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SPARK: Over A Barrel
Overview document and character sheets: http://goo.gl/ZzHlj
General thread for OOC and system discussion: as of writing, >>54058
As this is a new system, please do not hesitate to bombard me with questions, complaints, and other comments. I don't just want to test this system, I want to run a genuinely fun campaign.
SUMMARY
The party is on a train ride to Appleloosa, escorting Cherry Jubilee and a shipment of cherry trees to be transplanted to the relatively new settlement. Along the way, they run into a spot of trouble with the native buffalo tribe…
Gameplay intro post to come at around 10:00am PDT. Til then please report in at the discussion thread. >>54058
Overview document and character sheets: http://goo.gl/ZzHlj
General thread for OOC and system discussion: as of writing, >>54058
As this is a new system, please do not hesitate to bombard me with questions, complaints, and other comments. I don't just want to test this system, I want to run a genuinely fun campaign.
SUMMARY
The party is on a train ride to Appleloosa, escorting Cherry Jubilee and a shipment of cherry trees to be transplanted to the relatively new settlement. Along the way, they run into a spot of trouble with the native buffalo tribe…
Gameplay intro post to come at around 10:00am PDT. Til then please report in at the discussion thread. >>54058
SOMEWHERE IN THE FRONTIER, you find yourselves on a train headed from Dodge City to the fledgling settlement of Appleloosa. Whether you were a Dodge City native or a traveler passing through, you've been swept up into Cherry Jubilee's entourage on this excursion. She's having some cherry trees transplanted to the orchards in Appleloosa, and your car is the second-to-last one, the caboose carrying said trees.
It's late morning, you've all had breakfast and are sitting together in the lush passenger car with Miss Jubilee, proprietor of the Cherry Hill Ranch.
Miss Jubilee is a mature earth mare, but quite the looker. There's a certain twang in her voice as she's barely able to contain her excitement over seeing Appleloosa again and possibly meeting old friends. You're all barely familiar with each other, let alone the frontier lands; now is a good time to ask questions about Appleloosa, the frontier, each other, or Miss Jubilee herself.
It's late morning, you've all had breakfast and are sitting together in the lush passenger car with Miss Jubilee, proprietor of the Cherry Hill Ranch.
Miss Jubilee is a mature earth mare, but quite the looker. There's a certain twang in her voice as she's barely able to contain her excitement over seeing Appleloosa again and possibly meeting old friends. You're all barely familiar with each other, let alone the frontier lands; now is a good time to ask questions about Appleloosa, the frontier, each other, or Miss Jubilee herself.
>>66503
Inventory will be generally freeform, whatever you can sensibly carry in your saddlebags and on your back …in your mouth! Though honestly I didn't address it at all since I wanted there to be more of a focus on the system itself before finagling with such details.
I'll allow most small articles provided there's no flagrant abuse.
Inventory will be generally freeform, whatever you can sensibly carry in your saddlebags and on your back …in your mouth! Though honestly I didn't address it at all since I wanted there to be more of a focus on the system itself before finagling with such details.
I'll allow most small articles provided there's no flagrant abuse.
>>66500 Drizzle
Miss Jubilee explains what she knows. "Without water from above, ya just have to find water from below. Why, there are natural springs underground that can provide water for a whole town! You'd be hard pressed to start a settlement of any kind without one, let alone move it."
>>66503 Lyrica
You're already familiar with Miss Jubilee, at least. "Y'all should get to know her, ain't she the cutest thing? On a hot day, aside from a cool bucket of water, a song's the next best thing to easin' your troubles."
Miss Jubilee explains what she knows. "Without water from above, ya just have to find water from below. Why, there are natural springs underground that can provide water for a whole town! You'd be hard pressed to start a settlement of any kind without one, let alone move it."
>>66503 Lyrica
You're already familiar with Miss Jubilee, at least. "Y'all should get to know her, ain't she the cutest thing? On a hot day, aside from a cool bucket of water, a song's the next best thing to easin' your troubles."
>>66520 Lyrica
>>66527 Quill
Jubilee gives Quill a delicious smirk. "Oh, nice to have you back, Professor! Ya ready to step out into the hot, sweltering sun and windswept, dusty plains?"
"These ain't just regular ol' fruit trees, these are some of my prize cherry cultivars I'm sendin' over! I can't well just bring them out by my little old self. Plus, you all are a nice enough bunch and I figure you could make yourselves some new friends in Appleloosa. The frontier towns don't see many of the book-learnin' or weather-makin' types, neither, but I think there could be somethin' for you even out here."
>>66527 Quill
Jubilee gives Quill a delicious smirk. "Oh, nice to have you back, Professor! Ya ready to step out into the hot, sweltering sun and windswept, dusty plains?"
"These ain't just regular ol' fruit trees, these are some of my prize cherry cultivars I'm sendin' over! I can't well just bring them out by my little old self. Plus, you all are a nice enough bunch and I figure you could make yourselves some new friends in Appleloosa. The frontier towns don't see many of the book-learnin' or weather-makin' types, neither, but I think there could be somethin' for you even out here."
At this moment, the rumbling of the train is almost drowned out by a building thunder outside, and the telltale plumes of dust herald a buffalo herd running parallel to the tracks.
Even if you've seen it before, the sight of the native buffalo traversing the frontier is a sight to behold. Even the smallest of them is at least twice the size of an adult pony, but they have incredible speed on par with the locomotive even when holding a formation like they are doing now.
The stampede seems to be running close to the train, near enough for you to make out their distinct blue face paint and feathered headdresses. Their expressions are focused and determined.
Even if you've seen it before, the sight of the native buffalo traversing the frontier is a sight to behold. Even the smallest of them is at least twice the size of an adult pony, but they have incredible speed on par with the locomotive even when holding a formation like they are doing now.
The stampede seems to be running close to the train, near enough for you to make out their distinct blue face paint and feathered headdresses. Their expressions are focused and determined.
>>66548 Lyrica
>>66551 Quill
For the most part, the buffalo do not respond to you (save for one cheery fellow in the back), and they continue their stampede parallel the tracks. You spot a smaller buffalo riding atop one of her larger compatriots. She's looking into the windows of each car—she looks a little befuddled upon seeing you two poking your heads out—before finally reaching the back car where Miss Jubilee's trees are stored.
