I take it that means not magic? Okay. Posey moves on, pocketing her flares.
Seeing a golden opportunity, Posey proceeds down the stairs into the darkness to where she saw those metal ingots, eager to help herself to gold before Blackheel can object.
"~Come to mama." she whispers, her golden eyes glowing in the dark
Arcana, to check for signs of magic weaponry.
[1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
Posey levitates a couple flare guns into her satchel, since they're simple weapons. If the harpoon has a launcher, she takes that too, since it's an archaic weapon. If any of the weapons look masterwork/antique, she grabs them.
"Warriors had best arm themselves. We have a lot of fighting ahead of us. I will continue to scout ahead." she says, moving to the next room.
>>194539
I take it that means not magic? Okay. Posey moves on, pocketing her flares.
Seeing a golden opportunity, Posey proceeds down the stairs into the darkness to where she saw those metal ingots, eager to help herself to gold before Blackheel can object.
"~Come to mama." she whispers, her golden eyes glowing in the dark
>>194542
Posey leaves the weapons to the characters more familiar with them as she looks for those metal ingots she saw earlier.
Posey leaves the weapons to the characters more familiar with them as she looks for those metal ingots she saw earlier.
>>194542
After getting set with the light machine gun, Silver decides to inspect one of the SARs.
Kira nods at the commissar. "I think we should get the rest of these out to the others who don't have a weapon. I just wish you had some bows and arrows. I know they aren't really the style, but..." She lets out a wistful sigh. "...I don't know, I still like them. They're...elegant. And they can still pack a punch. I mean, you need a lot of strength to pull back a drawstring, and that results in a lot of power behind the arrow when you loose it."
After getting set with the light machine gun, Silver decides to inspect one of the SARs.
Kira nods at the commissar. "I think we should get the rest of these out to the others who don't have a weapon. I just wish you had some bows and arrows. I know they aren't really the style, but..." She lets out a wistful sigh. "...I don't know, I still like them. They're...elegant. And they can still pack a punch. I mean, you need a lot of strength to pull back a drawstring, and that results in a lot of power behind the arrow when you loose it."
>>194544
Good thinking. Take as many as you can find.
>>194545
>shinny, and silvery
Posey reflexively recoils at the sight of polished silver, her vampire heritage kicking in, if it is silver.
Nevertheless, she approaches.
How much do these ingots weigh?
>>194547
Just take 10. You have like three characters assisting you. Blackheel probably knows where everything in the armory is anyway, so ask him.
Good thinking. Take as many as you can find.
>>194545
>shinny, and silvery
Posey reflexively recoils at the sight of polished silver, her vampire heritage kicking in, if it is silver.
Nevertheless, she approaches.
How much do these ingots weigh?
>>194547
Just take 10. You have like three characters assisting you. Blackheel probably knows where everything in the armory is anyway, so ask him.
>>194548
Cavaliere is at carry limit. He’s not taking anything. He does converse with Blackheel, however.
Cavaliere is at carry limit. He’s not taking anything. He does converse with Blackheel, however.
>>194549
Posey appraises, taking 10 to judge its weight
This is silver, right? How many are there?
(I repeat what I said about wanting to know how much money I have)
Posey appraises, taking 10 to judge its weight
This is silver, right? How many are there?
(I repeat what I said about wanting to know how much money I have)
I need to sleep soon.
Pisst cautiously investigates the cargo hold. Picking up the silver ingots while looking for those gold bars that Captain Waters mentioned.
Pisst cautiously investigates the cargo hold. Picking up the silver ingots while looking for those gold bars that Captain Waters mentioned.
>>194554
Okay. Posey takes as many as she can carry, which is about 390 pounds.
>white metal
The pic you linked is an iron ingot. Is this actually silver?
Okay. Posey takes as many as she can carry, which is about 390 pounds.
>white metal
The pic you linked is an iron ingot. Is this actually silver?
>>194546
The Stalliongradian Automatic Rifle is a battle rifle a larger and heavier bigger than the Lavender's Silver is familiar with. It uses the same rimmed ammunition the vlazhnyy bolt-action rifle does (or the same as the light machine gun for that matter), but the five round stripper clips feed into a 10 round detachable box magazine rather than a five round internal magazine. Steel heat shield and wooden furniture make it more stylish than anything else Silver has seen out of Stalliongrad.
>>194546
Blackheel shrugs
"Would you believe me if I told you that most of our sailors don't have as much muscle as you do? And we expect to engage from long ranges. It doesn't actually work like that, but... those were the specifications set by the Navy when they set their orders. Weapons that would allow a conscript with six weeks of training who has only just seen the ocean for the first time be effective against pirates or boarding actions or entering hostile foreign ports. Oh, and they have to use the same factory lines the army uses.
Bows are a hell of a lot quieter, I'll give you that. And probably just a little less dangerous to hurt yourself with."
>>194555
Iron?1?!?!?
No, this isn't iron. This is much harder than iron. Denser. Shinier. This is what Iron wishes it were. And it doesn't provoke Posey's silver allergy either
The Stalliongradian Automatic Rifle is a battle rifle a larger and heavier bigger than the Lavender's Silver is familiar with. It uses the same rimmed ammunition the vlazhnyy bolt-action rifle does (or the same as the light machine gun for that matter), but the five round stripper clips feed into a 10 round detachable box magazine rather than a five round internal magazine. Steel heat shield and wooden furniture make it more stylish than anything else Silver has seen out of Stalliongrad.
>>194546
Blackheel shrugs
"Would you believe me if I told you that most of our sailors don't have as much muscle as you do? And we expect to engage from long ranges. It doesn't actually work like that, but... those were the specifications set by the Navy when they set their orders. Weapons that would allow a conscript with six weeks of training who has only just seen the ocean for the first time be effective against pirates or boarding actions or entering hostile foreign ports. Oh, and they have to use the same factory lines the army uses.
Bows are a hell of a lot quieter, I'll give you that. And probably just a little less dangerous to hurt yourself with."
>>194555
Iron?1?!?!?
No, this isn't iron. This is much harder than iron. Denser. Shinier. This is what Iron wishes it were. And it doesn't provoke Posey's silver allergy either
>>194556
Kira just shrugs in response. Silver, meanwhile, lets out a whistle. "These must be new. Last I knew, Stalliongrad did not have semi-automatic rifle like this."
Kira just shrugs in response. Silver, meanwhile, lets out a whistle. "These must be new. Last I knew, Stalliongrad did not have semi-automatic rifle like this."
>>194556
>>194546
Bows are also more useful if you have high strength, like Kira and Posey.
What's useful about machine guns is that they're AoE attacks.
>Denser. Shinier
For a second I thought that meant platinum and got exited, but
>harder
So probably not that...
This does not tell Posey how much an ingot is worth. Can she appraise this?
>>194546
Bows are also more useful if you have high strength, like Kira and Posey.
What's useful about machine guns is that they're AoE attacks.
>Denser. Shinier
For a second I thought that meant platinum and got exited, but
>harder
So probably not that...
This does not tell Posey how much an ingot is worth. Can she appraise this?
>>194557
Blackheel:
"It was designed a few years ago. The roll out has been slow because of the high costs of the rifle, but with potential threats from Nova Griffonia, and now even the Changelings and the Fascists, more are being made."
>>194560
>>194559
Exact values? No. Obviously it must be worth something if it's worth placing in a ship and sending thousands of miles. But neither will a few ingots pay of your mortgage.
>the remainder of the hold
Empty air, mostly. Barrels. Steel oil drums. They seem to be empty, or mostly empty. Most of them anyways. They are stacked especially along the starboard and port sides. More ingots. And some kind of rock.
>>194550
"Grenades? I believe so."
Blackheel:
"It was designed a few years ago. The roll out has been slow because of the high costs of the rifle, but with potential threats from Nova Griffonia, and now even the Changelings and the Fascists, more are being made."
>>194560
>>194559
Exact values? No. Obviously it must be worth something if it's worth placing in a ship and sending thousands of miles. But neither will a few ingots pay of your mortgage.
>the remainder of the hold
Empty air, mostly. Barrels. Steel oil drums. They seem to be empty, or mostly empty. Most of them anyways. They are stacked especially along the starboard and port sides. More ingots. And some kind of rock.
>>194550
"Grenades? I believe so."
>>194562
>Exact values? No. Obviously it must be worth something if it's worth placing in a ship and sending thousands of miles. But neither will a few ingots pay of your mortgage.
So what you're saying is that it's not treasure, at least not for an adventurer. Okay then.
>some kind of rock
Posey examines the rock before signaling to Kira that this room is clear and moving to open the door to the next room.
>Exact values? No. Obviously it must be worth something if it's worth placing in a ship and sending thousands of miles. But neither will a few ingots pay of your mortgage.
So what you're saying is that it's not treasure, at least not for an adventurer. Okay then.
>some kind of rock
Posey examines the rock before signaling to Kira that this room is clear and moving to open the door to the next room.
>>194564
"Some of them have, certainly. We took what we could on our way out of the ship. The Navy hasn't exactly prioritized stocking grenades. Explosives in enclosed spaces, and all."
"Some of them have, certainly. We took what we could on our way out of the ship. The Navy hasn't exactly prioritized stocking grenades. Explosives in enclosed spaces, and all."
>>194562
Silver takes one of the SARs and some ammo for it, before telling Black Heel, "See about arming whoever needs weapons with what is left. Someone must have lost key to this room and we can use that to our benefit." He then goes over to see how Mala is doing.
Kira, meanwhile, makes her way down into the cargo hold. She inspects the chromium ingots, and has a look around for ventilation and other possible entry points into the room, as well as trying to get a feel for how strong the Traveler's influence is in this particular part of the ship.
>>194566
I think you're already in 5, and the next you're going to is 4.
Silver takes one of the SARs and some ammo for it, before telling Black Heel, "See about arming whoever needs weapons with what is left. Someone must have lost key to this room and we can use that to our benefit." He then goes over to see how Mala is doing.
Kira, meanwhile, makes her way down into the cargo hold. She inspects the chromium ingots, and has a look around for ventilation and other possible entry points into the room, as well as trying to get a feel for how strong the Traveler's influence is in this particular part of the ship.
>>194566
I think you're already in 5, and the next you're going to is 4.
If GM is not prepared to show us the next cargo hold room and/or just doesn't want Posey wandering ahead alone, Posey instead comes back to stock up on grenades in the armory as she hears Blackheel mention them.
"Nothing in the next room." she reports
"Did I hear there are grenades here?" she asks
"Nothing in the next room." she reports
"Did I hear there are grenades here?" she asks
>>194571
The sable-clad griffon talks to Posey, aside. "While we have a breather, let's be clear on something. Interrupting an attempt to negotiate without good reason is not just counterproductive, it's dangerous for all of us. We don't know how affected those griffons were, but if they were still conscious your threat may have given them good reason to attack. Let's decide beforehand on who speaks, but I will not interrupt and I expect the same from you."
