File: 1445725245442.png (84.14 KB, 1686x620, 1397666475626.png) ImgOps Google
You assemble in the tent once more, to be greeted by the grimacing faces of all the original ponies you met in the war tent for your first briefing.
Shield speaks, now with faint beard growing in. "Well, it seems like it has been an eternity since we last reconvened here, doesn't it? I'll just say it: our siege plans have been ineffective. Top military analysts have been researching the cause, and we believe it to be this: technology. The introduction of repeating firearms was almost twenty years ago now, but this is the first time we've had to face them on even hoofing. For some reason, every time we order ponies out of the trenches, the deathtoll is staggering. They can't leave their trenches, either, though. We're left with a standstill. Ideas?"
Golden Wing pipes up: "Sustained bombing. We need to step up our air raids, and impress every pegasus available into the service."
Waxing Spark suggests: "Our holy artificiers have been researching the haul from St. Szwall and we think we might be able to weaponize mustard against their trenches, if given leave."
Finally, there's a groan from behind you. "Enaugh athis!" It's Mama Anne. "You hoosiers got no idea whacher doin', dunchaknow. We gotta treat this like all heroes do – send in a small, elite team to take out their leadership. I just cain't understand why we haven't done it before now."
Executive A takes this as his cue: "We've been waiting for the advance team to finish planting logs. It should be done now."
"Well, there ya have it!"
"That being said, our log team is probably dead. Who should we send?"
Aira seems to be nodding her head like she knows what a log team is.
Shield speaks, now with faint beard growing in. "Well, it seems like it has been an eternity since we last reconvened here, doesn't it? I'll just say it: our siege plans have been ineffective. Top military analysts have been researching the cause, and we believe it to be this: technology. The introduction of repeating firearms was almost twenty years ago now, but this is the first time we've had to face them on even hoofing. For some reason, every time we order ponies out of the trenches, the deathtoll is staggering. They can't leave their trenches, either, though. We're left with a standstill. Ideas?"
Golden Wing pipes up: "Sustained bombing. We need to step up our air raids, and impress every pegasus available into the service."
Waxing Spark suggests: "Our holy artificiers have been researching the haul from St. Szwall and we think we might be able to weaponize mustard against their trenches, if given leave."
Finally, there's a groan from behind you. "Enaugh athis!" It's Mama Anne. "You hoosiers got no idea whacher doin', dunchaknow. We gotta treat this like all heroes do – send in a small, elite team to take out their leadership. I just cain't understand why we haven't done it before now."
Executive A takes this as his cue: "We've been waiting for the advance team to finish planting logs. It should be done now."
"Well, there ya have it!"
"That being said, our log team is probably dead. Who should we send?"
Aira seems to be nodding her head like she knows what a log team is.
Marina
You awaken to the concerned faces of Irons and Vlad. The room is lit now, by the moonlight streaming in from above. There seems to be some sort of opening in the roof but you're not very focused in on it just yet. Both Vlad and Irons look pretty roughed up.
"We thought you were a goner."
"Yes, and if so this would have been in… how do you say it? Vain? Hm? You know, you should not stick out your neck so far for this stranger."
You awaken to the concerned faces of Irons and Vlad. The room is lit now, by the moonlight streaming in from above. There seems to be some sort of opening in the roof but you're not very focused in on it just yet. Both Vlad and Irons look pretty roughed up.
"We thought you were a goner."
"Yes, and if so this would have been in… how do you say it? Vain? Hm? You know, you should not stick out your neck so far for this stranger."
>>647286
"You know, the group that infiltrates the city ahead of time and leaves behind notes about how terrible things are. Then when you're fighting your way through, you collect those logs and you can hear about it. It's supposed to give context or something."
"You know, the group that infiltrates the city ahead of time and leaves behind notes about how terrible things are. Then when you're fighting your way through, you collect those logs and you can hear about it. It's supposed to give context or something."
>>647287
Groan a little, then try to get up.
"It's… it's gonna take more than some spooky things to get me… I think."
Come on girl, on your legs.
"As for sticking necks out, well, that altar came from the temple my mom was guarding, so bringing it back is part of family duties too. Sorta."
Groan a little, then try to get up.
"It's… it's gonna take more than some spooky things to get me… I think."
Come on girl, on your legs.
"As for sticking necks out, well, that altar came from the temple my mom was guarding, so bringing it back is part of family duties too. Sorta."
>>647290
"No, it's like, sometimes they'll do an interview with a local pony to get their thoughts on the coming catastrophe, and then, you know, when you read it you understand how bad it was and that gives you a moral justification for your attack."
"No, it's like, sometimes they'll do an interview with a local pony to get their thoughts on the coming catastrophe, and then, you know, when you read it you understand how bad it was and that gives you a moral justification for your attack."
>>647298
The commander scratches his chin. "I don't know, three ponies don't make much of a fellowship."
Fly stands up. "They have my beak."
A pony you don't know. "And my whip."
Anne, too. "And my gun!"
"Hm… and you'll probably want to take the obviously totally-untrained for battle child that will only be a liability with you too, right? Seven might just do it…"
Executive A: "Yes, it's just heroic enough to work!"
Executive C: "It'll do well in Lethuanian markets."
The commander scratches his chin. "I don't know, three ponies don't make much of a fellowship."
Fly stands up. "They have my beak."
A pony you don't know. "And my whip."
Anne, too. "And my gun!"
"Hm… and you'll probably want to take the obviously totally-untrained for battle child that will only be a liability with you too, right? Seven might just do it…"
Executive A: "Yes, it's just heroic enough to work!"
Executive C: "It'll do well in Lethuanian markets."
>>647307
I'll nod, tell Irons and Vlad to keep an eye on Iga, since we don't need more nightmare beasts going after lost artifacts, and make my way over to Red, since he's closer.
"That looks pretty bad, Red. There has to have been an easier way to get off of altar-carrying detail."
Give a half-hearted grin.
I'll nod, tell Irons and Vlad to keep an eye on Iga, since we don't need more nightmare beasts going after lost artifacts, and make my way over to Red, since he's closer.
"That looks pretty bad, Red. There has to have been an easier way to get off of altar-carrying detail."
Give a half-hearted grin.
>>647311
>>647309
>>647308
"Very well then. Now, we agreed with the enemy to only have battles here, here, and here."
He indicates the map. "So we want you to sneak in here. Try to find their leader, and neutralize him. Once the mercenary armies disband, we'll move in. That will give us access to the lower city. Good luck, we're all counting on you."
>>647309
>>647308
"Very well then. Now, we agreed with the enemy to only have battles here, here, and here."
He indicates the map. "So we want you to sneak in here. Try to find their leader, and neutralize him. Once the mercenary armies disband, we'll move in. That will give us access to the lower city. Good luck, we're all counting on you."
>>647310
"Hmph. Isn't this close enough? It's inside the temple, and some four floors down. I kinda lost count."
"Hmph. Isn't this close enough? It's inside the temple, and some four floors down. I kinda lost count."
>>647320
"Probably not, but the only thing you're carrying from here on is yourself back to safety. And Cumin, too. It sounds like he's hurt something sensitive up there. And there were medical supplies in his quarters, so both of you could be patched up at least until we manage to get out."
I'll frown a little.
"So… how bad is it? Really?"
"Probably not, but the only thing you're carrying from here on is yourself back to safety. And Cumin, too. It sounds like he's hurt something sensitive up there. And there were medical supplies in his quarters, so both of you could be patched up at least until we manage to get out."
I'll frown a little.
"So… how bad is it? Really?"
>>647319
''Doesn't sound too hard…Though are you suuuure that their leader is in that specific spot?''
''Doesn't sound too hard…Though are you suuuure that their leader is in that specific spot?''
>>647319
This is really weird.
"Did you happen to ask if there's any hostages? Like a secondary mission?"
I'm starting to get it!
This is really weird.
"Did you happen to ask if there's any hostages? Like a secondary mission?"
I'm starting to get it!
>>647327
"No, once you're past their front lines, you'll have to locate their leader, we don't know where he is."
>>647328
"They have some anti-air placements set up in the field, which are preventing our pegasi from getting any closer. If you could take those out, we could extract you directly after you remove their leader - and it would help speed up the air raid on the lower city. There should be three."
>>647325
"Grmm, just lost blood… a little dizzy. Featherweight up there definitely rebroke his leg trying to bail us out, but I don't think he'll want me helping him anyway. As for the monsters, I doubt they'll be back, in this room anyway."
He shrugs. "Lilly is anxious. She thinks the monster is almost here. The featherweight seems to think we're near the hydra. Sounds like we're caught between two devils, if you ask me."
"No, once you're past their front lines, you'll have to locate their leader, we don't know where he is."
>>647328
"They have some anti-air placements set up in the field, which are preventing our pegasi from getting any closer. If you could take those out, we could extract you directly after you remove their leader - and it would help speed up the air raid on the lower city. There should be three."
>>647325
"Grmm, just lost blood… a little dizzy. Featherweight up there definitely rebroke his leg trying to bail us out, but I don't think he'll want me helping him anyway. As for the monsters, I doubt they'll be back, in this room anyway."
He shrugs. "Lilly is anxious. She thinks the monster is almost here. The featherweight seems to think we're near the hydra. Sounds like we're caught between two devils, if you ask me."
>>647333
"That's all we have so far. The log team has already blazed this trail, but I doubt you'll run into anything from them until we get into the lower city. Remember, you have to stop the mercenary, the eye-patched pony, Vox."
"That's all we have so far. The log team has already blazed this trail, but I doubt you'll run into anything from them until we get into the lower city. Remember, you have to stop the mercenary, the eye-patched pony, Vox."
>>647332
''Geesh…That sounds slightly tougher…''
Take a look again at that pic of Vox and memorize his old, dumb face
I'm also ready to go
''Geesh…That sounds slightly tougher…''
Take a look again at that pic of Vox and memorize his old, dumb face
I'm also ready to go
>>647332
"Well, try to keep the rest of your blood inside, alright? I'd really prefer no one die down here. And why wouldn't he accept the help? You're not really in any shape to hurt anyone, you know."
Frown a little more.
"That hydra's going to be a nuisance, though. I was hoping we could lure it into the room over that way, since it's filled with these acid-spitting clams or something. If nothing else, that'd slow it down."
I'll gently pat him on the shoulder.
"But you need rest, and something to stop that bleeding. I doubt Cumin brought his medical supplies with him, so that might be tough to find. I doubt Vlad would offer his cape as bandage material."
Frown a bit.
"Anyway. You can take it easy. Assuming we've got to keep moving, you're off altar-dragging duty."
Now to make my way up the stairs…
"Oh, and one more thing. Try to keep Lilly from losing her head? She's had a rough day, and it's probably going to get worse before it gets better…"
On to Cumin's collapsed form.
"Well, try to keep the rest of your blood inside, alright? I'd really prefer no one die down here. And why wouldn't he accept the help? You're not really in any shape to hurt anyone, you know."
Frown a little more.
"That hydra's going to be a nuisance, though. I was hoping we could lure it into the room over that way, since it's filled with these acid-spitting clams or something. If nothing else, that'd slow it down."
I'll gently pat him on the shoulder.
"But you need rest, and something to stop that bleeding. I doubt Cumin brought his medical supplies with him, so that might be tough to find. I doubt Vlad would offer his cape as bandage material."
Frown a bit.
"Anyway. You can take it easy. Assuming we've got to keep moving, you're off altar-dragging duty."
Now to make my way up the stairs…
"Oh, and one more thing. Try to keep Lilly from losing her head? She's had a rough day, and it's probably going to get worse before it gets better…"
On to Cumin's collapsed form.
>>647341
"We weren't getting anywhere when the battle was on all fronts, so we thought to narrow it down to just these areas that way we could save money on the siege. They're still technically surrounded."
>>647339
>>647337
You can move out when Maeda is ready. In the mean time, Anne, Fly, and the other pony move out. You could also explore the war camp while you wait.
"We weren't getting anywhere when the battle was on all fronts, so we thought to narrow it down to just these areas that way we could save money on the siege. They're still technically surrounded."
>>647339
>>647337
You can move out when Maeda is ready. In the mean time, Anne, Fly, and the other pony move out. You could also explore the war camp while you wait.
>>647343
"I don't think he trusts anyone but you."
He shrugs. "No offense, 'princess', but the rest of us - even that courier - we're all killers. All of us. You don't have the same feel about you. He spooks easy. To be honest, I'm pretty surprised a featherweight like that had the bluster to come help at all."
You head up to Cumin. He's crumpled up in a fetal position, clutching his re-broken leg. It has an improvised wooden splint, it seems to be a plank from one of his crates.
"I don't think he trusts anyone but you."
He shrugs. "No offense, 'princess', but the rest of us - even that courier - we're all killers. All of us. You don't have the same feel about you. He spooks easy. To be honest, I'm pretty surprised a featherweight like that had the bluster to come help at all."
You head up to Cumin. He's crumpled up in a fetal position, clutching his re-broken leg. It has an improvised wooden splint, it seems to be a plank from one of his crates.
>>647347
You head out into the camp where Fly is getting ready. The "vampire" griffon is pinning bags into the inside of her cape.
"Hmm?"
You head out into the camp where Fly is getting ready. The "vampire" griffon is pinning bags into the inside of her cape.
"Hmm?"
>>647353
War Camp
This camp is quite the hodgepodge. There are three main areas: the Equestrian contingent, the heroes' quarter, which really looks more like a transplant of New Earth - more of the same you've been seeing - and a restricted executive area. It's so nice, they've rolled out red carpet to cover all their dirt!
Where do you want to explore?
>>647355
Fly shrugs. "I have my own motives as well."
War Camp
This camp is quite the hodgepodge. There are three main areas: the Equestrian contingent, the heroes' quarter, which really looks more like a transplant of New Earth - more of the same you've been seeing - and a restricted executive area. It's so nice, they've rolled out red carpet to cover all their dirt!
Where do you want to explore?
>>647355
Fly shrugs. "I have my own motives as well."
>>647359
A Whinneapolis pony stops you on the way out with a smile and open arms. "Aren'cha just the cutest little thing, eh? I don' think we've made acquaintance, dunchaknow. I'm Mama Anne, and you must be the young inquisitor joining us."
>>647360
"Your ward seems to be wandering off. We can set off as soon as you're ready."
>>647361
Some bouncers stop you as you approach this area of tents. It's even cordoned off! "VIPs only."
A Whinneapolis pony stops you on the way out with a smile and open arms. "Aren'cha just the cutest little thing, eh? I don' think we've made acquaintance, dunchaknow. I'm Mama Anne, and you must be the young inquisitor joining us."
>>647360
"Your ward seems to be wandering off. We can set off as soon as you're ready."
>>647361
Some bouncers stop you as you approach this area of tents. It's even cordoned off! "VIPs only."
>>647351
"That was incredibly foolish of you, Cumin."
Sigh as I hunker down next leg.
"Thank you. Now, you might want to bite down on this while I reset your leg."
I'll hoof him my spear, and take a deep breath.
"Okay. One… two…" '1d10' reset the leg. "Three."
Roll #1 4 = 4
"That was incredibly foolish of you, Cumin."
Sigh as I hunker down next leg.
"Thank you. Now, you might want to bite down on this while I reset your leg."
I'll hoof him my spear, and take a deep breath.
"Okay. One… two…" '1d10' reset the leg. "Three."
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>647364
Grumble
''fine…''
Let's get back to Selena and Maeda then, I bet they are about ready to go anyways
Grumble
''fine…''
Let's get back to Selena and Maeda then, I bet they are about ready to go anyways
>>647364
"That is correct." Size her up with a glance.
"Mama Anne, I can't say I've heard of you. Terribly sorry."
"That is correct." Size her up with a glance.
"Mama Anne, I can't say I've heard of you. Terribly sorry."
>>647366
>>647368
With little further ado, you set out, leaving introductions for later - or never. The other ponies with you seem to know each other pretty well. Aira seems fairly nervous around them.
Battlefield
This great field has a nopony's land in the middle. It's full of terrible opinions, like any land populated by nopony. Rather than doing fighting in the trenches, you're planning to sneak past it as best you can.
Party leader, roll for encounters.
>>647368
With little further ado, you set out, leaving introductions for later - or never. The other ponies with you seem to know each other pretty well. Aira seems fairly nervous around them.
Battlefield
This great field has a nopony's land in the middle. It's full of terrible opinions, like any land populated by nopony. Rather than doing fighting in the trenches, you're planning to sneak past it as best you can.
Party leader, roll for encounters.
>>647365
He screams in pain. It looks a little less wonky, but still imperfect. He's coated in sweat.
Between his gasps of agony, "You would've died!"
He screams in pain. It looks a little less wonky, but still imperfect. He's coated in sweat.
Between his gasps of agony, "You would've died!"
>>647370
I'll let Selena do that.
Meanwhile chat up with Aira.
"Worried about being in the big league?"
I'll let Selena do that.
Meanwhile chat up with Aira.
"Worried about being in the big league?"
>>647377
You hear a strange click. It sounds like a clock was turned on.
…Wait…
You leap up in the air, propelled by your wings! You narrowly avoid an explosion that goes off below you.
Minefield
Mama Anne groans: "Aww, these are jus the worst, duncha know!"
The unknown pony nods. "Well, here, dig it up, let's see the number."
You hear a strange click. It sounds like a clock was turned on.
…Wait…
You leap up in the air, propelled by your wings! You narrowly avoid an explosion that goes off below you.
Minefield
Mama Anne groans: "Aww, these are jus the worst, duncha know!"
The unknown pony nods. "Well, here, dig it up, let's see the number."
>>647372
Wince at the scream. I'm not trained for this, so I should be glad I didn't make it go the completely wrong direction. Make sure the bindings for the splint are tied securely. Since we're not under duress, I shouldn't have to roll for that. Hopefully.
"That would have probably been the most likely outcome of that, yes. But you saved us."
Wipe some of the sweat off his forehead.
"Of course, it's a lot less heroic when you end up breaking a leg again."
Give him a weak grin.
Wince at the scream. I'm not trained for this, so I should be glad I didn't make it go the completely wrong direction. Make sure the bindings for the splint are tied securely. Since we're not under duress, I shouldn't have to roll for that. Hopefully.
"That would have probably been the most likely outcome of that, yes. But you saved us."
Wipe some of the sweat off his forehead.
"Of course, it's a lot less heroic when you end up breaking a leg again."
Give him a weak grin.
>>647380
Fly back down, but just float above the ground so I don't touch the ground.
"Anypony here knows how to disarm those?"
Fly back down, but just float above the ground so I don't touch the ground.
"Anypony here knows how to disarm those?"
>>647384
>>647383
"We can't just fly over because of the antiair guns. You were lucky you weren't shot. Just dig up the mine, let's see the numbers around it."
"Yeah, mines always get buried with number indicators to show how many other mines are around."
>>647385
Hmm… you dig up the plot right in front of the mine and find a 1.
"Looks like bad luck. Of course, that means the two adjacent spaces are clear…"
>>647386
The unknown pony speaks up:
"There's one critical flaw in burying mines with numbers. You can use those numbers to logically determine which spaces do not have mines. We called it minesweeper when we were kids, back home."
>>647383
"We can't just fly over because of the antiair guns. You were lucky you weren't shot. Just dig up the mine, let's see the numbers around it."
"Yeah, mines always get buried with number indicators to show how many other mines are around."
>>647385
Hmm… you dig up the plot right in front of the mine and find a 1.
"Looks like bad luck. Of course, that means the two adjacent spaces are clear…"
>>647386
The unknown pony speaks up:
"There's one critical flaw in burying mines with numbers. You can use those numbers to logically determine which spaces do not have mines. We called it minesweeper when we were kids, back home."
>>647382
Good enough.
"He smiles weakly in return. T-thanks… for coming to help. I'm not really cut out to be the hero type."
Good enough.
"He smiles weakly in return. T-thanks… for coming to help. I'm not really cut out to be the hero type."
>>647389
"Oh that's easy!"
Land down and go into one of the adjacent spaces.
Let's see if there's one here!
"Oh that's easy!"
Land down and go into one of the adjacent spaces.
Let's see if there's one here!
>>647389
''That's a 1…Bad luck? Why is it bad luck if there's only One other mine around? ''
Let's see if I can keep going with this
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
''That's a 1…Bad luck? Why is it bad luck if there's only One other mine around? ''
Let's see if I can keep going with this
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
File: 1445729419454.png (1.41 KB, 353x325, Field.png) ImgOps Google
>>647390
"I'm sure if you hadn't been down a leg, you'd have done fine. None of us knew about the altar. If I had, I probably would have thrown my necklace in."
I'll jangle it a little.
"Not that I'm certain that would have stopped them, but maybe I wouldn't have… well, it gave you a chance to shine, right?"
He's sweating a lot. That can't be good… If only I had a towel or something. I can at least get his crutch, though.
"Still, you've really got to stay off that broken leg, Cumin. I'm no doctor, but even I know that breaking something twice in one day is bad for the bones."
I'll look at him curiously for a second.
"How'd you know we were in trouble, anyway? Weren't you half unconscious?"
"I'm sure if you hadn't been down a leg, you'd have done fine. None of us knew about the altar. If I had, I probably would have thrown my necklace in."
I'll jangle it a little.
"Not that I'm certain that would have stopped them, but maybe I wouldn't have… well, it gave you a chance to shine, right?"
He's sweating a lot. That can't be good… If only I had a towel or something. I can at least get his crutch, though.
"Still, you've really got to stay off that broken leg, Cumin. I'm no doctor, but even I know that breaking something twice in one day is bad for the bones."
I'll look at him curiously for a second.
"How'd you know we were in trouble, anyway? Weren't you half unconscious?"
>>647398
"I knew you were headed for that room when I heard you drain the floor below… Although, it took me a really long time to strap together the splint and stagger downstairs. Really, um… Marina… this is too dangerous. "
"I knew you were headed for that room when I heard you drain the floor below… Although, it took me a really long time to strap together the splint and stagger downstairs. Really, um… Marina… this is too dangerous. "
>>647395
Dig the plot of land on the left of the leftmost one, and the one right above, left of the two.
Dig the plot of land on the left of the leftmost one, and the one right above, left of the two.
File: 1445730465597.png (1.94 KB, 353x325, Field.png) ImgOps Google
>>647404
dig left of the zero and mark the square under that freshly dug spot as hiding a mine.
dig left of the zero and mark the square under that freshly dug spot as hiding a mine.
>>647405
"What're you doing that for? We just need to get to the other side of the field, not mark out the mines. It's probably just 10 or 11 deep."
"What're you doing that for? We just need to get to the other side of the field, not mark out the mines. It's probably just 10 or 11 deep."
>>647399
"Well, yeah. There's a big undead hydra guarding the spot where we need to put an altar so we can cut its link to Lilly and the nightmare beast that's hunting her is dismissed or lost in the shadows somewhere. All of this before tomorrow night. Not to mention we had a run-in with some acid-spitting clams or something just a bit ago. I've got plans for them, though."
Sigh.
"If we had like, another fifty ponies, we might stand a decent chance. As it is, we have to improvise. Drowning it won't work, we've got nothing in our collective arsenal that would put a dent in a hydra, living or dead, and we're nearly out of time. So yeah, it's dangerous. Impossibly so."
Smile weakly.
"But, well, if I gave up now, that'd just be another black mark on us Lunites. And I can't bring a mare I consider… well, 'friend' might be too strong a word, but a positive acquaintance, just to ditch her at the end when things get hard."
My smile will waver a bit.
"I mean, I just kinda want to go home and cook. I don't want to have to worry about any of this. But I can't. If there's anything I can do, I have to at least try."
Wipe my eyes quickly, and sniffle.
"Anyway, the only way that hydra is going to be killed again is if we get smart about it. I figure those acid clams could at least slow it down a little, provided we lure it into the lower atrium, but the trick is finding a route. Don't suppose you've mapped one, in your time here?"
"Well, yeah. There's a big undead hydra guarding the spot where we need to put an altar so we can cut its link to Lilly and the nightmare beast that's hunting her is dismissed or lost in the shadows somewhere. All of this before tomorrow night. Not to mention we had a run-in with some acid-spitting clams or something just a bit ago. I've got plans for them, though."
Sigh.
"If we had like, another fifty ponies, we might stand a decent chance. As it is, we have to improvise. Drowning it won't work, we've got nothing in our collective arsenal that would put a dent in a hydra, living or dead, and we're nearly out of time. So yeah, it's dangerous. Impossibly so."
Smile weakly.
"But, well, if I gave up now, that'd just be another black mark on us Lunites. And I can't bring a mare I consider… well, 'friend' might be too strong a word, but a positive acquaintance, just to ditch her at the end when things get hard."
My smile will waver a bit.
"I mean, I just kinda want to go home and cook. I don't want to have to worry about any of this. But I can't. If there's anything I can do, I have to at least try."
Wipe my eyes quickly, and sniffle.
"Anyway, the only way that hydra is going to be killed again is if we get smart about it. I figure those acid clams could at least slow it down a little, provided we lure it into the lower atrium, but the trick is finding a route. Don't suppose you've mapped one, in your time here?"
>>647406
"It's to remember!"
Grumble.
"Can't safely dig new ground if the one around hasn't been explored!"
"It's to remember!"
Grumble.
"Can't safely dig new ground if the one around hasn't been explored!"
File: 1445730852151.png (2.19 KB, 353x325, Field.png) ImgOps Google
>>647413
"That would probably be ideal, but the idea of leaving it here to stomp around is… less so. Especially if that thing comes for Lilly anyway, and we have to beat a hasty retreat. Last thing we need is to be caught between a hydra and an elder demon."
Frown a little and rub my chin.
"But let's hear your idea. We get the altar squared away, hopefully not exploding into a horrible pitched battle, and we can take our time on the way out."
"That would probably be ideal, but the idea of leaving it here to stomp around is… less so. Especially if that thing comes for Lilly anyway, and we have to beat a hasty retreat. Last thing we need is to be caught between a hydra and an elder demon."
Frown a little and rub my chin.
"But let's hear your idea. We get the altar squared away, hopefully not exploding into a horrible pitched battle, and we can take our time on the way out."
>>647412
This will take forever.
Mark the place above the explosion as having a mine. And beside this I cannot make any move with 100% certanty.
This will take forever.
Mark the place above the explosion as having a mine. And beside this I cannot make any move with 100% certanty.
