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Occupied Equestria - Get Away
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169000
Now, on Occupied Equestria: Silver is storming the Ministry building to find a changeling bomb. Posey is making her get away from unknown hostiles after an adventure in the city. Amber is trying desperately to flee the country. All of that, and more
1209 replies and 99 files omitted.
Anonymous
b501d93
?
No.169001
169006 169007
Spoilered
>>168998 →
"It's a new policy, but if they were authentic they would know it exists–"
Amber feels increasingly dismayed with this turn of events.
"Bandits have also been known to smuggle police uniforms…" she says uncertainly.
>>168999 →
>pic related
Anonymous
aeffeed
?
No.169002
169003 169004
She finds that she has a knife, an 8-inch pot, a mask, a small... fetish? totem thing? and a bracelet
I'll need to find a way to identify these later.

Are there any notable events during the ride back to lord Lament's lair?
Anonymous
aeffeed
?
No.169003
>>169002
Forgot the greentext...
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169004
169005
>>169002
No. Going up, and turning along a street, they go through a military check point. Mason directs Posey to be calm, and simply present the ID. He says it's okay, because it doesn't prove there were near the scene of... well, anything. There seems to be more military presence in this area. They go down a different road to go back through the city, beside even taller buildings and better lit streets. They pass yet another checkpoint exiting the city, and then are out. Back to Lament's Manor, uneventfully.
Anonymous
aeffeed
?
No.169005
169006
>>169004
What time is it when they get back?
"Thank you for your service, dear." Posey addresses Mason politely as she steps out of the vehicle
She entered the mansion.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169006
169007 169008 169029 169030
>>169001
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBEVuzWHaOc

I think this may need a dice roll

>>169005
At least 10 PM

Mason is silent and watches her as she enters. When she enters, she hears music playing.
Anonymous
aeffeed
?
No.169007
169010 169011 169028
>>169006
The night is young though.
Posey is a nocturnal creature, and her energy only grows as the night moves on.

But mine doesn't, and I had a 10 hour shift today, so I'll leave this for another night.
Maybe tomorrow?
>>169001
Interesting story arch so far, btw.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169008
169009 169010
>>169006
[1d20 = 4]
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169009
169010
>>169008
And...
[1d20 = 4]
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169010
169011 169028
>>169007
Awww...

Perhaps

>>169008
>>169009
The Engineer finds Amber's story unconvincing. Exactly equally as unconvincing as Grismonde's story. He throws up his claws.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169011
169012
>>169010
Amber knows that she would be among the first to be questioned anyway, and she very much doubts she or her compatriots would withstand the weight of the Inquisition's scrutiny. It would be no worse in her eyes to prolong the chase a little longer.

"Do not take the chance. Let me take full responsibility. Full speed ahead."

>>169007
Yours is too!
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169012
169013
>>169011
One thing left for Amber to do...
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169013
169014 169015
>>169012
Oh boy…
[1d20 = 17]
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169014
169015
>>169013
Opposed
[1d20 = 1]

That's not what I had in mind, but screw it, it works
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169015
169016
>>169014
>>169013
The engineer looks out of the window, and sees that a couple of the officers - two out of about six plus an obvious leader - have guns on them. One of them levels the gun towards the locomotive, which seems to be the final straw. He pulls on the accelerator, and gives full steam to the pistons. Then he blows the whistle, as a couple of the officers are either on the track, or dangerously close. The train starts to pick up speed just barely in time.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169016
169017
>>169015
Amber's heartrate definitely spikes as the train takes off. She huddles within the locomotive's cab and makes sure none of the officers madly attempt to climb on, before heading back into the coaches.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169017
169018
>>169016
Amber really can't be sure that they aren't going to climb on, but she can certainly head back to the coaches.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169018
169019
>>169017
Oh the dilemma…how far is it to the next station? Are there any stations before the border?
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169019
169020
>>169018
Maybe... 20 miles to Soldau?
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169020
169021
>>169019
Amber will stay in the cab until the locomotive itself is safely past the officers.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169021
169022
>>169020
The locomotive barrels past them, blowing the whistle, and still accelerating until it hits 100 kmph again. Amber can see as she moves past them that they are visibly pissed off. The engineer calls in.

"Officer alleging to be a Germar Grismonde of the Inquisition called to stop five miles from the Hellquill border. Refused to provide verification when asked. Train continued ahead to avoid possible robbery by bandits impersonating officers."

Amber does not hear the response, if there is one at all.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169022
169023
>>169021
Amber goes into the first coach, locking the door behind her. She clears her voice and speaks to the passengers.
"Ladies and gentlegriffs, please remain calm. We received a message claiming to be from local authorities who refused to provide confirmation of who they said they are. They are likely bandits impersonating officers to try to gain access to the train. We are resuming our journey to Hellquill. Again, I ask for your cooperation and to remain calm."
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169023
169024
>>169022
This incites some whispering and talking amongst the passengers. In particular, Amber may notice that same rapscallion from much earlier, now moved to the second of the first coach car, squirming in his seat.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169024
169025
>>169023
Amber can't spare any time to gossip. She proceeds down the carriages, giving the same speech to the passengers in each, and looks for her fellow fugitives.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169025
169026
>>169024
A griffin does stop Amber to ask "Are we safe?" and slow her down, but mostly the response is either concerned silence, or talking amongst themselves.

Amber finds her comrades around about car four.
"Wait, what?" Erich says aloud from halfway across the car when Amber says it.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169026
169066
>>169025
"Don't worry, we'll reach Hellquill very quickly where we'll be safe," Amber answers truthfully.

Amber holds up a claw to quiet him until she finishes. When she does, she moves over to him and whispers, "I wish we hadn't stopped at all, but I convinced the engineer to keep us moving. I need to keep the passengers calm so please look out in case any 'bandits' have climbed aboard. Make sure Helder and Federkleid stay with you."
Anonymous
aeffeed
?
No.169028
169031
>>169007
>>169010
I'm ready when you are.
Anonymous
aeffeed
?
No.169029
169031
>>169006
Poesy takes a moment to redo her mane (a habit she's learned to do on the fly without mirrors), before she makes her appearance in the manor.
Anonymous
aeffeed
?
No.169030
169031
>>169006
What kind of music is it?
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169031
169032
For work related reasons by availability this weekend is limited

>>169029
>>169030
>>169028
The music playing sounds like sheet music from just shy of a century ago, made for popular consumption. It's a song about love, and the emotion teeters or even seesaws between saccharine and melancholy. The version played here is vocalized by a mare and is clearly much more recent than the original song's writing.

Posey doesn't see anyone immediately, though entering slowly into the primary parlor, she can see that Licorice Lament is sitting down, alone, or at least, alone in the parlor.
Anonymous
c7f4792
?
No.169032
169033
>>169031
>The music playing sounds like sheet music from just shy of a century ago, made for popular consumption. It's a song about love, and the emotion teeters or even seesaws between saccharine and melancholy.
Sounds like exactly the kind of music Posey would like.

Poesy struts into the room gracefully, the bones on her armor rattling subtly as she glides across the floor.
"Fancy yourself well, Lord Lament?" Posey implores
"I paid a visit to the homes of our late friends. Customs didn't leave very much in their wake, but it wasn't a fruitless endeavor."
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169033
169034
>>169032
"Hmmm?" His eyes open. He appears to have fallen asleep. Oddly early in the night to do that.

He moves his head and looks over towards Posey. He reaches out to pick up a glass of wine, but there is none there.

