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
1220 replies and 58 files omitted.
>>193226
Oh yeah, he makes sure the griffon is properly bound. Can't be too careful with guns lying around everywhere.
Oh yeah, he makes sure the griffon is properly bound. Can't be too careful with guns lying around everywhere.
>>193230
He'll have to remember to ask if there is any on the boat. It should be everywhere on ships.
He'll have to remember to ask if there is any on the boat. It should be everywhere on ships.
>>193228
Almost. But he does feel the difference, and it does give him the confidence to lead this boarding party. He also remembers to let the others know before he disappears under, "Make sure you give Steppe Eagle one of those potions!"
Almost. But he does feel the difference, and it does give him the confidence to lead this boarding party. He also remembers to let the others know before he disappears under, "Make sure you give Steppe Eagle one of those potions!"
>>193232
A nod.
Opening the door to the bridge and going inside, he can see blood on the floor.
There is of course a wheel, a compass, and a partly folded map. There's a bullet hole in the windshield.
Blackheel remarks to Mala,
"You have some blood on your mouth."
>>193231
When the ponies are gone, the griffin speaks
"How much did they pay you?"
A nod.
Opening the door to the bridge and going inside, he can see blood on the floor.
There is of course a wheel, a compass, and a partly folded map. There's a bullet hole in the windshield.
Blackheel remarks to Mala,
"You have some blood on your mouth."
>>193231
When the ponies are gone, the griffin speaks
"How much did they pay you?"
>>193236
"I'm okay, though I was wounded earlier... I did make sure he was no longer dangerous." Mala says. There is some blood on the fur below the lips. He turns his head away and wipes it off, then looks down. His fur is generally moist, presumably from the rain."
"I'm okay, though I was wounded earlier... I did make sure he was no longer dangerous." Mala says. There is some blood on the fur below the lips. He turns his head away and wipes it off, then looks down. His fur is generally moist, presumably from the rain."
>>193237
Silver gives Mala some headpats, then turns to acknowledge the oddities about the bridge. "Blood, but no body..." Moving over to the map, Silver checks it for any notes or routes.
Silver gives Mala some headpats, then turns to acknowledge the oddities about the bridge. "Blood, but no body..." Moving over to the map, Silver checks it for any notes or routes.
>>193235
He shrugs. "I'm here for a specific reason. How long had you been tailing this vessel?" He points to the ship behind himself. Pulling out two cigars, he offers one to the griffon.
He shrugs. "I'm here for a specific reason. How long had you been tailing this vessel?" He points to the ship behind himself. Pulling out two cigars, he offers one to the griffon.
>>193238
Oh yes, yes there is. A line going from the straights down to Sirius, then from Sirius to Ravenskoye. And a line from World's End to the Nova Griffonian Coast, with some kind of interception in the Rocky Sea with a third line. Then there are still more lines going from approximately Weter to Ravenskoye or Petershoof.
>>193240
He looks at the cigar. Then he takes it.
"Do you have a light?"
Oh yes, yes there is. A line going from the straights down to Sirius, then from Sirius to Ravenskoye. And a line from World's End to the Nova Griffonian Coast, with some kind of interception in the Rocky Sea with a third line. Then there are still more lines going from approximately Weter to Ravenskoye or Petershoof.
>>193240
He looks at the cigar. Then he takes it.
"Do you have a light?"
>>193241
Silver motions Black Heel over to look at this map. "They have been tracking ship paths through strait, including yours. Did your mission briefing include anything about these creatures?"
Silver motions Black Heel over to look at this map. "They have been tracking ship paths through strait, including yours. Did your mission briefing include anything about these creatures?"
>>193241
Cavaliere always comes prepared. He even helps put it in the bound griffon's beak. "You had to have known about this ship for a while."
Cavaliere always comes prepared. He even helps put it in the bound griffon's beak. "You had to have known about this ship for a while."
>>193242
"These ones specifically? No. But we know they are active here. We've long known they are active."
"These ones specifically? No. But we know they are active here. We've long known they are active."
>>193243
He responds,
"Of course. It was spotted when it left. These mission ships... Ships the Socialists send to help out their allies... They carry machinery, mostly, on the way out. Or guns... Things that are heavy. But on the way back? Heh, these Socialists always expect payment from their fraternal brothers. Their comrades. Well, sometimes its timber or Ore. But sometimes? Sometimes its gold, or diamonds."
>>193245
"Yes. They are pirates. Probably not from the head griffin himself. He would have sent a bigger ship. More ships. It's probably a single pirate who got an old Imperial Torpedo boat.
He responds,
"Of course. It was spotted when it left. These mission ships... Ships the Socialists send to help out their allies... They carry machinery, mostly, on the way out. Or guns... Things that are heavy. But on the way back? Heh, these Socialists always expect payment from their fraternal brothers. Their comrades. Well, sometimes its timber or Ore. But sometimes? Sometimes its gold, or diamonds."
>>193245
"Yes. They are pirates. Probably not from the head griffin himself. He would have sent a bigger ship. More ships. It's probably a single pirate who got an old Imperial Torpedo boat.
>>193246
He nods. "And that's what you were after, and what you hoped to find inside. Did any go in?"
He nods. "And that's what you were after, and what you hoped to find inside. Did any go in?"
>>193246
Silver has a sudden realization as he's talking with Black Heel. "And they likely just sent large armed boarding party to raid your ship thinking you were returning from Skynavia with payment, and they ran into Traveler without knowing about it. So, now there are number of armed Petrushkas on Kostroma..."
Silver has a sudden realization as he's talking with Black Heel. "And they likely just sent large armed boarding party to raid your ship thinking you were returning from Skynavia with payment, and they ran into Traveler without knowing about it. So, now there are number of armed Petrushkas on Kostroma..."
>>193249
"Let us hope they left plenty of supplies on this ship, and that they did not clean your ship out before they found Traveler. Come on, let us go below decks and see what they have."
"Let us hope they left plenty of supplies on this ship, and that they did not clean your ship out before they found Traveler. Come on, let us go below decks and see what they have."
>>193249
"You're one of the lucky ones. They were never coming back on their own. Maybe some can be brought back alive, but as of right now they are better off dead."
"You're one of the lucky ones. They were never coming back on their own. Maybe some can be brought back alive, but as of right now they are better off dead."
>>193250
He nods. Mala actually goes ahead of them. There is a black set of metal stairs that has blood on it going down. This leads to a hallway that has massive tanks to either side. The hallway goes in both directions: towards the stern of the ship, and also the bow.
>>193251
His eyes go wide
"Why? Are you sure?" He tries to sit up
"We heard the explosions. What is going on?"
He nods. Mala actually goes ahead of them. There is a black set of metal stairs that has blood on it going down. This leads to a hallway that has massive tanks to either side. The hallway goes in both directions: towards the stern of the ship, and also the bow.
>>193251
His eyes go wide
"Why? Are you sure?" He tries to sit up
"We heard the explosions. What is going on?"
