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.
>>194608
>Language
Herzlandish (Imperial), Equestrian-Ponish, Feathesian, Aquelian, other griffin languages
>Language
Herzlandish (Imperial), Equestrian-Ponish, Feathesian, Aquelian, other griffin languages
>>194612
That's not too much of a language barrier.
Cavaliere is not deterred. "And there are others who would like to take up your mantle. As you know, experienced crewmates are at a premium and we've been rather short. We'll have proven our mettle by the end of this which will prove to most of them who's the better employer. As for troublemakers there will always be the bottom of the sea."
That's not too much of a language barrier.
Cavaliere is not deterred. "And there are others who would like to take up your mantle. As you know, experienced crewmates are at a premium and we've been rather short. We'll have proven our mettle by the end of this which will prove to most of them who's the better employer. As for troublemakers there will always be the bottom of the sea."
"I am going to go check the next cargo hold room now." Posey says, walking off with her new grenade
>>194613
The Arcturian Order, near Magehold, is composed of a multi-national order of griffins, with Imperial/Herzlandish presumably dominating. Further to the West are the Everfrost and Cubrian ponies, who speak what we could call "snow pony." To the East and south are the various nations of the River Republic. The three nations to the north of the main Riverlands, and bordering the Arcturian Order, are of a single linguistic group referred to as the Hill Ponies. Below the Hill Ponies are the nations of the River Republic, who are south-slavic coded and speak languages like serbo-croat, or greek, or in one instance, a variation of the hill pony language. To the West of the snow ponies are the Vedinans, and two griffin nations that are colonial states created by refugees from the Herzland. Magehold definitely has ponies of Equestrian origin, and I would assume, ponies, griffins, and zebras from elsewhere. This is besides geographically close nations of diamond dogs and changelings that are fairly isolated.
The Arcturian Order, near Magehold, is composed of a multi-national order of griffins, with Imperial/Herzlandish presumably dominating. Further to the West are the Everfrost and Cubrian ponies, who speak what we could call "snow pony." To the East and south are the various nations of the River Republic. The three nations to the north of the main Riverlands, and bordering the Arcturian Order, are of a single linguistic group referred to as the Hill Ponies. Below the Hill Ponies are the nations of the River Republic, who are south-slavic coded and speak languages like serbo-croat, or greek, or in one instance, a variation of the hill pony language. To the West of the snow ponies are the Vedinans, and two griffin nations that are colonial states created by refugees from the Herzland. Magehold definitely has ponies of Equestrian origin, and I would assume, ponies, griffins, and zebras from elsewhere. This is besides geographically close nations of diamond dogs and changelings that are fairly isolated.
I apologize for the lack of posts, work for me has been brutal and the schedule does not provide much time for playtime.
>>194615
Kira notices in the middle of checking out this hold for air passages that Posey is moving to go to the next cargo hold with her grenade. With a flick of her tongue, she slithers behind her in line. "So, how did you become so stabby-stab kill-kill? I thought ponies were creatures of Harmony. Isn't it harmful to you to be like that?"
>>194615
Kira notices in the middle of checking out this hold for air passages that Posey is moving to go to the next cargo hold with her grenade. With a flick of her tongue, she slithers behind her in line. "So, how did you become so stabby-stab kill-kill? I thought ponies were creatures of Harmony. Isn't it harmful to you to be like that?"
>>194618
Okay, I will revise Posey's languages to be more appropriate for her background and career as a scholar/spy later. Thank you for clarifying.
>>194619
>I thought ponies were creatures of Harmony
Posey chuckles momentarily, a rare sight on her otherwise paralyzed face
"We like to tell ourselves that in Farbrook, but we are surrounded by creatures who want to kill us on a daily occurrence . In Farbrook, Harmony is the utmost ideal, but with enough pressure everypony only cares about survival."
