Oh hey, new bread. >>83000 Reluctantly, Silver stands up to the tone of joints popping in an out of place, and makes his way outside to use nature's clock: the sun.
>>83005 Alright, those two will be easy enough to find. So long as the others not poorly-designed background ponies, Sister Ash should hopefully be able to recognize the blank-flanks by their pastel color schemes. Sister Ash spends the rest of the day helping around the orphanage. Caleb just rolls around in the yard near the forest, licking his own balls or whatever else dogs do when they're alone.
In the evening, before she leaves again, she makes sure to make some time to see Abby Willows again, like she said she would.
>>83010 Idk, I thought we were either supposed to meet at the tavern in the evening or the next morning, but I think it was the next morning now that I think about it..
>>83016 I just hope Blue has some leads as to when this politician will be out of his house tomorrow. All I know is that he'll be absent from his home at 7 pm today.
>>83022 I would like for Sister Ash to talk to Abby before she leaves, since she said she'd visit her in the evening. She should be just about finished with her second stack, if she kept her rate relatively constant. Sister Ash could be the one to bring her dinner.
>>83031 Sister Ash enters the room slowly, levitating the tray as she comes "~Good evening." She says, in an annoyingly cheery tone as she enters the room
>>83055 Sister Ash lets the filly some room to eat in peace while she examines one of the papers from the stack. What exactly was she made to write over and over?
>>83058 Something to the effect of “In Celestia alone we trust and have faith, eschewing all others.....” like a chalk board punishment to say “I will not make sacrifices to gods of Evil”
>>83060 "It is funny. We forget service Luna performed for Her ponies, until we no longer can count on her aid..." Silver looks from side to side, before leaning in towards Dark Star and whispering. "...These dreams. Did any involve changelings?"
>>83058 >>83059 Oh shit, where the fuck am I? I hope I'm not with the filly. I don't think she'd like me in here. Specially with the armor. I need to have a better sleeping schedle. Iron shakes his head and looks around. He spaced out following Ash again.
>>83063 Silver's own concern grows. "It seems like ill omen. If we are not only ones who have had these dreams, then I wonder if this is new tactic by changelings, some new form of psychological warfare. What was your dream, if I may ask?" >>83064 Silver acknowledges this, without Blue's knowledge.
>>83064 Sister Ash puts down the paper and looks back at her, making eye contact. >>83065 You're at the orphanage. Sister Ash would have helped him out of his armor. I had assumed that he would be resting, eating, oiling his armor or whatever else in the room the nuns gave him as he prepared for the meeting.
[1d20 = 1] >>83067 >>83068 Oh. Phew. Iron feels lighter than usual, seems Ash took off his armor again. Strange. How long were they in here? He shrugs, Ash will surely pick him up when she's ready. He decides to nap a bit before the meeting. Of course Iron's going the wet dream route again, but with Ash and maybe that dream changeling if he can manage, maybe both at the same time.
>>83066 "Well it started out with me looking Down in to 2 Cribs and there were 2 Foals there. then i picked them up and started playing with them. then i hear from behind me a female voice, then i turn around to see who it is and theres a female Changling with blonde hair staring at me and she said to me that shes come to take my foals and replace them with hatchlings. so i did what anyone would do in that situation and i shot her, then a politician from when i was a foal walked in and disarmed me. and then i pulled out my 3rd pistol and shot the changling again. then she did what i could only describe as a kiss, it made me feel very cold."
>>83074 "Hmm...it is not same as dream I had. I had no direct contact with changelings. It was replaying moments from my life, like I was watching...I think they call them 'movies'. What was odd was that there were changelings in each moment. Always in background, where I could see them. I am certain they were not there when memory took place, but..."
>>83078 No. They were not hiding in the back ground like ghosts in certain horror movies. The only images with changelings were memories of the Western Front
>>83068 "Your mane a very nice color to it." She replies, nonchalantly untying her bun to unleash her glorious, flowing lion's mane "I prefer to grow mine out though: It's a bit of a tradition where I come from. I manage to get around with it by keeping it beneath by shawl." She says "Are shorter manes in style for fillies your age?" She asks >>83081 Oh fuck. Have mercy.
>>83081 Iron inspects the three mares' appearances as he approaches to them, all pumped up for some sexy times. He walks slowly and as seductively as a big Earth Pony with little to no charisma can manage.
>>83083 She looks at Ash with some offense. “They are for those of us who have been taken prisoner. Our captors cut our manes short to try to handle the lice. That was just about the only care we got from them on the sanitary front”
>>83085 “Hehe. Hey there, what is a big strong stallion such as yourself doing around here?”
>>83087 Iron does a somewhat dopey smile, not hiding his interest in the prospect of fucking. "Oh, I just like the view you mares put up. You are quite exquisite to the eye, you know?"
>>83091 “Changelings have been on the mind, as well as facing those monsters in the quarry... I would be more surprised if you didn’t have dreams like this.”
>>83087 Sister Ash's casual expression changes quickly to one of endearing sympathy "That's simply awful." She says sympathetically "Even though your mane was so pretty.." She says trailing off, seeing as she's touched on a sensitive topic
>>83090 They giggle together in an almost synchronized manner. The leader stays in front of him looking at him seductively, while the other two stare at his body, and walk to either side of him
>>83092 "With all due respect to your own political beliefs, these Black Hooves have not yet earned my confidence in this regard." >>83093 >>83095 "Perhaps. But it does not also mean that there is not something behind it. It is just something to keep in mind."
>>83096 Iron notices he's being surrounded but isn't not uncomfortable for now. "You can watch my body all you want. Maybe I could show you what it can do, if you mares want to." He lightly nuzzles the leader mare with slow deliberate motions to her side of her neck where judging from the image the leader is the red pony her ponytail is.
>>83106 He gently puts a foreleg around her neck, deepening the kiss and exploring her mouth looking for those sweet spots mares loved, like he always does. He tries to watch what the other two mares are doing. He doesn't want them to feel left out after all.
>>83100 "It could be, if changelings are indeed preparing for invasion, that they have done research into how to dream walk, like Luna does. If that is case, it could be they are trying to psychologically break will of ponykind to fight. But that is all hypothesis, nothing that we could yet prove, at least without enough similar stories from other ponies."
Silver leans back in his chair. "Nothing we can do about it in either case. Now, Blue: I remember you saying you were looking to hear more about me and my wife and children. I believe we have some time before Ash arrives, if you still wish to hear."
>>83108 She giggles, though her mouth is now filled with Iron's tongue. It's like her spit almost has a sweet taste to it. Her mouth is warm and she wraps her tongue around his
The other two seem jealous of the attention, but go for Iron's strong muscles in his hind legs, and his strong barrel, rubbing them
>>83109 "I don't think Dark Star's dream was the product of Changelings. It's true that the Western Hives have a sort of 'kick in the front door' attitude, and Chrysalis isn't particularly known for subtlety, but the ability to remain disguised is the one and only gift the Mother gave to the Changeling. If they were 'invading' ponies dreams, I don't think they'd be so obvious about it"
"But I am willing to listen, if you are willing to tell"
>>83114 Silver motions for her to sit down in one of the empty seats at the table. "If you have preference for some specific event, let me know. Else I will likely just try to start at beginning."
>>83114 Iron is liking the rubbing and her sweet kiss. He sighs in her mouth, fully enjoying the ministrations. After 2 to 3 minutes, he breaks the kiss, under the impression that the other two mares deserve some kissing of their own for their efforts. Iron turns to the light green unicorn. "You are all damn good." He starts his kissing session with said mare, more passionate than the first one know he could go all out and with his closest foreleg wrapping the back of her neck, while stroking the mane and cheeks of the white-maned pegasus.
>>83117 "It is fine. Nothing I feel is preventing me from sharing, especially if there are those who are willing to listen." Give me a minute, don't know how long this'll take.
>>83118 They giggle at the attention they receive from the stallion, often in synchronicity, as if a part of some horrid hive mind. The Pegasus comes in closer, and starts kissing Iron's neck, while the Earth pony does her own circle of Iron, examining his muscles and lifting up his tail
>>83120 She looks a little awkward, but sits as directed
>>83121 Well, Ash definitely got her to accept her embrace
>>83122 There's a good little filly there, under all that emo bullshit Sister Ash walks over to the bed and sits(?) there for a few a few more minutes, still holding Abby until she stops crying.
>>83122 The pegasus' kisses are making an effect on Iron, but the gentle lifting of his tail breaks his concentration. He stops the kiss, albeit reluctantly. "You mares want the main course already?" Irom smiles seductively. "Well, show me to your room and we can be all to ourselves. What do you say?" His member already fully erected by the mares' performance to for the Earth mare to see. While her synchronicity is slightly off-putting to Iron, he decides that he cannot back down now, after going so deep into these mares.
>>83126 Iron is visibly upset at the mares taking shit about his member. "Oh yeah? I will show you what my member can do for you three." He picks up the unicorn, since she's the one at the front, at places it on I assume there's is the bed.
My plan was for Ash to speak with Abbey a little bit, then have her finish eating and put her to bed. Then she can leave you go meet with the party. >>83131 Or not. I thought it was the evening, after dinner. Idk when fillies are supposed to sleep though (she did stay up past midnight the previous night though). Anyway, she stays for a while, then leaves at the time she agreed to meet the party. Maybe I could continue her dialogue next session.
>>83133 "That little thing? I have quills wider than that" "That little thing? I have quills wider than that" "That little thing? I have quills wider than that"
No, it was outside in a town originally. There is no sign of any pony around, at all, and the background slowly fades to encroaching fog \r
>>83137 Iron is not handling it well. His breath is getting ragged and he is trembling, either from rage at the blatant insults or fear of losing the one thing that makes him a stallion. He attempts to look at his member, see if the mares are telling the truth about him.
>>83139 This is not going well for him. He definetly remembers it bigger. What in Tartarus is going on? Is this a joke? He slowly lays down in a fetal position, not dealing with his seemingly smaller penis size well. 'I might as well be a mare with that size' he thinks to himself. He is hyperventilating, unsure if he should even carry on with such a curse planted on him. "Get away! GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!" He screams aloud to no one in particular.
>>83117 Silver pulls out a picture from his bags, that of Silver and Storm, both young adults, Silver wearing his metal cuirass, Storm wearing a studded leather jacket. They look bloody and battered, but in high spirits, as if they just finished with a fight. "While in Ponyville, many years ago, I got hired by farmers there to help deal with problem they were having. There was group of brigands, all mares, who were harassing their caravans, stealing their supplies, their Bits, their food. They had tried hiring others before, this they told me, but none had ever come back, and attacks had continued. It was difficult job, they told me, but they were paying well to see somepony help them. I agreed to do job for them.
"It was fairly long journey to where they had last been seen, near wreckage of one of farmers' caravans, and hard, and why I was thankful it was not difficult to follow tracks of those who had tried and failed before to bring them to justice. I found their camp, and before long, they were already on me. There were three, all looking like they had experience with fighting off bounty hunters. They were tough, but I was stronger back then, and I was able handle them, even if they got couple good hits in on me. It took couple strong healing potions to recover after initial battle, and it gave me couple new scars to add to collection, but I made it. There were more, as I made my way deeper into their camp, all of similar toughness, but eventually I made it into their inner sanctum, circle of standing stones surrounded by tents of leader and her most trusted companions. And that is when I saw her.
"She was leader of these bandits, she said from her spot on top of highest stone. She had not seen anypony make it as far as I had. She wanted to test my mettle. So she offered deal: if I could beat her in single combat, she would order her mares to stand down, and to leave local farms alone. If she won, she would have new head to add to collection. She made point to flash her weapons at me. Two blades, hidden underneath her wings, shaped like feathers, sharp and subtle. As alternative was to decline and have to face all of them at once, I accepted.
"She flew down to ground. We started to circle each other, beginning what was to be dance of death. Once we had made full circle, we each struck. For what felt like hours, we attacked each other, blade against blade, metal against metal. She took couple hits. I took couple hits. We would withdraw. We would advance. We would feint. We would strike. Our bones splintered, our muscles ached, our lungs cried for more oxygen, our hearts beat hard like drums deep in our chests. Then, for briefest moment, as our weapons clashed once again, we locked eyes, and that is when we saw it. There was spark, one only those who are equals in combat ever see. Respect. Even looking back now, I can see spark in her eyes, feel spark in mine, as we realized we had met each others' match." Holy hell, this might be split into two posts. I think I underestimated how long this is.
>>83140 Their pupils widen slowly, steadily, until the black of the eyes consumes the entire eyes of each of the three
"Why would you leave such a beautiful mare as yourself all alone?" "Why would you leave such a beautiful mare as yourself all alone?" "Why would you leave such a beautiful mare as yourself all alone?"
They reach in to stroke Iron's mane, back, and tail
>>83142 He tries to bat away the incoming strokes. "I said go away!" He is failing to hold back tears. "I-I will hit you!" He whimpers. "D-don't force me!"
"We'll take you to a room upstairs and show you a good night on the bed" "We'll take you to a room upstairs and show you a good night on the bed" "We'll take you to a room upstairs and show you a good night on the bed"
The teeth of the black-eyed mares don't really look like blades. They look more like pencils
>>83141 >>83142 "For that briefest moment, neither of us acted. We just stood there, blades clashing, looking with wonder into each others' eyes, until we finally realized that now was time to act. As if universe had aligned, we both attempted to disarm each other at same time, and our weapons were thrown far from where we stood. We both reached for our knives...but I was faster. With my knife pressed to her throat, I commanded her for one last time to yield. She was beaten, there was nothing more she could do, or else risk being killed. With sigh, she yielded. As I released my blade from her neck, her companions moved to try to stop me from taking their leader, but she told them no. Reminded them what would happen to them if they made her go against her word. They backed off, but they were not happy. And they were not content to leave it at that, as I would latter figure out.
"Over next few days, I took her captive on journey back to Ponyville. If journey was hard before, though, it had become much harder. We came across much hazardous wildlife, both plants and animals. We almost died many times, and I was forced to allow her to aid in many fights by giving her back her weapons. She had many chances to kill me, and run off, but...she never did. Over course of our journey, we came to know each other better. We told stories, laughed at jokes. Grew closer to each other. Found feelings for each other. And we learned of each other's pasts, or at least what we were willing or able to share.
"She told me she had been raised by former leader of bandits since she was little filly, captured during raid on caravan near Cloudsdale. Their leader took her in after attack. She saw something in Storm. Perhaps she reminded her of herself when she was younger, perhaps she saw beginnings of skilled warrior in that young filly. Whatever it was, it made them raise her as their own. As she grew up under care of bandits, she had taught her how to fight as she did, how to hunt. How to figure out which targets were lucrative enough to risk attacking, and which were best to avoid. She taught her how to read, how to make potions. she took part in raids on caravans as she grow older. When she was 15, she had her first drink with her. She was closest thing to mother she ever had, and instilled in her sense of longing to be free mare, to choose how to live her life, rest of world be damned, even as rest of world became not so friendly place for such ideas. And she loved her for it, for all of it, not remembering much of her life before she was taken in. When her mentor died, she at 16 was chosen to lead group. And lead she did. They became rich, powerful, feared. But as years went by, she became bored of it all. Her opponents no longer posed challenge to her. She became tired with gold and gems. She wanted challenge, or, failing that, death. Anything to make her feel like she once did. Like she could be or do anything. So, she took greater risks, looking for new challenges from bounty hunters. As more and more feel, she grew to despair that none would be worthy to fight her. And then I came along.
"Few days after she told me this, we arrived at outskirts of Ponyville. It was here, she turned to me, and confessed: if she was going to give up her freedom, she would give it up to somepony she respected, somepony she understood. She did not want to live rest of her life in chains, or be hanged in dishonorable death. She gave me choice. Choice over her precious freedom: turn her in to authorities, or have her become mine, from then into forever. Perhaps it was stupid of me. Perhaps I was naïve, back then. But I could not deny that I had developed feelings for her, and that I had come to care for her. I accepted. And, thankfully, she did not try to betray me, or stab me in back and run off to her freedom, but instead, we embraced. She was happy, even if she no longer had her freedom. She gave me her mentor's hat to give to farmers as proof that I had dealt with problem, and after I had been payed, we went off to begin new life together."
>>83153 When all of this is relayed over to Blue Skies, Silver sees that she evidently was not expecting this story of Silver's love. And from her facil expressions, he gets the impression that she did not, could not understand
>>83156 Silver sighs. "I do not suppose it is typical story of ponies falling in love. But she was not typical mare. And I would not have had it any other way."
>>83157 "Equestria could not handle simple highwaymares near its capital for two whole decades? In modern times? In Nimbusia they would not have lasted two weeks before the Spartiates took care of them. And why would she not take those opportunities to stab her captor? Why would you allow her those opportunities? They taught us very young in Nimbusia that a simple knife left unsecured over night would be jammed in your throat by a helot before the next morning." Just ignore her. She doesn't understand
>>83158 Now they show Iron their penises. And yes, they are quite a bit larger than Iron's, either at the moment or as he recalled the state of things. Somehow they look refreshingly natural compared to their teeth or eyes
[1d20+6 = 10] >>83164 Iron shakes his head. Even if he were actually a mare. She would not be a tramp who'd be shared by more than one stallion. Feeling confident about punching the sick mare distortions are not mares now, he puts all of his power into punching one of the 'mares' around him.
>>83164 He looks almost amused at this. "Romance, hmm? I thought it was fairly romantic myself." He leans back in his seat, sighing again. "Buuuuuuuut, if you have different idea of romance, perhaps you could suggest different story for me to tell you."
[1d20+10 = 16] >>83167 Iron attempts to throw off the mare from mounting him, moving his whole body around to make it harder for the unicorn to place any dirty stuff in his mouth and to stop the mounting from becoming a dicking. Rolling grapple.
[1d20+10 = 16] >>83173 I see That could have been so much worse
>>83172 "Well, it's rarely terribly romantic, but a mare looks for a stallion possessing qualities of bravery, strength, and cunning. Often she selects a stallion with qualities like those of her mentor. And the Stallion, for his part, selects a mate with strength, beauty, and intellect. And they raise children for the service of the state, although the mare may conceive children with a stallion superior to her husband should one come by
[1d20+10 = 30] >>83176 >>83177 Oh fuck. I can reroll grapple even when she inserts her dick into Iron's asshole/pussy, right? Iron grunts hard, to the point of being mistaken as a low scream. Iron keeps trying to break free from her Earth Pony captor, clearly not wanting to feel more dick inside him.
>>83174 The idea that a mare would choose a stallion for quality of breeding rather than one she loves confuses Silver. "That is...interesting. But what is considered to be romantic in that society, then?"
>>83178 With a mighty buck, Iron pushes it off of him...
It unleashes an unholy shriek, and the form of the Earth pony changes significantly... to a black oily goo, that is thrown many feet backwards
>>83180 "I didn't say it was romantic. I was looking to Equestrian customs to be better, and instead found that outlaws are given the option of prison or marriage, and that is romance here"
[1d20+10 = 13] >>83182 Iron is clearly panicking by the pegasus' action. His ass is a little sore from the dick assault the now gooed pretend mare gave to him "GET OFF OF ME, YOU SICK BASTARD!" Rolling grapple yet again to throw her off of him.
>>83181 "It is not typical type of romance, I will admit. Hmm..." He starts thinking on other stories he could tell that would better please Blue. Basically, give me a minute to think of something else.
[1d20+10 = 24] >>83186 >>83186 Oh for fuck's sakes. Iron is scared as fuck by the appearance of the earth pony 'mare'. "GET AWAY!" I roll to grapple yet again on the pegasus while trying not to eat dick by the unicorn.
>>83188 >>83189 >>83190 Oh, he feels it. But the Earth pony puts and end to all of Iron's freedom, petting him... her hooves dissolve into black tar that starts to slowly envelope and encase him
>>83191 Iron is able to move his mouth out of the way of the horsecock that just might have choked him to death. But he feels the black tar creeping around his body, and clinging to his fur
[1d20+10 = 17] >>83192 >>83193 Mouth virginity preserved... for now Iron tries to shake off the goo from around him with erratic movement. "STOP! STOP THIS!" Rolling grapple on the goo to escape.
[1d20+6 = 21] >>83195 >>83196 The goo clings and envelopes him further as the pegasus thrusts into him. The unicorn tries again, thrusting into his mouth
[1d20+10 = 14] [1d20+10 = 24] >>83196 BRB making new char sheet. JK >>83197 Iron tries to grapple all three opponents off of him. "Stop! Please! I beg you!" Rolling two grapples now and the third one next post.
>>83200 >>83198 >>83201 The pegasus is bucked right off. But the goo now surrounds his body, and the unicorn manages the large penis right into Iron's throat
[1d20+6 = 24] [1d20+10 = 23] >>83199 >>83202 Iron moves his face away from them in digust and fear, but is plunged in the throat by the unicorn's dick. This is a nightmare. A terrifying nightmare. This isn't real. It can't be. More resistance from Iron, rolling a grapple on the goo encapsulating him and an unarmed attack on the invading dick in his mouth with his teeth.
>>83203 Iron's mouth is becoming very familiar with the penis inside of it. When he bites down, his tongue and lips get a very good feel and taste. It's very rubbery
I take it he wants to bite it right off
>buck off the goo It's much too late for that by now
[1d20+10 = 29] [1d20+10 = 24] >>83206 Yep. Iron is horrified to note that he can't shake off the goo but feels weird when the rubber texture and actually good taste kick in. What is this? Nevertheless, he is not going to give up just yet. He attempts to take out the invading dicks to the best of his abilities while covered in the third pretend mare. Rolling grapple checks to take out those dicks off of him.
[10d20 = 99] [10d20 = 72] >>83207 The Unicorn has had enough of this.
With her cacophany of tendrils she tries to grapple Iron into submission. The Pegasus, for her part, does the same. The Earth Pony grabs onto Iron like a giant amoeba
[10d20 = 85] [10d20 = 92] >>83210 >>83213 Iron would fight back still so I'll roll some grapples against all the tendrils. Should all have +10 modifier, unless the tendrils have +10 too. Next post I'm biting and clenching those dicks even further.
[1d20+6 = 10] [1d20+10 = 21] >>83217 >Anus of steel >swallow a penis into his rectum I chuckled >>83218 Iron attempts to fight off the kiss and hoof by the assaulting mares. "You want me to recede? Then stop trying to rape me and grow my dick already to fuck you all in your pussies!" Rolling grapple to miss the kiss and unarmed jab to bat off the hoof.