Miss Jubilee laughs it off. "Well, professor, I hope you're enjoying your first meeting with the buffalo. They lived in these lands far longer than us ponies and—"
A sudden jolt rocks the train! It's barely enough to notice at first, and then a second one completely rattles the passenger car. Lyrica and Quill, who have their heads out the window, can see very well what's going on: the buffalo have started ramming the train car carrying the cherry trees!
>>66551 Quill
For the most part, the buffalo do not respond to you (save for one cheery fellow in the back), and they continue their stampede parallel the tracks. You spot a smaller buffalo riding atop one of her larger compatriots. She's looking into the windows of each car—she looks a little befuddled upon seeing you two poking your heads out—before finally reaching the back car where Miss Jubilee's trees are stored.
Miss Jubilee laughs it off. "Well, professor, I hope you're enjoying your first meeting with the buffalo. They lived in these lands far longer than us ponies and—"
A sudden jolt rocks the train! It's barely enough to notice at first, and then a second one completely rattles the passenger car. Lyrica and Quill, who have their heads out the window, can see very well what's going on: the buffalo have started ramming the train car carrying the cherry trees!
"What in blazes?" Miss Jubilee almost spills her mint julep. "Strawberry, be a dear and check on the trees in the back. I hope that jolt didn't do any—"
The buffalo ram the car again, and Miss Jubilee spills her drink. "…That does it."
Miss Jubilee squeezes into Quill's window and starts yelling at the buffalo, but they still remain largely unresponsive.
You're not sure if the ponies in the cars ahead know what's going on. The engineers might need to be notified before a derailment happens.
Several smaller buffalo leap onto each other's backs, taking turns jumping onto the roof of the train. You hear their heavy footsteps dispersing echoing through the ceiling, some going forwards, some back towards the trees.
>>66574 Drizzle
Pick an Element to invoke for this. I would suggest Kindness or Honesty since you're largely negotiating with them. In addition to chosen balance, you get +3 dice from your flight skill to get into position, and +1 dice from your nimble movement.
The buffalo ram the car again, and Miss Jubilee spills her drink. "…That does it."
Miss Jubilee squeezes into Quill's window and starts yelling at the buffalo, but they still remain largely unresponsive.
You're not sure if the ponies in the cars ahead know what's going on. The engineers might need to be notified before a derailment happens.
Several smaller buffalo leap onto each other's backs, taking turns jumping onto the roof of the train. You hear their heavy footsteps dispersing echoing through the ceiling, some going forwards, some back towards the trees.
>>66574 Drizzle
Pick an Element to invoke for this. I would suggest Kindness or Honesty since you're largely negotiating with them. In addition to chosen balance, you get +3 dice from your flight skill to get into position, and +1 dice from your nimble movement.
>>66605 Drizzle: 1 hit
Bonuses from talent, quirks, and skill add dice to your dice pool.
You're able to fly out to speak with the buffalo, but they continue to ignore your words.
You can see the smaller buffalo running along the rooftops and disappearing between the cars. One is attempting to decouple the railcar holding the cherry trees!
Bonuses from talent, quirks, and skill add dice to your dice pool.
You're able to fly out to speak with the buffalo, but they continue to ignore your words.
You can see the smaller buffalo running along the rooftops and disappearing between the cars. One is attempting to decouple the railcar holding the cherry trees!
>>66593 Lyrica
If you're assisting Drizzle with song, I would suggest Loyalty or Laughter. But is this really the time?
>>66594 Quill
As you make your way forward to the next car, a smaller buffalo falls onto you from above. What do you do?
>>66595 Strawberry
Miss Jubilee has ordered you to go to the back car with the cherry trees to make sure they aren't damaged.
If you're assisting Drizzle with song, I would suggest Loyalty or Laughter. But is this really the time?
>>66594 Quill
As you make your way forward to the next car, a smaller buffalo falls onto you from above. What do you do?
>>66595 Strawberry
Miss Jubilee has ordered you to go to the back car with the cherry trees to make sure they aren't damaged.
>>66619 Quill: 2 hits
The little buffalo is about the size of a grown filly, and you're able to push her off. She rolls away in a daze, but otherwise the both of you are sitting securely on the platform as the rails whiz by underneath you. You can safely continue on or try confronting her here.
>>66624 Nurse Care
Miss Jubilee shouts at the buffalo, "Stop that before somepony gets hurt!"
"Oh goodness, no one's hurt, are they? Carey, help old Quill out in case he slipped or somethin' or somepony fell over in one of the—"
The buffalo continue to attack the train cars, the shaking coming much harder now as they ram multiple cars. A second line of buffalo flank the train, rocking it from side to side in an attempt to disorient the ponies inside.
>>66627 Lyrica: Please reroll 9d6.
I'd say just +2 Quick Thinker. With Loyalty that's a total of 9d6.
>>66630 Strawberry
You won't have to roll yet.
As you exit the back of the car to reach the cherry trees you run into a young buffalo trying to decouple the train cars. At that moment, >>66628 Drizzle: 3 hits swoops in and tackles her away from the coupling, safely barreling through the doorway and into the trees' car. However, the coupling is already loosened and could come off if you don't do something about it.
I suggest Honesty or Loyalty for this one.
Drizzle is now inside the trees' car, in a pile with a young buffalo.
The little buffalo is about the size of a grown filly, and you're able to push her off. She rolls away in a daze, but otherwise the both of you are sitting securely on the platform as the rails whiz by underneath you. You can safely continue on or try confronting her here.
>>66624 Nurse Care
Miss Jubilee shouts at the buffalo, "Stop that before somepony gets hurt!"
"Oh goodness, no one's hurt, are they? Carey, help old Quill out in case he slipped or somethin' or somepony fell over in one of the—"
The buffalo continue to attack the train cars, the shaking coming much harder now as they ram multiple cars. A second line of buffalo flank the train, rocking it from side to side in an attempt to disorient the ponies inside.
>>66627 Lyrica: Please reroll 9d6.
I'd say just +2 Quick Thinker. With Loyalty that's a total of 9d6.
>>66630 Strawberry
You won't have to roll yet.
As you exit the back of the car to reach the cherry trees you run into a young buffalo trying to decouple the train cars. At that moment, >>66628 Drizzle: 3 hits swoops in and tackles her away from the coupling, safely barreling through the doorway and into the trees' car. However, the coupling is already loosened and could come off if you don't do something about it.
I suggest Honesty or Loyalty for this one.