File: 1445731412642.png (2.41 KB, 353x325, Field.png) ImgOps Google
>>647414
"I think the hydra isn't being controlled by necromancy - there's a sort of blessing against it here inside the temple. Instead, I think its body is being animated by a parasitic fungus - Toxoplasma dementus. Colloquially known as 'gravemind', or 'brain rot'. It infects the brain and uses the body like a puppet. I took some spore samples - it's all around us in the air."
He pauses, and then continues, after your look of alarm, "Not in the concentrations high enough to infect - not here, anyway. I think the infestation must be somewhere deeper. If we could burn out the core, anything it was animated would be released. Ashes to ashes, meat to meat."
>>647415
>
"I think the hydra isn't being controlled by necromancy - there's a sort of blessing against it here inside the temple. Instead, I think its body is being animated by a parasitic fungus - Toxoplasma dementus. Colloquially known as 'gravemind', or 'brain rot'. It infects the brain and uses the body like a puppet. I took some spore samples - it's all around us in the air."
He pauses, and then continues, after your look of alarm, "Not in the concentrations high enough to infect - not here, anyway. I think the infestation must be somewhere deeper. If we could burn out the core, anything it was animated would be released. Ashes to ashes, meat to meat."
>>647415
>
>>647416
"Okay, but… how would we get close enough without, well, breathing in a horrible amount of those spores? I don't think any of us brought masks."
"Okay, but… how would we get close enough without, well, breathing in a horrible amount of those spores? I don't think any of us brought masks."
File: 1445731555987.png (4.71 KB, 353x325, 1445730852151.png) ImgOps Google
File: 1445731742292.png (2.53 KB, 353x325, Field.png) ImgOps Google
>>647419
"I'm fine!"
Seems the one diagonally left above of the left 3 is safe, go there.
"You have to take a risk once in a while, Aira. Otherwise you'll never find a good stallion!"
"I'm fine!"
Seems the one diagonally left above of the left 3 is safe, go there.
"You have to take a risk once in a while, Aira. Otherwise you'll never find a good stallion!"
File: 1445732062039.png (3.37 KB, 353x325, 1445731742292.png) ImgOps Google
>>647421
The X, if I can walk diagonally there from the 3
The X, if I can walk diagonally there from the 3
>>647419
"Well, the closest things we've got to torches are those lightning bottles of yours. And I doubt that'd be a good thing to carry around."
Frown a bit.
"We might be able to make some torches out of broken crate wood, and some cloth. Somepony's going to have to run up and fetch the rest of those medical supplies, at any rate. Lilly's kind of freaking out, though, so that means it's either me, Iga, Irons, or Vlad…"
Frown a little.
"I'll be back with the supplies in a little bit, I just need to grab Iga. She's weird, but at least I know she'll focus on the task at hoof."
I'll pat Cumin on the head.
"You, however, are to stay put until we get back. You and Red messed yourselves up pretty bad back there, so I want both of you to take it easy for a bit. And you stay off that leg!"
With that, I'll head back down and try to pry Iga away from the altar and its loot. We've got supplies to fetch.
"Well, the closest things we've got to torches are those lightning bottles of yours. And I doubt that'd be a good thing to carry around."
Frown a bit.
"We might be able to make some torches out of broken crate wood, and some cloth. Somepony's going to have to run up and fetch the rest of those medical supplies, at any rate. Lilly's kind of freaking out, though, so that means it's either me, Iga, Irons, or Vlad…"
Frown a little.
"I'll be back with the supplies in a little bit, I just need to grab Iga. She's weird, but at least I know she'll focus on the task at hoof."
I'll pat Cumin on the head.
"You, however, are to stay put until we get back. You and Red messed yourselves up pretty bad back there, so I want both of you to take it easy for a bit. And you stay off that leg!"
With that, I'll head back down and try to pry Iga away from the altar and its loot. We've got supplies to fetch.
>>647424
He looks like he wants to say something, but draws back when you take off.
You go get Iga. Seems like a good place to pause.
He looks like he wants to say something, but draws back when you take off.
You go get Iga. Seems like a good place to pause.
File: 1445732496983.png (2.98 KB, 198x325, Field.png) ImgOps Google
>>647428
Streak bonus!
Cool Whip bounds ahead on the left.
"I filled in some of the other squares on the map."
Streak bonus!
Cool Whip bounds ahead on the left.
"I filled in some of the other squares on the map."
>>647429
The one above the two and right of the 3, 4th slot from the left top row, that one is safe, dig it.
The one above the two and right of the 3, 4th slot from the left top row, that one is safe, dig it.
File: 1445732681777.png (4.57 KB, 198x325, 1445732496983.png) ImgOps Google
>>647430
These are safe
These are safe
File: 1445732818822.png (3.99 KB, 198x325, Field.png) ImgOps Google
>>647433
A blast goes off as you mark one square as safe.
"MOOOOM!"
Cool Whip points out: "I think I can figure where the edge is…"
A blast goes off as you mark one square as safe.
"MOOOOM!"
Cool Whip points out: "I think I can figure where the edge is…"
File: 1445732973295.png (3.86 KB, 128x325, Field.png) ImgOps Google
Cool Whip helps fill in some more (Sorry)
File: 1445733161018.png (15.56 KB, 500x250, Oekaki.png) ImgOps Google
>>647440
>>647438
>>647433
Tent City
Having crossed the minefield, you have officially entered the camp of the enemy. Agents provocateur! Mama Anne, the Whinneapolis mare, waves you into a nearby abandoned supply tent and lays out the map in front of you.
"Alright, so here's where we're at. We're thinkin' the leader of the mercenaries is here, or here. If we can get rid of him, most of these mercenaries will just flat out abandon the field, dunchaknow. Just isn't nothing for them if there isn't a paycheck at the end, and I just don't understand it. Still, it's out best option. Only problem is, if we pop out at one, they'll for sure move if we guess wrong."
Cool Whip puts it together thoughtfully. "Unless we attack both locations at once. We could split into groups."
Anne nods. "It also means double the chances to run into those AA-placements and scrap 'em, ya know."
>>647438
>>647433
Tent City
Having crossed the minefield, you have officially entered the camp of the enemy. Agents provocateur! Mama Anne, the Whinneapolis mare, waves you into a nearby abandoned supply tent and lays out the map in front of you.
"Alright, so here's where we're at. We're thinkin' the leader of the mercenaries is here, or here. If we can get rid of him, most of these mercenaries will just flat out abandon the field, dunchaknow. Just isn't nothing for them if there isn't a paycheck at the end, and I just don't understand it. Still, it's out best option. Only problem is, if we pop out at one, they'll for sure move if we guess wrong."
Cool Whip puts it together thoughtfully. "Unless we attack both locations at once. We could split into groups."
Anne nods. "It also means double the chances to run into those AA-placements and scrap 'em, ya know."
>>648404
"Well both locations might be wrong too… Or maybe they're expecting us and there could be a trap waiting for us on either of them… Let's be careful…"
"Well both locations might be wrong too… Or maybe they're expecting us and there could be a trap waiting for us on either of them… Let's be careful…"
>>648406
"The AA-guns are secondary, yah?"
Fly, who has been making herself scarce, chuckles darkly. "Your daughter won't be here. She is, no doubt, where I plan to go. But to get into the city proper, the city must be sieged - and that cannot happen until the mercenaries are disbanded. We must deal with the eye-patched pony."
>>648407
Anne nods and adjusts her ushanka. "Ya."
"The AA-guns are secondary, yah?"
Fly, who has been making herself scarce, chuckles darkly. "Your daughter won't be here. She is, no doubt, where I plan to go. But to get into the city proper, the city must be sieged - and that cannot happen until the mercenaries are disbanded. We must deal with the eye-patched pony."
>>648407
Anne nods and adjusts her ushanka. "Ya."
>>648408
"Then the eye-patched pony will die! And those AA batteries too.
Me, Rhanna and Maeda will attack here!" point to the first place she showed. "You take the second?"
"Then the eye-patched pony will die! And those AA batteries too.
Me, Rhanna and Maeda will attack here!" point to the first place she showed. "You take the second?"
>>648404
"I'd rather minimize the risk. We are supposed to be a surgical strike force after all.
Someone should head in and scout for the mercenary leader."
"I'd rather minimize the risk. We are supposed to be a surgical strike force after all.
Someone should head in and scout for the mercenary leader."
>>648412
"Apparently he has a body double. That's why he has been able to survive so many attacks on his life. These locations are the ones scouted by the Wing Commander herself."
"Apparently he has a body double. That's why he has been able to survive so many attacks on his life. These locations are the ones scouted by the Wing Commander herself."
>>648411
"Pocket watch?… Uh.. No… Don't suppose you have a spare one for us?"
Meanwhile, let's get ready to shoot everything
'1d10' gadget
Roll #1 8 = 8
"Pocket watch?… Uh.. No… Don't suppose you have a spare one for us?"
Meanwhile, let's get ready to shoot everything
'1d10' gadget
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>648417
>>648418
Tent City Outskirts
14:48
There is a constant faint background chatter that fills the air. In the distance you hear the occasional explosion and flurry of shots.
The regimental formation of the tents narrows your range of movement - it's difficult to even see ahead through this maze of dark green!
Left
Straight
Right
>>648419
That's a combat skill!
>>648418
Tent City Outskirts
14:48
There is a constant faint background chatter that fills the air. In the distance you hear the occasional explosion and flurry of shots.
The regimental formation of the tents narrows your range of movement - it's difficult to even see ahead through this maze of dark green!
Left
Straight
Right
>>648419
That's a combat skill!
>>648420
I don't know where I'm supposed to go. If I can take all of these routes, I'll perk my ears and listen which one of those routes seems to have the most noise '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
I don't know where I'm supposed to go. If I can take all of these routes, I'll perk my ears and listen which one of those routes seems to have the most noise '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>648425
The Big Tent
14:36
You arrive in a clearing, with a large central tent. There seems to be a lot of noise coming from within! Soldiers on break are casually strolling in and out.
You could turn around
Or try to head inside…
You could also circumnavigate it if you're sneaky or tough enough, and get to the other side, which looks like a field hospisal.
The Big Tent
14:36
You arrive in a clearing, with a large central tent. There seems to be a lot of noise coming from within! Soldiers on break are casually strolling in and out.
You could turn around
Or try to head inside…
You could also circumnavigate it if you're sneaky or tough enough, and get to the other side, which looks like a field hospisal.
>>648429
>>648428
You try to sneak around. You get pretty far when you notice something shining, glinting in the ground. Like… a gemstone or something, just left out in the dirt.
It distracts you so much you fall flat on your face, and draw the attention of the guards! Maybe it WOULD'VE been better to let the puppy dig for one!
Pause
>>648428
You try to sneak around. You get pretty far when you notice something shining, glinting in the ground. Like… a gemstone or something, just left out in the dirt.
It distracts you so much you fall flat on your face, and draw the attention of the guards! Maybe it WOULD'VE been better to let the puppy dig for one!
Pause
>>648430
>>648428
14:24
Maeda waves for your attention. "We don't have time for this fight. We have to deal with the machines and more importantly strike at Vox. You should dig ahead with Rhanna while I hold them here. Don't worry, I can handle them."
Maeda gives you a confident smile and nod.
>>648429
"You think you can handle that Rhanna? We're counting on you."
>>648428
14:24
Maeda waves for your attention. "We don't have time for this fight. We have to deal with the machines and more importantly strike at Vox. You should dig ahead with Rhanna while I hold them here. Don't worry, I can handle them."
Maeda gives you a confident smile and nod.
>>648429
"You think you can handle that Rhanna? We're counting on you."
>>649606
"Aye Aye!… But… don't get yourself killed."
Time to dig a hole big enough for a pony to squeeze in
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
"Aye Aye!… But… don't get yourself killed."
Time to dig a hole big enough for a pony to squeeze in
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>649608
>>649607
Rhanna digs a hole with great alacrity. Down you go!
>>649608
The Thick
14:12
The ground composition here is smooth and dense, of clay composition. Easy for your diamond dog paws to rip through, though Selena can barely fit. You can hear the sounds of combat up above you. Based on the taste of the soil, salt content seems to increase directly ahead. The terrain to your right seems to have a higher concentration of rocks. You can also wait and listen to vibrations if you like (roll to hear over the sounds of combat).
>>649607
The cramped diamond dog tunnel is not your sort of place. It's barely big enough for you to wriggle through, and totally dark, to say nothing of the dog butt in your face. Something sharp - possibly rocks - are scraping your belly.
>>649607
Rhanna digs a hole with great alacrity. Down you go!
>>649608
The Thick
14:12
The ground composition here is smooth and dense, of clay composition. Easy for your diamond dog paws to rip through, though Selena can barely fit. You can hear the sounds of combat up above you. Based on the taste of the soil, salt content seems to increase directly ahead. The terrain to your right seems to have a higher concentration of rocks. You can also wait and listen to vibrations if you like (roll to hear over the sounds of combat).
>>649607
The cramped diamond dog tunnel is not your sort of place. It's barely big enough for you to wriggle through, and totally dark, to say nothing of the dog butt in your face. Something sharp - possibly rocks - are scraping your belly.
>>649609
It better be rocks, but I doubt I can see anything in here regardless what it is. I hate tunnels.
It better be rocks, but I doubt I can see anything in here regardless what it is. I hate tunnels.
>>649610
You could stop to dig it out and light up your catalyst if you don't mind stopping a moment.
You could stop to dig it out and light up your catalyst if you don't mind stopping a moment.
>>649612
Salt Lick
14:00
The ground content here is very salty. Curious. You can hear the sounds of movement above but nothing definite.
There is heavy vibration to the front and to the right. The left seems to have large stones.
>>649613
It takes your eyes a moment to adjust on a cache of strange dice (Roll 3d10). Rhanna pulls ahead of you into the next area.
Salt Lick
14:00
The ground content here is very salty. Curious. You can hear the sounds of movement above but nothing definite.
There is heavy vibration to the front and to the right. The left seems to have large stones.
>>649613
It takes your eyes a moment to adjust on a cache of strange dice (Roll 3d10). Rhanna pulls ahead of you into the next area.
>>649614
!
What are those doing here?!?
But I don't mind!
Grab the cache and let's catch up with Rhanna.
!
What are those doing here?!?
But I don't mind!
Grab the cache and let's catch up with Rhanna.
>>649620
>>649621
These strange dice have seven sides, eight sides, and nine sides respectively. A strange run of strange dice…
Rhanna stopped digging, so you catch up to her.
>>649619
You stop to listen here.
The strong vibrations ahead and to the right seem to be artillery. You sense similar, weak vibrations to the distant left rear.
You sense an individual guard above. This area is lightly guarded.
You sense no wildlife here.
>>649621
These strange dice have seven sides, eight sides, and nine sides respectively. A strange run of strange dice…
Rhanna stopped digging, so you catch up to her.
>>649619
You stop to listen here.
The strong vibrations ahead and to the right seem to be artillery. You sense similar, weak vibrations to the distant left rear.
You sense an individual guard above. This area is lightly guarded.
You sense no wildlife here.
>>649622
>>649621
Turn to Selena and whisper ''There's some heavy shooting foward and to the right…And also some to the left I think, they are artilery all around us''
Point up ''There's one pony ahead too. A guard. But I don't hear anyone else nearby…Wanna deal with him? We could get some info outta him''
>>649621
Turn to Selena and whisper ''There's some heavy shooting foward and to the right…And also some to the left I think, they are artilery all around us''
Point up ''There's one pony ahead too. A guard. But I don't hear anyone else nearby…Wanna deal with him? We could get some info outta him''
>>649633
>>649631
13:12
You push on ahead. Suddenly and without warning, you burst out of the cover of ground into an opening. Selena gasps with relief as fresh air enters her lungs.
The Crater
The land here is pocked with carbon residue, the remnants of a firebomb dropped by the attacking pegasi. Nearby you can see the charred remains of their harnesses and winged helmets: brave soldiers shot down by anti-air guns. The angle isn't very conducive to seeing, but by the loud sounds of cannon blasts, you must be near one of the placements.
>>649631
13:12
You push on ahead. Suddenly and without warning, you burst out of the cover of ground into an opening. Selena gasps with relief as fresh air enters her lungs.
The Crater
The land here is pocked with carbon residue, the remnants of a firebomb dropped by the attacking pegasi. Nearby you can see the charred remains of their harnesses and winged helmets: brave soldiers shot down by anti-air guns. The angle isn't very conducive to seeing, but by the loud sounds of cannon blasts, you must be near one of the placements.
>>649635
>>649636
13:00
There are two ponies here, both earth ponies, manning the turret. One is a mercenary, the other is a cultist. Between shots, they quarrel about targets of opportunity.
"We must fire upon the ones in the golden armor! They are heretics!"
"We fire upon the closest targets. Accuracy is more important than agenda."
"Blasphemy!"
>>649636
13:00
There are two ponies here, both earth ponies, manning the turret. One is a mercenary, the other is a cultist. Between shots, they quarrel about targets of opportunity.
"We must fire upon the ones in the golden armor! They are heretics!"
"We fire upon the closest targets. Accuracy is more important than agenda."
"Blasphemy!"
>>649637
I can't find the skill description of the love poison skill, but spray a little bit on myself '1d10'.
Walk to the cultist.
"You're right! They're blasphemers!"
Look at the mercenary.
"Why aren't you shooting them? Are you a heretic too!"
Roll #1 8 = 8
I can't find the skill description of the love poison skill, but spray a little bit on myself '1d10'.
Walk to the cultist.
"You're right! They're blasphemers!"
Look at the mercenary.
"Why aren't you shooting them? Are you a heretic too!"
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>649642
>>649639
12:48
The cultist nods weakly.
"I am shooting them, I'm just saying, we have to prioritize! Shoot whatever is closest regardless of what religion it is! Besides, they're hardly believers if they're bombing us!"
He's quite distracted.
>>649640
Well… uh… it's pretty standard artillery. Load and shoot. Its simplistic design leaves no obvious weaknesses for wrecking it besides taking out the supports, but they could just prop it back up. Hmm… Maybe you could think of something else, or keep studying it.
>>649639
12:48
The cultist nods weakly.
"I am shooting them, I'm just saying, we have to prioritize! Shoot whatever is closest regardless of what religion it is! Besides, they're hardly believers if they're bombing us!"
He's quite distracted.
>>649640
Well… uh… it's pretty standard artillery. Load and shoot. Its simplistic design leaves no obvious weaknesses for wrecking it besides taking out the supports, but they could just prop it back up. Hmm… Maybe you could think of something else, or keep studying it.
>>649643
Probally not…Seeing Selena pop out her gun does seems worrying, so I'll prepare myself for a posible fight!
'1d10' gadget for shootin
Roll #1 8 = 8
Probally not…Seeing Selena pop out her gun does seems worrying, so I'll prepare myself for a posible fight!
'1d10' gadget for shootin
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>649646
Perk my ears as I stay hidden, watching with a little smile at how Selena turned one of those dudes against the other. How does she do that?!
I look around us to make sure there isn't no other ponies approaching
Perk my ears as I stay hidden, watching with a little smile at how Selena turned one of those dudes against the other. How does she do that?!
I look around us to make sure there isn't no other ponies approaching
>>649649
Let's just keep watching then
…But I can't fight my curiosity, I have to check on this artillery again!
'1d10' appraise
Roll #1 9 = 9
Let's just keep watching then
…But I can't fight my curiosity, I have to check on this artillery again!
'1d10' appraise
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>649649
Oh fuck does this guy even get a fucking hint!
Get my rifle and shoot the mercenary '1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
Oh fuck does this guy even get a fucking hint!
Get my rifle and shoot the mercenary '1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>649651
You and the cultist mob the mercenary who yells, but is quickly overcome.
The cultist looks like he's snapped out of your poison!
"Hey… what are you doing here anyway? You're not part of our fanatical blood cult!"
>>649650
You realize that the explosives stock is really close to the cannon. With just a little digging you could collapse the whole heap over next to the artillery and ruin it for good!
You and the cultist mob the mercenary who yells, but is quickly overcome.
The cultist looks like he's snapped out of your poison!
"Hey… what are you doing here anyway? You're not part of our fanatical blood cult!"
>>649650
You realize that the explosives stock is really close to the cannon. With just a little digging you could collapse the whole heap over next to the artillery and ruin it for good!
>>649652
"Rhanna, disable this artillery!"
Grab the cultist and smack his head with the butt of my gun.
"Where are the prisoners! TALK!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
"Rhanna, disable this artillery!"
Grab the cultist and smack his head with the butt of my gun.
"Where are the prisoners! TALK!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>649658
Oh crap the guy got her!
Shoot him in the back for that!
''nope, this is the part where YOU bleed!''
'1d10+1'
Roll #1 2 + 1 = 3
Oh crap the guy got her!
Shoot him in the back for that!
''nope, this is the part where YOU bleed!''
'1d10+1'
Roll #1 2 + 1 = 3
>>649663
Intimidate him while he's on the ground.
"WHERE'S VOX? WHY DOES HE WEAR A EYE PATCH?" '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
Intimidate him while he's on the ground.
"WHERE'S VOX? WHY DOES HE WEAR A EYE PATCH?" '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>649666
Stupid pony!
"Let's go!"
Once we're a bit out of the way I shoot it till the thing goes boom!
Stupid pony!
"Let's go!"
Once we're a bit out of the way I shoot it till the thing goes boom!
>>649670
"Let's jump back in the tunnel, close it again and we'll dig towards those battle lines!"
"Let's jump back in the tunnel, close it again and we'll dig towards those battle lines!"
>>649676
>>649675
9:40
Tired indeed!
You have to navigate through the deep-rooted pillars of stone which serve as the foundations of the brickwork above. More than once, you bash your paws against one such pillar and yelp in pain.
You sense large stones to your left, loud sounds to your right, and thicker pillar concentration ahead. You can also stop to listen.
>>649675
9:40
Tired indeed!
You have to navigate through the deep-rooted pillars of stone which serve as the foundations of the brickwork above. More than once, you bash your paws against one such pillar and yelp in pain.
You sense large stones to your left, loud sounds to your right, and thicker pillar concentration ahead. You can also stop to listen.
>>649677
I'm going to need to lay down on the digging after today…
Let's dig towards these sounds and listen
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
I'm going to need to lay down on the digging after today…
Let's dig towards these sounds and listen
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>649678
You hear the sounds of strange machinery clicking here.
This area seems to be heavily guarded with six or more soldiers.
You sense a nearby rabbit burrow.
This ground is particularly desolate of materials.
You hear the sounds of strange machinery clicking here.
This area seems to be heavily guarded with six or more soldiers.
You sense a nearby rabbit burrow.
This ground is particularly desolate of materials.
>>649679
Cringe a bit
''I think this might be the place where Vox is…I mean I can hear at least six guards…And they're stepping really heavy too…Probally with some armor on…And I hear a weird machine sound too…''
''This is risky miss Selena…''
Cringe a bit
''I think this might be the place where Vox is…I mean I can hear at least six guards…And they're stepping really heavy too…Probally with some armor on…And I hear a weird machine sound too…''
''This is risky miss Selena…''
Okay!
>>649680
Hmmmmm.
"We'd need to be sure Vox is here though…Can you dig further, we need to find that artillery as well."
>>649680
Hmmmmm.
"We'd need to be sure Vox is here though…Can you dig further, we need to find that artillery as well."
>>649723
Unstable Ground
The round here is wracked by vibration and the sound of battle. The battlefield must be overhead.
Roll luck
Unstable Ground
The round here is wracked by vibration and the sound of battle. The battlefield must be overhead.
Roll luck
File: 1448737440300.png (24.57 KB, 670x891, Untitled.png) ImgOps Google
>>649736
Scratch my head
''Well…We did a good bit of exploration around…Think we should set somewhere to wait for Vox now?''
Scratch my head
''Well…We did a good bit of exploration around…Think we should set somewhere to wait for Vox now?''
>>649742
>>649740
6:40
Deep Stakes
There are some deep wooden stakes here in the ground. There are loud vibrations here. You can stop and listen.
To the north you sense wildlife, to the south you sense significant plantlife. To the west you detect an increase in salt content. You have a bad feeling about heading out east.
>>649740
6:40
Deep Stakes
There are some deep wooden stakes here in the ground. There are loud vibrations here. You can stop and listen.
To the north you sense wildlife, to the south you sense significant plantlife. To the west you detect an increase in salt content. You have a bad feeling about heading out east.
>>649744
stop and listen for a bit
''There's some salt to the west, let's head there!''
'1d10' listen
Roll #1 1 = 1
stop and listen for a bit
''There's some salt to the west, let's head there!''
'1d10' listen
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>649753
Let's take a look at that tower, maybe I can do something that will make it fall and take the artillery with it?
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
Let's take a look at that tower, maybe I can do something that will make it fall and take the artillery with it?
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>649753
Anyone here?
No?
Hmmmmm.
"Rhanna get back down!"
Unleash some alchemist fire on the base of this tower! '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
Anyone here?
No?
Hmmmmm.
"Rhanna get back down!"
Unleash some alchemist fire on the base of this tower! '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>649758
>>649757
Selena burned off the fancy wooden plating. Now the tower doesn't look rustic anymore! What kind of sick pony are you???
You head up a level. This lower level is used for the storage of ammo and shot. There is also some sort of complex mechanism here that Rhanna could study. You hear somepony coming down towards you!
>>649757
Selena burned off the fancy wooden plating. Now the tower doesn't look rustic anymore! What kind of sick pony are you???
You head up a level. This lower level is used for the storage of ammo and shot. There is also some sort of complex mechanism here that Rhanna could study. You hear somepony coming down towards you!
>>649765
"Rhanna, check out that mechanism."
Blow a kiss at the mercenary. "Wait right here, darling, I'll be right back~"
Run up
"Rhanna, check out that mechanism."
Blow a kiss at the mercenary. "Wait right here, darling, I'll be right back~"
Run up
>>649766
This is the mechanism which allows the tower to extend and collapse for transport. With a slight adjustment it would snap closed, sending the cannon toppling…
Without wasting time, you snap it into the 'close' position. Abandon tower!
>>649767
That was three turns! He's snapping out of it!
You head upstairs. There's a guard manning the gun.
"You're not Andre!"
This is the mechanism which allows the tower to extend and collapse for transport. With a slight adjustment it would snap closed, sending the cannon toppling…
Without wasting time, you snap it into the 'close' position. Abandon tower!
>>649767
That was three turns! He's snapping out of it!
You head upstairs. There's a guard manning the gun.
"You're not Andre!"
>>649772
The whole tower suddenly collapses! It's only by reflex that you spread your wings and catch yourself.
