/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

>>170363
*manor

>>170363
He looks up to her. It's almost sad to such elegant robes so damaged and disheveled.
"I did not get him. they killed all of our thralls with their weapons. I had to fall back. Had you waited to come out... Had I have come out when you did..." He falls silent. But he stands up with Posey

>>170365
"What's done is done. Thralls are... expendable. Cunning and loyal servants are not. We can only move on and rebuild." Posey says, further healing him
"We have all the time in the world for revenge, but for now, let's focus on what we can do, not what we couldn't."

>>170366
"It was the best chance.." He laments

"But I've waited so long now."
He turns to her. He's a bit taller, with the hat adding a couple inches. He's above middle aged, but even with his dried and frail skin, does not look that old. The healing must have some effect.

"What is left?" He asks her.

>>170367
"What's left?" Posey says, a quizzical look on her face
"Only the world to conquer." She says, turning her chin up and pondering the half moon
"There's so many more heartbeats cluttering this world. So many shambling bodies. There's a full world out there to be plundered, to be ravaged, to be ruined. I didn't kill a paladin tonight, but I won't let one setback stop me. Follow along if you like, or lay in the ashes like a corpse; the choice is yours."
And with that, she slowly trots off, towing the casket behind her

>>170368
"I'm not sure I agree with the sentiment that it is our business to stamp out life" He says, and with a pause, Posey has likely started to move away. "But over the decades, I have certainly come to understand it."
He gets up, and starts to follow Posey, likely some feet behind.
"I will come with you."

>>170369
"Very well then. Come along. I'll introduce you to my driver." Posey says, as she makes her way back to the town.
She turns
"Call me Posey."

Okay, looks like the quest is wrapping up, so I think this is a good stopping point, so long as nothing attacks us on our way back.
Posey would spend a minute or two bringing him to full health before they leave. She'd try to be as discreet as possible getting into the truck with Mason, and explain the situation to him when she gets back.

>>170370
>So long as nothing attacks us
The dangers of highwaymen and bandits have been greatly exaggerated, and the ancient forests no longer conceal wild, natural predators... right?

"Baćka Vysoki Chančes" He says back to her, in slightly higher spirits

GM, has Posey leveled up from her adventures thus far?
Based on all the interactions with humanoids and undead, challenges where Posey has to roll skill checks or expend resources to avoid destruction/exposure, and other encounters in this past couple months, I've calculated that Posey (who is, remember, ECL 3, with her LA bought off) could have earned between 6000 and 11000 XP (assuming that most of the non-combat encounters involved NPC-classed humanoids at CR 1/2, and making skill checks to avoid conflict counts as a completed encounter), potentially putting her near lvl 5-6, with most of it being in this past adventure with August.
I know Posey didn't actually kill August or the ELF, and accepted his Parley, but I feel like she could have if she acted tactically and buffed the other undead and herself. I just found August to be an interesting character and wanted to keep him alive (until Posey learns to create non-mindless undead), since I thought he was a paladin would have potential to be a good recurring antagonist (villains always leave potential heroes to defeat them later, after all). Posey's only real goal was to take the treasure, and the Bloodbound being alone now makes him easier to recruit/manipulate, so I would kind of like to count this as a victory, considering the fact that she was able to get ALL of the treasure, despite August living.
August is a fun antagonist, btw. Cool paladin, but also a touch of rogueish tropes that fits the modern setting. He'd make for a good Shadowbane Inquisitor.

I know that you think Posey may be a bit overpowered, and I would like to discuss how I could amend that in her level up process to get her sheet finalized. I could add some more of those Deadlands weaknesses, such as saying that her DR is always bypassed by wood, or swap some of her more optimal features for suboptimal ones.
Leveling Posey over time is kind of important to me, as she doesn't really feel like a proper Necromancer until she learns to create undead. I guess I should've played a Cleric if I wanted earliest access to Necromancy, but I was really couldn't resist the "Dread" name in Dread Necromancer, considering that she's a member of the League.
>>170371
"I don't think I ever got your name. Care to tell?"

GM, idk how much you want to streamline the journey home, but Posey would explain the situation to Mason (omitting the part where she cooperates with August) and return to the manor as inconspicuously as possible.
I would like to appraise the loot whenever it's convenient for you to give me the numbers.

Posey's plans for the next day would be to keep Gloomy occupied, count the loot, and to meditate in the garden to reverse the taint of defilement on her spirit, taking advantage of the abundant vegetation.

>>170407
>I just found August to be an interesting character
>August is a fun antagonist, btw.
D'awww, thanks

>considering the fact that she was able to get ALL of the treasure
>she was able to get ALL of the treasure
>ALL of the treasure
>ALL
>Posey totally didn't miss 75%+ of the value of the treasure for a second quest in a row
Right.

>how I could amend that in her level up process to get her sheet finalized
>has Posey leveled up from her adventures thus far?
>I know that you think Posey may be a bit overpowered
>Leveling Posey over time is kind of important to me
The essence of the problem is the way power creep occurs in D&D 3.5; the difference of a few levels has great consequence

>>170411
Kinda want to see her get past the military

>>170412
>miss 75%+
You didn't need to tell me that..... Now I want to go back and check.
I thought Posey had all the time she needed to search the building, and she rolled high on Search. I figured the Bloodbound would know where things are too.
>leveling power creep
Well, Posey is deleveled to ECL 3, spending more than half of her XP on LA buy off and bloodline benefits. Her powers as a caster are no better than any other lvl 3 caster. Most of the power in 3.5e comes from class progression; Posey's racial abilities mostly come in the form of defensive buffs, which will not improve as she levels.

I could map out her progression for you:

Lvl 4: Posey finally gets lvl 2 spells at this level without resorting to gimmicks. Posey's known spells are fixed, and her spells known advanced predictably, without excessive fear investure. You can see her spell list here:
https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/magic/spells/classSpellLists/dreadNecromancerSpells.html
She gains an ability boost (Charisma, obviously) which would increase the DCa for most of her abilities, and +1 increase in her BAB. Her bloodline would give her cold resistance at lvl 4, but that's redundant with her half-vampire cold resistance (unless you'll let me use the rules to modify it). Her ability to rebuke and command undead increases linearly.
She also gains an advanced Learning Spell, probably Kelgore's Grave Mist.
She gains Mental Bastion, which is redundant with her racial immunity unless you'd rather have me nerf her by removing her immunity to mind-effecting attacks (which I was considering, to reduce LA).
Overall, lvl 4 is mostly just a linear increase of abilities she already had.

Lvl 5:
At this level, Posey gets her Fear Aura, which increases her combat effectiveness against non-paladins, as Fear is Posey's main line of attack. Her spellcasting doesn't increase in level.

This would also be the level at which the Apprentice feat might say that she's surpassed her apprentice, meaning that Posey would finally earn her emancipation and be free of service. She would no longer have to tithe to her master or follow his orders. She could also potentially begin training Gloomy as her own apprentice.
Since Posey's master is minimum lvl 8, you might prefer to delay her emancipation until lvl 8 or later.

Unlike a Wizard or Cleric, Posey does not natively gain lvl 3 slots at this level, but she could attempt to cast one by spending 2 lvl 2 slots using Versatile spellcaster.

Lvl 6.
At this level, leadership potentially comes on line. I laid out my plans for leadership earlier in the old threads. This is a big deal, as it multiples the number of characters I control. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted me to delay this or discard the idea entirely.

Lvl 6 is important because it's the first level that Posey natively gains lvl 3 slots. This means that Posey would gain some potent utility, such as Speak With Dead. Vampiric Touch becomes as deadly single-target combat option.