The sable-clad griffon talks to Posey, aside. "While we have a breather, let's be clear on something. Interrupting an attempt to negotiate without good reason is not just counterproductive, it's dangerous for all of us. We don't know how affected those griffons were, but if they were still conscious your threat may have given them good reason to attack. Let's decide beforehand on who speaks, but I will not interrupt and I expect the same from you."
>>194591
"I was negotiating, and analyzing the enemy." Posey replies
"I clearly stated the reality of their situation clear to give them a chance to respond. Based on their reaction, or rather lack thereof, it was obvious that they were already under the command of the Intruder. Free-willed creatures who valued their lives would have either immediately made verbal attempts to negotiate, or defiantly shouted in anger: these birds did neither; they were silent without so much as a squak, as apathetic to our arrival as they were to their bisected comrade in the next room over, whom I will point out they did not even afford the courtesy of closing his eyes. To top it off, they were simply standing here alone doing nothing, attacking us with knives instead of helping themselves to the armory was so close by; no true pirate would waste time like that." she continues, still with her stoic, professional expression, as she rummages in search of grenades
"I served on the northern shores of Farbrook as a Necrologist and warmagus repelling slave-takers from across the watelands. When you have fought vampire thralls and shambling corpses in the dark as many times as I have, you learn to quickly tell the difference between a creature that is free-willed and a creature that is not, because your survival depends on telling the difference before they charge you."
>>194565
How many grenades are there? Posey takes as many as she can.
"I was negotiating, and analyzing the enemy." Posey replies
"I clearly stated the reality of their situation clear to give them a chance to respond. Based on their reaction, or rather lack thereof, it was obvious that they were already under the command of the Intruder. Free-willed creatures who valued their lives would have either immediately made verbal attempts to negotiate, or defiantly shouted in anger: these birds did neither; they were silent without so much as a squak, as apathetic to our arrival as they were to their bisected comrade in the next room over, whom I will point out they did not even afford the courtesy of closing his eyes. To top it off, they were simply standing here alone doing nothing, attacking us with knives instead of helping themselves to the armory was so close by; no true pirate would waste time like that." she continues, still with her stoic, professional expression, as she rummages in search of grenades
"I served on the northern shores of Farbrook as a Necrologist and warmagus repelling slave-takers from across the watelands. When you have fought vampire thralls and shambling corpses in the dark as many times as I have, you learn to quickly tell the difference between a creature that is free-willed and a creature that is not, because your survival depends on telling the difference before they charge you."
>>194565
How many grenades are there? Posey takes as many as she can.
>>194605
>>194591
Blackheel walks up
“How many griffins do you know speak Equestrian as a first language? You stated your threat in a language they obviously could not understand and long before you knew they were in the thralls of ‘Our Fellow Traveller’.”
Stained Sand follows shortly thereafter,
“What does it matter? They are pirates of Haukland. They are vermin. We’re told to sink their vessels when we see them, if we can and if they can’t we’ll shoot us back. It’s a wonder there isn’t a bounty on them.”
Blackheel:
“Well, there are a couple griffins among my crew. Well, among the crew. They are with the Skynavian contingent. I don’t really trust them much. They would be in blue and white uniform, not like the pirates. I don’t know if they survived.”
Stained Sand:
“Why save the Hauklanders at all?”
Blackheel’s eyes move towards Cavaliere
“Honor among thieves.”
Then to Posey
“Or not.”
>>194605
Two. The container seems to have held 6, and most have been taken.
>>194591
Blackheel walks up
“How many griffins do you know speak Equestrian as a first language? You stated your threat in a language they obviously could not understand and long before you knew they were in the thralls of ‘Our Fellow Traveller’.”
Stained Sand follows shortly thereafter,
“What does it matter? They are pirates of Haukland. They are vermin. We’re told to sink their vessels when we see them, if we can and if they can’t we’ll shoot us back. It’s a wonder there isn’t a bounty on them.”
Blackheel:
“Well, there are a couple griffins among my crew. Well, among the crew. They are with the Skynavian contingent. I don’t really trust them much. They would be in blue and white uniform, not like the pirates. I don’t know if they survived.”
Stained Sand:
“Why save the Hauklanders at all?”
Blackheel’s eyes move towards Cavaliere
“Honor among thieves.”
Then to Posey
“Or not.”
>>194605
Two. The container seems to have held 6, and most have been taken.
>>194606
"Whether or not they understood the language, their silence spoke volumes." Posey said
"I will admit, the well-being of our competition in crime is not my priority. Securing the escape of my crew and the hostages is what is on my mind, as well as what is necessary for our alliance, which is why I am risking life and limb to destroy the Intruder instead of taking that ship and leaving right now."
Rolling Diplomacy to improve the attitude of these NPCs
[1d20+10 = (15+10) = 25]
Posey takes one of the grenades, levitating the other out for whoever wants it.
"Whether or not they understood the language, their silence spoke volumes." Posey said
"I will admit, the well-being of our competition in crime is not my priority. Securing the escape of my crew and the hostages is what is on my mind, as well as what is necessary for our alliance, which is why I am risking life and limb to destroy the Intruder instead of taking that ship and leaving right now."
Rolling Diplomacy to improve the attitude of these NPCs
[1d20+10 = (15+10) = 25]
Posey takes one of the grenades, levitating the other out for whoever wants it.
>>194605
>>194607
"You may well be right. Still, it's our duty to determine whether they are free-willed or not. If they are, to get them to work alongside us we may have to threaten them, but we should avoid provoking them considering these conditions. They would respond better to an offer of help, but either way talking over each other won't help us. Let's decide beforehand who gets to speak."
>>194606
To Stained Sand Cavaliere responds, "The boat of these 'vermin' as you call them is your best bet to get out of here with body and mind in one piece. They may have yet more to offer. We all have one goal in common and playing fast and loose with life is not going to help us to reach it."
What language do Hauklanders speak?
>>194607
"You may well be right. Still, it's our duty to determine whether they are free-willed or not. If they are, to get them to work alongside us we may have to threaten them, but we should avoid provoking them considering these conditions. They would respond better to an offer of help, but either way talking over each other won't help us. Let's decide beforehand who gets to speak."
>>194606
To Stained Sand Cavaliere responds, "The boat of these 'vermin' as you call them is your best bet to get out of here with body and mind in one piece. They may have yet more to offer. We all have one goal in common and playing fast and loose with life is not going to help us to reach it."
What language do Hauklanders speak?
>>194608
"If we want to take their ship, that only puts us at odds with them later. They will not simply give it to us. It is not our job to rescue them either. If the Intruder already took care of the pirates, that makes our work easier."
She leans in, her face stern
"Surely you know that in this line or work. You are a pirate, right? You took ships before. You killed anypony who in your way. You even came here to take those airponies hostage."
Bluff, for the NPCs listening (since apparently I am the only pony who is taking Captain Waters's pirate cover story seriously)
Bluff
[1d20+14 = (12+14) = 26]
"Some of us, myself included, would like to finally retire from this line of work when all of this is done, but that does not mean we should let up now. Or profession, hesitation means death. Always strike first."
"If we want to take their ship, that only puts us at odds with them later. They will not simply give it to us. It is not our job to rescue them either. If the Intruder already took care of the pirates, that makes our work easier."
She leans in, her face stern
"Surely you know that in this line or work. You are a pirate, right? You took ships before. You killed anypony who in your way. You even came here to take those airponies hostage."
Bluff, for the NPCs listening (since apparently I am the only pony who is taking Captain Waters's pirate cover story seriously)
Bluff
[1d20+14 = (12+14) = 26]
"Some of us, myself included, would like to finally retire from this line of work when all of this is done, but that does not mean we should let up now. Or profession, hesitation means death. Always strike first."
>>194608
>Language
Herzlandish (Imperial), Equestrian-Ponish, Feathesian, Aquelian, other griffin languages
>Language
Herzlandish (Imperial), Equestrian-Ponish, Feathesian, Aquelian, other griffin languages
>>194612
That's not too much of a language barrier.
Cavaliere is not deterred. "And there are others who would like to take up your mantle. As you know, experienced crewmates are at a premium and we've been rather short. We'll have proven our mettle by the end of this which will prove to most of them who's the better employer. As for troublemakers there will always be the bottom of the sea."
That's not too much of a language barrier.
Cavaliere is not deterred. "And there are others who would like to take up your mantle. As you know, experienced crewmates are at a premium and we've been rather short. We'll have proven our mettle by the end of this which will prove to most of them who's the better employer. As for troublemakers there will always be the bottom of the sea."
"I am going to go check the next cargo hold room now." Posey says, walking off with her new grenade
>>194613
The Arcturian Order, near Magehold, is composed of a multi-national order of griffins, with Imperial/Herzlandish presumably dominating. Further to the West are the Everfrost and Cubrian ponies, who speak what we could call "snow pony." To the East and south are the various nations of the River Republic. The three nations to the north of the main Riverlands, and bordering the Arcturian Order, are of a single linguistic group referred to as the Hill Ponies. Below the Hill Ponies are the nations of the River Republic, who are south-slavic coded and speak languages like serbo-croat, or greek, or in one instance, a variation of the hill pony language. To the West of the snow ponies are the Vedinans, and two griffin nations that are colonial states created by refugees from the Herzland. Magehold definitely has ponies of Equestrian origin, and I would assume, ponies, griffins, and zebras from elsewhere. This is besides geographically close nations of diamond dogs and changelings that are fairly isolated.
The Arcturian Order, near Magehold, is composed of a multi-national order of griffins, with Imperial/Herzlandish presumably dominating. Further to the West are the Everfrost and Cubrian ponies, who speak what we could call "snow pony." To the East and south are the various nations of the River Republic. The three nations to the north of the main Riverlands, and bordering the Arcturian Order, are of a single linguistic group referred to as the Hill Ponies. Below the Hill Ponies are the nations of the River Republic, who are south-slavic coded and speak languages like serbo-croat, or greek, or in one instance, a variation of the hill pony language. To the West of the snow ponies are the Vedinans, and two griffin nations that are colonial states created by refugees from the Herzland. Magehold definitely has ponies of Equestrian origin, and I would assume, ponies, griffins, and zebras from elsewhere. This is besides geographically close nations of diamond dogs and changelings that are fairly isolated.
I apologize for the lack of posts, work for me has been brutal and the schedule does not provide much time for playtime.