Drizzle is now inside the trees' car, in a pile with a young buffalo.
>>66640 Nurse Care
You find a dazed buffalo filly. She's gonna be out of it for a little bit. Up ahead you can see
>>66643 Quill
storming ahead into the next car. Unfortunately, Quill can't make any further progress: another buffalo has barred the door leading to the next car, from the outside, no less!
The other passengers are in a panic, flinging questions and complaints at Quill (and Nurse Care, for the few who spot her through the doorway).
>>66648 Drizzle: 2 hits
You have the buffalo pinned down and at your mercy. She sounds a lot younger than you expected. "Ow! You're hurting me!"
>>66655 Strawberry
I'll roll for you. Everyone's still learning, me included.
Rolled 6, 6, 2, 4, 3, 6, 3 = 30
You find a dazed buffalo filly. She's gonna be out of it for a little bit. Up ahead you can see
>>66643 Quill
storming ahead into the next car. Unfortunately, Quill can't make any further progress: another buffalo has barred the door leading to the next car, from the outside, no less!
The other passengers are in a panic, flinging questions and complaints at Quill (and Nurse Care, for the few who spot her through the doorway).
>>66648 Drizzle: 2 hits
You have the buffalo pinned down and at your mercy. She sounds a lot younger than you expected. "Ow! You're hurting me!"
>>66655 Strawberry
I'll roll for you. Everyone's still learning, me included.
Rolled 6, 6, 2, 4, 3, 6, 3 = 30
>>66655
>>66659
Strawberry: 3 hits
You're not a machinist, but you give the coupling a good smack and the pin falls back into place. Out here between the cars you can see the raging buffalo on either side of the railroad, and their alternating slams rock the car you're on. Drizzle is ahead of you in the tree car, with the buffalo filly pinned down.
>>66659
Strawberry: 3 hits
You're not a machinist, but you give the coupling a good smack and the pin falls back into place. Out here between the cars you can see the raging buffalo on either side of the railroad, and their alternating slams rock the car you're on. Drizzle is ahead of you in the tree car, with the buffalo filly pinned down.
>>66647 Lyrica: 5 hits
You not only swoop in between the cars, you deftly weave straight into the tree car behind Drizzle and help her pin the buffalo filly down. She's completely at your mercy, if not by the weight of two pegasus mares holding her down then certainly by that awesome feat of agility.
You not only swoop in between the cars, you deftly weave straight into the tree car behind Drizzle and help her pin the buffalo filly down. She's completely at your mercy, if not by the weight of two pegasus mares holding her down then certainly by that awesome feat of agility.
>>66662 Drizzle: major derp
In your furor, your grip on the filly falters. At that inopportune moment, a particularly powerful slam causes the railcar to lurch. You swear the thing is about to go off the rails, and you lose your balance, rolling halfway across the car and into a root bag.
>>66673 Lyrica: 1 hit
Before you can get your words out, you are knocked out of the way by Drizzle's barrel roll, completely freeing the buffalo. She quickly gets up and hurries back to disable the coupling, though she pauses when she sees Strawberry standing over it.
>>66669 Strawberry
Your bluff doesn't seem all that impressive, considering she's right in front of you and about to go for the coupling again.
>>66665 Quill: 4 hits
Your genial manner and wit calms everypony down, and your last request even nets you a volunteer from Canterlot, a minty teal unicorn mare.
"What can I do to help?" She awaits your instruction.
>>66666 Nurse Care: 8 hits
Sweet sun, you go to town on that little filly. Not only do you help her out of her daze, you get her as comfy as you can, even fetching a pillow to stabilize her head on in case of head injury and removing a few desert ticks and old cactus thorns. She's ingratiated to you and gives you her thanks, though she seems somewhat confused at this turn of events.
In your furor, your grip on the filly falters. At that inopportune moment, a particularly powerful slam causes the railcar to lurch. You swear the thing is about to go off the rails, and you lose your balance, rolling halfway across the car and into a root bag.
>>66673 Lyrica: 1 hit
Before you can get your words out, you are knocked out of the way by Drizzle's barrel roll, completely freeing the buffalo. She quickly gets up and hurries back to disable the coupling, though she pauses when she sees Strawberry standing over it.
>>66669 Strawberry
Your bluff doesn't seem all that impressive, considering she's right in front of you and about to go for the coupling again.
>>66665 Quill: 4 hits
Your genial manner and wit calms everypony down, and your last request even nets you a volunteer from Canterlot, a minty teal unicorn mare.
"What can I do to help?" She awaits your instruction.
>>66666 Nurse Care: 8 hits
Sweet sun, you go to town on that little filly. Not only do you help her out of her daze, you get her as comfy as you can, even fetching a pillow to stabilize her head on in case of head injury and removing a few desert ticks and old cactus thorns. She's ingratiated to you and gives you her thanks, though she seems somewhat confused at this turn of events.
>>66689 Lyrica: 0 hits
>>66698 Drizzle: 5 hits
>>66703 Strawberry: 2 hits
Lyrica falls just short, but Drizzle and Strawberry manage to pull the buffalo filly away from the coupling in time.
"Argh! Let me go! I have to… th-the trees!"
>>66699 Quill: 1 hit
The young buffalo shakes his head. "This isn't any of your business, stranger."
>>66702 Nurse Care: 1 hit, derp
"You ponies don't know what's what." The buffalo filly is very reluctant to share information with you. "Plenty of buffalo are hurt by what's going on! You're a nice lady, but please don't get involved. You're not from around here anyway."
…
Rolling the Luck Dice.
Rolled 6 = 6
>>66698 Drizzle: 5 hits
>>66703 Strawberry: 2 hits
Lyrica falls just short, but Drizzle and Strawberry manage to pull the buffalo filly away from the coupling in time.
"Argh! Let me go! I have to… th-the trees!"
>>66699 Quill: 1 hit
The young buffalo shakes his head. "This isn't any of your business, stranger."
>>66702 Nurse Care: 1 hit, derp
"You ponies don't know what's what." The buffalo filly is very reluctant to share information with you. "Plenty of buffalo are hurt by what's going on! You're a nice lady, but please don't get involved. You're not from around here anyway."
…
Rolling the Luck Dice.
Rolled 6 = 6
>>66717 Lyrica, Drizzle and Strawberry
A young minty unicorn comes out from the passenger car. "Hey! Could one of you pegasisters fly out to the front of the train and warn the engineers about the buffalo?"