Rhanna awaits you at the bottom looking proud.
The whole tower suddenly collapses! It's only by reflex that you spread your wings and catch yourself.
Rhanna awaits you at the bottom looking proud.
File: 1448740628984.png (27.3 KB, 670x891, Untitled.png) ImgOps Google
>>649778
>>649777
3:00
Parade Plaza
This central plaza is host to the primary entrance to Enkilj, although today it is sparsely populated and the great gates to Enkilj are closed. There are two small patrols of two ponies which might be snuck past. The ground here is composed of hard brick and cannot be burrowed. On the far side of the plaza is an artillery placement.
>>649777
3:00
Parade Plaza
This central plaza is host to the primary entrance to Enkilj, although today it is sparsely populated and the great gates to Enkilj are closed. There are two small patrols of two ponies which might be snuck past. The ground here is composed of hard brick and cannot be burrowed. On the far side of the plaza is an artillery placement.
>>649779
Pull my hat down and grab Rhanna close to me.
"Come Rhanna!"
Try to cross the plaza without being spotted. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Pull my hat down and grab Rhanna close to me.
"Come Rhanna!"
Try to cross the plaza without being spotted. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>649779
>can't dig
Dang it!
Let's hope my small size will help in not being noticed
'1d10' sneak along
Roll #1 5 = 5
>can't dig
Dang it!
Let's hope my small size will help in not being noticed
'1d10' sneak along
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>649780
Selena darts across the plaza unnoticed to the other side, but Rhanna is accosted by some mercs! She knew the risks, leave her behind and finish off this gun!
Artillery 3
Manned by three ponies and placed inside a reinforced stone bunker, this looks like the hardest position yet to break. Could be trouble… Got a plan? If not, you could always try to sneak inside the back door.
>>649781
You're accosted by some villainous mercs!
"You're ours, spy!"
Merc 1
Merc 2
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Selena darts across the plaza unnoticed to the other side, but Rhanna is accosted by some mercs! She knew the risks, leave her behind and finish off this gun!
Artillery 3
Manned by three ponies and placed inside a reinforced stone bunker, this looks like the hardest position yet to break. Could be trouble… Got a plan? If not, you could always try to sneak inside the back door.
>>649781
You're accosted by some villainous mercs!
"You're ours, spy!"
Merc 1
Merc 2
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>649782
Fuck you! I'm not leaving Rhanna behind!
Turn around and unleash alchemist fire between us and the mercs '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
Fuck you! I'm not leaving Rhanna behind!
Turn around and unleash alchemist fire between us and the mercs '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>649782
''Hey hey! leave your hooves off of me your jerks!'' Point my crossbow at merc 1 and shoot him on the leg
'1d10+1'
Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11
''Hey hey! leave your hooves off of me your jerks!'' Point my crossbow at merc 1 and shoot him on the leg
'1d10+1'
Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11
>>649785
Time for worry. If we don't finish this off soon, we'll be swarmed for sure!
quickly shoot the second merc to finish him off as well
'1d10+1'
Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8
Time for worry. If we don't finish this off soon, we'll be swarmed for sure!
quickly shoot the second merc to finish him off as well
'1d10+1'
Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8
2:00 - Time to start looking for Vox. Strike right when the clock runs out to prevent him from escaping with his decoy!
>>649786
Acid Spray hits everyone. It isn't very charged up though, and deals minimal damage!
Vet 1 shoots you with a crossbow. He tells you that he doesn't get enough healthcare benefits.
>>649787
Rhanna finishes off Merc 2!
Vet 2 smashes her with the broad side of a scimitar! He tells you how to pronounce it properly.
Veteran Merc
Veteran Merc 2
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>649786
Acid Spray hits everyone. It isn't very charged up though, and deals minimal damage!
Vet 1 shoots you with a crossbow. He tells you that he doesn't get enough healthcare benefits.
>>649787
Rhanna finishes off Merc 2!
Vet 2 smashes her with the broad side of a scimitar! He tells you how to pronounce it properly.
Veteran Merc
Veteran Merc 2
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>649788
Glance at Selena and point at my wrist, warning her about time as I pick up the crossbow and shoot the veteran 2 right away!
'1d10+1'
Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2
Glance at Selena and point at my wrist, warning her about time as I pick up the crossbow and shoot the veteran 2 right away!
'1d10+1'
Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2
>>649800
You make four instead of 3! But you can only hold one each, so you both drink one right away.
You make four instead of 3! But you can only hold one each, so you both drink one right away.
>>649801
Give another one to Rhanna to keep with her. Put mine away, then put Rhanna on my back and start running north towards the isolated ruins
Give another one to Rhanna to keep with her. Put mine away, then put Rhanna on my back and start running north towards the isolated ruins
>>649802
>>649803
0:40
Isolated Ruins
There's an aerial chariot here, where a pony matching the description of Vox is disembarking. He has a pet hound with him and several mercenaries are with him.
The ruins proper are really just a few walls, preserved apart from the main temple city. The carvings on them have long worn away. Even now the faint sounds of ticking and clicking echo through them.
>>649803
0:40
Isolated Ruins
There's an aerial chariot here, where a pony matching the description of Vox is disembarking. He has a pet hound with him and several mercenaries are with him.
The ruins proper are really just a few walls, preserved apart from the main temple city. The carvings on them have long worn away. Even now the faint sounds of ticking and clicking echo through them.
>>649805
''There he is…'' Glare at the pony, my glare lingering at the hound for a moment as well
I prepare myself for the upcoming battle
'1d10' sharpen
Roll #1 3 = 3
''There he is…'' Glare at the pony, my glare lingering at the hound for a moment as well
I prepare myself for the upcoming battle
'1d10' sharpen
Roll #1 3 = 3
0:20 - Don't attack just yet… You have to time it just right!
>>649807
Sharpen is a combat skill! Selena scoops you up.
>>649806
You lift Rhanna and roost on a nearby wall. A pony approaches Vox and the camera pans in closer.
Punished "Venom" Vox
Revolver Pegasus (Revolver Pegasus)
"Boss, we're under attack. There's a paladin fighting several of our soldiers in the square, we've seen hit and run attacks by spies in several places. There are tunnels under the camp, and two of our gun placements have taken out. What are you orders?"
"Hmm… Take some of the guard, reinforce the third gun. We need to keep the bombers back."
"Sir."
With that, he heads out with some of the guards.
>>649808
Bolster Bolster Homing Magic
>>649807
Sharpen is a combat skill! Selena scoops you up.
>>649806
You lift Rhanna and roost on a nearby wall. A pony approaches Vox and the camera pans in closer.
Punished "Venom" Vox
Revolver Pegasus (Revolver Pegasus)
"Boss, we're under attack. There's a paladin fighting several of our soldiers in the square, we've seen hit and run attacks by spies in several places. There are tunnels under the camp, and two of our gun placements have taken out. What are you orders?"
"Hmm… Take some of the guard, reinforce the third gun. We need to keep the bombers back."
"Sir."
With that, he heads out with some of the guards.
>>649808
Bolster Bolster Homing Magic
>>647424
More than a month ago A few minutes ago you left to go fetch more medical supplies and gear from Cumin's room, the Solar Study. Since then, you've returned and helped patch Cumin up a bit more. Lilly has had a little time to calm down too, but she still seems impatient given the ominous warning previously received.
Regardless, it seems unlikely you'll be able to find the place where the altar goes - or this so called gravemind fungus - without Cumin's help. Not in time, anyway.
Regardless, it seems unlikely you'll be able to find the place where the altar goes - or this so called gravemind fungus - without Cumin's help. Not in time, anyway.
>>650384
Ugh. But he really shouldn't be on his hooves…
Hopefully I also brought enough scrap material to make torches?
Ugh. But he really shouldn't be on his hooves…
Hopefully I also brought enough scrap material to make torches?
>>650385
The Solar Study was full of crates, easily salvaged for wood. Making the top of the torches required sacrificing Cumin's blankets. Better off not mentioning that.
The Solar Study was full of crates, easily salvaged for wood. Making the top of the torches required sacrificing Cumin's blankets. Better off not mentioning that.
>>650389
>>650390
Well, it's time to make an executive decision. Him and Red aren't really in the condition to move, which cuts down on the number of ponies who can haul the altar. However, we'll need Cumin to lead us deeper. Perhaps he and Red could support each other? Six legs are better than three, right?
Scrunch a bit and think really hard.
>>650391
"What if Cumin and Red support each other as we move on, and Iga can help drag the altar as long as we're not in a fight? Lilly and I can take the front and light the way with torches."
>>650390
Well, it's time to make an executive decision. Him and Red aren't really in the condition to move, which cuts down on the number of ponies who can haul the altar. However, we'll need Cumin to lead us deeper. Perhaps he and Red could support each other? Six legs are better than three, right?
Scrunch a bit and think really hard.
>>650391
"What if Cumin and Red support each other as we move on, and Iga can help drag the altar as long as we're not in a fight? Lilly and I can take the front and light the way with torches."
>>650392
>>650391
>>650393
Irons clears his throat. "Actually, I've come up with a solution for that. I used one side of the crate and some of the cloth you came down with to make a palette for the altar. It should be easier to move, and you don't even need to touch it anymore. I think Vlad and I can handle it. Not to mention, I doubt Iga can safely touch it, even on accident."
He raises an uncertain eyebrow at the Neighponese pony.
Red shakes his head though. "No offense intended, yer 'highness', but I'm about twice his size. He's pretty small fer a stallion. I'd have an easier time carrying him than leaning against him in this state."
Cumin gives an embarrassed nod of affirmation. "Um… would you mind if I… lean on you instead?"
>>650391
>>650393
Irons clears his throat. "Actually, I've come up with a solution for that. I used one side of the crate and some of the cloth you came down with to make a palette for the altar. It should be easier to move, and you don't even need to touch it anymore. I think Vlad and I can handle it. Not to mention, I doubt Iga can safely touch it, even on accident."
He raises an uncertain eyebrow at the Neighponese pony.
Red shakes his head though. "No offense intended, yer 'highness', but I'm about twice his size. He's pretty small fer a stallion. I'd have an easier time carrying him than leaning against him in this state."
Cumin gives an embarrassed nod of affirmation. "Um… would you mind if I… lean on you instead?"
>>650395
"The altar is a Lunar artifact. It has a sort of repulsion magic. Any who do not follow Luna are catapulted away from it."
"The altar is a Lunar artifact. It has a sort of repulsion magic. Any who do not follow Luna are catapulted away from it."
>>650394
Tap a hoof to my chin for a second.
"Well, we don't have time to argue, so it'll have to do. Though he looks light enough even I could carry him. Irons, if you can rig it up, then please do so."
Tap a hoof to my chin for a second.
"Well, we don't have time to argue, so it'll have to do. Though he looks light enough even I could carry him. Irons, if you can rig it up, then please do so."
>>650398
"Already a step ahead a'ya yer highness."
Cumin weakly leans up against you. Your earlier assessment is probably right: you're a pretty strong mare and he's nearly as light as a pegasus. Without further ado, he points to the door on the far right past the center altar.
"According to my notes, that door leads to the Slipway, a drain hallway. It's not the traditional parade route, but it should be shorter…"
>>650399
He nods in affirmation.
"Already a step ahead a'ya yer highness."
Cumin weakly leans up against you. Your earlier assessment is probably right: you're a pretty strong mare and he's nearly as light as a pegasus. Without further ado, he points to the door on the far right past the center altar.
"According to my notes, that door leads to the Slipway, a drain hallway. It's not the traditional parade route, but it should be shorter…"
>>650399
He nods in affirmation.
>>650402
>>650401
>>650403
"Right, you need to stay to the uh.. right."
Another airlock-like doors you into the
Slipway
This grand hallway is easily fifteen feet wide, but only ten feet tall. Most of the room is made up a slightly lowered segment on the left. The lowered brickwork glints with faint hints of liquid, as a slow trickle drains from 'pipes' near the top. The hall is slanted downward.
Cumin points out carvings on the wall as you descend. "These are examples of Pre-Nightmare architecture, suggesting this temple is predated the sister's conflict, though during the war, all temples were mobilized. These images here indicate a traditional monthly festival on the full moon."
In any case, your torches do provide some light, and there's nowhere to go but down…
You continue down the slope slowly, to avoid any slips. Cumin coughs loudly when you reach a landing below.
The Scorch
This landing is characterized by a number of carbonized marks on the floor, hints of extremely hot flame once covering it.
"Air's getting thicker… probably nearing the gravemind. I don't like it here… the mazes above were one thing, but I doubt I'd last a day past the scorch."
There is another slipway headed down, and two doors on this landing. Neither is labeled, but both are airlocks.
>>650401
>>650403
"Right, you need to stay to the uh.. right."
Another airlock-like doors you into the
Slipway
This grand hallway is easily fifteen feet wide, but only ten feet tall. Most of the room is made up a slightly lowered segment on the left. The lowered brickwork glints with faint hints of liquid, as a slow trickle drains from 'pipes' near the top. The hall is slanted downward.
Cumin points out carvings on the wall as you descend. "These are examples of Pre-Nightmare architecture, suggesting this temple is predated the sister's conflict, though during the war, all temples were mobilized. These images here indicate a traditional monthly festival on the full moon."
In any case, your torches do provide some light, and there's nowhere to go but down…
You continue down the slope slowly, to avoid any slips. Cumin coughs loudly when you reach a landing below.
The Scorch
This landing is characterized by a number of carbonized marks on the floor, hints of extremely hot flame once covering it.
"Air's getting thicker… probably nearing the gravemind. I don't like it here… the mazes above were one thing, but I doubt I'd last a day past the scorch."
There is another slipway headed down, and two doors on this landing. Neither is labeled, but both are airlocks.
>>650404
The torches were mostly to deal with those spores, anyway.
"Well, the torches should help clear the air a little, right? That said, you might want to put a piece of cloth over your snout, so you don't breathe anything in…"
I'll think a second.
"We all should, really. Do we have any spare cloths, Irons?"
The torches were mostly to deal with those spores, anyway.
"Well, the torches should help clear the air a little, right? That said, you might want to put a piece of cloth over your snout, so you don't breathe anything in…"
I'll think a second.
"We all should, really. Do we have any spare cloths, Irons?"
>>650405
"The Slipway will head down to the great flow chamber. These doors… one of them probably leads to the pump station for this level. I know the grand library must be near here, it's what I came to find, but I've never located it."
>>650406
"Not much but it's something. Tear off a piece."
Cumin looks a little troubled but doesn't say anything.
"The Slipway will head down to the great flow chamber. These doors… one of them probably leads to the pump station for this level. I know the grand library must be near here, it's what I came to find, but I've never located it."
>>650406
"Not much but it's something. Tear off a piece."
Cumin looks a little troubled but doesn't say anything.
>>650407
"I don't think those would be helpful in taking out that hydra and any nightmare demons lurking around…"
"I don't think those would be helpful in taking out that hydra and any nightmare demons lurking around…"
>>650409
"Well, the library might be a good spot after we get the altar back in place. It might have a map of the temple, which means we'd know what we could use against the hydra."
"Well, the library might be a good spot after we get the altar back in place. It might have a map of the temple, which means we'd know what we could use against the hydra."
>>650411
"Well, if that gravemind is in the place where the altar goes, then we can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Torch it, and place the altar back where it belongs."
Right, let's open up the airlock on the left.
"Well, if that gravemind is in the place where the altar goes, then we can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Torch it, and place the altar back where it belongs."
Right, let's open up the airlock on the left.
>>650412
Dark Hall
You walk down a long corridor. Vlad suddenly bolts ahead to stop you. "Traps ahead, my dear sweet."
He indicates pressure plates and holes in the wall.
Dark Hall
You walk down a long corridor. Vlad suddenly bolts ahead to stop you. "Traps ahead, my dear sweet."
He indicates pressure plates and holes in the wall.
>>650413
"Can they be disabled? We might be heading in the right direction if there are traps."
"Can they be disabled? We might be heading in the right direction if there are traps."
>>650414
"Hmm.. I will take a… closer look."
He kisses your cheek suddenly and then floats lazily ahead over the pressure plates. He suddenly rights himself in surprise.
"These traps are already triggered. The darts are on the floor, spent. The plate is all the way down."
"Hmm.. I will take a… closer look."
He kisses your cheek suddenly and then floats lazily ahead over the pressure plates. He suddenly rights himself in surprise.
"These traps are already triggered. The darts are on the floor, spent. The plate is all the way down."
>>650415
I'll go rigid for a second in surprise, but thankfully no one is really paying attention. I guess he's feeling jealous or something.
"Then that means we're not the first ones here. So we might actually be going in the right direction, since the traps were probably triggered when Lilly's mom came down here and took the altar in the first place."
I'll go rigid for a second in surprise, but thankfully no one is really paying attention. I guess he's feeling jealous or something.
"Then that means we're not the first ones here. So we might actually be going in the right direction, since the traps were probably triggered when Lilly's mom came down here and took the altar in the first place."
>>650418
>>650417
>>650416
"Regardless, this way is… what is the word? Non-threatening. Let us go."
You push on through the dark hall until you come to
Survivor's Last Stand
Cumin is coughing heavily. Even Vlad and Irons have started coughing too. Everyone rolls constitution.
This is a small circular, brick antechamber before a great wooden double-door that is braced. There is a great bronze plaque over it that reads:
By virtue of your torchlight, you see some scratching in the walls here. It looks like they were etched out of the brick by an axe.
>>650417
>>650416
"Regardless, this way is… what is the word? Non-threatening. Let us go."
You push on through the dark hall until you come to
Survivor's Last Stand
Cumin is coughing heavily. Even Vlad and Irons have started coughing too. Everyone rolls constitution.
This is a small circular, brick antechamber before a great wooden double-door that is braced. There is a great bronze plaque over it that reads:
MAGNUS LIBRARIUMBy virtue of your torchlight, you see some scratching in the walls here. It looks like they were etched out of the brick by an axe.
Cumin remarks: "These scratch– cough cough – look like a note left by somepony cough cough cough before us."
>>650423
"I… I should be fine."
Ugh.
"I guess the cloth mask wasn't as effective as I thought it'd be…"
I'll rub my throat.
"And please, could you and Red cut it out with the 'highness' stuff? I'm just Marina, same as I ever was."
"I… I should be fine."
Ugh.
"I guess the cloth mask wasn't as effective as I thought it'd be…"
I'll rub my throat.
"And please, could you and Red cut it out with the 'highness' stuff? I'm just Marina, same as I ever was."
>>650425
"Alright, alright. Although you've always been somethin' special." He pauses. "Being the high priestess's daughter, I mean."
>>650426
>>650427
>>650428
Iga and Marina lean close.
Some kind of poetry left behind by an adventurer perhaps? Without context it may be impossible to ever know the meaning of this text.
"Alright, alright. Although you've always been somethin' special." He pauses. "Being the high priestess's daughter, I mean."
>>650426
>>650427
>>650428
Iga and Marina lean close.
[There is a rough caricature of a donkey head here]
My hapless vassal forgot who was in charge,
And though her behind is very large,
I shall not make myself her targe,
Instead I'll wait and listen to water's sparge.Some kind of poetry left behind by an adventurer perhaps? Without context it may be impossible to ever know the meaning of this text.
>>650429
Jeez. It's like they're all against me on this one. Is getting romanced really so important right now?
"I don't even know what this is supposed to be, beyond the donkey thinking his vassal has a big butt. Cumin? Anybody?"
Jeez. It's like they're all against me on this one. Is getting romanced really so important right now?
"I don't even know what this is supposed to be, beyond the donkey thinking his vassal has a big butt. Cumin? Anybody?"
>>650430
Cumin shrugs weakly. "I uhh… Just as lost as you are. I don't think this is a quote from any poetry I've read…"
Cumin shrugs weakly. "I uhh… Just as lost as you are. I don't think this is a quote from any poetry I've read…"
>>650436
If this thing is responsible for reanimating the hydra, killing it might also take care of that problem as well.
"Let's get rid of this thing. Maybe it's what brought the hydra back, and killing it will kill that too."
If this thing is responsible for reanimating the hydra, killing it might also take care of that problem as well.
"Let's get rid of this thing. Maybe it's what brought the hydra back, and killing it will kill that too."
>>650442
>>650441
>>650438
Great Library
This library resembles the inside of a chimney. The room is full of piles of ash - this place burned down long ago.
Cumin stifles an "eep!", but Vlad just shrugs. "Looks like this place is empty."
Indeed. No fungus in here. There is a balcony, though the doors to it are closed. The air is thick, and by the light of your torches you can even see the spores.
>>650441
>>650438
Great Library
This library resembles the inside of a chimney. The room is full of piles of ash - this place burned down long ago.
Cumin stifles an "eep!", but Vlad just shrugs. "Looks like this place is empty."
Indeed. No fungus in here. There is a balcony, though the doors to it are closed. The air is thick, and by the light of your torches you can even see the spores.
>>650446
"Wait, where are these spores coming from? Are there other entrances to this room?"
"Wait, where are these spores coming from? Are there other entrances to this room?"
>>650450
"Probably the last group had a run-in with the gravemind? But this means any maps are probably burnt as well…"
I'll look over to the shut door.
"Judging by how thick the air is with spores, it's probably behind those doors there."
"Probably the last group had a run-in with the gravemind? But this means any maps are probably burnt as well…"
I'll look over to the shut door.
"Judging by how thick the air is with spores, it's probably behind those doors there."
>>650449
>>650448
>>650450
>>650451
Irons shifts uneasily. "Vlad, take a torch up to the ceiling."
Vlad nods and shoots up to the vaulted roof of the once-great library. Then you see it.
Gravemind Core
This huge fungal growth covers the entirety of the room, which is well over 3,000 square feet (280 sq meters). It sprawls across the ceiling. With a mighty shake, almost a roar, an avalanche a spores shake free from the ceiling!
Cumin collapses, and stands up jerkily, as though his joints feel no pain!
Vlad suddenly falls out of the air, but jerks up as though he had felt nothing from the fall!
>>650451
You feel the spores overtaking you… it is a bad pain!
—
Gravemind Fungal Core
Vlad
Cumin
Marina
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Dixie Red [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Many Irons [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
"Marina!"
>>650448
>>650450
>>650451
Irons shifts uneasily. "Vlad, take a torch up to the ceiling."
Vlad nods and shoots up to the vaulted roof of the once-great library. Then you see it.
Gravemind Core
This huge fungal growth covers the entirety of the room, which is well over 3,000 square feet (280 sq meters). It sprawls across the ceiling. With a mighty shake, almost a roar, an avalanche a spores shake free from the ceiling!
Cumin collapses, and stands up jerkily, as though his joints feel no pain!
Vlad suddenly falls out of the air, but jerks up as though he had felt nothing from the fall!
>>650451
You feel the spores overtaking you… it is a bad pain!
—
Gravemind Fungal Core
Vlad
Cumin
Marina
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Dixie Red [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Many Irons [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
"Marina!"
>>650459
You're not a fire juggler! You topple over trying to throw it!
>>650457
Glancing hit!
–
Marina and Cumin share a drink!
Vlad tries to drink Lilly's blood, but she shrugged him off with glancing damage!
Cumin blinds Many Irons with his light stone!
Dixie shoots the fungus near the center!
Gravemind Fungal Core
Vlad
Cumin LNK
Marina LNK
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
Dixie Red [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Many Irons [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
You're not a fire juggler! You topple over trying to throw it!
>>650457
Glancing hit!
–
Marina and Cumin share a drink!
Vlad tries to drink Lilly's blood, but she shrugged him off with glancing damage!
Cumin blinds Many Irons with his light stone!
Dixie shoots the fungus near the center!
Gravemind Fungal Core
Vlad
Cumin LNK
Marina LNK
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
Dixie Red [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Many Irons [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
>>650460
"Not a fan of mind controlling fungi! I know my fungi but I've never seen anything like this!"
Going for a whirlwind brew then, shooting the fungus 4 times.
Roll #1 7 = 7
"Not a fan of mind controlling fungi! I know my fungi but I've never seen anything like this!"
Going for a whirlwind brew then, shooting the fungus 4 times.
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>650462
You roll to your hooves in lightning speed. +1 to your next action.
>>650461
A chunk of fungus falls off the ceiling! It looks like it was badly damaged by that blow!
An already-weakened ally inhales the released spores! Many Irons jerks to his hooves uneasily!
Cumin blinds Dixie Red with his light stone!
Vlad tries to suck Lilly's blood but misses entirely!
Marina and Irons try to pin Iga by working together, but only hurt her glancingly.
Gravemind Fungal Core
Vlad
Cumin LNK
Marina LNK
Many Irons
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Dixie Red [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] HLP
Red grunts: "Gotta do something about the infected…"
You roll to your hooves in lightning speed. +1 to your next action.
>>650461
A chunk of fungus falls off the ceiling! It looks like it was badly damaged by that blow!
An already-weakened ally inhales the released spores! Many Irons jerks to his hooves uneasily!
Cumin blinds Dixie Red with his light stone!
Vlad tries to suck Lilly's blood but misses entirely!
Marina and Irons try to pin Iga by working together, but only hurt her glancingly.
Gravemind Fungal Core
Vlad
Cumin LNK
Marina LNK
Many Irons
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Dixie Red [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] HLP
Red grunts: "Gotta do something about the infected…"
>>650463
"Just a moment!"
Give batboy a good blow with the butt of my blunderbuss. Knockout trick shot.
"Snap out of it! I don't have time for your vampire shit!"
Roll #1 7 = 7
"Just a moment!"
Give batboy a good blow with the butt of my blunderbuss. Knockout trick shot.
"Snap out of it! I don't have time for your vampire shit!"
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>650466
Goddammit. I growl.
"Somepony please help me deal with these turncoats!"
Bash Cumin next.
"I liked you more when you didn't want to fight!"
Roll #1 3 = 3
Goddammit. I growl.
"Somepony please help me deal with these turncoats!"
Bash Cumin next.
"I liked you more when you didn't want to fight!"
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>650467
Cumin's weak constitution makes him extra-susceptible to control! You hit glancingly, and he still isn't broken free. You start to notice a pattern.
Cumin blinds you in response!
>>650468
You're up!
Many Irons smacks you!
Dixie Red smashes Vlad! He awakes from control!
"Ah… what? Oh!"
Gravemind Fungal Core
Cumin LNK (Resisting partially)
Marina LNK (Resisting strongly)
Many Irons (Resisting weakly)
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░] HLP
Iga [▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Dixie Red [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Dixie says: "Get Irons, he has the medical supplies!"