>>193252
"It appears our pirate captain was shot through window and made his way down these stairs. We should be prepared for contact. Let us check bow, first."
"It appears our pirate captain was shot through window and made his way down these stairs. We should be prepared for contact. Let us check bow, first."
>>193253
Passing through the first bulkhead, there are rooms on each side.
The first room is... empty. It's a cabin with a decent amount of... Stuff, in it. Like a sword, a portrait, and other items. on the right side is a room with a couple seats and radio equipment.
Passing through the first bulkhead, there are rooms on each side.
The first room is... empty. It's a cabin with a decent amount of... Stuff, in it. Like a sword, a portrait, and other items. on the right side is a room with a couple seats and radio equipment.
>>193252
"Why do you think a well-maintained Stalliongrad vessel with an experienced crew would run aground along a well-used sea route? There is something aboard that has killed dozens of creatures. Possibly hundreds. Reinforcements have come to this island to contain it, and they're why you have been hearing all those explosions."
"Why do you think a well-maintained Stalliongrad vessel with an experienced crew would run aground along a well-used sea route? There is something aboard that has killed dozens of creatures. Possibly hundreds. Reinforcements have come to this island to contain it, and they're why you have been hearing all those explosions."
>>193255
"There could be a thousand reasons. A drunken captain, they got into it with the Colonists. Actually the Colonials was my top theory. Wait. Hundreds? What?"
"There could be a thousand reasons. A drunken captain, they got into it with the Colonists. Actually the Colonials was my top theory. Wait. Hundreds? What?"
>>193256
Cavaliere shows the bizarre photo of the bodies he retrieved from the Kostroma. "This isn't your typical Stalliongrad atrocity. We don't know what exactly this thing is, but it dominates and controls whatever comes too close to it. Once it has used up the creatures under its control, it will throw them away. There is no way to stop its influence."
Cavaliere shows the bizarre photo of the bodies he retrieved from the Kostroma. "This isn't your typical Stalliongrad atrocity. We don't know what exactly this thing is, but it dominates and controls whatever comes too close to it. Once it has used up the creatures under its control, it will throw them away. There is no way to stop its influence."
>>193260
"Maybe we will find out. Maybe we shouldn't. Regardless, it has killed and will kill again, and we have to destroy it. We can't leave until we accomplish that."
"Maybe we will find out. Maybe we shouldn't. Regardless, it has killed and will kill again, and we have to destroy it. We can't leave until we accomplish that."
>>193258
Silver halts, and looks back at Black Heel. Feeling a bit like an idiot, he nods, takes his rifle, and carefully checks the rooms to make sure they're clear of hostiles, first.
Silver halts, and looks back at Black Heel. Feeling a bit like an idiot, he nods, takes his rifle, and carefully checks the rooms to make sure they're clear of hostiles, first.
>>193222
>that ghoul
Rude!
.
Posey eventually makes her way onto the ship, with shaky legs, looking rather pale (lol).
"...Wh-what did I miss..?" she says, some suspiciously off-color drool dripping from the corner of her mouth.
>that ghoul
Rude!
.
Posey eventually makes her way onto the ship, with shaky legs, looking rather pale (lol).
"...Wh-what did I miss..?" she says, some suspiciously off-color drool dripping from the corner of her mouth.
>>193261
Posey speaks up
"... If... If this boat is seaworthy, we very well may be able to leave. I want the Intruder d-d-destroyed first though..."
>>193258
>>193257
"The rest of you are wounded. I am in g-good shape.. I will clear the area." Posey offers, her legs shaking
She seems thinner than before, emaciated even. Her mane isn't the usual vibrant healthy scarlet, looking grayed and frayed at the ends. Her normally pristine white coat looks rough and blotchy. Her supernaturally elegant gait has decayed into a pathetic shamble as she haphazardly attempts to balance herself on the deck.
>>193252
Does the ship have any major damage that would prevent us from sailing on it?
Posey speaks up
"... If... If this boat is seaworthy, we very well may be able to leave. I want the Intruder d-d-destroyed first though..."
>>193258
>>193257
"The rest of you are wounded. I am in g-good shape.. I will clear the area." Posey offers, her legs shaking
She seems thinner than before, emaciated even. Her mane isn't the usual vibrant healthy scarlet, looking grayed and frayed at the ends. Her normally pristine white coat looks rough and blotchy. Her supernaturally elegant gait has decayed into a pathetic shamble as she haphazardly attempts to balance herself on the deck.
>>193252
Does the ship have any major damage that would prevent us from sailing on it?
>>193261
He takes a moment to take this in, with a couple breathes, and then a draw on the cigar
"Who are you, and why are you here?"
>>193263
Assuming Silver remains in this "section." The sections are demarcated by bulkheads, though the doors between the bulkheads do not seem to be closed, or indeed, easily closable.
The actual cabin is clear. It has a bed with storage beneath it to check, a desk, and a very small closet. It does not have its own bathroom. It's a small area, but still obviously meant for the captain. He must really like clothing...
On the other side is a small room with a seat and radio equipment. This area is clear.
>>193265
Cavaliere is the only party member on the deck of the ship. Possibly Rustling Pine or Primed Well is on the deck as well. Silver, Mala, Blackheel, and the Green Unicorn Airpony are downstairs
He takes a moment to take this in, with a couple breathes, and then a draw on the cigar
"Who are you, and why are you here?"
>>193263
Assuming Silver remains in this "section." The sections are demarcated by bulkheads, though the doors between the bulkheads do not seem to be closed, or indeed, easily closable.
The actual cabin is clear. It has a bed with storage beneath it to check, a desk, and a very small closet. It does not have its own bathroom. It's a small area, but still obviously meant for the captain. He must really like clothing...
On the other side is a small room with a seat and radio equipment. This area is clear.
>>193265
Cavaliere is the only party member on the deck of the ship. Possibly Rustling Pine or Primed Well is on the deck as well. Silver, Mala, Blackheel, and the Green Unicorn Airpony are downstairs
>>193267
Posey slowly makes her way below deck.
Her condition seems to acutely improve as the sea leaves her vision, evidently more psychological than physical.
Posey slowly makes her way below deck.
Her condition seems to acutely improve as the sea leaves her vision, evidently more psychological than physical.
>>193266
The ponies stare at her, but she's probably used to that. Well, Primed Well does. A couple don't even notice.
If you're talking about the fast attack craft, the only obvious damage is a couple externally mounted fuel tanks at the rear of the vessel having been penetrated by machine gun fire. These tanks are pretty obviously not a part of the original construction and have been riveted on. There is no obvious source of damage below the waterline.
If you mean the Kostroma, well, there's no list that is visible. Then again, the Titanic had no more than a 4% list until 2/3 of it was underwater.
>>193268
Into the deckhouse, there is the bridge, with its wheel, map, and compass, with blood on the floor. Then going down the stairs, Posey enters a room with a narrow hallway that has fuel tanks to either side. The hallway continues towards the bow and towards the stern. Based on noise, Posey can surmise that Silver and the others are towards the bow.