Upon seeing your captive, she casts a spell to help hold her in place, enough to let one of the pegasi let go without worry.
A young minty unicorn comes out from the passenger car. "Hey! Could one of you pegasisters fly out to the front of the train and warn the engineers about the buffalo?"
Upon seeing your captive, she casts a spell to help hold her in place, enough to let one of the pegasi let go without worry.
>>66728 Drizzle: 3 hits
"We're not stealing them. We don't want your dumb trees! We don't them here or there, we don't want them anywhere!" The buffalo filly struggles but cannot break free.
The minty unicorn strengthens her containment spell. "One of you has to go to the engineers before the whole train derails! Don't worry, I've got her secure."
>>66727 was meant for Nurse Care, but now that you mention it, there are angry buffalo crowding around the tree car now, more than any other car.
>>66734 Nurse Care
"Thank you. I won't forget this." The filly leaps safely onto a stampeding buffalo's back, and they disappear into the crowd.
>>66740 Quill: 1 hit
"You're not seeing the big picture, old horse. You think we'd wager the future of our homeland on a hoof-scuffle?"
"We're not stealing them. We don't want your dumb trees! We don't them here or there, we don't want them anywhere!" The buffalo filly struggles but cannot break free.
The minty unicorn strengthens her containment spell. "One of you has to go to the engineers before the whole train derails! Don't worry, I've got her secure."
>>66727 was meant for Nurse Care, but now that you mention it, there are angry buffalo crowding around the tree car now, more than any other car.
>>66734 Nurse Care
"Thank you. I won't forget this." The filly leaps safely onto a stampeding buffalo's back, and they disappear into the crowd.
>>66740 Quill: 1 hit
"You're not seeing the big picture, old horse. You think we'd wager the future of our homeland on a hoof-scuffle?"
>>66748 Casting: 0 hits
Your attempt to pull something out of the ether fails you, but your question is pointed enough to get the buffalo's attention. He shrugs. "Just sit down and drink your cider, pony. It's not safe out here over the tracks."
You also notice his larger comrades flanking the railroad tracks, eyeballing you with hostility.
Your attempt to pull something out of the ether fails you, but your question is pointed enough to get the buffalo's attention. He shrugs. "Just sit down and drink your cider, pony. It's not safe out here over the tracks."
You also notice his larger comrades flanking the railroad tracks, eyeballing you with hostility.
Clarifications:
This is taking place in FIM-era, but alternate timeline. Over A Barrel didn't happen: it IS happening, with you as the stars. Twilight and Co. do exist, and do go on magical adventures, just not this one.
As for where the party members are:
* Casting and a young male buffalo
+ Quill
- Nurse Care and the escaped buffalo filly
# Drizzle, Lyrica, and Strawberry holding down another buffalo filly
Okay, TIME IN.
This is taking place in FIM-era, but alternate timeline. Over A Barrel didn't happen: it IS happening, with you as the stars. Twilight and Co. do exist, and do go on magical adventures, just not this one.
As for where the party members are:
*[+==]-[===]#[TTT]* Casting and a young male buffalo
+ Quill
- Nurse Care and the escaped buffalo filly
# Drizzle, Lyrica, and Strawberry holding down another buffalo filly
Okay, TIME IN.
>>66757 Quill: 3 hits
>>66760 Casting: 2 hits
Your queries convince the young male buffalo to open up a little. He puffs up with pride and a dark edge to his words. "The more trees we take out on the tracks, the fewer we'll have to deal with in Appleloosa. I know you're headed there right now, but consider this fair warning to take the next train out."
He backflips of the platform and rejoins the stampede as a loud hollering starts to build up amongst the buffalo.
A wooden plank remains in place barring the car door.
>>66761 Drizzle: 0 hits
Even pulling the weight of the entire train and its load, the earth pony engineers are much stronger than you give them credit for. You struggle to keep up with the train and barely make it one car before tiring out.
Continue making rolls to fly until you get 6 hits total.
…
Rolling the Luck Dice.
Rolled 6 = 6
>>66760 Casting: 2 hits
Your queries convince the young male buffalo to open up a little. He puffs up with pride and a dark edge to his words. "The more trees we take out on the tracks, the fewer we'll have to deal with in Appleloosa. I know you're headed there right now, but consider this fair warning to take the next train out."
He backflips of the platform and rejoins the stampede as a loud hollering starts to build up amongst the buffalo.
A wooden plank remains in place barring the car door.
>>66761 Drizzle: 0 hits
Even pulling the weight of the entire train and its load, the earth pony engineers are much stronger than you give them credit for. You struggle to keep up with the train and barely make it one car before tiring out.
Continue making rolls to fly until you get 6 hits total.
…
Rolling the Luck Dice.
Rolled 6 = 6
>>66802 Quill: 0 hits
Somehow the stress of the situation is getting to you.
Casting Light
You see Quill trying to remove the plank on the door with his unicorn magic. It's on your side, so you might have an easier time of it.
>>66798
There's at least one buffalo actually on the train: the captured filly near the tree car. The rest may have already jumped back to the stampede after barring the doors.
>>66800 Drizzle: 7/6 hits
You not only make it to the engine, but are now flying just over the pulling team themselves and can talk to them easily.
"Hey, what are you doing? It's not safe out here!"
Nurse Care
With the buffalo filly gone, you're free to move forward to help Quill or return to check on the state of the tree car.
Lyrica and Strawberry
Miss Jubilee has her big scary spudgun pointed at the stampeding buffalo, having failed to take notice of your little captive.
She fires off a warning shot.
Rolling the Luck Dice.
Rolled 6 = 6
Somehow the stress of the situation is getting to you.
Casting Light
You see Quill trying to remove the plank on the door with his unicorn magic. It's on your side, so you might have an easier time of it.
>>66798
There's at least one buffalo actually on the train: the captured filly near the tree car. The rest may have already jumped back to the stampede after barring the doors.
>>66800 Drizzle: 7/6 hits
You not only make it to the engine, but are now flying just over the pulling team themselves and can talk to them easily.
"Hey, what are you doing? It's not safe out here!"
Nurse Care
With the buffalo filly gone, you're free to move forward to help Quill or return to check on the state of the tree car.
Lyrica and Strawberry
Miss Jubilee has her big scary spudgun pointed at the stampeding buffalo, having failed to take notice of your little captive.
