Set six years after season 6, Occupied Equestria presents an alternative history where the Changelings have conquered half of Equestria, while a former Equestrian colony - soured to Princess Twilight's notion of harmony with all creatures because of their encounters with griffins - Invaded and took the other half. In Baltimare and the Equestrian Southeast, the magic of friendship has weakened, as Communists, Changeling infiltrators, Fascists, gangs, and corrupt creepy politicians threaten the city. This role play is based in large part upon the Equestria at War mod for Hearts of Iron 4, and uses D&d 3.5e mechanics.
For those on the train. The train goes along at high speeds through the darkness past farmland, trees, and other trains... until it starts to slow down, and comes to a halt.
1824 replies and 64 files omitted.
>>98765>>98766Spark tends to the changelings.
"I know you guys don't really understand me, but we should head back to the room now."
Stix ponts the way back to their car.
>>98768>>98769I think Brie put the changelings all the way back in his room
>>98770Darn. I thought they left that room, but stopped short of the one car with all the interrogation...
[1d20+4 = 6]>>98768Then he tries to stab the stallion that Onyx trampled in the eye
>>98772Not exactly a pristine performance. This prompts Snowflake and Forest Green to yell out at him
“Stop that!”
>>98773"Don't interrupt, I want to see what he's going to do next." Brie objects.
>>98774He abandons
that project, then goes forward through the vestibule, and tries to cross over to the car in front
>>98775Only after doing a certain something else... he picks up one of the guns
[1d20 = 3]>>98775He knocks on a closed door of the car in front of them
“I am with the police, Bader Ozren of the SSA.”
[1d20 = 14]>>98778And is promptly told to fuck off. He knocks again.
“Damn it, I am trying to help.”
>>98779After slightly more finagling with the pony inside, he is allowed to enter
[1d20 = 10]>>98780Brie rushess to get his hoof in the door
>>98781I’m going to say that succeeded
He hears a “who the fuck are you?”
>>98771Knocking on the door
\r
>>98782Sparks ears shoot up. Can he tell which door this is coming from?
>>98783Coach, rear vestibule, left door
>>98784Sparks heart starts racing a bit. He looks around for cover for the firefight that will most likely go down soon.
[1d20+7 = 26]>>98782"There's no time, let me through."
bluff
>>98785A blue light lights up around the door. Ecivdently they are trying to unlock the door with telekinesis magic, although they don’t quite seem to be locating the lock
>>98787I guess that means no cover...
Spark begins to think of something he could do. If only he payed attention in those classes on useful magic.
[1d20 = 11]>>98786They must believe he is in party with Ozren, because they let him through. Assuming he actually comes inside, they
immediately lock the door behind him.
What he’s looking at is a long car with open shelves on both sides, with cabinets, safes, letters, walls with open slots. The whole room is dressed in wood and stainless steel. There are three ponies in this room besides Ozren and Brie. One is bear Ozren and Brie and is holding a shotgun. Another is at the far end and looking out of an open slit in what seems to be a partly open window. He aims another shotgun out of it. The middle one looks over at Brie and is between the two. All three wear blue uniforms that unambiguously place them as Postal employees.
>>98788Now, they try shooting at it
>>98789Spark takes aim for the door. How many shots are ripping through?
>>98790>>98791The door slowly swings open
>>98789... I've got nothing. I'll try and think of something tomorrow
>>98791>>98792Why can't I get those kind of rolls?
Spark takes one last look at Tipsy.
"If I don't make it though this, it's been a good run. Wish me luck."
Spark stands there, waiting for the first pony to step onto the train.
>>98793Brie's presence in the room would undoubtedly change the conversation as the ponies question whether he is a threat and why he is in a normally restricted area, but absent Brie's participation, the conversation between Ozren and the Postal employees would go something like this:
Ozren (to Brie):
What the hell are you doing here?Postal Employee (to Ozman):
I thought he was with you?I don't know who he is, but he did kill at least one partisan on the trainSo those are indeed partisans next to the train? That's about what I thoughtYes, they claim that they are from the Everfree Resistance" or something. They say they are searching for somepony.From Everfree? I doubt it. If they were familiar with this location they would have known better than to stop the train in this place, in the most lawless part of Equestria north of the Forbidden Jungles. Either that, or they must have been very confident in their security, or just plain desperate.So these are bandits?Indeed, we've been able to keep them from entering the car for 15 minutes now. The partisans have also been holding them back. I guess they don't want their "peaceful" search to be tainted by a robbery.What's stopping the train?I don't know. My best guess is that they made use of the light warning system. There are lights that will go red when the track ahead is busted and an electric circuit is broken. They warn the Train to stop and not go onto dangerous track. That, or maybe they placed an obstacle on the track to force the train to stop....