>>83219 >>83221 Iron is able to kick away the pegasus on his rear
What he cannot do, is avoid the unicorn in front of him
With big black eyes, a mouth as wide as a plate, a tongue as long as a garden hose, and pencil like teeth, the unicorn kisses Iron. What happens when she makes contact is that her flesh dissolves into the wet and oily liquid that runs through Iron's mouth, into his throat, as well as onto his muzzle, and into his nostrils. The oil is seeping inside of him
[1d20+10 = 16] >>83223 Iron attempts to get the unicorn to back off by more erratic movements again to limit the amount of oil seeping into him. Rolling a single grapple check to see if Iron succeeds.
[1d20+10 = 17] [1d20+10 = 18] >>83232 Iron resists the attack but rolling opposed still. Now he attempts to bite the current goo its entering him to try to damage it again, maybe use his throat to push it out somehow.
[1d20+10 = 20] >>83242 Iron screams aloud, having broken one of his legs. "You bastards! I will never surrender! You are better off killing me." >>83243 If he cracks my neck, I should wake up, right? Rolling
>>83251 "You should have just accepted our ovadipositors" Iron feels black goo entering through all orifices of his body. The last thing he hears before he passes out is a "hehehe"
>>83252 Fuck. Well, what happens now? Do I wake up after having a broken neck and two broken legs or I somehow still am in this nightmare even with the intense physical and mental trauma? Anyways, you are going to bed now?
>>83264 What better love story than a duel of wits and skill ending up a relationship? Nevermind your good use of english and nice fleshing out of your story. Granted you can have a rich backstory due to the age you set up, but still, pretty good. Iron may have some objections about your meeting, though.
>>83266 Silver's face falls into a small frown. "They...did not like, having their leader taken from them. They promised they would be back for their revenge. At time, I did not think much of it. After all, everypony said something along those lines, and after I did not hear anything about them for next 18 years, I thought they were either dead, or forgot about their revenge. But they were very much alive, and they did not forget. They went into hiding, training for coming battle, bidding their time until it was time to strike. When she was alone, and exposed.
"One day, in late spring, we decided to go camping. Me, Storm, and our three children: Silver Rain, Spectral Streak, and White Light. It was not yet too hot to do so, and we thought it would be fun family activity, something we had not done in short while. I kissed Storm, went to go get firewood for campfire, and..."
Silver looks fairly...hurt, telling this next part. He starts choking up at times. "...they arrived. They told her they were back for revenge. And what better way to hurt he who took away somepony they cared about than to...to take away somepony he cared about. I got story from Rain. She...s-she told our children to run, and not look back. But, Rain did look back, as he fled with Spec and White. He saw them fight. She tried her best, to fight them off, but they were too strong for her. She did not have any weapon with her to fight back besides her hooves. And...and..." If Silver had any tears left to cry, they have been cried a long time ago. But it doesn't stop him from looking sadder than Blue has ever seen him before. "...they cut her down. Just as I came back into view with firewood. They killed her. Stabbed right through chest, throat slit. There was...nothing...I could have done. She was dead long before I got to her." His foreleg starts to shake. "Then I felt this...rage...like nothing I had ever felt before. It was raging inferno, filling my entire being. It consumed me. My vision went red, so red I can not remember seeing anything but red, until...I snapped. I can not know what I did to them exactly, but they were both in pieces when I came to, carved up by ax I had brought to collect firewood, all scattered around camp."
>>83268 Through out the telling of the first story, Blue can only give him questions that betray her lack of comprehension of the emotion behind the story. “Why would the equestrian military allow highwaymares run smock within eyesight of the capital for 20 years? Why would she agree to be captured when she had two allies in reserve? Why would you not disable or kill her right there? Why would she not kill you or run after your failure to disable her?”
But this story clicks with her, and she smiles in appreciation
>>83270 "I begged, pleaded to all deities I knew of. Celestia, Luna, Harmony, the old gods and goddesses, those deities of lands I had only heard of. I prayed, to both those I was worthy of and those I was not, to bring her back to me. I held her bloody corpse in my embrace, myself covered in her blood, my blood, blood of highwaymares, as I cried harder than I ever did before. I promised anything and everything to bring her back. To suffer pain of thousand deaths. To weather weight of world on my shoulders. Anything to bring my angel, my Storm, back to me. But I did not hear anything back.
"Next day, I buried her in front of our house, facing east so she could always watch sunrise each morning, like we used to do while we were together. I fell into deep depression after that, lasting for couple years. It was only my foals, and my duty to take care of them, raise them, that kept me going despite that deep sadness in me, that hollow feeling I had now that she no longer was there. Without them, I do not know how I could have gone on."
>>83141 >>83153 Dark Star smiles as he hears silvers story "She sounded like a wonderful mare." >>83174 >>83268 >>83270 >>83271 >although the mare may conceive children with a stallion superior to her husband should one come by Dark Stars gets up trying to hide the Sour expression on his face and walks over to glimmering glass "Give me 2 of your strongest drinks one for the old stallion and one for me."
>>83269 He definitely hinted that she died violently
>>83271 “Your story of intentionally avoiding victory for the sake of...” She seems confused for a moment “I guess you would call it ‘honor,’ is strange to me. If these highwaymares had a functional sense of self preservation, they would have killed you as soon as you turned your back to them. This idea that thieves would be so impressed by superior swordsmanship that they would follow you to the gallows... I would have hated to explain to the mothers of wagon drivers that their colts died because of the proud and fatal assumptions of bounty hunters. If I had been the highwaymare I certainly would have killed you for your hubris. It seems to have worked out well for you though. Very well in fact.”
“But this story of revenge - whether after 18 years over a life lost, or after 18 minutes for a lost family... that I understand”
And to his last story: “Curwhinny almost makes sense”
>>83272 Blue is a little confused “Is something wrong?”
>>83274 "I am glad, at least, that you have found one story you understand." He looks back at the photo in his grasp. "I suppose it is why I was reminded of her, when we read that passage from Curwhinny's book. It reminded me of that day, holding her in my hooves..." >>83275 Silver eventually decides to just shrug. "If it is what you think is best..."
>>83277 He tries to shake it off, but she can see him smile. "Ah. It is nothing to apologize for. It was many years ago, and there was nothing you could have done to change outcome, obviously. I am glad to be able to share story after so long. And I still have my children, even if they have grown up and have lives of their own." His voice returns to a more somber note. "That is, if they did not perish during Great War."
I wonder if Ash's player is currently in flight somewhere. He usually is around here by now. >>83284 How do you communicate edgy noises to other ponies? Do you emulate the riff of the ultimate edge song?
>>83280 >>83284 "I do not know, for certain. I have not heard from them since end of war." He pulls out three more photos, one for each of his children, grown into adults.
The first is labeled 'Silver Rain'. It's of a pegasus, wearing a dapper gambler suit and hat, looking like he'd fit right in in Las Pegasus. He looks strong, about as strong as Silver, a bit fluffy from the bits of exposed coat in the photo, and his wings even folded against his suit look like they're big and broad, and well suited for flying. His hooves look like they've been in many hoof fights before, even through the immaculate care that's been given to them. His hair is blown back naturally like his mother's. His eyes look like they have a fire inside them just waiting to be released. "Silver Rain was my oldest. Our firstborn. He was a feisty one, even when he could barely walk on all hour legs. He definitely inherited his mother's fury. You can see it in his eyes, so much like hers they were. Combined with strength he got from me, he would have made for fine warrior. But, he decided against that life, and after witnessing death of Storm...he changed, from what I knew. Before, he was always wanting to adventure, to see something new, but after, he became...distant. Left as soon as he was able, with only parting goodbye to me and his siblings. Last I heard, he was involved in some...unsavory business in Las Pegasus, though I am not sure if anything came from investigations or not."
The second photo is of another pegasus, labeled 'Spectral Streak'. He's leaner than Rain, and despite his slightly smaller wings he looks like he's faster than him, too, but the look in his eyes suggests that it's not just his body that's fast. In his steel gaze, he looks like he could see things faster than most ponies, like he could recognize the slightest of movement in an instant. His hair is cut short, like a military cut. In the photo, he's in an Equestrian military base, dressed up in an officer's uniform, with a scoped Lavender rifle at his side. The patches on his uniform, combined with the other equipment he carries, suggests he was a Captain in a recon company. "Spectral Streak. I saw so much of myself in him, even if he was not so strong. From his mother, he got her ability to laugh, and see joy in everything. He was always looking to fight, but unlike me, when he fought, he wanted it to be to protect others, to fight for those who could not. And even if he did not have my strength, he had more than double courage that Storm and I had. And he was good with rifle. Great, even. Perhaps one of best. In service, he was so lethal at range, his fellow soldiers had nickname for him: White Death. Funny, considering his sister's name. Last I heard, he was on Western Front, though it would not surprise me to learn if he had been recalled to East after New Mareland invaded to provide support for defensive forces."
The third photo is of a unicorn, labeled 'White Light'. She's a jaw-droppingly beautiful mare, with long hair tied up into ponytails and a smile that would melt even the coldest of hearts around her. She doesn't look very physically impressive, especially compared to her brothers, but her eyes carries an intelligence neither her father or mother has. She's wearing a set of mage's robes worn by head mages of the Equestrian Mage's Guild. "White Light. My daughter. I do not know where she got it from, but she was probably smartest pony I have ever known. She could figure out answers to questions in very short amount of time. She always wanted to learn, to find out something new. On her own, she was good with magic, but with spellbook in front of her, she was able to do anything. And she loved to laugh, even more so than Spec. Her laughter could brighten up anypony's day. Last I heard, she was in Canterlot, doing research for Equestria into combat spells to help during war."
>>83291 "I hope so, I will admit. But with what chaos we went through during and after war, I do not know." If you want me to tell you what happened to them OOC, let me know. Otherwise, whatever you decide to come up with is acceptable.
In the meantime, I'll be right back. Got dinner to eat.
>>83296 "Ocean Wind was from one of the aristocratic families of Thessaloneighki. Great big dark blue white stallion. Brown mane, moderate beard. He was never a soldier, although he certainly had the attitude of one. Stern and Stoic, he thought of it as tough love to his children. At one point he managed a cloud factory in the Eastern Riverlands. That is what he wanted for me, to follow him in some sort of weather management. He thought that there was something unique and wonderful in the power of bringing the rains that made the crops grow. He was disappointed when I could not even move a cloud"
>>83302 Oh, Her Luminous Armor Wore off 5 hours after she cast it. It's probably gone by now. Her AC is now once again 10. She still has the strength damage though. Her strength will be 6 for the next day or so.
>>83307 Sacrifice component: Damaged abilities in exchange for a moderately above-average powered spell means a that a caster can't just spam a bunch of sanctified spells without crippling themselves for weeks.
>>83305 "It was the first of many disappointments evidently. He made me try again. I didn't simply fail, I failed magnificently. Sometimes gliding through the mist. I wanted to be more like my mother anyways, and her bloodline. Soldiers as far back as even into Thermponyle, not that he didn't have some of the same on his side. My brother... I scarce want to say his name, 'Cape Geese,' had been injured severely many years before in a jousting competition and nearly died. It changed his personality. At least that is what I told everyone. I was a very young foal when that happened. But he did not want the same to happen to me and forbade me from doing that. And I obeyed, as I didn't see the point in some of the jousting. But what I could do was join the Crypteia, and in that he was not terribly supportive either"
>>83311 "To some extent, yes. But like all things, nature has not distributed the gift equally. And some are better or worse than others"
>>83315 "Hmm. I suppose I can understand that much." He pats his horn, useful for only telekinesis and producing a limited amount of light, or as a makeshift stabbing implement. It's a bit of a lucky break that Glass didn't actually give Star that alcohol he ordered.
>>83316 "Yes, it is essentially similar to unicorn magic in that regard. While every Narwhal can lift a pen, only some can do the fancy parlor tricks those Unicorns in Wittenland base their form of government off of. And so it is that while nigh every Pegasus can walk on clouds, not all of them can kick them into vapor"
Why?
>>83317 *comforted cooing noises* "She was more... Involved with the family. More direct and around us. That being despite the fact that she was a full Hoplite Soldier, who left on occasions for excursions to the West and towards the griffin lands. She was named Western Skies, perhaps for the fact that she was among the noble Pegasi who controlled them. She was proud, definitely. She managed to be the loving parent I desperately needed. When my father's plan for me didn't work out, she supported my efforts to join the citizen's military. I was not going to Hoplite. But I could be" she looks away "could have been - a reconnaissance scout, with my small size and relative stealth"
>>83318 He actually seems amused by the name. "Narwhal? I don't believe I've heard that one before." I don't imagine it's a very good idea to get drunk immediately before a stealth mission.
>>83320 "...pfffffft…" Silver leans back in his seat and laughs at the variety of names for a few seconds before wiping a tear of joy from his face. "Bonehead I have heard before, but never have I heard 'pickle skull'. That is probably funniest name I have heard yet."
>>83321 "I tried to. She was a great source of inspiration for me. Seeing her in full armor was... almost awe inducing. I don't mean to say that Ocean Wind provided nothing. He showed what a pegasus could be, and to see his piety beneath the great Doric columns of the temple of Bellerophron... To see my mother in formation with the other hoplites across clear blue skies... There was something inspiring about the setting. A real feeling of being a part of something graceful, ancient, and noble"
>>83322 "There are less polite ways of saying much the same, if you get my meaning"
>>83323 "Oh, I imagine. I imagine there are many names related to phalluses for us unicorns where you come from. But, in end, they are just names. They are not what define us. Much as myriad names for pegasi do not define who you are, nor do myriad names for earth ponies define who Dark Star is."
>>83325 She’s almost to cooing, but there is a sort of fear emanating from her
>>83326 “True. Your lack of wings and the capacity for flight is what defines you all” She spreads now her great wings, fairly wide and long, with large feathers of an Azure White coloration. These have been very well kept and cleaned.
>>83329 Silver laughs. "Also true, in way I suppose. But that is what makes pegasi unique from rest of us. Like our horns and our ability to use magic makes unicorns unique from other ponies, and natural strength and connection to nature makes earth ponies unique." He looks over her wings, silently admiring their beauty.
>>83331 She moves around her wings to show them off, and any other parts of her body should Silver’s eyes imply an interest. She cannot fully extend her wings, however, owing to the limited space in the bar
“It is what makes us the guardian protectors. The tip of the spear”
>>83333 "And our magic is what makes us ideal supporters and suppressors. Deadly magic aimed at the enemy, protective shields for our allies. With earth ponies to take command of ground with their strength and their own special magic? Together all three pony races are nigh unstoppable, when we work together." Silver's eyes are mostly focused on her wings, but he does find an interest in the general beauty of the pegasus. "You are beautiful mare, if I am allowed to say so. Dark Star is lucky to have you."
>>83340 Well, you probably have played a lot more than the others here, so you would be looking for a challenge, either RP-wise or mechanically. Hope you got what you're looking for.
>>83342 Not really. I've only played once "whole" campaign. I've just been reading books about it a lot since, because I was really eager to play another one.
>>83337 Her right wing is extended out towards Dark Star, and she resumes her trademark smile with new confidence from Dark Star’s remarks. With permission from Silver’s glance she moves a little away from the table, exposing her frame and her right hind leg to him. Her neck is slim, and though her chest is large and does not show the ribs, with just a few tufts of fur, her barrel is more slender around her barrel. It’s a body shape that is more normal for larger equines like Alicorns, but less common for smaller ponies. Her hips are fairly wide and her right thigh is far from scrawny. Her right hind leg is slender, with small tufts of fur around her fetlocks, and well trimmed hooves. Her tail is long and straight, and of the same French Sky Blue color as her mane, though it does not touch the floor. Her wings, and where they meet her back have as much muscle mass and her hind legs. Her left wing is extended so far that it is the length of the table, now going around Dark Star, and they are wide as well. While it would be very presumptuous to say that she is the most beautiful mare Silver has seen in his long and well traveled life (sans his wife of course). What would be fair to say is that she tries to be pretty, and it has had some payoff. She smells of lavender... or is that Dark Star?
“Just remember that in peacetime, the royal guard and the Wonderbolts were dominated by Pegasi, and during the war, both side used Pegasi as their special forces and swift hitters. And there is a reason for that”
>>83346 "Indeed, Dark Star is lucky stallion." He tries and mostly fails to hide the fact that he does indeed find her to be gorgeous, and probably one of the prettier mares he's met, mostly for Dark Star's sake rather than anypony else's. Storm Warning, however, still stays the most beautiful mare Silver's ever seen, bar none.
"And much like pegasi, unicorns were integral part of not just special forces, but of all divisions. Mage companies helped to keep our armies healthy and protected in addition to fighting on front lines, and in peacetime, unicorns helped to pioneer many technologies with help from earth pony ingenuity."
>>83348 Blue Skies, for her part, makes no effort to hide how she revels in the attention. She if goes at Dark Star’s remarks. Whereas before her right though had been crossed left over the bottom of her belly, while her leg hung out towards the right, she moves her right stifle outwards, allowing a full view of her barrel between her thighs and her two small teats. Then she crosses her left leg over her right stifle, an act that makes it easier for her to lean towards Dark Star, to her left. Should he look at her flanks, he can see her cutie mark: a sword or knife with golden wings around it
“Oh I know. I’ve been told many times of these mixed units. ‘Combined arms’ they call it. It is good to make the best of what you have. Because if Equestria had had enough Pegasi to fill its divisions with only Pegasi, they would have won”
>>83349 She likes the stroking, and leans in towards Dark Star. She smiles at him
>>83350 "Perhaps. Then again, weaponry and tactics required to bring down changeling panzers does not suit pegasus flight quite like it does unicorn magic. I have heard tales of some unicorns' spells being strong enough to disable or even outright destroy panzers, should they manage to hit their magazines, treads, or other weak spots."
He doesn't try to spend too much time looking at her teats out of respect for Dark Star and his relationship with Blue, but he does note that they're the typical size he would expect for a pegasus of her stature, and that they're of a similar beauty to the rest of her body. What he does take an interest in is the mark on her flanks. "Your talent mark. How did you earn it, if I may ask?"
>>83333 Fug it. I'll try to tell it like it is from the perspective of the Catholic-hippie-pangan-taoist-buddhist-dragonkin persona I've created.
Sister Ash pauses for some time, still holding Abby to her fluff as she strokes the little filly's mane. ".. The world, as it is, isn't a very safe place..." She says, after a minute ".. It can be frightening, cruel, and unfair, full of dangerous crestures; you had to learn that the hard way..." She continues "But the world isn't terrible either.. It's bountiful and full of beautiful things; full of mysteries and magick in every corner of the realm. There's plenty in the world to be afraid of, but that just means there's so much more worth protecting..." She nudges the filly slightly ".. Like you.." she says, softly ".. There's so much in this world worth protecting: the trees in the valley, the meadows, the ponies running through them.. There's so much to keep safe, but only so many ponies who can do it..." Then she pauses, as if unsure how to continue "Nopony can protect everything all on their own, but everypony has something they want to protect.. Some ponies want to protect their country, others want to protect themselves, for some it's their family, and for others it's only themselves.. Protecting things is part of what makes life meaningful; what keep ponies going in this beautiful and dangerous world. The thing you want to protect defines what you are, but you don't have to decide that so early on...." "The Sisters in this abbey are all here, because they've chosen to protect.. They want to protect you, and your friends, even if they can't always do it all themselves.. Foals like you.. aren't at an age when they can completely protect themselves, so they need help, from grown-ups, and from eachother.. You weren't completely wrong about being helpless, but you'll grow up one day, and then you'll have something you want to protect too..." Then she turns the filly to make eye contact with her "..But in the meantime.. Please let us try again to protect you.. Okay?" She asks, almost pleadingly
>>83353 She laughs “Oh yes, let grounded ponies fight winged Changelings. Please, unless a unicorn has a special talent as a tank destroyer, they are not of much more use than any other pony. Against the more more modern machinations de la guerre you want nothing less than equal machines. Anti tank guns, bombers, artillery, other tanks.”
“My cutie mark?” She smiles, takes her left leg and moves it down, showing her teats again, and it may be noted that their size implies that she has never been pregnant. She moves her right stifle in, and once again her right flank faces silver, allowing him to see her cutie mark right side up
“This happened as I was with a group of fillies in school. During the summer they would take us out for mock excercises. Like a sort of foretaste of the agoge trials we would take when we were older. One of the exercises was to decide the foals into teams, and go out into the woods and try to take the flag from the opposing team’s base. I separated from my group, and found their little base soon enough, though they had many guards. I managed to sneak around them, and take it right under their noses. When I got back to base, I had the flag in hoof, and this on my flank. The opposing team was genuinely baffled as to how I had find it. It relieved my mother, as I had been among the last in my age group to get her cutie mark.”
>>83354 “D’aww, thanks” Her ears flinch and twitch in response to his touching. They are somewhat long, and relatively fluffy with her azure white fur
>>83357 "Hmm. That is interesting story." Getting the idea from Dark Star that he should stop eyeing his marefriend, lest things sour between them, Silver goes back to looking at her, face-to-face. "So, these agoge trials, are they similar to this game of capture-flag you played as filly?"
>>83358 reeeeeeeeee I'm not qualified to take care of children Sister Ash hugs the filly tighter for a few seconds ".. They couldn't.. but they did everything they they could.. I did everything I could.. So if you have it in you, could you trust us with another chance..?"
>>83360 Dude, just lie and tell her that a white knight hero will come and save everyone. That lie works with real children, it works even better in a world where heroes actually exist She is silent for a long while. Finally she says “I guess”
>>83359 “I thought I told you about those? Not quite, they involve racing, tests of stealth, and combat competitions. They are the tests you must pass to become a citizen. Or that’s how it used to be”
>>83362 "I do not believe you did. But that could just be my forgetfulness." He shrugs it off. "It certainly does sound like your people held warriors in high regard."
>>83376 "These changelings, were they like those in Equestria before Chrysalis came along? Preferring to keep hidden and let us live our lives without interference?"
>>83376 >There are some items remaining on the plate Unacceptable. Eventually, Sister Ash nudges Abby once more with her muzzle. ".. You didn't eat all day.. You should finish up before bed."
>>83377 "I can't say I have much experience with Western Changelings before Chrysalis, so I cannot speak to them. But I can say that the Eastern hives tended to keep to themselves. I heard in Farbrook they would walk through the streets, no disguise, and ask ponies for love, usually through a trade. That was of course before it was discovered that Changelings were monsters and that stopped. Some of the more aggressive hives would send out disguised changelings to other lands, or swap foals. None would raid in swarms."
>>83385 I kind of assumed that most ponies would just put their faces to the plates. They seemed to do so quite a bit in the show, except for a few pompous unicorns. Just wondering.
