Welcome to the latest thread of Occupied Equestria. Set six years after season 6, it presents an alternative history where Chrysalis chose a different approach to her second attack on Equestria. The Changelings have conquered half of Equestria, while an Equestrian splinter colony - soured to Princesses notion of harmony with all creatures thank to their dealing with griffins - Invaded and took the other half. In Baltimare and the Equestruan Southlands, the magic of friendship has weakened, as Communists, Changeling infiltrators, Fascists, gangs, and even ancient necormancers and dark gods threaten the city and the surrounding regions. This role play is based in large part upon the Equestria at War mod for Hearts of Iron 4, and uses D&d 3.5e mechanics.
In the latest episode, we are starting day 4. Ash is finally getting to sleep after dealing with foals that scarified animals to evil gods, Iron is disappointed to find that the only sex he is getting is in his dreams, Dark Star has declined to have sex, Onxy has discovered the joys of socialized medicine, I don’t know what Spark is doing, and Silver has discovered that when you don’t complete a quest, you don’t get paid for it
1764 replies and 38 files omitted.
>>80230Iron follows behind, Ash on top of him.
>>80231"Frail? Frail? We fought back griffins and innumerable other dangers! What have you accomplished but become marginalized by Equestrians?"
>>80230Silver follows, keeping an eye on Blue in case he needs to use a telekinetic field to keep her from falling down.
It is officially way too fucking late for me, so I think imma head to bed. I hope we'll get to continue this tomorrow. >>80233"That is because your tools did the job for you. Probably the tools were invented by other races except your own." Iron is not damaged by her retort. "But you do seem to look at Star as an inferior being. Do you make him fetch for tea or pick up those coconuts you were talking about? Face it, we are the strongest, or else you would not have picked Star as your coltfriend. You have the gimmick of flying. That is it." Iron casually walks diagonally left from Star.
>>80235"Tools? I will tell you what a 'tool' is. It is you. A 'native.' You are the mooks of bandits like that Caballeron, the meet to building the railroads in the jungles, subjects for the equestrian dukes, and even now, you follow around the gecko or dark star like a slave."
[1d20+10 = 22]
She walks up to Dark star and hugs him
>>80236"Tell me now. How many changelings have you slain? How many griffins have you fought besides that one I saved you from? I'll wait"
[1d20+10 = 15]>>80238She grabs around his waist
>>80236>>80239"Huh. I thought you cared about the mission. I thought you cared for Star's mission. How selfish of you, trying to justify that your race, which just is taking the acheivements of others to boost your own." Iron smiles. "Oh yes, you are so powerful and great that you need to fight people from the shadows to win. Like the coward you are. So sorry for not seeing it sooner. We like to fight face to face, not hide in a bush and shoot creatures with some tool or stab someone in the back. Like I said, your wings are the symbol of your race: cowardice."
>>80242"Oh really?
You like to fight face to face? Because I watched you try to trick the griffin special forces adviser into thinking you were his friend, walk up to him, and then trip him into the water and drag him away. Is that your proud and honorable way of fighting. A shame, because you're no better at swimming than you are at flying you almost died doing it. You're welcome again for my saving you. And then you tried the same thing again kicking rocks from a rooftop where noone could see you thanks to the fire. Dark Star, Onyx, even Shimmer all stood out in the open and got shot at. Hell, Dark Star and Shimmer nearly died, but brave little you? You hid atop your roof where it was safe while the others fought and bled and stood in danger. Some brave stallion you are.
This is not my mission. This is Spark's mission. I am here with Dark Star because he wanted me to be. And yes, I do take pride in race, culture and nation, because that's exactly the sort of that you should take pride in"
>>80242"Speaking of tools.... what is that you are wearing. Is that a tool?"
>>80244Iron is indeed hurt by this. He now looks down, ashamed of his recent failure. He has a blank stare as he follows Star, taking out his bison necklace from under the armor. "I will show my prowess at the quarry, Skies. You shall see." He stares at his necklace for a bit, then stuffing it back inside his armor.
>>80245He does not respond.
And with that, I will go to bed. Will Iron prove Skies wrong? Who knows? All I know is I'm going to sleep. Goodnight everyone.
>>80244>>80246Silver just sighs at the argument between the ponies that just took place. "I get feeling this is what different pony races talked about before founding of Equestria. Useless debates about which race is better when all races do better at different things."
