A new Role-playing game, using mechanics from DnD 3.5, and the Universe of My Little Pony and the My Little Pony based mod for Hearts of Iron 4, Equestria at War. The setting is an industrialized Equestria after the nation has been split between The Changeling Empire and former Equestrian colony.
1531 replies and 77 files omitted.
>>68772The mare, who has a perpetual smile, walks up to you
"It's the Blue Green eyes"
She points to her own eyes, which also have a blue green coloration
"They can cause false positives on one of the Changeling identification tests"
>>68770Still more discussion speculates. Some ponies think that because the Baltimare area does not share a border with the Changeling lands, they are safe from immediate invasion in the event of a general revolt. Another pony states that there is a problem. The ponies of the forbidden jungles, especially the natives of Tenochtitlan, would probably not join in any general revolt. they can't even be sure of the ponies of Moonlight Shore. Affordable Care assures them that all of these issues are being worked on
>>68774I don't think Ash can take a 10, but anyways,
"What do you think of the wealthy of Canterlot. Maybe you don't know those ponies.... but... what do you think of those that do chose extravagance?"
[Read more] >>68776"Whats being done to ensure they help us?"
>>68776"Huh. Don't think a Changeling would bother making himself half blind though."
>>68777"We are working on, shall we say, convincing the ponies of the South and to the East"
>>68778"Don't underestimate the care changelings put into their appearances" she says
>>68773The pony stares at him in a sort of shear horror.
He drops his sword
>>68779*Even more thinking horse noises*
>>68776"For me, humble life is that of a personal choice; I myself knowing that I do not know need the luxuries of mortal life to be content in my sovereign soul. I never payed very much thought to those who seek wealth and hoard the treasures of their excess. I could say such a life of extravagance is shortsighted and vain, for they will not find wholeness in affluence; but who am I to judge others for their own choices? I chose this way of life to quel my my own fire; some others may find virtue in their own paths.
I am not familiar with the area of Equestria. Agglomerations of industry and sprawling cities of asphalt.. none like the place where I grew up. I only came to the city because I've come to learn that where there are cities there are ponies who suffer from poverty and destitution, horrors of the modern world.."
>>68780Iron's posture slackened, deadpan expression clearly showing. He walks towards him and takes the sword and places it next to the door, then he plants himself next to the door. He gestures Cauldron to do her thing.
>>68779Onyx thinks about this for a moment.
"So can I leave?"
Bored, and somewhat curious, Brie approaches the bartender.
"Hey, I wanted to ask you something."
>>68781Another pony asks for more details, but he says that he is not at liberty to say much more
>>68783And Cauldron does her thing. But the Cook finds new motivation
"So what are you going to do now? Rob me blind?"
>>68781A pony expresses concern especially about the native tribes. She things they may become as collaborationist as the ponies of Manehattan. Affordable care assures them they know how to demoralize
>>68782"I think you've heard of the other foals, haven't you?"
>>68784The Green Earth pony points a hoof
"Exit's that way"
[Read more] >>68787He is not arrested, detained, or otherwise harassed or accosted by police on his way out
>>68785"Now what might that be?"
>>68789"You mentioned something about changelings earlier, I was curious what you meant."
>>68786Sister Ash frowns, then nods
"I have gathered an air of misfortune.. for those circumstances, I give my condolence."
>>68790"I mean I think it is pretty obvious they will take what they didn't take six months ago. Chrysalis thought she almost had all Equestria 10 years ago, and she won't be happy taking only half of it. She probably won't be happy only taking Equestria, really. Those New Marelanders tried to grab land when land was there to grab. All they want to do is suck away resources and whoever will join them before they abandon the continent to the wolves"
>>68791"Only a condolence?"
>>68792It's around midnight, and Onyx has probably done his good deed for the day
>>68786"If you were going to avoid your responsibility that you agreed and tarnish the trust between you and the lender, then they are forced to "rob" you." Iron narrows his eyes. "You should have paid them. You should not drop to the ground and cry when things do not go your way, colt." He cranes his neck forward. "Grow up already."