>>83387 I think Applejack did that as a sign that she was uncultured, and Rainbow Dash did that deliberately in the Indiana Jones episode to gross out the others
>>83386 "Why thank you" She takes the drink, and gives him her smile
>>83379 "Changelings here were..." He seems to struggle to find the right word. "...let us say 'isolated'. They had prejudices against ponykind, believed that ponies could never truly accept them for what they were. Equestrians were prejudiced against changelings, believing them to have something to hide. No one knows where it started, or who started it, but we had been at odds for many years. It was rarer than rare for those two to interact openly. Sometimes, it was peaceful. At other times...not so much. Changelings, instead, for the most part preferred to stay silent, and separate, only interacting through their disguises to acquire love for their hives, which were often very far from civilization. There were stories, of course, of them stealing foals from homes, but back then one could argue it was just stories meant to frighten young foals and naïve ponies. Now, I am not so sure, myself.
"Either way, I imagine many Equestrians would gladly take these changelings of East, these ones you speak of having been in Farbrook, over what we have to deal with now. Even with our misgivings about these bugs" >>83383 >>83386 >>83388 Silver stares oddly at the tiny mixed drink given to Blue. He looks confused as to why such a thing exists.
>>83388 I think I can recall a few other scenes where ponies would just walk up and take a bite out of whatever they were eating. I think I've only seen a fork like once in the whole show. >AJ >Uncultured
Well, anyway, Sister Ash let's Abby finish her meal before she gets ready to take the tray away.
>>83390 "Indeed. She needs to be stopped, before we allow her to gain even more strength." He continue to stares at the drink. "Is that even good drink? Or is it like those meals they serve at fancy restaurants I keep hearing about: artsy, with no real substance?"
>>83396 *Pets filly one more time* "That's a start then." she says, as she floats the empty tray "You'd best get ready for bed soon. You were up all night last night afterall.." continues
>>83407 "You say you are from Stalliongrad, Sait Petershoof I think, but then you said you were doing work in the vicinity of Ponyville. And 18 years after that, you were attacked by bandits who originated from somewhere around the area of Ponyville" She thinks this is a question
>>83409 "Such is life of mercenary. You go where work is, or where you think work will be. As for Ponyville job, I got tip off for work near there as I was travelling in region. I forget who gave me tip, then..." He rubs his chin in thought as he tries to figure out who gave him the original tip, but he comes up with nothing.
>>83419 Silver gets a good laugh from this. "Her? Pfft, nah. Well, perhaps not in that particular fashion. But it could be she made extra sure to spread word of her band's deeds as far and wide as possible, to bring in more bounty hunters after her."
>>83419 I'll assume he got at least a quarter of his health back, maybe half. Iron wakes up, panting heavily. His coat is sweaty, his hindlegs feel weak, forelegs are heavy on him. He throws away the blankets that he was on, looking for any damage on his supposedly broken legs and bloodied anus, unsure if it was a dream or some sick, twisted reality he was stuck on.
>>83421 "Unless she had a death wish - and it sounds like she may have - that makes little sense to me. If I were a thief in a forest, the last thing I would want is for everypony to know that there is a thief in a forest"
>>83422 Nope, he is not dripping blood from his anus. He does feel like he might have a mild case of colic. There is a pain in his mid to lower intestine. Must be from the grass he ate yesterday
>>83423 "Perhaps she did. All I know is that she felt unfulfilled. She had lost all feeling like she was challenged, so she tried to bring bigger challenges to her, until she would either be matched, or be beaten."
>>83424 She looks at him "That's kind of scary. Imagine if a creature with that kind of attitude took control of an entire nation, rather than just a three pony band of highway mares"
>>83423 >looks up colic on web browser >find out Iron can die from colic >inb4 Iron dies from eating grass of all things Or, you know, the thing has nestled inside me and is waiting on Iron going to sleep again to start eating his insides
Iron breathes a sigh of relief followed by a grunt, lightly rubbing his belly. He groans in mild pain. He slowly stands up from the bed and lazily walks outside of his room. He decides to explore the abbey some more, maybe hoping to see some of the rescued foals to see how they are doing so far.
>>83427 Her offended look suggests that she interpreted his statement as intended ironically. She takes a sip of her drink.
>>83426 The foals seem to be released from dinner when Iron comes out, transitioning from a cafeteria to a common area. The Sisters seem sort of surprised to see him, while the foals are less afraid than they were the day before
>>83428 Iron is relieved by the receding fear the foals have on him. He is interested in that unicorn foal that was very clingy to Ash, just in case he might act dumb some more in front of him with some small teasing.
>>83429 She smiles and places a hoof over Dark Star's shoulder after he makes that last comment
>>83430 The small unicorn foal is not in the common area. When Iron looks around, he can find the small foal in a high chair in the dining area as a Sister tries to feed him
>>83428 He raises his hooves in innocence, and smiles awkwardly. "No, no, I did not mean it like that. For what I think of your Duke, I do not think he is like that."
>>83434 Huh, seems the foal is acting more civilized than he expected. Strange. He hissed and was relatively angry at Iron on his trip here, which was rather endearing for him. Iron watches some more, just to make sure he doesn't do any funny business.
>>83436 Iron is a bit embarrased. "Oh, sorry. I did not mean to be a nuisance. How is the colt you are feeding doing? He seems quite different from yesterday when he was brought back here."
>>83434 "Of course I would, but that does not mean I want to choose him. It is choice between giving up our sovereignty to foreign power we do not feel cares for us, or being slaves to creatures that feed on emotions. It is choice between two evils for us, even if one is clearly lesser."
>>83439 "We think his digestive system suffered partial damage from starvation. He refuses any solid foods, but we discovered he will eat honey. I am trying to mix in vitamins"
>>83440 "You know the new Marelanders are your own Equestrian kind, right? Descendants of the same three tribes, worship the same religion, speak the same language, have the same basic legal system, had entirely the same history for 500 years and a linked history for 500 years after that... They had the same sovereign until living memory. And that to you is 'foreign'? They have more in common than either does to any eastern pony nation, or really than the Eastern pony have with each other. If The Duke is 'a foreigner,' then so is the Mi Amore dynasty the Equestrians installed as a puppet government over the crystal ponies"
>>83448 "Do you believe we should be stuck here? As in do we as defeated ponies of a nation that fought against the Duke deserve to be stuck on a land that at any moment can be consumed by the changelings?"
>>83445 "500 years is long time. It is half lifespan of Equestria. In that time, they have developed their own culture, their own history. They developed their own accents to speak. They have developed their own denominations of Celestialism. They have their own flora, and fauna, that they recognize and study. They made their own businesses. They have their own holidays. They had their own laws. By time they had declared their independence, all that linked New Mareland to Equestria was that we were both nations of ponies, and that long ago, we were one. Fairly flimsy link, as you have pointed out.
"New Mareland is New Mareland. Equestria is Equestria. In end, they are just as foreign to us as we are to them. And as they would not want to be ruled by us Equestrians, we Equestrians do not want to be ruled by them."
>>83449 She moves closer to Iron, as if to say this only to Iron "When the body is deprived of food for too long, it starts to cannibalize itself, destroying its own organs for sustenance. The intestines are among those. We think that this process started on this foal, and it means that he is not taking solid foods well. That is why we are giving him honey, for the hope that he will recover"
>>83452 "I can't blame New Mareland for what happened and how they treat us now. But most of us didn't want anything to do with a war. A few may have just because Celestia said so, and of course we followed what she said. But now we are doomed to die for something we had no control of, unless the changelings can be defeated, in which case we are at the mercy of the Duke for the rest of our lives."
>>83452 Iron thinks he understands. He starts to whisper. "Anything in particular that is needed to boost his recovery? There must be something to restore his body from starvation." He thinks some more. "Are the other foals that we brought back having this problem as well?"
>>83455 "The other foals are not. They say that this particular foal was kept in a cage. I am trying to add vitamins to the honey, which itself is high enough in calories, and sweet enough for him to take it"
>>83454 "Which is why we intend to keep back Chrysalis. Ask this guy here why he does not want to help"
>>83452 "And maybe New Mareland should have recognized that we are stronger together, and put aside their differences with us to fight against Chrysalis. Maybe they should not have acted so rash, when they interfered in tricky political situation. But they did not recognize this, and they did act rash. And now, these should haves and should have nots will serve us no purpose." >>83456 "You are not keeping them back. They are holding back of their own accord, building strength while they have no enemies attacking. If they decided to attack, New Mareland would not have enough forces here to do even half of what Equestria was doing by end of war."
>>83456 Right. He forgot about that. "It seems you have this under control." Iron thinks some more. "Tell me, who is the most knowledgable pony about the religion in this building? I want to ask a few questions about it."
>>83457 "In fairness, we declared war on them. Not much they could have done to stay out of political situations from that." >>83456 "However... he makes a good point. You aren't prepared for a war. Tell me, why were you so excited to get those books?"
>>83457 She look at him with mild annoyance "Equestria declared war first. Before the Changeling invasion. They openly supported the Iconoclast griffins in their war against us, even sending expeditionary forces. It is Equestria that had the power to recognize that they were stronger with their old dominion than without it. They left New Mareland no choice"
"Have you ever thrown meet to distract attacking dogs?"
>>83460 "Thank you. I will leave you be now." Iron now looks for this sister Marey. He thinks it was the mare that greeted him and Ash last night, but maybe it was Thyme. He doesn't really remember.
>>83450 >>83454 "the duke has a war to win in the east. if you want some one to protect equestria, im going to be running next election." celestia did."
>>83466 "Well, you never really finished explaining about how relationships have this natural order to them. It was you who told me that when I asked to sleep on the same quarters as Ash last night, right?
>>83469 She tries to ponder the best way of explaining it "You know how the lock only makes sense with the key, and the key only makes sense with the lock? Both are useless without the other"
>>83463 "So, let me get this straight: New Mareland declared their independence, abandoned concept of Harmony, this ideology that promotes peaceful cooperation between countries that had been rooted in Equestrian culture for millennia, and then, when they declared war on griffon neighbors against Equestria's earlier wishes, they act surprised and outraged when Equestria comes to aid of griffons who were attacked first? Surely they must have seen that coming, and knew what they were going to cause."
>>83470 "Huh? 'luck' makes sense with the 'peaks'? Is that a complex metaphor?" Iron cocks his head. Perhaps Marey should consider more natural objects to compare it with.
>>83464 "I hope that goes well." >>83471 "You call armed conflict aid? What right did we have to war against a nation that declared independence? They fought against those that would have conquered New Mareland if they had the chance. And since when do we use war as our first means of settling the issue? Had we learned nothing from the Elements?"
>>83473 "Had New Mareland learned anything from Elements? For 500 years, their neighbors did not try to conquer them. Even with Equestria being so far away and so unprepared for war, they did nothing. I imagine we tried our damnedest to convince New Mareland to not declare war. I would be shocked if we did not. But New Mareland declared war on neighboring countries first. I doubt any attempt we made to resolve issue peacefully would have convinced them to stop."
>>83478 "Then how are you supposed to ever survive if you are not allowed to strike first to save lives? Are you supposed to allow the enemy to take lives just so you have the moral superiority to fight? There is indeed a wrong time and wrong way to war, but to say it is cut and dry defensive war only that is good, you are mistaken."
>>83471 "Celestia being a dirty griffin lover would explain why the New Marelanders thought that they needed a new government certainly.
Now, let me see if I can get you straight. You worship a God-emperor who was never elected, and is questionably even from the normal ponies to begin with. And for a thousand years She allowed disharmony and conflict within her Empire. She herself is too weak to fight back the world ending terrors that invade every year, be it Chrysalis the first time, Discord, Tirek, or the Storm King. Then, recently, she appoints a new princess, who is competent enough in her role... but who herself takes as an adviser who was a psychopathic leftist dictator who would systematically remove harmony magic from ponies as a way of bringing 'harmony.' And after she takes this new adviser, Equestria ceases its isolationism, but tries to convert its neighboring nations to its philosophic doctrine under the theory that they would take it in kind.
And so when the Reformistin begin murdering eastern ponies en masse, this means nothing to Celestia. When mass immigration of griffons causes social disruption in New Mareland, this means nothing to Celestia. When the successor states of the Griffonian empire were overthrown by dictators and revolutionaries and began to expand, this was not concern for Celestia. But a pony nation trying to take active measures against the threats... this is outrageous?
And so, they declare war on their old subjects. They are then invaded by their neighbors. They get their asses handed to them utterly. And then with this self caused catastrophe they point the blame to anycreature but themselves"
>>83475 "For 500 years their neighbors, your beloved griffins, attacked the Eastern ponies. they burned our cities, sacked our towns, raided and pillaged. They conquered pony land and set up oppressive knightly regimes. They appointed bandits as border guards. Are the Eastern ponies life not worthy of life to you? Do you care not for us? Are we too far away? But never mind that, because it wasn't the Griffonian Empire that was New Mareland's problem. It was the myriad successor states. Those were ruled not only by your beloved greedy nobles, but by iconoclastic griffin revolutionaries, and power hungry dictators" \r
>>83480 Silver glares at her, and keeps his voice low. It's clear he's trying to keep from getting angry at what she's saying. "We did what we had to do. We did what we had to do to keep Harmony alive. Because we knew what would happen if it died. We already know what would happen, because it is happening now. There is no peace, only war. No life, only death. We look at our neighbors with suspicion. We stop believing in friends, in allies. All we see are enemies. There is no respect between nations and peoples, only distrust and hatred.
"Say what you will about what we have and have not done. But we had reason to do so. We tried to keep this world from falling apart into chaos and disharmony. We tried to preserve Harmony because we knew what we could build with it. And then New Mareland decided to invade Equestria. And now Harmony is dying, because last bastion of Harmony, its last protector, is gone. New Mareland has done nothing since it declared independence but declare war, after war, after war. You can not build with war. Only destroy. And, if New Mareland is not conquered by those who also seek to declare war, once there is no one left to wage war against, New Mareland will declare war on itself, and be destroyed."
>>83481 "Well, I can't be sure if I remember the context of that conversation, but everything has an order to it. As the seasons, as the sun to the plants, and as the weather"
>>83487 "Ah, so you are saying that there is a sort of connection between the two. I think you are insinuating that mares and stallions also have this as well, right?" Iron thinks he has it.
>>83486 "No, They - we - did what had to be done to prevent harmony - true harmony - from being extinguished and wiped out. And I don't mean the 'harmony' that Snake whispered into Celestia's protege's ear. Unlike you, we have not given up. I have not given up"
>>83489 "Have you ever heard of a 'non-disclosure agreement'?"
>>83488 "Why yes of course, an order in all things"
>>83490 "I see, so what is the order between the two? You only said that mares and stallions sleep very far apart, which sounds unnatural. What is the reason for it?"
>>83490 He chuckles once to himself. "Of course you would view that as...'true'...harmony. You were never taught meaning of Harmony in first place." Silver sighs, and steps out of his seat. Just like earlier, when Silver told his story, he knows that Blue will never understand. "I do not like politics much. I like to separate politics from ponies, when it comes up." He looks right at Blue, something indecipherable in his vision. "You are good pony, when separated from your politics. Never forget that." >>83483 >>83490 >>83492 Silver turns to his companions. "I will be in my room here in tavern. Let me know when Ash arrives." With that, he leaves the bar to his room, to have a smoke and settle down.
>>83494 "I don't want to rain on your parade Dark Star, but you can't. All you would be capable of is buying more time with whatever they trade for it. You would be far better than anypony else in such a position though. And it would probably a better job for you. Your marefriend wouldn't worry quite so much about you showing up within an inch of your life."
>>83499 "I can't say I understand your friend there. He will go on tirades about Chrysalis, but when the time comes to commit to doing anything about it, he freezes up and says he will just die"
>>83500 "In a way, yes, it is. But no. No, it is not. It is a bind together for life between the mare and the stallion, before society and before the universe"
>>83501 "So do they tie themselves with a string of sorts? I have no clue how you could show that without a pregnant mare and the stallion protecting the mare." Iron scratches his head in confusion.
>>83505 "I feel like at some times just throwing my hooves up and saying 'alright then. Become a Changeling feeding thrall. You are not my problem any longer.'
>>83504 "Living together and having children is the substance of the relationship that forms its core. Marriage is this relations plus lines that define it. An explicit set of vows, and a ceremony known to the world that the world may know"
>>83507 "Vows of love and protection and whatever else may be necessary before a minister of religion. Attendance of peers from the community. And usually a contract that involves the state that has legal ramifications"
>>83508 "That sounds rather complicated." Iron is confused but gets the gist that marriage is just for show to others to commemorate their love, which seems stupid for him. "So, why do you separate mares and stallions that are unmarried, then?"
>>83516 "I'm looking for how you see us. Do you think we are prisoners that need to be kept here awaiting our fate?" >>83518 "We are either changeling food or force labor now. Unless you are lucky enough to find favor with the Black Hooves."
>>83520 I've already said I suck with politics and debating, so however much I suck as Silver at politics and debating is as much him sucking as me sucking. I'd be a detriment to the National Socialist cause if I took a public roll for it.
>>83525 "I don't know what 'stuck' means. Prisoners of war are prisoners of war and non POWs are not POWs. Equestrians are prisoners of war if they are prisoners of war and they are not prisoners of war if they are not prisoners of war. i don't understand your question"
>>83528 "I am not sure of the meaning of 'us,' but I have a special hatred in my heart for all of those who hate me. Repaying them in kind is what keeps me going in life"
>>83527 Iron does the unthinkable. He starts to caress Marey's mane and head in a small continuous stroke. Left and right his hoof strokes her mane, ruffling her mane slightly.
>>83536 Iron is spooked by her outburst. He retracts his hoof. "Sorry! I just wanted to know if that is considered sexual contact." He drops down to his knees, completely ashamed. "Please forgive my actions."
>>83538 Iron thinks it has violated the rule Marey had just said. He keeps his head down and body is prone, begging for forgiveness. He does not speak for the time being, just in case he says something stupid.
>>83541 "I am asking for forgiveness from my sexual contact against you. Please, forgive me." Iron's muzzle is now touching the floor, not daring to move from his prone position.
>>83546 "I think that could get far with them if they believed that. I think that what Silver wants is proof that the Blackhooves do indeed care for their mainland Equestrian subjects. That is what he wants most. To feel cared about. I'm just here as an expression of my eternal hatred for all manner of social progressives and because nowhere else would take me. I'm not very good at this 'caring' business"
>>83545 "Because it's strange to just start touching a mare you don't know well"
>>83547 "Oh." Iron looks around, now a brighter shade of red appearing on his cheeks. He looks back at Marey. "How far could I have pet you in your body without it being considered sexual contact?" He stands up as he says this.
>>83549 It's her turn now to turn a bright red. Eventually, she manages to say the following "No touching of the genitals" This is exactly as awkward and as difficult an exchange as you would expect to have with a nun
>>83548 >>83550 She looks at him "And that is why shall be a more public face of the Blackhooves"
>>83552 Well, it's kinda fun to RP this scene tbh. Sorry Iron, but endure just a bit longer aka 10 IRL minutes. Iron cocks his head, blush still present from his exaggerated apology. "You mean you could touch a mare's hindlegs and even flanks without it being considered sexual contact?"
>>83556 Iron pouts. "But I like touching mares." He shakes his head and hugs Marey. "Thank you for your kindness and patience. You are a nice mare, Marey." >>83557 I think they're not screaming rape because Iron's a big boi.
>>83557 "I think you have what it takes. You already got a bunch of ponies that didn't know each other to follow you on a dangerous mission. With some support and preparation... and making sure the other side doesn't use their corruption, you might make it."
>>83560 Iron smiles. "I will leave you be now, do not worry." He then decides to walk outside the abbey into the garden to do some physical excercise, wondering what ramifications this event has caused.
I am imagining Iron looking more or less like Quibble Pants, except I guess with a grey coat, and speaking with a noticeable Spanish accent, possibly sounding on occasion like Don Karnage from Tailspin
>>83562 Well, it also is more muscular and big, becuase muh natural strength and all, has a very uncombed mane instead of that well-maintained one Quibble has in the pic and maybe has another accent, but I should look a bit further for a comparison, so it sticks for now, cause it's a funny accent. >>83564 >>83565 Well, that concludes Iron's antics for today. He will excercise until Ash picks him up or something. Have a good night all.
>>83572 He claimed the western ones used to be like the eastern which he described as fairly docile. I don’t think that the word “honeybee” was used, but it is definitely what I was picturing
Okay, well. I may as well say that I would have Sister Ash excuse herself and take the tray back to the kitchen. I thought I'd be putting Abby to bed, but I guess it's too early for that.
Now I can have her get Iron and Caleb, and then meet with the rest of the party.
>>83587 You monster The feeding just have been going on a while before Ash arrived, as only a couple more teaspoons are given before it is done. The colt, for his part, greedily kicks up the sweet, sticky substance with a sort of smacking
>>83603 Well that's not good. After doing his small workout, Iron then goes to his room to prepare. No way Ash still needs to be here. In there, he would put all his armor pieces except for the good hoof and equips his shield, now fully ready to go to the tavern.
>>83604 Ash comes to meet him after some time, having borrowed a new shawl from the laundryroom. "Forgive me for the wait. There were a couple foals that needed a bit of extra attention.." she says
>>83606 Iron waves it off as he finishes up placing the last foreleg armor. "It is fine. I have my share of activities here as well." He chuckles. "Shall we go to that tavern, then?"
>>83610 Iron smiles. "Alright. We must move. I hope they are not slacking off and have thought a plan to investigate Comte already." Iron has joined Ash's party, ready to follow her.
>>83614 As Comte is not the subject of an active investigation, the file contains only the barest information. A description of comte’s role in the community: presently as a city council member and s philanthropist, a description of some of his activities, most importantly that he will be out for a meeting tonight for two hours, and a map of the location of his house, which should be the only area of interest
>>83623 “The objective is to document either anything ‘scandalous’ which could damage the reputation of the Social Democrats as a whole, or any information that could relate to involvement in subversive activities”
>>83634 There should be just Spark at the tavern himself. Sliver is in a room and the loverboys should be in another room. >>83635 Iron just goes to Spark. "Well, here we are. Where are the others?"
>>83641 Silver says something mumbled through the door before opening it to answer. He looks a lot less equipped than he did earlier: he's got his fatigues and his boots on, his saddlebags look much less weighed down, and he's got his rifle, but he doesn't have his greatsword, hammer, or armor. "I take it Ash is here, then?"
>>83644 He waves it off. "Nah. That was why I went to room, to get away from it before I did. I am fine." >>83643 He chuckles as he sees Ash bow. "You do not need to bow down to me, Sister Ash. I am no more deserving of such respect than anypony else here."