Lvl 7:
At this lvl, Posey gains the ability to summon her familiar: an imp, vargoulle, quasit or ghostly visage.
I would consider the imp because if it's interesting variants,
This is the "cool pet" level. A familiar isn't that suited for combat, but is an interesting scout.

Lich body also increases to 4 at this level.

Lvl 8:
The Golden Level. At this level, Posey finally natively gets lvl 4 spells, which means she can cast Animate Dead. Thus drastically changes her play style, as she will have minions. She also gains Undead Mastery, making her minions more potent as and undead more numerous.
She gains another Advanced Learning Spell. Probably Grim Revenge.

Her spellcasting increases to the point where she is actually a potent Carter in combat, albeit still only for single-targets attacks and battlefield control. Phantasmal Killer, Black Tentacles, Fear and Summon Undead 4 change the game in terms of her offensive power.

She would also increase her charisma by 1

Posey's powers hereafter do not drastically change other than predictable linear progression, except until lvl 12, where she gains Create Undead, and when she gains Create Greater Undead. She gains more combat spells, but the big focus is on her linear progression to create and control undead.

>>170412
>Kinda want to see her get past the military
Okay, let's go with that (unless I can go back to check for that 75% of treasure).
Also waiting for the name of the Bloodbound guy.

>>170413
>leveling power creep
I think GM means in general rather than for Posey specifically. As Posey levels up to 4 or 5 other characters will level up to 6 or 7. Silver already has survived taking dozens of bullets (albeit in a dreamscape) so getting leveled up will start turning characters from "exceptional but still grounded ponies" to "nearly physical demi-gods." The whole setting is urban fantasy where a single grunt with a knife or gun poses a serious threat (Amber's had a couple of close calls herself), and leveling up means they would become more irrelevant.

The whole setting is in HOI4 so there's high-level military hardware to contend with in the future, so I doubt leveling is ruled out, but Baltimare's more about gangs and occupation. I'm confident that leveling will happen at some point, just not in the immediate future.

>>170415
I was under the impression that the endgame of Occupied Equestria was to liberate Equestria from Changeling/Colonial occupation: in Posey's case, to replace them with the League. Posey wouldn't be fond of changelings, as they occupy a niche that rightfully belongs to vampires (feeding on ponies, top-down hierarchy, subversive infiltration, shapeshifting, etc), and she would gladly annihilate them if presented with the opportunity. I made Posey with the intent for her eventually conjure an undead army to change the course of history.
>"nearly physical demi-gods."
>The whole setting is urban fantasy where a single grunt with a knife or gun poses a serious threat
Ngl, I was aware of that, but I built Posey as the opposite with direct intent to subvert the trope, focusing on durability and self-healing instead of casting power to fit the aesthetic of "Undying Sorceress". The concept of a bulletproof pseudo-vampire overwhelming mortal opponents with fear in a modern setting appeals to me. Thing about that is that Posey is the type of monster who risks being hunted down if she's exposed, and damage reduction only protects her from so much.
Posey is an old-school warlord, the type hails from the time where the world was ruled by eldritch beings and dark powers of otherworldly power, the ancient mythological era before modern history. Posey uses a longbow, even though she could use guns, because she keeps in line with the Dread League's low tech level.
>dreamscape
I wonder if Oneiromancy is worth investing in. Could be useful. I had intended for Gloomy to do that though.

>>170416
>I was under the impression that the endgame of Occupied Equestria was to liberate Equestria from Changeling/Colonial occupation: in Posey's case, to replace them with the League.
The endgame is whatever players want. There are different factions and players are working with different ones.
>Ngl, I was aware of that, but I built Posey as the opposite with direct intent to subvert the trope, focusing on durability and self-healing instead of casting power to fit the aesthetic of "Undying Sorceress".
Posey's concept is amazing.

>>170413
>I thought Posey had all the time she needed to search the building, and she rolled high on Search. I figured the Bloodbound would know where things are too.
I'll give this spoiler: most of the treasure was never in the cavern or the Bloodbound's possession.

What I mean by power creep is that something that is threatening at level 5 is not at all threatening at level 10. The vast majority of enemies thus far have been "humanoid" types. I can use a level 3 fighter as a base, which takes about 2-3 bullets to knock out, and it takes about two of these at once to seriously challenge a level 5 character. It feels pretty realistic and well enough balanced. But at higher levels... what? Just arbitrarily give the same gang members, rebel soldiers, and changeling drones more HP and more attacks per turn? I mean... I guess? It's hard to explain exactly what I mean, perhaps at some time in the future I will elaborate.

>The concept of a bulletproof pseudo-vampire overwhelming mortal opponents with fear in a modern setting appeals to me
Why? As an adversary, that sounds interesting, but to play as it just sounds boring.

>>170414
He actually did answer in >>170371

Of course I suppose if Posey doesn't speak Bolshevik, she can get a more Equestrianized answer

>>170418
>most of the treasure was never in the cavern or the Bloodbound's possession
Oh well.
>As an adversary, that sounds interesting
Well, being a supervillain is the thing I was going for. The schism between supernatural and the modern is interesting to me, as it is in mutants and masterminds or call of Cthulhu.
Playing an undead, I like the aesthetic of bullets ripping through me and tearing off chunks of my face and torso in a grisly manner, exposing my rotten and corrupted mutant innards, as I shamble forward like a zombie as I lunge towards my enemies. It makes me feel more like a monster.
That, and I don't have a party or minions to help me.
>to play as it just sounds boring
Well, the fun to me was supposed to be the army of undead.

>He actually did answer
Pardon. I missed it.
>if Posey doesn't speak Bolshevik
I imagined that Posey would have a vaguely-slavic accent, considering she comes from up north and is vampire-related. Also because I find the accent to be sexy. It's not on her list of languages though.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chančes." Posey says, with a polite gesture
"If you'd care to follow me, I'll introduce you to my driver."

>>170367
>"What is left?"
"Always look on the dark side of death, is what my master used to say." Posey's says, nonchalantly
"You may have little left, with the destruction of your master, but you're more fortunate than some, enviable even, for you are emancipated, and you may now do whatever you please. I've worked many years to hoping to be free of service. Tell me, what does it feel like? Bittersweet perhaps?"

>>170419
>I find the accent to be sexy.
Good enough reason

He follows Posey, although perhaps somewhat lethargically. He is on the wrong side of 60, after all.

"Free? I've been free since the Bishopric defrocked me. No gratitude after all of my decades of service, with their nonsense rituals... And since the destruction of the Pannolovich castle, not many hours later. If anything, there is something dreadful in it. But the lack of restraint... That I can appreciate."

>>169384
>>170172
Time for our acute little angle

Amber enters the control room of the locomotive. The engineer is reaching his claw out of the window holding a net, evidently prepared for the passing of the baton. He looks back to Amber, albeit only momentarily, to see who entered the room, before turning his attention to the track ahead.

Outside the window, the train has slowed down considerably. The trees, not likely to completely lose their leaves until the end of October, are full of shades of auburn and amber. The forest is altogether much thicker than it was in the Imperial District, though such wilderness is not alien to a long-time resident of Katerin. Clouds have moved in, and their dark undersides are suggestive of coming rain.

The engineer speaks
"I received a message from Kronborg station. They are claiming that a police team attempted to board? They wish for us to return. Or to arrange for a police search in Soldau."

>>170421
Is Posey able to make it back to the truck?

>>170423
Posey can move along the logging road from earlier, or perhaps a different route. Surely Posey would wish to avoid encountering the ELF team on the way back, and when she gets to the town, would try to steer clear of the hotel

>>170424
Yeah, that's what I would have said.
Does it go well?

>>170424
Does Posey need to roll anything for this?