>>68793"Interesting. Do you really think they would occupy a place like Baltimare tI thought they feed off positive energy or something like that,... this city doesn't seem like it would,... be appetizing."
>>68794He heads back to his room one more time, this time getting some well deserved sleep.
He's still pissed about loosing his only possession >>68793Sister Ash's normally disciplined complection breaks down into a scowling twitch for a fraction of a second, and if the Sister looked closely, she might have noticed a very faint momentary whisp of smoke hissing from the corner of the stoic mare's eye.
"..Those who predate on ponies who have been rendered defenseless by destitute, and exploit the helpless innocence of children... Are a kind of creature I cannot forgive...!"
>>68795"Oh, look at you. Think you're the righteous one because you've got big muscles? I tell you, you're all a bunch of crooks"
>>68797The bar tender looks over to Ms. Prancer as she stumbles out the door with her two stallions.
"Not every pony likes the good stuff. Some are scavangers. The Cheap thrill of vice could never satisfy the way the high and noble love that fills the Crystal Palace could. But it's enough to wet the appetite. And if Changelings are anything like ponies, that'll be enough to make it worth their effort"
>>68799"The police said they were looking into it, but I am not convinced there is much they can do"
[Read more] >>68800".. Tell me.. Sister Sage.. how long has she been missing..?"
>>68796"We have some help that will be arriving in at the docks tomorrow"
>>68801The sister is quite for a many seconds. Then she says
"Four Weeks, about. Most of this happened a little more than a month ago"
>>68803Sister Ash nods in sympathy
".. And the stallions who took her.. have they returned sinc..?"
>>68800*Thinks*
"The Docks,seems like Red and Black might be working with Affordable care"
"They came by once, demanding money, about last week. When Sister Marery mentioned that a Stallion from Sunset had taken half our foals, they got scared and ran off"
>>68800"If you decide to take the bits of other people who expects you to pay them back and you do not pay them back, then you are a crook yourself." Iron frowns "The worst kind of crook." He glares at the Cook "The cowardly crook, who runs and pleads to get his way. You would kiss the ass of a stallion only to stab him in the gut with a knife." He leans sideways towards the wall. "Do not expect others to respect you when you are a traitorous weakling."
>>68806".. Scavengers.. Ruthless as starving jackels, looking for easy prey.. They're more than likely to be back, once they realize that Sunset isn't protecting this orphanage, if they haven't found some other poor souls to feed off of.."
As she speaks, she looks out the window in sentinel as if glaring at the villains she envisioned.
"The Waterfront.. do you know anything of their volk?"
>>68807>>68807I wish I could find a video or gif of that scene in Futurama this reminds me of
Cauldron looks over at him
"This is about how much you owe us. You're lucky we don't charge convenience fees"
>>68808"Yes, 'the Waterfront Gang' is so named because they tend to operate most heavily by the docks and the factories around there. To them though, it's just 'our thing.' They recruit from the poor, the disadvantaged, and the marginalized of society, especially in the working class neighborhoods. They have a hierarchical system. Their leader in Baltimare isn't exactly know, but is believed to be a unicorn known only as "The Lady." They make their money mostly from loan sharking, illegal gambling, and protection rackets, but are also know to traffic in illegal goods and sell counterfeit goods. They prefer to keep a low profile and aren't anything at all like those villains down south in the Forbidden Jungles, or over in the wilder parts of Griffonia. But they will kill, rape, steal, traffic ponies, and even assassinate public officials where they think it necessary, or when they think they can avoid retaliation…. like when their victims are helpless nuns."
\r
[Read more] >>68809
*Chinese eyes narrow even further*
"For those who recruit from the poor, they're awfully ruthless when it comes to finances.. Loan sharks are a special kind of malevolent"
>>68811Fuck. I saved the fucking undercuck version bull accident
>>68810Wew, almost responded there and made my char look schizophrenic>>68809Iron nods, then awaits departure.
>>68810".. Do you think they'll come back..?" Sister Ash says in a hushed tone, a look of concern creeping across her face
>>68811"Yes... I don't think any of us have recovered from that day. But you should know... There is worse"
>>68814"I don't know... The fact that they came back at all means that they must think we must owe them something. But with half our foals gone we are worth less to them now, and they avoid any place a federal officer has walked like the path of a black cat. Now that you are here, we do not need to borrow anything."