"What did you find?" He asks, not terribly drowsy despite having just woken up
Anonymous
c7f4792
?
No.169034
169035
>>169033
"Not very much, to be frank.." Posey says
"Although I did find some things of interest in [insert forgotten name here]'s lair. Seems as though customs overlooked them."
She produces the mask, the bracelet, and the fetish.
"Magic." she says, levitating the three items on display

"I also had a chat with the relatives of another of our friends. I doubt they'll be of any help to us, although I think I might like to give the kaftar clergy a visit some day."
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169035
169036
>>169034
>[insert forgotten name here]
scrunch

"Ah, so you did recover something. I would have thought everything would have been looted by now."

He gives a hint of a smile at Posey's last comment
"Now why is that?" He asks
Anonymous
c7f4792
?
No.169036
169037
>>169035
"Customs killed the next in line for the head priest of the Kaftar temple, Agire. If my hunch is correct, Agire's affiliation with the league suggests he might have been savvy on leading his temple in a direction favorable to us." Posey says
"Since his death, the Kaftar's have been reeling. The temple has no successor. They'll need to replace him at some point, unless..."
she gives a bit of a manic grin
"...what if they didn't?"
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169037
169038
>>169036
His smile indicates that he's pleased with Posey's general direction

"What do you mean?"
Anonymous
c7f4792
?
No.169038
169039
>>169037
"I'm thinking..." she reclines on the couch
"What if Agire returned from the grave, at his full power, and took over the temple, ready for vengeance?"
she continues
"Not just Agire, but all our friends.. Dumare, perhaps even Umoya. What if they all rise from the grave?"
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169039
169040
>>169038
He raises his eyebrow

"From what I've heard and seen... it wouldn't be the first time."
Anonymous
c7f4792
?
No.169040
169041 169081
>>169039
She smiles
"I may only be an apprentice in the arts, but I know that the secrets to raise the dead lie not only in the self, but the dark powers from beyond the void. I've seen it performed some times before, sacrifices slain in rituals that turned them into undead monsters that no mere spell could create. Bodaks, Death Knights, Slaughter Wights, and monsters without name.." Posey reminisces
"Blood magic is the colloquial term, although I prefer to refer to it as an offering to the immortals. It's beyond my powers to raise the dead, but spells aren't the only way to raise a corpse. You could offer a sacrifice to the dark ones, and pray for a miracle.."

This is the part where Posey proposes using Sacrifice rules from the Book Of Vile Darkness to attempt to return the corpses as various allied undead monsters. Also why I wanted that Pegasus alive.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169041
169042
>>169040
He does not smile

"Why?"
Anonymous
c7f4792
?
No.169042
169043 169081
>>169041
>why
Well, it would be pretty cool. That's not exactly a reason though...
Posey is caught off guard that her proposal for pony sacrifice and fiend-worship for the purpose of creating monsters is met with any degree of skepticism.
"... To make some friends?" she says, a bit more sheepishly than her usual commanding tone
She corrects her demeanor
"But really, Sorceresses like Dumare, Priests like Agire, and mages capable of crafting items like Umoya are few and far between, and securing allies to the League is my primary mission. I'd rather not have their skills at the arts lost to history, so on my own time, I'd like to try to bring them back at their full power, some day."
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169043
169045 169080
>>169042
"True. Building alliances is likely your most important task here in Equestria." He twists his face "If you wanted to be all business."

"But your mission here, as I understand it, is less about power than knowledge."
Anonymous
c7f4792
?
No.169045
169080 169081
>>169043
"True, true. I came here to improve my knowledge of the arts, and by extension my powers. I also came to learn about Equestria, learn how the ponies and other creatures go about their ways, and how to bring this nation to it's knees. In less than a night, I feel like I've learned more about the world than I ever did reading about it in Magehold."
She shakes herself off a little bit, and reclines on one of the couches
"Perhaps I'm jumping the gun a little. Our legions haven't even laid their siege on the Arcturian order, and yet I'm already dreaming of conquering Equestria... Agire, Dumare, and Umoya aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and neither am I." she tosses her mane
"So I guess I can afford to relax a little." she says, leaning back
Anonymous
c7f4792
?
No.169046
I have to sleep. Goodnight.
Anonymous
a5a1012
?
No.169065
169066
Ahem
NIGGER
That is all
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169066
169067
>>169026
He takes a moment, but seems to understand.

"Very well. I do not know if those bastards have followed us, but they cannot get far." He says.

>>169065
gasp
Hey! You can't say that!
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169067
169068
>>169066
Amber briskly nods, glad to have friends aboard which eases her worries somewhat. She continues systematically telling the passengers about what happened. Once she finishes she is intent on finishing punching the tickets before they arrive at Hellquill.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169068
169069
>>169067
With the power, err, magic of friendship, Amber continues checking tickets. The passengers are uneasy, but cooperative. Also that old griffin found his ticket (it fell on the floor). Hooray for small miracles.

Until Amber hears a loud knocking on the roof of the last train car.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169069
169070
>>169068
The knocking jolts her. She weighs her actions. She could try to warn the others, but not only would she be abandoning this car for a short time but she could be spotted. Instead, she looks around for some kind of implement, anything really, to keep the "bandits" at bay.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169070
169071
>>169069
At the very end of the coach is the bremserhaus, a small room to house the brakeman. The room has clearly since been converted into a general storage room, including housing a bucket and possibly other items of interest, as the brakes were upgraded to air compression years ago. But the room still contains a large wrench with a rather long handle, just incase.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169071
169072 169074
>>169070
Amber grabs the wrench. "Everygriff stay calm," she intones to the passengers.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169072
169073
>>169071
Amber can here the pattering. It sounds as if the creature at first considers moving forward, and evidently not wanting to bother with the gangway connection, moves back. Amber can hear the pattering, until it reaches the very end of the car.

It's going to the door at the end of the last coach car.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169073
169075 169077
>>169072
Amber stands to the right of said door, squeezing herself into the corner so as to not be seen, and waits for hostile entry.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169074
169075 169076 169077
>>169071
The griffin seems to be standing on the narrow plate attached to the end of the car, presumably the only clear place on the train (hopefully the only location on the train) that isn't exceedingly difficult to enter while it's still moving at 100 kmph. He himself has a crowbar, and he jams it into the end of the car. He seeks to jam the door open.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169075
169076
>>169074
>>169073
This entryway, at the far end, has a small vestibule, but does not have a bathroom, closet, or true vestibule for the doors on the side. All of the those are located on the other end of the car.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169076
169077
>>169074
>>169075
If Amber had a ranged weapon this predicament she's in would be slightly better, as she could engage without the door being opened, but with only a makeshift weapon she has no choice but to wait for an intruder to show himself.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169077
169078
>>169073
>>169074
>>169076
There's wiggling, and for a while, it seems like the door will hold. Then there is silence, and it seems the interloper has given up.

Then the door cracks and is thrown open. It opens inwards, to the opposite direction of Amber
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169078
169079
>>169077
Amber readies herself and waits until the first part of the interloper crosses the threshold, even if it's just a claw holding a gun, before she strikes (hopefully with advantage).
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169079
169108
>>169078
Amber sees it. It's a white griffin head. And yes, wearing a cap that is associated with the Imperial police. The plumage becomes greyer the further down it goes, although he's wearing a blue uniform. Amber cannot see what he's holding because of the angle.
Anonymous
207d743
?
No.169080
169081
>>169045
>>169043
"Try to relax a little..." Posey repeats
"You know, I haven't had a vacation since... Well, since forever. That's just not how they do things in Magehold. The Lords of the Coven spend all night enjoying themselves, but I am not a vampire lord. I've spent so long slaughtering Arcturian soldiers or studying the art, that I've forgotten what I intended to do on the night of my emancipation..."
She pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169081
169082
>>169040
>>169042
>>169045
>>169080
"Ah, that you can. Care for a cup of tea?"
This question cannot be a serious one, because he gets up to prepare a cup of tea. Surely he doesn't need another cup of tea for himself.