>>83655 “Yes, though normally I go for more subtlety. Carry on. You were talking about how the large earth pony follows around the lizard like a love sick puppy”
>>83657 She looks sour at the suggestion of paying for something
>>83658 "..." Silver just shrugs. There's not much he can do about it either way. >>83653 "I do not feel I am quite so worthy of this. Either way, you are lead on this mission. I believe Dark Star and Blue Skies has some information on Comte that would be of use to you."
>>83658 "We might continue if you pay up with some gossip of your own." He chuckles some more. >>83660 Iron whispers to Silver once again. "She is such a cute mare, I tell you." He then breaks the whispering routine. >>83659 "Hello Star, hope you were not busy with Skies while Ash and I were away." Iron smiles. "So, what have you concoted?"
If I don't reply for a while, just know that Silver's going to follow Ash's lead on the mission. >>83661 "I believe you still have yet to tell Ash what you and Skies have found out about Comte."
>>83662 good thats easier, forget i said anything about it. >>83664 >>83665 >>83663 Dark Star leans in and whispers to the team "Comte, should be on his way to a meeting right now, we are gonna go check out his house. and see if there is anything Out Of Place.
>>83666 I can only imagine that 'out of place' being yelled out instead of whispered, but that is probably not how that was intended. "Understood. Where is it at?"
>>83666 Iron nods. "Alright. When we are ready to move out, just do so. I will follow." He positions himself close to Ash. >>83663 "Be careful not to explode like back at the mines," Iron whispers to Ash "It seems like a subtle mission and frankly you will probably get angry at his injustices. Stay calm for the team, I beg of you."
>>83666 Sister Ash looks somewhat unsure, but convicted "... Alright then. Shall we head off." >>83668 "I'll try to keep my cool this time." no promises
>>83669 Iron strokes her mane. "Whatever happens, I will protect you and we will save those foals like I promised. I am not one to break promises." He whispers again to Ash.
>>83687 Iron deadpans at Skies. "I thought I already told you my lack of sneaking skills. I will wait outside and warn if trouble comes, if you want to. Maybe Caleb can stay with me or something."
>>83689 "I'm looking for information concerning a lost child. I never meant to cause any damage." She replies, although her face betrays a sense of nervousness
>>83692 "Let us just say Skies is foreshadowing her own actions." Iron whispers to Ash again. "Let us hope she does not cripple herself with all the stuff she will try to carry."
>>83689 Silver falls back in the group to trot alongside Blue, keeping his voice low so only she can hear. "So, earlier, when we were discussing pegasi, I noticed you seem to enjoy, eh...hmm..." He takes a second to try to find the right word. "...attention."
>>83691 “I would recommend just leaving those behind unless you have an excellent cover story. Subtlety is more valuable than armor, and running is better than being weighed down”
>>83692 “You has the chance to walk up to this guy’s house hours ago and speak to him in person, or maybe even walk inside under disguise and see if you could catch him saying something he would regret. You instead chose to wait around 5 hours until he was gone so his house would be empty and he would be gone. The logical conclusion is that you intend to break into and enter a pony’s house. You are doing something that is illegal. You need to be subtle. Remember that”
>>83696 >You instead chose to wait around 5 hours until he was gone so his house would be empty and he would be gone. The logical conclusion is that you intend to break into and enter a pony’s house. This was Dark Star's idea. Sister Ash wanted to wait until the morning, and ask about it then. Even now, she had no actual intention of just sneaking in, but it seems she's along for the ride now.
As stated in >>83694 she does not respond. She has a rather gloomy expression for the rest of the trip.
>>83699 Iron understands what she's implying. "Fine, I cannot take my armor off while walking so I will need about 5 minutes to take it off. Any place I can leave it? I can always carry it on my back." >>83700 "Ash, I need your help removing my armor on the move if possible, if not we can wait somewhere."
>>83711 "I guess that is an option. Maybe the room where Silver was in, just to be sure." Iron checks his surroundings, just to insure that they are at the bar still.
Wait a minute, just because he's not home doesn't mean nopony else will be. This plan was flawed from the start. >>83683 Sister Ash walks up to Dark Star. ".. Can I ask.. Why exactly did you want to come at this hour?"
>>83713 She giggles “There is nothing for Star to object to. You are fine. A mare doesn’t need to cover herself from muzzle to hoof to prevent others from laying eye on her just because a stallion likes her”
>>83716 Yeah, but that means that the only guy there worth killing/interrogating won't even be there. Plus, I wanted to meet him directly. Breaking in now would be less useful than any other moment.
>>83720 Plus, I don't want to break laws unless my character has a moral conviction to do so. I'm NG, not CG. This doesn't feel like Civil Disobedience.. >>83724 The main reason to burn the place down would be to burn the potential pedophile along with it. >>83722 Idk what it's supposed to be..
>>83723 Iron does not understand his expression. "What? Are you hiding something that you want no one to see or something?" He shakes his head, then enters Silver's room. >>83720 Iron gestures Ash to help him take off his armor on Silver's room.
>>83726 There's nothing really of particular note in his room. It smells a bit like cigarettes, and his equipment is sitting at the foot of his bed, but there's nothing that would suggest that Silver's trying to hide something.
>>83728 >>83733 Iron, with the help of Ash, strips off all his armor pieces. "Thanks Ash." He then places all armor pieces at the side of the bed as well as his shield. He then goes back to the group.
>>83734 Sister Ash is only looking for the foal. She really isn't that concerned with what happens to the stallion. Also, since his house would be gaurded, it'd probably be just as easy to break into while he were there. >>83735 This takes a while (at least 4 minutes). They have a while to talk. >>83737 Sister Ash has left to take off Iron's armor.
>>83741 Sister Ash seems Abit nervous as she wrestles with the lock-pieces without trying to touch the haram armor. ".. I just think it feels wrong to break in unannounced like this.. but I guess there are necessities.."
>>83743 "Oh, then you do not have to worry. For justice to pervail, we must sacrifce the order of the land sometimes." Iron strokes Ash's mane. "That does not mean we are not doing the right thing."
>>83745 She's in the room? Oh. Sister Ash seems a bit conflicted >>83744 But she seems a bit more convicted by what Iron says "A pony.. should only break a law when that pony is convinced that that law is unjust.. I came here making a promise to myself that I would learn to follow Equestrian customs..." Then she looks up from the metal "But if reason to break a law is just, or the law itself is unjust, then a pony should be proud to break it, with all readiness to accept the consequences.."
>>83749 “I’m only here because communication prior to an important mission is, well, very important. Are you here only to show off muscles or do you have a job to do?”
>>83748 Blue Skies has a look of mild disgust “The party has shown that smoking can have negative effects on health. Besides, it can make your mouth taste bad”
>>83755 "Oh sorry, I did not mean to interrupt valuable communication time." Iron raises one of his forelegs and puts it on his forehead dramatically, then just casually waves off Skies' reason. "I will just speak to Star about it."
>>83755 Silver thinks on it a little, before shrugging it off. "Eh. It has not killed me yet." >>83758 I mean, if you were going to make anybody roll Fortitude for lung cancer, it would probably be the only smoker in the party.
>>83761 Iron shrugs. "Alright, I will be a nice earth pony. Just do not try to impose your rules on me. I will follow your orders though." >>83747 Iron looks at Ash's progress. "How long until the armor comes off?"
>>83765 Judging by the conversation, Sister Ash is only two minutes in. She's gotten most of the lower-leg pieces "This stuff isn't easy to handle.." she groans frustrated, jostling the joint-straps with her horn
>>83771 Leave your out of character opinions out of game. If you have something to say in character, say it in character. Now stop being a fun sucking fag and let the other players make their character choices
>>83770 "Do not fret. I am asking in case a certain someone may try to knock me out while you are doing that, and I do not want to fall on you." Iron strokes Ash's mane with his unarmored hoof.
>>83790 >>83789 >>83791 "Well, if there is somepony in there, we can always interrogate if they know where the foal is. Anypony is applicable as long as they have a connection with the house itself." Iron scratches his chin. "But it seems it will be completely empty by what you said, Skies."
>>83791 Sister Ash seems a bit more nervous "W-well.. I hadn't actually planned to move today, but, judging by what I've heard today, the situation may be a bit more dire than I previously thought." She takes a note out of her fanny pack ".. I only wanted a moment with him.. to ask 'Have you seen this foal?' " >>83792 "Perhaps I should then.."
>>83793 "Well, yes. Just remember that breaking into a pony's house and physically restraining them is kidnapping, which may not be a terrible idea, but neither should it be done without regard for the consequences"
>>83797 "If you want to call the whole thing off until tomorrow, then convince the others. Be advised that Dark Star is right. It could spook him"
>>83799 >>83798 >>83797 "I agree. The fact that he bought the foal through a gang is enough proof that he will panic if shown that foal." >She pets him "No need to go so physical with Silver there. You have Star for that." Iron snickers.
>>83798 ".. Well.. that's really the point.." she says, meekly ".. If he recoils, then, in that moment, I'll know he's really hiding that foal.. And then I'll know for sure what I need to do.."
>>83802 Iron ponders. "The problem is that panicky folk will do drastic things to keep the secrets so. He may harm the foal if you just come up and show him the picture. You are better off tying him up before asking that to ensure he does not do any drastic things."
>>83805 "Iron is wrong. If we actually knew for an absolute fact that this guy was evil, we would just have the police raid his home. We don't, because we don't know that"
>>83804 He nods, enjoying the petting. >>83805 "In my experience? It is best we keep this quiet. We go in while nopony is home, we do quick search for evidence, we get out without anypony knowing we were there."
>>83807 >>83804 Iron shrugs. "Well, if we are going the 'ask directly' route, then we should not let him go afterwards. That was not the plan, though. It was a break and enter for any physical evidence, as you have hinted already Skies."
>>83807 >>83805 i didnt see the tie up part. >>83808 "that's what i was planning to do. while iron and ash distract any potential guards." >>83810 GoodNight
>>83822 >>83822 Alright, a taxi can take her to the neighborhood. It is in the Western part of Baltimare, in a more developed neighborhood. If she had bothered to read the dossier, she would have found that this guy does not live in the district he represents. It's called "The Antimony," and is surrounded by a very high fence. A Pegasus guard sits at a booth at the entrance of the community
>>83836 Well, Ash will be on pause for the time being, so she shouldn't just teleport out of Iron's sight anytime soon. So can I enter and interact with the other players until she moves again?
>>83837 >>83836 Actually, since Star is outside... >>83835 Iron watches Star come out of the building. "Oh, are you coming too? I think you are better suited for stealth."
>>83843 Iron nods understandingly. "I know that feeling." He remembers Marey's advice. "How come she is rubbing Silver just like that though? Anything happen that I miss?"
>>83842 She slowly works her way down his back "You could, to be sure. But if I have learned anything in all my years is that the best way to avoid notice is not to hope that you are never seen or heard, but rather that when you are seen and heard, they think nothing is out of the ordinary"
>>83845 "Hmm... what would we need to pass by the guards without suspicion? An ID or some sort of pass to allow workers through? Or are they looking for certain ponies to allow through only?"
>>83846 Iron thinks for a bit. "Keep an eye on Ash. I will go in and see if I can pick up her intentions so I could ease your head a bit If she leaves, then warn me so I can go with her." He then proceeds to enter the building.
>>83845 She feels a fairly big knot as she works her way down. "Perhaps...how good are you and Star with bluffing? Could you two combined create good enough story to make guard let us pass?"
>>83847 "Any of those could work. You just need a reason to be in their that is valid and believable. I guess to enter the property we could just find a rich guy who lives in their who will sponsor us and let us in. Maybe trick a different pony into thinking we are a maintenance crew and they get the guard to let us in. And yes, probably just showing a police badge will be enough. But that would still need a story so Comte doesn't get suspicious"
>>83850 She takes the extra time to work on the knot "I am expert at bluffing. Of course I can create a story. Dark Star can as well"
>>83852 >>83850 Iron enters the scene and sees Silver being massaged by Skies. He finds this strange, cocking his head at the sight. "Since when are you a spa mare, Skies?"
>>83852 She sees one of his hindlegs start to spasm as a sign that she's doing good work. He lets out another groan to reconfirm it. "Oooooooo…I hope it can cover for us all. I am...oooo...not best with bluffs." >>83854 "She is...ahhhhh...very good." >>83856 "I appreciate it very much, Skies." He's starting to look very much relaxed.
>>83860 Iron is not so trusting. "Nevermind the fact that you knocked me out some time before. I am just wondering why are you doing this, since it does not seem like you to do so."
>>83861 "You deserved that, after knocking out both Silver and Dark Star. Silver here has seen many years and many fights. He needs the help. I do have care for comrades in arms, even if compassion is by no means my strength"
>>83860 The sensation of the wingtip makes him snort a little. It must be his barrel is a bit ticklish. It's in a similar state to his back, perhaps more so from the increased muscle mass compared to his back. He rubs the frog of his hoof against the wingtip to get a clearer idea of how it feels. "Thank you, Skies."
>>83863 The very tip is simply a set of feathers, all fairly long. Before that is an almost finger like appendage at the end of a limb, with bone in the middle and surrounded by muscle. It is fairly soft, although in the way that a thin portion of her leg would be
>>83862 Iron shrugs. "Eh, I did try to tell them not to fight me, and you were not much help either, but I did fight them, and that is a good enough reason to massage him." He puts on a smirk. "Just do not mess up the room too much." He just sits on a corner, watching the scene >>83865 Iron just stares. What is she doing? Is she asking how long he's been single?
>>83864 He thinks for a few seconds. During that time, Skies can see more clearly a bit of the dark dorsal strike running along his back, from his mane down to his dock. His clothing obstructs her vision of all but the part near his mane, however. "26 years, if I am not mistaken."
>>83872 Silver chuckles a little. He unbuttons his top to help her in her goal, exposing more of the stripe. "I was only 24 when I met Storm. It has been two years longer than I had been old at that point."
>>83871 Iron leans in and whispers to Spark "If you did not catch my drift, I do not really trust this mare to put a branch on the floor if it means a bad outcome for me, let alone massage me. I am doing a small favor right now and you may have the answer I need." >>83872 Iron shrugs.
>>83874 The more direct contact seems to really work for massaging the stress away. He relaxes his back into her hooves as he stuffs a foreleg into his mouth to stifle a small moan. "Yes, I suppose so. Though I do not believe I have ever used 'cute' to describe it before."
>>83876 I'll pretend you're whispering back. "You saw Star go out, right? He is getting jealous of Skies touching Silver and I decided to come back in to ensure she is not going for a love triangle here where Star is the cuckold. So, why on earth is she massaging a stranger to right about now?"
>>83878 I whisper back. "It has to do with the story he told us no doubt. She respects him more now. She is just doing a favor for somepony that went through hell. But no need to spy, I will go tell Dark Star myself." I head out and walk to Dark Star.
>>83881 >>83880 >Silver moaning 'Great, just add fuel to the fire,' Iron thinks to himself. >Bandit queen "Wait, what bandit queen?" Iron is intrigued.
>>83881 "I can not help it, you are very good. You will have to give Dark Star massage after this. I am certain he would love it. Especially if it was 'intimate' for him." He looks like he doesn't really know how much more relaxed his muscles could get, it's like he's in complete bliss.
"I do not know. I do not remember using 'cute' very much in past. But, well...I suppose, yes, she was cute. She was pretty. She was beautiful. She was...all of that."
>>83886 Now she changes strategy, gently beating on his back
"Go on. It's okay to talk about her"
>>83887 "No, he was a bounty hunter. And Princess Celestia couldn't stop screwing her Royal Guard Pegasi for long enough to let them go clean up bandits beneath her castle in the Everfree forest. Silver's wife, Storm Warning, had been raised by a group of bandits around there"
>>83893 "he says he went to capture her and dueled her some time after she took control of the bandits. Why don't you ask him? It's beautiful to hear him tell it"
>>83894 "Because he told me it was to make sure there wasn't anything going on between Silver and Blue Skies. Is there anything you would like to discuss Star?"
>>83899 "i heard her say something about that where she's from that its common for mares to leave their stallions if they find a better partner. and if you haven't noticed i'm not the best choice."
>>83890 It's a pleasing sensation to Silver. "OOOoooOOOooo…" He tries to get around the effect it's having on his voice as he starts to speak. "I do not know what I could say about her to do her justice. She was...stunning. Her sleek grey coat carried all danger and beauty of storm with it, her blown-back black mane was like night sky right before lightning struck, like it was sucking all light and energy into one single strike. And her mane and tail had this golden stripe, shaped like lightning bolt, running through them. When she flew, you could have sworn she conjured lightning behind her. Her cloud-grey wings had gradient to them, like camouflage in clouds. They shined when wet from rain and dew, and if she flew in sunlight just right, she could form rainbow like it was fresh after rainstorm. And her eyes...they held hurricanes in them, beautiful blazing glory, fury of thousand thunderstorms. But behind this fire, you could find peace, and calm. It was literally eye of storm."
>>83897 Silver gives him a jokingly cross look. "I am not yet so old I can not control my bodily functions."
>>83902 "I'm not sure what you are talking about. Did she not just talk to you about how you are going to help run this place and defeat the changelings? Sound like you are still on top here. She is just doing a nice thing for somepony that lost so much."
>>83903 Iron listens intently at he supposes to be Silver's mare. It was all great and good until... "Wait, conjuring lighting? Hurricanes, glory, fury? What was this mare like?"
>>83905 "You should talk to her about it, but sending a spy to an officer of a government institution that spies is probably not wise. Are you really worried that you will lose your marefriend? The dashing leader of this whole thing?"
>>83903 Skies continues removing clothing from Silver, and falls to his right side opposite Iron as she now rubs the side of his barrel. Silver can feel cool air run past his now exposed body and it sends a shiver through him. As Skies rubs and kneeds him, she says
"Oh, so you loved her because she was dangerous? Now I see why nothing less than a bandit queen would have satisfied you"
>>83908 Wait, a dangerous mare? What? "You mean to tell me that he chose a dangerous mare as her other half?" >falls to the side opposite of Iron "Careful with my armor, Skies," he reminds her
>>83906 "Think of her like hurricane. Nature unleashed, destroying those enemies who cross her path. She was wild, free. But in center, to those few who earn her favor, to those who understand her, learn about her? Calm, peace. She was protector to those would found find special place in her eye...s. I was there. Her foals were there. To us, she gave everything, and would give everything to protect us. Even her own life." >>83908 Blue can more easily see the scars Silver has earned through a lifetime of battle from this position, especially now without his clothing to hide them away. As for Blue's ministrations, he seems content to stay here in this spot for as long as he is able. "Maaaaaaaybe I have thing for dangerous mares. But there is beauty in danger, sometimes. And it helps to give life purpose."
>>83912 >think of her like hurricane "I am not sure if I could understand your taste in mares, Silver. Those types usually bring trouble in the long run." >there is beauty in danger "Sure, but feeling danger forever is not good either."
>>83913 "And I told you before that you are the only one for her. You have been and you will be. Do you not even see the way she looks at you? She is very jealous of your attention and affection. If you weren't worthy, she wouldn't have chosen you to begin with. Now tell me what makes you think she has found somepony else?"
>>83911 To the side of silver opposite Iron. i.e., out of his line of view
"Indeed he did. A bandit queen. It seems she did indeed complete him"
>>83912 She must be fanning him with her great wings, because the air is definitely cooler. She tries to rub around the areas of the scars, careful that she might disturb something sensitive
"Service to something larger and more permanent than the self alone gives purpose. Danger is only an impediment thrown in by a hostile universe. But I really don't won't to shift the subject. You didn't like her only because she was dangerous. That is only the wall of the Hurricane. It was her caring and gentle side - the eye - that made her complete to you"
>>83916 Iron is a bit taken aback. "It seems more like she was available to have a relationship with him since she could tag along with Silver on his job. From what you and Silver say, she had a gentle side, but I do not see stability in that kind of wild relationship."
>>83914 "I do not believe I was ever in danger around her...besides when we first met, of course, for obvious reasons." >>83916 They're certainly sensitive, but they don't seem to be painful for him. Silver looks around to see her wings fanning. "Indeed it was. Being around her was like being embraced and cared for by Mother Earth herself. Every moment we were together was like that. It only became more so once we had foals."
>>83920 "I can't make you change your mind, but she is trying to be nice to somepony that has lost a lot over the years. But talk it out once she is done. Ask her to refrain from doing that anymore. Don't stand out in the cold afraid you are losing your mare. If you act weak, then you will just make it worse."
>>83921 Her great azure white wings are unfolded, but he does not catch her fanning
"And how did the bandit queen handle settling down and having foals? Surely that could not have been as entertaining for her as fighting the private armies sent against her?" \r
>>83925 "You are not weak. Do you not remember Skies telling Iron about the Duke? How he may not win in a hoof to hoof duel, but he is strong because he is a leader, and fearless against those that would hurt him and his ponies. That is strength Dark Star."
>>83924 Iron massages his head in frustration. 'And she fought against giant private armies. Now Skies will tell me Silver is actually a mare as well,' he thinks to himself.
>>83923 "Well, it was certainly not to death, if we both lived. It was close, but we both made it." >>83924 He stares in awe at the great feathery masses. "It was learning experience, for both of us. We drew mostly on experiences we had growing up at first, but that did not last very long at all and we decided we needed some better guide. Thank goodness books on parenting exist. And at first, perhaps she was unsure of herself and her ability to see it through, but she got through it. Every day with her foals became like adventure to her. New kind of adventure, to be sure, but seeing it like that really did seem to help. It also helped that, as they grew older and became able to take care of themselves as we were away, we would take time to go out on adventures together. Nothing too dangerous, where there was risk of leaving our foals without parents, just something to mix things up from time to time." >>83927 "I can assure you, I am very much stallion."
>>83928 That was a thought, not spoken Iron does not understand. "Forget I asked. I will be outside. I will hear your story later." He walks out of the room and outside.
>>83928 Skies' head moves over and to her left, looking down. As she does so her wings arch up, taller than she is.
"Yes, very much stallion."
She looks back at him directly in the eyes, and laughs "Sounds like you faced a greater challenge raising foals than you did against bandits. Needing to resort to books?"
>>83931 Iron shakes his head. "Not now. I feel like there is something terribly wrong with this whole story. After the mission and maybe one more spar with Silver in which he wins, I would feel more inclined to hear it." Iron keeps rubbing his temple. "Do you have water by any chance?"
>>83931 He rubs the back of his head as he laughs awkwardly. He blushes, both from her sight of his anatomy and from her teasing. "Most experience I had with parenting at that point was from my father. And while long days apprenticing at his blacksmith shop and exhausting training sessions with swords and other weapons when not working in smithy might have suited me, I do not think it would have suited my foals quite as well. And Storm, her experience with parenting was from, well...from highwaymares. I think we both needed some assistance, in that regard."