>>98794The first one coming through the door is the same pony he pushed out the door early. He is holding, in this case, a bolt-action rifle. He hasn't noticed Spark
yet.
If my experience with EaW is anything to go by, then I imagine it won't be too much longer before the party hears about beginning of the Dark Crusade against the Arcturian Order. That'll be interesting.
>>98800There have actually been a number of different events I have wanted to have “newspaper headlines” for, but I never got the chance to implement them
>>98801Because none of the players have picked up a newspaper, I take it.
Might have to have Silver do that. >>98802Also, if it wasn’t abundantly obvious, this is not based on a single play through... making a lot of the world feel kind of ill defined.
>>98803I haven't really thought of it as ill-defined so far, it's just that I don't know much of what's going on. It would be a good idea to have Silver look in a newspaper. All he knows is happening is that New Mareland and Skyfall are in a war, and it's going badly for both of them.
Also, man, is it quiet today.
>>98804>>98804Yeah, that’s the only event I’ve been able to squeeze in thus far.
Also, the New Marekand campaign has changed radically over the course of the updates [1d20+5 = 19]>>98795"Freeze. Step back off this train and you won't have to die tonight."
Intimidation check. +3 Cha and +2 synergy bonus for 5+ ranks in bluff if I got that right.
I looked up any bonuses I could get because I really hope to survive this.
>>98807>>98809He doesn't seem intimidated
"DROP IT!"
[1d20 = 15]>>98809Come on! Really?
>>98810"Why does nopony do the sensible thing when threatened by a gun?"
Stix fires.
>>98812I'm tired alright? I can't keep names straight.
>>98808I've seen Stalliongrad go either way ever since they reworked Historical Paths in the Brothers' Feud update. Nova Griffonia seems to favor either Highhall's military government or the Communist path. I noticed Brantbeak always stays fascist now, and Prywhen always goes isolationist. Aquelia mostly goes down the Republican path now, though I've seen them go down the PAT Moderates path once. I suppose now the tactic to dealing with Aquelia as New Mareland is to avoid war with them until they get into a war with the Empire.I'd ask if you had any ideas on what Silver would dream about, but I'm not sure how much longer tonight I'd be on to actually explore it. I'm fuckin' tired right now.
>>98813You've called Spark "Stix" enough lately that I'm thinkin' that should be his nickname.
>>98814Stix is my old character from the set of role playing threads by the name of Mixed Nuts and variants of that name in this board. It is a bit of a habit that when I am awake enough, I catch myself typing and I correct it. But I have not been very awake lately.
>>98815I remember seeing those when they were around and getting completely confused at why and how there'd be nothing but /vx/ posts on the homepage. Now I know why.
>>98814I thought Nova Griffonia goes Harmonist in the historical path. Anyways, I haven't played New MAreland as much since the Riverlands update, as Lake City has become a new favorite, as has Greneclyff and now also the Changeling Lands, besides the Oleanian Rike (Which has been affected even more by all of these updates). And the new tactic is to revive a much older tactic - kill Aquelia first.I actually don't know what Silver would dream about either. I feel like something about Star or Skies, possible the two little changelings, or maybe the catacombs
>>98817It used to be that way, but after Brothers' Feud it seems to be the second-rarest path to see them go down, now.Could be any number of things, those included. Could also be about his family or his lost nation, but those would be things I would probably type out on my own when I'm not fighting to keep my eyes open.
>>98818Whats the rarest?I would presume his stated intent to join the black hooves would create sone dream drama
>>98819Fascist. I've yet to see them willing go down that path.It would certainly result in a mental debate about things I can not reliably consider at the moment. Seriously, I'm tired. Think I'm gonna head to bed.
>>98814Ah, so that's why Iron's dream was not getting any sort of attention recently.
Serious question: Was it getting redundant for you?
All is quiet on Hitler's birthday.