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0XEgAkvcVAk
She puts on a subtle, unsettling smile
"And yes, it is harmful, in more ways than one. " she says, a bit too a-matter-of-factly for comfort
"But nopony ends up in my line of work if spiritual health is their priority. When your opponents are vampire slave-takers and eldritch horrors from across the ice ring, you learn to suppress your herbivore instincts and strike fast." she continues, tossing her glamorous mane as she resheaves her now-clean sword
Okay, I will revise Posey's languages to be more appropriate for her background and career as a scholar/spy later. Thank you for clarifying.
>>194619
>I thought ponies were creatures of Harmony
Posey chuckles momentarily, a rare sight on her otherwise paralyzed face
"We like to tell ourselves that in Farbrook, but we are surrounded by creatures who want to kill us on a daily occurrence . In Farbrook, Harmony is the utmost ideal, but with enough pressure everypony only cares about survival."
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0XEgAkvcVAk
She puts on a subtle, unsettling smile
"And yes, it is harmful, in more ways than one. " she says, a bit too a-matter-of-factly for comfort
"But nopony ends up in my line of work if spiritual health is their priority. When your opponents are vampire slave-takers and eldritch horrors from across the ice ring, you learn to suppress your herbivore instincts and strike fast." she continues, tossing her glamorous mane as she resheaves her now-clean sword
>>194620
Cavaliere will be following Posey. His flashlight will be off if she's still sighting for the party.
"That is the sad truth for all creatures, that desperate circumstances will make them do desperate things. It's important to never lose sight of oneself and a moral compass or else survival itself will lose meaning. For those creatures, they become hollow, pitiful things."
Cavaliere will be following Posey. His flashlight will be off if she's still sighting for the party.
"That is the sad truth for all creatures, that desperate circumstances will make them do desperate things. It's important to never lose sight of oneself and a moral compass or else survival itself will lose meaning. For those creatures, they become hollow, pitiful things."
>>194620
>>194621
Kira's tongue flick seems to come from a place of concern. Or...did it? It's hard to tell, she seems to respond to most anything with a tongue flick. Just one of those things that helps give away that she isn't a pony. "You helped me out with this neat little...cutie mark thing? That's what they're called right? Anyways, if you wanted I could ask Ouroboros to give you a blessing to help with your spiritual health. He cares deeply about all of His children, not just lamias." She smiles widely at the most certainly not prey animal pony. "I'm sure He'd love to help you and see you succeed!"
>>194621
Kira's tongue flick seems to come from a place of concern. Or...did it? It's hard to tell, she seems to respond to most anything with a tongue flick. Just one of those things that helps give away that she isn't a pony. "You helped me out with this neat little...cutie mark thing? That's what they're called right? Anyways, if you wanted I could ask Ouroboros to give you a blessing to help with your spiritual health. He cares deeply about all of His children, not just lamias." She smiles widely at the most certainly not prey animal pony. "I'm sure He'd love to help you and see you succeed!"
>>194618
Posey puts her ear to the door of the next room to the cargo hold and listens for any creatures/movement on the other side.
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Posey puts her ear to the door of the next room to the cargo hold and listens for any creatures/movement on the other side.
[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20]
Having established that Posey speaks Imperial...
"If you all insist, I will try speaking to them a bit more clearly this time." Posey says quietly, her ear to the door.
"If you all insist, I will try speaking to them a bit more clearly this time." Posey says quietly, her ear to the door.
>>194646
A distant tapping, and the sound of drops of water. A smaller clang. But what is more notable is what is not heard. Posey has only been in this brave new world a week or so now, yet she is familiar with its ubiquitous sounds. Outside, always the moving of vehicles, the sounds of engines. Every building has the sound of the moving of air. But none of that can be heard here. Like an old house it makes random noises in the night, but where houses of wood make creeks and cracks, the cold steel of the vessel make taps, clangs, and drops. And much like an old home, those unexplained noises are a little unsettling when no one else is around to make them.
