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 this latest episode, the crew has united once again, and returned in full to the catacombs under the Curwhinny farm. What old secrets they will unearth, whether they will survive without being turned into undead monsters... whether Silver will ever get paid... will be determined in this thread.
1870 replies and 60 files omitted.
>>81917That's because they are outnumbered"And indeed they are. Just don't understate the danger to East Equestria."
[1d20+7 = 25]>>81910Sister Ash gives a sigh and pulls a funny-smelling plant from her fanny pack and ribs it on Iron's forehoof.
Heal check
>>81921Iron feels relieved by the plant's effectiveness. "Frankly, I think I did that to feel that sweet plant you put on me." He chuckles. "Maybe it is your touch. I cannot think straight, that I am sure of."
>>81920Well duh. They're parasites: they're doomed to be the minority. If they ever spread too far, they wouldn't be able to feed properly."That's exactly my point. They're not to be underestimated. Just because they doom themselves doesn't mean they couldn't drag a third of the world along with them, if fate had it."
>>81922"Oh you..." Sister Ash mutters, as she treats his hoof
>>81922"Or maybe it's shock from the burn"
>>81923"Then you understand why the Blackhooves must remain strong in East Equestria"
>>81916"Then I can hope these means are enough. I have heard rumors that there are changelings in Baltimare, somewhere. I do not relish idea of this rumor being true, of Chrysalis spying on major factions in city. Probing for weaknesses."
>>81918"She will still have to tell me secret of how she is able to self-immolate like that. I wonder if all kirins can do that without hurting themselves."
>>81926She thinks the Blackhooves r gay."Hmmph, it is not my place to decide what faction is legitimate to government the Equestrians. I am but a foreign peace-worker, trying to do my best for who I can assist.
>>81924"Do not make me spell it out. Either way, I would gladly take you on now."
>>81925"What can I say? You are quite good at healing." Iron smiles warmly. "Can you take off my armor? I want to show Star how hoof-to-hoof fighting is done."
>>81926Iron sticks his tongue playfully. "You would do the same if Star had this magic touch."
>>81927"I think so. It has to do with anger if I recall, but how they don't burn themselves... I guess it has to do with being part dragon. Don't quote me on that though."
>>81927"Oh, they can all do it..." Sister Ash replies unenthusiastically
"The trick is learning how not to."
>>81929Didn't she already do that?
*Spends another 4 minutes taking off armor*
>>81932I put it all on again after the little spat with Skies.
>>81927"I can tell you right now that there are. Dark Star here killed one just a couple nights ago. Wait"
She pauses, and pulls out a small flashlight from Dark Star's bag, and shines it between Silver's eyes
"Changeling Empire alright. We found a nest of spies"
>>81928"Unless you are willing to welcome your new insect overlords, you must support the one and only government that can resist them"
>>81929"What."
>>81935*Civil disobedience intensifies*
"I am sorry, but I must remain politically neutral for the time being. Perhaps their motives and mine may coincide at some point."
>>81936"Neutral? You gave Joe Marecarthy a run for his money with your speech on Changelings"
>>81931>>81930"If it has to do with anger, then trick is to learn how to control it like weapon, lest it consume you. Literally, in this case."
>>81935The test shows nothing out of the ordinary as he sits still for it. "...This is not good."
>>81934"I would prefer doing it whenever you feel like sleeping. I heard that it should heal all the bruises when you wake up, so I suggest to fight at twilight or even at night."
>>81935Iron smirks "Pretend to act dumb. I know your game, Skies." He does not seem like he is thinking straight still.
>>81932"Thank you, Ash." Iron hugs Ash for some reason.
>>81937"I regard the situation on the Changeling expansion as an ecological phenomenon. For verminkind to encroach on the habitats of others despite the limits of their niche is cause for concern on my behalf. That does not put my investments in any particular faction."
>>81939Iron Finds that Sister Ash is no longer on fire and is now safe to hug.
>>81938"Do you see now why we don't necessarily have the time to pursue every missing foal report?"
>>81939"Uh... Okay"
>>81941"Then go to the border with a can of bugspray, if you really think you can do it alone"
>>81940"Aww... Well, I guess I'll leave you to your guys night out"
>>81940"I knew you would say that." He checks the time of day, smirking to himself. He takes out the map "Set the place where we shall fight."
>>81941Just in caseIron confirms the hug to Ash. "You are soft." He buries some of his muzzle into her mane, not really thinking rationally.
>>81942"you can watch me demolish iron"
Dark Star Smiles
>>81943Sister Ash is somewhat taken aback by Iron's touchiness with her fluff, but doesn't push him off.
"... You need rest.. I think you may have inhaled a bit too much smoke.."
>>81942"I am afraid if they have made it this far in their infiltration, then we are fighting uphill battle. Infiltration of major factions is sign that they are fair ways into process of preparing for invasion. Next step is to probe for weaknesses, for cracks in foundation, then focus on these cracks until entire thing is ready to break. And if business at docks is anything like it seems, I would guess that is point they are trying to reach."