>>194615
Kira notices in the middle of checking out this hold for air passages that Posey is moving to go to the next cargo hold with her grenade. With a flick of her tongue, she slithers behind her in line. "So, how did you become so stabby-stab kill-kill? I thought ponies were creatures of Harmony. Isn't it harmful to you to be like that?"
>>194615
Kira notices in the middle of checking out this hold for air passages that Posey is moving to go to the next cargo hold with her grenade. With a flick of her tongue, she slithers behind her in line. "So, how did you become so stabby-stab kill-kill? I thought ponies were creatures of Harmony. Isn't it harmful to you to be like that?"
>>194618
Okay, I will revise Posey's languages to be more appropriate for her background and career as a scholar/spy later. Thank you for clarifying.
>>194619
>I thought ponies were creatures of Harmony
Posey chuckles momentarily, a rare sight on her otherwise paralyzed face
"We like to tell ourselves that in Farbrook, but we are surrounded by creatures who want to kill us on a daily occurrence . In Farbrook, Harmony is the utmost ideal, but with enough pressure everypony only cares about survival."
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0XEgAkvcVAk
She puts on a subtle, unsettling smile
"And yes, it is harmful, in more ways than one. " she says, a bit too a-matter-of-factly for comfort
"But nopony ends up in my line of work if spiritual health is their priority. When your opponents are vampire slave-takers and eldritch horrors from across the ice ring, you learn to suppress your herbivore instincts and strike fast." she continues, tossing her glamorous mane as she resheaves her now-clean sword
Okay, I will revise Posey's languages to be more appropriate for her background and career as a scholar/spy later. Thank you for clarifying.
>>194619
>I thought ponies were creatures of Harmony
Posey chuckles momentarily, a rare sight on her otherwise paralyzed face
"We like to tell ourselves that in Farbrook, but we are surrounded by creatures who want to kill us on a daily occurrence . In Farbrook, Harmony is the utmost ideal, but with enough pressure everypony only cares about survival."
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0XEgAkvcVAk
She puts on a subtle, unsettling smile
"And yes, it is harmful, in more ways than one. " she says, a bit too a-matter-of-factly for comfort
"But nopony ends up in my line of work if spiritual health is their priority. When your opponents are vampire slave-takers and eldritch horrors from across the ice ring, you learn to suppress your herbivore instincts and strike fast." she continues, tossing her glamorous mane as she resheaves her now-clean sword
>>194620
Cavaliere will be following Posey. His flashlight will be off if she's still sighting for the party.
"That is the sad truth for all creatures, that desperate circumstances will make them do desperate things. It's important to never lose sight of oneself and a moral compass or else survival itself will lose meaning. For those creatures, they become hollow, pitiful things."
Cavaliere will be following Posey. His flashlight will be off if she's still sighting for the party.
"That is the sad truth for all creatures, that desperate circumstances will make them do desperate things. It's important to never lose sight of oneself and a moral compass or else survival itself will lose meaning. For those creatures, they become hollow, pitiful things."
>>194620
>>194621
Kira's tongue flick seems to come from a place of concern. Or...did it? It's hard to tell, she seems to respond to most anything with a tongue flick. Just one of those things that helps give away that she isn't a pony. "You helped me out with this neat little...cutie mark thing? That's what they're called right? Anyways, if you wanted I could ask Ouroboros to give you a blessing to help with your spiritual health. He cares deeply about all of His children, not just lamias." She smiles widely at the most certainly not prey animal pony. "I'm sure He'd love to help you and see you succeed!"
>>194621
Kira's tongue flick seems to come from a place of concern. Or...did it? It's hard to tell, she seems to respond to most anything with a tongue flick. Just one of those things that helps give away that she isn't a pony. "You helped me out with this neat little...cutie mark thing? That's what they're called right? Anyways, if you wanted I could ask Ouroboros to give you a blessing to help with your spiritual health. He cares deeply about all of His children, not just lamias." She smiles widely at the most certainly not prey animal pony. "I'm sure He'd love to help you and see you succeed!"
>>194618
Posey puts her ear to the door of the next room to the cargo hold and listens for any creatures/movement on the other side.
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Posey puts her ear to the door of the next room to the cargo hold and listens for any creatures/movement on the other side.
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Having established that Posey speaks Imperial...
"If you all insist, I will try speaking to them a bit more clearly this time." Posey says quietly, her ear to the door.
"If you all insist, I will try speaking to them a bit more clearly this time." Posey says quietly, her ear to the door.
>>194646
A distant tapping, and the sound of drops of water. A smaller clang. But what is more notable is what is not heard. Posey has only been in this brave new world a week or so now, yet she is familiar with its ubiquitous sounds. Outside, always the moving of vehicles, the sounds of engines. Every building has the sound of the moving of air. But none of that can be heard here. Like an old house it makes random noises in the night, but where houses of wood make creeks and cracks, the cold steel of the vessel make taps, clangs, and drops. And much like an old home, those unexplained noises are a little unsettling when no one else is around to make them.
A distant tapping, and the sound of drops of water. A smaller clang. But what is more notable is what is not heard. Posey has only been in this brave new world a week or so now, yet she is familiar with its ubiquitous sounds. Outside, always the moving of vehicles, the sounds of engines. Every building has the sound of the moving of air. But none of that can be heard here. Like an old house it makes random noises in the night, but where houses of wood make creeks and cracks, the cold steel of the vessel make taps, clangs, and drops. And much like an old home, those unexplained noises are a little unsettling when no one else is around to make them.
>>194731
So, you are saying that the next room is devoid of ambient noise, as if it were supernaturally silenced?
Posey knows she is at a disadvantage as a spellcaster if this is the case, so she brainstorms to see if she can deduce the meaning of it:
Arcana:
[1d20+11 = (4+11) = 15]
Architecture and Engineering (untrained):
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
Earth and Life Sciences (Untrained):
[1d20+3 = (3+3) = 6]
Dungeoneering (untrained):
[1d20+3 = (7+3) = 10]
Spellcraft:
[1d20+11 = (16+11) = 27]
Religion (because Silence is a Divine spell)
[1d20+11 = (2+11) = 13]
She also carefully steps away from the door (taking 10 on stealth), to communicate this information to the rest of the party.
So, you are saying that the next room is devoid of ambient noise, as if it were supernaturally silenced?
Posey knows she is at a disadvantage as a spellcaster if this is the case, so she brainstorms to see if she can deduce the meaning of it:
Arcana:
[1d20+11 = (4+11) = 15]
Architecture and Engineering (untrained):
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
Earth and Life Sciences (Untrained):
[1d20+3 = (3+3) = 6]
Dungeoneering (untrained):
[1d20+3 = (7+3) = 10]
Spellcraft:
[1d20+11 = (16+11) = 27]
Religion (because Silence is a Divine spell)
[1d20+11 = (2+11) = 13]
She also carefully steps away from the door (taking 10 on stealth), to communicate this information to the rest of the party.
>>194732
>>194733
It's not supernaturally silenced, it's just quiet relative to what you would expect from the same vehicle, but with its engines on. And it's not even entirely quiet, there are still sounds that could ambiguously be hoof steps or doors opening/closing with the movement of the ship, or other sounds
>>194733
It's not supernaturally silenced, it's just quiet relative to what you would expect from the same vehicle, but with its engines on. And it's not even entirely quiet, there are still sounds that could ambiguously be hoof steps or doors opening/closing with the movement of the ship, or other sounds
>>194734
Oh, okay.
"We can only go forward..."
Having extracted all of the information she can, Posey readies an action to draw her sword, and opens the door with her horn to proceed to the next room.
Oh, okay.
"We can only go forward..."
Having extracted all of the information she can, Posey readies an action to draw her sword, and opens the door with her horn to proceed to the next room.
>>194735
Oh, Posey gives everyone else opportunity to have their weapons drawn and actions readied before she opens the door.
Oh, Posey gives everyone else opportunity to have their weapons drawn and actions readied before she opens the door.
>>194737
"I heard nothing. Be ready to engage with whatever appears." Posey says, before she opens the door
"I heard nothing. Be ready to engage with whatever appears." Posey says, before she opens the door
>>194737
There is a light on in the room, to the left of center, closer to the end of the cargo hold. It flickers off, and for a portion of a second the room is dark. The light comes back on, though the shadow made by a stack of barrels seems to grow.
>>194736
>>194738
The door is heavy steel and latched down, but unlocked
There is a light on in the room, to the left of center, closer to the end of the cargo hold. It flickers off, and for a portion of a second the room is dark. The light comes back on, though the shadow made by a stack of barrels seems to grow.
>>194736
>>194738
The door is heavy steel and latched down, but unlocked
>>194740
Cavaliere will be behind Silver and will take up one of the flanks. His flashlight will be out but turned off, in case they need to see. He wishes somepony had brought a flare.
Cavaliere will be behind Silver and will take up one of the flanks. His flashlight will be out but turned off, in case they need to see. He wishes somepony had brought a flare.
Hmmmm.... I'm unsure if I should wait, or just make things happen
>>194741
>>194740
Silver and Cavaliere are not in complete darkness, as the light casts a dim glow. There's the sound of rainwater coming through the open hole in the deck, clinging to the roof of the hold, and then dripping down, sometimes in tiny streams, sometimes in isolated dropplets.
>>194740
Kira might just wonder to herself, is Darkness supposed to grow like that? Move and grow in defiance of the light, like it's some kind of plant, growing and moving in real time, a thousand times faster than the quickest plant?
>>194742
The door creaks as it is opened. Like its loose in its position, and gravity drags it down, making a sound as the top hinges moves and grinds. Dare she open it all the way?
>>194744
Eh, fair enough
>>194740
Silver and Cavaliere are not in complete darkness, as the light casts a dim glow. There's the sound of rainwater coming through the open hole in the deck, clinging to the roof of the hold, and then dripping down, sometimes in tiny streams, sometimes in isolated dropplets.
>>194740
Kira might just wonder to herself, is Darkness supposed to grow like that? Move and grow in defiance of the light, like it's some kind of plant, growing and moving in real time, a thousand times faster than the quickest plant?
>>194742
The door creaks as it is opened. Like its loose in its position, and gravity drags it down, making a sound as the top hinges moves and grinds. Dare she open it all the way?
>>194744
Eh, fair enough
>>194743
I will be leaving work momentarily, and it takes me about 30 minutes to get home.
Considering how long it takes to post some descriptions or do one turn of combat, I encourage you to keep going without me. I will rejoin shortly.
If I am not present for my turn, assume Posey followed orders to assess the situation before attacking, and took the Total Defense Action.
>>194745
>Dare she open it all the way?
She peeks inside to see what's there before she opens it all the way.
I will be leaving work momentarily, and it takes me about 30 minutes to get home.
