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
1370 replies and 57 files omitted.
>>193602
I checked and stand corrected. Cavaliere intended to let down a line, but reconsidered after finding that ladder. He still has whatever length is left to him. Posey is welcome to carry it since Cavaliere is as of now burdened by a heavy load.
>>193603
Are Silver and Cavaliere above or below the main deck of the torpedo boat? I assumed below but then Kira communicated somehow to them which would be possible only if they were topside. >>193584
Also, Cavaliere would not permit mutilation of the bodies if Posey attempts it.
I checked and stand corrected. Cavaliere intended to let down a line, but reconsidered after finding that ladder. He still has whatever length is left to him. Posey is welcome to carry it since Cavaliere is as of now burdened by a heavy load.
>>193603
Are Silver and Cavaliere above or below the main deck of the torpedo boat? I assumed below but then Kira communicated somehow to them which would be possible only if they were topside. >>193584
Also, Cavaliere would not permit mutilation of the bodies if Posey attempts it.
>>193604
Silver came above deck, and has spent most of his time playing therapist to a zebra mare who was supposed to be fixing the leaking fuel tank. I've assumed Cavaliere was the last one downstairs
>>193605
To her left, past the midship deckhouse and towards the bow of the ship, lights still shine, but very dimly, and red-orange.
To her right and towards the stern and stern deckhouse, there is darkness, with hatch covers.
Posey can see a drop of water falling. For the past hour, there has been a thin mist falling. Now, proper rain may be coming.
>>193600
The torpedo boat has two torpedoes in firing tubes, and two behind those two replace fired torpedoes.
Silver came above deck, and has spent most of his time playing therapist to a zebra mare who was supposed to be fixing the leaking fuel tank. I've assumed Cavaliere was the last one downstairs
>>193605
To her left, past the midship deckhouse and towards the bow of the ship, lights still shine, but very dimly, and red-orange.
To her right and towards the stern and stern deckhouse, there is darkness, with hatch covers.
Posey can see a drop of water falling. For the past hour, there has been a thin mist falling. Now, proper rain may be coming.
>>193600
The torpedo boat has two torpedoes in firing tubes, and two behind those two replace fired torpedoes.
>>193607
No creatures are visible on deck, at least at first glance, at least in the darkness and with so many places to hide.
What does "into" mean in this context?
No creatures are visible on deck, at least at first glance, at least in the darkness and with so many places to hide.
What does "into" mean in this context?
>>193606
I should probably look up what Cavaliere's inventory was when starting this mission, deduce what he has now, and drop everything unnecessary
>torpedoes
We probably shouldn't use them against the Kostroma yet, but if the GRU ship is encountered we could attempt to sink it (though this would basically be suicide).
I should probably look up what Cavaliere's inventory was when starting this mission, deduce what he has now, and drop everything unnecessary
>torpedoes
We probably shouldn't use them against the Kostroma yet, but if the GRU ship is encountered we could attempt to sink it (though this would basically be suicide).
(where did we discuss that the Traveller would be stowed on the desk?)
>>193608
I meant "onto" the deck.
Posey has Darkvision
She carefully sneaks ahead, taking 10 on Move Silently.
>>193609
>if the GRU ship is encountered we could attempt to sink it (though this would basically be suicide).
That's what I want to use Monstro for. If sinking their ship ends with me losing my minion in the process, then it will have served its purpose and return to the sea.
It should be strong enough to carry all of the torpedos at once.
>>193608
I meant "onto" the deck.
Posey has Darkvision
She carefully sneaks ahead, taking 10 on Move Silently.
>>193609
>if the GRU ship is encountered we could attempt to sink it (though this would basically be suicide).
That's what I want to use Monstro for. If sinking their ship ends with me losing my minion in the process, then it will have served its purpose and return to the sea.
It should be strong enough to carry all of the torpedos at once.
>>193610
What direction is she going, though? The ship is massive. It's a whole map onto itself. Just the midship deckhouse all on its own is like a three story office building
What direction is she going, though? The ship is massive. It's a whole map onto itself. Just the midship deckhouse all on its own is like a three story office building
>>193611
I will be real with you, I don't know yet.
I recall asking Blackheel where the Traveller is being stowed or any comfortable rooms that the hippogriff might help himself to, but I don't think he ever answered.
Right now I am just trying to get on that ship.
I will be real with you, I don't know yet.
I recall asking Blackheel where the Traveller is being stowed or any comfortable rooms that the hippogriff might help himself to, but I don't think he ever answered.
Right now I am just trying to get on that ship.
Posey draws her whip, her bolas, and her locking mechanism, proceeding stealthily with intent to strangle any potential witnesses as she creeps onto the deck.