>>80246Blue Skies smirks for the first time. A small one, and of her malevolent variety
>>80248She looks at him and points a hoof towards Iron in a fashion that makes it look like she's about to blurt out "well he started it!" Instead, she says "Just remember that there is a reason that all the nations of the pony world, from Equestria to the Crystal Empire to much further east, use pegasi as their royal guard and special forces. So your friend here can dispense with his haughty 'I am better than you' attitude until he's done something to prove it"
Fuck, I forgot to call Caleb.
Caleb feels Sister Ash reaching the edge of the empathetic link and decides to follow her.
>>80252After a minute, she addresses and faces Iron
"And to answer your question about Dark Star: no, I did not chose Dark Star for his physical strength of muscles. On that front he is a bit... less than average. But Dark Star was indeed chosen for me because of his strength. It's a different strength from something as petty as flesh. He has devotion to a cause. Loyalty. And bravery.
On the docks, after somepony was foolish enough to think that he could sneak attack a seasoned griffin, I drew attention to myself by shooting Redclaw in the back of the neck. It was either that or let Redclaw kill the cowardly fool, but it resulted in my being chased and shot at from the pier all the way towards the mill.
Enter Dark Star, who happened upon a griffin and a pony chasing and shooting at me. That griffin was no ordinary griffin, but an NMAC reservist whose name shall be forgotten save as 'black feathers.' Like me, Dark Star did not need to risk his life giving away his status as hostile to them. And yet he did, and he stared down both communists with his pistol. It was a choice that cost him. He was shot right though the belly by a rifle. But he shot 'Black feathers' right in the face, killing him and wounding the other for me to kill. Now I don't know if I would have died otherwise, but I can safely say Dark Star saved me from danger.
Because that is the kind of pony Dark Star is. The strength of leadership to assemble a team, the strength of intellect to lull his opponents into a false sense of security, the strength of loyalty to risk himself to save a comrade, and the strength of bravery to stare down a reservist as he himself is shot.
That is true strength.
That is why my superior chose Dark Star.
But if you're asking why I am with him now, well, he chose me"
>>80253Iron keeps looking forward with a stoic expression.
>>80257No, just because you used a feat to summon an animal doesn’t mean you get to combine that feat with the dog’s natural die and the bonus die if you then claim it doesn’t magically disappear as summoned animal are supposed to, but becomes your companion animal.
Dog has 4 hit die - two natural, 2 bonus from status as a companion animal - and a statistical average of about 26 HP. You cannot claim a summoned animal bonus to a companion animal
>>80234Can I get a character sheet for Silver, or at least a set of stats and feats?>>80254She keeps her grin
"A shame not all of his race share Dark Star's strength. But I don't mean to beat a dead horse."
>>80262Companion animal
>>80264Blue Skies leans in to hug him, and to return Ride the Lightning
>>80265"Dawwww. you can use it if you want."
>>80266"It seems like you are going to need it more than me, going into unholy catacombs as you are"
>>80267"Going into unholy catacombs is all in a days work."
>>80263Iron remains stoic. No use discussing when he failed his own words back at the docks. She needs some demonstration of his prowess. A real showcase.
Alright, then I'll take control of Caleb if that's alright with you. Pretend he's following all of us by Iron's side cuz he a good, loyal boi.>>80265>>80266>>80267>>80268Iron raises an eyebrow at this small exchange. He guesses that is the gun she had on her.
>>80268"May your work some day get the recognition mine may never"
>>80269Okay >>80270Iron raises his eyebrow yet again. At least she can be modest to others.
>>80270"Thanks, ill recognize your work."
>>80272She goes up to him, and nuzzles him with her nose, making a 'coo'ing sound
>>80273Dark Star nuzzles her back
>>80274He can see in her eyes a definite sense of gratitude, respect, and fraternity
[1d20+3 = 6]>>80278Her snootendoodle evades the boop
Return boop
>>80279And... pushes his lips back instead
>>80276>>80280Iron chuckles at the comical display of affection.
[2d20 = 17]>>80282An unholy whinny cries out as the integrity of the petite pegasus pony's snootendoodle is compromised.
She unfurls her wings, shifts to her hind legs, and strikes back now with both hooves
>>80283How did she miss both boops?
>inb4 triggers vietnam flashbacks by her lack of booping abilities. >>80284A look of severe shame overcomes the mare
>>80285Iron chuckles lightly, but does not tease her. That comes later when he proves his worth. He does jot it down mentally for any light attacks to his own pride.