"Did you know that the anarchists have actually succeeded in taking the city twice in the past twenty years? It's true. Once against the princess twenty years ago. The fat one. Then again just last year. And twice, the central government clawed it back. The Princesses' forces sent in their pegasi, made a show of force. And the anarchists just melted away back into hiding. When the colonials came to take the city from the Princess, they didn't bother storming it. They just stayed at a distance, surrounded it, cut off water and power, and shelled it till it was surrendered. And when the anarchists expelled the garrison, the colonials came and did the same thing. Just shelled the city with long range guns, again, till the anarchists went and hid, again."

He pours the tea
"The ponies have been bickering back and forth for decades. Anarchists and the central government. That new Social Democrat party and... everyone else. The bat ponies bicker for more, the local gangs fight immigrant gangs and they all fight the police. It's... well, tiresome, really. At least they aren't nearly as bad as the griffins."

Wait. He's taking a sip of tea from this cup. So it can't be for Posey.

"I've seen vampires and magelords fight each other, and for the life and death of me I cannot not understand it. There's plenty of money and mares to go around..."

He pauses, wondering if that sentiment would really connect with Posey, and at this point he remembers that he's supposed to be making tea for Posey, and starts to pour a glass, although he's rather shaky in doing it, as if uncomfortable. But when it's done, he starts to return to the couch.

"We esoterocists have had two great strengths over the masses. Strengths that have allowed us to survive, to thrive, and to exercise disproportionate power over the unitiated. One is our concealment, that no one knows we are even here? And the other? Is time. Time does not run against us. We are in no hurry. We are not going anywhere. No clock runs against us. If they wish to scurry about like rats, knowing the ship they are on is sinking, we need only watch them."

He sits down in a kind of laying pose near Posey after placing both cups of tea on the table.

"So yeah. Relax for the moment."
Anonymous
e13d989
?
No.169082
169083
>>169081
>"I've seen vampires and magelords fight each other, and for the life and death of me I cannot not understand it. There's plenty of money and mares to go around..."
Posey gives a light snicker. Clearly this stallion doesn't quite understand how vampires work, or magelords for that matter.
>And the other? Is time. Time does not run against us. We are in no hurry. We are not going anywhere. No clock runs against us. If they wish to scurry about like rats, knowing the ship they are on is sinking, we need only watch them.
Posey gives a knowing nod.
"Yes, yes... Time is on our side. Everyone joins the dead some day. Though, watching the ships sink, sometimes I can't help but participate, can't help but plunder.." she levitates her new trinkets, scrutinizing them with tilt of her head
"I have goals, after all.."
>Relax for the moment
"That, I think I can do. I've been in this country for less than a night. I think I'll take my time."
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169083
169087
>>169082
If Posey hasn't picked up on it yet, there's a fundamental disconnect in personality and philosophy between Licorice Lament and the mages Posey is familiar.

"Is that all you want to do?" Lament says, slightly leaning towards her and looking at her. Posey gets the impression that whatever he meant by that, he isn't talking about pillaging or killing.

The largest of Posey's items is the mask. The mask seems to depict a Crocuta's face, with an extended muzzle and holes for eyes. It is made out of wood and is painted a kind of tan color (ochre?), save for the nose, much of the muzzle, around the eyes, and at the center of the diamond shaped ears, which are black, presumably with charcoal. around the edges are "fur" made of what are presumably attached strands of dried palm limbs, but also a few actual hairs from some creature (presumably a crocuta). It isn't very heavy.

While the mask is somewhat abstract in its design, the totem is even more so. The muzzle and head on the thing look like a crocuta, but other than that it's kind of odd. For one, the creature stands on its hindlegs, more like a diamond dog, minotaur, or yeti than a crocuta. It's mouth is open with sharp teeth. Its back is hunched with massive shoulders. The thing is perhaps five and a half inches tall with an oval base that the legs connect to, which makes it easy to stand upright. It's carved from wood, albeit a rather dense wood, and has no paint.

The bracelet is a little dirty, but is obviously made of gold. It's hard to say what kind of creature it was fitted for, though with its larger size, a pony appears just a little more likely than the thinner legs of crocuta. It's plain with a smooth and rounded exterior, save for about an inch span in the middle which has a design kind of like woven thread.

The pot seems mundane, though perhaps a little darker than would be expected, a little heavier, and a bit dirty.
Anonymous
98fa14e
?
No.169087
169088
>>169083
>"Is that all you want to do?"
"No.. I want to see a bit of what this world is like, before the legions year it down. I want to learn and grow and test the limits of my powers. I want to try new things, and dabble with old things. I want to experience all of the sensation that comes with this new feeling of freedom."
Posey, having a taste for gold jewelry, puts the bracelet on.
"Does it suit me? I think it matches my eyes, although I can't really tell because... You know."
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169088
169089 169090
>>169087
That feeling of blood rushing through her foreleg, did the bracelet do that, or does she merely imagine it?

Lament looks deeply into Posey's eyes with his own. His perpetual smile, always projecting, or seeking to inspire good feelings into others relents for once, if only for once, and is replaced by a more sincere expression of indifference as he seems to attempt to understand. He is silent for a few seconds before he answers.

"I think it does."
Anonymous
204412c
?
No.169089
169091
>>169088 (heil)
>imagine it
Did she?
Rolling Arcana to tell
[1d20+9 = (18+9) = 27]
"Hmmm, I think it's to my liking then."
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169090
169091
>>169088
I would like to make a Sense Motive check, to assess Licorice's attitude towards Posey right now.
[1d20+2 = (11+2) = 13]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169091
169092 169093
>>169089
Upon closer examination, the bracelet is mundane and non-magical. The bracelet is 90% gold (10% copper alloy for strength) and thus retains magic better than most materials, and had a “shimmer” of magic to it, presumably from proximity to magic, although that may be something as mundane as being worn by a unicorn or mage. It is, nevertheless, non-magical. The blood rush is likely caused by Posey’s repositioning of her legs, such that now, blood flows more freely.

>>169090
Lament seems mostly to be trying to assess Posey himself. He has made eye contact for an expected period, such that it’s uncomfortable and must either be interpreted as a threat or a sigh of trust and intimacy. His own eyes are likewise golden, though dimmer, and closer to hazel than a bright yellow.
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169092
169093
>>169091
*eye contact for an extended period, such that it must either be interpreted as a threat or a sign of trust and intimacy.

Basically, he’s looking at how Posey responds to him.
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169093
169094 169095
>>169091
>Nonmagical
Oh well. Still looks pretty.
>>169092
>interpreted as a threat or a sign of trust and intimacy
Well, considering that she's known him for less than a day, and we're not exactly in a high-trust occupation, Posey has no reason to assume the latter. There is little intimacy in Magehold: vampires and liches only form relationships through power or fear.
Posey will take the initiative to asset dominance with her raw feminine charm in a bewitching stare. Not to coerce or demoralize, but to assert dominance. Her bewitching golden eyes gazing into his own, as she assesses him in turn.
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169094
169095
>>169093
Lament is no mundane unicorn, and he proves resistant. All the same, Posey’s point is made, and he makes an expression of displeasure, and breaks eye contact, turning back forward in a dismissive gesture.
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169095
169096
>>169093
>>169094
I forgot to roll my intimidate check, but I guess the point is made.