Considering how long it takes to post some descriptions or do one turn of combat, I encourage you to keep going without me. I will rejoin shortly.
If I am not present for my turn, assume Posey followed orders to assess the situation before attacking, and took the Total Defense Action.
>>194745
>Dare she open it all the way?
She peeks inside to see what's there before she opens it all the way.
>>194746
Peaking into the room, Posey can see that it is busier than the previous, being defined by smaller objects rather than larger ones. From the color of what is inside - tinted red and orange, with a splotch of blue - she can tell there are internal sources of light, besides the black and white of her dark vision. Two are blatantly visible, lighting up as a dim red, and a dim, yellow, pair of orbs, hanging down somewhat near the center. Close to these are a couple tables, a mattress on the ground, a couple hammocks hung between boxes, and assorted items not necessarily easy to see from this angle. Broken glass on the wooden floor shimmers blue. The far end of the room extends beyond her dark vision, although a portion of the wall is visible, reflecting red light.
Peaking into the room, Posey can see that it is busier than the previous, being defined by smaller objects rather than larger ones. From the color of what is inside - tinted red and orange, with a splotch of blue - she can tell there are internal sources of light, besides the black and white of her dark vision. Two are blatantly visible, lighting up as a dim red, and a dim, yellow, pair of orbs, hanging down somewhat near the center. Close to these are a couple tables, a mattress on the ground, a couple hammocks hung between boxes, and assorted items not necessarily easy to see from this angle. Broken glass on the wooden floor shimmers blue. The far end of the room extends beyond her dark vision, although a portion of the wall is visible, reflecting red light.
>>194745
Kira shakes slightly as she speaks to herself. "Keep it together, Kira...it's just a trick of the mind...you'll be okay..."
Kira shakes slightly as she speaks to herself. "Keep it together, Kira...it's just a trick of the mind...you'll be okay..."
Back from work
>>194747
So no visible creatures?
Posey cautiously enters the room, curious about these light sources.
>>194747
So no visible creatures?
Posey cautiously enters the room, curious about these light sources.
>>194749
They seem to be from lightbulbs. Basic, 40 to 60 watt incandescent light bulbs. They hang low, not close to the ceiling, and can't possibly have been intended to be there as a part of freight carrying operations.
A creaking sound, and the door behind Posey seems to be closing.
>>194752
Some kind of glass vessel seems to have broken on the floor. The lights are electric. More so, they are under powered. Or at least the one on the left is.
>>194748
It extends outwards in tendrils. Like smoke, really
>>194744
>>194740
Posey goes through the doorway, and either she closes it behind her, or it starts to close itself
They seem to be from lightbulbs. Basic, 40 to 60 watt incandescent light bulbs. They hang low, not close to the ceiling, and can't possibly have been intended to be there as a part of freight carrying operations.
A creaking sound, and the door behind Posey seems to be closing.
>>194752
Some kind of glass vessel seems to have broken on the floor. The lights are electric. More so, they are under powered. Or at least the one on the left is.
>>194748
It extends outwards in tendrils. Like smoke, really
>>194744
>>194740
Posey goes through the doorway, and either she closes it behind her, or it starts to close itself
>>194754
Kira is most certainly unsettled by the development of the creeping darkness. "...meep..."
>>194755
Silver assists Cavaliere in holding the door open against whatever force is trying to close it. Though Silver does wonder if it's being closed by an outside force, or just by the boat leaning to one side. If it even is leaning to that side.
Kira is most certainly unsettled by the development of the creeping darkness. "...meep..."
>>194755
Silver assists Cavaliere in holding the door open against whatever force is trying to close it. Though Silver does wonder if it's being closed by an outside force, or just by the boat leaning to one side. If it even is leaning to that side.
>>194756
Blood wets the floor next to the door.
Looking inside, posey can see that there is clearly some sort of improvised sleeping arrangement, with mattresses and blankets on the floor, and crates used to help hold up lights and hammocks, as well as lamps that seem to be turned off.
>>194757
The tendrils harden, and become longer. It's more like darkness moving than the texture of smoke.
>>194755
>>194757
Are silver and Cavaliere standing in the doorway
Blood wets the floor next to the door.
Looking inside, posey can see that there is clearly some sort of improvised sleeping arrangement, with mattresses and blankets on the floor, and crates used to help hold up lights and hammocks, as well as lamps that seem to be turned off.
>>194757
The tendrils harden, and become longer. It's more like darkness moving than the texture of smoke.
>>194755
>>194757
Are silver and Cavaliere standing in the doorway
>>194758
>improvised sleeping arrangement
"Did the boiler workers sleep here full time? I thought Stalliongraders prided themselves in their good labor conditions." Posey ponders out loud, her paralyzed face making it impossible to tell if she is being sarcastic.
She moves deeper into the room
Unless of course she sees those tendrils
>>194759
"Broken glass and some hammocks. Blood on the floor. A fight broke out here, possibly between the boiler workers and the pirates. Anyone who was asleep here you have already fallen to the Intruder. Look for the wounded, we want the workers alive."
>improvised sleeping arrangement
"Did the boiler workers sleep here full time? I thought Stalliongraders prided themselves in their good labor conditions." Posey ponders out loud, her paralyzed face making it impossible to tell if she is being sarcastic.
She moves deeper into the room
Unless of course she sees those tendrils
>>194759
"Broken glass and some hammocks. Blood on the floor. A fight broke out here, possibly between the boiler workers and the pirates. Anyone who was asleep here you have already fallen to the Intruder. Look for the wounded, we want the workers alive."
I'm going to ask now:
Where did you ask the NPC allies to stand?
Where did you ask the NPC allies to stand?
>>194769
I thought they were just following right behind us, with the noncombatants being in the far rear.
I thought they were just following right behind us, with the noncombatants being in the far rear.
>>194768
>is they seem to have ears
Posey sees these creatures, she stands resolute, her eyes glowing.
"Show yourselves." she says
>is they seem to have ears
Posey sees these creatures, she stands resolute, her eyes glowing.
"Show yourselves." she says
>>194776
No very clear view on those to each side of Posey. Possibly five in total, but it's hard to say given the number of objects in the room like barrels. For certain, two to each side, and one near the center. The one in front of Posey she can see the eyes of, and can presumably see her
No very clear view on those to each side of Posey. Possibly five in total, but it's hard to say given the number of objects in the room like barrels. For certain, two to each side, and one near the center. The one in front of Posey she can see the eyes of, and can presumably see her
>>194774
Kira reflexively shoots an arrow at the darkness encompassing her before slithering towards the rest of the group with a silent scream.
[1d20+12 = (15+12) = 27]
[1d8+5 = (3+5) = 8]
Kira reflexively shoots an arrow at the darkness encompassing her before slithering towards the rest of the group with a silent scream.
[1d20+12 = (15+12) = 27]
[1d8+5 = (3+5) = 8]
>>194777
Is it affected by her gaze?
"Say something."
Rolling Diplomacy (assuming penalty from language barrier)
[1d20+10 = (10+10) = 20]
Is it affected by her gaze?
"Say something."
Rolling Diplomacy (assuming penalty from language barrier)
[1d20+10 = (10+10) = 20]
>>194779
"They have us surrounded on three sides and might come in from above. Might I suggest we back out of this chokepoint to find a different way?" he suggests quietly to Silver and Posey.
"They have us surrounded on three sides and might come in from above. Might I suggest we back out of this chokepoint to find a different way?" he suggests quietly to Silver and Posey.
>>194780
"There is only one way forward. Retreating now would only increase casualties." Posey replies
"There is only one way forward. Retreating now would only increase casualties." Posey replies
Sand,
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
Just waiting for Fluffernoodle
Also if you wish to call in any more NPCs
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
Just waiting for Fluffernoodle
Also if you wish to call in any more NPCs
>>194792
Are the sailors not responding to the gunshots?
I say let them decide what their priorities are.
Are the sailors not responding to the gunshots?
I say let them decide what their priorities are.
>>194795
Can we just say that Kira shoots another arrow at the monster (that's what she would normally do), and Silver moves into melee and takes a defensive action to protect the rear of the herd, until the player returns?
Can we just say that Kira shoots another arrow at the monster (that's what she would normally do), and Silver moves into melee and takes a defensive action to protect the rear of the herd, until the player returns?
I got work tomorrow. I can only stay up so late...
>>194796
Kira isn't hard, but Silver sort of is. Finding out what the player would do in the scenario is part of the fun of combat. I would tentatively think he'd hit those attacking from the front with the broadside of his sword, but I am unsure
Maybe Kira shoots an arrow, and Silver just turns around and is out for at least the round?
Kira isn't hard, but Silver sort of is. Finding out what the player would do in the scenario is part of the fun of combat. I would tentatively think he'd hit those attacking from the front with the broadside of his sword, but I am unsure
Maybe Kira shoots an arrow, and Silver just turns around and is out for at least the round?
>>194798
We kind of need Silver in front at the very least to guard against enemy attacks. Cavaliere can't tank and we probably should let Sand take too much damage. I agree he would probably go for non-lethal takedowns, but this is also a dangerous situation where knocking out enemies is very inconvenient.
We kind of need Silver in front at the very least to guard against enemy attacks. Cavaliere can't tank and we probably should let Sand take too much damage. I agree he would probably go for non-lethal takedowns, but this is also a dangerous situation where knocking out enemies is very inconvenient.
Eh, sure
Kira: [1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]
Silver: [1d20+4 = (12+4) = 16]
Kira: [1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]
Silver: [1d20+4 = (12+4) = 16]
Initiative order is
Kira
Silver
Figures
Sand
Darkness
Posey
Cavaliere
Kira starts byflicking her tongue shooting the same set of tendrils she shot at previously
[1d20+12 = (1+12) = 13]
[1d8+5 = (8+5) = 13]
Silver readies an action with his pommel against any figure that comes too close
s - 1
p - 1
c - 1
[1d3 = 1]
[1d3 = 2]
[1d3 = 1]
[1d3 = 3]
[1d3 = 2]
Kira
Silver
Figures
Sand
Darkness
Posey
Cavaliere
Kira starts by
[1d20+12 = (1+12) = 13]
[1d8+5 = (8+5) = 13]
Silver readies an action with his pommel against any figure that comes too close
s - 1
p - 1
c - 1
[1d3 = 1]
[1d3 = 2]
[1d3 = 1]
[1d3 = 3]
[1d3 = 2]
>>194803
Two creatures face off against Silver. These are the two on the left. Both seem to be ponies in the dim light, wearing navy uniforms.
One stands at a distance with a rifle
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
[2d8 = 2]
The other charges at Silver with a rod carried in his mouth. A blue spark twinkles at the end
Silver hits at the pony with his pommel
[1d20+8 = (14+8) = 22]
[2d8+8 = (5+8) = 13]
Two creatures face off against Silver. These are the two on the left. Both seem to be ponies in the dim light, wearing navy uniforms.