The ponies stare at her, but she's probably used to that. Well, Primed Well does. A couple don't even notice.
If you're talking about the fast attack craft, the only obvious damage is a couple externally mounted fuel tanks at the rear of the vessel having been penetrated by machine gun fire. These tanks are pretty obviously not a part of the original construction and have been riveted on. There is no obvious source of damage below the waterline.
If you mean the Kostroma, well, there's no list that is visible. Then again, the Titanic had no more than a 4% list until 2/3 of it was underwater.
>>193268
Into the deckhouse, there is the bridge, with its wheel, map, and compass, with blood on the floor. Then going down the stairs, Posey enters a room with a narrow hallway that has fuel tanks to either side. The hallway continues towards the bow and towards the stern. Based on noise, Posey can surmise that Silver and the others are towards the bow.
>>193269
"The tanks should be patched as soon as possible. I am no expert with mechanics, but leaking oil is always a hazard." Posey comments, sizing up the ship as she turns into the room with Silver's voice
"The tanks should be patched as soon as possible. I am no expert with mechanics, but leaking oil is always a hazard." Posey comments, sizing up the ship as she turns into the room with Silver's voice
>>193267
Cavaliere mulls this over for a moment, which is easier to do with a cigar. "I suppose you could describe us as competitors. Don't give me that look; there was no way you could have survived being moored out here. As it turns out, live creatures are much more valuable than most treasure. Even so, riches will take you only so far. Uncovering and destroying a baleful Stalliongrad secret? That is the type of glory that comes only once in a lifetime."
Cavaliere mulls this over for a moment, which is easier to do with a cigar. "I suppose you could describe us as competitors. Don't give me that look; there was no way you could have survived being moored out here. As it turns out, live creatures are much more valuable than most treasure. Even so, riches will take you only so far. Uncovering and destroying a baleful Stalliongrad secret? That is the type of glory that comes only once in a lifetime."
>>193270
Does Posey have a sense of smell? If so, she smells diesel fuel. It smells like Baltimare harbor. Or the whaling station.
>>193271
None spotted so far
>>193281
>>193271
Posey goes past one bulkhead to see Silver inside of a room to the side that must be a cabin, with a single bed and a desk. There are a number of items of clothing. Silver is holding a new sword.
Silver sees an emaciated, clearly sickly white unicorn mare enter, who looks as if she is undergoing chemotherapy
>>193281
It's a saber. Rather long and thin. Definitely for ceremonial naval purposes. It is nice and shinny, shinnier even then normal chrome steel. The handle is ivory and has gold leafed engravings on it of what seem to be dreadnaught style ships.
There are coats that... well hopefully they didn't come from Hoebuck. They are suspiciously colorful. A couple fancy hats and jackets. There is a narwhal tusk hanging from the walls, and also a taxidermied Pudgwucky.
There is a safe behind the portrait.
>>193280
"Well, you can have the glory. We'll take the gold. And our ship back. And our crew. Those of them still alive, anyways."
Does Posey have a sense of smell? If so, she smells diesel fuel. It smells like Baltimare harbor. Or the whaling station.
>>193271
None spotted so far
>>193281
>>193271
Posey goes past one bulkhead to see Silver inside of a room to the side that must be a cabin, with a single bed and a desk. There are a number of items of clothing. Silver is holding a new sword.
Silver sees an emaciated, clearly sickly white unicorn mare enter, who looks as if she is undergoing chemotherapy
>>193281
It's a saber. Rather long and thin. Definitely for ceremonial naval purposes. It is nice and shinny, shinnier even then normal chrome steel. The handle is ivory and has gold leafed engravings on it of what seem to be dreadnaught style ships.
There are coats that... well hopefully they didn't come from Hoebuck. They are suspiciously colorful. A couple fancy hats and jackets. There is a narwhal tusk hanging from the walls, and also a taxidermied Pudgwucky.
There is a safe behind the portrait.
>>193280
"Well, you can have the glory. We'll take the gold. And our ship back. And our crew. Those of them still alive, anyways."
>>193282
He smiles back almost smugly. "You are in no position to make demands. We have taken your boat as rightful plunder, and we will decide what to do with the rest soon."
He smiles back almost smugly. "You are in no position to make demands. We have taken your boat as rightful plunder, and we will decide what to do with the rest soon."
>>193284
He scrunches. Or seems to. Hard to tell with a beak. But he doesn't seem to like that answer.
He scrunches. Or seems to. Hard to tell with a beak. But he doesn't seem to like that answer.
"Don't be so discouraged. Honesty can still get you far. How long have you been docked here?"
>>193287
This gives him some pause.
"Before we showed up, did you notice anything unusual about the Kostroma? Odd noises, perhaps?"
This gives him some pause.
"Before we showed up, did you notice anything unusual about the Kostroma? Odd noises, perhaps?"
>>193288
"She's not properly moored, and half of the lights are on, half are off. Maybe a blackout on the stern. But she's derelict. That is unusual."
"She's not properly moored, and half of the lights are on, half are off. Maybe a blackout on the stern. But she's derelict. That is unusual."
>>193282
>Does Posey have a sense of smell?
Yes.
>diesel fuel
Should be cleaned asap. The oily wrags leftover could even be used for campfires if we put them in metal containers.
>who looks as if she is undergoing chemotherapy
Oi! Posey's mane is still full.
She looks more like she has consumption.
>Silver is holding a new sword.
>Definitely for ceremonial naval purposes. It is nice and shinny, shinnier even then normal chrome steel. The handle is ivory and has gold leafed engravings on it of what seem to be dreadnaught style ships.
Definitely at least masterwork in quality.
Rolling Arcana, to see if this could be a magic weapon.
[1d20+11 = (5+11) = 16]
>suspiciously colorful coats
Somepony has exotic tastes.
>taxidermy
Based and necropilled.
>safe behind the portrait
Posey twill try using the key that Mala picked up.
>>193283
"I am fine..." she replies
>>193285
Who is speaking here? One of the crew members of this ship?
>Does Posey have a sense of smell?
Yes.
>diesel fuel
Should be cleaned asap. The oily wrags leftover could even be used for campfires if we put them in metal containers.
>who looks as if she is undergoing chemotherapy
Oi! Posey's mane is still full.
She looks more like she has consumption.
>Silver is holding a new sword.
>Definitely for ceremonial naval purposes. It is nice and shinny, shinnier even then normal chrome steel. The handle is ivory and has gold leafed engravings on it of what seem to be dreadnaught style ships.
Definitely at least masterwork in quality.
Rolling Arcana, to see if this could be a magic weapon.
[1d20+11 = (5+11) = 16]
>suspiciously colorful coats
Somepony has exotic tastes.
>taxidermy
Based and necropilled.
>safe behind the portrait
Posey twill try using the key that Mala picked up.
>>193283
"I am fine..." she replies
>>193285
Who is speaking here? One of the crew members of this ship?