A distant tapping, and the sound of drops of water. A smaller clang. But what is more notable is what is not heard. Posey has only been in this brave new world a week or so now, yet she is familiar with its ubiquitous sounds. Outside, always the moving of vehicles, the sounds of engines. Every building has the sound of the moving of air. But none of that can be heard here. Like an old house it makes random noises in the night, but where houses of wood make creeks and cracks, the cold steel of the vessel make taps, clangs, and drops. And much like an old home, those unexplained noises are a little unsettling when no one else is around to make them.
>>194731
So, you are saying that the next room is devoid of ambient noise, as if it were supernaturally silenced?
Posey knows she is at a disadvantage as a spellcaster if this is the case, so she brainstorms to see if she can deduce the meaning of it:
Arcana:
[1d20+11 = (4+11) = 15]
Architecture and Engineering (untrained):
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
Earth and Life Sciences (Untrained):
[1d20+3 = (3+3) = 6]
Dungeoneering (untrained):
[1d20+3 = (7+3) = 10]
Spellcraft:
[1d20+11 = (16+11) = 27]
Religion (because Silence is a Divine spell)
[1d20+11 = (2+11) = 13]
She also carefully steps away from the door (taking 10 on stealth), to communicate this information to the rest of the party.
So, you are saying that the next room is devoid of ambient noise, as if it were supernaturally silenced?
Posey knows she is at a disadvantage as a spellcaster if this is the case, so she brainstorms to see if she can deduce the meaning of it:
Arcana:
[1d20+11 = (4+11) = 15]
Architecture and Engineering (untrained):
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
Earth and Life Sciences (Untrained):
[1d20+3 = (3+3) = 6]
Dungeoneering (untrained):
[1d20+3 = (7+3) = 10]
Spellcraft:
[1d20+11 = (16+11) = 27]
Religion (because Silence is a Divine spell)
[1d20+11 = (2+11) = 13]
She also carefully steps away from the door (taking 10 on stealth), to communicate this information to the rest of the party.
>>194732
>>194733
It's not supernaturally silenced, it's just quiet relative to what you would expect from the same vehicle, but with its engines on. And it's not even entirely quiet, there are still sounds that could ambiguously be hoof steps or doors opening/closing with the movement of the ship, or other sounds
>>194733
It's not supernaturally silenced, it's just quiet relative to what you would expect from the same vehicle, but with its engines on. And it's not even entirely quiet, there are still sounds that could ambiguously be hoof steps or doors opening/closing with the movement of the ship, or other sounds
>>194734
Oh, okay.
"We can only go forward..."
Having extracted all of the information she can, Posey readies an action to draw her sword, and opens the door with her horn to proceed to the next room.
Oh, okay.
"We can only go forward..."
Having extracted all of the information she can, Posey readies an action to draw her sword, and opens the door with her horn to proceed to the next room.
>>194735
Oh, Posey gives everyone else opportunity to have their weapons drawn and actions readied before she opens the door.
Oh, Posey gives everyone else opportunity to have their weapons drawn and actions readied before she opens the door.
>>194737
"I heard nothing. Be ready to engage with whatever appears." Posey says, before she opens the door
"I heard nothing. Be ready to engage with whatever appears." Posey says, before she opens the door
>>194737
There is a light on in the room, to the left of center, closer to the end of the cargo hold. It flickers off, and for a portion of a second the room is dark. The light comes back on, though the shadow made by a stack of barrels seems to grow.
>>194736
>>194738
The door is heavy steel and latched down, but unlocked
There is a light on in the room, to the left of center, closer to the end of the cargo hold. It flickers off, and for a portion of a second the room is dark. The light comes back on, though the shadow made by a stack of barrels seems to grow.
>>194736
>>194738
The door is heavy steel and latched down, but unlocked
>>194740
Cavaliere will be behind Silver and will take up one of the flanks. His flashlight will be out but turned off, in case they need to see. He wishes somepony had brought a flare.
Cavaliere will be behind Silver and will take up one of the flanks. His flashlight will be out but turned off, in case they need to see. He wishes somepony had brought a flare.