>>81943Dark Star points at an alley close by the EastSide Tavern."
>>81946"Oh yeah. We never told you about the docks did we?"
>>81942[Apolitical Druid noises]
>>81945"Pfft, like I need air to live." Iron waves it off but relents his attack on her fluff and lets go.
>>81947"Alright, then it is settled. We shall fight there at twilight." Iron checks again for the time of day.
>>81949Silver shakes his head no. "I still do not know specifics of what happened. All I know is that you were there, and there was changelings."
>>81946"Not necessarily. They could be wanting to keep some level of control on foreign politics, or to weaken a possible future enemy."
>>81951>>81947>>81953She is most definitely irritated to say the least
>>81952"One. Singular"
>>81954"Ah, cheer up Skies. You can act as a nurse for him. He would certainly like it. I guarantee it." Iron chuckles.
>>81953"Yeah yeah, that is what I said." Iron tries to find this Eastside tavern.
>>81952"Dark Star hired us to sneak into a meeting with several communist officers from over seas. It was supposed to be a stealth mission, but our Kirin can only take so much stealth as you know. So it got loud, became a gun fight, one communist turned out to be a changeling, we stole their gold, destroyed most of their arms, and got a few prisoners."
The sorcerer realizes something.
"You weren't there though. The prisoners will be released soon and we will have to head out before they try to rally a revenge plot on us, but you are good to stay."
>>81957"Hey! No talking smack about Ash!" Iron yells out to Spark.
>>81958"The fire lizard did very nearly cause that mission to fail, just as she did in the catacombs."
>>81954"And you know same as I who that future enemy is." He shakes his head clear of the worries that have gripped him. "Bah. It does not do well to worry on changelings, and seeing changelings in everything. That is lesson we learned during Changeling Scare. I suppose you will do your best, and that is all I can really hope for."
>>81955"I think she would have greater chance of having romantic relations with him if he is conscious. At least, that is feeling I get from her."
>>81957"Hmm. Communists. No matter where you go, it is always same." He chuckles. "If worst comes to pass, I suppose I could always try to disguise myself as one, and try to get you all to safety. I already come from Severyana. I already have accent. All I would need is to spout some bullshit about 'liberation of proletariat', or whatever it is Reds say they fight for nowadays."
>>81960"I assume she is reason why there were burnt down warehouses at docks, then."
>>81960Sister Ash shrugs
"I wasn't ever entirely sure what the mission actually was. I was only along for the ride to find children. I heard that the arms needed to be disposed of, so I did what I thought was right in the moment." She replies
>>81959>>81962"Oh. I was not expecting that." Iron is stunned by the lack of knowledge of the mission from Ash.
>>81960"Fine, you have that point in your favor." Iron shrugs.
>>81961"Like taking care of eachother is not romantic by itself. Besides, the 'unconscious' part is just temporary. I would give about 20 minutes tops."
>>81962"Right..."
>>81961"Ponies are enough of a threat to be concerned about"
She looks at the alleged not communist a little suspiciously
>>81963"And then, he'll be too bruised to cuddle, or I'll have to take him to a hospital"
She sighs
>>81964"i just wont lose though."
>>81964Silver looks back at her. "You can not try to tell me you have not done anything similar in past."
>>81963"I think you mistake meaning of 'romantic' in this situation."
>>81965She only responds with a look of complete disbelief
>>81964"Pfft, it is just bruises. He can sleep it off. Besides, if he can take a beating, he can take your cuddles after it, so there are no consequences to this fight." Iron thinks. "Maybe you need some ice to make him feel better."
>>81965"I like that cocky attitude. I hope you can match it in skill." Iron smiles, ready for battle.
>>81966"Oh come on, quit being such a downer. What stallion does not love being taken care of at their worst? It is the most romantic thing to see the mare dutifully taking care of you when she could be doing anything else." Iron starts thinking somewhat suggestive themes related with nursing.
>>81968"Sleep it off. He takes my cuddles. Dutifully take care of a stallion when she could be doing something productive. Right."
Definitely not a content look or tone.
>>81968"As somepony who was once married? I preferred being conscious enough to hold my wife in my embrace." He thinks for a couple seconds. "Now that I think of it, I do not believe I was ever knocked unconscious in presence of Storm Warning in first place."
Are we going to go back in the tunnel today, or are we going to let it air out?
>>81971Going to let it air out I think. We should be off to save the foals.
>>81969"Bah, you are a downer like Silver. Trust me, it will be great. What better way to deepen relationships than by taking care of the ones you love?"
>>81970"You were married? Huh, it is rather strange from her not to take care of you once during your entire marriage." Iron pokes his chin.
>>81971Refer to >>81972 >>81973 >>81968"im looking foward to the fight."
>>81974"I can think of many ways"
>>81975*growls*
>>81975"As am I. Hope you are ready." Iron chuckles.
>>81976"I can tell you right now that nothing on your mind can compare." Iron chuckles again, both at her stubborness and small growling noises she's making.