She fires off a warning shot.
Rolling the Luck Dice.
Rolled 6 = 6
>>66822
Miss Jubilee's spudgun lets off an ear-splitting BOOM as it ejects a whole baked potato, splattering square over a stampeding buffalo's face.
"I can't see!" He swerves and spins out of control, tumbling to the ground and falling behind. There are still plenty of other buffalo to replace him, though, and they're now ramming the tree car with increased vigor.
Miss Jubilee's spudgun lets off an ear-splitting BOOM as it ejects a whole baked potato, splattering square over a stampeding buffalo's face.
"I can't see!" He swerves and spins out of control, tumbling to the ground and falling behind. There are still plenty of other buffalo to replace him, though, and they're now ramming the tree car with increased vigor.
>>66825 Nurse Care
>>66827 Quill
Nurse Care finds Quill taking a breather after attempting to unbar the door. Thankfully, >>66828 Casting: 2 hits manages to unbar it from his side and steps into the train car with the two of you.
You can hear a commotion from the rear of the train as the buffalo attack the tree car.
>>66832 Drizzle: 2 hits
"That'd explain the lurching we were feeling."
"We can't stop here, this is buffalo country!"
"Alright, here's the plan. How fast can you fly, miss? There's a track switch up ahead that'll put us through a narrow pass in the canyons, and we can lose the buffalo in there. It's an older route to Appleloosa, but it should still be functional."
Flying ahead to the track switch will require 10 accumulated hits over multiple rolls. If you don't make it in time…
>>66827 Quill
Nurse Care finds Quill taking a breather after attempting to unbar the door. Thankfully, >>66828 Casting: 2 hits manages to unbar it from his side and steps into the train car with the two of you.
You can hear a commotion from the rear of the train as the buffalo attack the tree car.
>>66832 Drizzle: 2 hits
"That'd explain the lurching we were feeling."
"We can't stop here, this is buffalo country!"
"Alright, here's the plan. How fast can you fly, miss? There's a track switch up ahead that'll put us through a narrow pass in the canyons, and we can lose the buffalo in there. It's an older route to Appleloosa, but it should still be functional."
Flying ahead to the track switch will require 10 accumulated hits over multiple rolls. If you don't make it in time…
>>66858 Drizzle: 3/10 hits
You pull away from the train, following the tracks beneath you. Every second counts.
>>66867 Bad Luck
Miss Jubilee's spudgun misfires, and the potato projectile detonates right on the train coupling.
Its rattling loose now, too far for Casting, Nurse, or Quill to help without some extreme action on their part. The train cars shake and groan as they destabilize from the loose coupling and the buffalo attacking. If Lyrica or Strawberry release their hold on the buffalo, she'll escape for sure.
You pull away from the train, following the tracks beneath you. Every second counts.
>>66867 Bad Luck
Miss Jubilee's spudgun misfires, and the potato projectile detonates right on the train coupling.
Its rattling loose now, too far for Casting, Nurse, or Quill to help without some extreme action on their part. The train cars shake and groan as they destabilize from the loose coupling and the buffalo attacking. If Lyrica or Strawberry release their hold on the buffalo, she'll escape for sure.
>>66884 Drizzle: 6/10 hits
You're moving quickly, but aren't sure if you're making good time.
>>66882 Quill: 4 hits
>>66890
>>66892 Casting: 4 hits
Your combined magic replaces the coupling and holds it together through the onslaught, but you need to maintain your hold as the buffalo continue the assault. Please roll again to maintain control.
Against better judgment, Miss Jubilee cocks her cannon and fires again.
Rolled 2 = 2
You're moving quickly, but aren't sure if you're making good time.
>>66882 Quill: 4 hits
>>66890
>>66892 Casting: 4 hits
Your combined magic replaces the coupling and holds it together through the onslaught, but you need to maintain your hold as the buffalo continue the assault. Please roll again to maintain control.
Against better judgment, Miss Jubilee cocks her cannon and fires again.
Rolled 2 = 2
>>66895 Quill: 2 hits
>>66896 Casting: 4 hits
Quill's magic sputters slightly, but Casting is able to hold the coupling down until he gets his grip back.
>>66898 Nurse Care: 4 hits
Your pleas give some of the buffalo pause, buying you all a little time.
"Give us the trees and our calf!" They ram the car again, less forceful, but still plenty insistent.
Miss Jubilee is far less accommodating. "Like heck you're takin' my cherries! You can have potatoes for all I care!"
>>66900 Drizzle: 8/10 hits
You feel yourself tiring, but you might be able to make it yet. You get one more roll.
Rolled 5 = 5
>>66896 Casting: 4 hits
Quill's magic sputters slightly, but Casting is able to hold the coupling down until he gets his grip back.
>>66898 Nurse Care: 4 hits
Your pleas give some of the buffalo pause, buying you all a little time.
"Give us the trees and our calf!" They ram the car again, less forceful, but still plenty insistent.
Miss Jubilee is far less accommodating. "Like heck you're takin' my cherries! You can have potatoes for all I care!"
>>66900 Drizzle: 8/10 hits
You feel yourself tiring, but you might be able to make it yet. You get one more roll.
Rolled 5 = 5
>>66910 Drizzle: 11/10 hits
You surprise yourself with a sudden burst of speed, not only spotting the track switch but latching onto it, swinging around, and maintaining your momentum to rocket straight back towards the train. Boarding the train will be a free action.
>>66911 Nurse Care: 3 hits
>>66913 Casting: 3 hits
Your combined speech keeps the buffalo at bay, lessening their assault.
You surprise yourself with a sudden burst of speed, not only spotting the track switch but latching onto it, swinging around, and maintaining your momentum to rocket straight back towards the train. Boarding the train will be a free action.
>>66911 Nurse Care: 3 hits
>>66913 Casting: 3 hits
Your combined speech keeps the buffalo at bay, lessening their assault.
>>66917 Quill: 4 hits
>>66929 Casting: 0 hits
The coupling slips out of Casting's grasp, and the speed and weight of the train cars detaching is too much for Quill to hold by himself.
The buffalo hoot and holler as they drag the tree car away. A brave and idiotic pony might be able to jump the gap, but at this point there is no helping the trees.
"No! No, no no!" Miss Jubilee stumbles forward, trying to recapture the coupling with her hooves, but the teal unicorn from before pulls her back.