>>193290
"Good, because you look worse than I did when I was missing most of my blood." Turning his attention to the safe, he continues, "Think you could help me with this safe? We might be able to force it off its hinges if we combine our magic."
"Good, because you look worse than I did when I was missing most of my blood." Turning his attention to the safe, he continues, "Think you could help me with this safe? We might be able to force it off its hinges if we combine our magic."
>>193293
How large is the safe? We may be able to just take it with us.
>magic sword
Hmmm, Silver should try swinging it around to discern its powers.
Does it produce light?
>>193294
>>193294
"It would not be a very good safe if it were so easily pulled open. The key to open it must be somewhere on this ship. Try sesrching the bodies, and under the rugs."
How large is the safe? We may be able to just take it with us.
>magic sword
Hmmm, Silver should try swinging it around to discern its powers.
Does it produce light?
>>193294
>>193294
"It would not be a very good safe if it were so easily pulled open. The key to open it must be somewhere on this ship. Try sesrching the bodies, and under the rugs."
>>193295
It's of a smaller to medium size. Maybe like 9 inches tall to 12 inches wide? It is inside of a.... actually this is probably a modified wall. Cut into the steel bulkhead and added wood paneling. Anyways, it's in the wall
It's of a smaller to medium size. Maybe like 9 inches tall to 12 inches wide? It is inside of a.... actually this is probably a modified wall. Cut into the steel bulkhead and added wood paneling. Anyways, it's in the wall
>>193298
"Heheh, you want me to tell you everything? I'll say this much. More than a dozen."
>>193299
Posey finds the remains of chewed bubblegum (how do griffins even chew gum?), a sock (just one, no companion), a box of 9mm ammunition with Imperial lettering, a box of 7.65x20 ammunition with Aquilian lettering, a receipt from a restaurant, batteries for what is presumably a flashlight, a tool kit, and a couple coins. But no key.
"Heheh, you want me to tell you everything? I'll say this much. More than a dozen."
>>193299
Posey finds the remains of chewed bubblegum (how do griffins even chew gum?), a sock (just one, no companion), a box of 9mm ammunition with Imperial lettering, a box of 7.65x20 ammunition with Aquilian lettering, a receipt from a restaurant, batteries for what is presumably a flashlight, a tool kit, and a couple coins. But no key.
>>193306
Cavaliere narrows his eyes. "We are expecting heavy resistance regardless. If you want to see them again it would help to know where they went. They have no idea what they walked into, not that I expect them to be of sound mind anymore."
Cavaliere narrows his eyes. "We are expecting heavy resistance regardless. If you want to see them again it would help to know where they went. They have no idea what they walked into, not that I expect them to be of sound mind anymore."
>>193306
Silver takes the ammunition. He has a feeling the Aquileian rifle they looted will take the 7.65x20mm, at least. He also looks to see what kind of currency the coins are as well as what the tool kit contains.
Silver takes the ammunition. He has a feeling the Aquileian rifle they looted will take the 7.65x20mm, at least. He also looks to see what kind of currency the coins are as well as what the tool kit contains.
>>193309
Hmmmmmm...it seems odd that there's just some random coins out and about. Are there any other interesting details or oddities about them, or are they just standard currency?
Hmmmmmm...it seems odd that there's just some random coins out and about. Are there any other interesting details or oddities about them, or are they just standard currency?
>>193310
Well, there's a kind of plus or cross (diagonally) on the reverse, and then a three masted caravel type boat on the back... It's made of bronze. It must just be standard small change. The change found in the pockets of the soldiers was of higher denomination, so this must just be lost coins rather than a secret stash.
Well, there's a kind of plus or cross (diagonally) on the reverse, and then a three masted caravel type boat on the back... It's made of bronze. It must just be standard small change. The change found in the pockets of the soldiers was of higher denomination, so this must just be lost coins rather than a secret stash.
>>193311
Hmmmmmm...Silver tries one random thing off of a slight hunch before they start to go brute force on the safe, and he tries to enter 97, 65, and 20 as the safe's combination.
Hmmmmmm...Silver tries one random thing off of a slight hunch before they start to go brute force on the safe, and he tries to enter 97, 65, and 20 as the safe's combination.
In the room next door, one down,
BANG
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
[2d10 = 10]
[1d2 = 1]
BANG
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d10 = 10]
BANG
[1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
[2d10 = 10]
[1d2 = 1]
BANG
[1d20+3 = (13+3) = 16]
[2d10 = 10]
TAT TAT TAT
[1d20 = 17]
[2d6 = 10]
[1d20 = 9]
[2d6 = 10]
[1d20 = 4]
[2d6 = 8]
[1d20 = 9]
[2d6 = 12]
[1d20 = 8]
[2d6 = 3]
[1d20 = 17]
[2d6 = 10]
[1d20 = 9]
[2d6 = 10]
[1d20 = 4]
[2d6 = 8]
[1d20 = 9]
[2d6 = 12]
[1d20 = 8]
[2d6 = 3]
>>193321
It's all next door. Only noise makes its way into the small room Silver and Posey are in. Eventually, there is another BANG
It's all next door. Only noise makes its way into the small room Silver and Posey are in. Eventually, there is another BANG
>>193309
"You could describe it as a creature but no, not an animal. It's not from this planet. It doesn't know much about us, either, but it desires to control everything it comes across. The head scientist aboard this ship was the first to come under its influence and is now its spokesgriff. We captured some of the other ponies it sent after us and for now they have no semblance of themselves."
"You could describe it as a creature but no, not an animal. It's not from this planet. It doesn't know much about us, either, but it desires to control everything it comes across. The head scientist aboard this ship was the first to come under its influence and is now its spokesgriff. We captured some of the other ponies it sent after us and for now they have no semblance of themselves."
>>193323
>>193325
Passing through the bulkhead, the next one is one, big open area which has multiple beds in bunks, with sheets in varying states of organization. At the end and on the left is a set of blue curtains that have been pulled aside, where beyond this is a bed. On the bed is an injured or possibly dead griffin. Next to the bed and on the ground is a second griffin that has been shot and has had its head blown off. Above this are Mala and the Green Unicorn who is presumably the second lieutenant and copilot of the air ponies. Mala has evidently been shot. Blackheel, who does not seem to have been present, is running in.
>>193327
"You're dealing with aliens? Well why are you messing with us? Leave us alone and go bother the aliens."
>>193325
Passing through the bulkhead, the next one is one, big open area which has multiple beds in bunks, with sheets in varying states of organization. At the end and on the left is a set of blue curtains that have been pulled aside, where beyond this is a bed. On the bed is an injured or possibly dead griffin. Next to the bed and on the ground is a second griffin that has been shot and has had its head blown off. Above this are Mala and the Green Unicorn who is presumably the second lieutenant and copilot of the air ponies. Mala has evidently been shot. Blackheel, who does not seem to have been present, is running in.
>>193327
"You're dealing with aliens? Well why are you messing with us? Leave us alone and go bother the aliens."