I guess I'll preemptively roll bluff to talk past the military checkpoint. Tell them that Baćka is a retiree who's moving in with relatives from out in the countryside since he got older.
[1d20+12 = (5+12) = 17]

>>170427
My boredom once again hampers my common sense to take 10..

>>170426
>>170425
>>170427
>>170428
Posey walks along the dark path, ending in a small clearing with a small number of decaying logs, and seedlings starting to fill in the gaps. It's anypony's guess, but then there is a path that goes north... then east... then south... Posey can soon understand why August chose to go to the river first. Backa will occasionally offer advise as to which way to go, which is not always born out upon trial.

Posey comes to a largish industrial building that has a couple lights on, and very likely does not wish to come to close. Or perhaps she does, but I will assume she wishes simply to go home undetected. She goes north, now through the town, which has a small brick church, which does have an uncomfortable, electric aura, a few small shops like a grocer and a drug store, what seems to be a small, brick school, and several dozen houses. Most are along the single road, but some branch off. Posey has the disadvantage of magically levitating at least one coffin, and Posey has not seen anyone magically levitate any large object, let alone something as large as a coffin. Very few lights are on, but a couple are, and more importantly, Posey can hear dog barking. Posey will almost certainly chose to cut through the forest, which while not exceptionally difficult, as the ground is dry enough and most of the forest floor is clear, travel is still occasionally hampered by undergrowth. The truck is past, and across the street from the hotel, lights still on, which is one last obstacle to get past.

When Posey gets to the truck, Mason is asleep in his seat.

>>170429
Posey gently pokes Mason until he wakes up.
Once he wakes up, she explains the situation to him.

>>170422
"I see…" Amber replies hesitantly. "This is a matter that should be taken directly to the authorities in Hellheim. The local police of Soldau don't have authority to search a foreign train." Amber has no idea whether this is true or not, but she hopes she sounds convincing. "And to reverse along these tracks is inconceivable. It would delay the next outbound train and cost the company far too much money."

>>170430
Mason quickly bolts up, and looks around, using his magical aura to grab the keys. He seems almost surprised he doesn't have to make an immediate get away. "Were you followed?" Is among the questions asked. He will certainly want to get Backa and the items taken, like the coffin, out of sight as quickly as possible.

Posey will now have the question of how she wants to hide the items, the coffin (were there more than one?) and Backa. Please note that Backa is dressed basically in a full priestly outfit, that outfit is old, worn, and mildewed, and has bullet holes in it. Posey's garb likewise probably has bullet holes, shot holes, cuts, and a piece missing.

>>170431
The engineer, who remains distracted, replies "Well, Soldau would normally check customs... Turning around is technically possible, but impractical for a number of reasons. We'd have to get a shunter, and likely use the side section of track for many minutes..."

Then he asks
"What is Reichs Bahn policy on this matter?" He asks

>>170433
>Backa. Please note that Backa is dressed basically in a full priestly outfit, that outfit is old, worn, and mildewed, and has bullet holes in it. Posey's garb likewise probably has bullet holes, shot holes, cuts, and a piece missing.
Posey takes her clothes off in favor of a tasteful nude, and advises Backa to do the same, this being a nudist society.

The coffin itself is unnecessary, as it was only a container to transport treasure, and there is no vampire bound to it. Unless Backa has any objections, it can be jettisoned.
Posey refers to Mason if he has any ideas for how to conceal the treasure in the truck, him knowing it better than she does.

>>170434
Backa is... discolored. At least he still has fur, but his skin is an odd red with visible blue-black blood veins. Make up would likely fix this, but they have none here.

Backa has minor objections

"Leto Pannolovich's coffin? Are we casting him aside entirely?"
And,

"One of those is for me. I am not bound to it, properly speaking, but I am vulnerable in ways the living are not. To sunlight, for instance."

Mason tells Posey that the entire back of the vehicle is closed.
"It could still be searched. But there's a couple chairs and a couch back there, along with blankets for cover, as necessary."

>>170436
>Are we casting him aside entirely?
"Leto is destroyed. No matter how long we wait, his smoke will never return to that coffin. Now, it's just a box."
>One of those is for me
"Let's keep them then. So long as nothing is inside of them, we can write off the antique wood as a xylology specimen."
>blankets for cover
"Let's wrap them securely then."

>>170437
Backa tries to repeat "xylogogy?"
Though it is clear that Ponish is not his first language

Backa comments
"I saved some items from the cathedral before I was expelled. I see you found them..." He scrunches

Mason comments
"Be sure to have an explanation for everything in the truck"

>>170438
"Study of wood. Our cover story is studying wood and trees for the paper mill."
>"Be sure to have an explanation for everything in the truck"
"If the truck gets searched, we'll just say that they're antiques that Baka is selling off now that his retirement funds have run dry. We can say we met him through contacts wanting to examine cross sections of the old coffins. It's not an uncommon story, especially with the war going on and older ponies finding that their sons never come home to aid them in retirement."

>>170439
"Cross sections of old coffins?" Mason raises an eyebrow

Backa looks back to him.
"When I went in, the Royal Guard was besieging Baltimare because they too, had a peasant revolt. I assume the latter lost? Has the regime grown more frightened? It doesn't seem things calmed down much at all."

>>170440
>"Cross sections of old coffins?"
They do this irl. They also do it for sunken ships. You'd be surprised by how much historical and environmental information can be gained from examining the grain of old wood.

"It's worth a shot." Posey says

>>170441
"But what's the story as to why the coffin is here at all? So I get that Backa is moving from Hayseen Junction or wherever for retirement, but why is there a coffin?" Mason asks

>>170442
"It could have housed a cadaver that was later cremated, and kept for its antique status." Pisey says
"I'm not particularly deadset on bringing it. We could always replace it with another."

>>170433
"Reichs Bahn policy in matters of international dispute or importance is to consult the central government directly," Amber replies authoritatively. "Otherwise there can be other serious mistakes or errors."

>>170444
Trips checked

>>170443
Mason blinks
"Perhaps you can deliver the cover story, but I have no explanation as to why we have both the old stallion and the coffin, unless the intent is ultimately to place him in it."

Mason turns on the engine. Backa would likely sit in the middle or the back, unless Posey wanted that space.

>>170444
"Of Hellquill?" He asks

>>170446
>unless the intent is ultimately to place him in it
"That could work too... I'll do the talking."
She appears a bit agitated
"Now let's get out of here before we're seen."

>>170446
"Uh, yes. And the Imperial embassy there too, of course," Amber adds quickly.

Posey uses her cloak to wrap up the magic sword she got from the tree and tucks it away with her armor.

>>170447
Mason doesn't have to be told twice, shifting the vehicle into gear, and briefly turning off the light before deciding to turn it back on again. He maneuvers forward, then backs up, and is on the road, turning left and towards Baltimare, driving with haste.

But it isn't far down the road that they encounter headlights of another vehicle that stops, and flashes its high beams to them. Posey can see that there are multiple creatures walking along the side of the road, a couple ponies in the front, and several griffins. Mason slows down the vehicle and stops.

From the side, a bright light is shined into the vehicle.
"Identification cards" A stallion's voice asserts

Backa does not have such an ID card

>>170448
"I suppose... we'll just have to let police handle this" he says

The train comes to a stop: Soldau Hauptbahnhoff.