"It's too dangerous, ma'am! Let it go!"
As the train swerves into the canyons, the buffalo struggle to keep up in the rocky terrain. They cry out sadly, their wailing echoing off the canyon walls amidst the train's banshee-like whistling.
"Stay brave, Little Strongheart, we'll come back for you!"
…
Miss Jubilee's prize cherry trees are gone now, and you seem to be headed straight into a hotbed of political unrest. Appleloosa is threatened by the buffalo, but you have one of their own as a captive now…
SESSION END
>>66929 Casting: 0 hits
The coupling slips out of Casting's grasp, and the speed and weight of the train cars detaching is too much for Quill to hold by himself.
The buffalo hoot and holler as they drag the tree car away. A brave and idiotic pony might be able to jump the gap, but at this point there is no helping the trees.
"No! No, no no!" Miss Jubilee stumbles forward, trying to recapture the coupling with her hooves, but the teal unicorn from before pulls her back.
"It's too dangerous, ma'am! Let it go!"
As the train swerves into the canyons, the buffalo struggle to keep up in the rocky terrain. They cry out sadly, their wailing echoing off the canyon walls amidst the train's banshee-like whistling.
"Stay brave, Little Strongheart, we'll come back for you!"
…
Miss Jubilee's prize cherry trees are gone now, and you seem to be headed straight into a hotbed of political unrest. Appleloosa is threatened by the buffalo, but you have one of their own as a captive now…
SESSION END
Last time our intrepid explorers found themselves in the middle of a train robbery, and although the buffalo made away with Miss Jubilee's prize cherry trees, a buffalo calf by the name of Little Strongheart was captured on the train.
And now…
After the attack on the train, the conductor and other crew members were able to unbar the train doors and keep Strongheart held in one of the luggage cars.
The train pulls into Appleloosa with a small measure of fanfare. Ponies greet friends and family as they pour out of the train, and the rumors begin to spread like wildfire. Cherry Jubilee looks downcast as she steps out of the train, though her mood brightens a little as a young stallion in a vest and stetson approaches her.
"Well, howdy! You must be Miss Jubilee, pardon if'n I didn't recognize you at first, you're much prettier than those photos made you out to be."
"Don't you know how to make a lady blush? Braeburn, I presume."
"Sure am. I ain't heard nothin' about your friends here, care to introduce yourselves? Don't be shy now."
And now…
After the attack on the train, the conductor and other crew members were able to unbar the train doors and keep Strongheart held in one of the luggage cars.
The train pulls into Appleloosa with a small measure of fanfare. Ponies greet friends and family as they pour out of the train, and the rumors begin to spread like wildfire. Cherry Jubilee looks downcast as she steps out of the train, though her mood brightens a little as a young stallion in a vest and stetson approaches her.
"Well, howdy! You must be Miss Jubilee, pardon if'n I didn't recognize you at first, you're much prettier than those photos made you out to be."
"Don't you know how to make a lady blush? Braeburn, I presume."
"Sure am. I ain't heard nothin' about your friends here, care to introduce yourselves? Don't be shy now."
>>72817 Quill
Braeburn raises an eyebrow. "All the way out here from Canterlot, huh? Well, hate t' disappoint but there ain't much nonponies out here 'side from them buffalo. An' we ain't been on good terms lately."
>>72820 Strawberry
Braeburn is quick to greet you. "Well, howdy, Strawberry! Fancy meetin' one of yours here in Appleloosa. You gonna stake a claim?"
>>72825 Drizzle
Braeburn greets you a little nervously. "Weather, that's, uh, that's amazin'! You know it may not look it but I'm pretty into weather myself. Bein' an orchard grower and all. Despite there not being much to speak of out here. Clouds, and stuff…"
>>72846 Lyrica
Braeburn is even more taken aback seeing you next to Drizzle. "Oh my. I see Miss Jubilee keeps fine company as always."
Braeburn raises an eyebrow. "All the way out here from Canterlot, huh? Well, hate t' disappoint but there ain't much nonponies out here 'side from them buffalo. An' we ain't been on good terms lately."
>>72820 Strawberry
Braeburn is quick to greet you. "Well, howdy, Strawberry! Fancy meetin' one of yours here in Appleloosa. You gonna stake a claim?"
>>72825 Drizzle
Braeburn greets you a little nervously. "Weather, that's, uh, that's amazin'! You know it may not look it but I'm pretty into weather myself. Bein' an orchard grower and all. Despite there not being much to speak of out here. Clouds, and stuff…"
>>72846 Lyrica
Braeburn is even more taken aback seeing you next to Drizzle. "Oh my. I see Miss Jubilee keeps fine company as always."
>>72849 Strawberry
"Your kind is always welcome here."
>>72850 Drizzle
"Ain't that the truth! Hehe… heh."
>>72848 Quill
"Oh, nothin', just like when you get new neighbors I reckon…"
Miss Jubilee steps in. "Braeburn, my cherry trees."
"Oh, yes, I'll get right to unloadin' those straight away!"
"Braeburn, they're gone."
"Another shipment stolen?! This is getting mighty ridiculous, downright hostile even."
"Your kind is always welcome here."
>>72850 Drizzle
"Ain't that the truth! Hehe… heh."
>>72848 Quill
"Oh, nothin', just like when you get new neighbors I reckon…"
Miss Jubilee steps in. "Braeburn, my cherry trees."
"Oh, yes, I'll get right to unloadin' those straight away!"
"Braeburn, they're gone."
"Another shipment stolen?! This is getting mighty ridiculous, downright hostile even."
Strawberry
You and Miss Jubilee explain the situation to Braeburn (she makes sure to mention your heroics). Braeburn is astounded.
"Y-you actually caught one of them! This is… I have to see it for myself."
"We're waiting for the sheriff to show up before taking her anywhere. The conductor has her now."
"Well, take me to her?"
Miss Jubilee is hesitant.
Drizzle
"Just a little overworked, it's the heat and the dryness, pretty mares—much, mean to say, pretty much."
You and Miss Jubilee explain the situation to Braeburn (she makes sure to mention your heroics). Braeburn is astounded.
"Y-you actually caught one of them! This is… I have to see it for myself."
"We're waiting for the sheriff to show up before taking her anywhere. The conductor has her now."
"Well, take me to her?"
Miss Jubilee is hesitant.
Drizzle
"Just a little overworked, it's the heat and the dryness, pretty mares—much, mean to say, pretty much."