Vlad says: "You fool! Marina is the easiest to free, prioritize her!"
Cumin's weak constitution makes him extra-susceptible to control! You hit glancingly, and he still isn't broken free. You start to notice a pattern.
Cumin blinds you in response!
>>650468
You're up!
Many Irons smacks you!
Dixie Red smashes Vlad! He awakes from control!
"Ah… what? Oh!"
Gravemind Fungal Core
Cumin LNK (Resisting partially)
Marina LNK (Resisting strongly)
Many Irons (Resisting weakly)
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░] HLP
Iga [▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Dixie Red [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Dixie says: "Get Irons, he has the medical supplies!"
Vlad says: "You fool! Marina is the easiest to free, prioritize her!"
>>650469
What's this guy even doing down here!?
Push past him and headbutt Marina before she kills our eastern friend.
Roll #1 10 = 10
What's this guy even doing down here!?
Push past him and headbutt Marina before she kills our eastern friend.
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>650470
You slip up! Again! How horrible! This is the worst fight ever!
>>650471
You stand up with great vigor! +1 to next action.
Vlad shakes Marina to her senses!
Cumin blinds Vlad!
Red punches Many Irons! Irons thrashes him in reply!
Gravemind Fungal Core
Cumin LNK (Resisting partially)
Many Irons (Resisting partially)
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Iga [▓░░░░░░░░░░] HLP
Dixie Red [▓▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Vlad [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] HLP
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
You slip up! Again! How horrible! This is the worst fight ever!
>>650471
You stand up with great vigor! +1 to next action.
Vlad shakes Marina to her senses!
Cumin blinds Vlad!
Red punches Many Irons! Irons thrashes him in reply!
Gravemind Fungal Core
Cumin LNK (Resisting partially)
Many Irons (Resisting partially)
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Iga [▓░░░░░░░░░░] HLP
Dixie Red [▓▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Vlad [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] HLP
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
>>650472
Shake my head clear.
"Ugh, what was that… Ah jeez."
Help Vlad up, since he's right there. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
Shake my head clear.
"Ugh, what was that… Ah jeez."
Help Vlad up, since he's right there. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>650472
Time for a drastic move.
Take one of our torches and fly up to the fungus with it. I'm burning the fucker. Nothing burns like fungus.
"You guys better get ready for a lot of smoke!"
Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8
Time for a drastic move.
Take one of our torches and fly up to the fungus with it. I'm burning the fucker. Nothing burns like fungus.
"You guys better get ready for a lot of smoke!"
Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8
>>650472
What misfortune. The night demon goddess has surely cursed me. Oh wait no… that's foal talk.
I'm getting back up!
Roll #1 6 = 6
What misfortune. The night demon goddess has surely cursed me. Oh wait no… that's foal talk.
I'm getting back up!
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>650473
You help Vlad up. He takes a torch and strikes at the Gravemind! (Full)
>>650474
You burn away a bunch of the fungus! (Full)
>>650475
You ease yourself back up. Ugh.
Cumin blinds Dixie!
Irons smashes Lilly on her descent after her attack!
Gravemind Fungal Core (60%)
Cumin LNK (Resisting partially)
Many Irons (Resisting partially)
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Iga [▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Dixie Red [▓▓▓░░░░░░░░] HLP
Vlad [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
You help Vlad up. He takes a torch and strikes at the Gravemind! (Full)
>>650474
You burn away a bunch of the fungus! (Full)
>>650475
You ease yourself back up. Ugh.
Cumin blinds Dixie!
Irons smashes Lilly on her descent after her attack!
Gravemind Fungal Core (60%)
Cumin LNK (Resisting partially)
Many Irons (Resisting partially)
Lilly Belle [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Iga [▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Dixie Red [▓▓▓░░░░░░░░] HLP
Vlad [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
>>650476
Alright, let's get Irons out of this brain control thing. Head on over there and headbutt him. '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
Alright, let's get Irons out of this brain control thing. Head on over there and headbutt him. '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>650476
Keep it up.
"You know… fungi actually are pretty useful in the wilds but this one is probably one of the least pleasant ones I've encountered!"
Roll #1 9 = 9
Keep it up.
"You know… fungi actually are pretty useful in the wilds but this one is probably one of the least pleasant ones I've encountered!"
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>650476
Perhaps it would be wise to try my first tactic again just like the others are doing it.
Roll #1 10 = 10
Perhaps it would be wise to try my first tactic again just like the others are doing it.
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>650480
Well, I can't fly up there, so I have to get the people who can on that.
Iga's on Lilly, so… I'll take one of the torches and hurl it at the mold. '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
Well, I can't fly up there, so I have to get the people who can on that.
Iga's on Lilly, so… I'll take one of the torches and hurl it at the mold. '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>650484
Well, two can play at that game. Headbutt Irons back. '1d10'
Knock some sense into him.
Roll #1 4 = 4
Well, two can play at that game. Headbutt Irons back. '1d10'
Knock some sense into him.
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>650492
"What the…? Watch those hooves!"
Unload on the fungus with my blundering whirlwind brew. … 5 times.
Roll #1 4 = 4
"What the…? Watch those hooves!"
Unload on the fungus with my blundering whirlwind brew. … 5 times.
Roll #1 4 = 4
0:00
Selena & Rhanna
Vox gets out his instruments - a full one-stallion-band ensemble complete with tuba and bass drum. He presses a hoof to his face: it leaves a trail of smokey ash.
"Battle is already on my doorstep."
–
Maeda
You've been holding off the enemy soldiers, but it's time for a fighting retreat. You need to ditch these guys and regroup with the others - it's time to take out the mercenary leader, Vox.
Each turn you can choose to flee (which reduces the number of mooks fighting you personally and moves you closer to Vox) OR fight (which means less mooks engaging Selena and Rhanna wherever they are).
Distance from Vox: 3
Selena & Rhanna
Vox gets out his instruments - a full one-stallion-band ensemble complete with tuba and bass drum. He presses a hoof to his face: it leaves a trail of smokey ash.
"Battle is already on my doorstep."
–
Maeda
You've been holding off the enemy soldiers, but it's time for a fighting retreat. You need to ditch these guys and regroup with the others - it's time to take out the mercenary leader, Vox.
Each turn you can choose to flee (which reduces the number of mooks fighting you personally and moves you closer to Vox) OR fight (which means less mooks engaging Selena and Rhanna wherever they are).
Distance from Vox: 3
>>651561
What a weirdo! And he's so old!
"End of the line, Vox!"
Cock my gun and shoot him right in his eyepatch! '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
What a weirdo! And he's so old!
"End of the line, Vox!"
Cock my gun and shoot him right in his eyepatch! '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>651561
What's up with that smoke situation? weird dude.
well Selena is shooting now, so I'll take that as a cue to follow up with her
Buuuuut I'll sharpen up before that
'1d10' sharpen
Roll #1 9 = 9
What's up with that smoke situation? weird dude.
well Selena is shooting now, so I'll take that as a cue to follow up with her
Buuuuut I'll sharpen up before that
'1d10' sharpen
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>651566
>>651562
You ditch 1, but 2 more join the fray! Total: 4. Distance: 2.
You get hit once by a rock!
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░]
>>651567
>>651563
Punished "Venom" Vox
Rhanna sharpens her weapon, +1 to hit
"It was only a matter of time, I suppose."
Selena shoots him. The shot grazes his face and he licks at the blood. He takes a deep breath and bursts forth a wave of sound from his instruments.
Terrify = 6 (Failed)
Mulligan -> 10 (Critical success!)
You both fall over cowering from the waves of powerful music bursting forth from Vox's instrument.
"I'M STANDING HERE ON THE EDGE OF A CRATER… I'M NUCLEAR! I'M WILD! BREAKING UP INSIDE!"
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
"Venom" Vox
>>651562
You ditch 1, but 2 more join the fray! Total: 4. Distance: 2.
You get hit once by a rock!
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░]
>>651567
>>651563
Punished "Venom" Vox
Rhanna sharpens her weapon, +1 to hit
"It was only a matter of time, I suppose."
Selena shoots him. The shot grazes his face and he licks at the blood. He takes a deep breath and bursts forth a wave of sound from his instruments.
Terrify = 6 (Failed)
Mulligan -> 10 (Critical success!)
You both fall over cowering from the waves of powerful music bursting forth from Vox's instrument.
"I'M STANDING HERE ON THE EDGE OF A CRATER… I'M NUCLEAR! I'M WILD! BREAKING UP INSIDE!"
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
"Venom" Vox
>>651568
I kneel, covering my ears ''What?! WHat is this dude going on about?!''
'1d10' overcome the power of music
Roll #1 7 = 7
I kneel, covering my ears ''What?! WHat is this dude going on about?!''
'1d10' overcome the power of music
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>651569
One more mook joins the fray!
You cut down a mook! Some of the mooks hit you with their weapons!
Mooks: 4
Distance: 2
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>651571
>>651570
Rhanna pulls herself up, but Selena is still down!
Rhanna gets clonked by Vox's tuba!
"What kind of world are we in? A child sent to assassinate a warlord. I am disgusted by how little has changed in this world."
A mook joined the battle, and missed his attack! Where's Maeda?!
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
"Venom" Vox
Hapless Mook
One more mook joins the fray!
You cut down a mook! Some of the mooks hit you with their weapons!
Mooks: 4
Distance: 2
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>651571
>>651570
Rhanna pulls herself up, but Selena is still down!
Rhanna gets clonked by Vox's tuba!
"What kind of world are we in? A child sent to assassinate a warlord. I am disgusted by how little has changed in this world."
A mook joined the battle, and missed his attack! Where's Maeda?!
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] HLP
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
"Venom" Vox
Hapless Mook
>>651573
You slip, but realizing how important this moment is, you push yourself just a little harder to stay standing!
2 mooks do show up, though, and some hit you!
You see something on your peripheral vision… but you don't have time to get a good look because you're busy staying up!
Mooks: 6
Distance: 2
Maeda [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>>651574
Rhanna runs over and helps you up as her action! Vox clonks Selena with his instrument. Ugh, it's heavy!
"Who are you fighting for, assassins? The colonial powers that want to rape this land until there is nothing worth a bit left? Some misguided religious zealot? Do you think for yourselves, or are you just mindless pawns?"
No mooks joined the battle… Maeda is holding the line!
Hapless Mook is inspired by Vox and promoted to Mook!
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
"Venom" Vox
Mook
You slip, but realizing how important this moment is, you push yourself just a little harder to stay standing!
2 mooks do show up, though, and some hit you!
You see something on your peripheral vision… but you don't have time to get a good look because you're busy staying up!
Mooks: 6
Distance: 2
Maeda [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>>651574
Rhanna runs over and helps you up as her action! Vox clonks Selena with his instrument. Ugh, it's heavy!
"Who are you fighting for, assassins? The colonial powers that want to rape this land until there is nothing worth a bit left? Some misguided religious zealot? Do you think for yourselves, or are you just mindless pawns?"
No mooks joined the battle… Maeda is holding the line!
Hapless Mook is inspired by Vox and promoted to Mook!
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
"Venom" Vox
Mook
>>651576
You ditch a bunch of mooks. You have a feeling you'll be seeing them again soon.
Three of Golden Wing's aerial skyfighters soar past! One bombs a mook, and the other drops a health potion right on top of you. Hits the spot!
A Misguided Hero blocks the path! You can't flee and meet up with the others until he's gone!
"In any war, there are heroes on both sides! Your reign of terror ends here!"
Hapless Mooks: 1
Misguided Hero: 1
Distance: 1
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>651577
Mook hits Rhanna glancingly!
Vox blasts you with a wave of music! You weren't his favored enemy.
"We survived all this time because there was something left for us here! What's left anymore? This new century that bears down on us… What place do old souls have?"
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Four hapless mooks joined the battle!
Mook was promoted to Brave Warrior
You ditch a bunch of mooks. You have a feeling you'll be seeing them again soon.
Three of Golden Wing's aerial skyfighters soar past! One bombs a mook, and the other drops a health potion right on top of you. Hits the spot!
A Misguided Hero blocks the path! You can't flee and meet up with the others until he's gone!
"In any war, there are heroes on both sides! Your reign of terror ends here!"
Hapless Mooks: 1
Misguided Hero: 1
Distance: 1
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>651577
Mook hits Rhanna glancingly!
Vox blasts you with a wave of music! You weren't his favored enemy.
"We survived all this time because there was something left for us here! What's left anymore? This new century that bears down on us… What place do old souls have?"
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Four hapless mooks joined the battle!
Mook was promoted to Brave Warrior
>>651579
"Hero is someone who fights for the good of the weak! You are with those who'd see our world burn!"
Fight the hapless mook in the meanwhile.
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
"Hero is someone who fights for the good of the weak! You are with those who'd see our world burn!"
Fight the hapless mook in the meanwhile.
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>651583
>>651582
There's not enough pressure built up to deal damage! (Failed, recharge 1)
Vox staggers under the crossbow shot, and misses. Two hapless mooks hit Rhanna!
The brave warrior glancingly hits Selena!
"Why are we still here? Just to suffer? The friends I've lost… the life I've lost. I can still feel them hurting. I'm going to live to take it back!"
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Mook
Mook
Mook
Mook
Hapless Mooks promoted to Mook
>>651581
You cut down the hapless mook and 2 more show up in his place!
The hero shouts an incantation at you, but it failed.
Hapless Mooks: 2
Misguided Hero: 1
Distance: 1
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>651582
There's not enough pressure built up to deal damage! (Failed, recharge 1)
Vox staggers under the crossbow shot, and misses. Two hapless mooks hit Rhanna!
The brave warrior glancingly hits Selena!
"Why are we still here? Just to suffer? The friends I've lost… the life I've lost. I can still feel them hurting. I'm going to live to take it back!"
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Mook
Mook
Mook
Mook
Hapless Mooks promoted to Mook
>>651581
You cut down the hapless mook and 2 more show up in his place!
The hero shouts an incantation at you, but it failed.
Hapless Mooks: 2
Misguided Hero: 1
Distance: 1
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>651584
Fight the mooks.
"Does how your name will go down in history books even matter to you?
Dying here fighting against us, it will only make you the villain!"
Roll #1 8 = 8
Fight the mooks.
"Does how your name will go down in history books even matter to you?
Dying here fighting against us, it will only make you the villain!"
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>651584
''Alright I had enough of you guys!'' I try to get some distance from the annoying mooks and go to shoot one of them
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
''Alright I had enough of you guys!'' I try to get some distance from the annoying mooks and go to shoot one of them
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
>>651587
Both mooks hit and the hero glancingly hits you!
"You're fighting to enslave another land to Celestia's yawning empire! This is an army of liberation! Besides - the history book will be written by the winner. The dead pony has nothing to fear from books!"
Your air support has thinned out considerably, but you're expecting more support next turn. Should you flag for healing or fire support?
2 mooks arrived!
Hapless Mooks: 4
Misguided Hero: 1
Distance: 1
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>651590
He burns, but keeps standing! Acid off cooldown.
"You remind me of myself when I was young… assassinating warlords mindlessly for some cause I had no say in… I wonder when you'll grow up."
>>651589
You pick off a mook! A mook hits you, and so does Vox. You drink your potion as an instant automatic action to save your own life.
Reminder that you can APPRAISE AS AN INSTANT ACTION.
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Mooks promoted to brave warriors!
Both mooks hit and the hero glancingly hits you!
"You're fighting to enslave another land to Celestia's yawning empire! This is an army of liberation! Besides - the history book will be written by the winner. The dead pony has nothing to fear from books!"
Your air support has thinned out considerably, but you're expecting more support next turn. Should you flag for healing or fire support?
2 mooks arrived!
Hapless Mooks: 4
Misguided Hero: 1
Distance: 1
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>651590
He burns, but keeps standing! Acid off cooldown.
"You remind me of myself when I was young… assassinating warlords mindlessly for some cause I had no say in… I wonder when you'll grow up."
>>651589
You pick off a mook! A mook hits you, and so does Vox. You drink your potion as an instant automatic action to save your own life.
Reminder that you can APPRAISE AS AN INSTANT ACTION.
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Mooks promoted to brave warriors!
>>651591
Fire support.
"It's a matter of honor, of justice!
You've been fed lies, played like a damn fiddle by those who seek power for power's end!
Stop this meaningless fight!"
mooks.
Roll #1 5 = 5
Fire support.
"It's a matter of honor, of justice!
You've been fed lies, played like a damn fiddle by those who seek power for power's end!
Stop this meaningless fight!"
mooks.
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>651591
Oh geez
Let's try to get away from these guys before I die
Also I tottaly knew that, I was just waiting to see when you were going to remember that I could do that!
'1d10' appraise Vox
'1d10' get away and hide!
Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 10 = 10
Oh geez
Let's try to get away from these guys before I die
Also I tottaly knew that, I was just waiting to see when you were going to remember that I could do that!
'1d10' appraise Vox
'1d10' get away and hide!
Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 10 = 10
>>651592
2 hapless mooks arrive as you cut one down! One hapless mook hits you, while the misguided hero slashes at you glancingly.
"You've been bought by a seller of flesh - that corporate pony that cares only for profits!"
Golden Wing herself zooms by with lightning speed and drops an explosive payload. You only have a split second to roll for cover when it blows!
A huge hit! 3 mooks and the hero were killed in the blast!
But it looks like Golden Wing was hit by the remaining artillery… she's going down! No time to go try to recover her, though. You have a job to finish. You can stay here indefinitely to hold the line or group up with the others to finish Vox.
Hapless Mooks: 2
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>651594
"Venom" Vox is too much of an enigma for your doggy brain, it would seem.
You perform a perfect dodge and force a miss from all of the brave warriors - ducking and weaving between their legs!
>>651593
>>651595
You die rolls away into the void, and suddenly your acid tube seems more pressurized and coats all of the warriors in acid!
Vox pops Heroic Fortitude.
"My face…! It burns! Look at the monster you've made me on the outside… but I am already a demon within."
One warrior dies. The rest are gravely wounded!
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
2 hapless mooks arrive as you cut one down! One hapless mook hits you, while the misguided hero slashes at you glancingly.
"You've been bought by a seller of flesh - that corporate pony that cares only for profits!"
Golden Wing herself zooms by with lightning speed and drops an explosive payload. You only have a split second to roll for cover when it blows!
A huge hit! 3 mooks and the hero were killed in the blast!
But it looks like Golden Wing was hit by the remaining artillery… she's going down! No time to go try to recover her, though. You have a job to finish. You can stay here indefinitely to hold the line or group up with the others to finish Vox.
Hapless Mooks: 2
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>651594
"Venom" Vox is too much of an enigma for your doggy brain, it would seem.
You perform a perfect dodge and force a miss from all of the brave warriors - ducking and weaving between their legs!
>>651593
>>651595
You die rolls away into the void, and suddenly your acid tube seems more pressurized and coats all of the warriors in acid!
Vox pops Heroic Fortitude.
"My face…! It burns! Look at the monster you've made me on the outside… but I am already a demon within."
One warrior dies. The rest are gravely wounded!
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
>>651596
I'm much more useful here holding the line.
At least I think so.
Poor guy. I will write him off as just another Mook.
So. FIGHT.
Roll #1 1 = 1
I'm much more useful here holding the line.
At least I think so.
Poor guy. I will write him off as just another Mook.
So. FIGHT.
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>651597
Too much stress with combat going on all around! You drop a beaker and spill your distilled life.
Vox tries to brain you with his tuba but misses.
"Are you mute? SPEAK YOU ZOMBIE!"
>>651599
Full dodge vs 3 glancing attacks (all miss)
You dig down and pop out on the other side of them, evading the beleaguered soldiers entirely.
>>651598
No new mooks show up this turn. You almost slip, but you remind yourself that this moment is too important to fall on your face and keep standing!
You get hit by a mook!
Mooks: 2
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Too much stress with combat going on all around! You drop a beaker and spill your distilled life.
Vox tries to brain you with his tuba but misses.
"Are you mute? SPEAK YOU ZOMBIE!"
>>651599
Full dodge vs 3 glancing attacks (all miss)
You dig down and pop out on the other side of them, evading the beleaguered soldiers entirely.
>>651598
No new mooks show up this turn. You almost slip, but you remind yourself that this moment is too important to fall on your face and keep standing!
You get hit by a mook!
Mooks: 2
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
>>651600
Do a very offensive gesture towards them and keep up with the hole mischief!
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
Do a very offensive gesture towards them and keep up with the hole mischief!
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>651602
Nevermind, I'm uhm…gonna set that Vox on fire! Alchemist fire! '1d10'
"HEY YOU WANTED TO BE A DEMON RIGHT!"
Roll #1 9 = 9
Nevermind, I'm uhm…gonna set that Vox on fire! Alchemist fire! '1d10'
"HEY YOU WANTED TO BE A DEMON RIGHT!"
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>651601
2 mooks arrive as you pick off one! Two hit you glancingly!
Mooks: 3
Maeda [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>>651603
You glancingly dodge, but still get nicked pretty badly. You are on the verge of bleeding out.
>>651604
>>651602
You burn away one of the remaining warriors.
"You're so misguided… If there was only time to correct you."
He smashes you with his instrument.
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓░░░░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
2 mooks arrive as you pick off one! Two hit you glancingly!
Mooks: 3
Maeda [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>>651603
You glancingly dodge, but still get nicked pretty badly. You are on the verge of bleeding out.
>>651604
>>651602
You burn away one of the remaining warriors.
"You're so misguided… If there was only time to correct you."
He smashes you with his instrument.
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓░░░░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
>>651605
Wait, I can use my skills, right?
Because I totally forgot them and am on a different laptop.
Fight.
Roll #1 4 = 4
Wait, I can use my skills, right?
Because I totally forgot them and am on a different laptop.
Fight.
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>651605
I need help…
I gotta hide for now or I'm gonna die!
Dig a hole and this time stay hidden
'1d10' rolling if I need to
Roll #1 4 = 4
I need help…
I gotta hide for now or I'm gonna die!
Dig a hole and this time stay hidden
'1d10' rolling if I need to
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>651608
Mirror Elixir, Revolving Drum, Fervor, Dream Wine
Weapon: Great
You smash aside another mook as another turns up. Two hit you…
You can't keep this up much longer, but for now… YOU'RE ALLIIIIIVE!
[Haunting Sins of the Father playing]
Mooks: 3
Maeda [▓▓░░░░░░░░░]
>>651607
>>651609
Selena fails to make a potion. Vox's heroic fortitude ends and he takes a knee to rest.
Rhanna tries to evade in a hole, but the two warriors catch her and bash her head in. The world slowly fades to darkness as she loses consciousness. It begins to rain, blood and tears washed away in the growing overcast above. Vox had…
Words that kill.
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
Mirror Elixir, Revolving Drum, Fervor, Dream Wine
Weapon: Great
You smash aside another mook as another turns up. Two hit you…
You can't keep this up much longer, but for now… YOU'RE ALLIIIIIVE!
[Haunting Sins of the Father playing]
Mooks: 3
Maeda [▓▓░░░░░░░░░]
>>651607
>>651609
Selena fails to make a potion. Vox's heroic fortitude ends and he takes a knee to rest.
Rhanna tries to evade in a hole, but the two warriors catch her and bash her head in. The world slowly fades to darkness as she loses consciousness. It begins to rain, blood and tears washed away in the growing overcast above. Vox had…
Words that kill.
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
"Venom" Vox
Brave Warrior
Brave Warrior
>>651610
Grit my teeth.
This might be the end.
But I have to keep going, for Aira!
Take advantage of Vox' weakness and shoot him point blank, maybe that'll scare his minions away. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Grit my teeth.
This might be the end.
But I have to keep going, for Aira!
Take advantage of Vox' weakness and shoot him point blank, maybe that'll scare his minions away. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>651612
You ditch both mooks. You don't think they'll stay ditched for long.
You meet back up with Selena and Rhanna. Rhanna is unconscious, and Selena badly blooded. All this pain, reminds you of what you are. You'll live, and become all you need to be.
You charge onto the battlefield just in time to see this unfold:
>>651613
Vox, on a knee, looks up at you, your pistol in his face. He can't suppress a hacking cough, blood escaping his lips. There's no time to think. No more time for monologues.
He jolts with sudden reflex, but you pull the trigger. The bullet seems to hang for a moment in the air between you as rain falls. A single drop seems to land on top of your payload as it exits the gun - hissing as water and heat meld in an instant.
Vox moved – he stood up, just in time to catch the bullet in the middle of the chest. For a moment he stops, shudders, and croaks:
"Selena… Once you walk up those steps… there's no turning back."
His hooves give out, and he collapses into a puddle in the rain. His troops stand down… and straighten, to salute their fallen Boss.
The dreamlike haze must have made you lose track of time. By the time you can snap yourself out of it, the enemy is already dispersing, away from the city. No leader to command them, they're breaking away.
Vox's warchest lay undisturbed in the corner of the isolated ruins.
You ditch both mooks. You don't think they'll stay ditched for long.
You meet back up with Selena and Rhanna. Rhanna is unconscious, and Selena badly blooded. All this pain, reminds you of what you are. You'll live, and become all you need to be.
You charge onto the battlefield just in time to see this unfold:
>>651613
Vox, on a knee, looks up at you, your pistol in his face. He can't suppress a hacking cough, blood escaping his lips. There's no time to think. No more time for monologues.
He jolts with sudden reflex, but you pull the trigger. The bullet seems to hang for a moment in the air between you as rain falls. A single drop seems to land on top of your payload as it exits the gun - hissing as water and heat meld in an instant.
Vox moved – he stood up, just in time to catch the bullet in the middle of the chest. For a moment he stops, shudders, and croaks:
"Selena… Once you walk up those steps… there's no turning back."
His hooves give out, and he collapses into a puddle in the rain. His troops stand down… and straighten, to salute their fallen Boss.
The dreamlike haze must have made you lose track of time. By the time you can snap yourself out of it, the enemy is already dispersing, away from the city. No leader to command them, they're breaking away.
Vox's warchest lay undisturbed in the corner of the isolated ruins.
>>651611
You faintly feel someone moving you… you hope it's not mom… you hope today isn't a work day… For now, dream time…
You faintly feel someone moving you… you hope it's not mom… you hope today isn't a work day… For now, dream time…
>>651614
"…"
Come to a halt as I see the enemy leader fall down, moving slowly closer to Selena and Rhanna's body.
"…"
Come to a halt as I see the enemy leader fall down, moving slowly closer to Selena and Rhanna's body.
>>651614
I stare at my fallen enemy….
How did he know my name?
Who was he?