>>193331
"Suit yourself." He directs a nearby NPC to keep an eye on him as he turns away and goes down below.
"Suit yourself." He directs a nearby NPC to keep an eye on him as he turns away and goes down below.
>>193332
No.
>>193334
Things are getting explosive downstairs. Evidently literally. Cavaliere can hear gunshots.
>>193334
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvA-mimf2yg
>>193335
The green unicorn speaks:
"We were clearing out the back and one of them had an ambush waiting with a shotgun behind the curtain. We killed it quickly. Evidently he had a comrade who was shot earlier and dragged back here. Seems to have bled out."
No.
>>193334
Things are getting explosive downstairs. Evidently literally. Cavaliere can hear gunshots.
>>193334
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvA-mimf2yg
>>193335
The green unicorn speaks:
"We were clearing out the back and one of them had an ambush waiting with a shotgun behind the curtain. We killed it quickly. Evidently he had a comrade who was shot earlier and dragged back here. Seems to have bled out."
>>193336
Well Silver would have had completely different actions if we had known that, like going to check on the others immediately rather than trying to inform teammates who aren't even there to take cover.
Well Silver would have had completely different actions if we had known that, like going to check on the others immediately rather than trying to inform teammates who aren't even there to take cover.
>>193337
>>193338
The torpedo boat is damn near a submarine, with a central hallway dominating much of the boat. It's towards the bow, just two rooms past the center
>>193339
"Out of the line of fire? Eliminating raiders is a part of the job description." The pony replies
>>193340
Silver checks Mala to see that the flak jacket contained the shot. Mala is not wounded, though he was from an earlier stab by a creature.
>>193338
The torpedo boat is damn near a submarine, with a central hallway dominating much of the boat. It's towards the bow, just two rooms past the center
>>193339
"Out of the line of fire? Eliminating raiders is a part of the job description." The pony replies
>>193340
Silver checks Mala to see that the flak jacket contained the shot. Mala is not wounded, though he was from an earlier stab by a creature.
>>193341
Silver lets out a sigh of relief. "Who got finishing shot? That was certainly crazy amount of gunfire we heard."
Silver lets out a sigh of relief. "Who got finishing shot? That was certainly crazy amount of gunfire we heard."
>>193341
Cavaliere stops outside the room. Are there any friendlies around? Can he hear anything inside?
Cavaliere stops outside the room. Are there any friendlies around? Can he hear anything inside?
>>193344
Silver, Posey, Mala, the Green Unicorn, and Blackheel are inside of the room. He can just look in
Silver, Posey, Mala, the Green Unicorn, and Blackheel are inside of the room. He can just look in
>>193343
With a chuckle, Silver turns to investigate the fallen griffons. "I guess we will call it half-kill for both of you. They have anything of note on them? Anything useful?"
With a chuckle, Silver turns to investigate the fallen griffons. "I guess we will call it half-kill for both of you. They have anything of note on them? Anything useful?"
>>193348
"We have to be careful clearing this boat. It doesn't help that being pirates, they will be especially desperate and expect death regardless. If we can dissuade them from fighting, that would save us quite a bit of trouble."
"We have to be careful clearing this boat. It doesn't help that being pirates, they will be especially desperate and expect death regardless. If we can dissuade them from fighting, that would save us quite a bit of trouble."
>>193349
>>193348
Silver takes the shotgun and whatever ammunition the griffon has, before turning to address Cavaliere. "Pirates are interested in two things: money, and living to spend that money, in that order. To get them to back down, you would need to convince them that neither we nor Kostroma has anything of value, and that their lives are in immediate and grave danger. It would also help to convince them to overlook us killing several of their comrades, even if it was in self defense. But I fear it may already be too late. Most of them have no doubt already been taken by Traveler and turned into more Petrushkas."
>>193348
Silver takes the shotgun and whatever ammunition the griffon has, before turning to address Cavaliere. "Pirates are interested in two things: money, and living to spend that money, in that order. To get them to back down, you would need to convince them that neither we nor Kostroma has anything of value, and that their lives are in immediate and grave danger. It would also help to convince them to overlook us killing several of their comrades, even if it was in self defense. But I fear it may already be too late. Most of them have no doubt already been taken by Traveler and turned into more Petrushkas."
>>193350
He glances down at the grisly scene. "A great kirin general once said, 'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.' We have the upper claw here, and it would help to have fewer holes in the boat."
>>193351
"On the Kostroma, that is most likely. I talked with the prisoner we have topside and other than the lack of activity aboard that ship, he did not notice anything unusual despite being here for the greater part of an hour. It could be that griffons are more resistant to the Fellow Traveler's influence, that the metal in between acts as a sort of shielding, or simply that it takes more time to manifest. The creatures down here will have their wits about them."
He glances down at the grisly scene. "A great kirin general once said, 'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.' We have the upper claw here, and it would help to have fewer holes in the boat."
>>193351
"On the Kostroma, that is most likely. I talked with the prisoner we have topside and other than the lack of activity aboard that ship, he did not notice anything unusual despite being here for the greater part of an hour. It could be that griffons are more resistant to the Fellow Traveler's influence, that the metal in between acts as a sort of shielding, or simply that it takes more time to manifest. The creatures down here will have their wits about them."
>>193352
Both Mala and the pony look over to see if the shots have shot holes into the side of the boat. They don't seem to (it's a shotgun and a submachine gun), but he made them look.
Both Mala and the pony look over to see if the shots have shot holes into the side of the boat. They don't seem to (it's a shotgun and a submachine gun), but he made them look.
>>193352
>>193354
"Maybe...maybe not. If peaceful solution can be found, I am all for supporting it. But another great saying also exists: if you want peace, prepare for war." Turning to the green unicorn, Silver nods. "You make fair point. Though, unless these pirates are actually privateers hired by Haukland government or some other interested party, they may not have same policies as Stalliongrad or New Mareland about scuttling vessels and containing information. Still, let us clear rest of vessel, then we will clear it of valuables before we board Kostroma."
>>193354
"Maybe...maybe not. If peaceful solution can be found, I am all for supporting it. But another great saying also exists: if you want peace, prepare for war." Turning to the green unicorn, Silver nods. "You make fair point. Though, unless these pirates are actually privateers hired by Haukland government or some other interested party, they may not have same policies as Stalliongrad or New Mareland about scuttling vessels and containing information. Still, let us clear rest of vessel, then we will clear it of valuables before we board Kostroma."
>>193358
The green unicorn is surprised by this. Blackheel nods
"Nice and quiet. They won't hear you snuff the next one."
The green unicorn is surprised by this. Blackheel nods
"Nice and quiet. They won't hear you snuff the next one."
>>193359
Silver nods in agreement, before motioning the group to follow. "Let us go do exactly that."
Is there more to explore in the bow of the ship, or is it time to go towards the stern?
Silver nods in agreement, before motioning the group to follow. "Let us go do exactly that."