Is anypony joining Posey?
Is anypony joining Posey?
>>193611
Posey makes her way towards the wooden covers above Cargo Hold 2, with intent to summon her crawlers to melt a hole in it.
Who is holding the explosive Harpoon? Was it Cavalier? If no pony is carrying it, I will take it with me.
Posey makes her way towards the wooden covers above Cargo Hold 2, with intent to summon her crawlers to melt a hole in it.
Who is holding the explosive Harpoon? Was it Cavalier? If no pony is carrying it, I will take it with me.
>>193621
Well, my plan was the plan I thought we discussed earlier, which was to get to the place the Traveller is stowed and minimizing encounters along the way as soon as possible by melting the wooden deck above it and dropping down next to it.
If anyone else has other ideas, I am open to discussing them.
Well, my plan was the plan I thought we discussed earlier, which was to get to the place the Traveller is stowed and minimizing encounters along the way as soon as possible by melting the wooden deck above it and dropping down next to it.
If anyone else has other ideas, I am open to discussing them.
>>193619
>>193621
>>193622
OOC, I need to sort out Cavaliere's inventory so if possible I can keep him at medium encumbrance. I lost his up-to-date character notes (long story) so I have to reconstruct them. I should have done that sooner but life has been busy.
IC, we need to huddle and decide who we're bringing. We might not even take every PC; Kira might want to guard the boats. Some NPCs with combat experience would be helpful, and the scientists would help us navigate the labs and get out anything useful. A griffon or two might know how to use the explosive harpoon. One or two of the pirates might be able to convince the boarding party to surrender if they are at all lucid.
>dropping in
A good tactic but there is risk of falling and getting hurt. Also, if we bring a larger group then we lose the time advantage due to the amount of time and rope it would take for everypony to climb down. If we will be very few, then we can easily get pinned down and surrounded.
>>193621
>>193622
OOC, I need to sort out Cavaliere's inventory so if possible I can keep him at medium encumbrance. I lost his up-to-date character notes (long story) so I have to reconstruct them. I should have done that sooner but life has been busy.
IC, we need to huddle and decide who we're bringing. We might not even take every PC; Kira might want to guard the boats. Some NPCs with combat experience would be helpful, and the scientists would help us navigate the labs and get out anything useful. A griffon or two might know how to use the explosive harpoon. One or two of the pirates might be able to convince the boarding party to surrender if they are at all lucid.
>dropping in
A good tactic but there is risk of falling and getting hurt. Also, if we bring a larger group then we lose the time advantage due to the amount of time and rope it would take for everypony to climb down. If we will be very few, then we can easily get pinned down and surrounded.
>>193623
>encumbrance
You have a positive strength score and are a quadrupedal creature: your light carrying capacity should be able to hold all of your combat gear, your utilities, and then some.
>encumbrance
You have a positive strength score and are a quadrupedal creature: your light carrying capacity should be able to hold all of your combat gear, your utilities, and then some.
>>193626
Cavaliere has a strength score of 10 which is decidedly average. One of the disadvantages of being a griffon is being beholden to bipedal weight rules owing to a feline/avian frame. This means a heavy load is at 100 lbs. I packed a lot of equipment which means Cavaliere has been at medium encumbrance for most of this mission, so I need to figure out what to leave behind.
Also I need to know what combat mechanics apply to the anti-tank rifle he has. I assume it's similar to a .50 sniper rifle in DnD modern but it's up to GM Pony's discretion.
Cavaliere has a strength score of 10 which is decidedly average. One of the disadvantages of being a griffon is being beholden to bipedal weight rules owing to a feline/avian frame. This means a heavy load is at 100 lbs. I packed a lot of equipment which means Cavaliere has been at medium encumbrance for most of this mission, so I need to figure out what to leave behind.
Also I need to know what combat mechanics apply to the anti-tank rifle he has. I assume it's similar to a .50 sniper rifle in DnD modern but it's up to GM Pony's discretion.
>>193627
>bipedal
You have four legs though. You're a quadruped. Your light load is just under 50 pounds.
I get it though. Sort out your equipment.
>Also I need to know what combat mechanics apply to the anti-tank rifle he has. I assume it's similar to a .50 sniper rifle in DnD modern but it's up to GM Pony's discretion.
I would really like to see a comprehensive document on the statistics of weapons used in this game. So far several seen to be inconsistent with the d20 sources I have been referencing.
Also, it would be nice to know that classes are proficient in what weapons.
>bipedal
You have four legs though. You're a quadruped. Your light load is just under 50 pounds.
I get it though. Sort out your equipment.