One stands at a distance with a rifle
[1d20+3 = (20+3) = 23]
[2d8 = 2]
The other charges at Silver with a rod carried in his mouth. A blue spark twinkles at the end
Silver hits at the pony with his pommel
[1d20+8 = (14+8) = 22]
[2d8+8 = (5+8) = 13]
>>194804
Silver is shot
[1d20+3 = (2+3) = 5]
[2d8 = 9]
Silver hurts the pony - a grey Pegasus in Stalliongradian Merchant Marine blue - but it extends its rod. It only wishes to touch Silver, not hit him.
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
Silver is shot
[1d20+3 = (2+3) = 5]
[2d8 = 9]
Silver hurts the pony - a grey Pegasus in Stalliongradian Merchant Marine blue - but it extends its rod. It only wishes to touch Silver, not hit him.
[1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
Also, don't forget the penalty for shooting into a melee.
>>194805
>>194804
Silver is only grazed, but the rod touches him
tat tat
It sends an electric shock
[1d4 = 2]
>>194803
>>194800
In front of Posey, a light turns on. It's a red and blue flame coming from a hoof held torch, which a unicorn carries in blue magic. A second pony stands behind a crate and rests a rifle on it, aiming at Posey
The riflepony shoots
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d8 = 11]
The unicorn charges at Posey with its torch
[1d20+2 = (15+2) = 17]
>>194804
Silver is only grazed, but the rod touches him
tat tat
It sends an electric shock
[1d4 = 2]
>>194803
>>194800
In front of Posey, a light turns on. It's a red and blue flame coming from a hoof held torch, which a unicorn carries in blue magic. A second pony stands behind a crate and rests a rifle on it, aiming at Posey
The riflepony shoots
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d8 = 11]
The unicorn charges at Posey with its torch
[1d20+2 = (15+2) = 17]
>>194813
[2d4 = 4] bludgeoning
From the sound, it's most likely a fuel barrel more empty than not.
In the other room, Sand shoots at the tendrils again
[1d20 = 10]
[1d6 = 6]
[1d20 = 11]
[1d6 = 5]
[1d20 = 6]
[1d6 = 5]
[1d20 = 8]
[1d6 = 2]
[2d4 = 4] bludgeoning
From the sound, it's most likely a fuel barrel more empty than not.
In the other room, Sand shoots at the tendrils again
[1d20 = 10]
[1d6 = 6]
[1d20 = 11]
[1d6 = 5]
[1d20 = 6]
[1d6 = 5]
[1d20 = 8]
[1d6 = 2]
>>194814
If it makes it more interesting
>>194814
Posey moves.
She doesn't completely avoid all consequences of the flame, being singed by it (half damage), but importantly, she avoids her cloak and armor catching on fire
>>194816
But the tendrils grab at Sand again
[1d20+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d20+8 = (19+8) = 27]
[1d20+6 = (20+6) = 26]
[1d20+8 = (7+8) = 15]
If it makes it more interesting
>>194814
Posey moves.
She doesn't completely avoid all consequences of the flame, being singed by it (half damage), but importantly, she avoids her cloak and armor catching on fire
>>194816
But the tendrils grab at Sand again
[1d20+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d20+8 = (19+8) = 27]
[1d20+6 = (20+6) = 26]
[1d20+8 = (7+8) = 15]
After deflecting the bullet with her bracer, Posey is taken aback at the fool who tried to set her perfect mane on fire.
"You pestilent worm!"
Demoralize (free action)
She slashes at him with whirling fury (full attack):
Sword
[1d20+6 = (10+6) = 16]
[1d8+6 = (3+6) = 9]
Boop (touch)
[1d20-1 = (9-1) = 8]
[1d8+1 = (8+1) = 9]
Slam
[1d20-1 = (16-1) = 15]
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
Bite
[1d20-1 = (9-1) = 8]
[1d4+3 = (2+3) = 5]
If she drops her enemy, she takes a 5 ft step towards the next one.
"You pestilent worm!"
Demoralize (free action)
She slashes at him with whirling fury (full attack):
Sword
[1d20+6 = (10+6) = 16]
[1d8+6 = (3+6) = 9]
Boop (touch)
[1d20-1 = (9-1) = 8]
[1d8+1 = (8+1) = 9]
Slam
[1d20-1 = (16-1) = 15]
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
Bite
[1d20-1 = (9-1) = 8]
[1d4+3 = (2+3) = 5]
If she drops her enemy, she takes a 5 ft step towards the next one.
Turn over
>>194821
Forgot the demoralize check
[1d20+15 = (18+15) = 33]
This also triggers her Frightful Presence. Enemies within 30 ft must roll DC 22 Will saves or become shaken.
Forgot the demoralize check
[1d20+15 = (18+15) = 33]
This also triggers her Frightful Presence. Enemies within 30 ft must roll DC 22 Will saves or become shaken.
>>194824
There is a squealing sound, and the tendril is hit. Presumably this is the other tendril, which was not the one hit at first
Roll to confirm the crit
There is a squealing sound, and the tendril is hit. Presumably this is the other tendril, which was not the one hit at first
Roll to confirm the crit
>>194824
And for a bit of flavortext:
Almost immediately after he gets out of the way of the barrel which clamors noisily but harmlessly against the hull, he shines his light at the unearthly tentacle attempting to take hold of the lieutenant. With a smooth, swift motion, his claw flies to his side and draws a gun that shines dimly in the light. As fast as can be noticed, the hammer is cocked, the barrel is aimed to the center of the spectre, and the walls reverberate with the sound of the gunshot.
>>194825
I already rolled, that's the fourth post link.
And for a bit of flavortext:
Almost immediately after he gets out of the way of the barrel which clamors noisily but harmlessly against the hull, he shines his light at the unearthly tentacle attempting to take hold of the lieutenant. With a smooth, swift motion, his claw flies to his side and draws a gun that shines dimly in the light. As fast as can be noticed, the hammer is cocked, the barrel is aimed to the center of the spectre, and the walls reverberate with the sound of the gunshot.
>>194825
I already rolled, that's the fourth post link.
>>194829
Kira lets loose another arrow
[1d20+12 = (5+12) = 17]
[1d8+5 = (8+5) = 13]
Silver hits the pony again with his pommel
[1d20+8 = (10+8) = 18]
[2d8+8 = (3+8) = 11]
Kira lets loose another arrow
[1d20+12 = (5+12) = 17]
[1d8+5 = (8+5) = 13]
Silver hits the pony again with his pommel
[1d20+8 = (10+8) = 18]
[2d8+8 = (3+8) = 11]
>>194830
Silver downs the pony with the electric rod
The torch unicorn in front of Posey tries to flee
A rifle pony aims at Silver
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d8 = 14]
A second aims at Posey
[1d20+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[2d8 = 10]
And the third pony kicks down a barrel, and then kicks off the cap
Silver downs the pony with the electric rod
The torch unicorn in front of Posey tries to flee
A rifle pony aims at Silver
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d8 = 14]
A second aims at Posey
[1d20+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[2d8 = 10]
And the third pony kicks down a barrel, and then kicks off the cap
>>194831
Wait, he's fleeing? He was affected by her fear effects?
Can Posey discern if he's enthralled (taking 10 of Spellcraft) before she decides if she makes an attack if opportunity?
Wait, he's fleeing? He was affected by her fear effects?
Can Posey discern if he's enthralled (taking 10 of Spellcraft) before she decides if she makes an attack if opportunity?
>>194832
The others seem to be. Posey didn't get a great look at him. Best guess is yes, but hard to say.
The others seem to be. Posey didn't get a great look at him. Best guess is yes, but hard to say.
>>194834
Posey isn't feeling merciful
Attack of opportunity
Sword
[1d20+7 = (20+7) = 27]
[1d8+6 = (4+6) = 10]
Demoralize
[1d20+16 = (15+16) = 31]
Posey isn't feeling merciful
Attack of opportunity
Sword
[1d20+7 = (20+7) = 27]
[1d8+6 = (4+6) = 10]
Demoralize
[1d20+16 = (15+16) = 31]
>>194838
You already used your attack of an opportunity.
Sand tries to wiggle his way free. His submachine gun falls to the ground
[1d20+2 = (19+2) = 21]
[1d20+8 = (3+8) = 11]
You already used your attack of an opportunity.
Sand tries to wiggle his way free. His submachine gun falls to the ground
[1d20+2 = (19+2) = 21]
[1d20+8 = (3+8) = 11]
>>194839
He gets lucky, and falls down
But the tendrils come after him
[1d20+6 = (12+6) = 18]
[1d20+8 = (4+8) = 12]
[1d20+6 = (7+6) = 13]
[1d20+8 = (11+8) = 19]
He gets lucky, and falls down
But the tendrils come after him
[1d20+6 = (12+6) = 18]
[1d20+8 = (4+8) = 12]
[1d20+6 = (7+6) = 13]
[1d20+8 = (11+8) = 19]
>>194843
Hmmm, that would be the wise actions but preventing bloodshed is not really in-character.
Posey seems out the nearest enemy and charges with her sword
[1d20+9 = (5+9) = 14]
[1d8+6 = (5+6) = 11]
Demoralize
[1d20+16 = (5+16) = 21]
Hmmm, that would be the wise actions but preventing bloodshed is not really in-character.
Posey seems out the nearest enemy and charges with her sword
[1d20+9 = (5+9) = 14]
[1d8+6 = (5+6) = 11]
Demoralize
[1d20+16 = (5+16) = 21]
>>194844
Three.
One to the left with a rifle.
One in the center with a rifle
One on the right with a barrel
Three.
One to the left with a rifle.
One in the center with a rifle
One on the right with a barrel
>>194845
The left one has been shooting at Silver, the Center one at Posey, and the Right one at Cavaliere
The left one has been shooting at Silver, the Center one at Posey, and the Right one at Cavaliere
>>194849
The floor is made of wood, which the flame is somewhat near but has not caught on fire because of the angle. Besides that, clothing, and it is next to the doorway. So it's a potential future ignition source but not imminent
The floor is made of wood, which the flame is somewhat near but has not caught on fire because of the angle. Besides that, clothing, and it is next to the doorway. So it's a potential future ignition source but not imminent
>>194850
There is something more pressing at claw. Cavaliere briefly glares at Posey for foolhardily breaking formation, but turns back to the tendrils holding poor Stained Sand. He lets loose two shots at one of them, and if the Lieutenant is concerned about being hit, he needn't worry.