>>80283Dark Star lets the 2nd boop hit him
>>80287Her honor partly preserved, she looks less defeated
>>80287>>80288Iron giggles some more. They have good synergy. He sure is proud of pushing Star into kissing Skies.
>>80288Dark Star feigns dropping to the floor
>>80290Blue Skies is relieved to have claimed victory over the rebellious earth pony. But it is a phyric victory, as her snootendoodle remains violated. She smiles, and then scrunches
>>80290>>80291Iron keeps giggling and pokes Star who's on the floor. "Come on, lover colt. You can continue the battle at the camp."
>>80292>>80291"i suppose we can. lets go."
>>80293Iron nods. "I follow you."
>>80293>>80293The proud, pretty, petite, kind of pissy Pegasus pony responds
“I suppose. I’ll walk by your side”
>>80295"Good."
>>80294Dark Star Opens the door and looks for a taxi
>>80296Hailing a taxi here is just a little bit harder than in the shops on the city streets, the reason being that the nunnery is on a large property at the top of a hill rather than on s main road. But it is simple enough to walk to a main road
>>80263I'm not exactly sure what I should type out, but here. Everything I put in parenthesis are buffs/debuffs to stats.
Strength: 16 (-2)
Dexterity: 17
Constitution: 16
Intelligence: 7 (+2)
Wisdom: 16
Charisma: 9
Hit Points: 50
Skills:
Intimidation - 8
Jump - 3
Swim - 3
Handle Animal - 2
Feats:
Power Attack
Cleave
Combat Reflexes
Weapon Focus - Greatswords
Weapon Specialization - Greatswords
>>80298After a short walk to the road, and a little walk down it, Dark Star is able to hail a taxi
>>80299Alright. Remember that you get +1 ability point for having g reached level 4. I don’t know if that has been added or not
>>80301That has not been added. Any good suggestions for where to put it?
>>80302Adding it to the Dexterity score immediately increases Silver's AC by 1 as well as his ranged attack score. Investing it in strength or con could pay off, but not until
much later. I think that racial debuff to strength may be a bit harsh, as it decreases the damage roll by about 2.
I was thinking about Silver's optimal weapon choice.
>>80303To be fair, what you gain in exchange for the -2 Strength is pretty damn nice.
I'll be out for a short while. Pretend Iron follows the team until they reach the camp, saying something about the peculiarity of motorized vehicles or something. Caleb will stay close behind.
>>80303I might just put it in Strength, regardless of whether you decide to keep the racial debuff at -2 or drop it to only -1. Dropping it to -1 would certainly make the decision easier as he would be at +3 Strength bonus, but either way he could really stand to have more Strength.
>>80306Is the 16 strength before or after the debuff?
>>80308Hmmm... If this is the case, then the benefit for fighting melee over firearms is, well, not great for silver.
He gets a +2 on attack rolls, and 2d6+3 damage rolls for the greatsword
not counting weapon specialization and weapon focusHowever, he gets a +3 on attack rolls and a 2d8 on damage rolls for the bolt-action (Lavender) rifle. That's only a single point less than what he gets on average for the greatsword. If he has 16 strength, then he gets another 1 on both damage and attack on greatswords, and adding the point to dex gives him +1 on attack with rifles
>>80309Dark Star helps blue into the the taxi then gets in
>>80309Yeah, like I said, I haven't exactly made him into a good character stat-wise. For his backstory, though, he hasn't had much experience with firearms. His father was a melee purist, having served in the Royal Guard as a quartermaster at a time when the most advanced firearms in standard service were breach-loaded rifles and a skilled melee specialist could still perform adequately. Though with him being an earth pony and being much stronger than Silver it's much easier for him to be so. Silver learned how to fight from him, and his father taught him as much about earth pony fighting styles as he could, but without that earth pony strength, he'll likely never be able to fight quite as effectively in that way.
He knows how to operate basic firearms, with bolt-actions being the most advanced he knows, but he's never actually owned one until now. He's used them before, picking them up off the ground from fallen enemies, when not doing so would leave him defenseless against a ranged opponent, but otherwise he's always relied on bringing his opponents into situations where his talents shined the best. Close range combat where using firearms put an opponent in disadvantage. One-on-one fights with only one direction for his opponents to attack him from. Using his surprising agility to dodge weak bayonet strikes and to counter with a powerful cleaving attack immediately after.