Posey turns away as well, the bones on her armor giving an awkward rattle.
"I think I should.. change out of this."
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169096
169097
>>169095
He laughs.
“You wore that in public?”
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169097
169098 169099
>>169096
"Under my cloak, yes." Posey says, puffing her chest out a bit tauntingly as the bones rattle
"It's my most trustworthy piece of equipment, other than the power of my horn."
Free-action intimidation is just that good.
"It compliments the power of my spells. Fear is the ultimate weapon. Many an Arcturian soldier joined the dead when they joined the dead when meeting my eyes caused them to tremble... Not the Paladins though..." Posey recounts, her proud expression turning into a scowl as she reminisces in a particularly nasty fight.
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169098
>>169097
Posey proceeds to undo the buckles on her armor, the ghastly patterned garment giving way to pristine white fluff.
She unclasps her razored dastana and levitates them beside her, like the hands of a genie.

"I'm a Sorceress in practice, but a warrior at heart. And a warrior has to have style." She boasts
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169099
169100
>>169097
“Sure it is”
His smile returns, though with different purpose.

“Fear won’t get you quite as far here. What hood is making the cockroaches scatter, when there are so many books and crevices for them to hide?”

Lament takes his hind legs, and places them on the table. With a glow of golden light, he grabs a gleaming silver box, and a cigarillo. With a “click” he lights the cigarillo, and puffs it.

“Style? Not in that. You’re not even in the right century.”
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169100
169101
2037279__safe_derpibooru+import_editor-colon-sponandi_screencap_trixie_pony_unicorn_student+counsel__-colon-__angry_animated_aweeg__cheeks_chewin.gif
2dd00a4587cd63db693678521ef53c4e.jpg
>>169099
>tfw you serve the undead legions for years to earn your freedom and become a warlord yourself but now your grotesque bony armor isn't "in style" anymore
Posey puffs her cheeks at this
"Hmmmpf. Maybe I'm just ahead of the curve. Give it a few years and everyone will want to wear bones; everyone who knows what's good for them, perhaps."
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169101
169102
>>169100
“Uh huh. That will help you get into the clubs, I am sure.”
He still has a smirky smile.

“You’d make a nice Nightmare night decoration.” He puffs more, and drinks out of a flask he fishes out from in between the cushions. “Maybe a scarecrow….”
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169102
169103
>>169101
"Well, I could use a new suit of armor some time. Maybe a little bit of glammer for the business end..." Posey admits
"But this armor won me battles before. You can't underestimate the power of bones."
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169103
169104
>>169102
He raises his eyebrow
“It ain’t gonna win you any beauty contests, that’s for damn sure.”
He taps the ash off of the cigarillo, apparently directly onto the floor, and looks over to Posey, replacing the smile with a straight face.

“Make a set of armor you can wear under a dress. I know a tailor. You desperately need one. And just…” he raises his right hoof, the one being used to help hold the cigarillo, and makes an almost circular movement as he gestures for emphasis.
try to look pretty. We have expectations here.”
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169104
169105
>>169103
Posey, having removed her armor by now, strikes a dramatic pose
"Oh, Politics. It can't be helped then."
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169105
169106
>>169104
Lament stares at her, though not at her eyes. He’s silent for some seconds, and changes his posture, sitting up straight and taking his legs off of the table. He does not reply.
Anonymous
a9a4ae6
?
No.169106
169107 169147
>>169105
Posey excuses herself to put her armor away.

And I'll retire for the night.
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169107
169147
>>169106
Posey turns around to find… Mason, who has evidently entered through a separate door. Whether she stays or leaves, Mason moves to the living room to go to Lament
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169108
169109 169147
>>169079
Amber makes an attack of opportunity. Because it's a surprise attack, it's also a free attack. Does the heavy wrench have mace stats?
Initiative: [1d20 = 9]
Attack: [1d20+2 = (8+2) = 10]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169109
>>169108
Sure.

The griffin is in a rather precarious position, and as such, is not able to dodge Amber’s attack. Hit
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169110
169111 169112 169113
[1d8 = 1]
Amber strikes again, but warily and in a defensive pose: [1d20-2 = (15-2) = 13]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169111
169112 169113
>>169110
Hit.

It takes its crowbar, and tries to strike back
[1d20+1 = (15+1) = 16]
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169112
169113
>>169110
>>169111
He didn't roll initiative?
[1d8 = 2]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169113
169114
>>169111
>>169110
I have a suspicion that that’s a hit on Amber
[1d6 = 5]

>>169112
shrug

Order of battle seems decided
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169114
169115 169116
>>169113
Fair enough. The odds aren't looking too good at the moment, but maybe Amber can make this work. She strikes defensively again.
[1d20-2 = (1-2) = -1]
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169115
169117
>>169114
These rolls
reeeeeee
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169116
169118
>>169114
Amber is hit, and damn is that going to bruise.

Amber strikes at the griffin, hits the edge of the door, and loses her grip. It strikes at her again.
[1d20+1 = (1+1) = 2]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169117
169120
>>169115
The door between them proves as much of an obstacle for the intruder as for Amber, as he hits the edge of the door, and loses his grip on the crowbar.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169118
169119
>>169116
She lost her weapon?
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169119
>>169118
Yes, although it’s on the floor right below her. The same is true of the intruder.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169120
169121
>>169117
Amber picks up her wrench. It's a move action, do I need to roll?
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169121
169122
>>169120
I don’t think so? It could just be an awkward moment where each is trying to pick up their respective improvised weapons.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169122
169123
>>169121
Amber will strike at the intruder with the wrench again, hoping to have a better feel for its weight now.
[1d20+2 = (17+2) = 19]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169123
169124
>>169122
She slings underclaw, and hits.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169124
169125 169126
>>169123
[1d8 = 4]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169125
169126 169127
>>169124
Amber can see that this is a yellow feathered, spectacled griffin in a blue uniform. He attacks over clawed.
[1d20+1 = (19+1) = 20]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169126
169127
>>169124
>>169125
And he seems to hit her
[1d6 = 2]
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169127
169128
>>169125
>>169126
Amber strikes again, fixated on the fight and less worried about being on the defensive.
[1d20 = 11]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169128
169129
>>169127
Hit.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169129
169130 169134
>>169128
[1d8 = 5]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169130
169131 169132
>>169129
He exhaled heavily, clearly hurt. Nevertheless, he hurls his crowbar against her once more.

[1d20+1 = (12+1) = 13]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169131
169132
>>169130
Amber is hit
[1d6 = 1]
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169132
169133
>>169130
>>169131
Fortunately, only a glancing blow!
Amber tries in earnest to knock him out before the passengers really start to panic.
[1d20+2 = (1+2) = 3]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169133
169134 169135 169136
>>169132
Nope.
https://youtu.be/kdMKfxINvYY?feature=shared

Amber can see that this griffin is not alone. Another, restricted by the confined spaces, is looking to enter.

