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
1320 replies and 57 files omitted.
>>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.”
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