Is there more to explore in the bow of the ship, or is it time to go towards the stern?
Cavaliere moves to the side of the doorway of the next uncleared room.
>>193363
Not in that one, no.
They do at least have soap. And Aquellian shampoo. And a luffa. And a sponge. And one razor. So there's that.
Not in that one, no.
They do at least have soap. And Aquellian shampoo. And a luffa. And a sponge. And one razor. So there's that.
>>193367
Silver can't think of many more fitting cases of justice in the world. Perhaps besides a murderer himself getting murdered, or a healthy and fertile female being bred by her stallion. In either case, unless Cavaliere has some plan for the anchor chain, Silver will lead the group towards the stern.
Silver can't think of many more fitting cases of justice in the world. Perhaps besides a murderer himself getting murdered, or a healthy and fertile female being bred by her stallion. In either case, unless Cavaliere has some plan for the anchor chain, Silver will lead the group towards the stern.
>>193368
Silver will backtrack through the dorm, then past the radio room and the captain's cabin, then past the fuel tanks
The next room has two massive engines. Both are off.
Silver will backtrack through the dorm, then past the radio room and the captain's cabin, then past the fuel tanks
The next room has two massive engines. Both are off.
>>193370
A took box, a couple oil cans, little drops of water on the floor, a wrench that implies some kind of fresh maintenance, and especially a cover.
But that isn't what Cavaliere is interested in, is it? No. Cavaliere thinks he sees brown and black moving
A took box, a couple oil cans, little drops of water on the floor, a wrench that implies some kind of fresh maintenance, and especially a cover.
But that isn't what Cavaliere is interested in, is it? No. Cavaliere thinks he sees brown and black moving
>>193371
Survival: Silver looks for any signs of someone entering and hiding somewhere in the room, such as hoof/clawprints.
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23]
Survival: Silver looks for any signs of someone entering and hiding somewhere in the room, such as hoof/clawprints.
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23]
>>193372
Someone stepped in oil and left a trail leading out of the room. It's very fresh. It's like they left in a hurry.
Someone stepped in oil and left a trail leading out of the room. It's very fresh. It's like they left in a hurry.
>>193371
If Cavaliere is visible to Silver, he holds up a talon to his beak. He follows where he thinks the blur went.
If Cavaliere is visible to Silver, he holds up a talon to his beak. He follows where he thinks the blur went.
>>193375
The next room
This room has a single large engine in the center, and walkways to either side.
The next room
This room has a single large engine in the center, and walkways to either side.
>>193380
Yip!
There is a clanging, and clearly someone trying to run away on the opposite side of the engine, going towards the bow of the ship
Yip!
There is a clanging, and clearly someone trying to run away on the opposite side of the engine, going towards the bow of the ship
>>193381
That was strange noise... Silver thinks to himself, as he moves to block the exit out of the room.
That was strange noise... Silver thinks to himself, as he moves to block the exit out of the room.
>>193381
Putting his hat back on, Cavaliere circles around the engine so the creature cannot back out. "At least he didn't shoot," he mutters.
Putting his hat back on, Cavaliere circles around the engine so the creature cannot back out. "At least he didn't shoot," he mutters.
>>193385
Silver decides to call out to this mystery creature, trying to sound friendly, or perhaps even fatherly. "You can come out, little guy. We are not trying to hurt you, we just want to know what is going on."
Silver decides to call out to this mystery creature, trying to sound friendly, or perhaps even fatherly. "You can come out, little guy. We are not trying to hurt you, we just want to know what is going on."
>>193387
Then Silver goes full speed to fill the space in the door before the creature can beat him there, even if it means he hits the doorframe.
Then Silver goes full speed to fill the space in the door before the creature can beat him there, even if it means he hits the doorframe.
>>193392
"Calm down, we're not going to hurt you," Cavaliere tells the apparent pony as he approaches, now more slowly.
"Calm down, we're not going to hurt you," Cavaliere tells the apparent pony as he approaches, now more slowly.
>>193392
Silver, getting up while still blocking the doorway, blinks and stares at this mysterious small equine. "Huh, you really are little guy. I am sorry if you got hurt from that." Smiling at the creature, he offers a hoof for him (or her) to get up with. "I am Silver. Who are you?"
Silver, getting up while still blocking the doorway, blinks and stares at this mysterious small equine. "Huh, you really are little guy. I am sorry if you got hurt from that." Smiling at the creature, he offers a hoof for him (or her) to get up with. "I am Silver. Who are you?"
>>193395
Silver's smile turns slightly sad, but he understands this reaction. "I get it, we are mysterious creatures you do not know, after you heard gunshots, covered..." He stops there and skips to the next thing he has to say. "We really do not mean you any harm."
Silver's smile turns slightly sad, but he understands this reaction. "I get it, we are mysterious creatures you do not know, after you heard gunshots, covered..." He stops there and skips to the next thing he has to say. "We really do not mean you any harm."
>>193396
"Please don't hurt me"
Definitely female, and accented to something more exotic
The hooves are grey attached to darker grey. She has oil on her hoof that is getting on her cap as well. She is trembling.
"Please don't hurt me"
Definitely female, and accented to something more exotic
The hooves are grey attached to darker grey. She has oil on her hoof that is getting on her cap as well. She is trembling.
>>193397
"We won't, miss. We're the...new owners of this vessel. Are there any other rooms to the aft of this one?"
"We won't, miss. We're the...new owners of this vessel. Are there any other rooms to the aft of this one?"
>>193399
She looks up and turns her head slightly towards Cavaliere. He can see a black stripe down her face and her light blue eyes. She takes one of the hooves that has been holding her cap down, and points behind her
>>193400
No. Probably Zebrican, maybe mixed.
>Trust in me
Hey, that's kira's line!
"There was shooting..."
She's almost crying. Or actually crying.
She looks up and turns her head slightly towards Cavaliere. He can see a black stripe down her face and her light blue eyes. She takes one of the hooves that has been holding her cap down, and points behind her
>>193400
No. Probably Zebrican, maybe mixed.
>Trust in me
Hey, that's kira's line!
"There was shooting..."
She's almost crying. Or actually crying.
>>193401
Silver said trust in him, not trust inside him.
Letting out a sad sigh, he nods, even if the mare can't see. "I know. Our group was trying to board that other ship, stop something horrible from getting to mainland. They fired on us with no warning, we had to defend ourselves. We..."
Sense Motive: How much does the mare need a hug, and how willing would she be to accept one?
[1d20+3 = (15+3) = 18]
Silver said trust in him, not trust inside him.
Letting out a sad sigh, he nods, even if the mare can't see. "I know. Our group was trying to board that other ship, stop something horrible from getting to mainland. They fired on us with no warning, we had to defend ourselves. We..."
Sense Motive: How much does the mare need a hug, and how willing would she be to accept one?
[1d20+3 = (15+3) = 18]
>>193401
Cavaliere nods sympathetically. "There was, but we will do our best to keep you out of danger. We are not like the others."
