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 51 files omitted.
>>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 ^^
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