>>80310She smiles primly enters the taxi, nodding to show an appreciation for Dark Star's chivalry
>>80311I'll think about it
Back.
>>80309So Silver was supposed to be a ranged attacker instead of melee meta-wise. I'll keep that in mind.
>>80312"Huh, is there enough space for 7 people there AND a dog?" Iron is not sure about this.
>>80313Probably at least two vehicles or something
>>80314"Don't forget about Ash. She needs trunk space as well"
>>80313"Perhaps we could call another? Star, Skies, Spark, and I will take this one. You, Onyx, Ash, and the dog can take other."
>>80314"That leaves with 6 ponies and a dog. Are they even allowed in these things?"
>>80315"No way. She will have a seat for her. I will go to the trunk if it is necessary."
>>80316Iron thinks about it. "That may work. How many seats are available in there?"
>>80317"Dont worry about it ill pay for the dog."
>>80318Silver takes a peak inside the cab. "If driver lets pony into front passenger seat? Four."
>>80318Oh God. I want to say one in the front and three in the back if you stuff them, but I really don't know
>>80317And, she... actually chuckles at that
>>80319"There is no need for you to pay for the dog. I just want to know if the driver allows them in their vehicles."
>>80320Iron nods. "I guess it can work. I go at the front if possible, and both Ash and the dog go at the back seats. Onyx will go to the trunk. He can take it, I am sure."
"I can sit in the middle. I am pretty small and don't mind being sandwiched between stallions"
>>80323"As much as anyone would want to sandwich eachother in there, Silver does have the better idea to just go with two vehicles instead of one. We should be able to squeeze in these vehicles that way."
>>80323"I suspect Spark and Star would be good choices for sitting companions, then. I get feeling they would make for much more comfortable conditions for you."
>>80324"These taxis are designed to seat two in the back, they are slightly cramped for three."
>>80325She frowns slightly at this evident shotgun call
>>80327Silver puts a hoof up to try to calm her down, not really understanding why she would seem upset. "If you have other idea for seating arrangement, I would be glad to hear it. It is just what I think would be best for group."
>>80327Iron grunts. "What about the whole 'trunk' thing? Star was very non-chalant when suggesting that. That would mean the rest occupy the available seats remaining."
Sister Ash wakes up and decides it wasn't very wise fast for 28 days and then start intensive foal care service with no transition period.
>>80330"Oh, you are back. What do you think about helping Star clear out a zombie den?" Iron smiles. "Also, do you want to be put down?"
>>80331Sister Ash appears to have trouble moving her neck
"Z-zombies..? I guess I could try to help with that.." she murmers
"Umm, I can walk, if it causes you any problems.."
>>80332"Pfft, I do not mind at all. In fact, it is rather comfortable to have you on top of me. Calming, even." Iron smiles warmly.
>>80332A certain bitchy pegasus Ash thought she'd never have to see again spots her and interjects
"Sleeping Beauty awakens! Dark Star has taxis for us, you can ride in the back of the second vehicle next to your dog"
>>80333"R-really..?" Sister Ash stutters out, confused, but too paralyzed to care
"O-okay then.." she says, Asher eyelids grow heavy
"Wake me up when we get there.."
>>80334Sister Ash just nods, muttering some tantric meditation as her body gets used to running on empty again.
>>80335>>80333Silver turns to Iron and speaks in his trademark Stalliongrader accent. "Are you sure she is alright? She seems very tired."
>>80336Blue Skies interrupts with her trademark butting into a conversation she was never intended to be a part of: "She'll be fine, just a little hung over. Give her some water when we get there"
>>80335Iron smiles. "Sure thing, Ash." He strokes her mane with his unarmored hoof.
>>80334"Skies, do you think the dog can be at the front seat without any social repercussions?"
>>80336Iron strokes his chin. "The most she may need is some food. She is really good at finding it on the nature. I think the whole 'retreiving foal' business took a physical toll on her. Maybe something interrupted her sleep. Tried to sleep in the same room but the 'sisters' would not let me."
>>80338"The driver may be skeptical of the dog's ability to stay still or not attack his jugular while driving. I would strongly recommend someone holding him during the drive"
>>80337Yeah, I get it, that particular detail is kinda stupid to point out at this point."...Hung over? Nun?"
>>80338"You will have to tell me about it sometime. I do not have much food on me, most of what I own is back at my room in tavern, but I think I have couple cans of food, if she is hungry."