>>81974"Oh, we took care of each other for many wonderful years. It is just that we did not get into many situations where either of us was knocked unconscious."
>>81975"I hope you are able to dodge his blows. I would not have much faith in my strength, if I was in your position."
>>81976>>81969"We can Cuddle after i beat Iron."
>>81978"See? Silver gets it. He is just worried that Star is flimsy enough to be unconscious for years like the scaredy cat he is." Iron puts a hoof on Silver's shoulder. "He will be fine, just some bruises, that is all."
>>81979Iron laughs even harder by her cockiness
>>81977"That's okay, I need to meet with a doctor to buy a few drugs anyways"
>>81979"If you lose, can I be cuddled by somepony else?"
>>81981Iron laughs at her joke, then smiles devilishly "How about me? Just to raise the stakes and have Star fight for real. What do you say?"
>>81980"He said you were able to punch trees down with your bare hooves. That does not bode well for him if your hooves connect."
>>81985"I never really tried that, so I am not sure if I actually can do that. Yes, I have broken my share of big sticks back in my tribe, but trees may be too far." Iron thinks. "Maybe I could try now, since there is nothing that the tree could damage."
>>81984>>81983She smiles in her usual way, for the first time since this exchange started
"You know, you both are
very confident in your ability to win. Why not place meaningful bets?"
>>81985"REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE no murder trees!"
>>81988"Oh please, how many forests have you murdered?"
>>81987"Now we are talking. What do you have in mind?" Iron is getting into the excitement of winning something.
>>81988"I know you made a campfire once, do not be a hypocrite!" Iron shouts back.
>>81989She looks at her like she's proposing something ridiculous
"I would never."
>>81990"Gathering sticks isn't hard!"
>>81987Dark Star narrows his eyes
The sorcerer looks at all of the ponies, then back to his glass.
"And they say I'm the crazy one."
>>81992"You are using dead tree parts for the campfire! Do not pretend how easy gathering sticks exempts you from responsibility!"
>>81991She looks back at her with the "I can't believe you would think I would believe that" look
>>81992"I'm sure it isn't for a tree killer"
>>81993"Dark Star, sweetie, are you sure you wouldn't rather select a champion to fight in your place, or make some sort of special rule like I get to spend my punched on him during the fight?"
>>81990"He is very intent on fighting you. Perhaps you could name some terms"
>>81996She turns black again
"Who in their right mind would just destroy a forest for no good reason?"
>>81997"Who in their right mind would destroy a library in an oxygen-less cavern that ponies were occupied? The answer, I must assume, is somepony who is not in her right mind"
>>81996"I am not that creative with terms." Iron pokes his chin. "Uh, how about... uh. I actually only have a few things I can take from him to further his willpower into fighting with his all and you know what I mean, do you not? Maybe some bits, maybe?" Iron ponders a bit more. "No, no idea."
>>81998"Hmmmph, healthy forests take eons to grow. Libraries only take mere decades." She replies, crossing her arms
>>82001Iron attempts to pat the burning mare again in order to comfort her.
>>81996Silver lets out a sigh that says 'I can't believe I'm about to say what I'm going to say'. "...I could fight in his place if it pleases you. I do not believe I would win, but I could try."
>>82001"Ash." The tone of Silver's voice suggests that she needs to get a handle on her emotions.
>>82002The look Silver gives Iron suggests that he's not a smart pony.
>>82001"A pine tree takes twenty years, a libraries knowledge can take millennia or even be irreplaceable, and you are smart enough to know this"
>>82000"Maybe I should suggest terms then"
>>81999"Now you are thinking better"
your entire strategy is to hope he has bad dice rolls, isn't it? >>81996>are you sure you wouldn't rather select a champion to fight in your place, or make some sort of special ruleThat sounds like a homo way to duel.
>>82008She looks at him with complete disbelief
"Why?"
[1d20 = 2]>>82007Rolling touch attack because I want this to happen legit.
>>82009"Sure! Go ahead!"
>>82010Nothing quite like two big muscular men beating each other
>>82012Don't forget two weapon fighting as well, which dark star can apply to unarmed combat"I still owe him several punches"
>>82011Silver doesn't look like he believes what he said, himself. "Consider it favor to you and Dark Star. You are good together, from what I have seen, and I imagine you would much prefer to spend tonight together in each other's embrace, rather than putting ice packs on bruises, or sitting next to him on hospital bed."
>>82009"A forest is an irreplaceable balance of natural powers. The time it takes to grow is one thing, but the time it takes to mature is another altogether. A forest could hold secrets that no library could ever hope to record, if you're willing to listen. Not like someone like you would understand though Xp."
>>82013Ha. Ur still alive, fgt.
>>82014It's not gay if they say no homo.
>>82014"are you saying you want to fight him?"
>>82015She's still dumbfounded, and unsure how to react
>>82016"So a tree is replaceable, but the five ponies you almost killed with toxic gas are fine, never mind the fact that you don't even know what cultural artifacts you destroyed"
>>82017"Fight? No. Punch him."