>Also I need to know what combat mechanics apply to the anti-tank rifle he has. I assume it's similar to a .50 sniper rifle in DnD modern but it's up to GM Pony's discretion.
I would really like to see a comprehensive document on the statistics of weapons used in this game. So far several seen to be inconsistent with the d20 sources I have been referencing.
Also, it would be nice to know that classes are proficient in what weapons.
The Kostroma needs attention if we're going to use it to escape. It's clear the boiler is dying for some reason and we have no idea what threats await us if they aren't dealt with. We should mark key rooms for exploration, clearing them of enemies and using whatever they contain to help us in the coming fight, lest we end up facing the Traveler unprepared along with facing potentially dozens of hostiles at the same time. Cavaliere already got the infirmary, but we should also check the armory, the boiler room, the captain's quarters, the officers' quarters, the bridge, and the galley and storerooms. Clearing the ship before facing the Traveler and Light Water will save us tremendous amounts of trouble in the long run.
Monstro (or whatever the whale is called) should be used to run the GRU ship aground so badly that it can't follow us, and for good measure should damage its artillery that it can't shell us.
Monstro (or whatever the whale is called) should be used to run the GRU ship aground so badly that it can't follow us, and for good measure should damage its artillery that it can't shell us.
Did Cavaliere already use up the handcuffs he brought with him? I think he still has heavy steel manacles. How much rope has he used? He tied up nearly every prisoner.
>>193630
How many did he have? There have been quite a few prisoners.
I would assume basically all had been used by now
How many did he have? There have been quite a few prisoners.
I would assume basically all had been used by now
>>193631
I checked. Although I tried getting more at the start apparently that detail was lost and he just has the one pair. They're heavy but have not been used. He has used rope for all the prisoners. I guess if there's any length left it can be safely discarded.
I checked. Although I tried getting more at the start apparently that detail was lost and he just has the one pair. They're heavy but have not been used. He has used rope for all the prisoners. I guess if there's any length left it can be safely discarded.
Briefly taking inventory, Cavaliere counts:
revolver: 3 lb
derringer: 1 lb
dagger: 1 lb
backpack: 2 lb
bedroll: 5 lb
business cards
canteen (full): 2 lb
outfit: 8 lb
jacket: 4 lb
map case: 0.5 lb
flask (presumably still full): 1 lb
flint and steel
grappling hook (4 lb)
fine pen
flashlight (3 lb)
manacles (2 lb)
small steel mirror (0.5 lb)
notebook
belt pouch (0.5 lb)
trail rations (4 lb)
.45 ammo, 80 rounds (3.2 lb)
anti-rank rifle and ammunition. 20 rounds (40 lb)
camouflage net (weight unknown)
whatever he picked up during the quest (I lost track, but would mostly be documents and pictures, as well as the medical supplies from the torpedo boat)
If he has any rope left, it's too short to be of much use and he discards it. On the torpedo boat he leaves behind his bedroll, jacket, grappling hook, mirror, alcohol flask, trail rations, and the camo net. That leaves his net weight at 66.2 lb, at the edge of what could be considered a medium load for strength 10. Although the jacket gives +1 AC, being under medium load means he keeps his +3 dex bonus which is a net benefit of +2.
He offers his trail rations and a swallow of alcohol to whoever wants it, and permits the use of the camo net. His other items remain off-limits. The medical supplies presumably take up weight and he gives them to another party member to carry.
revolver: 3 lb
derringer: 1 lb
dagger: 1 lb
backpack: 2 lb
bedroll: 5 lb
business cards
canteen (full): 2 lb
outfit: 8 lb
jacket: 4 lb
map case: 0.5 lb
flask (presumably still full): 1 lb
flint and steel
grappling hook (4 lb)
fine pen
flashlight (3 lb)
manacles (2 lb)
small steel mirror (0.5 lb)
notebook
belt pouch (0.5 lb)
trail rations (4 lb)
.45 ammo, 80 rounds (3.2 lb)
anti-rank rifle and ammunition. 20 rounds (40 lb)
camouflage net (weight unknown)
whatever he picked up during the quest (I lost track, but would mostly be documents and pictures, as well as the medical supplies from the torpedo boat)
If he has any rope left, it's too short to be of much use and he discards it. On the torpedo boat he leaves behind his bedroll, jacket, grappling hook, mirror, alcohol flask, trail rations, and the camo net. That leaves his net weight at 66.2 lb, at the edge of what could be considered a medium load for strength 10. Although the jacket gives +1 AC, being under medium load means he keeps his +3 dex bonus which is a net benefit of +2.
He offers his trail rations and a swallow of alcohol to whoever wants it, and permits the use of the camo net. His other items remain off-limits. The medical supplies presumably take up weight and he gives them to another party member to carry.