>>80340Not really, because it's easy to forget that a character is supposed to have an accent. I just wanted to point out how she was interjecting"Well... now that you mention it, they may be some other reason..."
>>80339"Oh please, this dog is the most playful animal I have ever seen. If it is great with foals, then it is great for drivers." Iron chuckles.
>>80340"I guess. Not sure. Maybe after the mission. I think she will decline. She likes things natural." Iron shrugs.
>>80341Iron likes the purring being done on top of him.
>>80342His ears perk up in interest, and he raises an eyebrow at her. "Hmm?"
>>80343"I'm not sure he'll be so easily convinced"
>>80344"I mean, there are a number of reasons to be tired or feel drained of energy, that is all"
>>80345Caleb does the puppy eyes on Skies.
>>80346Somehow, strangely, Skies seems immune to cuteness
"You go in the back with your master"
>>80345And now Silver's ears return to their normal positions. "Ah. My apologies. I misinterpreted what it is you meant by statement. So, since it seems you have issue with Spark sitting next to you, perhaps it will be you, Star, and I in back? I can not say it will be most comfortable for you in middle with me there."
>>80347Iron interjects. "Do not worry, dog. The driver will be more sympathetic to you. She is having a bad day, that is all."
Caleb tries to do the puppy eyes to the cab drivers, see who will take the dog in the front.
[1d20 = 15][1d20+1 = 3]>>80349Rolling will saves
>>80348"Well, to be honest I thought that Dark Star would volunteer me for the front seat as soon as I made that statement, but really I don't mind being pressed between large stallions"
>>80349One of the two seems sympathetic. Unfortunately, this one is the driver for the vehicle currently with Spark, Silver, Star, and Skies
>>80350The look on Silver's face suggests he doesn't fully understand the implications of her statement. "I am not sure I would call Star 'large' as much, but if that is case then you will not have issues."
>>80350"the front seat is all yours"
>>80349"Hey Iron. Why don't you let the doggy ride back there with you? Unless I guess you want to ride in the back with Onyx"
>>80352She shrugs
>>80353"Are you sure? I could sit between you and another stallion"
>>80352"im large where it counts"
Dark Star laughs
>>80355"No. it fine. let me help you."
>>80351>>80350Iron pets Caleb. "Sorry, dog. It seems some ponies are just too cautious to trust a cute pup like you. You can be with Ash at the back. I will go to the front seat."
Caleb wags his tail and licks Iron's hoof. He then jumps up inside the cab at the back followed by Iron settling Ash next to Caleb. "Anyone nice enough to point me where this 'trunk' is? " Iron asks the group.
>>80354"I was planning the dog to go at the front, have Ash and the dog to be at the back and Onyx goes in the trunk. Maybe Ash can go to the front, but any sudden move by the driver and I am not responsible for his or her well-being."
>>80356Iron stifles a giggle.
>>80358*planning to go at the front
>>80356Silver looks Star up and down. "...I will have to take your word for it."
>>80357She smiles and walks with prissy expression as she takes her spot in the front. The driver looks like he would have preferred the dog
>>80358“Oh I knew
precisely what you were planning”
>>80360“Oh you don’t have to take his word for it. I’ve seen it. He does indeed have a very big heart.”
>>80361"Well, if you are thinking I would stroke her mane, then you are damn right it was my intention." He closes the back taxi door with Ash and Caleb inside. The dog walks a little circle and lays down next to Ash. "But you cannot have everything in life." He opens the front door seat and enters it. "Be sure to place Onyx in the 'trunk' thing."
>>80361"...Oh. Oh! That is what you meant. It is good to hear." Silver steps into the back seat, sucking in and rearranging his equipment to provide as much room as he can for Star and Spark.
>>80362>>80363Alright, hopefully now we can skip to the quarry/old farm
>>80368Just the cab the S squad is in, whose only survivor is the dog lover.
When they arrive at the property, they find it similar to its appearance yesterday. A fence surrounds the property, one farmhouse is in a collapsed condition, the other was demolished utterly more than two centuries ago, and probably at least half of the quarry is above water, with a definite hole in its side. One thing that is different is that because it is 10:30-11:00, almost the whole inside of the quarry is illuminated, whereas the last afternoon it was largely covered in shadow. There are workers and machines on active construction sites on adjacent properties
>>80369Just for that, roll for luck
[1d20 = 15]>>80370Well, damn. Mistakes were made. Hopefully it's good.