>>170450
Posey's first course of action is to make seductive eye contact with the guards and attempt to charm them, supernaturally.
Same save DC as usual.
"He's from far out in the countryside and hasn't left his home in years: he doesn't have any official ID. He's moving closer to the city with some friends of his relatives."
(not a lie)

[1d20+3 = (17+3) = 20] [1d20+3 = (11+3) = 14]
>>170451
The group seems to consist of at least two ponies and at least... six(?) griffins. The pony next to Posey's window, looking in, has a submachine gun on a sling. It's the same model that Posey has seen several times, including with Succored Brave, with a metalic pipe structure, and a magazine that feeds from the top. He is not brandishing it, but lets it loose on the sling, as he inspects the ID. He's a tan pegasus pony, with a flak jacket, an olive drab uniform, and a cattlemare's hat. He seems to be the leader, though from his voice he sounds young. He is accented in such a way that he certainly not from the area.

"Good mornin' miss. We're looking for partisan activity. We've got a report of multiple gunshots, and automatic gunfire, heard near a village not far from here." He looks back up to her eyes. "Would you happen to know anything about it?"

>>170452
"Guns? I did happen to hear some loud noises while I was studying the wood in the forest. I figured it was just hunters or farmers, but a bookworm like me wouldn't know any better from the sounds alone."
Bluff

>>170455
>>170454
He... seems to buy it?
"And what are you travelling for?" He asks

Posey can tell that a different pony is speaking to Mason, and the rear of the vehicle is already being opened up.

>>170456
"Xylogogy. Research for the local paper mill." Posey says, putting on the face of a passionate botanist who threatens to bore you to death with a profoundly unremarkable rant about the intricacies of wood grain
"We're also picking up this fine stallion, as due to unfortunate circumstances he's finding having to move out of his old home."

>>170457
"Uh huh." He says, to the paper mill. He turns his light over to Backa, and shines it on him. He almost jumps back

"Celestia, what is wrong with him? Looks like a boiled lobster that's been dried in the sun."
Backa stares back in such a way as to at least prove he is animate, and looks about ready to launch into a tirade."

>>170458
"Rude."
Possy frowns, and leans forward a bit, as to speak discreetly
"He's very old, and the anguish of losing his loved ones has gotten to him. Try not to bother him too much, his heart can't take much more stress now."

>>170459
Mason whispers, loudly, to Backa to not speak.

The soldier looks back to Posey
"What do you have in the back?"

>>170460
"A few of this stallion's old possessions. Mostly furniture, and a few heirlooms. There's also two empty coffins that we're going to examine the grain of back at the lab, which he was generous enough to donate to us. They were built a long time ago, but are empty; perfect specimens for a xylogogy thesis."

>>170461
>these coffins are totally empty
>they are not filled to the brim with illegal firearms, ammunition, fake IDs, radio equipment, and bomb making materials
>trust me bro
"Alright, we'll just do a search for contraband, and make sure."

A few seconds pass and then... they open the coffins
"Hey, there's a big silver cup back here! it's like what they'll use in the Celestialist church. You know. The cup. And there's another one here."

Backa turns back to yell at them
"Those are valuable instruments of sacred ritual. Keep your hooves off, you cretins!"

>>170463
"Please do be careful. Some of those are rather fragile. You're free to open the coffins and confirm that they are empty, but PLEASE do not damage the wood."

>>170464
"Where'd ya get the cups?" He asks

He looks back
"Are those real silver?"

>>170465
I fell asleep

>where did you get cups
"They're heirlooms"
>silver
"I don't know. They're not mine to appraise."

>>170467
And now, three more questions,

"Where are you coming from?"
"Was it Painted Creek?"
"Why did you leave so early?"

>>170468
>"Where are you coming from?"
"Not far from here."
>"Was it Painted Creek?"
"I'm not familiar with the nomenclature of the area. I wasn't near any rivers, but the woods near the village."
>"Why did you leave so early?"
"We have business to attend to elsewhere, and we found the samples we were looking for."

>>170469
"And what business is that?" He asks, evidently not quite satisfied

>>170470
"Analyzing the wood grain on these coffins. Also, I have a colt at home to take care of."

>>170471
One more bluff check

>>170473
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Gonna roll an opposed Cha check to influence the ones who are already charmed, to get them to just let us through.
[1d20+4 = (18+4) = 22]

>>170473
>>170474
"Step out of the vehicle."

And when this is accomplished (assuming that Posey complies)
"You have this guy who looks like a cadaver in your vehicle, you somehow don't know where you are coming from, you've got silver vessels in a coffin in the back, and most importantly, you were near the location of the discharge of illegal arms, and decide to leave at five in the morning."

"So I will ask you, and I need straight answers: where were you staying, what were you doing there, and for how long?"

>>170475
Posey's steps out of the car in annoyance.

>where were you staying
"I stopped briefly at the local inn, had a drink and a shower, but I spent most of the night doing my research in the forest."
>what were you doing there
"Research. Dealing with the flow of entropy and decay in the forest." (not a lie, technically)
>and for how long
"One night."

(I didn't know that Backa was so visibly decayed. I would have changed my plans if I knew that)

>>170477
He's not decayed, so much as he has unusual skin coloration

>>170476
"And you know nothing of partisan activity?" He asks again

>>170478
"I told you I heard some unusual sounds in the woods, but I can't help you with what they might have come from."

>>170479
Better do another bluff role.

“What kind of shots did you hear? How many, from what direction, and for how long?”

>>170480
"I can't help you, sir. I don't know very much about guns, not was I close to the action."

[1d20+12 = (11+12) = 23]

>>170478
>unusual skin coloration
Skin, or fur?
Big difference there.

>>170482
Skin. His fur is ragged, matted in areas and thin in others, and does have the appearance of thickened and partly dried blood, but that isn't entirely unsual

>>170482
>>170481
"What did you hear?" he says, clearly believing Posey to be uncooperative.

>>170483
"Some banging sounds that may or may not have been gunshots, some wolves howling, and that's about it."

>>170484
"Wolves?"

This may not be a sincere question, as either way, he steps back, and starts to talk with the other pony. They write something down. Posey may or may not have any interest to know what they said.

All the same, when headlights appear behind them, the pony comes back to Mason and Posey:
"You're free to go."

>>170485
"Good night."
Possy reenters the vehicle

>>170486
Mason is quick to place the vehicle back into gear, drives past the military truck, and then speeds away quickly once out of line of sight

>>170487
Huzzah! Encounter resolved.

Does the ride back to the manor go smoothly?

>>170488
Posey can gather that the soldiers found the situation to be suspicious, but had no reason to further waste their time on them.

There actually is an issue.

Driving through the night, Posey, Mason, and Backa drive through the forest, eventually giving way to fields. With Backa there, the truck is more talkative than on the way up. Backa wants to talk about his weird foreign lands and some dispute with a treasurer that he had, and Mason is curious as to just how, exactly, Posey defeated August. And what is this August Wreath like?

The sky has a decent assortment of stars, more than are visible from the manor house. But then the sky begins to lighten in shade, and eventually, becomes nautical twilight. The sun will be rising soon, and Backa is concerned.

>>170489
>Mason is curious as to just how, exactly, Posey defeated August. And what is this August Wreath like?
Posey's gives a brief description of August and explains that in the end there was little to be gained from slaying the ELF other than potentially having the military question them about the dead bodies, so in the end he got away, but she doubts he'll be a threat in the future given his adversarial relationship with the regime.
Possy says she simply feigned death after being shot, and that August was none the wiser.
>Sun will be rising soon
"Hurry up, if you can."
>Backa is concerned
"If we can't make it there, we'll put you in the back of the truck."

>>170490
"Uh huh" He looks at Posey skeptically, but smiles, and leaves it at that.

Mason tells Posey,
"This truck only goes so fast, and it's a long distance. Sunrise will happen before we arrive."

>>170491
"Then pull over. We'll put Backa in the coffin."