>>193633
The giving of alcohol is like milk offered to stray kittens or cigarettes to college students - everyone wants some. Cavaliere may chose.
It is so.
The giving of alcohol is like milk offered to stray kittens or cigarettes to college students - everyone wants some. Cavaliere may chose.
It is so.
>>193633
Also, Cavaliere calls over the remaining party members, which includes Mala. Unfortunately Posey would not be able to see or hear him, but at least she's not doing whatever she wants to the remaining corpses. "We need to board as soon as we can. If any of you want to stay behind and keep watch over these creatures, that is fine and I will not begrudge you. We should also determine how many of these we bring along. I don't think Blackheel can be dissuaded, and I would like to have a member of this boat's crew along to get through to their boarding party. Any others should be chosen according to how useful they would be aboard, of course if they are willing to join. I'd like to have enough guns to fight our way through, but we also need to be quick and not overcrowd the passageways."
Also, Cavaliere calls over the remaining party members, which includes Mala. Unfortunately Posey would not be able to see or hear him, but at least she's not doing whatever she wants to the remaining corpses. "We need to board as soon as we can. If any of you want to stay behind and keep watch over these creatures, that is fine and I will not begrudge you. We should also determine how many of these we bring along. I don't think Blackheel can be dissuaded, and I would like to have a member of this boat's crew along to get through to their boarding party. Any others should be chosen according to how useful they would be aboard, of course if they are willing to join. I'd like to have enough guns to fight our way through, but we also need to be quick and not overcrowd the passageways."
>>193634
Cavaliere lets the injured and visibly shaken creatures have first dibs on the whiskey. Not many would probably be able to tell or care that it's an expensive kind. He holds onto the flask until it is empty. "Only a little," he cautions. "It's good to steel your nerves, but we can't have you drifting off."
Cavaliere lets the injured and visibly shaken creatures have first dibs on the whiskey. Not many would probably be able to tell or care that it's an expensive kind. He holds onto the flask until it is empty. "Only a little," he cautions. "It's good to steel your nerves, but we can't have you drifting off."
>>193635
Kira peaks over from the edge of the ship. "I'd like to come along. I'm...I'm not gonna lie, I'm super duper scared, but I have to. How can I tell the governor that I helped stop the Traveler if I don't actually face him? Plus he tried to get me to join him by taking a form of Ouroboros. I don't like that."
Silver nods at the griffon. "You would have to kill me to get me to not board that ship. Plus, I think I can get our additions to our group rallied and ready for fighting."
Kira peaks over from the edge of the ship. "I'd like to come along. I'm...I'm not gonna lie, I'm super duper scared, but I have to. How can I tell the governor that I helped stop the Traveler if I don't actually face him? Plus he tried to get me to join him by taking a form of Ouroboros. I don't like that."
Silver nods at the griffon. "You would have to kill me to get me to not board that ship. Plus, I think I can get our additions to our group rallied and ready for fighting."
>>193635
Mala, looking up towards Cavaliere
"I could watch the others. Guard them." He turns his head. "But... I could go on the ship. I am fine with danger." He looks back towards Cavaliere.
Blackheel:
"Correct."
Of the Kostroma survivors, only Rustling Pine is still armed and unwounded. None of the marines of the Kostroma's original compliment have remained both unenthralled and unwounded. Of the non-combat Kostroma survivors, there are about five others that are more or less unwounded, plus Starfire and Pipette who could potentially serve as spell casters. They have varied skills in non-combat roles.
Of the airponies, the Green Unicorn, the White Pegasus, Primed Well, and Pinup Locker are especially capable and can be armed.
The four Griffins are more or less capable, but less motivated.
Mala, looking up towards Cavaliere
"I could watch the others. Guard them." He turns his head. "But... I could go on the ship. I am fine with danger." He looks back towards Cavaliere.
Blackheel:
"Correct."
Of the Kostroma survivors, only Rustling Pine is still armed and unwounded. None of the marines of the Kostroma's original compliment have remained both unenthralled and unwounded. Of the non-combat Kostroma survivors, there are about five others that are more or less unwounded, plus Starfire and Pipette who could potentially serve as spell casters. They have varied skills in non-combat roles.
Of the airponies, the Green Unicorn, the White Pegasus, Primed Well, and Pinup Locker are especially capable and can be armed.
The four Griffins are more or less capable, but less motivated.
>>193638
To Mala: "As much as I would like to have a reliable sentry out here, I can't think of any creature more capable of handling a fight aboard than you. I'd like you to come along if no objections get raised."