Hmmmm.... I'm unsure if I should wait, or just make things happen
>>194741
>>194740
Silver and Cavaliere are not in complete darkness, as the light casts a dim glow. There's the sound of rainwater coming through the open hole in the deck, clinging to the roof of the hold, and then dripping down, sometimes in tiny streams, sometimes in isolated dropplets.
>>194740
Kira might just wonder to herself, is Darkness supposed to grow like that? Move and grow in defiance of the light, like it's some kind of plant, growing and moving in real time, a thousand times faster than the quickest plant?
>>194742
The door creaks as it is opened. Like its loose in its position, and gravity drags it down, making a sound as the top hinges moves and grinds. Dare she open it all the way?
>>194744
Eh, fair enough
>>194740
Silver and Cavaliere are not in complete darkness, as the light casts a dim glow. There's the sound of rainwater coming through the open hole in the deck, clinging to the roof of the hold, and then dripping down, sometimes in tiny streams, sometimes in isolated dropplets.
>>194740
Kira might just wonder to herself, is Darkness supposed to grow like that? Move and grow in defiance of the light, like it's some kind of plant, growing and moving in real time, a thousand times faster than the quickest plant?
>>194742
The door creaks as it is opened. Like its loose in its position, and gravity drags it down, making a sound as the top hinges moves and grinds. Dare she open it all the way?
>>194744
Eh, fair enough
>>194743
I will be leaving work momentarily, and it takes me about 30 minutes to get home.
Considering how long it takes to post some descriptions or do one turn of combat, I encourage you to keep going without me. I will rejoin shortly.
If I am not present for my turn, assume Posey followed orders to assess the situation before attacking, and took the Total Defense Action.
>>194745
>Dare she open it all the way?
She peeks inside to see what's there before she opens it all the way.
I will be leaving work momentarily, and it takes me about 30 minutes to get home.
Considering how long it takes to post some descriptions or do one turn of combat, I encourage you to keep going without me. I will rejoin shortly.
If I am not present for my turn, assume Posey followed orders to assess the situation before attacking, and took the Total Defense Action.
>>194745
>Dare she open it all the way?
She peeks inside to see what's there before she opens it all the way.
>>194746
Peaking into the room, Posey can see that it is busier than the previous, being defined by smaller objects rather than larger ones. From the color of what is inside - tinted red and orange, with a splotch of blue - she can tell there are internal sources of light, besides the black and white of her dark vision. Two are blatantly visible, lighting up as a dim red, and a dim, yellow, pair of orbs, hanging down somewhat near the center. Close to these are a couple tables, a mattress on the ground, a couple hammocks hung between boxes, and assorted items not necessarily easy to see from this angle. Broken glass on the wooden floor shimmers blue. The far end of the room extends beyond her dark vision, although a portion of the wall is visible, reflecting red light.
Peaking into the room, Posey can see that it is busier than the previous, being defined by smaller objects rather than larger ones. From the color of what is inside - tinted red and orange, with a splotch of blue - she can tell there are internal sources of light, besides the black and white of her dark vision. Two are blatantly visible, lighting up as a dim red, and a dim, yellow, pair of orbs, hanging down somewhat near the center. Close to these are a couple tables, a mattress on the ground, a couple hammocks hung between boxes, and assorted items not necessarily easy to see from this angle. Broken glass on the wooden floor shimmers blue. The far end of the room extends beyond her dark vision, although a portion of the wall is visible, reflecting red light.
>>194745
Kira shakes slightly as she speaks to herself. "Keep it together, Kira...it's just a trick of the mind...you'll be okay..."
Kira shakes slightly as she speaks to herself. "Keep it together, Kira...it's just a trick of the mind...you'll be okay..."
Back from work
>>194747
So no visible creatures?
Posey cautiously enters the room, curious about these light sources.
>>194747
So no visible creatures?
Posey cautiously enters the room, curious about these light sources.
>>194749
They seem to be from lightbulbs. Basic, 40 to 60 watt incandescent light bulbs. They hang low, not close to the ceiling, and can't possibly have been intended to be there as a part of freight carrying operations.