And he attacks again.
[1d20+1 = (19+1) = 20]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169134
169135
>>169133
>>169129
And he hits Amber with his crowbar
[1d20+1 = (6+1) = 7]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169135
>>169134
>>169133
I mean
[1d6 = 1]
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169136
169137
>>169133
This is not turning out well. Amber is starting to wish she was a great griffon warrior instead of a decrepit violinist. But there's no choice but to fight.
[1d20+2 = (15+2) = 17]
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169137
169138
>>169136
And
[1d8 = 4]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169138
169139
>>169137
Amber has her first major breakthrough as the griffin in the blue and black uniform of the imperial police is hit upside the jaw, stumbles back, then moves even further back as if he is going to fall off of the train entirely, is then pushed forth back into the carriage by unseen forces, and collapses onto his stomach right there in the entryway, slightly to the left.

But then Amber sees the other griffin in a beige coat start to make a move inside. But first,

BANG

Amber hears the sound of what is presumably a warning shot, fired by the same, beige coated griffin, just outside of the carriage.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169139
169140
>>169138
Well this isn't good. Clearly this first bandit was just a hapless "lackey" and the ones behind are much bigger threats, actually armed. Her first thought is to run to the next carriage to get away from them, but the obvious problem is that it's a long, straight corridor where she would certainly be shot in the back. Amber's only option is to cower where she is and desperately fight to the end.
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169140
169141
>>169139
https://youtu.be/iGtEH1i78sI?si=dKVZWt-ZE2osiOwn

Well, Amber should have the next move.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169141
169142
>>169140
Amber attempts to disarm the next griffon that comes in.
[1d20 = 20]
Anonymous
c968e8b
?
No.169142
169143
IMG_0388.jpeg
>>169141
The griffin tries to move through, pointing the gun slightly ahead. But Amber swings her wrench, and knocks the gun clear out of the griffin’s claws.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169143
169145 169146
>>169142
Success! Wasting no time, Amber grabs the weapon on the ground.
[1d20 = 15]
Anonymous
e4ed439
?
No.169145
169146
IMG_0039.gif
>>169143
https://youtu.be/9LcAUfhcFmA?si=EzzdS-FBMNxb73AY

He reaches for the gun as well

[1d20 = 11]
Anonymous
e4ed439
?
No.169146
169148
>>169143
>>169145
But Amber grabs it first
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169147
169148 169150
>>169106
>>169107
Posey returns a few minutes later.
She's stowed her satchel, cloak and armor, but instead of a regular tasteful nude, she's donned a simple but elegant inky black dress, with some red trimming. It clovers most of her body. It's not too fancy, but not too plain either. Evidently one of the few articles of clothing she brought with her on her voyage.
"Mageholders do have their sense of fashion too, but despite our looks the coven prefer function over fashion. The Magelords of The Society love their bone imagery, as its a testament to their power, even if it does little functionally. The vampire lords of The Coven always look well-dressed, but they're far more simple minded than you think."
She gives a twirl
"To the Lords of the Coven, every aspect of life, fashion included, revolves around the thirst for blood. Dressing well helps them close distance with valuable noble thralls. You might have noticed that they have a preference for black suits and inky dresses, like this one; the reason for that is because it doesn't stain easily, and makes it all the easier to go unnoticed when splattered in blood, as it's easy to lose control with so much young blood at a party." she gives a chuckle
"It's almost funny how they go about it. Some of the lowbloods might go wearing the same raggedy torn suits for half a century, withered carnations and all, so desperate for blood that they're practically animals. Highbloods sometimes wear white, to make a statement of how clean they are and how easily they can feed without spilling their food. Of course, for those with pale coats like myself, it hardly makes a difference." she puffs out her chest a bit, and gives a bit of a coy smirk
>>169108
What class is Amber anyway? I haven't seen her use any special abilities or feats.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169148
169149 169150
>>169146
Yay!
I mean, Amber threatens him, "Freeze right there mister!" If he makes any sudden moves Amber will shoot.

>>169147
Amber's a bard. In her waking moments she's not a particularly good one, but this dream sequence is from the POV of a remarkable violinist.
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169149
169157
>>169148
>she's not a particularly good one
She should be lvl 5-6 as a Bard, right? Bards are powerful. Solid tier 3 class, like Dread Necromancer.
What spells does she know?
Considering her name, she could make for a good Heartfire Fanner: decent prestige class for Bards.
Anonymous
e4ed439
?
No.169150
169151 169153 169157
>>169147
By the time Posey returns, Lament is now standing, closer to the foyer, in formal attire. He’s composed, and apparently has been talking to Mason. His expression is a little more serious than his standard. When Posey comes in, he gives her his full attention, staring at her with a guarded expression, evidently examining her dress and general appearance.

“I see…” is his only response.

Mason looks at her in complete silence, and a mistral expression that hooks slightly down in a frown. He is wearing his fedora indoors.

>>169148
The griffin gets its claws almost over Amber’s, but by the time she’s got it, he backs off, moving slightly away. He looks Amber in the eyes with an intense expression. His eyes are a steel color between grey and blue. He has a brown trilby hat similar in color to his beige coat. His plumage is a fuller yellow, around about the color of brass.

He moves back. Then a step back. Then another, and through the door, he extends his wings, and jumps off, thrusting his wings down a few times before catching the passing air and gliding away.
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169151
169152
>>169150
Posey notices this change in behavior.
I would like to roll Sense Motive, to read the room
[1d20+2 = (7+2) = 9]
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169152
>>169151
Nope
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169153
169154
>>169150
Posey stays silent for some time after her smalltalk stops.
"...Well, how do I look?"
Anonymous
3a2edb6
?
No.169154
169155
I'm more settled now

>>169153
"Not bad..." Lament answers, still gazing at Posey
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169155
169158 169202
>>169154
*gazes back*
Anonymous
9929834
?
No.169156
169158
1659736698.png
Character sheet
Name: Avi-ant Goldenrothbergkramerstein
Race: Griffin.
Class: Merchant
Skills: Shilling, Money laundrying, Renting, Unionization, Building casinos and brothels, and deception.
Level: 6million goy!

Backstory: Avi-ant is just another poor poor refuge comming to Baltimare for a new chance of life. All he wants to do is settle somewhere and live in peace but sadly he's prosecuted by racist ponies everywhere. :'c

Nice to see that this thread is still chugging along. ^^
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169157
169158 169160
>>169150
Amber does not stop the griffon or shoot after him, perhaps due to not seeing him as a threat, perhaps wanting to not waste ammunition, or perhaps out of a reluctance to take another's life. When the intruder is gone, she makes sure there isn't anyone else at the end of the car, then looks for a way to restrain the unconscious foe. If there isn't any rope she will just have to stuff him in the vestibule. She'll then need to bar this rear entry to prevent any more ambushes.

>>169149
Level 0: Mending, lullaby, resistance, detect magic, know direction, read magic,
Level 1: Charm person, expeditious retreat, lesser confusion, remove fear
Level 2: Rage, calm emotions, suggestion

I haven't actually had an opportunity to really use these spells, both because of a lack of need and also because Amber doesn't really know her capabilities. Bards are good all-rounders though with a nice variety of skills.
Anonymous
3a2edb6
?
No.169158
169159 169161 169162
6547574.png
>>169156
Hi!

>>169155
It's Mason's turn to take a drink out of a flask, this one taken from an internal pocket in his vest

>>169157
Amber really has a triple problem here. One, tying up the (hopefully still) unconscious officer. Second, securing the rear door, which has been severely damaged, and also is vulnerable to future intruders. And finally, calming the passengers, who have just seen Amber beat unconscious a griffin dressed in what everyone in the car can recognize as an Imperial police officer's uniform.