[1d20+6 = (12+6) = 18]
[2d6 = 7]
[1d20+6 = (17+6) = 23]
[2d6 = 4]
There is something more pressing at claw. Cavaliere briefly glares at Posey for foolhardily breaking formation, but turns back to the tendrils holding poor Stained Sand. He lets loose two shots at one of them, and if the Lieutenant is concerned about being hit, he needn't worry.
[1d20+6 = (12+6) = 18]
[2d6 = 7]
[1d20+6 = (17+6) = 23]
[2d6 = 4]
>>194851
Hit, and Hit
Eeeek!
A tendril writhes and disintegrates, dropping sands on the floor a second time.
Hit, and Hit
Eeeek!
A tendril writhes and disintegrates, dropping sands on the floor a second time.
>>194851
The earth pony knocks the barrel onto its side. The cap has been removed, and now a yellow liquid spills out.
He kicks it in the general direction of Cavaliere, but also Silver, the two downed ponies, and the doorway.
[1d20+2 = (5+2) = 7]
The earth pony knocks the barrel onto its side. The cap has been removed, and now a yellow liquid spills out.
He kicks it in the general direction of Cavaliere, but also Silver, the two downed ponies, and the doorway.
[1d20+2 = (5+2) = 7]
>>194853
When he kicks it, it jumps up in the air, hits the ground, then rolls at an uneven pace as the liquid inside - it must be two thirds full - sploshes around and affects the rotation of the barrel. Much pours out, the yellow liquid almost looking like great quantities of urine, spilling onto the wooden floor. It goes somewhat wide, coming to a stop just to the right, between Posey and the small grouping of ponies and griffin, finally rolling into a crate, hitting the side, and spilling out still more liquid.
When he kicks it, it jumps up in the air, hits the ground, then rolls at an uneven pace as the liquid inside - it must be two thirds full - sploshes around and affects the rotation of the barrel. Much pours out, the yellow liquid almost looking like great quantities of urine, spilling onto the wooden floor. It goes somewhat wide, coming to a stop just to the right, between Posey and the small grouping of ponies and griffin, finally rolling into a crate, hitting the side, and spilling out still more liquid.
>>194855
"They're trying to burn everything down! Grab that torch, fast!" Cavaliere shouts in response.
"They're trying to burn everything down! Grab that torch, fast!" Cavaliere shouts in response.
>>194855
The pony to the right of the action shoots at the barrel that previously bounced off of cavaliere
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
The pony in front of Posey retreats
The pony to the right of the action shoots at the barrel that previously bounced off of cavaliere
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
The pony in front of Posey retreats
>>194859
"He'll lose some pawns but will take us in exchange. He's counting on this metal hold containing the blaze."
"He'll lose some pawns but will take us in exchange. He's counting on this metal hold containing the blaze."
I have to sleep soon.
>>194855
For the first time, the lab - the ship as a whole - now smells of what Posey understands to be industrial civilization. It smells like the air around the Kaftar ghetto in Eastern Baltimare. It smells like the truck Mason used. It smells like the water in Baltimare Harbor, or the boat used by the sealing griffins, or the torpedo boat from earlier.
>>194858
Posey swings, and misses. The rifle pony - a blue earth pony with a lavender mane wearing a Stalliongradian Marine uniform and a helmet, and the same one that spoke earlier when Cavaliere shined his light on it - has no interest in engaging Posey any longer. He runs straight towards the bulkhead door.
For the first time, the lab - the ship as a whole - now smells of what Posey understands to be industrial civilization. It smells like the air around the Kaftar ghetto in Eastern Baltimare. It smells like the truck Mason used. It smells like the water in Baltimare Harbor, or the boat used by the sealing griffins, or the torpedo boat from earlier.
>>194858
Posey swings, and misses. The rifle pony - a blue earth pony with a lavender mane wearing a Stalliongradian Marine uniform and a helmet, and the same one that spoke earlier when Cavaliere shined his light on it - has no interest in engaging Posey any longer. He runs straight towards the bulkhead door.
Perhaps this is a good place to pause the action
I apologize for that. Apparently the first day my body had where it could rest up properly has resulted in me falling asleep in the middle of the day.
>>194841
Kira lets out a high pitched scream of horror, as she whips her long snake tail around to grab him and wrestle him away from the tendrils.
Touch Attack: [1d20+9 = (4+9) = 13]
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (14+13) = 27]
>>194854
Silver reaches out with his magic to grab the torch, pick it up, and put it out by placing it head-down on a non-kerosene soaked surface.
Kira lets out a high pitched scream of horror, as she whips her long snake tail around to grab him and wrestle him away from the tendrils.
Touch Attack: [1d20+9 = (4+9) = 13]
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (14+13) = 27]
>>194854
Silver reaches out with his magic to grab the torch, pick it up, and put it out by placing it head-down on a non-kerosene soaked surface.
Posey is visibly annoyed as her target slips away from her, chomping after his tail in frustration.
"If you are not going to fight, get out of our way! We have a boiler to fix. I will kill you later." she hisses
>>194863
Can Posey, as an expert in charms, tell for certain that these ponies, who are not speaking, are actually controlled by the Intruder? Idk why they are fleeing if their intent is to sink the ship by pouring fuel onto a wooden floor and lighting it.
Arcana (free action):
[1d20+11 = (2+11) = 13]
Sense motive (DC 15 for unusual behavior?):
[1d20+4 = (9+4) = 13]
"If you are not going to fight, get out of our way! We have a boiler to fix. I will kill you later." she hisses
>>194863
Can Posey, as an expert in charms, tell for certain that these ponies, who are not speaking, are actually controlled by the Intruder? Idk why they are fleeing if their intent is to sink the ship by pouring fuel onto a wooden floor and lighting it.
Arcana (free action):
[1d20+11 = (2+11) = 13]
Sense motive (DC 15 for unusual behavior?):
[1d20+4 = (9+4) = 13]
>>194870
doop
For a third time, Stained Sand is grabbed
Silver picks up the torch and either turns it off or forces it into something
>>194874
>>194873
No response
>>194872
Not quite, though obviously that specific pony is going to the far end of the room
>>194870
The tendrils make another attack, this time reaching out for Kira
[1d20+6 = (14+6) = 20]
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
doop
For a third time, Stained Sand is grabbed
Silver picks up the torch and either turns it off or forces it into something
>>194874
>>194873
No response
>>194872
Not quite, though obviously that specific pony is going to the far end of the room
>>194870
The tendrils make another attack, this time reaching out for Kira
[1d20+6 = (14+6) = 20]
[1d20+8 = (17+8) = 25]
>>194875
>>194876
This gets Kira into a panic. Stained Sand is taken for a ride as Kira wriggles about trying to get the freaky tentacle of darkness off of her. "GETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFF!"
Oppossed Grapple: [1d20+13 = (8+13) = 21]
>>194876
This gets Kira into a panic. Stained Sand is taken for a ride as Kira wriggles about trying to get the freaky tentacle of darkness off of her. "GETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFF!"
Oppossed Grapple: [1d20+13 = (8+13) = 21]
>>194877
yoink
Kira is pulled up by her tail. She can only just touch the ground with her chest and hooves. Her body is not really designed to stretch in that way, so it’s rather painful.
yoink
Kira is pulled up by her tail. She can only just touch the ground with her chest and hooves. Her body is not really designed to stretch in that way, so it’s rather painful.
>>194878
"OWIE! HELP! IT'S GOT ME!"
Kira screams out as she swings her upper half around, trying to break free from the hold.
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (3+13) = 16]
"OWIE! HELP! IT'S GOT ME!"
Kira screams out as she swings her upper half around, trying to break free from the hold.
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (3+13) = 16]
>>194881
I'm busy at work, and I don't really know what's going on, but since my last target ran away I will focus on the tentacle monster currently denied their dex bonus by grappling.
Charge with sword
[1d20+9 = (14+9) = 23]
[1d8+6 = (3+6) = 9]
I'm busy at work, and I don't really know what's going on, but since my last target ran away I will focus on the tentacle monster currently denied their dex bonus by grappling.
Charge with sword
[1d20+9 = (14+9) = 23]
[1d8+6 = (3+6) = 9]
I meant the one attacking Kira btw.l
Did I hit?
Did I hit?
>>194882
On the one hoof, that’s high enough to heat its AC. On the other hoof, that might not be physically high enough
On the one hoof, that’s high enough to heat its AC. On the other hoof, that might not be physically high enough
Is there anything else I can do on my turn?
If Kira is on the ground and being attacked, how can Posey not reach the attacking creature from the ground?
She could use her Halberd instead.
>>194887
A unique feature of Kira's physiology allows her to simultaneously be 10 feet off the ground but also on the ground. Whereas Posey is closer to the ground. I suppose though, if Posey jumped, or if any part of the tendrils are lower and closer to the ground, and most certainly if she used a halberd, she could reach it
A unique feature of Kira's physiology allows her to simultaneously be 10 feet off the ground but also on the ground. Whereas Posey is closer to the ground. I suppose though, if Posey jumped, or if any part of the tendrils are lower and closer to the ground, and most certainly if she used a halberd, she could reach it
>>194896
Kira comes down with a massive THUD and lets out a quiet, "...owwwww..." Her eyes shoot open in a panic after only a second of realizing she's free, and she gets into a position to attack with her bow again...while she's still coiled around Sand, with the bulge from the digesting Hopper very near him.
Kira comes down with a massive THUD and lets out a quiet, "...owwwww..." Her eyes shoot open in a panic after only a second of realizing she's free, and she gets into a position to attack with her bow again...while she's still coiled around Sand, with the bulge from the digesting Hopper very near him.
>>194900
Stained Sand:
“No! These things keep grabbing me!” He attempted to push off Kira’s trunk, presumably unsuccessfully.
There are three creatures in Cargo Hold 4, all three of whom are ponies. One pony left and port who has moved back and is shooting a barrel. In the center, a rifle pony who has started to retreat from the room and is now the courtesy away. To the right and starboard, a pony has been kicking barrels in Cavaliere’s direction
Stained Sand:
“No! These things keep grabbing me!” He attempted to push off Kira’s trunk, presumably unsuccessfully.
There are three creatures in Cargo Hold 4, all three of whom are ponies. One pony left and port who has moved back and is shooting a barrel. In the center, a rifle pony who has started to retreat from the room and is now the courtesy away. To the right and starboard, a pony has been kicking barrels in Cavaliere’s direction
>>194901
They're not communicating with each other, right?
Posey returns to the next room on her turn, with intent to run through it to the boiler room.
They're not communicating with each other, right?
Posey returns to the next room on her turn, with intent to run through it to the boiler room.
>>194901
Apparently you can't disarm or sunder with a ranged attack. Very sad.
Cavaliere shoots at the earth pony kicking barrels.