To Starfire and Pipette: "If we are successful, we will pass through the ship's lab to retrieve evidence of what happened. If one of you volunteers to come along, you could not only retrieve your research but also guide us through the corridors to get in and out faster. We will protect you the best we can, but the danger involved will be terrible and we might not make it out."
To the capable airponies: "It was our goal in the first place to save your lives and the danger on the island doesn't compare to what we'll be facing in there. We'd like to keep you out of harm's way, but if you want to help us fight we won't deny you the opportunity."
To the three remaining pirates, Wonder, Zara, and the griffon (who is likely still tied up): "Your friends and comrades are still aboard and we've heard no signs of them. If they're still conscious, they will be scared in those dark hallways and will be prone to fighting or running from us. I can't accurately tell you just how dangerous it will be in there, but if one of you would like to come with us, we'll have a better chance of bringing them out alive."
To the four griffons: "This is the ship that's been causing so much trouble around the island. It is a Stalliongrad research vessel and aboard we will be getting into fights, and with your permission we'd like to use your explosive harpoon we brought along. Whether for the riches that rest within, honors from helping us, or grace from Arcturius Himself, it is up to you to come aboard with us. I will sweeten the deal further: I can convince certain ponies to grant you a fast-tracked path to New Mareland citizenship." He repeats this in Feathesian.
To Silver: "We need to bring a radio with us and have one operated out here. I don't know if the signal can get through the ship's hull but it would be prudent to have communication." He whispers, "If we cannot get out in time we may need to tell them to depart without us.
To Mala: "As much as I would like to have a reliable sentry out here, I can't think of any creature more capable of handling a fight aboard than you. I'd like you to come along if no objections get raised."
To Starfire and Pipette: "If we are successful, we will pass through the ship's lab to retrieve evidence of what happened. If one of you volunteers to come along, you could not only retrieve your research but also guide us through the corridors to get in and out faster. We will protect you the best we can, but the danger involved will be terrible and we might not make it out."
To the capable airponies: "It was our goal in the first place to save your lives and the danger on the island doesn't compare to what we'll be facing in there. We'd like to keep you out of harm's way, but if you want to help us fight we won't deny you the opportunity."
To the three remaining pirates, Wonder, Zara, and the griffon (who is likely still tied up): "Your friends and comrades are still aboard and we've heard no signs of them. If they're still conscious, they will be scared in those dark hallways and will be prone to fighting or running from us. I can't accurately tell you just how dangerous it will be in there, but if one of you would like to come with us, we'll have a better chance of bringing them out alive."
To the four griffons: "This is the ship that's been causing so much trouble around the island. It is a Stalliongrad research vessel and aboard we will be getting into fights, and with your permission we'd like to use your explosive harpoon we brought along. Whether for the riches that rest within, honors from helping us, or grace from Arcturius Himself, it is up to you to come aboard with us. I will sweeten the deal further: I can convince certain ponies to grant you a fast-tracked path to New Mareland citizenship." He repeats this in Feathesian.
To Silver: "We need to bring a radio with us and have one operated out here. I don't know if the signal can get through the ship's hull but it would be prudent to have communication." He whispers, "If we cannot get out in time we may need to tell them to depart without us.
>>193641
Cavaliere stares in disbelief. "Doing that would be worse than going in alone. Besides the logistics of taking wounded up the hull, the ship's corridor's and rooms are tight, and we would be tripping over each other. There would be no fighting advantage since we could not shoot past each other either. Stragglers would be getting lost in the dark. It would be giving the 'Fellow Traveler' a feast on a silver platter."
Cavaliere stares in disbelief. "Doing that would be worse than going in alone. Besides the logistics of taking wounded up the hull, the ship's corridor's and rooms are tight, and we would be tripping over each other. There would be no fighting advantage since we could not shoot past each other either. Stragglers would be getting lost in the dark. It would be giving the 'Fellow Traveler' a feast on a silver platter."
>>193642
"And if left out here, we leave them to mercy of both GRU and Traveler. What happens if Traveler decides to try to go after those we leave behind to turn them? We bring them with us, we keep those who can fight in our vanguard, and those following behind are informed to keep close and not lose sight of us."
"And if left out here, we leave them to mercy of both GRU and Traveler. What happens if Traveler decides to try to go after those we leave behind to turn them? We bring them with us, we keep those who can fight in our vanguard, and those following behind are informed to keep close and not lose sight of us."
>>193643
"If they are armed and ready to leave, that is the best we can do. We cannot take them out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire. In those dark, winding corridors, it will be impossible to keep tabs on so many creatures, or to protect them. We will be slowed down when we need to be fast. Not to mention, we need these boats to escape anyway and having them watched over is added security."