>>98823It's the Duke's birthday! Celebrate, for he comes to empower all of ponykind and establish pony supremacy!
>>98821The issue with Iron's dream is that I know what I want to happen in "Act three," but I don't know what to fill between "Act 2" and "Act 3" to make the pacing even out more. That, and you've barely been here.
For some reason everyone seems to think that they can't do anything with their characters until the train sequence is over.
>>98826Huh. I wasn't expecting that kind of retort. I guess I haven't been as available as before. I should be today if you're up for it, so scratch the being here problem for today and tell me when it's ready or if you want to ask anything in particular.
Okay, so what kinds of quests do people want?
My favorite genres are historical and horror (and maybe war). I think that kind of shows, as most of the events include these elements plus also political or criminal drama. Genres that I haven't included as much of include fantasy, which I don't really like as much, and mystery, which I am not confident in my ability to write. I guess it is a little strange that magic and fantastical elements would be downplayed in a setting that is obviously fantastical, but I like the mundane.
What do you all want? Are quests and plot-lines too long? Do we need more magic, more adventure, more action, less action, or what?
>>98827Well...
Pear continues looking at a map. Cauldron is uncertain of their present position
"Are those guys going to keep harassing us?"
Iron, presumably, is sitting on a low wall in the ruined town. Hardly any higher walls remain, and brush has grown in what used to be dirt pathways, while some cobble stones remain, and vines spread across the few larger portions of structures
>>98828Hm, I guess the quest goes alright. I believe the lack of optimal character build is going to make things tough mechanically in the long run. In terms of themes, you're doing good. I can feel the adrenaline pumping and the tension of a fight clear as day, and the historical tidbits are a nice little cherry on top. I'm not sure how you'll tackle politics with a literal native whose ideas are way too simple for civilization,
but the little talk with Cauldron before the second boop fight was handled well.>>98829Iron pipes up while licking his wounds.
"I am sure they will. They want the Xolotl idol more than anything, it seems."
He stares in front of him for a bit.
"Which means they need to be dealt with sooner or later, or risk more ambushes."
>>98830"They seem to have gotten away"
>>98830There is much to say about Iron and politics. As for combat builds, I don't really think Iron is really at much of a disadvantage >>98831Iron nods.
"This will mean there will be more to tackle in this jungle. I sense this is no normal bandit group. They seem too organized to be a bunch of rookies."
He ponders to himself, glancing over to the beaten down riflemares or at least the places where he struck them down.
"I guess we could at least get some more information out of the fallen foes to see what power does this group have."
I guess I need a cleric to hug me and kiss my booboo every combat Iron faces for peak efficiency. Politic-wise, I hope you're right. I don't want to rob you of your side of the fun. >>98832One of them remains, one is gone.
>>98833Iron pokes his chin, standing up and looking at the remaining pony. He looks at Cauldron.
"Ready some rope. I am going to find out who are these ponies."
With that, he goes over to the remaining pony's location and see his current status.
>>98834She pulls out some rope. The pony is technically conscious, but is dazed and confused, on his back and trying to pull his head up, pushing against the ground with his forehooves.
>>98835Iron nods as he closes the distance to ensure he gets a hit in if he thinks of running away.
Knowing the pony is at a clear disadvantage, he simply stands over him, glaring down at his prone position.
"I would like to ask some questions about your work."
>>98836He squints at Iron, at first partly dazed, then with no obvious expression
“Are you willing to pay?”
[1d20+8 = 24]>>98837Iron nods to himself.
(Seems to be a mercenary of sorts if that is his response.)
His glare turns to a deadpan expression.
"Unless you consider adding some more bruises to your snout as payment, it is a no."
>>98838“... Alright, what do you want to know?”
>>98839>>98840Iron clears his throat.
"Who are you working for, what is his goal and what more has he bought to aid him?"
>>98841“He only allows us to know him as ‘the bandit king.’ He wants that idol back. That, and anything you are carrying on you. He has more resources...”
>>98842Iron nods.
"'Bandit King.' I will be sure to keep that in mind," he says, thinking about the vagueness of the last answer. "You do not happen to know any important details about said resources, right? Any secret tool or anything like that?"
>>98843“Oh, he has tools alright. Many stallions, too. What he would dedicate to this, I don’t know.”