It's less than a minute until Federkleid and Erich enter, followed closely behind by Helder

Federkleid has her pistol out.
"What is going on here?"
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169159
169202
>>169158
Posey occupies herself by taking a moment to touch-up her mane.
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169160
169161
>>169157
Kind of odd to get to lvl 5 ("Hero Of The Realm" tier) without knowing your capabilities, but whatever floats your boat.
Would be fun to do an adventure together sometime.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169161
169162 169202
>>169158
Cute!
"The Inq–er, bandits tried to break through here," Amber exclaims, still looking disheveled and breathing heavily from the confrontation. "I conked one out, and grabbed the other's gun–he flew away. We just need to secure this ruffian, then make sure no griffon can get in here again. I'll calm down the passengers; it shouldn't be too long to Hellquill now anyway."

>>169160
This is my first DnD campaign, so I'm none-too-familiar with all the spells. We also start out at level 5 by default, and I haven't had an opportunity to use the spells much anyway.
Anonymous
7701dde
?
No.169162
169202
>>169161
>I haven't had an opportunity to use the spells much anyway.
I feel you.
>>169158
Posey puts on a bit of a bored expression and stares, not blinking, until somepony says something.
Her eyes glass over slightly.
Anonymous
3a2edb6
?
No.169202
169203 169204 169205
>>169161
The passengers are staring at the two, clearly concerned. Helder and Erich are immediately behind Federkleid, and only the narrow passage down the coach prevents them from overtaking her.

Federkleid moves up towards the end of the railcar, to the downed policegriff and the jammed open door. She tries to close the door, while Helder moves to the officer.

"It's not going to close" she says after a failed attempt. "I hope they stop at the border. We need to go."

>>169155
>>169159
>>169162
"Alright alright" Lament says

"It looks decent."
Anonymous
6198a60
?
No.169203
169208
>>169202
Posey reclines on the couch.
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169204
169209
>>169202
"I tried closing it. See about barring it with something."
Amber turns to the passengers. "This is merely a precaution to ensure your safety. We'll arrive at the station likely with no further incident."
Anonymous
6198a60
?
No.169205
169208
>>169202
I feel a bit confused. Are Lament and Mason waiting for something, or will they just stand around all night, not talking?
Posey did agree to "relax a little", but this is a little awkward.
Anonymous
3a2edb6
?
No.169208
169210
>>169205
>>169203
I didn't really have a plan... Just to see if it went anywhere, and she's pissed both of them off, so...
Anonymous
3a2edb6
?
No.169209
169211 169215
>>169204
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXpFznXb_vI

Erich moves in, picks up the crowbar, and then tries jamming it into the door.
Anonymous
3b66841
?
No.169210
169212 169213
medium.png
51bNlz8C+PL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg
>>169208
Oh, so that's how it is.
Well, I think I'll make things interesting and decide to make some use of Posey's Charming Gaze, taking a page out of Glimglam's friendship textbook. Since it's a supernatural ability, Posey can attempt it inconspicuously; a little perk of having vampire lineage.
Usually Posey would prefer to use Intimidation and fear spells to lower the wills of her victims before attempting to charm them, but considering the circumstances, she'll just look them in the eye, one after another.
The Will DC to resist being charmed is 17.
Should one be charmed but not the other, and the Sense Motive DC to notice that they're charmed is 25.
Anonymous
3a2edb6
?
No.169211
169212 169215
>>169209
There is a clacking sound as the train moves over a stone bridge that traverses a small rivulet. Through the windows, the thinned-out forests of pine and deciduous trees that have typified the Imperial District are replaced by great, thick masses of amber leaves that stretch across the low hills parallel to track. On the top of one of these hills are a few stones and the remains of a large set of burned-out logs that must surely have once belonged to a structure.

Helder stares out the window.
"We've crossed the border..." He says at a low volume, and likely shedding a tear.

But near Amber, she can see the captive stir and moan.
Anonymous
d7fd06c
?
No.169212
169213
>>169210
>>169211
Do they make their saves?
Anonymous
f31f75d
?
No.169213
169214
>>169212
>>169210
rolls dice
Actually yes.

Mason keeps his expression, but Lament scrunches
Anonymous
1e83d74
?
No.169214
169216 169217
>>169213
Well, that was worth a shot.
Posey blinks finally; her own nose scrunches slightly.
"....WELL... If there's no business left to discuss tonight, I think I will retire to my chambers to tend to my.. son. Tantabus likes to visit Gloomy in the night, and he might have some troubles adjusting to the new environment." Posey says, turning on her hooves
"So if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
She slowly trots out of the room
Amber Sunset
b501d93
?
No.169215
169216
>>169209
>>169211
Amber quietly breathes out a sigh of relief. There should be very little stopping them now….
With the bandit starting to stir, she asks the others, "What should we do with the 'bandit'?
Anonymous
f31f75d
?
No.169216
169218 169220 169311
>>169214
What sort of thing would you like Posey to do next? I think that would help much

>>169215
Erich, barely under his breath
"Gag him, tie him up, put him in a closet somewhere. I don't know. Somewhere he is out of the way until we get off of this thing."
Anonymous
f31f75d
?
No.169217
169219
Spoilered
Spoilered
Spoilered
>>169214
Also, just for fun:
While I was exploring churches in Riga I came across this rather small and inconspicuous one (Saint Jacobs). Looking the chapel at the end of the left isle, I saw right in the corner, with no plate, no plaque signifying anything, and no explanation, a view port into an ossuary. It was just there. I've never seen anything quite like that before.
Anonymous
fd917fb
?
No.169218
169224
>>169216
Posey wants to fight. She's been released from her chains and is eager to test the limits of her strength and expand her powers. She wants to see what these ponies are made of and what it will take to conquer them. Her entropic nature makes her crave the feeling of snuffing out the light of living. She wants to eliminate any notable enemies of the Dread League and revel in their slaughter, any any other obstacles to her mission.

Posey wants to learn, to become a master in her art. As an Apprentice, she's still bound to her master, but once she's grown her powers to a sufficient point (lvl 5-8) she'll be truly free to operate as she wishes. She was excited to come to Equestria to study its rich tradition of magic so that she may expand her own knowledge. She wants to practice her hexes, study ancient ruins, slay monsters, sacrifice prisoners, collect cadavers, unravel ancient riddles and otherwise contribute to her art.

Posey wants to work, or plunder, to fulfill her mission, and also to launder funds for her magic (which isn't free), as well as to tithe to her master. She came up with a legitimate working title because she figured there's always work for a Necromancer where there's war, as restless dead are a constant menace in high-magic settings full of bloodshed. She's tasked with establishing hold on Equestria, so she's going to need to seek out lairs in which to base her operations. She's also gained an acute interest in upgrading her wardrobe and wants some fashionable jewelry (gold, Silver is bad for her skin) to accentuate her charms.

Posey wants to explore. This country is vast and diverse. She's interested in what magic and monsters it might have. She wants to see what these ponies have to The mention of Voodoo practitioners in the swamp would be a topic of interest, in addition to any other undead activity.

Posey wants to dote on her so-called son, Gloomy. Gloomy is an aspiring Soulbinder, and has a tendency to be influenced and enraptured by a variety of spirits. She wants to comfort him, shower him with gifts, and oversee the development of his powers. Gloomy would make for a decent apprentice when Posey surpasses her master, and if not, well, he'd make an excellent Slaymate.