>>72872 Quill: 2 hits
"Why'd you go on blamin' me for this mess? The buffalo are the ones who don't want to share the land. We can't grow nowhere else, 'less we wanna starve."
>>72877 Strawberry
"Gettin' that buffalo back to her family's the right thing to do. It hasn't been more than angry words til recently and I ain't in the kidnapping business."
"Why'd you go on blamin' me for this mess? The buffalo are the ones who don't want to share the land. We can't grow nowhere else, 'less we wanna starve."
>>72877 Strawberry
"Gettin' that buffalo back to her family's the right thing to do. It hasn't been more than angry words til recently and I ain't in the kidnapping business."
>>72887
"Come on Brae, I know you ain't telling the whole story. I've been around buffalo and they ain't never been this bad. There must be something more. People are just gonna keep getting hurt if you don't tell us."
Gonna invoke Loyalty (7), Traveler (3?) because she's encountered buffalo before, and Communicator (1).
Rolled 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 3, 4, 1, 3, 1, 2 = 32
"Come on Brae, I know you ain't telling the whole story. I've been around buffalo and they ain't never been this bad. There must be something more. People are just gonna keep getting hurt if you don't tell us."
Gonna invoke Loyalty (7), Traveler (3?) because she's encountered buffalo before, and Communicator (1).
Rolled 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 3, 4, 1, 3, 1, 2 = 32
Lyrica: 1 hit
"We ain't agonizin' them or nothing. I'm just growin' my orchard and mindin' my own beeswax. They get all uppity about their land but like I said, where else are we supposed to go?"
"Pegasi, all feathers and no farm sense… um, not that feathers are bad or nothing. I like feathers. On wings. Uh."
…
While Braeburn is fending off questions and collecting his spaghetti, a stallion in a black hat greets Miss Jubilee awful warmly.
"Sheriff Silver Star, at your service. I was told there was an incident on the railway. Y'all can take me to this so-called hostage?"
"We ain't agonizin' them or nothing. I'm just growin' my orchard and mindin' my own beeswax. They get all uppity about their land but like I said, where else are we supposed to go?"
"Pegasi, all feathers and no farm sense… um, not that feathers are bad or nothing. I like feathers. On wings. Uh."
…
While Braeburn is fending off questions and collecting his spaghetti, a stallion in a black hat greets Miss Jubilee awful warmly.
"Sheriff Silver Star, at your service. I was told there was an incident on the railway. Y'all can take me to this so-called hostage?"
Lyrica
Braeburn does little more than stammer incoherently.
Quill
The sheriff looks back and sees this and shrugs. "It's mostly earth ponies round these parts, boy's probably just nervous."
…
Miss Jubilee and Strawberry lead the way to the train car where Strongheart is being held. She's less detained as she is comfortably propped up in a passenger bed with Nurse Care vigilantly keeping other crewmembers at bay.
Strongheart seems no worse for the wear, in fact downright regal as she addresses Braeburn and Sheriff Silver Star. "I recognize you. You're in charge of Appleloosa's orchards."
"Name's Braeburn, miss…?"
"Little Strongheart." The buffalo looks Miss Jubilee up and down. "Judging by your cutie mark, you must be the owner of the trees we confiscated."
"Confiscated? You outright robbed me from under my nose!" Miss Jubilee steps up angrily, but the Sheriff stops her.
"I apologize. Until recently our quarrel was only with the Apples. I'm sorry we have dragged you into this, at such a time." Strongheart shakes her head sadly. "My tribe will come looking for me."
Braeburn does little more than stammer incoherently.
Quill
The sheriff looks back and sees this and shrugs. "It's mostly earth ponies round these parts, boy's probably just nervous."
…
Miss Jubilee and Strawberry lead the way to the train car where Strongheart is being held. She's less detained as she is comfortably propped up in a passenger bed with Nurse Care vigilantly keeping other crewmembers at bay.
Strongheart seems no worse for the wear, in fact downright regal as she addresses Braeburn and Sheriff Silver Star. "I recognize you. You're in charge of Appleloosa's orchards."
"Name's Braeburn, miss…?"
"Little Strongheart." The buffalo looks Miss Jubilee up and down. "Judging by your cutie mark, you must be the owner of the trees we confiscated."
"Confiscated? You outright robbed me from under my nose!" Miss Jubilee steps up angrily, but the Sheriff stops her.
"I apologize. Until recently our quarrel was only with the Apples. I'm sorry we have dragged you into this, at such a time." Strongheart shakes her head sadly. "My tribe will come looking for me."
Miss Jubilee asks, "Is there any hope of getting my darling cherries back?"
"I'm not sure. We keep the trees we've taken in a safe and secret location, but I doubt my father, Chief Thunderhooves, will use them in bargaining. Now that I have been captured, I fear his temper will get the better of him."
Quill
Sheriff Silver Star waves you off. "Hold on there, sir. This is my town, and I'll handle this situation. We ain't in the business of holding natives for ransom. Sooner we get Strongheart back to her tribe, the better."
"But my trees!" Miss Jubilee pleads with the sheriff. "You ain't even gonna look for them?"
"You think we haven't looked for our own? The buffalo know this land better'n any of us, only they'd know where to find those trees."
"Or where to find the tribe." Braeburn adjusts his hat. "The sooner we get this done with, the better. I don't want another scene in town."
Sheriff Silver Star turns to the group and gives you your orders. "Well, judging by the account that I heard, your little posse here was responsible for Strongheart's capture. I think it's only right you bring her back and apologize. Strongheart will know where to look for her folks, and Braeburn'll go with you to bring you back to Appleloosa."
"Any objections?" The sheriff dusts his moustache.
"I'm not sure. We keep the trees we've taken in a safe and secret location, but I doubt my father, Chief Thunderhooves, will use them in bargaining. Now that I have been captured, I fear his temper will get the better of him."
Quill
Sheriff Silver Star waves you off. "Hold on there, sir. This is my town, and I'll handle this situation. We ain't in the business of holding natives for ransom. Sooner we get Strongheart back to her tribe, the better."
"But my trees!" Miss Jubilee pleads with the sheriff. "You ain't even gonna look for them?"
"You think we haven't looked for our own? The buffalo know this land better'n any of us, only they'd know where to find those trees."
"Or where to find the tribe." Braeburn adjusts his hat. "The sooner we get this done with, the better. I don't want another scene in town."