>>80370Silver takes the opportunity as they travel by the quarry to see if there's anything inside they didn't spot on their first pass through the area.
>>80372Do you mean that he goes to the quarry to inspect it? Because it was never Investigated by the party
>>80370I suppose nothing happensIron gets off the taxi, having Ash on his back and the dog next to him and Onyx on the ground next to him. "Well, here we are. Where is the camp at?"
>>80373>>80372"we should scout out the quarry."
>>80375"There is farmhouse that is not quite destroyed." He points in its direction. "We had camp set up there."
>>80376Silver nods. "It is good idea."
>>80377Iron is unsure of the structure's integrity. "So, are we scouting now? Let me try to wake Ash up now."
>>80335Iron nudges Ash. "Hey, we arrived at the zombie place. I would want you to wake up."
>>80377"i figure that tunnel under the farm house. goes into the quarry."
>>80377>>80376Surrounding the quarry is some police tape, and some large machines that evidently drained water. There is a stream bed that once ran into the quarry. Recall that this was an artificial lake for over a century
The quarry is approximately an L shape with the fat side facing south and the skinny-side running east. In the south east side of the quarry, submerged in a few feet of water, is a bomb of the type dropped from a plane, and unexploded. The quarry has layers that are 20 feet wide and ten feet taller than each, which are deeper closer inside the quarry and to the south, and higher up on the north face of the Quarry. On the north side is an open tunnel. You can see the remains of wooden panels and some rocks by the tunnel that once covered the entrance. While the entrance isn't quite a straight line to the old farm house with the well in between, neither is is far off from being so
>>80380Silver grimaces at the sight of the open tunnel. "We should head back through Curwhinny Farm's cellar as soon as Sister Ash is awake. I do not like how tunnel is open like this."
>>80381"I have to agree. With any luck, more monsters won't have wandered back in there and we will still have a safe area to fall back while exploring."
>>80381Judging from the condition of the panels of wood next to it, Silver can deduce that wood, being left in a semi-tropical lake for 130 years, decays
>>80381>>80382"Well, she is not waking up so soon after a supposedly hard working day of looking for foals, so you should get comfortable. We should go to the camp and reinforce it, just in case." Iron is worried about Ash and these zombies.
>>80380>>80381"that sounds good to me."
>>80384"we need to cut down some trees."
>>80384"I am not sure what we could reinforce it with, but it would give us time to plan and prepare. Just, keep working to wake Sister Ash up. And give her these, if she says she is hungry." Silver levitates some canned apples towards Iron. "I know what you said, but we will need her to keep up her strength, if she is to assist."
>>80386"Do we have ax? I am not sure our weapons could fell trees."
>>80386"I think I can manage, but first I should settle Ash down at the camp first. No way I can chop trees with a sleeping mare on top of me, at least not without a lot of clumsiness."
>>80387Iron pushes it back. "Sorry, I cannot accept it. You are better off looking for food here than giving her canned food. I will try to wake her up to confirm this though." Iron nudges Ash some more.
>>80386>>80387"Why would you want to cut down trees?"
>>80387"hes a big colt."
Dark Star motions at iron
>>80389"for better fortifications."
>>80389Iron thinks for a bit. "I actually have no clue. Maybe to patch up any sort of holes zombies may come in?"
>>80393"It looks to me like at least one group of people has already tried to seal away this evil, and yet here we are"
>>80388"Very well, but she will have to make do with canned if you can not find other food."
>>80389The look on Silver's face suggests he doesn't understand either, but he's just rolling with it. It's not his area of expertise, after all.
>>80390Silver lets out a hearty laugh. "All he has are his hooves. There is much you can do with hooves, but I do not think bringing down trees is one of them."
>>80394"And that is why we are here to put final end to them."
>>80397"Hooves does wonders if you put some strength into it. Nevertheless, I think that just cutting the trees down will not do much." He looks at the house. "Unless you want trees sticking out everywhere around the house. No clue how to thin them out like the wood at the house myself."
"We should probably just make sure the tunnel in the cellar is clear first off, then make plans. It won't do much good to reinforce a camp in monsters are at the gate."
>>80399"Ah, so you have been here before. How clear is the area above this cellar you speak of?" Iron is getting fidgety from all these dangers Ash may be in for while passed out.
>>80400"Last we were here, there were only undead inside tunnels, not outside."
>>80399"That is wise decision. Let us go see."