Cavaliere nods sympathetically. "There was, but we will do our best to keep you out of danger. We are not like the others."
>>193404
Whether she wants it or not, a mare in need she is indeed. He goes in and wraps his forelegs around her, giving her as warm a hug as he can in this cold place.
Whether she wants it or not, a mare in need she is indeed. He goes in and wraps his forelegs around her, giving her as warm a hug as he can in this cold place.
>>193404
He looks away briefly. "We captured as many as we could manage. Most of the crew are off this boat."
He looks away briefly. "We captured as many as we could manage. Most of the crew are off this boat."
>>193407
Silver keeps at it. Feel the fluff, little mare. Feel the warmth of kindness, and let it chase away the chill.
Silver keeps at it. Feel the fluff, little mare. Feel the warmth of kindness, and let it chase away the chill.
>>193408
squeak
She's still trembling and crying, though. Silver mostly feels her clothing, which has some oil on it.
squeak
She's still trembling and crying, though. Silver mostly feels her clothing, which has some oil on it.
>>193409
The trembling and crying is natural. She's lost friends, comrades, family. It's a feeling Silver can relate to, and he knows how quickly it can turn to poison if you don't let it out.
The trembling and crying is natural. She's lost friends, comrades, family. It's a feeling Silver can relate to, and he knows how quickly it can turn to poison if you don't let it out.
>>193407
He does not answer. "We are trying to capture the rest alive. Do you know if any are hiding near this room?"
He does not answer. "We are trying to capture the rest alive. Do you know if any are hiding near this room?"
>>193412
"It is okay to cry, little mare." He gives her a friendly squeeze to reinforce this point. "But if there is anything you can do to help us, to help your comrades here, please do so."
"It is okay to cry, little mare." He gives her a friendly squeeze to reinforce this point. "But if there is anything you can do to help us, to help your comrades here, please do so."
>>193414
Silver gently pets the mare's mare, his hoof stroking it slowly down its full length. Surely, the end of the world can wait for a moment, such that this mare can process her grief, sorrow, and fear at least a little.
Silver gently pets the mare's mare, his hoof stroking it slowly down its full length. Surely, the end of the world can wait for a moment, such that this mare can process her grief, sorrow, and fear at least a little.
>>193411
What unfolds in front of Cavaliere is a scene of pure horror
Has Cavaliere seen, under a microscope, an amoeba enveloping and devouring a smaller organism? Could he imagine the same, but on the macro scale? What he witnesses does not need to be imagined, it is happening in real time, in front of his eyes, through the horror called by some “Alzughab.” A ball of sentient fur envelopes the poor mare on the ground. Little tendrils of fluff move around her uniform, then her cap, then down to her muzzle, under she is scarcely visible under the ball of floof.
What cannot be imagined is what becomes of the poor mare beneath.
What unfolds in front of Cavaliere is a scene of pure horror
Has Cavaliere seen, under a microscope, an amoeba enveloping and devouring a smaller organism? Could he imagine the same, but on the macro scale? What he witnesses does not need to be imagined, it is happening in real time, in front of his eyes, through the horror called by some “Alzughab.” A ball of sentient fur envelopes the poor mare on the ground. Little tendrils of fluff move around her uniform, then her cap, then down to her muzzle, under she is scarcely visible under the ball of floof.
What cannot be imagined is what becomes of the poor mare beneath.
Posey spends a few minutes convulsing and wretching ichor like in The exorcist before eventually regaining her composure, which is my way of fluffing absence during the last few bits of roleplay.
>>193415
She follows Silver
"What did you find?"
>>193415
She follows Silver
"What did you find?"
>>193417
Silver is currently busy hugging a crying mare wearing oil-stained cotton work clothes. In a way, it almost looks like he's trying to absorb her into the floofiness.
Silver is currently busy hugging a crying mare wearing oil-stained cotton work clothes. In a way, it almost looks like he's trying to absorb her into the floofiness.
>>193199
>The grey griffin has... some kind of prayer beads?
Ooh, those could be really valuable. Posey takes these.
"Prayer beads? Quite the find. These may be useful to Dust or Kira, or perhaps even a get-well gift for Agire..."
Rolling Religion to identify them for mystical properties.
[1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
>knife with an ivory handle
Posey also takes this if no pony else claims it. (Posey likes Ivory and other bone-like aesthetics).
>The grey griffin has... some kind of prayer beads?
Ooh, those could be really valuable. Posey takes these.
"Prayer beads? Quite the find. These may be useful to Dust or Kira, or perhaps even a get-well gift for Agire..."
Rolling Religion to identify them for mystical properties.
[1d20+11 = (15+11) = 26]
>knife with an ivory handle
Posey also takes this if no pony else claims it. (Posey likes Ivory and other bone-like aesthetics).
>>193416
at first I was confused and interpreted it literally, and was about to start shooting
>>193417
>>193420
"Of sorts, but I would not use that word. This poor mare must have stories to tell. It's unfortunate that we have our own to write at the moment. At the least, we need to see what's at the stern of the ship to have any semblance of safety."
at first I was confused and interpreted it literally, and was about to start shooting
>>193417
>>193420
"Of sorts, but I would not use that word. This poor mare must have stories to tell. It's unfortunate that we have our own to write at the moment. At the least, we need to see what's at the stern of the ship to have any semblance of safety."
>>193423
"Probably another nameless monster." Posey says with a sigh
"It is important to clear it before the ship takes too much damage."
"Probably another nameless monster." Posey says with a sigh
"It is important to clear it before the ship takes too much damage."
>>193420
The mare is laying on her belly, and Silver is in part over top of her, trying to affect a hug. She moves her head up towards Posey. Posey can see her black muzzle, grey face, the black strip down the center of her face, and then the beginning of stripes on either side. Her icy blue eyes finally look up towards Posey. She shakes
"I'm a prisoner?!?!?!?"
>>193421
Posey recognizes them as beads for the worship of the Griffonian Pantheon. More particularly, for Eyr
The mare is laying on her belly, and Silver is in part over top of her, trying to affect a hug. She moves her head up towards Posey. Posey can see her black muzzle, grey face, the black strip down the center of her face, and then the beginning of stripes on either side. Her icy blue eyes finally look up towards Posey. She shakes
"I'm a prisoner?!?!?!?"
>>193421
Posey recognizes them as beads for the worship of the Griffonian Pantheon. More particularly, for Eyr
>>193425
>"I'm a prisoner?!?!?!?"
"Are you?" Posey inquires
"Who are you?"
>beads for the worship
So, like proper noun magical prayer beads, or just trinkets?
I guess we can test them later.
>"I'm a prisoner?!?!?!?"
"Are you?" Posey inquires
"Who are you?"
>beads for the worship
So, like proper noun magical prayer beads, or just trinkets?
I guess we can test them later.