[1d20+8 = (5+8) = 13]
[2d6 = 11]
Apparently you can't disarm or sunder with a ranged attack. Very sad.
Cavaliere shoots at the earth pony kicking barrels.
[1d20+8 = (5+8) = 13]
[2d6 = 11]
The left rifle pony moves away and retreats towards the bow. The right pony, previously at the barrels, moves away and retreats towards the bow. The rifle pony in the center moves to look for an item in the front half of Cargo Hold 4.
>>194901
Bull Rush Charge: With Posey out of the way, Silver charges the pony shooting at the barrel full of kerosene and attempts to slam him into the wall, hopefully with enough force that he drops the weapon.
[1d20+5 = (11+5) = 16]
Bull Rush Charge: With Posey out of the way, Silver charges the pony shooting at the barrel full of kerosene and attempts to slam him into the wall, hopefully with enough force that he drops the weapon.
[1d20+5 = (11+5) = 16]
>>194907
I think so. Or he could still try the one on the left but that one gets a save, because it's had time to move out of direct line of attack. the one of the center has a clear line of attack though
I think so. Or he could still try the one on the left but that one gets a save, because it's had time to move out of direct line of attack. the one of the center has a clear line of attack though
>>194905
Seeing as how the one in cargo hold 4 is flat-footed and closest, Posey draws her bow and shoots him samurai style.
Bone Bow:
[1d20+6 = (8+6) = 14]
[1d10+3 = (10+3) = 13]
Iajutsu Focus
[1d20+8 = (15+8) = 23]
Seeing as how the one in cargo hold 4 is flat-footed and closest, Posey draws her bow and shoots him samurai style.
Bone Bow:
[1d20+6 = (8+6) = 14]
[1d10+3 = (10+3) = 13]
Iajutsu Focus
[1d20+8 = (15+8) = 23]
Wait, did I target the wrong enemy?
I'm sorry. I am very confused with the situation and initiative order.
I'm sorry. I am very confused with the situation and initiative order.
I don't want to waste that excellent damage roll
>>194913
The butt of the rifle slams into Silver's head, no doubt leading to what will be a painful welt later, but it's too late as Silver carries his momentum into the pony and likewise slams into him, forcing him back.
The butt of the rifle slams into Silver's head, no doubt leading to what will be a painful welt later, but it's too late as Silver carries his momentum into the pony and likewise slams into him, forcing him back.
>>194917
"They are not retreating, they are repositioning! Neutralize them before they burn down the entire ship."
"They are not retreating, they are repositioning! Neutralize them before they burn down the entire ship."
>>194913
With the darkness defeated for the moment, Kira slithers into the bulkhead, grimacing as she feels the kerosene get stuck on the underside of her snake body, and gets into position for optimal constriction on the pony on the right.
With the darkness defeated for the moment, Kira slithers into the bulkhead, grimacing as she feels the kerosene get stuck on the underside of her snake body, and gets into position for optimal constriction on the pony on the right.
I think it’s Posey’s Turn, assuming Silver confirms his action
Wait, did Silver move with the enemy after pushing him babk? Because if he didn't he wouldn't be in melee.
I thought the enemy was flat-footed because he was bust retrieving an item.
I thought the enemy was flat-footed because he was bust retrieving an item.
>>194924
It the enemy is flat-footed and not in melee, does that shot hit?
Whatever the results, my turn is over.
It the enemy is flat-footed and not in melee, does that shot hit?
Whatever the results, my turn is over.
>>194926
>>194925
So, I suppose a successful bull rush… pushes the target forward a few feet? Okay. If he’s not in melee there is no -4 penalty. But if he has his dexterity bonus then a 14 does not beat his AC. I’m not sure if him foraging would leave him flat footed, especially with Silver to take him out of it. But then would being pushed back leave him flat footed? If it does, even a flak jacket would only give him 14 AC, and Posey’s 14 would beat that
>>194925
So, I suppose a successful bull rush… pushes the target forward a few feet? Okay. If he’s not in melee there is no -4 penalty. But if he has his dexterity bonus then a 14 does not beat his AC. I’m not sure if him foraging would leave him flat footed, especially with Silver to take him out of it. But then would being pushed back leave him flat footed? If it does, even a flak jacket would only give him 14 AC, and Posey’s 14 would beat that
>>194930
Kira definitely seems distressed at the dead body in the room. She wonders to herself if this pony's soul is lost forever, or if by some miracle he'll still be able to be rejoined with Ouroboros once the cycles turns.
Kira definitely seems distressed at the dead body in the room. She wonders to herself if this pony's soul is lost forever, or if by some miracle he'll still be able to be rejoined with Ouroboros once the cycles turns.
>>194930
>>194931
>>194929
So basically the question is this - did the pony have his dexterity bonus to AC? If yes, then the shot misses, if no it hits. Looking at the rules I don't see anything that says that a bullrush or looking around would cause him to loose his dexterity bonus, but I'll hear arguments to the contrary.
I will say that Posey one shot killing the pony, while very impressive, would be contrary to some other party member's goals.
>>194932
Awww
>>194933
Kek.
I will say that the juxtaposition between Kira's silly, friendly, general cinnamon-roll-like personality and her existence as a large monstrous creature that needs to eat creatures similar in size and shapes to ponies to survive, could easily eat ponies, and has been demonstrated time and time again to effortlessly constrict and disable ponies - is why Kira is allowed as a second PC
>>194937
No. There are two lines of objects down the center of teh room. Think of it like a grocery store having two rows of shelves creating three aisles. The row of things is low enough to allow visibility over it, or ranged attacks over it, and of course it isn't that hard to just go around it, but it prevents a straight, diagonal line across the room. And those unimpeded lines are what is required under D&D rules to go long distances within the six seconds of a turn and still have time to make an attack
>>194931
>>194929
So basically the question is this - did the pony have his dexterity bonus to AC? If yes, then the shot misses, if no it hits. Looking at the rules I don't see anything that says that a bullrush or looking around would cause him to loose his dexterity bonus, but I'll hear arguments to the contrary.
I will say that Posey one shot killing the pony, while very impressive, would be contrary to some other party member's goals.
>>194932
Awww
>>194933
Kek.
I will say that the juxtaposition between Kira's silly, friendly, general cinnamon-roll-like personality and her existence as a large monstrous creature that needs to eat creatures similar in size and shapes to ponies to survive, could easily eat ponies, and has been demonstrated time and time again to effortlessly constrict and disable ponies - is why Kira is allowed as a second PC
>>194937
No. There are two lines of objects down the center of teh room. Think of it like a grocery store having two rows of shelves creating three aisles. The row of things is low enough to allow visibility over it, or ranged attacks over it, and of course it isn't that hard to just go around it, but it prevents a straight, diagonal line across the room. And those unimpeded lines are what is required under D&D rules to go long distances within the six seconds of a turn and still have time to make an attack
>>194941
Can Cavaliere get adjacent to any of the hostile ponies with a 20 ft. move? Are there any open exits on the other side of the hold?
Can Cavaliere get adjacent to any of the hostile ponies with a 20 ft. move? Are there any open exits on the other side of the hold?
>>194941
>I will say that the juxtaposition between Kira's silly, friendly, general cinnamon-roll-like personality and her existence as a large monstrous creature that needs to eat creatures similar in size and shapes to ponies to survive, could easily eat ponies, and has been demonstrated time and time again to effortlessly constrict and disable ponies - is why Kira is allowed as a second PC
I have a Breezie Frenzied Berserker I am interested in playing...
>I will say that the juxtaposition between Kira's silly, friendly, general cinnamon-roll-like personality and her existence as a large monstrous creature that needs to eat creatures similar in size and shapes to ponies to survive, could easily eat ponies, and has been demonstrated time and time again to effortlessly constrict and disable ponies - is why Kira is allowed as a second PC
I have a Breezie Frenzied Berserker I am interested in playing...
We could just call it a movement turn, with everyone in Cargo hold 4 just moving around as the remaining ponies reposition/retreat
>>194944
Cavaliere's gun doesn't have a non-lethal setting, sadly, nor can he shoot weapons out of the hooves of ponies (unless if we pull something from DnD Modern, but let's not do that now), and we're not in any imminent danger.
>>194945
kek
>>194946
Last question is, can Cavaliere run to the door on the opposite side of the hold to block an exit?
Cavaliere's gun doesn't have a non-lethal setting, sadly, nor can he shoot weapons out of the hooves of ponies (unless if we pull something from DnD Modern, but let's not do that now), and we're not in any imminent danger.
>>194945
kek
>>194946
Last question is, can Cavaliere run to the door on the opposite side of the hold to block an exit?
>>194949
Not make it? He can still move 80 ft. in a run move. And if the place is actually littered with junk, he could just fly to the other end. Are you really sure? Where are Silver and Posey relative to each other? If he can't reach the exit itself, he will position himself a little bit in front of Posey, maybe to her right or left depending on layout.
>>194950
Those are a thing?
Not make it? He can still move 80 ft. in a run move. And if the place is actually littered with junk, he could just fly to the other end. Are you really sure? Where are Silver and Posey relative to each other? If he can't reach the exit itself, he will position himself a little bit in front of Posey, maybe to her right or left depending on layout.
>>194950
Those are a thing?
>>194952
Well, it would get him close to the door. Perhaps 10 feet or even less. Only Silver and maybe the rifle pony Silver pushed could be in the way
Well, it would get him close to the door. Perhaps 10 feet or even less. Only Silver and maybe the rifle pony Silver pushed could be in the way
>>194952
Merciful
>The weapon deals an extra 1d6 points of damage, and all damage it deals is nonlethal damage. On command, the weapon suppresses this ability until commanded to resume it. Bows, crossbows, and slings so crafted bestow the merciful effect upon their ammunition.
Pretty mid for a +1 enhancement, but given the tactics you prefer it's pretty essentia.
Merciful
>The weapon deals an extra 1d6 points of damage, and all damage it deals is nonlethal damage. On command, the weapon suppresses this ability until commanded to resume it. Bows, crossbows, and slings so crafted bestow the merciful effect upon their ammunition.
Pretty mid for a +1 enhancement, but given the tactics you prefer it's pretty essentia.
Okay, I overestimated the size of the cargo hold. Yeah, Cavaliere could probably get to the door or close enough.
>>194953
>Perhaps 10 feet or even less
That's close enough to make attacks of opportunity on creatures trying to leave.
>>194955
I'm looking through flight (https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Fly) and I'm not sure what Cavaliere's flight speed would be, or what is meant exactly by minimum speed. Is it movement speed? If so, he should be able to get to the other side with 80 ft. of movement, or if it's less he should still be able to make it due to it being a direct line. The worry would be more if it's too small to safely do so, but he should be fine. He is a poor flier so let's approach this step by step:
Takeoff and ascent: half speed, so 10 ft. intervals. To be out of range of melee attacks he ascends to 10 ft. He does so at a 45 degree angle, which takes two movement steps and moves him forward 10 ft.