How did he command such respect?
I did what I had to, but why do I feel so bad?
Pull my hat over my head and pick up Rhanna.
I brew a health potion and feed it to her.
I stare at my fallen enemy….
How did he know my name?
Who was he?
How did he command such respect?
I did what I had to, but why do I feel so bad?
Pull my hat over my head and pick up Rhanna.
I brew a health potion and feed it to her.
>>651617
>>651616
>>651615
With the fighting stopped, Selena has a moment to tend to Rhanna and bring her back to consciousness. Regardless, it won't be until tomorrow you can assault Enkilj proper, as your troops won't be able to move in at top speed since all three artillery weren't taken out ahead of time. Still, you eliminated enough artillery for Maeda to have air support during her mission just now, if she cares to share that information.
Take your time to finish unfinished business or faff, and then return to camp when you're ready to move on.
>>651616
>>651615
With the fighting stopped, Selena has a moment to tend to Rhanna and bring her back to consciousness. Regardless, it won't be until tomorrow you can assault Enkilj proper, as your troops won't be able to move in at top speed since all three artillery weren't taken out ahead of time. Still, you eliminated enough artillery for Maeda to have air support during her mission just now, if she cares to share that information.
Take your time to finish unfinished business or faff, and then return to camp when you're ready to move on.
>>651619
Based on her trajectory, probably the other side of camp, near the tower Rhanna and Selena supposedly took out. Actually, it might be a good idea to swap stories on what went down on each of your separate adventures, now that you think of it.
Based on her trajectory, probably the other side of camp, near the tower Rhanna and Selena supposedly took out. Actually, it might be a good idea to swap stories on what went down on each of your separate adventures, now that you think of it.
>>651625
Smile weakly.
"Then us taking out those missiles did something good…we found Vox and he nearly killed us both."
Smile weakly.
"Then us taking out those missiles did something good…we found Vox and he nearly killed us both."
>>651627
"Not today, not yet.
I saw Golden Wing crash near one of the turrets. Should probably go take a look."
"Not today, not yet.
I saw Golden Wing crash near one of the turrets. Should probably go take a look."
>>651622
I knew that, I was just making sure you were paying attention to your own desciptions!
>>651624
''Woohoo…ow…Finally. I was getting tired of all this war stuff. This ain't for me''
>>651625
''Oh hey Maeda. Me and Selena wiped the floor with Vox's stupid face and his goons. A total piece of cake!''
I knew that, I was just making sure you were paying attention to your own desciptions!
>>651624
''Woohoo…ow…Finally. I was getting tired of all this war stuff. This ain't for me''
>>651625
''Oh hey Maeda. Me and Selena wiped the floor with Vox's stupid face and his goons. A total piece of cake!''
>>651629
"Oh I saw you looking at that floor real good, little one."
Smile cheekily and poke her shoulder.
"Oh I saw you looking at that floor real good, little one."
Smile cheekily and poke her shoulder.
>>651630
Scrunch ''Aah shut up. If it weren't by me, Miss Selena would be stuck somewhere tied to the artillery cannons!''
Scrunch ''Aah shut up. If it weren't by me, Miss Selena would be stuck somewhere tied to the artillery cannons!''
>>651635
You fiddle with the lock and can't break it. You consider hiring a rogue or hoisting it back to the city and then decide that's stupid, so you just melt the lock with acid.
Roll 5d10+1d10 per critfail from any ally during the fight
You fiddle with the lock and can't break it. You consider hiring a rogue or hoisting it back to the city and then decide that's stupid, so you just melt the lock with acid.
Roll 5d10+1d10 per critfail from any ally during the fight
>>651637
The d4 doesn't count as a critfail, so no 10
You scored 300 bits, a magic item that Rhanna can appraise for you, and several pirate dice!
d8 d7 d7 d3 d2 and d1 ("Stored Crit")
The d4 doesn't count as a critfail, so no 10
You scored 300 bits, a magic item that Rhanna can appraise for you, and several pirate dice!
d8 d7 d7 d3 d2 and d1 ("Stored Crit")
>>651639
These are blueprints for some kind of neat machine you can make.
…You have no idea how to read this chickenscratch. Maybe try again tomorrow morning when you've had some rest.
These are blueprints for some kind of neat machine you can make.
…You have no idea how to read this chickenscratch. Maybe try again tomorrow morning when you've had some rest.
We split the loot.
I tell Maeda I hope those dice keep her safe.
Now let's go find Golden Wings.
I tell Maeda I hope those dice keep her safe.
Now let's go find Golden Wings.
>>651645
>>651641
By the time you finish picking through the loot and find Golden Wing's crash site, she's already being carried off by stretcher. She doesn't look like she's in much shape to talk at length, but she waves you over much to the protest of her team of clerics.
"Well, the job's half done Inquisitor. I hope this steel trap of a city is worth it."
>>651641
By the time you finish picking through the loot and find Golden Wing's crash site, she's already being carried off by stretcher. She doesn't look like she's in much shape to talk at length, but she waves you over much to the protest of her team of clerics.
"Well, the job's half done Inquisitor. I hope this steel trap of a city is worth it."
>>651649
She gives a hard look. "Some ponies weren't so lucky. We save who we can. I am glad your team made it, though. This siege has been a blight."
She gives a hard look. "Some ponies weren't so lucky. We save who we can. I am glad your team made it, though. This siege has been a blight."
>>651650
"We'll finish it tomorrow. Make sure this was worth it.
Our world shall not end by their hoof.
Fly soon, Golden Wing."
Step aside, giving them a salute.
"We'll finish it tomorrow. Make sure this was worth it.
Our world shall not end by their hoof.
Fly soon, Golden Wing."
Step aside, giving them a salute.
>>651651
Wing gives you a casual wave as the clerics carry her off. It would seem quite a few eccelesiarchy members are around back at camp - might be work talking to if you find free time later.
Wing gives you a casual wave as the clerics carry her off. It would seem quite a few eccelesiarchy members are around back at camp - might be work talking to if you find free time later.
>>651655
>>651654
You head back and return to your tents. Here's where we would make jokes about a glistening muscle-covered mare stripping off her armor in a shared tent, or a gorgeous magician pulling off her cloak – but you're both covered in bruises and feeling very unsexy.
At least sleep will come easy.
Pause
>>651654
You head back and return to your tents. Here's where we would make jokes about a glistening muscle-covered mare stripping off her armor in a shared tent, or a gorgeous magician pulling off her cloak – but you're both covered in bruises and feeling very unsexy.
At least sleep will come easy.
Pause
Selena and Rhanna
You waken rather late, ten o'clock, when Aira shakes you awake. "I brought an early lunch. The camp is kinda empty this morning, but that's to be expected, I guess."
Hm.
You waken rather late, ten o'clock, when Aira shakes you awake. "I brought an early lunch. The camp is kinda empty this morning, but that's to be expected, I guess."
Hm.
>>651802
''Thanks Aria. So, where do you think everyone went off to?'' Look around the empty place
''Thanks Aria. So, where do you think everyone went off to?'' Look around the empty place
>>651803
You've been sorer. After all, there was a time when you had it on the regular from Face.
>>651804
She gives a surprised look. "The city, of course. The siege has moved inward. There's a breach of the main streets, but the cultists have dug in quite heavily. They must know their struggle is hopeless now that their main defense is broken, I wonder why they still fight?"
You've been sorer. After all, there was a time when you had it on the regular from Face.
>>651804
She gives a surprised look. "The city, of course. The siege has moved inward. There's a breach of the main streets, but the cultists have dug in quite heavily. They must know their struggle is hopeless now that their main defense is broken, I wonder why they still fight?"
>>651805
Those were better days.
Eat my breakfast quickly.
"Cultists are crazy ponies. It doesn't surprise me."
Those were better days.
Eat my breakfast quickly.
"Cultists are crazy ponies. It doesn't surprise me."
>>651805
Shrug
''Maybe they're just dumb…Hmmn…Or maybe they have some sort of secret up their sleeves…''
Shrug
''Maybe they're just dumb…Hmmn…Or maybe they have some sort of secret up their sleeves…''
>>651812
Scratch my head ''Was it like some sort of magic instrument thing that did magic when you played it?…''
Scratch my head ''Was it like some sort of magic instrument thing that did magic when you played it?…''
>>651808
Smile.
"And you do it so well!"
I should be done with eating, start putting on my clothes, no make-up today no time. I doubt I'll find mister perfect in the cultists den anyway.
Smile.
"And you do it so well!"
I should be done with eating, start putting on my clothes, no make-up today no time. I doubt I'll find mister perfect in the cultists den anyway.
>>651815
''Hmph… Magic isn't even that great anyways, you can't trust it to always go well''
''Hmph… Magic isn't even that great anyways, you can't trust it to always go well''
>>651815
"Time to go! We'll get Aria, your guitar and then we can all go back to town and have a party!"
"Time to go! We'll get Aria, your guitar and then we can all go back to town and have a party!"
>>651818
''Nooot really…No matter how good you are at magic, brewing or shooting, you will miss from time to time…And Magic is the worst case of this. You never know if your spell is going to do exactly what you want, or if it's gonna blow up in your face…''
''Nooot really…No matter how good you are at magic, brewing or shooting, you will miss from time to time…And Magic is the worst case of this. You never know if your spell is going to do exactly what you want, or if it's gonna blow up in your face…''
>>651820
"Hmph!"
She has nothing else to say on the matter!
>>651819
The camp is divided into sectors.
>The Adventurers' Tents
This area is populated by a rough bazaar for trading and haphazardly thrown together lean-tos and tents of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It's barely populated right now, though. This seems like your best bet for acquiring shady goods and meeting new friends.
>Administrative Sector
The busiest of the three. You went here for the war council before, and it has bouncers. No doubt DLC is somewhere within with his executives and "his ponies" - the secretaries and clerks that handle his business. This area seems ideal for spying if you want to learn more about the movements of both sides before moving out.
>The Inquisitorial Camp
Partially populated - though mostly by the clerics and support staff that help the inquisitorial ponoes like Maeda do their work. It is further subdivided into boroughs related to their respective offices. They do have an office of requisitions. The many scholars and monks here seem to make it a prime location for identifying artifacts or learning about magic.
"Hmph!"
She has nothing else to say on the matter!
>>651819
The camp is divided into sectors.
>The Adventurers' Tents
This area is populated by a rough bazaar for trading and haphazardly thrown together lean-tos and tents of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It's barely populated right now, though. This seems like your best bet for acquiring shady goods and meeting new friends.
>Administrative Sector
The busiest of the three. You went here for the war council before, and it has bouncers. No doubt DLC is somewhere within with his executives and "his ponies" - the secretaries and clerks that handle his business. This area seems ideal for spying if you want to learn more about the movements of both sides before moving out.
>The Inquisitorial Camp
Partially populated - though mostly by the clerics and support staff that help the inquisitorial ponoes like Maeda do their work. It is further subdivided into boroughs related to their respective offices. They do have an office of requisitions. The many scholars and monks here seem to make it a prime location for identifying artifacts or learning about magic.
>>651821
Yeah, she knows I'm right!
let's head to the tents! maybe they'll have those things the old goat needed
Yeah, she knows I'm right!
let's head to the tents! maybe they'll have those things the old goat needed
>>651822
There's barely anyone here - and of the prime ponies you met the other day at the war camp, only Fly is here. She's in her tent, stretched out on a cot below a lean-to which shields her surprisingly well from the sun. She seems to be fiddling with dice between her claws. She greets you as you pass by: "You made it out. Of course, I foresaw this."
Of course, if you aren't here to see Fly, there are a couple of peddlers trying to sell goods, but none of the good stuff is out right now - it's mostly greys and whites. Maybe when the adventurers come back to rest for the night.
>>651823
You wander after Selena. Fly - the creepy griffoness 'vampire' is here, as well as a few peddlers. Although the goods the old goat needed were a little too rare to be found in a place like this.
There's barely anyone here - and of the prime ponies you met the other day at the war camp, only Fly is here. She's in her tent, stretched out on a cot below a lean-to which shields her surprisingly well from the sun. She seems to be fiddling with dice between her claws. She greets you as you pass by: "You made it out. Of course, I foresaw this."
Of course, if you aren't here to see Fly, there are a couple of peddlers trying to sell goods, but none of the good stuff is out right now - it's mostly greys and whites. Maybe when the adventurers come back to rest for the night.
>>651823
You wander after Selena. Fly - the creepy griffoness 'vampire' is here, as well as a few peddlers. Although the goods the old goat needed were a little too rare to be found in a place like this.
>>651824
Well I don't have much I could want here then
Snap my fingers as I suddenly remember something! that treasure we found before! I almost forgot to check it out!
Well I don't have much I could want here then
Snap my fingers as I suddenly remember something! that treasure we found before! I almost forgot to check it out!
>>651825
The blueprints, right? You suspect the best place to learn more about those designs is with the clerics and scholars of the inquisitorial camp. Alternatively, Old Ram MacMeal might be able to help.
>>651826
"Nor I. All part of the show. Or perhaps not."
She gives you another of those unnerving grins - it's always hard to tell if she is joking.
The blueprints, right? You suspect the best place to learn more about those designs is with the clerics and scholars of the inquisitorial camp. Alternatively, Old Ram MacMeal might be able to help.
>>651826
"Nor I. All part of the show. Or perhaps not."
She gives you another of those unnerving grins - it's always hard to tell if she is joking.
>>651827
She doesn't unnerve me.
I changed her diapers. For a day.
"How did the hunt for the other Vox go?"
She doesn't unnerve me.
I changed her diapers. For a day.
"How did the hunt for the other Vox go?"
>>651829
"Predictably. It was a profitable engagement, regardless."
She gesticulates at the cache of dice she has collected.
>>651828
The Inquisitorial Camp is somewhat more busy than the one you came from, ponies scurrying to and fro between tents, mostly delivering papers. They seem to be organized after a fashion - it's just difficult to pick up on.
>Pick one at random!
>Try to guess the right way (Roll WIS)
>Ask for help (Roll CHA)
"Predictably. It was a profitable engagement, regardless."
She gesticulates at the cache of dice she has collected.
>>651828
The Inquisitorial Camp is somewhat more busy than the one you came from, ponies scurrying to and fro between tents, mostly delivering papers. They seem to be organized after a fashion - it's just difficult to pick up on.
>Pick one at random!
>Try to guess the right way (Roll WIS)
>Ask for help (Roll CHA)
>>651831
"Cost is given by the percentage chance of the maximum side landing plus the number of sides times five."
That's… math. You thought you escaped this when you closed your shop! Accounting is the worst.
>>651832
You recognize symbols similar to the ones from the monastery where they had all those artifacts headed down a side street toward a series of tents set up directly adjacent to one another with no space in between. That seems like a good place to start.
"Cost is given by the percentage chance of the maximum side landing plus the number of sides times five."
That's… math. You thought you escaped this when you closed your shop! Accounting is the worst.
>>651832
You recognize symbols similar to the ones from the monastery where they had all those artifacts headed down a side street toward a series of tents set up directly adjacent to one another with no space in between. That seems like a good place to start.
>>651835
"Yes, or three sides would be 48. The least expensive are the four and five sided dice at 45 each."
>>651834
You wander into the tent. There are a number of strange objects out on the tables here, being appraised: you don't think touching them would be wise. At the end of the room, there is a large glowing portal - it is a effervescent purple, and guarded by a tall pony in black robes.
There are a few curator ponoes here looking over the artifacts laid out on the table.
"Yes, or three sides would be 48. The least expensive are the four and five sided dice at 45 each."
>>651834
You wander into the tent. There are a number of strange objects out on the tables here, being appraised: you don't think touching them would be wise. At the end of the room, there is a large glowing portal - it is a effervescent purple, and guarded by a tall pony in black robes.
There are a few curator ponoes here looking over the artifacts laid out on the table.
>>651836
walk up to one of the curator ponies, pulling on his clothe ''Hey, mister or miss, I found these blueprints in Vox's stash, can you help me figure them out please?''
walk up to one of the curator ponies, pulling on his clothe ''Hey, mister or miss, I found these blueprints in Vox's stash, can you help me figure them out please?''
>>651837
The pony, tan of coat, leans down to you and shakes his head. "I'm sorry. We already have our hooves full with these artifacts. If you leave it here, perhaps overnight…"
The pony in black robes by the portal speaks up: "Bring it here. I will have a look."
The tan pony seems perturbed. "You are not an authorized artificier. YOU just make the portals. And you will not–"
"What? Interfere with ignoring a request? If the dog does not have it appraised here, it will be appraised elsewhere. There is nothing to be lost."
The tan pony clamps his jaw tight. "Very well."
Hm.
>>651838
"Goooood."
You paid 46 bits and got a Pirate Die! (d6)
"As for the siege, it matters not. Last I heard, they were taking heavy arrow fire from the rooftops. The cultists are merely stalling the inevitable."
She pauses. "Perhaps they have cause to stall, however."
Pause
The pony, tan of coat, leans down to you and shakes his head. "I'm sorry. We already have our hooves full with these artifacts. If you leave it here, perhaps overnight…"
The pony in black robes by the portal speaks up: "Bring it here. I will have a look."
The tan pony seems perturbed. "You are not an authorized artificier. YOU just make the portals. And you will not–"
"What? Interfere with ignoring a request? If the dog does not have it appraised here, it will be appraised elsewhere. There is nothing to be lost."
The tan pony clamps his jaw tight. "Very well."
Hm.
>>651838
"Goooood."
You paid 46 bits and got a Pirate Die! (d6)
"As for the siege, it matters not. Last I heard, they were taking heavy arrow fire from the rooftops. The cultists are merely stalling the inevitable."
She pauses. "Perhaps they have cause to stall, however."
Pause
>>651908
"Ah, 'another'. The ritual at the volcano was to revive it. It failed, however, but it was unnecessary. It would have prevented this… war, however."
She gestures vaguely at the tents around her.
"There is a rumor, which I have traced back to a friend of yours, that they plan to incite some ritual to end the world. I see no reason to take it as anything more than regulatory fanatical holy war-isms."
"Ah, 'another'. The ritual at the volcano was to revive it. It failed, however, but it was unnecessary. It would have prevented this… war, however."
She gestures vaguely at the tents around her.
"There is a rumor, which I have traced back to a friend of yours, that they plan to incite some ritual to end the world. I see no reason to take it as anything more than regulatory fanatical holy war-isms."
>>651911
"Oh, I should have guessed.
But how weird of you to call it a war.
For those idiots at the management, this is just a business venture.
When did adventure turn into such a grind? I tell you Fly, I'm glad I got out when I did.
My poor daughters, I hope they get out of this soon and settle down."
"Oh, I should have guessed.
But how weird of you to call it a war.
For those idiots at the management, this is just a business venture.
When did adventure turn into such a grind? I tell you Fly, I'm glad I got out when I did.
My poor daughters, I hope they get out of this soon and settle down."
>>651839
Hug the blueprints close to me
"I ain't leaving those here overnight, they're mine!" give the curator a mean look before turning to the portal pony
"Uh, thanks mister! At least somepony here knows the importance of my efforts!"
Hug the blueprints close to me
"I ain't leaving those here overnight, they're mine!" give the curator a mean look before turning to the portal pony
"Uh, thanks mister! At least somepony here knows the importance of my efforts!"
>>651916
Shrug.
"So much pain, just for some money. Stupid.
You've just confirmed why I should get Aira and Aria out of here.
And if I were you, Fly, I'd get out as well. There's nothing good to be gained here."
Shrug.
"So much pain, just for some money. Stupid.
You've just confirmed why I should get Aira and Aria out of here.
And if I were you, Fly, I'd get out as well. There's nothing good to be gained here."
>>651917
"No wonder you couldn't read this. It's in Q, which is a sort of code used by the cultists of Enkilj. This diagram seems… quite complex. A blending of magic and machine. Still, I can translate the writing - then you can help me decipher the rest of it."
Roll 2d10
>>651918
"It will remain worth my while until it becomes colonialized. Then, I will depart for more fertile lands. Dice are interest."
"No wonder you couldn't read this. It's in Q, which is a sort of code used by the cultists of Enkilj. This diagram seems… quite complex. A blending of magic and machine. Still, I can translate the writing - then you can help me decipher the rest of it."
Roll 2d10
>>651918
"It will remain worth my while until it becomes colonialized. Then, I will depart for more fertile lands. Dice are interest."
>>651920
"Perhaps. Although the very concept of Q has been known to give headaches to the uninitiated."
She gives faintly beneath her hood, which conceals the rest of her face.
6
The blueprints seem to be a design for a next-generation form of propulsion that would allow your ship to travel without reliance on the wind, magic, or on-board rowing. If it works, this may be the most valuable blueprint in the world. Moreover, this kind of design might be useful in your 'rocket to the moon'. It relies on an on-board power source that you're going to call an engine. It will require more deciphering to figure out which components to use and where, but this is a good start.
>>651921
Fly raises a brow. "I carry my family with me. Perhaps when I begin to wane in power I will steal a good specimen of egg and raise it."
"Perhaps. Although the very concept of Q has been known to give headaches to the uninitiated."
She gives faintly beneath her hood, which conceals the rest of her face.
6
The blueprints seem to be a design for a next-generation form of propulsion that would allow your ship to travel without reliance on the wind, magic, or on-board rowing. If it works, this may be the most valuable blueprint in the world. Moreover, this kind of design might be useful in your 'rocket to the moon'. It relies on an on-board power source that you're going to call an engine. It will require more deciphering to figure out which components to use and where, but this is a good start.
>>651921
Fly raises a brow. "I carry my family with me. Perhaps when I begin to wane in power I will steal a good specimen of egg and raise it."
>>651922
Scratch my head
''I'm sure I'd have no problem learning it…Now this is strange…Why would Vox be keeping the blueprints of a propulsor device like this? You think he was planing to create some sort of weaponized ship or something?''
Scratch my head
''I'm sure I'd have no problem learning it…Now this is strange…Why would Vox be keeping the blueprints of a propulsor device like this? You think he was planing to create some sort of weaponized ship or something?''
>>651927
"He left you to fend for yourself! Who knows what might have happened if you hadn't found us."
"He left you to fend for yourself! Who knows what might have happened if you hadn't found us."
>>651928
"He knew that fate would protect me, and it did. Speaking of meetings… When we parted, I gifted you my cape. I have noticed you don't carry it with you."
Pause
"He knew that fate would protect me, and it did. Speaking of meetings… When we parted, I gifted you my cape. I have noticed you don't carry it with you."
Pause
>>652791
Aira is waiting by the exit to camp, talking to one of the remaining adventurers, who appears to have a broken wing.
Rhanna is still off with the Inquisitors…
Maeda is unaccounted for…
Aira is waiting by the exit to camp, talking to one of the remaining adventurers, who appears to have a broken wing.
Rhanna is still off with the Inquisitors…
Maeda is unaccounted for…
>>651925
''Metal gears huh…'' Rub my chin in thought
''Knowing this makes me glad we stopped him…Who knows how far he was planning to go with all this…''
''Metal gears huh…'' Rub my chin in thought
''Knowing this makes me glad we stopped him…Who knows how far he was planning to go with all this…''
>>652795
A brown pegasus stallion laid out on a bench on the outskirts of camp.
"…bit of a hardass. By my measure, anyway."
He sounds Bridon, as in from Great Bridle.
"Hm… maybe we shouldn't have slept in so late."
"All the news that has come in puts it at a bit of a bloody standstill as far as I can tell."
"I see."
>>652796
The mare offers a coy smile from beneath her hood. "Yes, well, the church is certainly interested."
A brown pegasus stallion laid out on a bench on the outskirts of camp.
"…bit of a hardass. By my measure, anyway."
He sounds Bridon, as in from Great Bridle.
"Hm… maybe we shouldn't have slept in so late."
"All the news that has come in puts it at a bit of a bloody standstill as far as I can tell."
"I see."
>>652796
The mare offers a coy smile from beneath her hood. "Yes, well, the church is certainly interested."
>>652800
"Ah, ready to head out?"
"This is her?"
"Yeah, yeah, anyway, we're probably about to go."
>>652802
She seems amused. "Where did you think you were, puppy?"
There DOES seem to be a lot of sun imagery around here, even on the clothes of the ponies inside here (except for the black robes of the pony you're speaking to).
"Ah, ready to head out?"
"This is her?"
"Yeah, yeah, anyway, we're probably about to go."
>>652802
She seems amused. "Where did you think you were, puppy?"
There DOES seem to be a lot of sun imagery around here, even on the clothes of the ponies inside here (except for the black robes of the pony you're speaking to).
>>652804
"No, we still have some time. I have no idea where the others are unfortunately."
Look at Aira and the brown pegasus.
"I'm Selena, who might you be?"
"No, we still have some time. I have no idea where the others are unfortunately."
Look at Aira and the brown pegasus.
"I'm Selena, who might you be?"
>>652806
"Mom, don't be weird."
The stallion acts casual. "Yeah, I'm hanging back to recover anyway. Doc says I should stay off the wing for at least another day."
>>652807
"Almost all research in Equestria is funded by the Church. Who else has the scribes, the libraries, or the funding? There are some universities that have opened, sure, but most of them exist to teach theology and are full of clerics."
"Mom, don't be weird."
The stallion acts casual. "Yeah, I'm hanging back to recover anyway. Doc says I should stay off the wing for at least another day."
>>652807
"Almost all research in Equestria is funded by the Church. Who else has the scribes, the libraries, or the funding? There are some universities that have opened, sure, but most of them exist to teach theology and are full of clerics."
>>652808
Glare a little
''…So how does the church gets its funding? and the libraries?…shouldn't there be a research team working out of the church and getting their own funding?…Honestly I'm not sure how to feel about this…''
Glare a little
''…So how does the church gets its funding? and the libraries?…shouldn't there be a research team working out of the church and getting their own funding?…Honestly I'm not sure how to feel about this…''
>>652808
Scrunch.
"Come Aira, I want to go to the Inquisitors camp with you and ask Celestia for a good day today."
Scrunch.
"Come Aira, I want to go to the Inquisitors camp with you and ask Celestia for a good day today."
>>652809
"The Celestial Church funds itself through tithes and also through banking, although its influence in banking has faltered since the rise of the MSL. There is not much money in researching purely for the sake of research, I am afraid. Who would pay to have a catalog of useless cursed items and then lock them away? Anyone else would surely want to use them for evil. That much can be said for them, at least, although I disagree with certain other issues of morality. In short, if the Church didn't do it, there would likely be very few researchers or archives at all."