But most of all, Posey wants to conquer. As a representative of the League, she sees herself ruling over this region when the Dread League brings the world to its knees. She wants to forge political connections and recruit allies of the league and find thralls who support her out of respect or fear. She wants infiltrate leadership to exploit the weaknesses of the regime. She wants to amass military might, especially in the form of buried bodies waiting for their trigger to emerge for war.

But for me, I just want to go on an adventure, really any semi-standard adventure. If it involves undead and/or can contribute to any of Posey's goals, that's a plus, but I'm not picky so long as it's an adventure.
Maybe something a bit more fantastic than knocking on the doors of and talking to Arab-coded hyenas though. No offense, but that one was rather uneventful considering it took more than a week to get through it. I'm still all for urban/modern adventure though.
Anonymous
fd917fb
?
No.169219
>>169217
That's really cool. It would make for an excellent dungeon, exactly the kind that Posey would like to explore.
Anonymous
5b86963
?
No.169220
169221 169224
>>169216
I think a "kill enemies of the Dread League" quest would be fun.
Anonymous
6989ac0
?
No.169221
169222
>>169220
Isn't that the entire land of the living? You might be at that a while.
Anonymous
5b86963
?
No.169222
169224
>>169221
Anyone specific? Rival mage circles? Vampire-hunters? Arcturian Paladins? Mafia rings? Smugglers who didn't pay their cut?
Could also go out into the swamp and see what the Voodoo Zebras are doing.
Or go to the local adventure bulletin (if there is such a thing) and see if there's any ghoul-clearances or ghostbusting to be done for hire.
Anonymous
f8e1af7
?
No.169223
169224
I could go out into the front lines of the war or no-man's land and wreak havok on whoever gets in my way of stealing corpses.
Anonymous
f31f75d
?
No.169224
169225
>>169220
Doable.

>>169222
Every one of those is a possibility

>>169223
The war has moved on from Baltimare, although basically everywhere used to be a frontline, and there were more wars in the past. Going to the actual front line is possible but
would require travel.

>>169218
scrunch
It was intended to be more eventful than that, it just didn't spark
Anonymous
5b86963
?
No.169225
169226
>>169224
Then I guess I'll start with whatever opportunity presents itself first.
Anonymous
f31f75d
?
No.169226
169227 169228
>>169225
But seriously, the hyena quest was supposed to include more locations and far, far, far more fighting. The triggers just didn't occur.
Anonymous
2ae5d32
?
No.169227
169230
>>169226
Well, where do we go from here?
Anonymous
2ae5d32
?
No.169228
169229 169244
Can Posey try to activate or identify the Mask or the Totem?
>>169226
Yeah, I figured, but I didn't really know what I was supposed to do there. I thought that since they were potential allies, I had no reason to attack them directly without cause.
I guess I could always revisit it if the plot hook arises
Anonymous
67d0371
?
No.169229
>>169228
She can try
Anonymous
67d0371
?
No.169230
169231
>>169227
May as well start with the obvious dialogue

Lament speaks:
"Mason tells me you encountered several unfriendly fellows in the underground?"
Anonymous
89f0e37
?
No.169231
169232
>>169230
Posey halts and turns
"Oh, we did indeed. They didn't put up very much of a fight though. Just a couple taps to the nose and they were helpless."
She shakes her head a bit
"I would have liked to interrogate one, but we were in a hurry to leave."
Anonymous
67d0371
?
No.169232
169233
>>169231
"I don't think they were expecting such a fight. They must have mistook Mason for an underling of, well, an associate of mine. A competitor in business, if you will. They certainly would not have known who you were."
Anonymous
89f0e37
?
No.169233
169234
>>169232
"A competitor, you say? What kind of competition?"
Anonymous
67d0371
?
No.169234
169235
>>169233
"Within their respective line of work. Mind you, this associate is not an esotericism, nor are they. It's all non-magical. Mostly. You see, my associate, and they, would offer services that were not necessarily strictly legal, and would try to monopolize those services. It's business competition."
Anonymous
0c3d433
?
No.169235
169236
>>169234
Posey gives a bit of a knowing nod
"Hmmm, smugglers, information peddlers, kidnappers, thieves. Every true artist needs a reliable supplier. Without supplies for our works, where would we be?"
She tosses her mane
"After all, artwork like this has quite the upkeep."
By her tone, it is unclear if she's referring to herself, or to her magic, or if there's a difference between the two.
>monopolize
>competition
"Daring are they? I can admire their will to conquer, but those two silly grunts their forces, they'll need to do better much better than that."
Anonymous
67d0371
?
No.169236
169237
>>169235
Lament seems to take the mildest of offense to the first part of Posey's statement
"Yes, I suppose..."

And after a pause, he replies to the last.
"Mason tells me you took out their leader before he had time to get to his gun. They were not expecting a fight. If they were, they would not likely have let you gain the first move."
Anonymous
0c3d433
?
No.169237
169239
>>169236
"Yes, yes I did. A tap to the snoot was all it took. He never knew what hit him." Posey replies with a giggle
She pantomimes the gesture reaching out her hoof to brutally boop an invisible foe
"The element of surprise is important. Back on the front of the Arcturian lines, the first strike often decides the battle, so the element of surprise is key." She reminisces.
Anonymous
301b738
?
No.169238
169239
She continues
"I would have liked to take him back with me, or at least a piece of him, but time was of the essence." she shrugs
Anonymous
67d0371
?
No.169239
169240
>>169237
"Yes, as it is everywhere. The police tend to hope you comply, and if you don't, that their weaponry will be enough. The military is much the same, except that they always wait to position themselves such that their force will be overwhelming before they attack. Everyone else - rebels, simple criminals, and these business ponies you've encountered, whom the newspapers and the mayor refer to as the "waterfront gang," - they will attack by first strike. So always be aware of your surroundings."

>>169238
"That was the safer choice, likely. But now they know that Mason will sometimes walk with a powerful sorceress - a white mare with a bright red mane."
Anonymous
0c3d433
?
No.169240
169241
>>169239
"Thus is the nature of war."
>now they know
Posey gives a shrug, then tilts her head downward shaking it in slight regret
"I guess it can't be helped now. I'm sure they're recounting tales of nasal trauma now. Perhaps they'll think twice before they get too close next time."
Anonymous
67d0371
?
No.169241
169242
>>169240
Lament nods his head
“Perhaps they will. My associate seems to have been swept up in the customs raid. Their monopoly is secured. They won’t have much reason to harass you or Mason again. At least, until you give them reason.”
Anonymous
0c3d433
?
No.169242
169243
>>169241
Posey shakes her head
"Customs, ever so troublesome."
Anonymous
67d0371
?
No.169243
169245
>>169242
“In the days of the Princesses, it was the police who conducted the raids. But really, this has always been a danger to our kind, causing great damage, or sometimes, just a little damage, every now and then. It’s a large part of why our art is not to be known by the general public.”
Anonymous
0c3d433
?
No.169244
169246
>>169228
I may as well roll Arcana for this
[1d20+9 = (5+9) = 14]
Anonymous
0c3d433
?
No.169245
>>169243
"Yes, yes, I'm quite aware of the dangers of this line of work and the need for secrecy. I'm under covert operations, and I didn't come all this way just to get thrown on some cremation pyre."
Anonymous
9376e3d
?
No.169246
169247 169250
>>169244
The Totem is designed to be a kind of connector between the spiritual realm and the material realm. It is intended to at best, summon, and at least, allow communication. It is activated by verbal invitation.