Sheriff Silver Star turns to the group and gives you your orders. "Well, judging by the account that I heard, your little posse here was responsible for Strongheart's capture. I think it's only right you bring her back and apologize. Strongheart will know where to look for her folks, and Braeburn'll go with you to bring you back to Appleloosa."
"Any objections?" The sheriff dusts his moustache.
"We don't mean to hurt anyone, we've only been taking the trees away. We really just want the trees to move." Strongheart intervenes with a crooked smile. "And, uh, I would appreciate it if you didn't talk like I'm not standing right here."
"She's right. Nopony's been hurt so far, and we sure as sugar aren't gonna start now." Braeburn nods.
Drizzle
"I need to stay here and watch over the town. Goin' off to hunt buffalo myself would cause a stir, much as I'd love to give Thunderhooves a piece of my mind." Sheriff Silver Star glares at no one in particular. "They've been causing trouble with the tree shipments, but I'm not gonna risk escalating the situation."
"But you don't seriously expect me—us—to go back out into the desert so soon after arriving?" Miss Jubilee swoons a bit, falling into the sheriff. He dutifully catches her.
"Er, um, well."
"Plus I'm a mite trigger-happy with that big ol' spudgun of mine. I'd likely be on the warpath to find those cherry trees." Miss Jubilee lays the charm on thick as she twirls the sheriff's badge. "I'm liable to cause more than a stir if you let me leave town. You oughta lock me up, keep me behind bars."
"You folks'll be fine without your, uh, employer taggin' along, right?" The sheriff looks up at the group.
"She's right. Nopony's been hurt so far, and we sure as sugar aren't gonna start now." Braeburn nods.
Drizzle
"I need to stay here and watch over the town. Goin' off to hunt buffalo myself would cause a stir, much as I'd love to give Thunderhooves a piece of my mind." Sheriff Silver Star glares at no one in particular. "They've been causing trouble with the tree shipments, but I'm not gonna risk escalating the situation."
"But you don't seriously expect me—us—to go back out into the desert so soon after arriving?" Miss Jubilee swoons a bit, falling into the sheriff. He dutifully catches her.
"Er, um, well."
"Plus I'm a mite trigger-happy with that big ol' spudgun of mine. I'd likely be on the warpath to find those cherry trees." Miss Jubilee lays the charm on thick as she twirls the sheriff's badge. "I'm liable to cause more than a stir if you let me leave town. You oughta lock me up, keep me behind bars."
"You folks'll be fine without your, uh, employer taggin' along, right?" The sheriff looks up at the group.
>>72980 Drizzle
"W-well, hey now!" Braeburn stumbles after you. "You have any ideas how many trees I've lost? If I can get Strongheart to lead me to her tribe, I'll definitely give the Chief a piece of my—no, the sheriff already said that—I'll tell him what's what, I tell you what. Yeah!"
"And on that note, you oughta keep a closer eye on her." Sheriff Silver Star snaps a plow collar onto Braeburn from behind, fastened to a set of reins tied to Strongheart. "Sorry about this, Miss Strongheart, just want to make sure you lead them to the tribe."
"I understand, sheriff. As this pegasus says, it would be best if we get to talk this over." Strongheart turns to Lyrica and Quill. "I hope we can get to my father in time."
…
Before you head out to onto the flats, you need some supplies for the journey. You should head into town and get yourself water, rations, some cover from the sun, and, if you really feel the need for it, a little protection.
The party has standard water and rations to sustain each of you for two days. What else will you shop for?
"W-well, hey now!" Braeburn stumbles after you. "You have any ideas how many trees I've lost? If I can get Strongheart to lead me to her tribe, I'll definitely give the Chief a piece of my—no, the sheriff already said that—I'll tell him what's what, I tell you what. Yeah!"
"And on that note, you oughta keep a closer eye on her." Sheriff Silver Star snaps a plow collar onto Braeburn from behind, fastened to a set of reins tied to Strongheart. "Sorry about this, Miss Strongheart, just want to make sure you lead them to the tribe."
"I understand, sheriff. As this pegasus says, it would be best if we get to talk this over." Strongheart turns to Lyrica and Quill. "I hope we can get to my father in time."
…
Before you head out to onto the flats, you need some supplies for the journey. You should head into town and get yourself water, rations, some cover from the sun, and, if you really feel the need for it, a little protection.
The party has standard water and rations to sustain each of you for two days. What else will you shop for?
>>73066
You manage to find a set of panpipes much like the ones the buffalo use. Strongheart comments that it's obviously pony-made, but a fairly accurate design.
Review inventories:
Drizzle: extra water, a hat, matches and tinder
Lyrica: panpipes, poncho, small tinker tools
Quill: bedroll, extra water, hat, poncho
Strawberry: hat, tent
Braeburn: harness, hat, masher, vest
Strongheart: feather band, harness
I'm just letting you pick whatever within reason since I didn't have any equipment rules in the system and couldn't come up with stuff on the fly.
A note on Braebruns masher: this is a smaller version of Jubilee's spudgun, mounted on a foreleg bracer. It's a semiautomatic frierarm with a six-shot cylinder. Reloading is as simple as opening the cylinder and mashing a potato, hence the name.
You manage to find a set of panpipes much like the ones the buffalo use. Strongheart comments that it's obviously pony-made, but a fairly accurate design.
Review inventories:
Drizzle: extra water, a hat, matches and tinder
Lyrica: panpipes, poncho, small tinker tools
Quill: bedroll, extra water, hat, poncho
Strawberry: hat, tent
Braeburn: harness, hat, masher, vest
Strongheart: feather band, harness
I'm just letting you pick whatever within reason since I didn't have any equipment rules in the system and couldn't come up with stuff on the fly.
A note on Braebruns masher: this is a smaller version of Jubilee's spudgun, mounted on a foreleg bracer. It's a semiautomatic frierarm with a six-shot cylinder. Reloading is as simple as opening the cylinder and mashing a potato, hence the name.
Without missing a beat, the party sets off into the suns—well, no, it's just past high noon. Regardless, the quest to find the buffalo will continue.
I have to end it here, and I apologize for the short and uneventful session today. Last-minute changes to schedule and all that. >>54058 for commentary and such.
I have to end it here, and I apologize for the short and uneventful session today. Last-minute changes to schedule and all that. >>54058 for commentary and such.