>>652810
She sighs and flattens her ears. "Allrighhhht. See ya later."
Head straight over?
"The Celestial Church funds itself through tithes and also through banking, although its influence in banking has faltered since the rise of the MSL. There is not much money in researching purely for the sake of research, I am afraid. Who would pay to have a catalog of useless cursed items and then lock them away? Anyone else would surely want to use them for evil. That much can be said for them, at least, although I disagree with certain other issues of morality. In short, if the Church didn't do it, there would likely be very few researchers or archives at all."
>>652810
She sighs and flattens her ears. "Allrighhhht. See ya later."
Head straight over?
>>652811
''Hmmn…I get ya…Well…Someone oughta find something completely new to research, huh?'' Smirk
''Hmmn…I get ya…Well…Someone oughta find something completely new to research, huh?'' Smirk
>>652812
You head to the inquisitorial camp. There's a sign for the main chapel that you follow, and it leads to a wooden house that was put together in a mere day. They work fast!
Inside there is a procession of ponies lined up to receive blessings from the clerics at the altar.
>>652814
"I agree, although it is difficult to control ideas… one cannot unring a bell. It is certainly a robust source of debate inside scholarly circles."
You head to the inquisitorial camp. There's a sign for the main chapel that you follow, and it leads to a wooden house that was put together in a mere day. They work fast!
Inside there is a procession of ponies lined up to receive blessings from the clerics at the altar.
>>652814
"I agree, although it is difficult to control ideas… one cannot unring a bell. It is certainly a robust source of debate inside scholarly circles."
>>652819
''Ahuh…Well, to wrap this up, anything else you can tell me about these blueprints?''
''Ahuh…Well, to wrap this up, anything else you can tell me about these blueprints?''
>>652823
''Not here huh?…'' Look around, then lean close and whisper
''Know somewhere more private then?''
''Not here huh?…'' Look around, then lean close and whisper
''Know somewhere more private then?''
>>652823
Time to stand in line.
Get out 2 bits for the tradition and give one to Aira.
"It's good to see so many young ponies that still respect Celestia."
Time to stand in line.
Get out 2 bits for the tradition and give one to Aira.
"It's good to see so many young ponies that still respect Celestia."
>>652832
"Hell? Ah, you must be referring to the religious traditions of Novdogod – the judgement of Rurivan in the burning mines of Hell, yes? Not… quite."
"Hell? Ah, you must be referring to the religious traditions of Novdogod – the judgement of Rurivan in the burning mines of Hell, yes? Not… quite."
>>652830
"Hmmmn, whatever the reason, it's a good thing. Especially when fighting these cultist types."
"Hmmmn, whatever the reason, it's a good thing. Especially when fighting these cultist types."
>>652836
"A sort of outland. Home to many strange beasts and demons. Tirek, and his people knew how to make holes into this realm, although in time he was banished to it and languishes there still. It is a realm with no Gods or masters, only chaos, although Tirekians will claim that their master rules there. By tradition, there were ponies who warded the gates to this realm, but Luna did away with them in ancient times and replaced them with a monstrous beast she tamed. This was before the events of the Long Night."
>>652835
"If nothing else, it's funding the war efforts."
You both receive your blessings in turn. The power of Celestia compels you!
"A sort of outland. Home to many strange beasts and demons. Tirek, and his people knew how to make holes into this realm, although in time he was banished to it and languishes there still. It is a realm with no Gods or masters, only chaos, although Tirekians will claim that their master rules there. By tradition, there were ponies who warded the gates to this realm, but Luna did away with them in ancient times and replaced them with a monstrous beast she tamed. This was before the events of the Long Night."
>>652835
"If nothing else, it's funding the war efforts."
You both receive your blessings in turn. The power of Celestia compels you!
>>652838
Hey wait.
Ask the priest if he could say a prayer for Aria, who's alone and in the hooves of those cruel cultists!
Hey wait.
Ask the priest if he could say a prayer for Aria, who's alone and in the hooves of those cruel cultists!
>>652839
"Fret not, for Celestia has just this morning signed a bull that states that any who die in battle or executed as prisoner will surely receive salvation! All sins related to the sacking of Enkilj shall be forgiven. However, I will say a prayer for her, if it puts you at ease."
>>652841
"The Cerberus, a beast of many heads."
"Fret not, for Celestia has just this morning signed a bull that states that any who die in battle or executed as prisoner will surely receive salvation! All sins related to the sacking of Enkilj shall be forgiven. However, I will say a prayer for her, if it puts you at ease."
>>652841
"The Cerberus, a beast of many heads."
>>652847
"Yes, although as I learned earlier, we're already running a bit behind. We should get going. What happened to Rhanna?"
>>652846
"Tartarus has a physical correspondence with our world. They are to say in a more scientific way, geosynchronous. Tartarus is, however, much smaller than our world. Are you catching my meaning?"
"Yes, although as I learned earlier, we're already running a bit behind. We should get going. What happened to Rhanna?"
>>652846
"Tartarus has a physical correspondence with our world. They are to say in a more scientific way, geosynchronous. Tartarus is, however, much smaller than our world. Are you catching my meaning?"
>>653935
"We should go find her! She should be somewhere around here!" Go look for that doge!
"We should go find her! She should be somewhere around here!" Go look for that doge!
>>653936
There are so many tents! Pick one at random, or read the signs? It's not as if you know where she went in the first place… Then again, you could ask around, too, or try something else.
>>653937
"Well, it's as simple as that. The Ecclesiarchy isn't very happy about it, but I can facilitate their transportation much faster than any ship or pegasus. There are very few ponies capable of casting this sort of spell."
There are so many tents! Pick one at random, or read the signs? It's not as if you know where she went in the first place… Then again, you could ask around, too, or try something else.
>>653937
"Well, it's as simple as that. The Ecclesiarchy isn't very happy about it, but I can facilitate their transportation much faster than any ship or pegasus. There are very few ponies capable of casting this sort of spell."
>>653939
You stop a random passerby and ask for directions. They indicate a large series of tents down at the end of the avenue. It doesn't seem to have a lot of traffic in spite of its size.
You stop a random passerby and ask for directions. They indicate a large series of tents down at the end of the avenue. It doesn't seem to have a lot of traffic in spite of its size.
>>653941
"Er, the opposite. I create magical gateways. But no, not right now. I have obligations here."
>>653942
This is a very large series of tents in which there is a long central table laid out with a number of artifacts being examined by clerical curators. Rhanna is speaking to a tall, dark, and mysterious pony. By which I mean a unicorn whose face is obscured by his or her large black robe. It doesn't look like a priest, anyway.
"Er, the opposite. I create magical gateways. But no, not right now. I have obligations here."
>>653942
This is a very large series of tents in which there is a long central table laid out with a number of artifacts being examined by clerical curators. Rhanna is speaking to a tall, dark, and mysterious pony. By which I mean a unicorn whose face is obscured by his or her large black robe. It doesn't look like a priest, anyway.
>>653943
!
Trot over.
"Rhanna! We're leaving!"
Trot next to Rhanna and put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Who is this?"
!
Trot over.
"Rhanna! We're leaving!"
Trot next to Rhanna and put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Who is this?"
>>653956
There's a pause. You can't read an expression for obvious reasons. "Yes, I know the name. Why do you want to know?
There's a pause. You can't read an expression for obvious reasons. "Yes, I know the name. Why do you want to know?
>>653966
The hood is making it hard to read your counterpart. "There is no more Abilio of the Manesian."
The hood is making it hard to read your counterpart. "There is no more Abilio of the Manesian."
>>653974
"Abilio was an old friend of mine. I hadn't heard anything from him for a long time…"
LEt's go!
"Abilio was an old friend of mine. I hadn't heard anything from him for a long time…"
LEt's go!
>>653975
>>653976
You cross the cracked and scarred battlefield. For a land populated not twenty four hours ago by raucous battle, it seems eerily quiet and empty here. Blood still stains the ground wherever you walk. Most of the bodies have been cleared, but industrious black birds are still hard at work on what remains.
City Gates
These enormous gates are made of some dense, dark wood and belted several times in thick iron. Fortuitously, they have been pried open and a small camp has formed around them on each side. The final command post before the front, courier ponies are relaying information back and forth to tents here, no doubt ferrying orders to and fro. This is no doubt the last safe haven before you risk a stray bullet, arrow, or dart.
>>653976
You cross the cracked and scarred battlefield. For a land populated not twenty four hours ago by raucous battle, it seems eerily quiet and empty here. Blood still stains the ground wherever you walk. Most of the bodies have been cleared, but industrious black birds are still hard at work on what remains.
City Gates
These enormous gates are made of some dense, dark wood and belted several times in thick iron. Fortuitously, they have been pried open and a small camp has formed around them on each side. The final command post before the front, courier ponies are relaying information back and forth to tents here, no doubt ferrying orders to and fro. This is no doubt the last safe haven before you risk a stray bullet, arrow, or dart.
>>653979
Get out my guns.
"….this is weird, don't you guys think?
We just walk into these gates like this?"
Get out my guns.
"….this is weird, don't you guys think?
We just walk into these gates like this?"
>>653980
>>653981
"Many lives were lost to get us to the gates - that's why Vox had to be killed… the gates themselves were probably surrendered so that they could fall back to a more defensible position once we had their walls. Now they use the city itself as a series of chokepoints, so that a handful of fanatics can stand against an army. Without their mercenaries, their numbers are few enough."
>>653981
"Many lives were lost to get us to the gates - that's why Vox had to be killed… the gates themselves were probably surrendered so that they could fall back to a more defensible position once we had their walls. Now they use the city itself as a series of chokepoints, so that a handful of fanatics can stand against an army. Without their mercenaries, their numbers are few enough."
>>653982
"Hmmm, right we stick together. We don't take risks and we get Aira back safely. Then we meet up with Maeda."
"Hmmm, right we stick together. We don't take risks and we get Aira back safely. Then we meet up with Maeda."
>>653982
"So there's still some of those guys out there huh? Alright I'll be ready"
'1d10' gadget. Shooting
Roll #1 1 = 1
"So there's still some of those guys out there huh? Alright I'll be ready"
'1d10' gadget. Shooting
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>653984
"You know who I mean!"
Sigh.
"If I had to name you both again, I would make your names a little bit more different."
"You know who I mean!"
Sigh.
"If I had to name you both again, I would make your names a little bit more different."
>>653985
You try to reconfigure your gadget but a spring pops loose. Oops.
>>653986
She blows her breath at you.
–
Lower City
The lower city is built entirely into the side of a series of ever-increasing tiers, each made of large stone bricks. Not unlike pueblo architecture, the walls themselves are alive with housing - many of which seem to be hosting battles rather than parties. The war parties formed by the attacking army already seem to be about four levels up - but there are seven tiers to the lower city. Beyond that, there is a terrible black cloud – about eighty feet in the air. You are immediately suspicious of any attempts to fly through it, visibility being only one of your concerns. Some of the couriers are returning to the fight, still dug in on the fourth level, and others are headed down a flight of stairs - apparently there is more to the city below the ground. There are signs all about, but they are in some foreign tongue.
Aira points urgently at the stairs down. "That says 'slave pits'!"
You try to reconfigure your gadget but a spring pops loose. Oops.
>>653986
She blows her breath at you.
–
Lower City
The lower city is built entirely into the side of a series of ever-increasing tiers, each made of large stone bricks. Not unlike pueblo architecture, the walls themselves are alive with housing - many of which seem to be hosting battles rather than parties. The war parties formed by the attacking army already seem to be about four levels up - but there are seven tiers to the lower city. Beyond that, there is a terrible black cloud – about eighty feet in the air. You are immediately suspicious of any attempts to fly through it, visibility being only one of your concerns. Some of the couriers are returning to the fight, still dug in on the fourth level, and others are headed down a flight of stairs - apparently there is more to the city below the ground. There are signs all about, but they are in some foreign tongue.
Aira points urgently at the stairs down. "That says 'slave pits'!"
>>653987
!!!!
"Get behind me, we'll clean those pits out!"
Let's go! Keep my eyes open for threats '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
!!!!
"Get behind me, we'll clean those pits out!"
Let's go! Keep my eyes open for threats '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>653988
With extra-sharp eyes, you spot a scroll leaning against the top of the stairs before heading down. Huh.
With extra-sharp eyes, you spot a scroll leaning against the top of the stairs before heading down. Huh.
>>653990
It's like a page from a diary. It even has a title and name. Weird.
Inside Enkilj - Gerald Gust
It's like a page from a diary. It even has a title and name. Weird.
Inside Enkilj - Gerald Gust
Barely made it here alive, but here it is… and it's real! Enkilj. This is where that thing "lives"… where they took my baby girl. From what I saw from my hot air balloon, it looks like most of the city is in ruins. There are still fights going on, army trying to take the upper levels, last holdouts attempting ambushes… I'm rambling. Scared, I guess. But maybe if I find this… 'demon' I keep reading about… I'll find Caroline too.>>653990
>>653992
>>653993
Having finished reading, you proceed down further…
Lower City Access
This larger boulevard still has hints of lights from far above. There are a number of buildings built into the walls - they don't look residential, and all of them are boarded up. At the far end of the street, there is a huge set of double doors, which are locked with an enormous hulking lock.
There are three boarded buildings built into each of the walls on either side of you, so six in total. Behind you is the leviathan set of stairs back up.
>>653992
>>653993
Having finished reading, you proceed down further…
Lower City Access
This larger boulevard still has hints of lights from far above. There are a number of buildings built into the walls - they don't look residential, and all of them are boarded up. At the far end of the street, there is a huge set of double doors, which are locked with an enormous hulking lock.
There are three boarded buildings built into each of the walls on either side of you, so six in total. Behind you is the leviathan set of stairs back up.
>>653992
Why would anypony write this, then leave this here?
"There's more ponies in trouble! We have to hurry."
Put the page in my saddlebags.
"Stop playing around, Rhanna, we have to hurry!"
Go down the tunnel
Why would anypony write this, then leave this here?
"There's more ponies in trouble! We have to hurry."
Put the page in my saddlebags.
"Stop playing around, Rhanna, we have to hurry!"
Go down the tunnel
>>653999
You arrive unchallenged at the gates. They are at least as large as those defending the main entrance, if not as tall. If anything, their stocky nature makes them more fortified, and because there is no way to burrow around them, they seem insurmountable without a very skilled lockpick or a key.
>>654000
The lock is an incredible marvel of magitech. It seems to shift in shape constantly, rotating with some sort of 'teeth' within – don't stick your paw in. You imagine it would chew up any regular lockpick, and maybe the rogue too. Your keen eye spots another diary page, though…
Big Key - Gerald Gust
You arrive unchallenged at the gates. They are at least as large as those defending the main entrance, if not as tall. If anything, their stocky nature makes them more fortified, and because there is no way to burrow around them, they seem insurmountable without a very skilled lockpick or a key.
>>654000
The lock is an incredible marvel of magitech. It seems to shift in shape constantly, rotating with some sort of 'teeth' within – don't stick your paw in. You imagine it would chew up any regular lockpick, and maybe the rogue too. Your keen eye spots another diary page, though…
Big Key - Gerald Gust
What did they expect? You keep a giant door to an area that has high traffic, you're going to need more than one key to the place. In the end, commerce is the death of security. I rummaged around in one of the businesses outside - can't read the sign, don't care to now - and found a key to the door that had been left behind in the rush. I'll keep it with me, but I'm starting to suspect there might be more than one spare in case I need a new one later.>>654001
Check that page.
"Spare keys… Time for a key hunt!"
Go look at one of the nearby boarded houses.
Check that page.
"Spare keys… Time for a key hunt!"
Go look at one of the nearby boarded houses.
>>654002
>>654003
They're definitely not houses - they're clearly some sort of businesses of some kind. They even have signs!
Left:
Koaklak Monatonaru - As best you can tell, it's some sort of gambling hall.
Bazalazraz Tuitli - Looks like a hunter's pub… or trophy hall? Maybe just a bounty hunting organization.
Itzwanitz Bizlitzatrizniz - This place reeks of alcohol. That much is clear.
Right:
Ishiwantu Nachtl - This seems to be some sort of crafting place.
Waniwani Wanga - You'd recognize the smell of magic anywhere, and it's dense all over this place.
Il Tth - Looks like a restaurant of sorts? Or at least a communal eatery?
>>654003
They're definitely not houses - they're clearly some sort of businesses of some kind. They even have signs!
Left:
Koaklak Monatonaru - As best you can tell, it's some sort of gambling hall.
Bazalazraz Tuitli - Looks like a hunter's pub… or trophy hall? Maybe just a bounty hunting organization.
Itzwanitz Bizlitzatrizniz - This place reeks of alcohol. That much is clear.
Right:
Ishiwantu Nachtl - This seems to be some sort of crafting place.
Waniwani Wanga - You'd recognize the smell of magic anywhere, and it's dense all over this place.
Il Tth - Looks like a restaurant of sorts? Or at least a communal eatery?
>>654005
>>654006
It's all boarded up. With Aira and Rhanna's help, you pry off the boards from the main doors.
Ishiwantu Nachtl
The building is naturally dark already, but the boards over the only windows aren't helping. There seem to be long rows of tables - with shackles at their feet, wrought into the floors. Most of the tables are toppled, various crafts spillt out across the floor. Broken pottery and whittled crafts abound. Near one of the windows there is an overturned cozychair - punctured in several places by arrows - that looks quite different than the rest of the decor by virtue of not looking like it will cause serious ass pain by sitting on it for several hours. There's also a big counter in the back that's poorly lit. The walls are also dotted with little niches that you would need to light up to examine.
>>654006
It's all boarded up. With Aira and Rhanna's help, you pry off the boards from the main doors.
Ishiwantu Nachtl
The building is naturally dark already, but the boards over the only windows aren't helping. There seem to be long rows of tables - with shackles at their feet, wrought into the floors. Most of the tables are toppled, various crafts spillt out across the floor. Broken pottery and whittled crafts abound. Near one of the windows there is an overturned cozychair - punctured in several places by arrows - that looks quite different than the rest of the decor by virtue of not looking like it will cause serious ass pain by sitting on it for several hours. There's also a big counter in the back that's poorly lit. The walls are also dotted with little niches that you would need to light up to examine.
>>654008
You skim the overturned tables and turn up nothing of value. Makes sense that they wouldn't leave a key with the slaves, you suppose. The thought makes you cringe a little.
You skim the overturned tables and turn up nothing of value. Makes sense that they wouldn't leave a key with the slaves, you suppose. The thought makes you cringe a little.
>>654010
Did they still have slaves on the ship while I was there?
Time to look behind the counter! '1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
Did they still have slaves on the ship while I was there?
Time to look behind the counter! '1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>654009
The counter itself is stocked with a hardened blob of clay, a big stack of sticks, and a big bolt of linen cloth. Behind it, you spot another diary laying on a chair.
What Happened to the Ponies? - Gerald Gust
>>654011
No.
The counter itself is stocked with a hardened blob of clay, a big stack of sticks, and a big bolt of linen cloth. Behind it, you spot another diary laying on a chair.
What Happened to the Ponies? - Gerald Gust
I've had a look at these… slaves, here in Enkilj. Seen a few, when I was looking for Caroline. They seem like they're in a trance… lost. I've seen the scratchings they leave on the walls in a tongue I can read - poison, dream juice… it's unclear. I think it's some sort of drug to keep them docile. I got in alone with a couple - tried to set them free. They turned on me, growling - cornered me! I had a gun, but I choked… Out of nowhere, we heard a baby's cry. They turned, and I winged it away. That baby… Caroline, I know you're still out there.>>654011
No.
>>654017
>>654018
Aira helps Selena remove the boarding from the magic shop.
Waniwani Wanga
This place immediately gives you the creeps. The air is dense with smoke and incense, and there are stone support beams about once every three feet giving low visibility with columns blocking your view of the entire room. The room is plagued by masks hanging from the walls that seem ready to come alive at any moment, and the room is faintly lit by a still-boiling cauldron in the center. It reeks of rotten flesh. As if this were not to deter the locals, there are large feather pillows scattered around the room, pocked with hookah pipes. A lounge of two kinds, it would seem. Besides the various features of this room, there is a singular door in the back, to a room with no light at all.
>>654018
Aira helps Selena remove the boarding from the magic shop.
Waniwani Wanga
This place immediately gives you the creeps. The air is dense with smoke and incense, and there are stone support beams about once every three feet giving low visibility with columns blocking your view of the entire room. The room is plagued by masks hanging from the walls that seem ready to come alive at any moment, and the room is faintly lit by a still-boiling cauldron in the center. It reeks of rotten flesh. As if this were not to deter the locals, there are large feather pillows scattered around the room, pocked with hookah pipes. A lounge of two kinds, it would seem. Besides the various features of this room, there is a singular door in the back, to a room with no light at all.
>>654019
This place gives me the creeps, but don't show that in front of Aira!
Start investigating the front room, but keep an eye on the dark room.
This place gives me the creeps, but don't show that in front of Aira!
Start investigating the front room, but keep an eye on the dark room.
>>654021
You rip down the boards to the 'hunter place'.
Bazalazraz Tuitli
The unusual thing that strikes you about this building immediately is that unlike the others, it is not only broken up into smaller rooms, but it also has carpeting. Upon closer examination, the entire building is carpeted in the hides of animals. The first room which you are in, features a large mirror encrusted with skulls and vertebre, which makes you feel uneasy. You feel rather small in the scheme of the imposingly large mirror. There are doors to your left and right, both bearing forward.
>>654020
Where should you start? The hookah pipes? The cauldron? The strange masks?
You rip down the boards to the 'hunter place'.
Bazalazraz Tuitli
The unusual thing that strikes you about this building immediately is that unlike the others, it is not only broken up into smaller rooms, but it also has carpeting. Upon closer examination, the entire building is carpeted in the hides of animals. The first room which you are in, features a large mirror encrusted with skulls and vertebre, which makes you feel uneasy. You feel rather small in the scheme of the imposingly large mirror. There are doors to your left and right, both bearing forward.
>>654020
Where should you start? The hookah pipes? The cauldron? The strange masks?
>>654023
At your touch, it rumbles to life. Suddenly, you're surrounded! Aira shrieks, having no weapon at all without her guitar.
Animated Mask 1
Animated Mask 2
Animated Mask 3
Animated Mask 4
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
At your touch, it rumbles to life. Suddenly, you're surrounded! Aira shrieks, having no weapon at all without her guitar.
Animated Mask 1
Animated Mask 2
Animated Mask 3
Animated Mask 4
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>654025
This room is carpeted like the previous one. The centerpiece here is a large, fearsome bear - standing on its hind legs. It is dressed up in iron barding, special armor for a mount. The way it doesn't move signals to you that it is a taxodermed beast. There are two doors here: left, and ahead.
>>654026
The mask clatters to the ground, motionless!
Mask 2 shakes spookily… you feel a little weaker!
Mask 3 dive bombs you!
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░]
This room is carpeted like the previous one. The centerpiece here is a large, fearsome bear - standing on its hind legs. It is dressed up in iron barding, special armor for a mount. The way it doesn't move signals to you that it is a taxodermed beast. There are two doors here: left, and ahead.
>>654026
The mask clatters to the ground, motionless!
Mask 2 shakes spookily… you feel a little weaker!
Mask 3 dive bombs you!
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░]
>>654028
You pick off the mask and it splits in half, motionless.
Mask 3 shakes spookily… you feel a little weaker!
Mask 4 swings for you, but misses!
You pick off the mask and it splits in half, motionless.
Mask 3 shakes spookily… you feel a little weaker!
Mask 4 swings for you, but misses!
>>654029
"Stupid masks!"
Why doesn't Aira buck the masks?
I guess she's always been the shy one.
Stand protectively in front of her before firing another shot '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
"Stupid masks!"
Why doesn't Aira buck the masks?
I guess she's always been the shy one.
Stand protectively in front of her before firing another shot '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>654030
This is a large room - a sort of lounge. It is lengthy and extends far to the back, where the room is lit by a great fireplace. The room is dotted with large, comfortable stuffed chairs, and the walls lined with stuffed animal heads. There is a great red carpet unavoidably along the middle of the room unless you clamber over the chairs like the classic 'floor is lava' game.
At the far end of the room, near the fireplace, there are two final doors: one to the left, and one to the right.
>>654031
Ponies scare easily without a weapon!
Your glancing blow isn't enough to finish mask 3!
Mask 4 shakes spookily… you feel a little weaker!
This is a large room - a sort of lounge. It is lengthy and extends far to the back, where the room is lit by a great fireplace. The room is dotted with large, comfortable stuffed chairs, and the walls lined with stuffed animal heads. There is a great red carpet unavoidably along the middle of the room unless you clamber over the chairs like the classic 'floor is lava' game.
At the far end of the room, near the fireplace, there are two final doors: one to the left, and one to the right.
>>654031
Ponies scare easily without a weapon!
Your glancing blow isn't enough to finish mask 3!
Mask 4 shakes spookily… you feel a little weaker!
>>654032
No time for games
Let's look for that key everywhere we can. Search for cabinets, stands, under the carpet…
No time for games
Let's look for that key everywhere we can. Search for cabinets, stands, under the carpet…
>>654032
I don't need no weapon!
Buck mask 3 out of the air with my back hooves! I'm not old enough to do that! '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
I don't need no weapon!
Buck mask 3 out of the air with my back hooves! I'm not old enough to do that! '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>654034
You crack mask 3 and it falls to the ground, useless.
Mask 4 shakes spookily and you feel very weak!
>>654033
You step on the carpet and immediately gasp as you fall through!
It was masking a great pit that ran the length of the chamber! A guttural growl greets you below…
A captive lion is here, and it looks hungry.
Captive Lion
Rhanna
You crack mask 3 and it falls to the ground, useless.
Mask 4 shakes spookily and you feel very weak!
>>654033
You step on the carpet and immediately gasp as you fall through!
It was masking a great pit that ran the length of the chamber! A guttural growl greets you below…
A captive lion is here, and it looks hungry.
Captive Lion
Rhanna
>>654038
Dang it! I can't fight a lion on my own!
'1d10' shoot it
'1d10' appraise
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 9 = 9
Dang it! I can't fight a lion on my own!
'1d10' shoot it
'1d10' appraise
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 9 = 9
>>654039
It resists your fire, even as the flames catch onto nearby pillows!
Aira finally overcomes her fear! "Mom, I'll help you!" Add +2 to your rolls.
>>654040
(Crit) It slashes a deep cut across your belly. That'll leave a mark.