>>98828I haven't had much of an issue with the quests so far. That being said, Silver's only really been a part of two/three different quests, and the one Silver's working on right now I'm not even sure he'll be able to complete.
Please, let there be only two more trips-worth of books left to gather. I suppose if I were to offer suggestions or requests I suppose it would be for an occasional solo mission since the party seems to like to split up, and to create some subtle signs pointing to random encounter quests you've set up so we can't just outright miss them.
>I guess it is a little strange that magic and fantastical elements would be downplayed in a setting that is obviously fantastical, but I like the mundane.I suppose it would be if the setting wasn't WWII with ponies. But even in the mod, everything is surprisingly mundane, even with magic rifles, dragons, and the undead.
Random question: since it's 1014 in the game, have Automatic Rifles been researched yet? I could imagine New Mareland is beginning to introduce LSAF Coltstone Automatics to select divisions in their army. >>98844He nods yet again.
(Quite resourceful indeed. Now, what to do with the captive... Even though he shot at me and left me hurting, I cannot say he deserves death for it. Besides, I do not want to hurt that other mare's mind with more violence than it is necessary.)
He glances back at the duo to gauge their current reactions to this event, then looks back to the captive.
"One last question. Does the Bandit King have any right hoof ponies or henchponies that I can ask the same questions?"
>>98845>>98845There’s one quest I have tried to get 4 different characters to takeIt’s 1013, not 1014, so no, no assault rifles just yet. And I’m unsure if that was too late in the game for the setting. Even if there were, you can bet frontline combat units will be prioritized for those weapons.>>98846“He has lieutenants... I don’t know how much they will be willing to answer”
[1d20+11 = 26]>>98847Iron nods yet again.
"Alright, you can go back to sleep now. You have been cooperative, so you will not die for your attempt to kill me."
With that, he quickly jabs the merc pony nonlethally on the head. He needs to discuss this with Cauldron for the time being.
>>98848No, he has not.1014 is really late in the game... by that time, the War in Heaven should already be starting>>98849Oh, he’s knocked out alright
>>98850Nodding to himself, he picks up the unconscious pony and brings it to Cauldron.
"What do you say we do to this pony?"
>>98851“Do to him? Oh, I don’t know, but we should get out of here. They know we’ve been here.”
>>98852And Maybe, someday, you shall >>98853Iron shrugs.
"Alright. I shall place him a little far away from our current position."
With that, he walks for about 2 minutes in a straight line, drops the pony and comes back.
>>98856"I just left him somewhere. Not much else."
>>98856Uh...well, I'm not sure what actions he could take at the moment.
>>98857“Now what?”
>>98858Well, it’s true that he doesn’t have a pony waifu to cuddle at the moment
>>98858I suppose dream time is coming for you too?
How about disturbing other dreams through bulshit magic and chaotic influence?>>98859"As far as he knows, we are facing one who is called the 'Bandit King'. Seems like he has quite the amount of money and ponypower. I think a healing session is in order, if what he says is true. We need to strike them, or else we are going to be harrassed even further."
He comes closer and whispers to Cauldron only.
"Who knows? Maybe we will get a lot more riches than all of our current loot combined. How does that sound?"
Hopefully I can great cleave through most of them. >>98860“Okay... but let’s hope they don’t regroup and come back”
>>98862Iron nods.
"I agree. We should not stay here for long. Can you prepare your potion while moving? We should at least go towards the path we are currently walking on and stop after a minute or two passes by in order to minimize our presence."
>>98863“I don’t think so. Not properly, anyways”
Iron ponders for a bit.
"I am guessing they have the ability to track us, anyways, so moving out may be pointless. Do your thing, I shall go see how our other companion is doing."
He walks over to Pear, studying her current range of emotions as he approaches her.
>>98856Would Silver getting up to take a piss be considered an action?
>>98865Cauldron is definitely skeptical, but she moves over
Pear is... well, busy. She’s looking at the map intently.
>>98866Um... yes?
>>98868I just don't know what to do.
I dunno. There's not much for Silver to do either way, at least not until there's no longer a risk of breaking the timeline. Might play some more vidya.
>>98870Oh ye of little faithShould Silver awake before morning, he would see Star and Silver sleeping together, the former lodged between the latter’s legs. Skies looks somewhat content to finally be cuddled, if still having her resting bitch face. Star is happier to have her there as well.