"If they are armed and ready to leave, that is the best we can do. We cannot take them out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire. In those dark, winding corridors, it will be impossible to keep tabs on so many creatures, or to protect them. We will be slowed down when we need to be fast. Not to mention, we need these boats to escape anyway and having them watched over is added security."
Posey turns around and climbs back down as she realizes that nopony is following her
"I thought we were in a hurry?"
>>193638
>>193639
>>193641
"The hostages (airponies) are to stay behind. They can make themselves busy cleaning and repairing this ship for when we return. The Intruder is unlikely to attack them: Once we breach it's lair, it will concentrate all of its resources on attacking those who board it." she says
She pauses
"Look around. The deck is empty, and summoned monsters are nowhere to be seen. The Intruder is biding its powers, concentrating its forces around itself in preparation for direct confrontation. Once the battle starts, it will not waste its powers or attention attacking wounded survivors." she continues
"Everypony else should come along. There is strength in numbers. The bodies enter the battle, the more the enemy's fire will be spread out."
>>193638
Posey looks towards the griffons and the Kostroma sailor, hoping to marshal all those that she has already charmed
"Giddy up!"
>>193639
Dude, we're supposed to be undercover as pirates. Don't go offering New Mareland citizenship.
Am I the only one taking the covert operation component of this mission seriously?
"I thought we were in a hurry?"
>>193638
>>193639
>>193641
"The hostages (airponies) are to stay behind. They can make themselves busy cleaning and repairing this ship for when we return. The Intruder is unlikely to attack them: Once we breach it's lair, it will concentrate all of its resources on attacking those who board it." she says
She pauses
"Look around. The deck is empty, and summoned monsters are nowhere to be seen. The Intruder is biding its powers, concentrating its forces around itself in preparation for direct confrontation. Once the battle starts, it will not waste its powers or attention attacking wounded survivors." she continues
"Everypony else should come along. There is strength in numbers. The bodies enter the battle, the more the enemy's fire will be spread out."
>>193638
Posey looks towards the griffons and the Kostroma sailor, hoping to marshal all those that she has already charmed
"Giddy up!"
>>193639
Dude, we're supposed to be undercover as pirates. Don't go offering New Mareland citizenship.
Am I the only one taking the covert operation component of this mission seriously?
>>193646
Silver blinks at the mare. "...you would leave our hostages behind, unattended, on fully armed and partially fueled ship that sits low enough in water that it benefits from stealth much like submarine would?"
Silver blinks at the mare. "...you would leave our hostages behind, unattended, on fully armed and partially fueled ship that sits low enough in water that it benefits from stealth much like submarine would?"
>>193639
Mala smiles and moves his tail side to side in rhythmic fashion at Cavaliere’s words
“Uh” Starfire says, and Pipette’s eyes widen
The Green Unicorn says “I don’t want this thing getting out. I want to go home, but I don’t think anyone wants it getting out.”
Wistful Wonder and Zara Zama stand at attention. The griffin, not so much
Johan Bokli says,
“Really? If you could, that is a deal.”
>>193648
Blackheel speaks up
“No, I think we could sail out if we started now. The boat is on blackout and painted dark for a reason. It would be better if we could fire both tubes into the Kostroma though. I wish we could take her out to deep water, and sick her there. That way, the secrets of the Entity may be one with the secrets of the deep; one with the secrets of the old oceans and all the secrets of the deep.”
Mala smiles and moves his tail side to side in rhythmic fashion at Cavaliere’s words
“Uh” Starfire says, and Pipette’s eyes widen
The Green Unicorn says “I don’t want this thing getting out. I want to go home, but I don’t think anyone wants it getting out.”
Wistful Wonder and Zara Zama stand at attention. The griffin, not so much
Johan Bokli says,
“Really? If you could, that is a deal.”
>>193648
Blackheel speaks up
“No, I think we could sail out if we started now. The boat is on blackout and painted dark for a reason. It would be better if we could fire both tubes into the Kostroma though. I wish we could take her out to deep water, and sick her there. That way, the secrets of the Entity may be one with the secrets of the deep; one with the secrets of the old oceans and all the secrets of the deep.”
>>193648
Silver sits down and crosses his forehooves. "I understand you are from Farbrook, and your knowledge about modern military and naval technology is limited, but this ship is about as invisible as you could get right now. It has very small above-water profile that does not show up on radar very well. It has very shallow underwater profile that does not reflect many sonar waves. It is painted black and it is night so it can not be seen."
>>193649
"Traveler has taken form of some kind of sea creature, yes? If we sank Kostroma, could it not just summon sea monsters to break it free so it could swim to mainland? We need to see it die with our own eyes."