Captive Lion [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Skills: Power Strike (recharge 1): reroll a glancing blow
Description: A starving lion. It will devour whatever meat is easiest for it to acquire.
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
It resists your fire, even as the flames catch onto nearby pillows!
Aira finally overcomes her fear! "Mom, I'll help you!" Add +2 to your rolls.
>>654040
(Crit) It slashes a deep cut across your belly. That'll leave a mark.
Captive Lion [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Skills: Power Strike (recharge 1): reroll a glancing blow
Description: A starving lion. It will devour whatever meat is easiest for it to acquire.
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>654043
Aira helps you aim your acid nozzle as your strength wanes, and with just the right aim, the acid blasts the mask and it melts!
"Whew… that was close."
Aira helps you aim your acid nozzle as your strength wanes, and with just the right aim, the acid blasts the mask and it melts!
"Whew… that was close."
>>654041
"Ack, you stupid…"
'1d10' shoot it again
'1d10' appraise it again, look for weak spots anything!
Roll #1 6 = 6 / Roll #2 8 = 8
"Ack, you stupid…"
'1d10' shoot it again
'1d10' appraise it again, look for weak spots anything!
Roll #1 6 = 6 / Roll #2 8 = 8
>>654045
"Hey, while I was… getting to cover, I checked out the back room. It looks like there was a key here, but it was taken. I found another one of those diary pages, though. Here."
The Beast Awakens - Gerald Gust
"If only Rhanna had been with us, this would've gone smoother!"
>>654046
It seems already weakened by its hunger, so it isn't at maximum health. The greatest tactical weakness it has is that it can be distracted if you have any meat food on you.
The lion tackles toward you in an attempt to finish you, but misses!
Captive Lion [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
"Hey, while I was… getting to cover, I checked out the back room. It looks like there was a key here, but it was taken. I found another one of those diary pages, though. Here."
The Beast Awakens - Gerald Gust
I don't claim to be a magician by any means, but I tinker with the odd object here and there and sometimes I can get it to work. I fiddled with one of these crystal orbs longer than I should have, but I finally got something out of it other than just mist. I saw them - they've got the slaves on the move. Clearing out the warrens down there, where they're keeping them, in the deepest pits. I wondered why at first, but then I heard the rumbling – well, the orb can't transmit that sound. Or the feeling. Or the smell… I need to find Caroline soon."If only Rhanna had been with us, this would've gone smoother!"
>>654046
It seems already weakened by its hunger, so it isn't at maximum health. The greatest tactical weakness it has is that it can be distracted if you have any meat food on you.
The lion tackles toward you in an attempt to finish you, but misses!
Captive Lion [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>654047
Smile at her as I take the page.
Fold it and put it in my saddlebags.
"Let's find her, you're right we should stick together."
Smile at her as I take the page.
Fold it and put it in my saddlebags.
"Let's find her, you're right we should stick together."
>>654050
Bazalazraz Tuitli
The unusual thing that strikes you about this building immediately is that unlike the others, it is not only broken up into smaller rooms, but it also has carpeting. Upon closer examination, the entire building is carpeted in the hides of animals. The first room which you are in, features a large mirror encrusted with skulls and vertebre, which makes you feel uneasy. You feel rather small in the scheme of the imposingly large mirror. There are doors to your left and right, both bearing forward.
Bazalazraz Tuitli
The unusual thing that strikes you about this building immediately is that unlike the others, it is not only broken up into smaller rooms, but it also has carpeting. Upon closer examination, the entire building is carpeted in the hides of animals. The first room which you are in, features a large mirror encrusted with skulls and vertebre, which makes you feel uneasy. You feel rather small in the scheme of the imposingly large mirror. There are doors to your left and right, both bearing forward.
>>654052
This room is carpeted like the previous one. The centerpiece here is a large, ornate drinking table which is itself built with real animal legs for, well, legs. There are two doors here: right, and ahead.
>>654053
It power strikes into you, digging deep!
Captive Lion [▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
This room is carpeted like the previous one. The centerpiece here is a large, ornate drinking table which is itself built with real animal legs for, well, legs. There are two doors here: right, and ahead.
>>654053
It power strikes into you, digging deep!
Captive Lion [▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>>654056
This is a large room - a sort of lounge. It is lengthy and extends far to the back, where the room is lit by a great fireplace. The room is dotted with large, comfortable stuffed chairs, and the walls lined with stuffed animal heads. There was a great red carpet along the middle of the room, but it has collapsed inward into a pit where Rhanna is fighting a captive lion. She has narrowly won, bleeding badly.
At the far end of the room, near the fireplace, there are two final doors: one to the left, and one to the right.
>>654058
With a last, decisive shot, you finish the lion. It collapses with one last defiant roar.
Selena has arrived above you.
This is a large room - a sort of lounge. It is lengthy and extends far to the back, where the room is lit by a great fireplace. The room is dotted with large, comfortable stuffed chairs, and the walls lined with stuffed animal heads. There was a great red carpet along the middle of the room, but it has collapsed inward into a pit where Rhanna is fighting a captive lion. She has narrowly won, bleeding badly.
At the far end of the room, near the fireplace, there are two final doors: one to the left, and one to the right.
>>654058
With a last, decisive shot, you finish the lion. It collapses with one last defiant roar.
Selena has arrived above you.
>>654060
You can't give her a health potion, she is already carrying one.
…She probably should've thought to drink it.
You can't give her a health potion, she is already carrying one.
…She probably should've thought to drink it.
>>654063
Pat her on the head.
"We'll stay together from now on. Did you find anything here?"
Also, take off my hat, I should help Aira. Try to pull out some guitar from my hat that would suit Aira. '1d10+2'
Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3
Pat her on the head.
"We'll stay together from now on. Did you find anything here?"
Also, take off my hat, I should help Aira. Try to pull out some guitar from my hat that would suit Aira. '1d10+2'
Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3
>>654069
You throw the bomb into the pit where it explodes. The flash of light makes you catch a glimpse of something sparkling below.
There's something hanging around the dead lion's neck.
You throw the bomb into the pit where it explodes. The flash of light makes you catch a glimpse of something sparkling below.
There's something hanging around the dead lion's neck.
>>654071
Not so much a collar as just a worn old rope. There's a silver key, that even now still turns on its own, tirelessly reshaping to fit a lock of similar construction.
Aira shouts from above: "I found another diary page if you want it!"
Not so much a collar as just a worn old rope. There's a silver key, that even now still turns on its own, tirelessly reshaping to fit a lock of similar construction.
Aira shouts from above: "I found another diary page if you want it!"
>>654075
"Here, read it yourself."
Blood and Numbers - Gerald Gust
"Here, read it yourself."
Blood and Numbers - Gerald Gust
As far as I can tell, the demon that they have down here, that they make all the sacrifices to… it has something to do with math. It tells them things, like an oracle, but it speaks in a different tongue. An entire language evolved around it - their upper class write in it and speak in it while the lower class use a more vulgar tongue more similar to what we speak. The language is called Q, and it seems to revolve around the number five. Is there something more to this mystery? What purpose do the sacrifices serve? Why do they worship it? Does it even matter?>>654076
"He sure likes to write a lot! Maybe we should see one of the other rooms before we leave!"
I want muh fur skin to have a coat made.
"He sure likes to write a lot! Maybe we should see one of the other rooms before we leave!"
I want muh fur skin to have a coat made.
>>654077
"Yeah, there are a lot of these already…"
There are four doors - two of which are standing open. Rhanna relates she entered from the one you didn't enter from.
"Yeah, there are a lot of these already…"
There are four doors - two of which are standing open. Rhanna relates she entered from the one you didn't enter from.
>>654078
"I don't understand why he did it though…maybe I should write a diary and leave it all over the place."
Let's try one of the closed doors!
"I don't understand why he did it though…maybe I should write a diary and leave it all over the place."
Let's try one of the closed doors!
>>654079
You check the back room on the right. This room is something of a small armory - or was. The racks are now barren, no doubt being used in the fight above. Not even a single weapon remains, although there is a big keg of gunpowder.
Aira tries the other door while you're looking in there. "This door is jammed! I don't think we're getting it open from this side without some overwhelming force, and I left my battering ram back in New Earth."
You check the back room on the right. This room is something of a small armory - or was. The racks are now barren, no doubt being used in the fight above. Not even a single weapon remains, although there is a big keg of gunpowder.
Aira tries the other door while you're looking in there. "This door is jammed! I don't think we're getting it open from this side without some overwhelming force, and I left my battering ram back in New Earth."
>>654080
Pull a set of papers from my hat, preferably with a pen '1d10+2'
"How convenient! Help me with this barrel of gunpowder!"
Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10
Pull a set of papers from my hat, preferably with a pen '1d10+2'
"How convenient! Help me with this barrel of gunpowder!"
Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10
>>654081
Sure, you pull out a little writer's kit.
"Woah, that's a big keg. For you."
You roll the keg over near the door. You don't shoot it while Aira is over there, because if you pulled that off she would die.
Sure, you pull out a little writer's kit.
"Woah, that's a big keg. For you."
You roll the keg over near the door. You don't shoot it while Aira is over there, because if you pulled that off she would die.
>>654082
You bet I won't!
Wait until Aira is safe and then shoot it!
Also, I need an update on what's in my saddlebags since I pull so much stuff out of my hat sometime.
You bet I won't!
Wait until Aira is safe and then shoot it!
Also, I need an update on what's in my saddlebags since I pull so much stuff out of my hat sometime.
>>654083
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MK4AXSa7X6DTNeS6Flw9ddjfw0R-g7nMAITXj37dcfo/edit
The powder keg explodes! The doorway has been totally blown away! Smoke fills the crevice where it once stood.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MK4AXSa7X6DTNeS6Flw9ddjfw0R-g7nMAITXj37dcfo/edit
The powder keg explodes! The doorway has been totally blown away! Smoke fills the crevice where it once stood.
>>654084
Grab my trusty machete!
And take a look, coat pls!
Yes, I know I should be pulling that coat out of my hat.
Grab my trusty machete!
And take a look, coat pls!
Yes, I know I should be pulling that coat out of my hat.
>>654085
Jackpot. It looks like this is where all the good stuff is. There are a bunch of bolts of unprocessed hides, but eventually you find a nice fur coat.
"Mom, this isn't the time to be accessorizing! …Although it is a really nice coat."
Jackpot. It looks like this is where all the good stuff is. There are a bunch of bolts of unprocessed hides, but eventually you find a nice fur coat.
"Mom, this isn't the time to be accessorizing! …Although it is a really nice coat."
>>654086
Yes! Put it in my saddlebags.
"I know there's not much time, but by Celestia, the one time I can get a fur coat for free I'm not gonna let it slip. Let's go back to that door."
Yes! Put it in my saddlebags.
"I know there's not much time, but by Celestia, the one time I can get a fur coat for free I'm not gonna let it slip. Let's go back to that door."
>>654087
Finally, you return to the door and stick in the key. It takes some timing to match it with the spin of the lock, but finally it clicks into place and slowly turns, opening the huge bolts inside the door.
After much rumbling and sliding, the door suddenly pops open a couple of inches, freed from the alignment of the bolts.
Pause
Finally, you return to the door and stick in the key. It takes some timing to match it with the spin of the lock, but finally it clicks into place and slowly turns, opening the huge bolts inside the door.
After much rumbling and sliding, the door suddenly pops open a couple of inches, freed from the alignment of the bolts.
Pause
Lower City Depths
The grand promenade which hosted the grand gate you just opened gives way in short order to a split in the path, to circle around an enormous pit, itself the home of many stone structures. From here, you can gaze down on a city of the enslaved, although it seems eerily empty. At the far end of the pit, there is a great gate emitting a bright red light. To get there, you'll either need to circle around the pit - a much longer trip that involves passing past more boarded up buildings like the ones you just encountered - or cut through the slave camp below, braving whatever terrible encounters no doubt populate its depths.
The grand promenade which hosted the grand gate you just opened gives way in short order to a split in the path, to circle around an enormous pit, itself the home of many stone structures. From here, you can gaze down on a city of the enslaved, although it seems eerily empty. At the far end of the pit, there is a great gate emitting a bright red light. To get there, you'll either need to circle around the pit - a much longer trip that involves passing past more boarded up buildings like the ones you just encountered - or cut through the slave camp below, braving whatever terrible encounters no doubt populate its depths.
>>654113
"That must be the city of slaves that pony wrote about!
We'll go through it, we can't afford too waste too much time and maybe there's still somepony down there who can help us!"
"That must be the city of slaves that pony wrote about!
We'll go through it, we can't afford too waste too much time and maybe there's still somepony down there who can help us!"
>>654123
"Be that as it may, you want to get to fight those cultists right? If we don't hurry up, they'll all be dead before we get there!"
"Be that as it may, you want to get to fight those cultists right? If we don't hurry up, they'll all be dead before we get there!"
>>654126
The youth of today, no sense of adventure!
"All right, keep up then."
Start going around the pit in a good trotting pace.
The youth of today, no sense of adventure!
"All right, keep up then."
Start going around the pit in a good trotting pace.
>>654126
''yeah, and I came to the conclusion that you're weighting us down Maeda!''
Snicker ''Not really, I'm jut messing with you''
let's follow the blue mare
''yeah, and I came to the conclusion that you're weighting us down Maeda!''
Snicker ''Not really, I'm jut messing with you''
let's follow the blue mare
>>654118
>>654119
>>654120
>>654123
Slave City
Selena leads the party down a primary set of stairs to a wicker gate at a fortified stone wall. The slave city itself has bamboo crossbars across the top of it to prevent pegasus slaves from simply floating away, although with weapons it wouldn't be particularly hard to break through. On the other hand, the gate itself may not even be locked.
>>654119
>>654120
>>654123
Slave City
Selena leads the party down a primary set of stairs to a wicker gate at a fortified stone wall. The slave city itself has bamboo crossbars across the top of it to prevent pegasus slaves from simply floating away, although with weapons it wouldn't be particularly hard to break through. On the other hand, the gate itself may not even be locked.
>>654142
I think Selena should go first
Then Aira then Rhanna, then you.
Someone needs to watch our backs!
I think Selena should go first
Then Aira then Rhanna, then you.
Someone needs to watch our backs!
>>654144
Fervor, jump spearfirst into the face of one of the cultists, trying to avoid the slave!
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
Fervor, jump spearfirst into the face of one of the cultists, trying to avoid the slave!
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>654149
You glancingly hit the first slavemaster, who returns in kind and orders an attack on you as well! (Glancing, crit, full)
>>654150
A slave strikes at you with a pitchfork!
>>654148
You get ganged up on by a slavemaster (2) and a slave! The slave misses you entirely but the slavemaster uses the opening to secure a crit on you!
Aira replies: "I can help if we find an instrument!"
Slavemaster 1
Slave 1
Slave 2
Slavemaster 2
Slave 3
Slave 4
Maeda Tree [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
You glancingly hit the first slavemaster, who returns in kind and orders an attack on you as well! (Glancing, crit, full)
>>654150
A slave strikes at you with a pitchfork!
>>654148
You get ganged up on by a slavemaster (2) and a slave! The slave misses you entirely but the slavemaster uses the opening to secure a crit on you!
Aira replies: "I can help if we find an instrument!"
Slavemaster 1
Slave 1
Slave 2
Slavemaster 2
Slave 3
Slave 4
Maeda Tree [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>654152
Wait I thought we couldn't act on this first turn!
Let's back off and prepare our bolts!
'1d10' sharpen
'1d10' appraise the first slavemaster
Roll #1 9 = 9 / Roll #2 6 = 6
Wait I thought we couldn't act on this first turn!
Let's back off and prepare our bolts!
'1d10' sharpen
'1d10' appraise the first slavemaster
Roll #1 9 = 9 / Roll #2 6 = 6
>>654152
"Turn on your slavers, we are here to save this town!"
'1d10' again, against the slavemaster.
Roll #1 8 = 8
"Turn on your slavers, we are here to save this town!"
'1d10' again, against the slavemaster.
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>654153
You tighten the mechanism in your crossbow, making it launch with more power!
Slavemaster 1 [░░░░░░]
Bonds of Fear: passive; When killed, associated slaves abandon the fight.
Slavemaster 2 dives in for another crushing critical hit, bashing you over the head with a cudgel!
>>654156
You pull out a French horn. Too big to fit out of a hat normally, but you had the roll for it.
Two slaves gang up on you and each glancingly hit at you, slashing at your cape half-heartedly as you dance out of range.
>>654157
You critically strike the slavemaster, finishing him off. The two slaves under him make a break for the door outta here!
You collapse, fervor wearing off!
Slavemaster 2
Slave 3
Slave 4
Maeda Tree [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░] HLP
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓░░░░░░░░] (POT)
You tighten the mechanism in your crossbow, making it launch with more power!
Slavemaster 1 [░░░░░░]
Bonds of Fear: passive; When killed, associated slaves abandon the fight.
Slavemaster 2 dives in for another crushing critical hit, bashing you over the head with a cudgel!
>>654156
You pull out a French horn. Too big to fit out of a hat normally, but you had the roll for it.
Two slaves gang up on you and each glancingly hit at you, slashing at your cape half-heartedly as you dance out of range.
>>654157
You critically strike the slavemaster, finishing him off. The two slaves under him make a break for the door outta here!
You collapse, fervor wearing off!
Slavemaster 2
Slave 3
Slave 4
Maeda Tree [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░] HLP
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓░░░░░░░░] (POT)
>>654163
and here i was thinking it was just automatic
let's shoot that bozo slavemaster 2 in the face then
and here i was thinking it was just automatic
let's shoot that bozo slavemaster 2 in the face then
>>654158
Throw the French horn to Aira.
If I still can do something I'd like to Alchemist Fire that Slavemaster! '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Throw the French horn to Aira.
If I still can do something I'd like to Alchemist Fire that Slavemaster! '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>654170
>>654169
You take a breather. That was a tough assault!
One of the slaves half-heartedly attacks you!
>>654167
She plays her horn to inspire you. It's not bad, considering she has never touched one before.
You burn him, but he dodges, reducing the damage!
>>654167
He dodges your poorly aimed arrow entirely!
One of the slaves half-heartedly attacks you!
Maeda Tree [▓▓░░░░░░░░░] HLP
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓░░░░░░░░]
>>654169
You take a breather. That was a tough assault!
One of the slaves half-heartedly attacks you!
>>654167
She plays her horn to inspire you. It's not bad, considering she has never touched one before.
You burn him, but he dodges, reducing the damage!
>>654167
He dodges your poorly aimed arrow entirely!
One of the slaves half-heartedly attacks you!
Maeda Tree [▓▓░░░░░░░░░] HLP
Selena [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓░░░░░░░░]
>>654173
She's such a talent!
Is there a way to capture the slavemaster?
I mean can I shoot him to the ground without killing him?
She's such a talent!
Is there a way to capture the slavemaster?
I mean can I shoot him to the ground without killing him?
>>654174
You suspect fanatical cultists are low on the 'likely to surrender' list, but you could try to knock him out cold by bludgeoning him over the head if you get the finishing blow as opposed to your comrades.
You suspect fanatical cultists are low on the 'likely to surrender' list, but you could try to knock him out cold by bludgeoning him over the head if you get the finishing blow as opposed to your comrades.
>>654192
>>654193
>>654194
"Moooom!"
You proceed deeper. You come to a section where the path has collapsed - leaving an uneven slope down to the bamboo bars below. There is a way around, however: it looks like pedestrians have been filtering through what appears to be some sort of construction shop. You could also ferry over by pegasus wings, although you would make an appetizing target for any ranged warriors laying in wait…
>>654195
Yes
>>654193
>>654194
"Moooom!"
You proceed deeper. You come to a section where the path has collapsed - leaving an uneven slope down to the bamboo bars below. There is a way around, however: it looks like pedestrians have been filtering through what appears to be some sort of construction shop. You could also ferry over by pegasus wings, although you would make an appetizing target for any ranged warriors laying in wait…
>>654195
Yes
>>654199
>>654198
>>654197
In the foyer of this building is a large dogoid statue encrusted with gemstones. It seems to have been carved out of the sheer rock of the ground and is posed as though it is holding up the roof. At its feet is another Gust diary. The shop extends deeper with another door to the back, or you can return to the path through the other shop door on the opposite side past the statue.
>>654198
>>654197
In the foyer of this building is a large dogoid statue encrusted with gemstones. It seems to have been carved out of the sheer rock of the ground and is posed as though it is holding up the roof. At its feet is another Gust diary. The shop extends deeper with another door to the back, or you can return to the path through the other shop door on the opposite side past the statue.
>>654200
Take the diary, sparing a glance for the statue.
I have the distinct feeling touching those gems would be a bad idea.
Take the diary, sparing a glance for the statue.
I have the distinct feeling touching those gems would be a bad idea.
>>654201
No one obvious…
>>654202
The Demon's Operation - Gerald Gust
>>654203
You're too distracted by its awesome pecs!
No one obvious…
>>654202
The Demon's Operation - Gerald Gust
The insane cultists here are blinded by some sort of promises in their own tongue, but it's clear that this 'religion' of theirs is no more than a front for an insane foray into the forbidden machinations of a beast. They carve out the ground with their slaves and twist the ores into incredible devices under its watchful eye… I've heard them whispering about the Demon's Lair… I think it is just beyond those glowing stairs. Why is it getting so hot down here?>>654203
You're too distracted by its awesome pecs!
>>654211
The statue, although with all natural curves, has hairline cracks near the joints. They're very thin though, you wouldn't notice unless you were looking closely.
The statue, although with all natural curves, has hairline cracks near the joints. They're very thin though, you wouldn't notice unless you were looking closely.
>>654212
hmmmnn
let's take 6 to pay real good attention to this statue, which I should have done before!
hmmmnn
let's take 6 to pay real good attention to this statue, which I should have done before!
>>654213
The fine lines along its joints seem to be enough to let it move. It is, however, silent and still.
The fine lines along its joints seem to be enough to let it move. It is, however, silent and still.
>>654214
''Huh…Yo I think this thing moves…Or it's either controlled''
Can I spot any signs of magic in those crystals?
''Huh…Yo I think this thing moves…Or it's either controlled''
Can I spot any signs of magic in those crystals?
>>654216
This is a fine statue of ornate make. It is gem encrusted and depicts a dogoid shape holding up the roof of the chamber.
This is a fine statue of ornate make. It is gem encrusted and depicts a dogoid shape holding up the roof of the chamber.
>>654219
Nothing obvious stands out in the room. Perhaps in the back room somewhere.
>>654220
"It just creeps me out. I think we should move on and try to get to that door. Who knows if Aria is still okay? It looks like they already moved the slaves, and based on that diary I think they were being taken down to the demon itself…"
Nothing obvious stands out in the room. Perhaps in the back room somewhere.
>>654220
"It just creeps me out. I think we should move on and try to get to that door. Who knows if Aria is still okay? It looks like they already moved the slaves, and based on that diary I think they were being taken down to the demon itself…"
>>654221
There might be some mean things hiding behind that room though…
Let's sneak our way in veeery quietly
There might be some mean things hiding behind that room though…
Let's sneak our way in veeery quietly
>>654223
You ease open the door and stick your head in. It's pitch dark inside without light.
You ease open the door and stick your head in. It's pitch dark inside without light.
Aira breaks the silence as Rhanna looks over the statue more closely.
"So, mom, you said you used to work with that 'Abilio'… so he was on that pirate fleet, right? You never really told us many stories about that time. What made you leave?"
The memory of '84 comes to mind. The great divergence. Abilio retired two years after the Neighpon incident: enough time to settle the fleet, but the transition wasn't a smooth one. When he left, the fleet split into so many different directions with different captains taking each ship. The fleet, in its past form, was done. Light Heart to the south seas with her Sirocco, Chip took a new ship the fleet had acquired, a sort of ice breaker, into the north. He said it was to be closer to his homeland, but everypony knew he lusted for the gemstones of Crystalport. Flowing and Tela each took their own ships to unknown destinations, although the former probably went back to Neighpon. Tela… she must have ended up with Emrille somehow - it might be work asking that story of her someday.
Is Aira old enough to know about how the pirate days ended?
"So, mom, you said you used to work with that 'Abilio'… so he was on that pirate fleet, right? You never really told us many stories about that time. What made you leave?"
The memory of '84 comes to mind. The great divergence. Abilio retired two years after the Neighpon incident: enough time to settle the fleet, but the transition wasn't a smooth one. When he left, the fleet split into so many different directions with different captains taking each ship. The fleet, in its past form, was done. Light Heart to the south seas with her Sirocco, Chip took a new ship the fleet had acquired, a sort of ice breaker, into the north. He said it was to be closer to his homeland, but everypony knew he lusted for the gemstones of Crystalport. Flowing and Tela each took their own ships to unknown destinations, although the former probably went back to Neighpon. Tela… she must have ended up with Emrille somehow - it might be work asking that story of her someday.
Is Aira old enough to know about how the pirate days ended?
>>654684
What a time to bring that up…but with all these ponies here, it's only natural she has questions.
Take a few moments to answer.
"Yes." I say finally. "Abilio was the Commodore at the time. He was a friend of your grandmother and that's how I came to work on his fleet.
To tell you the truth, he wasn't really a pirate at all. Just a mage trying to make the best of things. I never saw him do any evil things. He surely didn't deserve what happened to him…"
What a time to bring that up…but with all these ponies here, it's only natural she has questions.
Take a few moments to answer.
"Yes." I say finally. "Abilio was the Commodore at the time. He was a friend of your grandmother and that's how I came to work on his fleet.
To tell you the truth, he wasn't really a pirate at all. Just a mage trying to make the best of things. I never saw him do any evil things. He surely didn't deserve what happened to him…"
>>654704
"To be honest with you, in the excitement of that brawl we had in the magic shop, I can't remember."
"To be honest with you, in the excitement of that brawl we had in the magic shop, I can't remember."
>>654706
"She said Abilio died and his family disappeared. Now I'm pretty sure he would be able to fake his own death, but still it's not fair. He wasn't pirate, he didn't go around murdering ponies. He just did his job. He helped out his friends. When he left with his family, we all missed him dearly…"
"She said Abilio died and his family disappeared. Now I'm pretty sure he would be able to fake his own death, but still it's not fair. He wasn't pirate, he didn't go around murdering ponies. He just did his job. He helped out his friends. When he left with his family, we all missed him dearly…"
>>654714
"Hmmm, well both you and Aria were very young at the time. When Abilio left, the time came for a new Commodore. But there were many who wanted to be Commodore who nopony else wanted to follow and there were others who didn't want to lead but others wanted to follow.