>>170492
This is no difficulty at all, as there is quite a bit of nothing between New Horseleans and Baltimare. Mason pulls over to a strand of trees. Backa seems displeased with this turn of events. The coffin is already open when Posey gets to it, but removing the items presents space for Backa.

Continuing along the journey, the sun rises along the horizon. It shines directly in the eyes of both ponies, and Mason moves a visor, lowers his hat, and uses multiple maneuvers to keep it out of his eyes.

The last obstacle is the military checkpoint outside the city. They ask to see ID, what cargo they are carrying, where they are coming from, and the purpose of the trip.

>>170493
Wait, there was another checkpoint? Damnit.

Gonna have to modify the story. We're morticians transporting the body of a deceased elderly stallion to his family.

>>170494
This is certainly doable. Posey should hope that they don't bother to check the records from each encounter, though.

Luck check (to see if Posey gets the same guard that questioned them the afternoon before). And bluff check

>>170496
Posey has the same guard who questioned Mason yesterday afternoon. Otherwise, it seems her story is fairly persuasive

>>170497
Sure?

>>170498
Good

>>170499
But even with a good dice roll, I need to hear Posey’s cover story

>>170500
Posey says that a friend of a relative was recently deceased, and they don't want to leave him out in the countryside, so they're transporting his coffin.

>>170501
But he adds,
“Wasn’t there something about trees?”

>>170502
"There was, yes. We studied in the woods and left."

>>170503
He shrugs, writes something down, and waves them along.

>>170504
Huzzah! Encounter resolved.

>>170505
And so, the three make it back to the manor. The sun is out, and it’s early morning.

>>170506
Posey carries the coffin inside the manor.

>>170505
>>170508
https://youtu.be/zHGm2B_attw?si=B0FDtv5cuX50jeQs

This is carried in easily enough.

Oddly Lament is not waiting for them; he seems to have passed out on his bed

>>170509
Posey doesn't bother Lament, and instead takes Backa to a room with no windows or one with heavy curtains.

>>170510
Posey's next course of action is to tend to Gloomy and ensure that nobody's stolen him in the night (force of habit).

>>170510
>>170511
Backa would no doubt have many comments, but those may be best saved for later

Posey goes back to find Gloomy sleeping in the cabin. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a light sleeper, so Posey likely wakes him up. Fortunately Gloomy has not been stolen in the night, but she should be cautious, as bat-winged ponies have been reported in the Baltimare area, and also changelings are still a thing.

>>170513
Possy would proceed to stay with Gloomy throughout the day, as part of the 8 hours of rest she needs to recover arcane spell slots.

>>170514
Shouldn't Gloomy be going to school, or playing outside, or socializing with other foals of his age?

>>170515
Posey is grooming training him as her apprentice, teaching him in the dark arts as he perfects his soul binding skills.
Gloomy has only been here for two days. It's a little early to send him to school. He has a haunted and earie disposition that would probably alarm the other foals, but it could be worth a shot.
Raising him to be evil and insane is kind of the goal anyway. Posey just likes spoiling him because... well, idk why. He's already quite damaged, coming from the same abusive vampire-thrall background that Posey does, teetering on the edge of insanity and loathing of life itself.
Tbh, I've been meaning to try to touch up on roleplaying Gloomy a bit more; I just haven't gotten to since Posey has been busy on side quests that take months to resolve. He's actually supposed to be pretty important to her character development.

>>170516
Well, now that her recent quest is done, she has some freedom on what to do next.

>>170517
Possy would like to set up some facilities to perform her research and educate Gloomy. Seeing as how she's only been here two nights, she's not eager to run around town very soon.
She would like to appraise the treasure she brought back as well.
>>170515
Perhaps the next arc could focus on him a bit more.

>>170518
> set up some facilities to perform her research and educate Gloomy
That sounds... concerning

>>170519
Well, it's the only thing I can really think of, but idk how I'd go about it yet. I'm only lvl 3. There aren't very many facilities I'd like to buy yet.
Could Posey spend the next day as downtime trying to appraise the treasure?
I'm wondering if that hyena mask might be a Mask Of The Matriarch. Idk though, Posey doesn't have Identify, or the gold to afford an Artificer's monocle yet.
The sword had a magical aura, so it should be at least a +1 sword. Not that useful for Posey (unless she has archaic weapon proficiency? How are we doing weapon proficiencies in this modern mileau?), but could be good for resale value, or eventually a weapon for an undead minion.

Ngl, I'm not sure what to do with Posey from here going forward.

>>170524
Explore, talk with NPCs, inspect items, prepare another quest, Make some friends

>>170525
Well, before I get ready for any other quest, I should at least update my level equipment. I need to get a full understanding of the value of the items.
Posey can take 10 to appraise the value of common items, and exotic items if she uses a magnifying glass (could there be one in the lab?). Can she begin to estimate the value of the treasures she's gathered so far?

Posey will inquire Backa about his relics (it technically belongs to him, and while Posey isn't above stealing, having a friendly priest around is more valuable), what they do, and what he'd like to do with them.

>plan quests
Were I the right level, I'll like to go hunt for Hydra cadavers. Might like to do that anyway, actually, since the XP could get me to the level where I could animate them.
A bit out of my league, but worth a shot.

Also warning, I'm leaving out of town soon, and so will be less responsive

>>170526
Appraising the items is actually a bit of a complicated task. What Posey has found are works of art that have value for their metal content, but much of the value lies in the workmanship. The problem is that the items are obviously stolen, and thus hard to resell at anything near their full value.

>hunt for Hydra cadavers
Hydras that are already dead or hydras that are still alive when you find them?

Actually both make sense

>>170527
>the items are obviously stolen
What makes them look different from other magical items?
Well, I would like their gp value anyway. If I can't sell them now, I could hold them to bargain with fiends later in the game.
I would also like to know their magical function, if any.
>Hydras that are already dead or hydras that are still alive when you find them?
Yes.

>>170450
Amber gulps, knowing that she is still not out of danger and this wild plan could unravel at this crucial point. Still, she is dependent on the engineer's knowledge and naïveté and pushing even his credulity too far would certainly doom them. Once again, Amber plays the part of an old conductor, blowing a whistle to allow passengers to disembark.

>Posey contemplating her plans to take over Baltimore (and later Equestria) while she's lvl 3
"Nope, nope, nope... That'll take too long... Too risky... Expensive... Maybe I should just run for Mayor and see how that goes... Who am I kidding... Oh well, better set up shop for the long haul."
(she is impatient; being restless dead)

GM, do I need to roll something to appraise the value of the treasure?

>>170564
Appraisal

>>170565
Can Posey just take 10 (modified 15-20 with tools/assistance) on that, or does she need to roll for each individual item?

She'll also cast Detect Magic.

Fuck it
First roll
[1d20+3 = (18+3) = 21]
This is before bonuses

>>170568
Based Orcus putting his fat thumb on the scale for Posey once again.

>>170528
>>170568
>>170567
>What makes them look different from other magical items?
Basically, the items obviously came from an important church, though little would tie them to anything specific.

The items are worth likely at least 300 gold just from melt value. Their full collector value would be over 2000 bits. As works of art, perhaps 1600 bits.

The cup and the container both have signatures of transmutation magic, though Posey can tell that this is from build up of ambient transmutation magic in the precious metals, and not from the items being magical themselves. The reliquary on the other hoof... That has a much stronger magical signature.

>>170577
Can Posey estimate the value of the mask and totem that she recovered from her previous quest?
>The reliquary on the other hoof... That has a much stronger magical signature.
Ooh, that's interesting.
I am going to roll religion to see if Posey can tell the function of this item.
[1d20+9 = (13+9) = 22]
Although, I guess Posey could simply ask Backa about it.
>Their full collector value would be over 2000 bits. As works of art, perhaps 1600 bits.
Excellent.