A creaking sound, and the door behind Posey seems to be closing.
>>194752
Some kind of glass vessel seems to have broken on the floor. The lights are electric. More so, they are under powered. Or at least the one on the left is.
>>194748
It extends outwards in tendrils. Like smoke, really
>>194744
>>194740
Posey goes through the doorway, and either she closes it behind her, or it starts to close itself
They seem to be from lightbulbs. Basic, 40 to 60 watt incandescent light bulbs. They hang low, not close to the ceiling, and can't possibly have been intended to be there as a part of freight carrying operations.
A creaking sound, and the door behind Posey seems to be closing.
>>194752
Some kind of glass vessel seems to have broken on the floor. The lights are electric. More so, they are under powered. Or at least the one on the left is.
>>194748
It extends outwards in tendrils. Like smoke, really
>>194744
>>194740
Posey goes through the doorway, and either she closes it behind her, or it starts to close itself
>>194754
Kira is most certainly unsettled by the development of the creeping darkness. "...meep..."
>>194755
Silver assists Cavaliere in holding the door open against whatever force is trying to close it. Though Silver does wonder if it's being closed by an outside force, or just by the boat leaning to one side. If it even is leaning to that side.
Kira is most certainly unsettled by the development of the creeping darkness. "...meep..."
>>194755
Silver assists Cavaliere in holding the door open against whatever force is trying to close it. Though Silver does wonder if it's being closed by an outside force, or just by the boat leaning to one side. If it even is leaning to that side.
>>194756
Blood wets the floor next to the door.
Looking inside, posey can see that there is clearly some sort of improvised sleeping arrangement, with mattresses and blankets on the floor, and crates used to help hold up lights and hammocks, as well as lamps that seem to be turned off.
>>194757
The tendrils harden, and become longer. It's more like darkness moving than the texture of smoke.
>>194755
>>194757
Are silver and Cavaliere standing in the doorway
Blood wets the floor next to the door.
Looking inside, posey can see that there is clearly some sort of improvised sleeping arrangement, with mattresses and blankets on the floor, and crates used to help hold up lights and hammocks, as well as lamps that seem to be turned off.
>>194757
The tendrils harden, and become longer. It's more like darkness moving than the texture of smoke.
>>194755
>>194757
Are silver and Cavaliere standing in the doorway
>>194758
>improvised sleeping arrangement
"Did the boiler workers sleep here full time? I thought Stalliongraders prided themselves in their good labor conditions." Posey ponders out loud, her paralyzed face making it impossible to tell if she is being sarcastic.
She moves deeper into the room
Unless of course she sees those tendrils
>>194759
"Broken glass and some hammocks. Blood on the floor. A fight broke out here, possibly between the boiler workers and the pirates. Anyone who was asleep here you have already fallen to the Intruder. Look for the wounded, we want the workers alive."
>improvised sleeping arrangement
"Did the boiler workers sleep here full time? I thought Stalliongraders prided themselves in their good labor conditions." Posey ponders out loud, her paralyzed face making it impossible to tell if she is being sarcastic.
She moves deeper into the room
Unless of course she sees those tendrils
>>194759
"Broken glass and some hammocks. Blood on the floor. A fight broke out here, possibly between the boiler workers and the pirates. Anyone who was asleep here you have already fallen to the Intruder. Look for the wounded, we want the workers alive."
[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] [1-50] [51-100] [101-150] [151-200] [201-250] [251-300] [301-350] [351-400] [401-450] [451-500] [501-550] [551-600] [601-650] [651-700] [701-750] [751-800] [801-850] [851-900] [901-950] [951-1000] [1001-1050] [1051-1100] [1101-1150] [1151-1200] [1201-1250] [1251-1300] [1301-1350] [1351-1400] [1401-1420] [Next] [Live (last 50 replies)]
1420 replies | 60 files | 156 UUIDs | Page 1