In just a short few weeks, the whole fleet broke up. Each captain and their crew sailing off where they wanted to go."
Wanna continue, but I don't remember what ship the lab was on, I don't think it was the Sirocco?
"Hmmm, well both you and Aria were very young at the time. When Abilio left, the time came for a new Commodore. But there were many who wanted to be Commodore who nopony else wanted to follow and there were others who didn't want to lead but others wanted to follow.
In just a short few weeks, the whole fleet broke up. Each captain and their crew sailing off where they wanted to go."
Wanna continue, but I don't remember what ship the lab was on, I don't think it was the Sirocco?
>>654720
The Darklantern, which was by far the largest - it's about as large as a ship could imaginably be, which is why the size of the Eagle's Nest was so shocking
The Darklantern, which was by far the largest - it's about as large as a ship could imaginably be, which is why the size of the Eagle's Nest was so shocking
>>654724
>>654723
>>654722
With the disappearance of Emrille and the retiring of Abilio + Cloudy, the Darklantern fell to Rusty Wrench's command. Light Heart took the Sirocco, September took the Seaworthy, Tela the Hourglass. There were two ships acquired in the intervening years by the fleet - names now unimportant. One was an icebreaker that Chip took to the north, and the other was a trusty carrack named Yamato that Flowing Tree took to his own ends.
>>654723
>>654722
With the disappearance of Emrille and the retiring of Abilio + Cloudy, the Darklantern fell to Rusty Wrench's command. Light Heart took the Sirocco, September took the Seaworthy, Tela the Hourglass. There were two ships acquired in the intervening years by the fleet - names now unimportant. One was an icebreaker that Chip took to the north, and the other was a trusty carrack named Yamato that Flowing Tree took to his own ends.
>>654720
"You know, before that I worked on a lab on one of the ships with Aloë, she was a cow. A very talented one! I liked her a lot. She was smart and she was always game for a good talk. When the ships started dispersing I was faced with the decision of staying on the Darklantern with her, or going with Light Heart on her ship. It was hard but your father going with Light Heart tipped made me go on the Sirocco…
I wonder what happened to Aloë…"
"You know, before that I worked on a lab on one of the ships with Aloë, she was a cow. A very talented one! I liked her a lot. She was smart and she was always game for a good talk. When the ships started dispersing I was faced with the decision of staying on the Darklantern with her, or going with Light Heart on her ship. It was hard but your father going with Light Heart tipped made me go on the Sirocco…
I wonder what happened to Aloë…"
>>654733
"No, I didn't own her! She came from some northern land where cows have towns and live in houses!"
"No, I didn't own her! She came from some northern land where cows have towns and live in houses!"
>>654734
"Wouldn't they all just wander the fields all day grazing and get picked off by wolves since cows are too small minded to take care of themselves?"
"Wouldn't they all just wander the fields all day grazing and get picked off by wolves since cows are too small minded to take care of themselves?"
>>654738
"Well apparently those cows there are smart enough to not just take care of themselves but to thrive! I'm telling you, don't be too snarky, because Aloë was a lot better in Alchemy than most ponies I've met!"
"Well apparently those cows there are smart enough to not just take care of themselves but to thrive! I'm telling you, don't be too snarky, because Aloë was a lot better in Alchemy than most ponies I've met!"
>>654740
"Hm… so, you quit because the fleet broke up?"
Do you want to remember about the end of your pirate days?
"Hm… so, you quit because the fleet broke up?"
Do you want to remember about the end of your pirate days?
>>654741
I doubt Selena would have just gone off because the fleet broke up, she'd have stayed with LH and Face for a while.
Remembering!
I doubt Selena would have just gone off because the fleet broke up, she'd have stayed with LH and Face for a while.
Remembering!
>>654742
The warmth of sun tickles your face. You stretch restlessly in your cot until eventually, there is too much impetus to wake. Opening one eye, you can see the bed is empty save for yourself and Aria, curled up against your stomach. She's so affectionate, you can hardly imagine she'll ever go through a rebellious phase. Normally they sleep in their own beds, but there has been extra space in yours lately. Face has been avoiding you, it seems like. You don't want to jump to conclusions: he is a spy, after all. It's just… weird. He keeps saying he's busy with work. You wouldn't want to doubt him, but the bed is empty another night…
Even now, it's just you and the twins.
The warmth of sun tickles your face. You stretch restlessly in your cot until eventually, there is too much impetus to wake. Opening one eye, you can see the bed is empty save for yourself and Aria, curled up against your stomach. She's so affectionate, you can hardly imagine she'll ever go through a rebellious phase. Normally they sleep in their own beds, but there has been extra space in yours lately. Face has been avoiding you, it seems like. You don't want to jump to conclusions: he is a spy, after all. It's just… weird. He keeps saying he's busy with work. You wouldn't want to doubt him, but the bed is empty another night…
Even now, it's just you and the twins.
>>654747
Yawn sleepily and nuzzle the sleeping Aria.
Look around, ever since the Darklantern left, I don't really have a lab to work with anymore, no need to get up early. But it makes me feel so useless on the ship… at least I'm not useless here with Aria and Aira.
Take a look towards Aira's bed, is she sleeping soundly?
Yawn sleepily and nuzzle the sleeping Aria.
Look around, ever since the Darklantern left, I don't really have a lab to work with anymore, no need to get up early. But it makes me feel so useless on the ship… at least I'm not useless here with Aria and Aira.
Take a look towards Aira's bed, is she sleeping soundly?
>>654748
She's sprawled out across their twin bed, mouth open and asleep. The mighty winds above filtered through the many sails of the Sirocco dispense a gentle, cool breeze into your room - now that you're out of the sunspot.
Aria turns over but doesn't open her eyes.
She's sprawled out across their twin bed, mouth open and asleep. The mighty winds above filtered through the many sails of the Sirocco dispense a gentle, cool breeze into your room - now that you're out of the sunspot.
Aria turns over but doesn't open her eyes.
>>654749
Rub my eyes.
I should go see what's going on.
Carefully pick Aria up and bring her back to her bed….
Rub my eyes.
I should go see what's going on.
Carefully pick Aria up and bring her back to her bed….
>>654752
She kicks sleepily as you lift her, but she stops as you deposit her back on her own bed. Aria developed the habit of transferring to your own due to Aira's unfortunate bedwetting period, but at long last, she seems to be over it. They're almost four now.
She kicks sleepily as you lift her, but she stops as you deposit her back on her own bed. Aria developed the habit of transferring to your own due to Aira's unfortunate bedwetting period, but at long last, she seems to be over it. They're almost four now.
>>654757
Between Germaney and Prance, there is a new land rising. It is a place for traders - in the lowlands drained of their water by great pumps, and protected by huge levees. Now your ship is docked at Witherloo, which was once on a swampy island, but is now a port of the mainland.
The crew is partially at ease. The mild waters inside the locks of the port are not prone to emergency calls to stations, but it is a risk to come to Witherloo. This is one heart of a new movement of traders - and merchants are far from friendly to pirates. Light Heart is away on engagement - some sort of diplomatic play, no doubt. She hopes to leverage her tongue against these traders, but it is still an uncomfortable situation.
Face isn't on deck as far as you can see.
Between Germaney and Prance, there is a new land rising. It is a place for traders - in the lowlands drained of their water by great pumps, and protected by huge levees. Now your ship is docked at Witherloo, which was once on a swampy island, but is now a port of the mainland.
The crew is partially at ease. The mild waters inside the locks of the port are not prone to emergency calls to stations, but it is a risk to come to Witherloo. This is one heart of a new movement of traders - and merchants are far from friendly to pirates. Light Heart is away on engagement - some sort of diplomatic play, no doubt. She hopes to leverage her tongue against these traders, but it is still an uncomfortable situation.
Face isn't on deck as far as you can see.
>>654761
She'll be sure to screw them…in the contracts. She always does.
No Face? Go look over the leaning of the ship.
Why, why is he avoiding me…I think back on the last couple of weeks. I doubt it's anything I did…No wait, maybe I'm just imagining things, he's probably very busy…
Shake my head.
I should get something to eat for me and the twins.
She'll be sure to screw them…in the contracts. She always does.
No Face? Go look over the leaning of the ship.
Why, why is he avoiding me…I think back on the last couple of weeks. I doubt it's anything I did…No wait, maybe I'm just imagining things, he's probably very busy…
Shake my head.
I should get something to eat for me and the twins.
>>654769
Nothing seems to come to mind immediately as the cause, in any case. You head down to the hold of the ship, which also hosts the larder. The quartermaster down here is a mousy little brown mare who wears a yellow cap and outfit. "Here for some experiment ingredients, Springleaf?"
Nothing seems to come to mind immediately as the cause, in any case. You head down to the hold of the ship, which also hosts the larder. The quartermaster down here is a mousy little brown mare who wears a yellow cap and outfit. "Here for some experiment ingredients, Springleaf?"
>>654783
"Next time you see him at breakfast, tell him his foals don't like how he's always up so early"
Go away back to my cabin.
"Next time you see him at breakfast, tell him his foals don't like how he's always up so early"
Go away back to my cabin.
>>654785
You remember waking the twins and eating breakfast, but that's not so important to the story… It wasn't until the evening, when you were turning some dishes back in to the quartermaster, that you got a response. You dropped off your dishes, and as you were trotting away, she called after you:
"He said he was staying in town, at a hotel."
You remember waking the twins and eating breakfast, but that's not so important to the story… It wasn't until the evening, when you were turning some dishes back in to the quartermaster, that you got a response. You dropped off your dishes, and as you were trotting away, she called after you:
"He said he was staying in town, at a hotel."
>>654787
!
Stop dead in my tracks.
"Which?"
I'll need to ask LH to watch the foals.
And pack some bags…just in case.
!
Stop dead in my tracks.
"Which?"
I'll need to ask LH to watch the foals.
And pack some bags…just in case.
>>654791
Light Heart is still out on the town… You can probably get somepony trustworthy to watch the foals, but you don't suspect Face would've given out the name of the location if it was somewhere he shouldn't be contacted at.
Light Heart is still out on the town… You can probably get somepony trustworthy to watch the foals, but you don't suspect Face would've given out the name of the location if it was somewhere he shouldn't be contacted at.
>>654792
Yeah, I wonder why he told that one mare he would be staying in a hotel and which hotel.
I'll get somepony to watch the foals.
And pack some bags.
Get my lucky hat, and my nice red cape.
Time to go.
Yeah, I wonder why he told that one mare he would be staying in a hotel and which hotel.
I'll get somepony to watch the foals.
And pack some bags.
Get my lucky hat, and my nice red cape.
Time to go.
>>654835
>>654795
The Great Detective may be the oldest hotel in Witherloo, but it's hardly the nicest place you've seen. It's aged, and vines run up its sides. The grounds do not have the flourishing gardens that other hotels boast: instead it is squarely on a large rock outcrop, two feet above street level. The sinking nature of the swampy ground that Witherloo is built on necessitated a strong support in the distant past. The structure itself isn't much to look at: a dull brick red, and besides the vines there is little adornment. There is no facade and the windows look dated - glass slumping in the frames. The structure is three levels tall, and found in the old main street of Witherloo, far from the commercial action of the port which now dominates the city.
A little bell sounds off as you open the door, drawing the attention of an elderly mare at the counter. "Looking for a room dearie?"
>>654795
The Great Detective may be the oldest hotel in Witherloo, but it's hardly the nicest place you've seen. It's aged, and vines run up its sides. The grounds do not have the flourishing gardens that other hotels boast: instead it is squarely on a large rock outcrop, two feet above street level. The sinking nature of the swampy ground that Witherloo is built on necessitated a strong support in the distant past. The structure itself isn't much to look at: a dull brick red, and besides the vines there is little adornment. There is no facade and the windows look dated - glass slumping in the frames. The structure is three levels tall, and found in the old main street of Witherloo, far from the commercial action of the port which now dominates the city.
A little bell sounds off as you open the door, drawing the attention of an elderly mare at the counter. "Looking for a room dearie?"
>>654836
She looks like she came with the hotel!
Smile.
"Hello miss, I was looking for a friend of mine, his name's Face…"
She looks like she came with the hotel!
Smile.
"Hello miss, I was looking for a friend of mine, his name's Face…"
>>654837
"Hm… let me see…"
She dons a pair of thick glasses and fusses over a book. "No one under that name, first or last. Are you sure they've arrived yet? We only have twelve rooms, though, and only five are occupied tonight."
"Hm… let me see…"
She dons a pair of thick glasses and fusses over a book. "No one under that name, first or last. Are you sure they've arrived yet? We only have twelve rooms, though, and only five are occupied tonight."
>>654839
"We did have a stallion with a black cape like that come in yesterday for a two-night stay, but his name is under Mr. Roger. Funny enough, there is a note here to give a key to any mares who come by asking for entry to his room. He's up on the third floor, room 3C. Be careful on the stairs, dear – the light is just awful in there. I've been trying to get the husband to put in a window but he's so stubborn, you know how they are."
"We did have a stallion with a black cape like that come in yesterday for a two-night stay, but his name is under Mr. Roger. Funny enough, there is a note here to give a key to any mares who come by asking for entry to his room. He's up on the third floor, room 3C. Be careful on the stairs, dear – the light is just awful in there. I've been trying to get the husband to put in a window but he's so stubborn, you know how they are."
>>654841
Before I just open the door and enter the room though…listen at the door.
I suddenly don't feel too sure about this anymore…
Before I just open the door and enter the room though…listen at the door.
I suddenly don't feel too sure about this anymore…
>>654841
The stairwell lives up to its promises, it's pitch black! By keeping a hoof on the rail, you work your way up - albeit slowly - to the third floor. The landing ends here - no roof access via stairs. The third floor is quiet - isolated even among the relatively easygoing mainstreet. Moreover, you're guessing only one room on this floor is occupied: no reason for other ponies to want to haul their luggage up two flights of pitch black stairs to get up here. The hall is basically nondescript brick, periodically broken with spruce log doors. The third, at the end, is carved in elegant but worn lettering: 3C
The stairwell lives up to its promises, it's pitch black! By keeping a hoof on the rail, you work your way up - albeit slowly - to the third floor. The landing ends here - no roof access via stairs. The third floor is quiet - isolated even among the relatively easygoing mainstreet. Moreover, you're guessing only one room on this floor is occupied: no reason for other ponies to want to haul their luggage up two flights of pitch black stairs to get up here. The hall is basically nondescript brick, periodically broken with spruce log doors. The third, at the end, is carved in elegant but worn lettering: 3C
>>654843
Gulp…suddenly this doesn't seem as easy as it was in my mind…
Slowly walk to the door….just lay my ear on the door and listen…
Gulp…suddenly this doesn't seem as easy as it was in my mind…
Slowly walk to the door….just lay my ear on the door and listen…
>>654845
Fiddle a bit with my hooves.
Trot quietly away to the stairs again.
In my mind I'm practicing exactly what I'll say. That I'm sick of his behaviour and that he can either be a father or I'm leaving.
Yes…that sounds good right?
Take a deep breath and trot back to the room. Put in the key and open the door…
Fiddle a bit with my hooves.
Trot quietly away to the stairs again.
In my mind I'm practicing exactly what I'll say. That I'm sick of his behaviour and that he can either be a father or I'm leaving.
Yes…that sounds good right?
Take a deep breath and trot back to the room. Put in the key and open the door…
>>654846
The room looks little changed for hosting its occupant: nothing but regular furniture and an added telescope at the window. The lack of a bag in the room suggests he either brought nothing with him, or it's in the attached washroom.
Face is on the bed, sitting bolt upright with his eyes closed. He seems intently focused on something. His coat looks faintly damp, as if having recently washed or sweating. He is faintly shaking. Even now, he wears the black cape that you were gifted by Fly. It was something of a collaboration of yours: layering upon it disguise spells to make it more useful for his spy work. It seems he never goes anywhere without it lately.
As you swing open the door, it creeks, and Face opens an eye. The iris is dilated initially, but after a moment it focuses on you, and he drops the awkward posture, rising. "Selena…" he starts. After a pause he rises from the bed. "I'm glad you came. We need to talk."
The room looks little changed for hosting its occupant: nothing but regular furniture and an added telescope at the window. The lack of a bag in the room suggests he either brought nothing with him, or it's in the attached washroom.
Face is on the bed, sitting bolt upright with his eyes closed. He seems intently focused on something. His coat looks faintly damp, as if having recently washed or sweating. He is faintly shaking. Even now, he wears the black cape that you were gifted by Fly. It was something of a collaboration of yours: layering upon it disguise spells to make it more useful for his spy work. It seems he never goes anywhere without it lately.
As you swing open the door, it creeks, and Face opens an eye. The iris is dilated initially, but after a moment it focuses on you, and he drops the awkward posture, rising. "Selena…" he starts. After a pause he rises from the bed. "I'm glad you came. We need to talk."
>>654847
Perk my ears and gallop to him worriedly.
"Face, what's going on? You don't look well…"
Quickly scan around the room, there's not any pipes around the room are there?
Perk my ears and gallop to him worriedly.
"Face, what's going on? You don't look well…"
Quickly scan around the room, there's not any pipes around the room are there?
>>654848
Not of the smoking kind nor of the indoor plumbing kind (as if this place would have it!) - he seems tense, but he embraces you suddenly and without warning.
"I should have said something sooner. There is… something that I need to do. I thought I had more time but… no one's luck lasts forever."
He pauses and frowns. "Sorry… being vague - not on purpose. I was… looking into some of our ex-fleet mates. What happened to them. I need to… go on a longterm mission, Selena. I'm sorry."
It's definitely sweat. He reeks of it.
Not of the smoking kind nor of the indoor plumbing kind (as if this place would have it!) - he seems tense, but he embraces you suddenly and without warning.
"I should have said something sooner. There is… something that I need to do. I thought I had more time but… no one's luck lasts forever."
He pauses and frowns. "Sorry… being vague - not on purpose. I was… looking into some of our ex-fleet mates. What happened to them. I need to… go on a longterm mission, Selena. I'm sorry."
It's definitely sweat. He reeks of it.
>>654849
At least he's not doing opium.
"What?!? Wait…"
Pull myself out of the hug.
Feel his forehead.
"You're sweating, you might be sick, come we'll get you back to the boat."
At least he's not doing opium.
"What?!? Wait…"
Pull myself out of the hug.
Feel his forehead.
"You're sweating, you might be sick, come we'll get you back to the boat."
>>654850
"No… I just need some water." He gestures vaguely at the washroom. He flinches for a moment. "Ah, but not enough time."
He gazes into your eyes unsteadily, and then, just for a moment, he becomes firm. His eyes show that glimmer of playful, happy-go-lucky determination that he always had in the old days. "Please, take good care of them."
He draws you into a kiss - not a deep one filled with passion, love and forgiveness. A transient kiss: a fleeting moment of connection. The kiss feels like air, but tastes bilious in nature.
He staggers toward the washroom and slaps the door closed. You can hear the splashing of water inside.
"No… I just need some water." He gestures vaguely at the washroom. He flinches for a moment. "Ah, but not enough time."
He gazes into your eyes unsteadily, and then, just for a moment, he becomes firm. His eyes show that glimmer of playful, happy-go-lucky determination that he always had in the old days. "Please, take good care of them."
He draws you into a kiss - not a deep one filled with passion, love and forgiveness. A transient kiss: a fleeting moment of connection. The kiss feels like air, but tastes bilious in nature.
He staggers toward the washroom and slaps the door closed. You can hear the splashing of water inside.
>>654851
I'm flabberghasted for a moment.
Oh no, it's not gonna be that easy.
Look around, anything I can move in front of that washroom door?
I'm not gonna let him go until he tells me what's going on!
I'm flabberghasted for a moment.
Oh no, it's not gonna be that easy.
Look around, anything I can move in front of that washroom door?
I'm not gonna let him go until he tells me what's going on!
>>654852
Sure, there's a whole dresser you can shift over. Or you could try jamming the telescope under the handle.
Sure, there's a whole dresser you can shift over. Or you could try jamming the telescope under the handle.
>>654853
Eye twitch.
Run to the dresser, put my head against it and push it against the door.
Then wait until he tries to open it.
Eye twitch.
Run to the dresser, put my head against it and push it against the door.
Then wait until he tries to open it.
>>654855
"Lean to the door. I know what's going on! A shady hotel room, telling the receptionist she can let in any mare! How many mares did you fuck in here? 4? 10?
And now you've made up some excuse to leave me for some skank! I can't believe I believed you for a moment."
"Lean to the door. I know what's going on! A shady hotel room, telling the receptionist she can let in any mare! How many mares did you fuck in here? 4? 10?
And now you've made up some excuse to leave me for some skank! I can't believe I believed you for a moment."
>>654856
Of course the Lean to the door is what I do and my " starts with I know what's going on
Of course the Lean to the door is what I do and my " starts with I know what's going on
>>654860
I have a bad feeling about this.
Push the dresser away and open the door, buck it if I have to.
I'll murder him.
I have a bad feeling about this.
Push the dresser away and open the door, buck it if I have to.
I'll murder him.
>>654861
You open the door. The washroom is not particularly adorned, boasting only a few features. Directly ahead, there is a stone cistern on a table - normally filled with water, it has been spilled out across the floor. In the middle of the room, Fly's black cape now lay crumpled, abandoned with an envelope on top. In the corner, there is a chamberpot which is configured with a removable bottom and a dumbwaiter (about one square foot wide, surely too small for anypony to fit).
You open the door. The washroom is not particularly adorned, boasting only a few features. Directly ahead, there is a stone cistern on a table - normally filled with water, it has been spilled out across the floor. In the middle of the room, Fly's black cape now lay crumpled, abandoned with an envelope on top. In the corner, there is a chamberpot which is configured with a removable bottom and a dumbwaiter (about one square foot wide, surely too small for anypony to fit).
>>654863
Nothing but the pooling water below. The envelope flutters to the ground, absorbing water.
Nothing but the pooling water below. The envelope flutters to the ground, absorbing water.
>>654864
Grab it quickly before it gets completely wet.
But don't open it yet. I'm breaking this entire room apart if I have to.
Look for anything metal '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Grab it quickly before it gets completely wet.
But don't open it yet. I'm breaking this entire room apart if I have to.
Look for anything metal '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>654865
The dumbwaiter seems to have a metal frame and wiring. The platform is also gone, though, and you are intimately familiar with Face's 'size', so you're confident there's no way he escaped down the shaft. The table has metal legs, and upon closer examination, the ceiling of the chamber is painted tin - a weak layer of metal that separates the room from, presumably, the deadspace between this floor and the roof.
The dumbwaiter seems to have a metal frame and wiring. The platform is also gone, though, and you are intimately familiar with Face's 'size', so you're confident there's no way he escaped down the shaft. The table has metal legs, and upon closer examination, the ceiling of the chamber is painted tin - a weak layer of metal that separates the room from, presumably, the deadspace between this floor and the roof.
>>654866
Feel that metal. I bet there's something secret secret around here.
Of course, why else would he be in this ugly hotel… try to find some opening with my hooves. '1d10'
Using acid to burn that place open might be too much though.
Roll #1 3 = 3
Feel that metal. I bet there's something secret secret around here.
Of course, why else would he be in this ugly hotel… try to find some opening with my hooves. '1d10'
Using acid to burn that place open might be too much though.
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>654869
There are no obvious openings, though around the perimeter you do detect corrosion.
There are no obvious openings, though around the perimeter you do detect corrosion.
>>654870
Bash the ceiling angrily with my hood, jump down and run into the room, jump out of the window and fly up to the roof.
Bash the ceiling angrily with my hood, jump down and run into the room, jump out of the window and fly up to the roof.
>>654873
Ready my hooves to smash that window.
But then stop, calm down and get back on my four hooves.
….He planned this…that realization is setting in. What would I even do if I found him on the roof?
Grab that letter, open it, I wonder what lies he wrote on it.
Ready my hooves to smash that window.
But then stop, calm down and get back on my four hooves.
….He planned this…that realization is setting in. What would I even do if I found him on the roof?
Grab that letter, open it, I wonder what lies he wrote on it.
>>654874
The ink lettering is so damaged by the water that it's barely legible, and much is permanently lost. Surely that rash action of jerking up the cape won't haunt you for the next decade and a half. Surely. Ha ha ha.
You cringe and shake yourself out of it. You don't want to remember this story anymore all of a sudden. And it has nothing to do with the fact that the letter contained his destination which was too flooded to read, or the his profession of love and promise to write.
The ink lettering is so damaged by the water that it's barely legible, and much is permanently lost. Surely that rash action of jerking up the cape won't haunt you for the next decade and a half. Surely. Ha ha ha.
You cringe and shake yourself out of it. You don't want to remember this story anymore all of a sudden. And it has nothing to do with the fact that the letter contained his destination which was too flooded to read, or the his profession of love and promise to write.
>>654876
"I figured a pirate ship was no place to raise two daughters, so I left." In a tone that says there's no more talking about this.
"I figured a pirate ship was no place to raise two daughters, so I left." In a tone that says there's no more talking about this.
Selena –
I'm writing this now because I seem to b▓
losing myself. There are so many things░░
that I would like to say, but there ▓▓▓░░
hardly time for. Maybe in another ▓▓▓▓▓▓░
▓ut for now, there are some things ▓░▓▓▓▓
▓▓░ a more fundamental level. I hav▓░░░░░
▓▓▓rets, but I suspect you do as wel▓▓░░░
▓▓▓▓ng a father, I never took it ser▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓▓▓h was unfair to you and the gir▓▓▓░░░
▓▓▓░▓ had a sort of morbid wild cur▓▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓▓░▓▓serve more though, life isn'▓░▓░░░░
▓▓▓▓▓░▓░want to be honest though s▓░▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓▓░▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓ngs to say. I am sick░▓░▓▓▓▓░
▓▓░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░▓ was unfaithful but░▓▓▓░░░░░
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓ could I? I regret ▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓░
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓ut you and the gir▓▓▓░▓░▓▓▓l░
▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓re is too mu▓▓░▓▓░▓▓▓░▓▓░
▓▓▓░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓▓▓▓ do not w▓▓▓░▓▓▓░▓▓▓░░░
▓▓▓░▓▓▓░▓▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓w░▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓░▓▓▓e░▓▓░l▓▓▓
▓▓░▓▓▓▓▓░▓░▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓░▓▓░▓▓▓░▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓░▓░▓▓░
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓░▓▓▓▓▓▓░▓▓▓▓▓
▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