>>170578
The relic is supposed to bestow good luck and perhaps other benefits upon those rub it. The problem is that it is Good aligned.

>The mask
_shrugs_
These items are harder to assess, but surely greatly lower in value that the silversmithed items.

>>170579
>The problem is that it is Good aligned.
As in, like most good-aligned items, gives a negative level to any evil character that holds it for as long as its in their possession? Like a Holy weapon?
That's still nice to have.
Having a relic bone is also potentially useful for other purposes anyway, although I expected it to be a reliquary holy symbol.
However, as a general rule, holy relics can't easily be sold, so Posey won't get any resale value out of that. They're even harder to buy though, so this is still a good find.
>These items are harder to assess
What's their caster levels?
If these are all actually custom items that you wrote and you didn't think to give them an exact gold piece value or caster level because you didn't expect me to sell them or scrutinize them, that's no problem; I understand. Just let me figure out what they do later.

>In character
Posey gives a batlike shriek as she discovers the effects of the holy relic, feeling it drain her powers as she reaches out her hoof towards it and the holy power of the relic burning her impure flesh as she touches it
Rolling damage for having touched a holy relic (not counting the negative level because it's not in her possession
[2d4 = 2] damage
"REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...!!! ...Still sanctified... It's a wonder why he would have wanted such a dangerous implement in his lair..." She huffs, taking a moment to treat her wounds
She puts on a sickened and horrified expression as she witnesses her reflection (or, lackthereof) on the polished silver treasures, shaking her head profusely before averting her eyes
"Th-that's real s-silver alright...!" she says, wincing

>>170580
The item is a phylactery (not in the D&D sense, but in the sense of a specific type of reliqary designed to hold body parts) in a more or less cyndrical shape, with a thick and somewhat obscuring glass cylinder with a tick silver and gold bottom, and a gold top. The silver and gold are clearly just plating on top of presumably brass structure, so the actual precious metal value is not great. Inside of the glass cylinder is the long pastern bone of a pony or similar equine. There is writing on the item, but it's in that weird foreign language, so Posey cannot read it.

With the aura it exudes, Posey can see why it was off to the side, and wrapped in a garment.

Oh wow, thought this site was kill for a moment.
>>170596
That sounds valuable, magically so. It'll at least make good material component for a reliquary symbol.
Now, about the alignment restriction, did Posey gain a negative level when she picked it up?

>>170598
NOT EVEN IN DEATH DOES THE BOARD MERGER END

I feel like the more interesting answer is Yes, so let's go with Yes

>>170598
Yeah, we all got our hopes up a little bit too soon. Hopefully the servers are wiped out by the next storm or the Canadian gov takes matters into their own hands.

>>170599
Perfect.

Now I just need a corpse/skeleton, and a motivation.

>>170601
I guess that begs the question what Posey's next quest should be.
I could go hunting for Hydras. Posey is just looking to practice to increase her personal powers. There's no obvious place to look for treasure.

Hey, GM.
How do you handle things in 3.5e that consume XP (item creation, LA buy off, certain spells, incantations, sculpt self, rituals, item bonding, familiar death, etc)? It's not time sensitive, but maybe between now and the next time Posey levels. I used some of those in character creation.

Any chance we could restart this week, GM?
https://youtu.be/-xMwGyyDemY

>>170619
Sure. What do next?

>>170620
After I rework my character sheet, I think Posey should probably invest a few weeks into researching.
Posey would like to spend some time to research the Create Undead incantation. She might also like to create her own incantation, one that might help her with the Kaftar community.
Also, I'm considering turning the old priest into a vampire, if he'd cooperate.

I guess I'll say that the first thing Posey would do at the manor is introduce Baka to Lament

>>170631
would belly rub the acute

>>170531
So
As the train pulls into Soldau station, Amber gets her first look of this odd new land. The flat terrain means that the forest trees obscure view of the settlement until it lines the side of the rails, but when it comes into view, Amber glimpses a realm that in most regards is not radically different from that which she left. Houses are two stories in most instances, with the familiar half timber construction, white walls, crossed timber beams, and high angled rooves with red or more often black tiles. A couple windmills could be seen, one on what passed for a "hill," and another along a field passed perhaps a kilometer before the station. Amber has seen perhaps one mill, if even that is what it was, since crossing the border, and it seems industry is less common in this mostly wild land than in Katerinburg, which itself felt left behind in the primordial chaos.

But for all of the similarities, Amber can feel a distinct difference. No ancient cathedral spires, nor rathaus clock towers pierce the grey, clouded sky, and the whole settlement gives the impression of being new, like a majority of the structures that line the railway are younger than Amber. In this way, the whole land, from the mostly still-green forests, to the bright white and unblemished facades of the houses have a kind of vitality and newness to them. The decay and rot of the old world are gone. But so too is that air of legitimacy that comes about with age, that feeling of being in the presence of an ancient settlement that existed long before you were born, and shall exist long after you are gone.

Through a gap in the trees and the station, and down a slight decline in elevation, Amber can see into the town itself. There isn't that much to see, with a few barrels of potatoes outside of what must be a store, some carts, and an asphalt road rather than more traditional cobblestones. Amber can see a few griffins along the street, though one dark purple-furred creature pulling a cart near the station stands out. Amber can recognize that this creature, standing in the light rain, staring with its head tilted down and with a bit in its mouth, is a pony. It's not the first time Amber has seen a pony - periodically, a traveler or business pony would appear in Katerinburg or the Imperial City - but in those instances, there was always an awareness on the part of both her and the pony that the pony was the alien element, with their odd clothing (or sometimes, lack there of) and gawking at the same mundane temples and castles. Here, however, Amber can feel that she is the foreign element, thrust into a land that still contains remnants of its pony past.

Soldau Hauptbahnhoff is a relatively small station, with only the two platforms and the bypass rail, much like Kronburg's station, with a black tar roof that covers the platforms. Inside of the train, passengers are already lining up by the doors to exit, many with large amounts of luggage. These must be emigrants, looking to take advantage of the land offers. Usurpingly, most passengers remain, presumably heading to Hellquill, though it seems a disproportionately large number of passengers from the last coach car are looking to leave the train. A few police stand on platform, along with passengers looking to enter the train. This is not by itself out of the ordinary, as passengers exiting the train need to be herded to a customs agent waiting at a table inside. What is not as pleasant is that the officers are approaching the coach car.

Amber's companions have started up a conversation, inspired either by the sight of the pony or the unsettling element of the police, over why they did not instead emigrate to the wealthier and less rainy Dominion of New Mareland.

Federkleid: "I don't want to live among ponies. And besides, I don't think they would appreciate our music."
Erich: "No, I've heard there are a lot of griffins there. And Herzlanders too. Enough to appreciate good music. And the thing is they make good wages. They tip well, I've heard."
The griffins miscalculated in this choice of topic, as Helder, who has apparently been several times and considers himself an expert, chimes in with great force, talking about just how few trees he saw in the towns he visited, how flat the terrain was, just how many damned sheep there were, and how nice and generous the ponies were.... at first. Until the money dried up, and they learned to distrust griffins, just the same as the Riverlanders.

By this time, it's clear that the conversation is indeed born of a nervous reflection on the choice to come here, as the police officer approaches Amber with a serious facial expression that is characteristic of Herzlanders.

The grey feathered officer in a black uniform, says "Manifest" to Amber.

>>170620
Posey goes to recount the events of the trip to Lament (omitting the part where she agreed to play dead for August, and instead saying he believed her to be dead), and introduces Baka to him.
She then expresses intent to devote a few days or weeks to magical research.