Silver sits down and crosses his forehooves. "I understand you are from Farbrook, and your knowledge about modern military and naval technology is limited, but this ship is about as invisible as you could get right now. It has very small above-water profile that does not show up on radar very well. It has very shallow underwater profile that does not reflect many sonar waves. It is painted black and it is night so it can not be seen."
>>193649
"Traveler has taken form of some kind of sea creature, yes? If we sank Kostroma, could it not just summon sea monsters to break it free so it could swim to mainland? We need to see it die with our own eyes."
>>193650
Blackheel:
“I don’t know how that boat would appear on radar. I assume it would show up, yes. I think it would outrun a destroyer on a straight stretch but couldn’t necessarily run past one.”
“It looked like a kind of cross between some kind of reptilian sea monster, a giant tadpole, and a dragon fly. It has more wings and eyes than we are really comfortable with and a generally tear drop shape. To me, it looked like a rotting whale carcass with the bulbous head rotted away, and those griffins added a few features to try and sell it as some strange monster. It always appeared to be dead to us, even when it started doing things. I don’t know if it could get free or not. It wasn’t active when we found it in the frozen swamp.”
Blackheel:
“I don’t know how that boat would appear on radar. I assume it would show up, yes. I think it would outrun a destroyer on a straight stretch but couldn’t necessarily run past one.”
“It looked like a kind of cross between some kind of reptilian sea monster, a giant tadpole, and a dragon fly. It has more wings and eyes than we are really comfortable with and a generally tear drop shape. To me, it looked like a rotting whale carcass with the bulbous head rotted away, and those griffins added a few features to try and sell it as some strange monster. It always appeared to be dead to us, even when it started doing things. I don’t know if it could get free or not. It wasn’t active when we found it in the frozen swamp.”
>>193651
The fluffy unicorn stares at Black Heel, a mix of confusion and concern on his face. "...it sounds like it looked weird enough on its own that they did not need to add anything to it."
The fluffy unicorn stares at Black Heel, a mix of confusion and concern on his face. "...it sounds like it looked weird enough on its own that they did not need to add anything to it."
>>193651
Rolling Arcana, to see if Posey recognizes what sort of monster this might be:
[1d20+12 = (8+12) = 20]
Rolling Arcana, to see if Posey recognizes what sort of monster this might be:
[1d20+12 = (8+12) = 20]
>>193649
Silver goes to stand with Zara, wrapping a hoof around her shoulders and pulling her close. "Zara will come with me aboard ship."
Silver goes to stand with Zara, wrapping a hoof around her shoulders and pulling her close. "Zara will come with me aboard ship."
>>193646
"We are in a hurry, but not in blind haste. There is a difference," Cavaliere explains. "If one of these 'hostages' wants to help us, I don't think we should begrudge him. What we're dealing with is greater than any of us. I will not stand for taking aboard the wounded or the feeble. Like I just explained to this stallion—"he gestures to Silver—"a long train would be an easy target at any point, and even in the cargo holds we can expect space to be tight."
>undercover
even pirates can grease palms in a bureaucracy
>>193649
Cavaliere smiles at the green unicorn. "With bravery and a little luck, we can make both happen. Lieutenant, with how rushed we have been I did not get your name. Your stallions are in mostly poor condition, your skipper included, and you are their ranking officer. You might want to stay in command of them out here, but if you choose to come with us I recommend selecting one of them to be in acting command."
To Bøkli, he gives a nod. "With what we are about to accomplish we will have enough leverage that this sort of request would be negligible to grant. And, well, your heroism would attest to your character."
>>193656
He gives a questioning look at Silver. "She should be saying that for herself." Apologetically, he looks down at the poor mare. "Miss Zara, you have gone through some serious tragedy in the past few minutes. It would be cruel to ask you to face an unknown creature that uses your own emotions against yourself. Your skills would be helpful, but I don't see us relighting the Kostroma's engines and setting sail with it. The most I can ask of you is that you make sure this boat is ready to go once we're out. You are its engineer, aren't you?"
"We are in a hurry, but not in blind haste. There is a difference," Cavaliere explains. "If one of these 'hostages' wants to help us, I don't think we should begrudge him. What we're dealing with is greater than any of us. I will not stand for taking aboard the wounded or the feeble. Like I just explained to this stallion—"he gestures to Silver—"a long train would be an easy target at any point, and even in the cargo holds we can expect space to be tight."
>undercover
even pirates can grease palms in a bureaucracy
>>193649
Cavaliere smiles at the green unicorn. "With bravery and a little luck, we can make both happen. Lieutenant, with how rushed we have been I did not get your name. Your stallions are in mostly poor condition, your skipper included, and you are their ranking officer. You might want to stay in command of them out here, but if you choose to come with us I recommend selecting one of them to be in acting command."