>>68813She leaves the house
"Well, that's another one. Only a few more houses tonight. How is your wound?"
>>68805His thinking is a bit louder than he thought. A pony next to him asks "Who are "red" and "black"?"
[Read more] >>68816"It was the least I could do for such selfless disciples." Sister says, bowing her head in respect
I gotta sleep now
>>68817"I see... huh, I thought those were banned. Larry Berry's really delivering on the change he promised." The pony goes back to minding his own business
>>68816Iron smiles. "Do not worry, Cauldron. I have been through worse. I am glad you still have your motherhood intact, even with this shaking job." He shakes and moves every part of his body, checking if there is any pain from moving about from the bullet wound and to prove his point.
>>68819"Larry Berry, Is a fine Mayor."
>>68820>Motherhood"Come again?"
There is pain around the area of his right front sholder that has spread slightly. More okay than not okay, but neither is he perfectly fit
>>68821"A little too cozy with the rich for my tastes"
>>68822*Goes back to listening to Affordable care*
>>68822He grimaced a bit, maybe the door bashing pushed the bullet around there, but he was not one to give up half-way. "What I mean is that you will take care of your future children well. That is what motherhood is. The pain is bearable. I can continue with the job."
>>68823"We've secured help in our struggle. We haven't set a time for any action, but we are laying a foundation"
>>68824She blushes, and after a moment says "Only a few more houses, and then we are done with this job for the night. I know where to stitch you up"
>>68825Iron nods and keeps following Cauldron.
>>68825*DarkStar Fakes an Apperance of Joy when he says this*
>>68828F
>>68828>>68829As you walk out the Neighborhood, a pair of police officers approach.
"We've been told their were loan sharks, causing a disturbance?"
>>68831Iron stays silent, letting Cauldron do the talking.
Hopefully she has a higher bluff check than 0 >>68832>>68834>>68835"Sir and mam, do you mind telling us what you are doing walking about at this hour?"
[1d20-1 = -14]>>68836Seeing the suspicion the cops have on them, he steps up
with an admitedly shit bluff check "I am a bodyguard for her. Her father is very protective of her, and with reason." He points at the bandaged wound he has. "The crime here is too high. I am escorting her home."
[1d20+1 = 19]>>68838>>68839The police are unconvinced.
Black Cauldron sighs.
"This Stallion is my coltfriend. I don't want my father to know, and we have been trying to keep it a secret as Zebra-pony relationships are not universally approved of. That wound is from a fight that happened yesterday"
>>68841Ok, it's going a little better.
>>68838>>68841>>68842A police mare is horrified at the thought of a society and a family that doesn't approve of love. She growls to the other officer. "I told you that just because a Zebra and a Native are walking after midnight, does
not mean they are up to crime"
>>68843If you feel like I stole your opportunity to do something clever, you have a separate 2 luck roll that can put you in a similar situation to try again >>68845Lolno, I was trembling the whole way and shitting my pants, praying for dice gods' favor.
>>68846With the police officer's pony privilege properly checked, the two walk away quickly, with Black cauldron staying very close to Iron to give the appearance of romantic interest to the officers if they were watching as they walked off
"Well that was close. We only have a few more stops"
I'm thinking another luck roll, unless you want to keep the 2 >>68847While I would jump at the opportunity at an easier time, the rolls have spoken, and I do not intend to break the dice's will.
I'll probably regret it later, but eh. This could be epic >>68847Iron chuckled lightly as they cops went out of view and earsight. "Huh, never thought you would go for that excuse, Cauldron."
>>68848I have two different ideas, and I am not sure which is better. Roll a 1d2
>>68849She bats her eyes at him
"Since the Princess tried to take Equestria in a more 'open' direction, the police and local government have been afraid of appearing "pony nationalist" like the Blackhooves
>>68852This adds fuel to Iron's laugh. "What a way to show weakness! I am more confident now that those Princesses wanted to let the country be taken."