The mask is more mysterious. For certain, it is divination, though what insights it may show is a bit hard to guess. It is activated by a material component, burned and breathed through the nostrils of the mask.
Anonymous
0c3d433
?
No.169247
169248
>>169246
Welcome back to America.

>activated by verbal invitation
Is the command word visible on the item?
Anonymous
9376e3d
?
No.169248
169249 169250
>>169247
Am mobile posting now
It is not.
Anonymous
d4639dc
?
No.169249
>>169248
Posey will study it later to find out.
I am off to bed.
Anonymous
d4639dc
?
No.169250
169251 169253
>>169248
>>169246
After the conversation is over, Posey would like to spend some time attempting to activate the totem blindly.
Anonymous
bd2f8a6
?
No.169251
169252 169253
>>169250
I'm going to go ahead and make my first roll now.
Posey levitates the totem and mutters some gibberish, squinting at the device
"Yankee hotel foxtrot"
[1d20+7 = (11+7) = 18]
I hope it's not consumable, because if so this might be a bad idea.
Anonymous
bd2f8a6
?
No.169252
169253
>>169251
Fail
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169253
169254
>>169250
>>169251
>>169252
The totem, as best as Posey can guess, is activated by a language Posey does not know, from a culture Posey is not familiar with, and pertaining to a system of worship Posey does not understand.
Anonymous
b6ecbe0
?
No.169254
169255
>>169253
Well, I'll either have to find the grave of its maker and use Speak With Dead to answer questions, or just keep rolling to activate blindly.
I'll make a few more rolls. If I roll a I need to roll 18 (modified 25) or higher to succeed. If I roll an 8 or lower, I suffer a mishap. If I roll a 1, I can't try again for 24 hours.
A mishap could waste the item... but it might conjure something interesting, like a Shoosuva, so that might be fun.

Posey repeats her word salad in rapid succession.
[10d20 = 82]
Anonymous
b6ecbe0
?
No.169255
169256 169276
>>169254
Darn it
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+7 = (17+7) = 24]
[1d20+7 = (8+7) = 15]
[1d20+7 = (11+7) = 18]
[1d20+7 = (20+7) = 27]
[1d20+7 = (12+7) = 19]
[1d20+7 = (6+7) = 13]
[1d20+7 = (20+7) = 27]
[1d20+7 = (4+7) = 11]
[1d20+7 = (10+7) = 17]
[1d20+7 = (6+7) = 13]
[1d20+7 = (9+7) = 16]
Anonymous
b6ecbe0
?
No.169256
169276
>>169255
>mishap on the first roll
"Oh, fu-!"
Well, I guess I'll roll damage for it, on top of whatever consequences it may have.
[2d6 = 5]
Anonymous
2eeb132
?
No.169275
169276
il_fullxfull.1897752437_ppo5.jpg
Necrobump
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169276
169277
>>169275
Hi

>>169255
>>169256
Posey finds that she cannot brute force it

>speak with dead
Nor is it that difficult
Anonymous
77bd33e
?
No.169277
169279
>>169276
Posey needs to use a spell versatility gimmick to create a lvl 3 slot, so she'll need to rest before she can try that.
Wounded, Posey heals her damage with Charnel Touch before going on to check on Gloomy.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169279
169280
>>169277
>level 3 slot
what

Posey's injuries are light, and thus not hard to heal.

Unless Gloomy found something to do inside the cottage, he is either asleep, or playing outside.
Anonymous
77bd33e
?
No.169280
169283
>>169279
>what
A gimmick that I'm not even sure if Posey can do. I need to check the books, but I'll probably just have to wait until Posey levels sufficiently.

Gloomy would be in bed, since he's had a long day/week, and he'd be drained. He has frequent nightmares, but he still knows better than to go out at night when his mother isn't present (because where he's from, literal vampires, zombies, ghouls and witches are always waiting to snatch up unattended foals who leave the room without mommy). Posey would be going to check on him and make sure he's adjusting well to the new environment, and see to it that he hasn't been possessed or whatnot.
Speaking of, I should make a statblock for him soon.

By the way, while Posey is still walking about the mansion, she may as well check and see what Low Rain does at this time of night, if she's awake.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169283
169284
>>169280
>Gloomy will not go outside, for fear he will be eaten
Good foal. He's been educated well.

Looking around the manor, Posey does not see Day Low Rain anywhere. Mason, too, does not seem to be present. Posey locates Lament, who has of course moved by this point, speaking to a unicorn mare in a long room that occupies the southeast corner of the house (right, and away from the entrance). This room is a combination study/library, with many book shelves, windows, a globe, a desk at the end by the corner, and two parlor sofas. Lament is sitting with the mare at a sofa. They seem to be talking. Whether the book that is open on the table next to them is related to the conversation is unknown. The mare is a young unicorn with a flaxen yellow coat, and a light pink, almost peach colored mane tied up in a pair of balls behind her head. She is wearing a golden chain around her neck, and a rather long dress that is white with blue patterns that imitate, but do not precisely represent, the shape of flowers. Lament actually does not have his wine, nor a cigarillo with him in this room.
Anonymous
77bd33e
?
No.169284
169285 169287
>>169283
How long has it exactly been since Posey stopped speaking with them? Posey thought nopony was visiting tonight.
Well, time to eavesdrop
Sneaking check
[1d20+9 = (9+9) = 18]
And Listen check
[1d20+5 = (17+5) = 22]
Anonymous
77bd33e
?
No.169285
>>169284
Posey crouches like a wolf and slightly listens in, neither breath nor heartbeat coming from her as she lurks in the shadows.
Her ears swivel keenly, like those of a bat.
Anonymous
48efe0a
?
No.169287
169288 169289
>>169284
Well, Posey went to try to brute force the fetish and perhaps went to Gloomy, so there is some time at least.

Posey can't get too close, lest she alert them. The two speak at a relatively low volume, with the mare especially bordering on a whisper. Posey can't hear every single individual word. All the same, she can hear enough to understand what is being said and what the conversation is about.

Lament seems to be attempting a romantic relationship with her, with the broader context concerning open dating between the two or potentially a marriage proposal. This is, however, only the wider context. The content of the conversation centers on the mare's father. The mare's father is evidently the owner of a set of factories in Baltimare, who was important new money some years ago, but had fallen on bad times, with the serious danger of bankruptcy recently. Evidently with contracts with the military and some new shift of power against organized labor, the father is able to make money again and avoid serious financial difficulties... But at a price. Her family is now not invited into some social circles, and there was an incident of a head of cabbage being thrown by a worker at her mother's car. This social isolation has put stress on the family as a whole, and her mother is depressed, which of course concerns the mare greatly. There is a bit of talk about other families, and the wider interrelationships among the Baltimare elite. Other families that were more successful seem to have moved to canterlot.

This loops back into the situation between the two in that the father does not seem to like Lament much, and prefers her daughter take a different, specific suitor. The daughter seems to have some ability to ignore her father's wishes, but really doesn't want to, given how stressed the family already is. Adding to all of this is the general uncertainty of the future of Baltimare. The mare seems to be contemplating asking the family to sell and move away inland, while Lament says that the father simply needs to keep doing what he's been doing. When the family has money again, the father will not be stressed, her mother will recover, and she and Lament could have a life together.

The tone of the conversation is rather solemn, with the mare especially taking a sadder tone, with Lament more reassuring. Lament does attempt a joke and laughter at about two points, however.