>>83934 Iron is trying really hard not to keep commenting, avoiding to earn a headache from all of these bad choices Silver has done so far. At least to him, of course. Remember I liked your story OOC.
>>83937 "Blue Skies is your mare. Don't forget that. And don't let anypony forget that. I know you were reeling from that fight with Iron, but she left Iron have it when he went after you. She loves you."
>>83932 "I made my own comments about how the complacency of the Equestrian military or Silver's excessive trust in his captive, but really those are all besides the point. What matters is how it made Silver feel"
>>83934 "I don't think I would be any good with foals either. My experience is similar. Sparing with wooden swords at the public schools and the like.
Enough about me though, it's obvious that you two managed through these trials and tribulations as surely as anything" She keeps rubbing
>>83939 "As I said in catacombs: together we were stronger than we were alone, and we could handle anything. Even most challenging trial of all: parenting."
Silver lets out a contented sigh, both from the care he's receiving from Blue and the joy he's getting from talking about his wife. He closes his eyes as he focuses on the sensations caused by her ministrations.
He can feel her hooves on the right side of his back rubbing, then closer to the center, then two smaller and softer appendages that can only be from her wings. It is quieter now with Iron having left the room. He can feel another chill from the air
>>83943 >>83944 "Just about everything about Silver's story is a trainwreck, that is what!" Iron exclaims. "For the love of anything that is holy, he willingly went into the path of destruction with that mare!" Iron chains his emotions some more. "Sorry. *pant* Sorry. I just cannot deal with how nonsensical Silver's story was." Iron looks around. "Do not tell Silver about this, okay?"
>>83941 The sensation of her wings sends a couple shivers down his spine. He wiggles around a bit, trying to get into a more comfortable position. Once he does, he returns to looking content and relaxed. He's fine with the calm and the quiet. It lets him enjoy the brief reprise.
>>83946 The floor is a little hard, assuming he is on a floor. He can smell the lavender scented wash she uses to clean her fur and feathers. She continues, now focusing on the left side of his barrel. She allows him silence for some time, at least a minute or more, then adds
>>83947 "And that is precisely the problem here. It is that it is not fiction." Iron breathes in some more. "Do you know how many folklore tales warned me about chasing mares that fight for a living? They all end up dead. Both mare and stallion. It is like he never listened to none of them!" Iron reels in again, shaky breaths. "I just cannot handle it."
>>83948 "That is just thing, Blue." He looks right at her, eye-to-eye. She can see the conflicting emotions in his eyes. Joy, sadness, anger, loss, love. All mixed together, each one trying to get to the surface.
>>83950 "I know! If he did, he would have dodged that stone, not embrace it!" Iron is breathing heavily. "And embrace he did, falling down the incline, losing his one chance to have a fulfilling life with his mare because of her past!" He walks to Spark's side. "It does not matter if he killed her killers, because the deed was done already. He is so stupid!" Iron punches the floor in a fit. He pants for a bit.
>>83955 He doesn't seem to notice much, once again lost in some memory of her. It's a happy memory, that much is certain when she looks in his eyes. Silver and Storm, together, in a time when everything was much more simple, when they could be the only living ponies on the planet and neither of them would have had a care in the world. "I still love her..."
>>83956 Iron deadpans at Spark. "I highly doubt it. I bet they were scarred for life by the loss of her mother!" He shouts for a bit, hitting the floor a couple more times. After this, he pants for a bit. "Just... stop talking about it. I do not want to think about it anymore."
>>83958 "Why should I? It is clear you are mad at the events of somepony's life instead of caring for his misfortune. As much as you wanted his story to be different, it did not. He doesn't ask for approval of what he did, but now you know more about him. He was willing to share a piece of himself with you and you are acting like this?"
>>83957 She places hooves near and around his shoulder, and comes in close. Like she is about to kiss him. She is content to stay still there, for as long as Silver is content to reminisce
>>83962 It lasts for a few seconds more, until she sees Silver and Storm kiss in his memory. When he snaps out of it, he looks fairly confused about how close Blue has gotten, and how they've managed to get into a position of nearly embracing.
>>83964 She remains as close to him for several seconds after it is clear he is confused. Then she backs away just an inch and says "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable"
>>83961 Iron shakes his head. "I know. It is selfish to think what I think. I am quite sure Silver have crossed the same line in his past." He calmly breathes. "That is why I did not say it in front of him. It is such a simple mistake he could have avoided but he fell for it, and he is paying the price." He chuckles sadly. "It sounds way worse when I say it out loud." He breathes some more. "Please, do not tell Silver about this. It will just open up old wounds that he does not want to remember. Do you understand me?"
>>83965 "No, it is fine, I am just, uh...unsure of how we got in this position, or why." He looks idly around the room, thinking about how awkward a position it is for them if someone were to talk in.
>>83967 Iron nods, and lets out a breath. "Thank you. I will go inside for some water. I think I left my bits with my armor. Wait for me." He goes back inside and enters the room where his armor is.
>>83976 Iron is unconvinced. "Sure, 'helping' him." He moves towards his armor, trying to look for his bit pouch and witholding more dirty comments in his head.
>>83976 Silver chuckles a little "You know, I would use 'cute' to describe that face." >>83974 >>83975 >>83977 Silver looks at Iron as he enters, looking fairly awkward in his current position. "...Like Blue has said, she is, uh...'helping me with stress and burdens I have been carrying'."
>>83978 "Yeah, sure." He fiddles some more. He mumbles something about his bit pouch being hard to grab in-between his armor pieces. "Just do not go too far with your stress relief or you are in for a downward spiral of negative emotions later on."
>>83979 "...I was not planning on it?" He tries his best to sound genuine, even going so far as to use his telekinesis to try to help him get at his Bit pouch. >>83980 He laughs a little of his own accord. "No, you might not quite be bandit queen. But you are Blue Skies. And for Star, that is perfect to him."
>>83980 "Right, right." A big pause led by Silver's efforts to find the bit pouch. "Just do not do something stupid or Silver's fate is sealed to have a bad ending, dragging him to an even darker path than the one you want to 'comfort', okay?" >>83981 Iron nods at Silver. "You better not, or your past will repeat again. Trust me on this." He takes the bit pouch a little harder than usual and proceeds to go to the bartender, asking for some water. He sits at a stool, looking at the counter with dead eyes. He hopes it was a misunderstanding.
>>83982 "Shhhhhh…" He takes one of her forehooves in his own, and looks her right in the eyes again. "You are good pony, and beautiful mare, both inside and out. Dark Star loves you for who you are, not for what he thinks you are." He holds her hoof up a little. "Just be you, and he will love you from now until your final days together." >>83983 Silver can only wonder in confusion on what he meant by that.
>>83984 She looks at him, more or less sadly for a period of time. She replies "Good pony? That most certainly isn't what they called me when they ran me out of Nimbusia. I am not so sure. Dark Star told me he's never had a marefriend before. I sspect that he has somepony else in mind. Some grand fantasy about the perfect mare. And I can't give him that"
>>83983 "Don't get caught fucking him, I take it?"
>>83985 Skies' answer makes him stop in his tracks right at the door. That's strange. He slowly turns his head around. "Yes, precisely. Why would you open up like that?"
>>83985 "Then what would you call what you just did? Even though you are busy mare, with lots to do, even though we do not see eye-to-eye on some things, mostly politics..." He looks a bit amused as he reaches the next part. "...even though I am just some old bonehead, you still took time out of your day to help me, to take care of me when I did not ask, to listen to my stories and to try to get to know both me and my feelings better. No matter what would make Nimbusians say you are not not good pony, to me, that is something good pony would do." He takes one of his hooves off of the hoof of hers he's holding to hold her cheek. "Do not worry about some other fantasy, some other 'perfect mare'. I will tell you now: to him, you are perfect mare, you are his fantasy."
>>83988 Between her response to Iron and Silver's words, her usual smile has returned to her face. Whereas before her look was of concern or happiness or what have you, her smile suggests deviousness. "I don't know if the fantasy can last long enough to raise foals, but so be it. I shall be his fantasy. That is a role I am content to play."
>>83992 Silver follows, happy with how things have turned out so far, enjoying the lack of stress and tension in his back and barrel, and glad to see Skies earn back at least a little of her confidence in herself.
>>83992 >>83991 Iron finally lets out a small sigh. He mumbles something. He finally turns to Silver. "Everyone is outside, we can go now if you want, just do not forget your jacket."
>>83995 Iron watches him go out. He hopes for the best, but fears that the worst out of this will happen. He goes back to his armor pile, puts on his leather belt and attaches the bit pounch on it, then he walks outside.
Iron just opts to go where Ash is currently and stand beside her, not really feeling the best. He may need to apologize later if Skies acts nice, but he doubts that will happen. In the meantime, he just looks at the ground, kicking some pebbles to distract himself from thinking anything that has transpired. From Silver's story to a close call of repeating it, Iron does not have the greatest of moods, but he supposes that will change tomorrow morning.
>>84000 "That is good to hear." He trots up to lean on the bar with him, staying silent only for a second of seconds before speaking up. "You do not have to worry about me and Skies, you know."
>>84003 "I will tell you this: I am old stallion. My days of seeking beautiful mares to be with are long over. If I am being honest, they never happened in first place. And Blue skies is indeed beautiful mare. Your beautiful mare. And you are her strong, brave, handsome stallion. I am not. Do not worry about some old stallion who has trouble getting out of bed in morning stealing what is and will always be your mare. You worry about you." He tries his best to sound calming, though he's not sure how much of an effect it's having with his accent in the way.
>>84005 He puts a hoof under Dark Star's chin, and uses it to turn his head around to look at Blue Skies. "After this is done, I fully expect you to go to her, sweep her off her hooves, kiss her anywhere and everywhere you can, have her give you massage that is twenty times better and far more intimate than mere back rub she gave me, and have long, loving, passionate session of love making and intercourse together. And knowing that you will do this, I will be happy, because you two are great together, and I would do nothing to change that or try to hurt you in any way."
>>84007 She comes up to and rubs Dark Star with her barrel. She has s definite look and tone of concern “Dark Star? You’ve been awfully quiet around me. Why won’t you talk to me? Do you not like me any more?”
>>84019 Okay. How about some hypothetical questions about our characters? If a changeling would successfully woo Silver through a disguise and then reveal her true identity to Silver, what would he do?
>>84020 After making sure she wasn't a member of Chrysalis's hive? He would naturally view it as a betrayal of his trust, and would need to build it back up again. He'd be able to understand why she had a disguise, though, and if she she revealed her true identity willingly, it would certainly be a good step towards softening the blow.
I get the feeling it wouldn't have that much of an effect on Iron, though.
>>84021 >Effect on Iron You would be right. Let's just say it's a kink of his. A species that subsists on lust and care for mares is a juicy offer for him, but he would take it to the next level if he could procreate and have children with them. Thankfully I should last longer than most with the endurance feat.
>>84022 So, here's a hypothetical: if Iron is faced with the choice of either saving one of his allies, or completing a vital mission, and can't do both, which would he do? >>84023 Fingers crossed they work this out. It's hard to calm the edgehoers.
>>84024 That'a a very tough one to answer. It depends if the employer is present during the mission or not, because he knows that if the employer dies, so does the mission. The mission would be thrown out of the window if someone dear to him is in danger though. I think you know what I mean
>>84027 Little chuckle achieved. Better buy that wooden sword, cause you're gonna need it for sparring after the mission. I need to vent Iron's frustrations about your love story later.
>>84030 You should be able to beat him with a wooden sword but you need to reduce your hit bonus chancr by 2 unless you plan on bludgeoning Iron to death, so your hits will be a bit sloppy.
>>84033 I kinda figured a wooden training weapon would already deal nonlethal damage. >>84028 So question: when you said Silver had 16 skill points to spend, was that from his base 7 Int, or from his 9 Int after his racial bonus?
>>84035 Ah. Thanks for the clarification. Also, this likely would have been Silver's response to that. "From what I have heard? It is likely Star is worried that he will lose you to somepony else, like me."
>>84037 "Those looks he was giving me earlier when you were looking for 'attention' during our earlier discussion about pegasi, what Iron said when he trotted in on us, and just how he has looked generally upset towards me. It could be he has taken what you said about Nimbusian mating habits to heart."
Iron stands outside alongside Ash, feeling calmer about the whole thing, but not by much. His pebble kicking had stopped after a few seconds, since there were not that many pebbles to kick, and just looks for any threats on Ash or himself.
>>84044 Iron raises an eyebrow. "Nothing physical, so it will not be a detriment." She may need to show a sign if he wants Iron to open up about his feelings.
>>84048 "I need any issues resolved before they become problems later. So if you are upset, that is best addressed rather than allowed to fester before it causes disharmony later"
>>84049 "Then there is no issue for you to resolve. It will be addressed after the mission, not now." He remains stoic. "Since when did you like harmony?"
>>84050 "Harmony means only the well-being of the relationships between ponies. This is a team and so requires teamwork. I made no reference to any political ideology. If there is something to be addressed, it best be addressed before it causes disruption during the mission. Not after"
>>84052 "I already stated that it will not cause the mission to be compromised," he states plainly. "Besides, why should I trust you on my issues? We do not have the best track record."
>>84054 "You can take it as a rude gesture if you want. I am not about to start trusting you without something to back it up." Iron thinks for a bit, then slightly grins. "I do have something that can soften me up, if you are up for it."
>>84060 Iron cocks his head. "No, not really. I was thinking something else entirely, but it could show me that you will not try to stab me if you do a good job on it." He pokes his chin. "On second thought, scratch that. I do not want it." He glances at Star's sitting form from a window. "I think that is better on ponies you actually care about."
>>84067 Iron chuckles, then puts his foreleg on his forehead in fake shock. "Oh, my! How rude of you to think that I only think sexy thoughts? How rude of you, Skies. So, so rude." He chuckles some more.
>>84074 Iron cocks his head. He scratches the back of his head. "I... did not mean your natural heat, Skies..." He then composes himself "I need your explicit agreement to the deal before that."
>>84076 "You know, your natural signal to have foals? That kind of heat?" Iron shakes his head. "Oh well, I guess you will have to settle with not knowing my deep, dark secret." Another overly dramatic foreleg on forehead pose.
>>84078 Iron shakes his head even more dramatically. "No. You would never understand the troubles that haunt me. Only by agreeing to my terms will you ever reach the truth ever so slightly." He can't help but chuckle between sentences by how dramatic this scene is getting.
>>84080 TL;DR: While we were waiting on Ash, Blue gave Silver a massage and talked some more about his wife, Dark Star is brooding about it, and Iron found issues with Silver's story about how he met his wife.
>>84081 Iron smiles malevolently. "Muaha ha ha. You fell for my trap, Skies! Now you shall forever be embarrassed by what you will have to say!" He pauses to see what Skies says before actually saying it.
>>84085 Iron disregards Skies' comment. "The following sentence that you have to say is... 'The earth pony is the best race of the three races.'" Iron eagerly awaits Skies' response, see if she goes with it.
>>84086 "Huuuuuu" She very audibly breathes in. "BLASPHEMY!. She stares at him with an intensity you would think she believes would light Iron on fire for a few seconds. "Very well then. Fine, Earth Pony. I shall say your phrase. For the purpose of a natural slave, the Earth Pony is the best of the three races."
>>84087 "Ah ah ah." Iron moves his hoof in a sideways motion. "I did not say that. Say it again in the correct way, without any sentence adding before and after the sentence. Come on, do you not want to know my troubles?"
>>84091 Iron chuckles at her inability to say that one simple sentence. "That does not work either. Say the phrase exactly as it was stated, do not add anything more to it. Or do you not care?" Iron wipes a 'tear' from his obviously dry eye dramatically.
>>84093 Iron chuckles some more and leans in on Spark. "I actually do not care right now about race supremacy, this is just fun." >>84094 Iron is now rolling on the floor laughing. "Oh ho ho ho, can you not do my simple request? It will be faster and easier if you just say it as it should be, no changing the sentence. Unless you do not want to know..."
>>84097 Iron points a hoof to Skies. "You changed the sentence! Now you have invalidated your own claim of pegasi being the best race by the terms of our agreement!" He keeps laughing, but then slowly stands up, with a fake sad face, ears drooped and all. "You do not really care about my problems, do you? I thought you cared..." Another overly dramatic tear wipes and an added sniff. A little chuckle after it.
>>84098 "The natural order of the universe is no joke, Screwhead"
>>84099 "Any agreement that has as its terms blasphemy is invalid the moment the terms are fixed, Plantation pony. Go back to your labor"
>>84101 Dude, either do this in character or don't. If you want to fuck with Blue Skies on this the same way Iron and Silver do, then do it. If you don't, then don't. Just don't derail the thread with pointless out of character argument
>>84103 Iron shrugs. "Oh well, I tried and failed again. Ah, such is the way of life. I guess you will never know the troubles on my back." He pretends that the wind is flowing through his mane, but kind of ruins it by chuckling some more.
>>84103 I'm not doing this to fuck with Skies. That's just my opinion, concerning the 3 tribes' relationship. Pegasi are really helpful with weather to an extent, but they're not really pivotal in the Equestrian nation.
Sister Ash has no opinion in this matter. >>84102 Ikr.
>>84105 She extends her great wings "It is indeed the lot of the Pegasus to not be troubled by the same trivial matters that trouble the plantation colt"
>>84111 Iron stretches his body in a sun salutation, appearing more relaxed than before. "I feel better already. I am not brooding anymore, which is nice. Good job, Skies. You do know how to interact with ponies in a positive way." He looks around. "I shall wait for the others to get ready. Hopefully Ash does not run into trouble."
>>84112 Her wings still somewhat outstretched she remains close to him, and with a last stare and her mouth open slightly, she succeeds in giving Iron an uneasy feeling and a chill through his body
>>84114 >>84115 Crikey. Well, good riddance. "Ow." Iron rubs his eye with his hoof. "Well, do you need to get ready or are you going to stand there? I do not mind the view. It is just kind of awkward since you have a coltfriend and all."
>>84155 >>84156 "To regard children as belonging to the state, and not to any private family. For stallions to allow noble stallions to impregnate their mares, or to share their wives with the young if they are rendered weaker, and on occasion, for a mare to take more than one stallion as a husband. All for the sake of producing the best foals possible" She completes the statement
>>84162 "Dark Star, I want you to hear me and understand me. You have a commitment to the cause and to country. You have loyalty. That is worth more than any strength of muscles. That is worth more than prowess with a sword, than honor, than magic, than intelligence, then kindness, then commitment to some idiosyncratic notion of 'justice,' or even than love. Because I tell you now that all of those other qualities are wasted or even harmful if not used for the right purpose"
>>84165 >>84164 Irom watches the scene happening right in front of him and he's not liking Star's insecuritiy right about now. How can a stallion show such a thing as honor to a mare? He scratches his chin, thinking of a plan to awaken that side of him.
>>84181 >>84182 Iron shrugs. "Eh, a little. You are quite a beautiful mare to have." Then Iron points at Dark Star's current face. "But that is what I meant when I said you should not say those kinds of things. Do not play with feelings here."
>>84192 "How many jobs do you have? First you are an intelligence gatherer, then you are a spa pony and after that, you are a singer? How come you are not busy all of the time?"
>>84194 Iron chuckles. "I know. You did not really make Silver pay up on that massage you did on him, now that I think about it." Iron pokes his chin in feign thinking.
>>84199 >>84197 With a definite tone of sarcasm, Blue Skies says "He deserves as much congratulations as I do"
>>84200 She rubs in small, expanding circles as her hooves travel along his back ou've used your hooves pretty effectively on me, I figured I should repay the favor
>>84201 dark Star laughs fairly hard "trust me the floor will never be the same." >>84202 Dark Star's lean muscles in his back are tied in a innumerable amount of knots Dark Star Sighs a sigh of contentment "That's Great, your hooves feel like magic."
>>84207 "No rules were changed. What are you talking about?" He cocks his head. "I just did not hold back unlike Silver." >>84206 Iron laughs with him. "Be sure not to mess up Skies' coat."
>>84206 She works her hooves to try to untangle these knots “These hooves are bred to handle the soft mists of clouds, or to crush a griffin’s skull They are gentle enough, and hard enough, to handle a tense back”
>>84208 “Hence changing the entire fight, besides your taking of the healing potion. Please. If you wanted an honorable fight, you’d have a fair fight. But of course that was never intended. So you can drop the bullshit about it being some sort of accomplishment”
>>84210 "Oh. So that is why you interjected." He nods. "Yeah, it was a rather... bad fight to receive praise for, but Star is trying to be a good sport here." Iron pokes his chin. "Fillipe will be a much fairer fight. Maybe I will even lose." He wiggles his eyebrows. "Hope you do not miss it. I would rather you see the outcome with your own two eyes."
>>84213 "Who knows? Maybe you will actually climax before we end the fight unlike last time." He chuckles. "That reminds me. Bring Star with you. It should be pretty romantic to see me getting beat up by someone my size." Some more chuckling. "Try to hide better next time when you tussle with Star while spectating."
>>84222 >>84220 Iron looks to the sides, feeling like he is walking in on a couple fucking. "Well, you both seem to be busy. I will try not to intrude on the massage any longer. Do not forget to bring Star with you when the fight with Fillipe is arranged, Skies." He then tries not to make any eye contact and tries to muffle any suggestive noises by covering his ears with his hooves, forcing him into a sitting position.
>>84228 It's Ash's choice if she wants muscle or not. Iron would be fine either way. Actually not really, but OOC I don't really want to screw Ash's questioning by forcing her to miss the target. >>84227 I hope you have high levels of sense motive.
>>84224 As the pony lives in the west side of town, while the Eastside tavern is located in... well, I’ll let you guess, but it’s a 15 minute walk at minimum
>>84233 Iron does not change position, only letting go off one of his hooves off his left ear. "That is because you have just started. Silver took way longer to reach the 'moan' level."
>>84234 Well, there wouldn't be very much of a point meeting him at City Hall. She's going to the house. >>84236 Really wishing I'd prepared a few spells got this...
>>84233 >“Oh please. He’s less into it than Silver was” "Nah its just my player being bad at describing getting a back rub. because hes never had a girl rub his back before."
>>84248 "Ah, very well then" she replies, dusting herself off "I had hoped to meet him as he was passing through here, but I would not want to loiter. Is this area outside this gate on private property?"
>>84252 Sister Ash by now is used to ponies looking at her strangely. "Thank you very much, Sir. I will wait right here then." She says, stepping back a square or two and sitting down.
>>84256 >When you're Chinese and you use the sidewalk >>84257 Sister Ash remains there for some time, sitting patiently and brushing the tip of her long, leonid tail.