>>170634
Despite it being a griffon land, and one neighboring Katerinburg, Amber is acutely reminded of how unusual this land is. Besides the fact that the surroundings don't seem well-worn, the presence of ponies wearing an equestrian version of shackles is off-putting. Imperial griffons aren't generally fond of the herbivores, but even when considered second-class citizens they are still citizens. The Hellquill attitude is comparatively draconian and uncompromising, a reminder of distant and brutal pasts thrust into the modern age. She would need to be careful amongst such griffons, even as a griffon.

There isn't much time to dwell on this, as the illusion must be upheld above all else. Once the train rolls to a stop Amber gives the signal for passengers to safely disembark.

The biggest problem of course is that Amber is not an actual conductor, but merely pretending to be one, which means a lack of familiarity with procedure. The simple request catches Amber off-guard.

"It is inside the train. I will go get it," Amber bluffs.
[1d20+3 = (14+3) = 17]

>be Gloomy
>be picking flowers in the yard
>there's so many of them
>they're literally growing out of the ground
>and grass too
>you always thought grass and flowers came from crates
>but they're all around you
>with this many, you can make momma a flower crown
>she likes those
>must be because of her cutie mark
>last time you made one, she said it made her feel like a princess
>when momma is happy, you're happy
>Golly, it sure is hot today
>Hotter than you've ever been
>It must be because of the sun
>That big white ball of hurty-stuff in the sky
>It doesn't visit Magehold very often
>or at all
>first time you saw it was on the boat
>Momma didn't like it
>Momma didn't like the boat either
>Or the salty sea spray
>she said it makes her sick
>Momma? Sick? There's no way
>Momma doesn't get sick
>only you get sick
>Because you're still alive
>She was probably just trying to make you feel better
>It sure is hot...
>All the smells from the grasses and flowers make it hard to breathe
>Bloodycoughingfit.wav
>It hurts to breathe
>Why do you have to breathe anyway?
>Oh yeah, it's because you're alive
>Breathing hurts
>You struggle to your hooves and hobble over to the house
Cont?

>>170633
>>170639
>>170641
Necro-bump

>>170621
>>170633
>>170639
>>170645
="HEY, BAKA? HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF... 'REPLACING' LITTLE LETO? IT WOULD BE A SHAME TO LET HIS DOMINION GO TO WASTE? I KNOW OF SOME WAYS TO DO THAT. MY MASTER PROHIBITS ME FROM EMPOWERING MYSELF SO LONG AS I'M BOUND TO HIM, AND I AM BOUND TO HIM SO UNTIL I EXCEED HIS POWERS, BUT YOU HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF FINALLY BEING FREE OF SERVICE. WITH MY ARCANE SKILL AND YOUR PRIESTLY MAGIC, WE COULD TURN YOU INTO A FULL-BLOODED VAMPIRE? HOW DOES THAT SOUND?"
Posey says, initiating dialogue

>>170655
when I first saw that, I only saw up to “have you-“ and my mind autocompleted “have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma?”

As Posey begins to speak, Baka opens his mouth, as if to respond. But when Posey gets to her point. He closes his mouth, silenced. After a pause of some seconds, he replies:

“How?”

>>170656
"Long, long ago, when the Bloated Pale Master first shared the secrets of raising the dead with ponykind, he brought the secrets of creating the first vampires. These were the Sire vampires, the first to create the Coven and all the spawn who would later go on to create the vampire race. The ritual for creating the first vampires was not unlike that which created the first ghouls, although knowledge of it has dwindled, as Equestrians considered it to be forbidden, and the Coven themselves abhor at the thought of the creation of more of their kind, let alone those that they can't control... But, I have a little bit of background knowledge, and with a little magical 'guidance' and maybe a week of research, I think we could pull it off together."
https://www.d20resources.com/arcana.d20.srd/incantations/create.undead.php
https://www.d20resources.com/modern.d20.srd/skills/research.php
https://www.d20resources.com/arcana.d20.srd/incantations/discovering.incantations.php
https://web.archive.org/web/20171028122100/http://archive.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/sb/sb20010504a

"It's something that I've personally wanted to try myself, as it's important that I make progress on my mission if I'm ever to be free of service. It's imperative that I... "Make friends" here in Equestria to fulfill my contract. I know of all the Necromantic potency of priestly magic, but priests are still rather rare in Magehold. I think that we could help eachother, don't you agree?"

(Posey can take 10 on all of her relevant knowledge checks to know about this)

>>170657
He stares at Posey, with a mix of fascination, hesitation, longing, and distrust. Once again he remains silent for a number of seconds, before finally replying.

“The power… is tempting. The freedom.”

>>170658
Posey gives a coy smirk
"Oh, darling, you're already free. Your master was slain years ago: there is nopony left to rule over you. The choice is yours."
She raises a hoof, for a moment, the spellstitched runes etched into her bones glow faintly through her white fur
"I have worked many years to be free of service. I intend to seize the opportunity to surpass my master and create my own dominion. Now say, will you join me?"

>>170659
“The Pannoloviches held their dominion for three hundred years, against local revolts and later against The Reds, until the Whites betrayed them. [i]I[[i/] would have been bishop, had not it not been for-“ He grimaces and closes his eyes, and holds his breath. He slowly exhales, and then asks

“Dominion where and how, precisely? To sit upon a throne in your ancestor’s castle, with title to great tracts of land, is grand. To be an orphaned, vagrant vampire is worse than to be a peasant.”

>>170660
"Right here, in Equestria, or Baltimare to be precise." Posey says, puffing out her chest
"I'm the coming years, the Dread League will declare war on life itself. When that day comes, they'll find that Rosie Ring has fulfilled her contract and created a bastion of dread in the city of Baltimare, with an army of wailing corpses and howling spirits ready to greet them in the conquest of the world." her eyes twinkle with inspired passion
"It's a big dream, but I'll do whatever it takes."

>>170661
He presses his lips together.
“Who shall we rule over then?”

>>170662
"The ponies, the changelings, the kaftars, the crocruta, the beasts in the woods. Everypony and every creature, living or dead." Posey says, rearing
"That's what this war means, and I've earned the privilege to be its herald. This time of violence only furthers our ends, for our army grows with every creature slain. With the ponies divided and the changelings distracted, the League will unleash a darkness the likes of which the world has never seen before."

>>170663
His eyes grow big at her words

“I do not care much for the limitations of vampires. The weakness to running water. The susceptibility to sunlight, which I am weak to in my present form. The reliance on blood, and the persistent and nagging threat of hunters, or communist insurgencies. But the power…” he smiles “The lack of bonds… No duties… the freedom from death itself.” He nods, still smiling. “That, that is quite alluring. Yes, I will aid you.”

>>170664
Posey grind evilly in satisfaction
"Excellent. I'll begin my research immediately, although I'll need your assistance. In the meantime, work on your recitations."

Without updating Posey's sheet, Posey would have to take 20 on her research check, with Guidance Or The Avatar, to learn the Create Undead Ritual. This means she takes 20d4 hours. Posey also has to rest 8 hours to recover her arcane spells, which she would never compromise on, although at DM's discretion perhaps she could perform other non-strenuous activities (since she doesn't need to sleep). She does, however, spend the day (8 hours) tending to Gloomy, nursing his failing health, giving him affection, and tending to his education in the dark arts, and letting her sadistic tendencies rub off on him; this is how Posey typically rests during the day; this is typically how Posey rests during the day. There's also the possibility that Lament may require Posey's assistance with tasks, research or errands, in which case Posey would be obliged to take time from her research to do so.
These factors and the following roll give an outline for the timetable that Posey would need to conduct her research. I figured it would take a week or more, given that Posey would spend at least 10 hours a day taking care of Gloomy and may have other interruptions.
[20d4 = 50]

With this, I go to bed.