>>68853"Indeed. That is why we must be strong, and take care of ourselves"
>>68851"Well," she says, "this is our next to last stop." This new location is a bit unlike the other ones you've been to. It's a tavern that seems to be closed right now, with just a light on.
"This one closes early, but he's here"
The two of you walk through the front door (unlocked) and see that the front room is empty. "They must be in the backroom"
They walk up to a door to a room in the back of the tavern. She knocks on the door
"What do you want?"
"We're here to collect on a loan last month"
No response. Iron's turn
[Read more] [1d20+4 = 24]>>68855First, check door for any open spots like last time. Then say "We are asking nicely here. If you want to do this the hard way, then I will let myself in and spill your blood into as many bottles of liquor as your body provides."
Is there a perk where the requirement for an intimidate check changes from charisma to strength in 3.5? >>68856Dice gods bless me this day.
>>68856The stallion graciously opens the door for the both of you, and lets you walk in....
The stallion is not the only one there. Inside the room, which is rather spacious, there are 5 other creatures - four ponies, one griffon - sitting in chairs around a table, wearing Black and Red Bandanas
"And who the hell are you?" one of those 5 asks
>>68859Let Cauldron repeat her demands, ignoring the question.
>>68860Cauldron tells him again:
"We lent you money last month, and we are here now to collect"
A pony interjects: "The lending of money at interest is an exploitation of those who do not have money by those who do"
The stallion in question says something like "easy now"
[1d20+4 = 6]>>68861Iron turns to the offending pony. "Well, you are stupid to accept a loan in the first place. You could have ventured out with just your wits, living off the land, but you, afraid of losing your precious comfort, opted to accept something you supposedly knew it was a bad idea." Iron walks to him until he is face to face. "Now tell me, why should I listen to you complain about it like a foal and decide to bash your head in until you comply instead?"
>>68862This is why we can't have nice things.
>>68862The Stallion stands up.
"You, sir, are a bully. You take advantage of our weaknesses. The fact that a pony needs food, clothing, shelter. And you think that the fact that you already have the money means that you can take even more from creatures like us. The ones who don't live by money-born-of-money, but who
work. I tell you, we who work are
done being exploited by the likes of you. And what you and all of those like you will soon find when we rise is that
we outnumber you."
On cue, and embolded by the pony's words, the other 4 creatures ride from their seats and stand behind him, with now 5 angry creatures, and a sulking stallion.
[1d20 = 3]>>68865"What brave words you said. But your words still come from a place of weakness. If you want to show me your strength, then so be it. I will show you true strength!" Iron readies himself for battle.
Also rolling initiative >>68867Oh shit. Where are you dice gods?
[1d20-1 = -4][1d20 = 19][1d20+2 = 16]>>68867Rolling. The one with the positive modifiers is Cauldron, who has more dexterity. The negative modifiers are for the creatures further away
[1d20 = 20][1d20-2 = -11][1d20-2 = -9]>>68870The next two ponies and the griffon
>>68871>>68870At least Cauldron attacks first? Woo?
[1d20 = 16][1d20+1 = 14]>>68867The initiative is:
Red Feathers
Red and Black Leader
Cauldron
Red and Black 3
Red and Black 4
Red and Black 2
Iron
>>68872Red Feathers attacks with Claws. Black Leader Punches
[Read more] [1d20+4 = 16][1d3+1 = 3][1d3+1 = 2]>>68872The claws scrape into Iron's Hide, and Black Leader's punch lands. Cauldron swipes at Red Feathers with her crowbar, which she pulled out while Red and Black leader was blabbering
[1d20 = 11][1d20 = 12][1d20-1 = -6]>>68874>>68872The next three red and blacks attack, one on Iron, and two on Cauldron
[1d3 = 1][1d6+2 = 8]>>68872>>68876The last red and black failed to land a punch on Iron. Iron has taken 5 damage, non-lethal. Well, maybe some lethal from claws. Cauldron lands a hit on Feathers. Cauldron dodges one punch, and gets hit by another. Rolling for damage on feathers and damage on Cauldron
>>68872Feathers got pretty damned beaten. Cauldron is barely hit.
Iron's turn