>>84263 Well fuck. Sister Ash sits for a few minutes waiting, before it dawns on her that she's late. Her eyes seem to widen momentarily, before she hangs her head.
>>84265 I'm not sure she would know that, actually.. She mostly just wanted to get there before the rest of the party planned their break-in thing they talked about. >>84266 No he doesn't, fgt.
>>84270 Well, she'd normally be about ready to give up for the day, cuz >No spells But she's going to wait for the party to get ready to do whatever it is they had planned, since it was idea in the first place.
..But that wouldn't be right to do while the guard is watching her, so she's going to go back to meet them on the way there.
She gives a bow to the guard, thanks him for his time, and leaves.
>>84272 >>84271 >Not just asking the guard for directions to city hall >Hoping that Dark Star, who thus far has gone everywhere by means of taxi, decides that he hasn’t wasted enough if limited time already with back rubs and decides to walk the exact route Ash is taking Alright
>>84273 Well, he tried way before but for some reason complications sprung up, something about my armor. After that, it just became group bonding time. Surely time would stop for some group bonding time, right?
>>84279 If Ash returns to the tavern, that’s like 40 minutes round trip, and an hour if she leaves with the rest of the group after the group waited 40 minutes to leave. That means either that 1. The group wasted an hour of their two hour timeframe to do the burglary, or 2. Ash left way early and should have met the guy
>>84280 Well, a way to shorten this is to mobilize early if that's the case, then we meet Ash on the way back, but we're going to need Silver, Star and Spark to move out. This way we should have saved more time than if we wait for her to come. Skies can help by, you know, not massaging Star and looking at the time. She seems like the mare to be impatient. With her pushing, we could all go to that house and meet Ash along the way.
As good as Blue is with backrubs, we should probably pause the game and wait for Star and Spark to get here so we can actually go through with this mission.
>>84285 That's what I said. Be sure to watch the time and communicate that we are wasting it at the tavern when they get back. That should clear Star and Skies' heads.
>>84287 Also, how many hours have passed since they left the cellar? More importantly, what's everypony's HP right now? Dark Star should gave like 14, iirc.
>>84287 True enough, but it's just a precaution. They might be too engrossed to notice the time right now. >>84288 I think I slept enough for 3 quarters of my health to regenerate but I'm sure that I did not heal off all my bruises. That would mean it's at 32 HP, rounding up the .5.
>>84288 I'm not sure if there's a difference between lethal and non-lethal HP, but he should be full up on lethal HP and have somewhere between 30 and 50 non-lethal HP if there is one. I'm also not sure how much of a difference sleeping for most of this time made, but the minimum is 30 if it had no effect and the maximum is 50 because max health.
>>84295 Well, I'll go for a short nap. I'll be back in about 2 hours. If we start before that timeline or I sleep more than that, Iron will follow Star as he goes out as a companion. Hopefully, the GM will let us get away with going to the house while incidentally bumping into Ash somehow. I'll see you guys later.
>>84302 I'll include myself on this list, but it's kind of obvious that I am ready since I started the rolecall. >>84304 Have you figured out the new story path, GM?
Alright, I guess everypony advances onwards to the location. Along the way, they meet Ash. On the edge of the community is a very large fence, with a guard at a booth
>>84317 Pretty wealthy. It's not the wealthiest ponies in all of Equestria, but damn it it is up there. Average value is about the equivalent of lower end millionares
>>84318 It still makes Silver whistle to himself. It's been a while since he's been in a place like that. >>84319 Silver similarly waits for either Dark Star or Blue Skies to get them inside, not trusting his abilities to bluff his way through.
>>84320 Whether there is any weakness in the fence is not immediately discernible, because the fence spans a long distance. Does he want to traverse the entire distance?
>>84324 >>84325 aka be a dick to the guard. A dig bick Iron approaches the guard and stands in front of him, glaring him very intensely. How to italic?
>>84329 "Yes," he says with a hint of venom in his voice. "I wish to pass through the gate right now," He stomps the floor. "and I do not like waiting." He has that glare still, now focused on the booth guard's eyes. He wonders if he can break the booth window with his hooves.
>>84332 "I do not need a reason or a pony to see, now are you going to let me inside or not?" Iron tries to measure the window's strength. If he wants to make a big distraction, he needs to trespass through the front gate. He also tries to predict if he can climb through the fence with his own hooves and willpower.
>>84329 "hmmm i knew i should have bought those wire cutters." Dark tar whispers to him self >>84331 >>84332 Can i here them from where i am or should i roll a listen check?
>>84333 "No, this is a gated community. Only those who are approved to visit or have valid purposes may enter." The guard says calmly. The window looks like glass. The fence is tall enough that he could not climb it without aid of a climbing tool
>>84337 >window looks like glass That sounds way funnier that it should be. "What part of 'I want to enter this neighborhood' is not enough valid reason for you?" He tries to measure if this pony has any quirks that can be used to enrage him.
>>84338 Any quirks are not immediately obvious. He is a tan pegasus pony that wears a brown uniform. It seems that he was previously reading a magazine
>>84340 He sighs very audibly. He presses onto a radio. "We have a public intox here, Gate B." He does not respond to Iron. The magazine has been placed down by now
>>84345 Uh... that might move the wrought iron, but it would create another large object that would need to be passed through and is also not subtle from the adjacent road
>>84346 Bree descends in a manner that allows him to avoid lights. Daggers ready, in case somepony surprises him, but otherwise angled for a silent landing.
>>84341 "What did you call me? A 'public intox'? I will have you know that I am a well respected member of this city. You do not have the right to speak to me that way!" He starts lightly hammering the booth window with one of his hooves. "You better let me in!" This is next level hypocrisy. >>84344 >>84349 Is that the big vampire boi?
>>84350 He looks directly into Iron's eyes "Alright, can i get your name and who you are here to see?"
>>84349 Now here is the question. Where does he want to land? The lots themselves are usually at least an acre with reasonably large houses on them. The front yards are always well trimmed grass, and the back yards mostly are, with pools and some trees. A few properties have a green pathway and a creek through the back. In the front are roads
>>84351 That was the weakened section. It may allow a smaller pony to fit through, but not a larger pony. He would need to break at least one more
>>84356 Spark heads to the very unstealthy ponies to help them break bars... although Spark is not ideal for strength. "How can I help?" >>84357 We will see. Now that I think of it, you might be mad at me giving away all the gold to everypony but you.
>>84354 "Like I would let you my name to a below average guard." He scoffs indignantly. "Look at you. You cannot even open a door for a pony to pass through. How can I expect you to keep my information safe?" He tries to look if the reinforcements have arrived, and will be on the lookout if they haven't. >>84360 >inb4 Spark found dead by bite wound on neck.
>>84364 "You really think using a magical attack won't raise suspicion? We need to be quiet, and fast. I don't give Iron long before they try and shoot him."
>>84361 Judging from a set of headlights on the road behind the booth, it looks as if reinforcements have indeed arrived. However, the guard's tone has calmed down. It's almost as if putting up with drunk ponies who want to pull rank is something he deals with literally daily and considers to be a part of the job.
"The guest list is only for the pony whose house is being visited. We have complete confidentiality. Tell you what, just tell us who you are going to visit, and we will call that pony"
>>84362 To land on? There is a flat area on the roof, and some windows that could be broken into in what looks like a false third level/attic
[1d20+4 = 8] >>84364 >>84366 Silver gives up, tired after not getting anywhere with the bar he's working on. "Ah...it is no use. Here, you two should fit through here." He motions to the hole he managed to make in the fence by breaking the first bar. "I will have to find other way through."
>>84368 I'm going to assume there's a horizontal bar at the top of the fence. Use Rope: Silver brings the knotted rope out of his saddlebags, and tries to tie one end of it firmly on the top bar of the fence.
>>84370 The building is two definite floors, although with a false third floor. It is white with black roof tiles in the inclined areas. The very top is also white. There is a chimney on the side to the right of the road
>>84368 "Open the door and I will tell you what I will do in there." Iron stares. "Unless you are too much of a wuss to even try. I bet you are hiding the fact that you are a mare with all those clothes on you." He checks how well armed these ponies are. Pretty sure the police will not interfere unless there are shots fired. By the way, is Skies part of the mission?
>>84371 "That's what we are supposed to be avoiding. Stealth mission." >>84372 "Well... I think there are going to be questions as to how there go to be a hole in this fence when we are done. But I guess we will cross that bridge later..."
>>84374 Remembering his unicorn magic exists, he takes a few seconds to visualize tying a rope and the steps required to do so in his mind's eye. >>84376 "If it was weakened already, they could chalk it up to rust and lack of maintance."
>>84375 Shotgun leaning against the wall next to him. He is calm, and reevaluates based upon Iron's response
"We can't let you in until we have certified your purpose"
>>84377 Oh dear, I guess I should have clarified how many windows there were. There are four of them, and he sure as hell breaks and enters into them. He is not impaled on the landing, nor is it obvious that anyone saw him
>>84378 >>84380 Silver pauses in his visualization as he notices Dark Star struggling to get through. "Do you need help? I could try to bend one of bars to give you more room, or help by pushing."
>>84380 Tucking away his crow-bar, Bree deliberately and loudly breaks the north-west window, before swooping around and (attempting) to break the south-east window.
>>84380 Iron does not relent. "Dodging the question does not help you embrace your true self." He lays a hoof on the glass. "You can be honest with me. You are hiding from being a mare, are you not? I completely understand if you do. No need to hide it. I can tell." Times like these are where I wished I went for diplomancy.
[1d20+2 = 16] >>84387 Strength: Silver gives prying the bar with his hooves another shot. "If this does not work, we may just have to push you through."
>>84391 Hmmm.... I'm going to say he gets in. This room is rather dark. It appears to be a storage area. An attic, but not terribly dirty. Immediately visible is a chest, a larger painting, and a guitar
>>84392 >>84387 "Ah! There we go. You should be able to get through now." Silver looks at the larger hole to see if he could get through himself now without having to squeeze himself.
>>84389 Iron thinks he completely understands. "I know. It is hard to open up to things like that. A mare who was forced to hide her true self by circumstances outside of her control. There are many cases like you." At least folklore tales that the elders told him. "But I can tell you are hurt. Lost. Confused. Angry at what society has done to you. I completely get it." He strokes the booth window, attempting to pet the stallion. "I can always come inside and comfort you from your troubles."
>>84396 Iron keeps the hoof inside the booth. "I understand your fears. How will society treat you when you come out as a mare? Everyone will be shocked. Maybe you will never date that mare you were after since she only dates stallions. Maybe the boss will demote you when he finds out. Maybe some rival will fall for you when he realizes you are a mare. It is a door which will startle and make you dizzy." He moves his hoof gently again, trying to pet him. "But you do not need to make the step alone. There are others who will try to help you. Ponies like me."
>>84400 Silver turns to Spark now that he's through. "Hey, mind letting Sister Ash know we are through?" >>84404 >tfw 18 Dex 68-year old Fighter Unicorn "So, which house is Comte's?"
>>84405 Iron feels the guard will crack soon. "You do not need to fear me. I am a gentlestallion who tries to help mares in need. I will not try to take advantage of your body. I am not like that. Trust me. Hiding your true self will make you bitter and lonely in the long run. You need to come out soon or you will lose yourself, unable to recover and feel happiness again." He keeps trying, as gently as possible, to pet him. Reinforcements are probably laughing at the 'drunk' earth pony and the afraid guard in there.
>>84414 That's good, 'cause I don't want her to see Iron like this Not good for the party, just good for Iron. >>84415 GM will probably allow it, if Onyx is any indication
>>84415 Well, it may be better for the mission. But I don't think it will be the same, trying to keep her from lighting every house we come across because she thinks it is the bad guy's. I'm just playingwith you, Ash's player.
>>84410 The painting, of a lady, is very large, and not terribly suited for carrying stealthily. A set of stairs are towards the end of the long room, leading down to a closed white door
>>84412 The room is large enough for the guard to stay away from the edges
[1d20+11 = 31] >>84419 Fine, I'll cut the painting from the frame and roll it up after the house is clear. Leaving the red,... whatever next to the chest for safekeeping before sneaky sneaky opening the door. Its 8 stealth and 3 dex, if you're wondering
>>84419 "And leave you to brood in there? I cannot just let you hurt yourself anymore. I feel the pain and suffering you had to endure all of these years. You probably had to hide your femininity from a young age since your father wanted colts instead of fillies and you were about to be his last straw. Going full Oscar Wilde here There is no need to hide anymore. Your father will not hurt you now." He now tries to put his neck inside the booth just for added hilarity.
[1d20+3 = 21] >>84421 >>84422 "That is everypony, and kirin. Come, let us make our way to this Comte's house." Silver heads for the target house, trying to stay out of sight.
Spot: On the way, Silver keeps an eye out for anypony who might see them.
>>84423 Is Bree even in the house? Because there's definitely no sound. nyways, he opens onto a ong hallway. There is a door to his left, a door to his right, a door to his right further down the hallway, and open railing to his left past the door, and a door on the far end on the left
map coming soonish
>>84424 The guard cocks his head You thought you were the only one who could do that?
"You sound awfully articulate" he says, suspiciously
>>84425 Guard truck over to the right, he would have to go around. Some lights on in houses, who knows who could see what
[1d20+4 = 8] >>84429 >>84428 Move Silently: Silver follows, moving silently and using what he's spotted to guide Star down paths that will keep him from getting spotted himself.
>>84428 "I know. I also know that you need help in trying to reveal your true identity." He now puts his other foreleg inside the booth window. "You need to end your string of lies and free your soul. You will better for it. I guarantee it."
>>84433 >>84432 At least it's not a 1. As long as they don't get close to anypony listening for intruders, they should be fine. >>84434 How far away is Comte's house from where they entered?
>>84434 Well ok Iron tries to slide into the booth gently. "I have no friends, at least not here. I only have me to trust in this town." He attempts to pet him again, now being a lot closer if he can slide inside his chest. to him. "But I do have compassion for troubled souls like you."
I fucked up in >>84434. That should have said "He doesn't sound drunk"
>>84436 A little further ways down the subdivision
>>84437 This door opens to what appears to be a master bed room. To the left is a very large bed, pink bed sheets. The floor is fairly open and has white carpet. There are dressers on the wall closest to bree, on the far side, and a night stand on his left. To his left is an analog TV, a painting, and two doors, one closer to the far side, one one closer to the door. On the far side are windows
>>84438 He has an angry look, and now shines a light directly into Iron's face
>>84446 Can he try to 'bend' or break the window with his muscles? He needs to 'save' that poor guard. "Why would my eyes shimmer? Are you coming onto me? I knew you were hiding your true identity."
>>84449 Will that spook the guard into shooting? Iron is kind of standing there, both forelegs and head inside the booth. "Are you okay? You seem scared for some reason. I can still comfort you if you need it." Another pet attempt.
>>84451 I don't think he can fit his head into the booth, nor both forehooves, He can fit a part of foreleg in though. The guard continues standing back. He has started looking over Iron around at his surroundings
>>84455 *Chick-Chack* GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE BOOTH
He is standing in ready position, has picked up the Shotgun, and has it pointed squarely at iron. A wing is reaching for his radio
>>84454 Jewelry, mare's socks and panties. Nothing of much interest. Deeper in the dressers are more clothes. On the top of the dresser is a framed picture of a husband and a wife in some exotic seaside location, and a candle. On the nightstand is a copy of "Ponies and Prejudice" opened midway upside down, a pair of reading glasses, a lamp, and a framed picture of a father and a colt. There is no weapon nor holy book in any of the dressers or nightstands
>>84459 >>84457 They eventually - and I do mean eventually - get to the house. Before it is a well trimmed lawn and a half circle driveway leading up to the door. The house itself is of a vaguely colonial style. Two full floors with white walls, windows above the second floor in a sort of third floor, and black tiled roof. There is a poolhouse behind the house, and a pool \r
>>84460 So, did he at least do any damage on the booth? Iron just stares. "I am not about to hurt you. I just want to help you out on your identity crisis. No need to be so afraid of coming out. I do need to enter the booth though, so I can actually comfort you."
"I said back the fuck off" He talks into the radio "May just be a pre-vert. Get back over here, he's busted into the booth. Will call BPD if necessary. I have my gun trained on him
>>84466 >>84467 "..." Silver quietly and slowly closes the door to the poolhouse, wondering why in Tartarus anypony would put a dog in a poolhouse. He puts this away in a little mental note.
[1d20-2 = -1] >>84464 >>84465 Fuck it. Let's go the funny route. Iron rolls his eyes. "Please. I told you I was not about to take advantage of you. I just want to help you. You are just too stubborn to accept it. I had hoped you would be more cooperative without the booth separating us." Iron sits down and looks down, about to try some stupid shit. He makes a deep breath and looks up at the guard, giving him some sad puppy eyes. "I am sorry."
>>84466 he As queitly as possible turns the door knob Dark Star has his owl friend try to distract the dog or at least make anypony that heard it think it's barking at an owl.
[1d20+4 = 5] >>84474 Spot: Silver looks through the glass to see if there's anything of interest that would explain why Comte would have a Germane Shepherd inside such an odd location.
>>84476 It is a walk-in closet with suits hung up and racks of shoes towards the ground, besides some more normal clothing, ties, and mare's formal attire. Who can say if there is anything on the floor under other items?
>>84478 A spider falls down onto Silver from the Poolhouse. It is now on Silver's face
>>84477 There are windows on both floors, as well as a sort-of third floor. He definitely cannot see Iron
[1d20+11 = 30] >>84485 I'll assume that I am in range for this. Iron attempts to boop the muzzle of the guard, giggling a bit at his imminent reaction. No, this is not lethal or non-lethal. It's just a boop, which will use unarmed bonus hit chance.
>>84492 "OWOWOWOWOWOWGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFF" As Silver has a mental freak out, he jumps into the pool to try to get the damned arachnid off of him.
>>84493 Even though I am skeptical of that modifier Brie is able to eventually able to use his superior hearing to hear where the tumbles unlock. When he opens it, he sees a couple items of jewelry, a wad of paper money, a booklet, and what must be antique coins of a foreign make
>>84494 He can boop the air, which spooks the guard "Back off Pervert"
>>84495 "Splash!" The water is cold because it's like January, and there are no lights on in the pool
>>84496 Good enough for me. Taking everything, time to bounce, grabbing the rolled up painting on the way out. Cry moar Disable Device 8 Move Silently 8 Hide in Shadows 8 Appraise 8 Escape Artist 5 Listen 6 Open Lock 8 Search 8 Tumble 5
>>84496 Iron attempts to get closer, walking extremely slowly. "It seems you fear your secret coming out. I never heard you talk about the issue we are discussing here. I know that you feel afraid. I also know that if you hide from it, you will not be happy. Please, find it in your heart to confess. The weight of hiding your identity will be lifted from your back and you will live free."
[1d20 = 16] >>84504 Iron turns around to see how many ponies are actually behind him. "Are you here to help me out with this guard here? He needs some emotional support. He gauges the ponies' strength and resistance against punches.
>>84502 >>84504 As Silver climbs his way out, he shakes and shivers, both from the freaking cold and from having a spider on his face. He looks spooked. "Чертов паук трахает! Чертовски холодная погода!"
>>84510 Alright. As he gets on the rooftop he hears.... splashing. He heard dog barking earlier from within the house, though that may have been because of him
>>84507 At least he didn't do this in Saint Petershoof during the Winter
>>84509 "I understand, but you need to help me. The guard in the booth has some problems. I think he is trying to hide the fact that he is a mare. Would you not help me?" He points at the shotgun-wielding 'stallion' "Look at him. He is pointing that thing on me in fear of his secret coming out!"
>>84508 >>84513 Silver hits himself in the face a couple of times like he's trying to bat something away from him. Whatever it is, it must already be gone. "Fucking Celestia-damned spiders..." Another involuntary shiver passes through his body. His clothes are sticking close to his form. >>84511 Indeed, this thought passes through his mind, and though he can't ever remember seeing a pool in Saint Petershoof, he remembers a dare he once did as a young and fairly stupid teenager in which he jumped into a local creek in the dead of winter.
>>84516 INB4: He flies off with a crucial piece of evidence we need for this mission. >>84518 "No, they are just creepy is all." He shakes a bit more from the cold. He looks a little miserable from being wet and freezing, but he'll live. "Besides...how would you react if you had fucking spider on your eye?"
>>84519 Oh you're right, my bad, I should stick around until all the guards come? Or perhaps I should set off a flashbang and sing Africa from the rooftops? He just robbed a safe! What do you expect him to do?
>>84523 He nods. "There is Germane Shepherd in boathouse. Unless he has whole herd of dogs to guard every part of house, there might be something hidden in there.
[1d20+6 = 26] >>84522 I beg to differ because I have that feat that lets me attack again per kill/knockdown. It all depends on dice though. Fingers crossed. Iron rolls his eyes. "Fine. I guess I will have to do some unconventional methods to help him out." He decks the annoying guard with the shotgun on the head non-lethally. He has gotten tired of his naggy attitude. Of course, he puts all possible hit bonus chance to damage.
>>84524 If he is going to stop after only exploring the first room rather than everything in the house while he still has stealth, then sure, maybe he would quit while he's ahead. Now write up a character that would have motivation to stay in the story
>>84530 Fuck. Why did you tell me I could punch all three guards, then? God fucking damn it. Well, can I transfer the punch roll to the other guard with the baton, then follow up with the other guard and then just break the wall between that pony with the shotgun if both are knocked unconscious?
>>84534 >>84525 Dark Star Slides it open as smoothly and quietly as he can then he gets in a postiton to help silver get in. i gotta pass out boys, i cant stay awake any longer sorry.
Okay, so Iron is extremely intent on getting the police called even though he's already served his purpose as a distraction. I guess I should let him
>>84535 >>84533 The problem Iron has with punching the shotgun guard is that there is a physical barrier between himself and the guard that blocks part of the way, and places him out of swinging range. It used to be a complete barrier, but Iron broke through the window. Now, he would need to climb over the barrier to close range. I guess he could just simply jump over it, and maybe, maybe he could do that with a move action, meaning he can punch in the same round. He would need a dice roll each for the jump and for the punch, and would also need to go back outside to the other two guards. Because jumping over the barrier is a complex action, I don't think he could do that simply as a surprise. He would need to roll for initiative against the guard
>>84536 Roll for... well, some sort of silence stealth
>>84540 Ah, if that's the case, then I'm not going for it. I thought it was a simple one punch per pony, knocking each of them down for funsies. Nevermind. Iron shakes his head. "Fine, fine. I will move out. I will come back next week. He still needs to show her true colors." Iron then starts walking off the entrance and opts to find a building to wait on, as close as possible to the neighborhood.