>>170666
>>170665
>>170664
I guess I should have Posey spend some of her downtime to inquire Baka, and also Lament, about the scale of their powers (the most powerful spells they can cast). Baka is a priest, so I hope that translates to Cleric: if he can cast lvl 2 spells (particularly Desecrate, Curse Water and Guidance Of The Avatar), then he'll be really helpful to Posey's plans. Lament is a self-described Transmutation Wizard, and according to a dragon magazine article I read once, a Transmutor is a Necromancers best friend.

Posey attests that she is capable of casting second level spells; she is partly bluffing, as she relies on her Versatile Spellcaster feat to create second level slots. She demonstrates if asked to do so. She does this because she knows that while mages tend to hide their powers among non-mages, power dynamics between are founded on levels of magical might; this, by revealing flaunting her spellcasting ability, she hopes to goad the others into revealing part of their own.
She takes 10 on her Bluff check to do this (modified 22).

>>170667
So Posey is trying to get her companions to reveal how much magical ability they have so she knows what resources she has available?

>>170668
Yes, that is her goal.

>>170669
She knows there are a lot more magicians around, right?

>>170670
Yeah, I could go for a hireling, but Posey needs to know if Baka in particular can cast a second level spell, because it's necessary to complete the incantation to make her a vampire.
Also, both Baka and Lament are potential allies in the future, so knowing the general scale of their powers is useful information.

>>170671
*make him a vampire

>>170671
>>170672
(Also his hit dice set the skill DC for success)

>>170640
He continues to stare at her sternly. "Yes. Go get it."

>>170674
Amber hurries back into the train, internally panicking at the request. Surely he knew about what happened before they crossed the border? Amongst the crowd of passengers she tries to get the attention of her companions.

>>170675
Helder is further up in the same car, looking at his watching, pointing forward, and generally trying to look like he's doing something. Erich and Federklied can be found one car down. Erich is by the door, carrying several large pieces of luggage, and looking very unhappy about it. Federklied is behind him, also carrying two, smaller bags. A not-entirely-grateful middle-aged female griffin in a blue dress and hat seems to be responsible, as she directs both of them to help her.

>>170676
"Sorry, ma'am, official business," Amber tells the lady. "Drop everything," she continues to instruct Erich and Federklied, as she grabs their talons to pull them aside to Helder.

"We need the train's manifest now, or we're in deep trouble. We'll likely be impounded and it will be impossible to reach Hellheim."

>>170677
When Amber tells Erich "or we'll be impounded before we reach Hellheim," Erich does quite literally, drop everything, with a "thud" of falling luggage." The griffin raises her claws to her face and shrieks "You can't do that!" and goads an unfortunate middle-aged male griffin near her, likely her mate, into action. Erich actually replies to her with a matter of fact, if firm tone of voice, keeping his head and eyes firmly on Amber.
"You'll have plenty of time to get your luggage. We've just been delayed."

Federklied inches past the scene, to come with Amber and Erich into the first coach car, the whole trio if griffins presumably moving into that coach car both the get away from the lady with the luggage, and for more privacy.

Helder is the first to ask,
"Do you not have the manifest?"

>>170678
Amber grimaces. "How was I supposed to know? Nogriff gave me a primer on what to do. I don't think I saw it lying around by the uniforms either…."

"Do you think the manifest was kept around here? Or is it something that can be drawn up?"

>>170679
Helder:
"I would assume it would be grabbed before the train left Kronburg."

Erich:
"Go find it."

Federklied:
"I don't think anygriff has left, but you'd need to type out every name."

>>170680
Amber blinks. "Is there a typewriter on board?"

>>170681
Federklied blinks
"I don't... know... Probably?"

>>170682
"Get one. If the manifest is not aboard we need to write it up as fast as griffonly possible." She instructs Helder and Erich to grab paper and note down the names of all passengers in the back third and middle third of the train, respectively, while Amber would handle the front third. When finished they were to bring their lists to her.

>>170683
"Alright, on it!"
Amber does not have to suffer a lack of enthusiasm or cooperation from her companions. Each runs to take care of their tasks as if their lives depended on it.

And that's about where Amber's good fortune ends. Some griffins look impatient, bored, or frustrated waiting for the doors to open.
"How much longer?" One asks. Through the windows, Amber can see the officer, joined now by two others, staring impatiently back into the train.

But her biggest problem comes running from the rear car.
"Do they know we've been attacked by bandits? I need to get out?" This griffin is not alone in a sense of urgency, as several griffins from the rear car relate the story of an actual bandit (or rebel?) forcing his way into the train.

>as if their lives depended on it
They probably do.

Amber has to spare a few precious moments to calm down the griffons.
"Please remain calm and stay in your seats. We are at the station and are completely safe. Procedure requires we collect the names of all onboard before dismounting the train. This will take only a few minutes but we need your cooperation."

>>170695
Hmmm... I think this requires a roll. Not necessarily a bluff roll, but certainly a charisma modified roll.

>>170660
>To be an orphaned, vagrant vampire is worse than to be a peasant.
Pic related.

Whenever you're done handling Amber's adventure, I would like to know how well Posey's research endeavors go.

>>170697
Researching what exactly? How to make a vampire without a vampire?

>>170698
The Create Undead Incantation, which can create a vampire
>>170657

>>170699
The regular SRD does not allow creation of a vampire with that spell at all, and the Arcana version still requires a risky ritual

>>170700
The risky ritual is what Posey was proposing, but it's only feasible for her if she has a Cleric assisting her.

>>170703
The griffins in the car fail to be fully persuaded, still crowding the doors. What is worse, panic is spreading as more and more griffins talk about a "bandit attack."

And of course outside, the police remain impatient, still glaring through the windows.

>>170705
Increasingly frustrated, Amber shouts, "Quiet! You are safe! Stay where you are!"

>>170712
https://youtu.be/twF-1k3v8oU

Well... This gets their attention, and the closest griffins stop moving, and stand still. This does not work perfectly, as a few, especially further away, continue more or less as before. But the panic does seem at least more manageable.

Outside, however, the police remain as impatient as ever. A griffin inside remarks "and here I thought we'd be on time..."

By the way, I got several pictures of something that I thought would interest you - two chapels made from human bones. The first is from Evora, Portugal, and the second from Faro there was a third, much smaller one in Faro as well. These are made from the bones of 4000 monks dug up from the cemetery of the Carmo Order in Evora, and 1000 monks from the convent in Faro

>>170727
Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
That's creepy as fuck.

>>170726
Amber breathes in and out, before continuing, her tone simmering with frustration, "Esteemed passengers, you will be on your way shortly, as soon as we complete our tally. Please stay where you are and this will be done all the sooner. Thank you."

>>170727
Metal.

>>170731
The passengers look back to her. Quieter now than before, but still moving side to side, and a few talking to themselves. They are at least, more compliant.

>>170732
Amber looks to her companions. "Get back to me as soon as you are done. I need to do the same for the front cars." With that, she hurries to the task.

>>170733
Her companions are way ahead of her. Amber can secure some extra compliance by telling the passengers that they must comply to get off the train.

Alright, let's roll some die to see how far along Amber gets before her next problem.

Roll Luck

>>170735
A few names, then

Knock knock knock
The impatient officer is knocking at the closed door.

>>170736
Amber must answer the door, though she opens it only slightly. "The paperwork is being processed and will be handed to you shortly," she answers, trying to conceal her worry.

>>170737
"Processed?! You should have it ready! All Reichsbahn trains operating within the territory of Hellquill should have their paper's ready!"