To Bøkli, he gives a nod. "With what we are about to accomplish we will have enough leverage that this sort of request would be negligible to grant. And, well, your heroism would attest to your character."
>>193656
He gives a questioning look at Silver. "She should be saying that for herself." Apologetically, he looks down at the poor mare. "Miss Zara, you have gone through some serious tragedy in the past few minutes. It would be cruel to ask you to face an unknown creature that uses your own emotions against yourself. Your skills would be helpful, but I don't see us relighting the Kostroma's engines and setting sail with it. The most I can ask of you is that you make sure this boat is ready to go once we're out. You are its engineer, aren't you?"
>>193656
"Why are you bringing an unarmed mechanic into monster-infested warzone? She will get shot, or dismembered, or worse. Besides, she needs to repair the boat. You can come back for her once we are done." Posey replies
"No skin off of my back if you insist, but she had better pull her weight in combat."
"Why are you bringing an unarmed mechanic into monster-infested warzone? She will get shot, or dismembered, or worse. Besides, she needs to repair the boat. You can come back for her once we are done." Posey replies
"No skin off of my back if you insist, but she had better pull her weight in combat."
>>193657
>>193658
Silver frowns. "She will not be shot, dismembered, or worse, because she will have us to defend her. And if anyone here could get Kostroma's boiler lit and engines started, it would be her. She might also have knowledge about ships like this that can give us edge in our goal of defeating Traveler."
>>193658
Silver frowns. "She will not be shot, dismembered, or worse, because she will have us to defend her. And if anyone here could get Kostroma's boiler lit and engines started, it would be her. She might also have knowledge about ships like this that can give us edge in our goal of defeating Traveler."
>>193659
"You still know the risk considering what we encountered. When do you want to start the ship's engines? Before confronting our enemy would be too time-consuming and dangerous, but afterwards there would be no point unless if you want to hijack the Kostroma. I think that would be a poor decision, but let's ask one who's knowledgeable."
He asks Zara, "For a ship of this size, considering it uses steam boilers, how long would it take to generate enough power for lights and electricity? What about propulsion?"
"You still know the risk considering what we encountered. When do you want to start the ship's engines? Before confronting our enemy would be too time-consuming and dangerous, but afterwards there would be no point unless if you want to hijack the Kostroma. I think that would be a poor decision, but let's ask one who's knowledgeable."
He asks Zara, "For a ship of this size, considering it uses steam boilers, how long would it take to generate enough power for lights and electricity? What about propulsion?"
>>193653
"Well yes, evidently. I don't know. When I saw it, it looked like it may have been fake. The skin was black, and kind of black in color. Plasticky, maybe the consistency of rubber when you touched it. It had no smell to it, or almost no smell. Sometimes it had the smell of burning rubber. And you see, it was supposed to be a dead animal. It should have smelled of decaying flesh. True, it was often in the cold, but it was taken out of it and should have thawed, but there was no smell of decay. And then there was the fact that there was no snow over it, or near it. If it had been there all winter, there should have been frost or snow over it and around it. That there wasn't kind of suggested it had just been planted there. It didn't seem right to me."
>>193653
The description does not correspond to any creature Posey knows. Or more accurately, to the true form of any creature Posey knows.
>>193656
squeaky
>>193657
"Stained Sand" The green unicorn responds. "They are, yes... I can go where I am needed."
Bokli gives a nod.
"I think... I hope i can manage that."
>>193660
Zara stares off in the distance during this conversation about her being dismembered
"I... It's a steamship, right? I'd... have to see how warm the boilers are. And it there are any other problems."
"Well yes, evidently. I don't know. When I saw it, it looked like it may have been fake. The skin was black, and kind of black in color. Plasticky, maybe the consistency of rubber when you touched it. It had no smell to it, or almost no smell. Sometimes it had the smell of burning rubber. And you see, it was supposed to be a dead animal. It should have smelled of decaying flesh. True, it was often in the cold, but it was taken out of it and should have thawed, but there was no smell of decay. And then there was the fact that there was no snow over it, or near it. If it had been there all winter, there should have been frost or snow over it and around it. That there wasn't kind of suggested it had just been planted there. It didn't seem right to me."
>>193653
The description does not correspond to any creature Posey knows. Or more accurately, to the true form of any creature Posey knows.
>>193656
squeaky
>>193657
"Stained Sand" The green unicorn responds. "They are, yes... I can go where I am needed."
Bokli gives a nod.
"I think... I hope i can manage that."
>>193660
Zara stares off in the distance during this conversation about her being dismembered
"I... It's a steamship, right? I'd... have to see how warm the boilers are. And it there are any other problems."
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