>>84547 >>84546 >>84550 It is a large room with wooden floors, chairs, a set of jazz instruments at the far end, and some bookshelves. There is a fireplace in the center. It spans from one end of the house to the other
>>84555 Alright. Be aware that Iron does not commit to the punching since he realizes that he cannot just jump in the booth, knock the guard down, then go back outside and knock the other two. I thought they were at roughly the same room.
>>84556 >>84554 Remember you two. We're looking for evidence that Burgher purchased a foal to incriminate him. Other, smaller infractions are good too to warrant an investigation of his house.
>>84557 Well, he could use a move action to cross the barrier each time, so technically all in three rounds assuming none of them run off and Iron actually hits, or the guard doesn't get a 20 with the shotgun.
>>84559 That's exactly the problem. I thought that I could great cleave through all guards, but if the guard has a chance to fire even if all rolls are satisfactory, then it's not worth it.
>>84555 Silver sits down in front of the fire to warm up. I guess if Star's heading to bed, then I had better do so as well. >>84558 Here's hoping Bree didn't make off with an important piece of evidence, then. I have a bad feeling about the booklet he nabbed from the safe.
I will hazard a guess and predict the GM has paused the game. If so, I should rest up for a bit. >>84561 For his own sake, I hope he does not destroy it. I suppose there is no value in some document of a guy for a thief, though, so he should give it to us if we ask him for it. If he's smart.
>>84568 >tfw all of your friends are gathering up for the game just as you have to get ready to leave Sorry, guys, I gotta go. Don't know exactly when I'll be back, but it shouldn't be longer than a couple hours from now. If everyone else gets here, feel free to use Silver as you see fit. Just, you know, don't make him do anything stupid.
>>84579 Well, I can't really bring back Storm to life in game, but I can make a clop scene for your character and her mare. I suppose Storm has similar stats to Silver?
>>84581 >not as strong as Silver Hold up. I need your strength and constitution stats. It should be able to gauge 'grapple' checks and overall endurance. You don't have the endurance feat, do you?
>>84583 Don't know why I added "Now that I think about it". Must have blanked really hard there. But yeah, a clop scene between Silver and Storm sounds bretty gud.
>>84584 Anything in particular about your scene so that it favors your own thoughts on how Silver and Storm would have performed any sexual act? Not talking about fetishes here since it will be pretty vanilla. Fetishes are degenerate >>84585 Are you talking in point based systems standard?
>>84586 Stats like these makes me wonder how it was a fair fight to begin with. I suppose bad rolls on Silver's part. >>84591 For us humans. Pony reproducing with pony is not a fetish for the ponies. Still, point taken.
>>84590 To be fair, the only guide I have to average point scores comes from Silver, and I get the feeling rolling three 16s and a 17 is fairly rare. >>84587 Can't really think of anything in particular, except for foreplay. Can't get enough foreplay. Other than that, I'm not the writer here, so go for it. >>84592 I mean, it's a bit lower than I would have had her stats personally, but I'm not an expert at coming up with ability score.
>>84592 Because both the attack roll and most importantly damage Igor unarmed attack is determined by strength. Very importantly also, Silver does not have the +2 damage and +1 attack to unarmed attack that Iron does. The lack of weapon specialization and thr lack of strength makes the whole engagement lopsided in favor of Iron, even with slightly higher defensive stats like HP and AC. You need offense to win a fight, and Silver couldn’t quite compete
>>84595 I wasn't talking about Silver and Iron's fight, but Silver and Storm's fight. Silver seems to have the big advantage here and should have won way easier than the story suggests. >>84594 Alright, I'll keep that in mind. I'm unsure if I can whip it out soon if I want to write with some semblance of quality. Maybe by tomorrow or about 3 days maximum
>>84596 Dude, whether it's sex or an epic battle remembered nostalgically, it's not about fucking numbers. Numbers and math and systems are a tool to help create a story where otherwise the story would be freeform and challenges non-measurable. They are NOT supposed to supersede or take priority over characters, story, or the actual carnal aspects of sex. Jesus
>>84598 I'll disregard the whole 'sex performance' part of the book and just focus on values con focuses on like endurance. Str is more to have a little powerplay between the two than an explicit rule in that book, not that I remember if there was. >>84597 It's like you just said. It's a pretty good guide on how characters interact with the situations they are dealt with. That is why I said something about Silver's possible bad rolls on Silver & Storm's fight, since it's a justification for subpar performance on attacks. When you ground it in these numbers, the fight itself gains more value since you can imagine how the fight went through the dice. I'd say it's more inmersive for the players reading that way.
Alright, so I think that Iron decided that he did not want to attract police attention, Silver is trying to dry himself off by a fire that is probably not lit, Star has sneakily broken into a living room, I am not sure what Spark or Ash are doing, and Brie has decided that he does indeed have enough money despite being by far he most successful at stealth
>>84606 >not attract police attention Correct. >Spark and Ash I don't know if Silver's carrying of them to the house counts. If it doesn't, Ash should be at the other side of the gate, maybe near Iron, as well as Spark.
>>84606 >Brie You're close. He spent his time absent from the session last night to drop off his ill-gotten goods at his hideout. I'll explain that all in detail later. But, he did return to the scene, this time approaching from the main avenues where the party is (was?).
>>84612 Alright, returning over the main entrance to the community from the thoroughfare, he can see that at least three guards with an automobile are handling a cross-dresser high on ketamine who busted down a window at the entrance. It is a good thing they are distracted, as they took the effort to hire pegasi who could deal with flying threats. When he returns to the house he sees that it is still empty with lights off, although there has been some barking of dogs. he would have taken note that while this guy is rich enough to have maids clean or guards follow him, he has neither living with him
>>84615 I need to step out to go eat dinner, but my wild empathy mod is high enough to take 10 to influence domestic creatures. The check takes 10 minutes.
>>84615 > he can see that at least three guards with an automobile are handling a cross-dresser high on ketamine who busted down a window at the entrance
>>84620 If there is any kind of hidden anything, it is not immediately apparent to Silver. Carbon build up in the back implies that it is indeed functional as a fireplace. There is also an opening above to the chimney flue
[1d20-1 = -6] >>84622 Search: Silver feels around the inside of the fireplace and chimney for any sort of loose bricks that might be hiding something, or anything else of particular note.
>>84622 I'll go AFK for a bit. Iron's last move should be to leave the premises and wait the others inside a social building close to the neighborhood itself. I mean any places that a strong stallion would not stick out like a sore thumb, like bars and taverns. >>84623 >stallions who wanted to be mares I suppose I went too far with the whole 'true identity' spiel to be labelled as a cross-dresser. Surprising since Iron does not even resemble a pony who tries to change his appearance to look like a mare. Or maybe it's the guard that's shitting itself, having been planted the doubt in her mind, and the others are trying to reassure him that he's a stallion.
Also, I'm back. Idk wtf is going on, but Sister Ash's first priority would be to search for the missing foal. She'll use Caleb's sense of smell to detect any traces ponies within the mansion.
I am out at a restaurant with parents, so my responses are hampered
>>84625 Would you rather he just be referred to as a “homosexual”? The guards are blue collar working class in a conservative is changing society. They don’t care for the distinctions and subtleties of different queer identies, they just see a pony who to them is unnatural. The guard’s reaction was based in part on the Airforve captain in Dr. Strangelove who out of nowhere accuses Colonel Mandrake of being a “pre-vert.” He obviously does not want to take time out of doing his job, which he is on the clock for, to start to think about various sexual and gender identities. To him, you are all fucking weirdos
>>84635 No formal police. Three guards, altogether, all on the entranve and by a major road, illuminated by lights, and far away from the target house
>>84628 Well, it’s dark, but sure. If he is looking for them
>>84627 Ponies. Damn, does he smell ponies. It’s almost as if the structure was the long term residence of several ponies, and regularly visited by dozens
Honestly, you've got your pick. Iron's outside the properties, trying to avoid any further attention from the authorities, and the rest of the group (Silver, Star, Spark, Ash, and I guess Brie) are inside Comte's manor house. I don't think you ever said which group you're gonna be a part of for this one, so...feel free to choose.
>>84645 you are in this room >It is a large room with wooden floors, chairs, a set of jazz instruments at the far end, and some bookshelves. There is a fireplace in the center. It spans from one end of the house to the other
A members list, a deed to a property, and a receipt for a hired musician
>>84651 Can dogs tell the difference between “is here now” and “was here a minute ago” because smells linger and the distinction matters
>>84652 Over the last 10 minutes Iron has made an ass of himself by talking about being a mare trapped in a Stallion’s body, making homosexual advances towards a guard, breaking through the window of a guard’s booth, and having a shotgun pulled on him. He’s done now
>>84641 >>84653 I guess that sounds more accurate than a cross-dresse. I take it I am standing on an alleyway, ready to mobilize if the alarms go off instead of being around the guards still, having some midnight tea.
[1d20+14 = 22] >>84653 Irl, dogs can sense every detail ranging from the age, health or termperment of various mammals by scent alone, as well as how recently they were around.
But if you want me to roll Survival, I'll do that.
>>84659 >>84658 "I don't know why they would hide this. But it would suggest he has something to hide. Something he really does not want others to find out about." Silver takes a look at the receipt.
>>84665 >There is a dog in the house I guess I outta take care of that. Caleb takes a move action to discern the direction of the dog, and sister Ash slowly moves in that direction.
[1d2 = 2] >>84673 The book case contains many books
>>84675 She finds the dog. It is a terrier, medium size, white in color with a giant brown spot on top >”What the actual fuck are you doing in my house dragon? I will rip your throat out!”
>>84673 Dark Star finds something hidden behind the books: a film roll. Titled “My Film Project”
>>84678 Be advised, Iron and Onyx are on scene. One of the guard’s seems traumatized and has a shotgun he is putting down. Two more are standing by the automobile. One of the later responds: “hello sir. We work here. We’ve been dealing with a pair of pre-verts who seem to have taken something stronger than simple alcohol
>>84655 >>84680 A Bat pony approaches and speaks to the guard’s. He seems trustworthy
>>84687 Oh please, there's only three of them. If I can get some of them running off on a tangent, I can incapacitate one and take his clothes, and then walk right into the house, potentially misdirecting the/any other guards, as well as giving a method of escape in plain sight
>>84677 I forgot my spells for today, so let me make smalltalk while I find where I put them. Sister Ash leans down and in towards the dog, as to address him directly. >"I'm looking for somepony. Are you all alone here?"
>>84689 "Well, I'd have to take a closer look to be sure, if you fellows don't mind of course, but from here it looks like there's a broken window on the top floor"
>>84694 Its simple. Brie hasn't met up with the party since the docks, and really doesn't have much information about the why of this mission. As far as he knows, there may be need of disguises and discretion, since last time the docks were overran while he was gathering his throwing knives. THIS time, he's going to have an escape OTHER than flying vertically and then taking a long and round about way to avoid detection
>>84697 Fair enough, be sure to make a signal to attack when you are ready. Booth stallion will be the toughest to fight since he is separated by some wall and I and Onyx would have to jump inside if we were to attack him with melee.
>>84692 He barely manages to catch Silver before he goes off into another room. He gently takes the roll and places it into his bag. "Just how much does he have hidden around here?"
>>84701 "I really don't know. I was just passing by and saw you fellas, wasn't sure if you noticed anything, but I can see you're pretty busy with what you have here. One thing at a time, of course." ^_^ He smiles
>>84704 "Might be my eyes playing tricks on me anyway. Sorry to bother you, you ponies have a good evening." he smiles and continues his 'innocent and totally not artificial' walk around the neighborhoof.
>>84702 >”ruff ruff! I am ferocious! You shall not harm me!”
>>84705 No secret compartments detected in the room
>>84703 The guard in the booth says to the others “No you are not leaving me alone with these two freaks of nature” the hoof that is not touching his shotgun points at Onyx and Iron. “If there are vandals, they can’t get out except through the gate anyways”
>>84706 Did you send silver to try to explore other rooms earlier?
>>84710 Have you backread? Iron just came up, said he wanted to enter, then accused the stallion in there of being a mare in disguise, which lead into Iron spewing things like 'open up' and 'be yourself' bullcrap.
>>84708 >"Sure you are." -Sister Ash beams. >"Don't worry. I'm not here to cause any trouble or touch anything that isn't mine. I'm just looking for somepony." She holds up a picture. >"Have you seen this foal?"
[1d20+7 = 9] >>84708 Brie stops. "Are you worried about being left alone? I'm not really involved, but I must admit the situation has me curious. Would you be okay if I stayed around here, to get help if something goes awry?" rolling bluff
>>84719 "Who are you, and what is your purpose, exactly?" One asks
>>84718 >>84720 There is a very long and large table, black coated wood, with at least 12 chairs at it. On the walls are portraits of great mares and stallions. There are two plants in pots in the room. An entry way goes to a kitchen, and another into the foyer
>>84738 Big Black marble counters, and an island in the center. A very nice kitchen, with windows out to the pool. There are wine bottles handing up, a refrigerator, a knife set, and a few items like mixing bowls and a toaster
>>84739 Ash and a Terrier. There is a staircase that wraps around, a short hall with an open entrance and two more closed doors
>>84735 "Oh come now, surely its William? Good to meet you William, my wife and I just purchased a property a few blocks away. And let me tell you, its a relief to se proper fellows such as yourself keeping an eyeon things." He looks again toward the house. "Though, I do hope my eyes are playing tricks on me."
>>84733 Sister Ash looks very disappointed, and takes a small step back to give the dog his space. >"I'm sorry to disturb you.. but I had a very important mission.. I was looking for a foal who may have been brought here around a week ago.."
>>84742 >"Foal? Foals live here. Foals come and go through here"
>>84743 Well, compartments to be sure, containing pots, pans, silverware, plates, cups, food, and so forth. Nothing truly out of place for a kitchen
>>84741 "Oh, well thank you. We can call in police to help if you are concerned. They will be better able to deal with any burglary in progress anyways"
>>84752 I'm going to assume that you mean the door on his left after turning to his left.
This opens to what appears to be a foal's room. Blue. Toys on the ground like a firetruck. A chest in the back. A bed with with white and gold bed sheets, and a stuffed Ursa Major on the pillows
>>84762 "I suppose that would make more sense. Forgive me, I'm eager to play a part in my new environment. I've never experienced an exciting situation like this before."
>>84765 >"I don't... think so. The foals left with master when he left the house"
>>84763 For over a thousand years, the Caltrop has been a weapon of choice. Simply litter a battlefield with these spikes, and you can disable any horse that happens to step on one. Around 1000, a sadist by the name of Old Kirk Celestinesen from Denmare invented something even more painful if steped on. And one such of these evil devices has ended up squarely under the frog of Silver's hoof
>>84768 When he goes, he sees an open entrance to a room on his right, a staircase going up, and two doors down a short hallway. One on the left, and one on the right
>>84770 "Are you sure we need to call the police?"
>>84771 "No, I'm totally out of my element at the moment. I've never even been cited for reckless flying, this is the most excitement I've seen in years!"
>>84771 After a couple seconds of him doing absolutely nothing, he brings the afflicted foreleg up to his mouth, and bites down. Hard. And he lets out possibly the most guttural cry of agony ever produced by a pony, thankfully muffled by the limb now in his teeth.
>>84777 "Oh, well then might you join me for a drink? The wife doesn't care for it so I have to be discreet, but I have a bit left of one of my finer bottles. I felt like celebrating with all that has developed with our household." He brandishes the really fine bottle of alcohol from several days(?) ago.
>>84777 He backs up out of the room just so he doesn't step on any more of the devil's playthings before falling to his side and continuing his cries of pure, unadulterated pain and agony.
>>84777 >Tfw no skills to search house with so don't know if foal is here or not Sister Ash seems confused and nervous. >"... Oh.. sorry to bother you.."
>>84780 No, he spent his day's wage working at the bar buying a really nice bottle, to make arrangements and negotiations for the dock mission over Who is Brie handing the bottle to?
>>84781 Dark Star has just walked through with a bottle of wine in his hoof, sand Silver went upstairs, He is squeeling in agony and seems to be crying. She has multiple rooms she may enter into from here, including stairs going up
>>84784 This room is a bathroom. It has a large painting with a number of naked mares, modern plumbing, a box of tissues, soap, hand towels, and a small plant that is probably fake
>>84785 >"I appreciate your help in this matter. I will leave this place as soon as I can." Sister Ash bows politely to the doggo, and turns around to checking another room.
>>84792 I mean, I was looking more for a description of the damage done to his hoof from stepping on the Lego, but whatever. >>84789 Silver shows his hoof to Spark, Lego still stuck in the frog. "W-w-what is this evil!?"
>>84792 "Here you are my good stallion," he says, proffering the bottle. As soon as the pony takes the bottle, Brie is going to pull a pair of knives and stick him with them, sneak attack if possible
[1d20+7 = 17] >>84792 Fuck it search check for anything sus Ok, Dark Star not thinking any thing is worth his time in here goes to the hallway and opens the room on the right
>>84796 And I'll note that Sister Ash has been very keen to not touch anything in the house. She uses telekinesis to open doors. If one were to look very, very close to her hooves, they'd notice that they don't disturb dust or carpet in the slightest bit. >Trackless Step
>>84795 Be advised that the other two guards are watching as they never left (because Onyx and iron never left), Capital murder is taken seriously by the police unlike more basic crimes, this will result in a kind of 'mission failed' for at least a few player characters by causing the news of the night to be about a murder, there really is no reason to attack the guards lethally or not because they are extremely distracted from the actual burglaries, and this could only attract unwanted attention by police. So basically there is absolutely no set of facts under which this results in a good outcome for anyone, as even if all three guards are stopped before they can alert police their uniforms will be bloody, and the bodies and blood will be in a public area where people normally drive through and out, likely discovered within 15 minutes
"Oh, thanks" He takes the bottle
>>84798 There is nothing interesting in that room. The next door is locked
>>84807 Thank you for that useful bit of information. Please ignore my previous statement of sticking the guard (for now). What the fuck kind of mission is it?! I get its a hostage extraction, but who cares what the forensics find as long as there's no witnesses?
>>84806 Mostly successful. The demon toy is removed
>>84811 Sorry, there are two distinct factions who have given two distinct missions: The order of Saint Prancis Orphanage wants missing foals back. Rescue the lost foals The Blackhooves of Baltimare want a scandal exposed. Specifically, they want evidence that will justify a search warrant and catch some asshole politician in a crime, which they hope will weaken the politician's party. So collect evidence of scandalous shit Murdering a guard will be unhelpful to the Blackhooves mission, because they won't be willing to go public with the information if it is obvious an innocent bystander was killed in order to get it. it would make the Blackhooves look bad Obviously, Brie can steal shit from rich people in the process. This is actually kind of useful to both missions because it makes it look like the break-in was just a normal burglary
Iron almost assaulted one of the guards. This is the reason they stay together rather than separating. He spooked them before Brie showed up. This is actually kind of helpful to the break-in, because it prevents the guards from spreading out and patrolling, which of course keeps them from discovering evidence of any break-in
>>84811 The guards are guards to a gated community subdivision. The house being burglarized is one of many in that subdivision. What they are guarding at this exact moment is a road that leads into and out of the gated community
>>84818 Okay fine, Brie doesn't try and stick another face with blades,... Xp And not cuz it was his plan, just cuz it would fuck shit. Fug. Okay, how is the guard doing. "Please, don't hold back. Its a celebration, at least for me."
>>84824 I don't want to say that the other two guards move from this position until it is confirmed that Onyx and Iron move "Well, I'm not supposed to be drinking on the job..." He takes a sip anyways
>>84825 Too dark to see without artificial lights. It's a very big room
>>84826 Well, that handle is fucking gone. Dark Star proceeds as well. It opens to a stairwell. The area the stairwell leads into is very dark, too dark to see without additional light
>>84830 He takes another sip >>84829 >>84828 Looks like a meeting area down here. A bar, a table, and a pool table Caleb can be used as a guide dog, although even he can't see where there isn't at least some light from the flash light
>>84831 "So what can you offer to me about Baltimare? I'm new to the city, and while parts of it could use some upkeep and TLC, there are plenty of places that are quite nice. I'd love to find a place to take the wife,..." Continues to keep the guard talking, and especially drinking, as much as possible.
>>84832 "It's kind of a weird place. There are quite a few assholes like these two here" points to Onyx and Iron, and takes a drink "and the people who live around here can be sort of snooty, but that's true of anywhere in Equestria you find Unicorns"
>>84823 Silver maneuvers around these traps as best as he can on three legs as he continues what he was going to do: search the room for any pictures or anything else that would establish a relation between this foal and Comte.
>>84837 Definitely a relationship. It seems to be that of a father and colt. There is a picture of a colt and some older unicorn stallion with pinkish coat, holding a participation trophy in what looks like a pinewood derby race
>>84839 Oh no, this is an evil house. The lamps do not use liquids for their light
>>84840 The flashlight will let you see what you point it at, although it will exclusively let you see what you point it at. A light spell attached to Ash herself could draw unwanted attention if taken out of the basement
>>84850 Silver rushes out of the room in a panic, flopping against the ground and breathing heavily as he exits. "Why did it have to be spiders!? What is it with these ponies and spiders!?" It's now officially canon that Silver's afraid of spiders.
>>84852 >>84849 Now most of the room is visible, although the flashlight is still necessary for detail. One wall has a set of wine glasses on it. A table has a set of papers on it. There is a full bar with bar stools on it. Of course the aforementioned pool table
>>84853 >>84854 There are of course still about 4 more doors or so on that floor
>>84851 *takes another sip* "Well there's this club down on Arabian that is quite nice if you are in the mood for activity. And this bar on South Percheron..."
>>84854 He points to the tarantula, still panicking, to the point everything he says is almost spoken too quickly for Spark to pick anything up from it. "Шесть! Шесть ног! Это самое главное! Не восемь! Посмотрите на размер этой вещи! Это неестественно! Пауки не должны быть такими большими!"
>>84855 "I'll have to check it out sometime. I've heard such great things about the city, I'm eager to spread my wings," he says with a chuckle, and a glance at his wings. "I'm not keeping you am I?" Oh for fuck's sake, this is so plan D shit,... I wanted to stab him in the face
>>84856 "It will be ok. That thing is behind some glass. But the important thing is to make sure no foal is stuck here with that. Do you think you can push forward with the mission?"
>>84862 The door immediately across from him, which would have been the furthest on the left when entering, opens into what looks like an office. Papers on the desk, a great leather office chair, a wooden sculpture of a Hippogrif, some book shelves, a pen and quill, and nice windows. Through the windows can be seen the pool house and pool
>>84866 Now THIS is the kind of room Silver has been looking for. Silver immediately looks through the papers on the desk. >>84863 "Spark, mind helping by searching around the room?"