Level flight: minimum forward speed is 10 ft., regular is 20 ft. He must move at least 10 ft. between up and down. This is one movement turn.
Descent: to land, he descends 10 ft. at a 45 degree angle, which also moves him forward 10 ft. This fits within one movement turn, concluding his run turn.
From what I gather the distance he can travel is between 40 and 50 ft. Is this possible within the confines of the hold?
>Perhaps 10 feet or even less
That's close enough to make attacks of opportunity on creatures trying to leave.
>>194955
I'm looking through flight (https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Fly) and I'm not sure what Cavaliere's flight speed would be, or what is meant exactly by minimum speed. Is it movement speed? If so, he should be able to get to the other side with 80 ft. of movement, or if it's less he should still be able to make it due to it being a direct line. The worry would be more if it's too small to safely do so, but he should be fine. He is a poor flier so let's approach this step by step:
Takeoff and ascent: half speed, so 10 ft. intervals. To be out of range of melee attacks he ascends to 10 ft. He does so at a 45 degree angle, which takes two movement steps and moves him forward 10 ft.
Level flight: minimum forward speed is 10 ft., regular is 20 ft. He must move at least 10 ft. between up and down. This is one movement turn.
Descent: to land, he descends 10 ft. at a 45 degree angle, which also moves him forward 10 ft. This fits within one movement turn, concluding his run turn.
From what I gather the distance he can travel is between 40 and 50 ft. Is this possible within the confines of the hold?
>>194956
I mean, he can just run past Silver
The ceiling isn't exceptionally high, maybe 20 feet, but that's probably enough
I will say that if he comes within the rifle pony's space that would provoke an attack of opportunity.... which he's already expended on Silver this turn so no, actually it would not
I mean, he can just run past Silver
The ceiling isn't exceptionally high, maybe 20 feet, but that's probably enough
I will say that if he comes within the rifle pony's space that would provoke an attack of opportunity.... which he's already expended on Silver this turn so no, actually it would not
>>194957
Oh, well if you insist, Cavaliere takes the boring option and sprints to the other side of the hold. If the withdrawing ponies want to make an escape they will have to brave his claws.
Sorry for wasting everypony's time. Still, it was fun to figure that out. Now I have a frame of reference. If he wasn't encumbered he could move much further which shows why weight is a big deal with this character.
Oh, well if you insist, Cavaliere takes the boring option and sprints to the other side of the hold. If the withdrawing ponies want to make an escape they will have to brave his claws.
Sorry for wasting everypony's time. Still, it was fun to figure that out. Now I have a frame of reference. If he wasn't encumbered he could move much further which shows why weight is a big deal with this character.
>>194959
He's on a boat now
The rifle pony off to the left shoots at Cavaliere
[1d20+4 = (20+4) = 24]
[2d8 = 8]
The pony off to the right starts looking for something
The pony in the center tries to move through the door.
He's on a boat now
The rifle pony off to the left shoots at Cavaliere
[1d20+4 = (20+4) = 24]
[2d8 = 8]
The pony off to the right starts looking for something
The pony in the center tries to move through the door.
That is... other than Ideal for Cavaliere
Kira's turn, then Silver's
Kira's turn, then Silver's
>>194957
Silver steps forward to the center pony trying to flee with his sword and returns the favor of the butt bash, bringing his sword's pommel right on down his noggin with quite a bit of force.
[1d20+9 = (11+9) = 20]
[2d6+8 = (4+8) = 12]
Kira, meanwhile, makes to wrap around the pony on the right while he's distracted.
Touch Attack: [1d20+9 = (11+9) = 20]
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (7+13) = 20]
Silver steps forward to the center pony trying to flee with his sword and returns the favor of the butt bash, bringing his sword's pommel right on down his noggin with quite a bit of force.
[1d20+9 = (11+9) = 20]
[2d6+8 = (4+8) = 12]
Kira, meanwhile, makes to wrap around the pony on the right while he's distracted.
Touch Attack: [1d20+9 = (11+9) = 20]
Improved Grapple: [1d20+13 = (7+13) = 20]
>>194959
I don't want griffons to be too powerful (not that flight is ever a weak ability) so making them poor fliers by default and have bipedal weight limits seems reasonable. We never decided on griffons having a charisma malus but I've gone without that so far and it would hurt Cavaliere substantially.
>>194960
>>194961
Perhaps I made the wrong choice. Cavaliere is now down to 3 HP.
The bullet hits him square in the torso and will certainly leave a scar. The griffon staggers, and seems close to falling over, but with supreme force of effort remains standing. Moreover, he throws a punch at the pony moving past him.
[1d20+4 = (12+4) = 16]
[1d6 = 2]
I don't want griffons to be too powerful (not that flight is ever a weak ability) so making them poor fliers by default and have bipedal weight limits seems reasonable. We never decided on griffons having a charisma malus but I've gone without that so far and it would hurt Cavaliere substantially.
>>194960
>>194961
Perhaps I made the wrong choice. Cavaliere is now down to 3 HP.
The bullet hits him square in the torso and will certainly leave a scar. The griffon staggers, and seems close to falling over, but with supreme force of effort remains standing. Moreover, he throws a punch at the pony moving past him.
[1d20+4 = (12+4) = 16]
[1d6 = 2]
>>194967
Kira gently pets the pony's head, as she speaks to him. "Don't worry new friend! We'll chase out all of those nasty thoughts the Traveler put in you and make you better!"
Kira gently pets the pony's head, as she speaks to him. "Don't worry new friend! We'll chase out all of those nasty thoughts the Traveler put in you and make you better!"
Is Posey kill?
(I'm terribly sorry for the delay)
>>194974
What about with an arrow?
Posey takes a move action to reposition and shoots whatever target she can
[1d20+6 = (20+6) = 26]
[1d10+3 = (1+3) = 4]
What about with an arrow?
Posey takes a move action to reposition and shoots whatever target she can
[1d20+6 = (20+6) = 26]
[1d10+3 = (1+3) = 4]
>>194975
Yes.
I'm guessing this is towards the rifle pony that just shot cavaliere? or would she attempt the one that got away?
Yes.
I'm guessing this is towards the rifle pony that just shot cavaliere? or would she attempt the one that got away?
>>194981
Alright. He limps behind a nearby crate, draws his gun, and fires once at the riflepony.
[1d20+8 = (8+8) = 16]
[2d6 = 8]
Alright. He limps behind a nearby crate, draws his gun, and fires once at the riflepony.
[1d20+8 = (8+8) = 16]
[2d6 = 8]
The center pony closes the door.
There are sounds of gunshots from behind
TAT TAT TAT
BANG BANG BANG
There are sounds of gunshots from behind
TAT TAT TAT
BANG BANG BANG
>>194986
From the end of the room, it looks like Stained Sand, Rustling Pine, Blackheel and Mala, although the latter two are... less shooty. They seem focused on something high and in the Port-center of the room.
Kira does indeed find a barrel. It feels safer down there
From the end of the room, it looks like Stained Sand, Rustling Pine, Blackheel and Mala, although the latter two are... less shooty. They seem focused on something high and in the Port-center of the room.
Kira does indeed find a barrel. It feels safer down there
>>194988
>>194989
Stained Sand:
"There was something forming in that corner up there. Black and long, like what attacked me in the last hold."
Blackheel doesn't say anything, but he has a look of skepticism.
Mala has a look of "Everyone else was shooting in that direction, so I thought I would too."
Rustling Pine is hard to read, though more serious
>>194989
Stained Sand:
"There was something forming in that corner up there. Black and long, like what attacked me in the last hold."
Blackheel doesn't say anything, but he has a look of skepticism.
Mala has a look of "Everyone else was shooting in that direction, so I thought I would too."
Rustling Pine is hard to read, though more serious
Coming close to the millennial post
>>194991
Blackheel:
"The hull"
Based on sounds Silver would have heard, at least some of the bullets fired must have ricocheted.
>>194991
Blackheel:
"The hull"
Based on sounds Silver would have heard, at least some of the bullets fired must have ricocheted.
>>194993
"No." Stained Sand calls out.
Blackheel comes into the room to look around, Rustling Pine following behind with his automatic rifle.
Mala looks over at the slain pony, but shuffles out of the room back to Cargo Hold 5.
"No." Stained Sand calls out.
Blackheel comes into the room to look around, Rustling Pine following behind with his automatic rifle.
Mala looks over at the slain pony, but shuffles out of the room back to Cargo Hold 5.
>>194995
Silver decides that whatever it is, it must have been scared away. He returns to the cargo hold, kneeling down next to the fallen pony. If his eyes are open, he closes them, and speaks to him, "Надеюсь, вы обретёте покой, подальше от этого ужасного места."
>>194996
Kira looks to Cavaliere and smiles, though she has a look about her that the griffon might recognize: she's scared, and trying to hold it back. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just some bruising. How about you, are you okay? You smell hurt..."
Silver decides that whatever it is, it must have been scared away. He returns to the cargo hold, kneeling down next to the fallen pony. If his eyes are open, he closes them, and speaks to him, "Надеюсь, вы обретёте покой, подальше от этого ужасного места."
>>194996
Kira looks to Cavaliere and smiles, though she has a look about her that the griffon might recognize: she's scared, and trying to hold it back. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just some bruising. How about you, are you okay? You smell hurt..."
>>194997
The griffon grimaces stoically and holds a claw against his side. "We'll have it looked at," he wheezes. "What we're fighting is trying bolder plays to stop us, but he's still holding back his main force. We need to proceed cautiously."
Once the enemy pony is secured, he looks for the creature that has their medical supplies.
The griffon grimaces stoically and holds a claw against his side. "We'll have it looked at," he wheezes. "What we're fighting is trying bolder plays to stop us, but he's still holding back his main force. We need to proceed cautiously."
Once the enemy pony is secured, he looks for the creature that has their medical supplies.
>>194996
The pony is soon enough tied up, and presumably Kira holds onto him until he is.
>>194997
Assuming Silver is going to the one that Posey killed and not the one recently downed by Cavaliere:
His eyes are indeed open and milky white. If they focus on anything at all, it is far above the roof of the cargo hold, and beyond the clouds looming above.
The pony is soon enough tied up, and presumably Kira holds onto him until he is.
>>194997
Assuming Silver is going to the one that Posey killed and not the one recently downed by Cavaliere:
His eyes are indeed open and milky white. If they focus on anything at all, it is far above the roof of the cargo hold, and beyond the clouds looming above.