>>193426
Prayer beads
"Am I?" Her ears go down, then back up. She lowers her head then raises it back up
"I'm... Zara Zama. Mechanic"
Prayer beads
"Am I?" Her ears go down, then back up. She lowers her head then raises it back up
"I'm... Zara Zama. Mechanic"
>>193428
She turns her head to look straight up at Silver, and rotates her ears towards him. He can see her icy blue eyes, the black skin at the end of her nostrils, and can even make out small holes in her ears. She pulls her lips back in a kind of awkward smile, and he can see some teeth are imperfect.
"Nice to... Nice to meet you..." She tries to extend a hoof but can't really manage it from the angle.
"Who are you and why are you here?"
She turns her head to look straight up at Silver, and rotates her ears towards him. He can see her icy blue eyes, the black skin at the end of her nostrils, and can even make out small holes in her ears. She pulls her lips back in a kind of awkward smile, and he can see some teeth are imperfect.
"Nice to... Nice to meet you..." She tries to extend a hoof but can't really manage it from the angle.
"Who are you and why are you here?"
>>193429
Silver perhaps relents just a bit, to give the mare a bit of breathing room. Just a bit though. He takes her hoof and gives it a firm shake. "As I said, I am Silver. Me and my comrades were attempting to board Kostroma to kill or destroy what they had brought back with them from Skynavia - extradimensional entity called either Chernobog or Traveler, depending on your preference. It consumes creatures' consciousnesses and absorbs them into hive mind, where it can then control them like puppets. It took over minds of most of Kostroma's crew, and it is trying to get to Equus so it can do same to everyone on continent." Looking sadly to the side, he continues. "Your comrades on deck fired upon us before we even knew fully what was going on."
Silver perhaps relents just a bit, to give the mare a bit of breathing room. Just a bit though. He takes her hoof and gives it a firm shake. "As I said, I am Silver. Me and my comrades were attempting to board Kostroma to kill or destroy what they had brought back with them from Skynavia - extradimensional entity called either Chernobog or Traveler, depending on your preference. It consumes creatures' consciousnesses and absorbs them into hive mind, where it can then control them like puppets. It took over minds of most of Kostroma's crew, and it is trying to get to Equus so it can do same to everyone on continent." Looking sadly to the side, he continues. "Your comrades on deck fired upon us before we even knew fully what was going on."
>>193431
Silver blinks as he realizes he may have just dumped way too much on the grief-stricken mare all at once. "...your boarding crew would not happen to have radio on them, would they?"
Silver blinks as he realizes he may have just dumped way too much on the grief-stricken mare all at once. "...your boarding crew would not happen to have radio on them, would they?"
>>193432
"I- I think so? Short range." She sniffles. "The earth pony up there. The larger yellow one. Is he okay?"
"I- I think so? Short range." She sniffles. "The earth pony up there. The larger yellow one. Is he okay?"
>>193433
Silver's sad look returns, though he doesn't look away this time. Instead, he looks right at the mare, meeting her blue eyes with his own.
Silver's sad look returns, though he doesn't look away this time. Instead, he looks right at the mare, meeting her blue eyes with his own.
>>193435
"I am so sorry, Zara. I am so, so sorry..."
If ever Silver's normal hesitation to go full lethal had a reason, it's this. Behind nearly every enemy combatant is a loved one, awaiting their safe return from dangerous places far afield. Or near afield, in this case. It was a do-or-die situation, he knows this. He knows that if he died instead in that firefight there would be many creatures who would mourn him, beyond simply the threat the world would be in at that point. But if the pirates had only stayed their hooves and claws for a second, had they only said something before the hail of bullets had begun...
Silver wraps his forehooves around the mare's shoulders and pulls her into another hug. His fur is still soft, and still would be perfect for crying into if she wished. Or she could push him away and punch him, he would understand fully, perhaps more than most here.
"I am so sorry, Zara. I am so, so sorry..."
If ever Silver's normal hesitation to go full lethal had a reason, it's this. Behind nearly every enemy combatant is a loved one, awaiting their safe return from dangerous places far afield. Or near afield, in this case. It was a do-or-die situation, he knows this. He knows that if he died instead in that firefight there would be many creatures who would mourn him, beyond simply the threat the world would be in at that point. But if the pirates had only stayed their hooves and claws for a second, had they only said something before the hail of bullets had begun...
Silver wraps his forehooves around the mare's shoulders and pulls her into another hug. His fur is still soft, and still would be perfect for crying into if she wished. Or she could push him away and punch him, he would understand fully, perhaps more than most here.
>>193436
She cries, but does not push him away, nor cry into his fur. Instead, she tries to press her face into the rusted, grated steel floor below her, and cover her face with her hooves
She cries, but does not push him away, nor cry into his fur. Instead, she tries to press her face into the rusted, grated steel floor below her, and cover her face with her hooves
>>193437
"I get it, perhaps more than you know. I have lost someone significant to me before and it nearly broke me. It did break me. But I had others who depended on me, and I pushed through to do what I had to do, for them." He puts his hooves on either side of the mare, and helps her up, even if she's not quite ready for it. He shows her his radio. "It is same for you. There will be time to grieve, and his loss will be mourned, but do not let it be in vain. You still have others who depend on you. If there is any way you can reach them, if there is still time, please help us. Call your comrades, tell them to come back immediately. If Traveler gets hold of them..." He doesn't finish this statement.
"I get it, perhaps more than you know. I have lost someone significant to me before and it nearly broke me. It did break me. But I had others who depended on me, and I pushed through to do what I had to do, for them." He puts his hooves on either side of the mare, and helps her up, even if she's not quite ready for it. He shows her his radio. "It is same for you. There will be time to grieve, and his loss will be mourned, but do not let it be in vain. You still have others who depend on you. If there is any way you can reach them, if there is still time, please help us. Call your comrades, tell them to come back immediately. If Traveler gets hold of them..." He doesn't finish this statement.
>>193438
squeak
She is pulled up, and forced onto four feet. She looks back to Silver and sniffles. Then she takes the radio almost forcefully, and tries to set it to a certain range
squeak
She is pulled up, and forced onto four feet. She looks back to Silver and sniffles. Then she takes the radio almost forcefully, and tries to set it to a certain range
>>193440
She doesn't acknowledge Silver's statement, but with a hoof changes frequencies, and with the other holds the receiver to her face
"Tâche, are you there?" She turns the dial. "Tâche, are you there? Tâche?!"
She doesn't acknowledge Silver's statement, but with a hoof changes frequencies, and with the other holds the receiver to her face
"Tâche, are you there?" She turns the dial. "Tâche, are you there? Tâche?!"
[Reply] [Last 50 Posts] [Last 100 Posts] [Last 200 Posts]
You are viewing older replies. Click [View All] or [Last n Posts] to vew latest posts.
Clicking update will load all posts posted after last post on this page.
Post pagination: [Prev] [1-200] [201-400] [401-600] [601-800] [801-1000] [1001-1200] [1201-1400] [1401-1420] [Next] [Live (last 200 replies)]
1420 replies | 60 files | 156 UUIDs | Page 1