>>84868 An address of a property in South Town. A building in north town. A contact named "Pransisco" A contract for a ship called "The Jungle Express"
>>84870 He's definitely drinking at the moment. What kind of alcohol is it?
>>84869 >>84871 Some seem to be city related papers. Some concern police pensions, potholes, and roadways. And some are correspondences with two different ponies
>>84867 If she doesn't find any trace of the foal, she pockets her glowing rock and leaves the room. >>84872 Sister Ash leaves, and gets ready to move to the next building.
>>84874 "Socialism" by Freedrich Angels, and "In the Ricefields" by Fillip Redguard
>>84875 Sample "I know, my dear Cheese, that you are concerned about the effects of this 'gag order,' as you call it, in stifling our ability to speak against the injustices of the occupying regime. However, I tell you that it is not a censorship of ourselves, so much as an essential step for our self-preservation. The fascists have shown that they will remove anyone who stands in the way of their power, and would effortlessly do the same to us were we to point out the injustices of their regime in foreign affairs. There would be no benefit in being martyrs for freedom of speech and the press, as there are plenty of martyrs already. There are enough martyrs to fill several volumes of books. We must bide our time, and have faith" From 'Lichen Stone.' Most noteworthy repeated phrase is 'gag order.'
>>84876 Indeed there was. But first, on her way out >"Where do you think you are going, Dragon!"
>>84877 Oh yeah, he definitely stole that The guard is getting buzzed, clearly, but the other two will remain until the homosexuals are gone
>>84878 She turns around to the doggo >"It seems as though the pony I was looking for truly was not here. I'll be on my way now." She says with a polite bow
>>84879 There seems to be some sort of light on outside. I assume she would have to walk through the open window, then outside towards the garden, then over past the pool
[1d20-1 = -10] >>84878 Silver sighs. Whether this Lichen Stone is a coward or if the Black Hooves are afraid of the truth, he himself can't decide. Either way, he takes the correspondence.
Search: Hoping there are no spiders in this particular room, Silver looks around for anything of interest, starting with the desk.
I wish I had Blue Skies there for this so I could have her make racist comments about bat ponies and how untrustworthy they are
>>84883 In the book on socialism, a concern about whether the working classes themselves would be ready for the final state, or whether a revolutionary vanguard is necessary. In "Ricefields" some remarks about fighting in the jungle
>>84884 Another correspondence. This one with none other than Golden Delicious, and from Comte
"I disagree with your assertion that a free election would not bring about the liberation of the oppressed. They know where their interests lies, and they have been awoken by the events of the last twenty years, from the time of the Stalliongrad succession to the coronation of the third princess to the Great War. The only question of importance is if the creatures have a free and fair election"
Many posters of "Cheese Burgher for representative"
>>84897 Sister Ash does not in fact go away. She remains calm and composed, and addresses the hound directly >"I came here looking for a lost foal. Are there any foals here?"
>>84898 "Oh fine fine, we're just having a laugh. I don't mean to intrude, its just nice to meet some proper fellows. (I'm moving here from Fillydelphia,... odd sorts there)" he whispers
>>84903 >>84900 A large collection of the works of Signalmound Friend, the Diamond Dog psychologist, including: "On the Proper Understanding of Dreams," "Pony and Taboo," "Harmony and its Discontents," and "Three Theories of Sexuality"
A book by Mare Singer, "Family Limitation,"
By Carrot Mead: "Coming of Age in Salmon Island"
>>84903 "Psychology of Sex" by Havenlove Chalice, and "The Mare Rebel" by Mare Singer
>>84902 "Oh really? I have a cousin in Fillidelphia"
>>84906 Hmmm, I'm not sure how to respond, considering that "Three theories of sexuality" was described as being downstairs in the study, rather than upstairs in the office
>>84910 You know what? Fuck it. Silver gets a quickrundown of "Three theories of sexuality." The first section concerns sexual abberations: Where the sexual object deviates from the sexual aim. In the discussion of the sexual object, it concerns itself with sexual perversions. This is of course only a small portion of the book. Essentially, this is a psychology/philosophy book he is looking at
The Psychology of Sexuality, in a quick glance, claims among other things that it is false to believe that foals have no sexual desire to them. Rather, sexuality is expressed even from the earliest ages. It also talks about auto-eroticism in both foals and yearlings. Another section concerns same-sex appeal. Another Philosophy/psychology book, basically
>>84909 Highlighted are some sections in "Harmony and Its Discontents" about repression having sever psychological effects on the repressed
>>84911 "Oh sweet Celestia..." He looks absolutely horrified at the contents of the books. He immediately puts them in his bags. He flips through 'Mare Rebel', worried what else he'll find.
[1d20-1 = -3] >>84916 He's only slightly eased by the mundanity of this book, even if the concept of birth control seems odd to him. He puts the book back.
Search: Silver makes one final search of the room for anything else of interest. Hidden wall safes, secrets, whatever.
>>84921 A bathroom. A couple tooth brushes, a full bathtub and shower, toilet, medicine cabinet, pretty paintings of Breezies. That's the first room anyways
>>84922 Documents, some pertaining to a series of soup kitchens for feeding the poor managed by a non-profit agency. Another concerning a non-profit that helps to integrate non-pony immigrants to Equestria
>>84925 Underneath a false floor in the desk drawer: a balance sheet of payments and expenses for a non-profit organization
>>84929 There seems to be an actual physical place that this occurs, or at least, is a center of outreach. It's a location in the Eastside called "New Horizons." The document mostly centers on donations to it, as well as a few arrivals. It appears there are ponish teachers and a few beds for the homeless, as well as headhunters for those seeking jobs. At least, that is what the document alleges
>>84933 This room has a bed with orange and white bedsheets, white carpet, pink colored walls, another chest. A stuffed breezie on the bed. Paintings of flowers
>>84937 I know that because none of your have trap searching as an ability that you just assume that the floors are clear of death traps and just walk wherever, but you're on fucking notice. Fortunately for Silver, none of those satanic bricks litter the floor of this room as he prances over without searching it first. When he gets to the chest, he finds dolls of ponies, a tamborine, and a blanket
>>84939 High Like in the tens of thousands of bits, in and out
>>84940 In an effort to avoid going on a large rant, I'm just going to say this: have you seen my rolls as of late, GM? I'll take my chances with the death traps. Silver takes a better look at the room around him, suspecting this to be another foal's bedroom.
>>84942 There is a picture of a pink unicorn filly on a night dresser. This just might be a filly's bedroom. Widows on two sides, the one opposite the door looks out to the street. There are some drawing of flowers hanging up, as well as scattered crayons
>>84947 Within the house itself, only two upstairs
>>84946 This door opens to what appears to be a master bed room. To the left is a very large bed, pink bed sheets. The floor is fairly open and has white carpet. There are dressers on the wall closest to Silver, on the far side, and a night stand on his left. To his left is an analog TV, a painting, and two doors, one closer to the far side, one one closer to the door. On the far side are windows
>>84949 a door near the center, one on the left far side, one on the left nearside, one on the right side near, and two on the rightside far. Silver is at the first rightside far
>>84951 This room is a bathroom. There are a couple tooth brushes, a full bathtub and shower, a toilet, a medicine cabinet, and pretty paintings of Breezies
>>84955 And thus, GM did learn why he always feels compelled to embed NPCs in the party. So he has a mouthpiece to make smart ass remarks when players do certain things
He can see the frame of a painting. The painting inside has been cut out. Inside of a dresser there is jewelry, mare's socks and panties. Deeper in the dressers are more clothes, for male and female. On the top of the dresser is a framed picture of a husband and a wife in an exotic seaside location somewhere north, and a candle that smells of cream. On the nightstand is a copy of "Ponies and Prejudice" opened midway upside down, a pair of reading glasses, a lamp, and a framed picture of a father and a pinkish colt. There is a check inside of a drawer on a nightstand
>>84958 Are you seriously going to steal medical pills in hopes of reselling them as drugs? I don't think even Brie would have done that
>>84960 For none other than one Antonio Pransesco from a location on east and 9th, routed through the Raventrust Bank. Amount 2000 Bits. Looks as if it was never sent
>>84962 Is it "Pransesco" or "Prancesco"? I thought you previously spelled it as the latter. "...Now that is interesting. What business would Comte have with him...?" He takes the check as evidence.
>>84965 Fucking hell, I passed out. Did anything happen to any of the guards? Is Iron and Onyx STILL in the area where the guards are panicking about his presence?
>>84967 He grabs both, figuring it to be worth it to get at least a few Bits out of this excursion.
As he exits the master bedroom, he notices the last door has been opened, and leads to stairs to the next floor up. Cautiously, he makes his way up the stairs. >>84969 Yup. They're calling Iron and Onyx homosexuals, now.
>>84970 >Brie happened I didn't read that Brie killed any guards, so what did he do? >>84971 Well, that was obvious from the first line. Iron doesn't really care for now. He is trying to help a mare hiding herself as a stallion, after all.
>>84971 And thus Silver steals a mare's jewelry after breaking into her house, jewelry that even Brie looked at and passed up, but saving him from the doom of the 'lawful good alignment'
>>81795 → >20 pounds of gold So about $320,000, going by 2019 rates of $1000 per ounce. Real estate is expensive! This also means that a single gold bit is worth $320, implying high inflation. Even a blue-collar worker earns triple-figure salaries.
A level 1 NPC owns $288,000 and a level 2 owns $640,000 in assets. Seems to me our characters could open a portal to an earth-like setting and they'd be filthy rich.
>>84979 I'm not sure if that's testament to making people care about the character, or if it's just because Silver's the last, best chance at having a Lawful Good character in the party. >>84977 "Like what?"
>>84981 I can't blame the lawful good folk. They intentionally cripple themselves to be a goody two-shoes so their range of choices is limited, iunless he missions are specifically geared towards them.
>>84984 I guess so? For Silver, something like this is fairly normal for him, even if what you've seen so far says otherwise.
It's only just recently I've found a way to articulate the reason why Silver's marked as being True Neutral even though the actions he's taken in the game thus far are much closer to Lawful Good: The Lawful Good Silver? The pony who donates to charity, gives romance advice to friends, who sticks to his principles and fights for those he cares for, was a loving husband and father for 18 years? That's the pony Silver wants to be, and wishes he could be. The True Neutral Silver? The pony who robs a mare of her jewelry without nary a thought, who has no remorse over brutally slaughtering those who killed his wife or just normally killing in general, who stays loyal to the contract and to Bits, who fights for little more than personal gain? That's the pony Silver is, and has been for a very long time. Try as he may to be good, until something significant happens to make him seriously reconsider his life choices, or until somepony manages to convince him to try to change his ways, he'll always revert back to that baser instinct, to the True Neutral Silver: the pony who knows how to fight, and choses to fight for himself.
Or I just suck at this. Who knows?
>>84983 "I found some correspondence letter between Comte and other politicians, talking about fighting back against Black Hooves through elections. Also found some...concerning...philosophy books regarding sex, one of them involving foals. Most interesting thing I found was 2,000 Bit check from Comte to Antonio Prancesco."
>>84985 Little off-topic but what are Silver and Storm's coat and mane color palettes, and if there are any patterns within the coat or mane to highlight?
>>84986 Silver's fairly basic: silver-grey coat, medium grey mane, blue eyes. He's also got a dark grey dorsal stripe running along his back from his mane to his dock. Have you ever seen a picture of a mustang horse? It's a bit like that. If you need it, his cutie mark should be a sword swinging in a downwards arc.
Storm's pretty stereotypical for a pegasus: dark grey coat, black mane, yellow eyes. She's got a wide yellow lightning stripe in her mane. Cutie mark is a forked lightning bolt.
>>84985 I would argue about whether robbing the guy's wife when that obviously isn't in either contract is loyalty to the contract, but again, whatever
>>84988 It's either Pransesco or Prancesco. For the sake of not breaking the GM, let's say either works. "Yes, but this could serve as evidence that he payed significant sum to Prancesco for something. It is not enough for trial on its own, but if we can find something worth sending him to trial..."
>>84989 >>84990 >>84991 Goddammit... Silver feels a strange pang of guilt, like something suddenly weighing down his heart. He looks to the brooch and the necklace in his bag.
>>84991 For a GM, that's true. If every PC is a jerk, then the GM will find it harder and harder to entice the PCs into questing without sacrificing the story. The players are a bit different, since they want to do some stupid shit sometimes, or else they will eventually lose interest in the game by acting like serious goody-two shoes all the time. This may just be me projecting my ideas and pretending all of the party agrees with them I think my changeling character 'could' make the party more likable as a whole, but she's not really a good-aligned character. Also some questionable stuff like how worker changelings work without a queen to serve and the like
>>84994 "No, I do not believe it does..." Silver looks at something in his bag for a couple seconds, before sighing and turning to head back downstairs. "...Hey...I will be right back. Need to do something real quick."
>>84989 >>84990 >>84991 Silver trots forlornly back down the stairs, the weight of his guilt weighing him down considerably more than he expected. Every step he takes with the stolen possessions, every moment that passes, he feels it becomes more difficult to breathe.
As he steps in front of the dresser in the master bedroom once again, he pulls out the necklace and the brooch. He stares at them, a mental battle being waged in his mind. One second, he'll make a motion like he's going to return the jewelry. The next, he'll move to put them back in his bags. And for a third second, they'll return to a neutral state.
Memories, meanwhile, come to mind and pass like the wind. Memories of him doing bad things, terrible things, in his past. Memories of him in which he tried to do something better, to be better. Memories of her. Of Storm. And them together.
After a few seconds of this, he sighs, and tosses them back into the dresser. "This is not right...I...she...she would want me to be better than...this. Whatever 'this' is." The weight feels lifted off his chest. He feels like he can breathe once more. He turns for the stairs back to the attic once more, only offering one lass look back at the dresser before making his way back to Dark Star.
"It is not worth it, to lose what little I have left."
>>84996 I'm not quite sure she would object to stealing since she was a bandit and all I was about to tell you to roll a fortitude save to prevent from having a stroke by all of his feelings just for funsies, but then the GM will take the roll seriously and Silver dies of guilt.
>>84997 Well, she was a former bandit. What, ponies can change! >>84994 After almost a minute, Silver comes back looking a bit relieved about something, but at the same time looking somewhat troubled. Whatever exactly is causing it, Star doesn't immediately know.
>>85000 "That jungle express thing i mentioned before was a boat i was wondering if you had heard anything at all about boats. and you said you found some degenerate books right?"
>>84998 Maybe if she was a bandit for a year as a thrill seek like a rich kid wants some excitement in his life. Not when she basically grew up to be a bandit. I suppose the one reason to leave the bandit life and settle as a normal mare is when she has children who can be used as targets for others to exploit, forcing her to act as non-intrusive and cocky as possible, so no stealing. Who am I to judge, though? Iron is not the most consistent character.
>>85001 He pulls them out: one is titled "Three Theories of Sexuality" by Signalmound Friend, the other is titled ""Psychology of Sex" by Havenlove Chalice.
>>85004 He does so, turning them to the parts he found particularly distressing. In particular, he turns to the parts of "Psychology of Sex" where it talks about sexuality in foals.
Not knowing what else to say, he speaks the first thing on his mind. "So...you and Blue managed to talk things out. I am glad for this."
>>85006 He does so. It gets to the part of the "Psychology of Sex" where it talks about homosexuality. Silver doesn't seem nearly as disgusted by this section as he does the previous one, though it's still clearly uncomfortable for him. "I thought jape at Iron was fairly humorous as well."
>>85007 Dark Star seem disgusted by this passage as well but his disgust is not as intense *Snap* "Im sort of proud of that one." Dark Star Laughs and looks away from the gay book "You know i wish ash had burned this book instead of the books in the basement."
>>85008 Silver laughs. "Me too." After a couple more seconds of laughter, Silver looks at Star. "Hey Star...would you like to learn how to do something for Blue? It will likely seem so small thing to you, but I figure I could share some of my knowledge about having pegasus partner. I am certain Blue would love it." >>85010 Yep, that one.
>>85012 Dark Star looks at silver with a quizzical look "yea, i would like any information i can get, my dad died before he could teach me about mares."
>>85013 Silver rubs the back of his neck. "I...do not know how much help I can be with teach you about mares in general, but for pegasi...well, what do you know about preening?"
>>85015 "Ah, let us start with that, then. Preening is way pegasi take care of their wings. It usually serves three purposes: remove loose or damaged feathers from wings, clean healthy feathers of dirt and sweat that accumulates over time, and cover them with natural oils to protect them from elements. Adult pegasi can do this on their own, but those in intimate relationships are known to preen each other, and it is usually seen as very intimate act. I have had some experience in this, as I was married to Storm for 18 years, so if you want, I could try to teach you how to preen Blue."
>>85017 Silver laughs a bit more. He feels almost younger, teaching Dark Star like this. Makes him feel like he's teaching his own sons, again.
Silver starts to teach Star how to preen, or at least as well as he can as a unicorn can teach an earth pony without any visual aid. He describes how to root around in a pegasus's wing to locate loose feathers and very gently pull them out with his teeth, how to use both his snout and his tongue to clean the dirt and grime off of healthy feathers, and how to spread the natural oils secreted in the wings and wingpits throughout the feathers to add a nice, protective layer. He also goes into surprising detail about how the oils secreted by a pegasus's wingpits are absolutely loaded with pheromones, and just how effective it is in "exciting" the male member, and getting a pony "in the mood to reproduce".
>>85019 Silver nods. "Indeed. It is supposed to prepare couple for intercourse, get both members in mood. There were many times when I would preen Storm and take large whiff from her wingpits, and it would be like punch to face, that scent of her pheromones. It becomes especially potent during estrus." He blushes a little in embarrassment as he continues. "Normally, I would have to wait until near end of preening to do so. It would not take long for my mind to go to mush thinking about nothing but rutting her, and for feeling of my, eh...'Splitting Sword'...popping out of its sheath and slapping against her back to make us both go crazy with lust."
>>85022 "I have heard it is different for all pegasi, at least to some degree, that all have some sort of unique 'flavor' to their pheromones. It usually will always smell somewhat like mixture of sweat and musk, but there is also something...unique, something I can not quite describe. All I can come up with is it smells bit like sex, or energy, except more...potent."
>>85024 "It is something you would need to experience yourself to understand, I feel. All I can describe accurately is feeling. You know those shivers down your spine or legs when you eat delicious food, or listen to great music, or when your partner does something really pleasurable to you? It is like that, except throughout your entire body."
>>85026 Star notices Silver shifting around a little where he's sitting. Apparently all of this talk about pheromones has got him worked up a bit. "I highly recommend it. I would offer to help guide you through process, but I am not sure how much my help would be welcomed. I...also would not want to...intrude...on any, eh, 'private' moments that occur between you two."
>>85028 "N-no, nothing is wrong." The awkward and silently pleading look on his face confirms what Star already knows. "If you had pen and paper, then yes, I would be very willing to write it down for you."
>Was hoping there would be no more than 8 new posts between the time I went to sleep and the time I awoke so I could claim the 85000 >Found there were so many posts 'last 50 posts' doesn't cover them >Found that apparently there is this entire new feature of pegasus biology I am going to be forced to accept and work with Well fuck me
>>85047 Basically, Silver just dumped that pegasi has pheromones at the underbase of their wings which stimulate sexual interaction and reproduction when preening. Essentially an aphrodisiac of sorts.
[1d20+13 = 17] >>85048 Hmmmm, maybe that's why they stick their wings up when they're excited. >Wingboner Rolling Knowledge (nature) to see if Sister Ash knows anymore fun facts about Pegasi biology.
>>85043 Survival is his main class skill as a Ranger. That's what Rangers do; they Survive. A lot of his potential abilities would be dependant on Survival.
Unless he's an Urban Ranger (variant): then it'd be Gather Information.
>>85053 Who knows? It may be just taken from a clopfic somewhere online. I think it's a common headcanon that pegasi has close ties with birds and I think some bird mating habits involve their wings. Apart from that, I'm unsure how did Silver's player come up with that.
>>85054 I don't think very many birbs have olfactory hormone glands though. They mate mostly through sound and sight, rather than through pheremones. Pheremones aren't as big for birbs as they are for other creatures.
>>85055 Ah, but pegasi are mammals so that explain pheromone use. Combine it with some preening habits and you're golden. Seriously, I have no clue apart from vague fanfic knowledge to guess Silver's headcanon on pegasi here
>>85055 And for the birds that do, they're located at the base of the tail. Most mammals have their scent glands on their rears as well. Horses have vestigial scent glands on their legs and elbows. The spot is called the Chestnut.
>>85059 If horse scent glands are named as a particular species of tree, then that tree should have some scent property as well! I'm pretty sure it's not inherently sexual. Not sure tho.
>>85062 I wanted to base her color patterns off of Mother Teresa's trademark White and Blue habit, which is the symbol of the Missionaries Of Charity. I thought some kind of blue trim could look good on her mane, but otherwise I'd make it a blue-green Jade color. Her scales are yellow/gold, maybe rosegold, and her hooves were supposed to be gray/silver. The golden color of her scales makes it look like she's wearing armor. Her coat is supposed to be pearly whites, or perhaps a very light gray. I wanted to keep it pale, to contrast the clothes she normally wears, or her black coat when she's angry.
>>85064 >>85065 Idk, the solid blue color doesn't really fit her. I thought her mane would be mostly white/silver, like mist, with a bit of blue on it. The blue doesn't really need to be very apparent so long as it's there. As for the shape, I thought it'd be similar to Autumn Blaze's, with the swirls/stripes and all, only it'd be looser and silkier; less dense, but still long. Also, while we're posting other ponies vectors. Here's one that made me think of similarities.
I had planned to shoop a vector myself once I finally got a new laptop.
And yeah, that one looks pretty male. If there were any distinguishing physical feature about Sister Ash, it would be that she's relativey small and frail.
>>85068 Alright, but the coat was like the previous vector, right? Something akin to the white kirin male, while having the mane of your vector, as well as some gold scales. Am I missing some other detail on color composition?
>>85076 That looks good. Although in hindsight, I'm not sure how it'd look on the pale coat. Whatever it is, I'll try to have it done later. I wanted it to be a blue-jade thematic, since she's a healer.
>>85079 It's just misc stuff to add some flair and uniqueness to a race. It's not that there's a pivotal plot point that falls on precisely not having pheromones on their wingpits. Right?
>>85086 I'm wondering if there's a particular reason why the terrier gets to sleep inside while the germane sheparp is situated in the pool house. >>85083 Is this dog on a leash?