>>80400"The whole house is leveled except for the cellar. No chance of ambush unless the monsters decide to come out and roam the farmland."
>>80401The sorcerer heads for the tunnel.
>>80402Silver follows, just in case Spark needs support.
>>80401>>80402These sentences calm Iron down. "So, what was in the cellar? I would rather not letting Ash be hurt in the vulnerable state she is right now." Iron looks around, then realizes they are going in. Iron is not amused by their recklessness leaving a sleeping mare behind. He looks for a safe comfortable spot to place Ash on.
>>80400>>80401>>80402>>80403The first basement and then the lower cellar are much the same as they were last left. Presumably, the entrance to the tunnel was resealed after Onyx and Spark last left it
>>80404"Last we were here, nothing at all was in here."
>>80405I approach the seal.
"And this is the entrance."
>>80406>>80405Iron is unsure. "I will take your word for it." He stills look for a confortable spot for Ash to lie down for the time being.
>>80406"Seems we are safe, then. Should we join others back at other farmhouse, where camp was?"
>>80406>>80403Dark Star comes down into the cellar
>>80408"I would like to make sure there isn't a vile creature on the other side of the seal waiting for the chance to break this thing."
>>80410"Fair enough." He draws his greatsword, just in case.
>>80411Spark draws his pistol and removes the seal.
>>80412It opens. As expected, it is pitch black in the tunnel. Air flows past him into the tunnel, suggesting a negative air pressure and flow of air that was not present the night before
>>80413"That is odd." Silver lights his horn up so they can at least see inside.
>>80414It looks essentially the same as it had the night before. By which I mean it is dug through an area of soft rock with rock floors, and some brick on the sides and roof. There are a few loose rocks on the floor of the catacombs, and the floor is a little uneven, but by and large it is the same
I don't recall if Private Saccharine Spoon was removed from the tunnel >>80416"Well, I suppose there are no monsters waiting to eat us, at least."
No bodies were removed from the tunnel, to the best of my knowledge. >>80415>>80414>>80413"that wasnt here before...was it?"
>>80417"I'm sure there will be. Do we continue or back out for now?"
>>80418"No. Although, perhaps it is just because wind has shifted to blow through tunnel in quarry."
>>80419"I do not like idea of proceeding while Sister Ash remains asleep."
>>80420"i hope thats all it is."
>>80418Iron places Ash on the floor, clearly not fine with Ash's current circumstance. He strokes her mane to feel better. Caleb is on guard, looking if any threats around Ash.
>>80417>>80418>>80419"Forgive me for not sounding enthusiastic, but I think we need to wait for Ash or at the very least guarantee her safety somehow. I thought she would have woken up by now." Iron keeps nudging Ash to see if she wakes up inbetween strokes.
>>80422"So whats wrong with her?"
>>80421"Could be further confirmation that this tunnel is same tunnel in quarry." He thinks some more. "Actually, it could be good idea for couple of us to go in and see which part of tunnel fork leads to quarry, if there Is now wind."
>>80422"Then it would be good idea for somepony to always stay with her."
>>80424>>80422"I don't understand, if nothing comes into the farmhouse cellar or the basement, then what is the danger of her being there?
>>80425"General rule in situations like this: do not leave unconscious ponies alone."
>>80424"I'll Take spark and go check it out."
>>80423"Her breathing is stable and she did purr when I stroked her mane at the city, so it is likely she is fatigued." Iron strokes her scaly coat.
>>80424"I guess I should stay until she wakes up."
>>80425"It is the chance that a zombie or anything evil may sneak through and attack her when she is weakest." Iron sits next to the sleeping Ash. "When she wakes up, I will go inside with you ponies."
>>80427Silver nods. "Fire your pistol if you get into trouble. Remember, you do not need to go far. Just check which part of tunnel leads outside."
>>80426>>80426"Well, I can't say that on the occasions I've done it that I cared much for what happened to the pony"
She shrugs, and backs off
>>80428>>80426"I guess
I could look after her, if what you need is somepony who is situationally aware and not of much use against zombies"
>>80430Iron is suspicious. "The dog stays as well. It will ease my worries."
Caleb does as instructed and sits next to Ash.
>>80429>>80427>>80419"So, we are as ready as we can be." Iron is still a bit nervous, but willing to follow.
>>80432"My hooves are my weapons." Iron shows off his unarmored hoof. "If you want, I can go first, since I have the heaviest armor of all of you, but I will need a light source."