[MLP] Roleplaying is Magic: The Broken Road.

[One Tin Soldier]

Same difference, really.

[Balmas]

I'll give Amish a chance to post for Cork; it feels kind of wrong to jump in without letting him speak.

Also, thank you McDonalds of Missoula, for having free Wi-Fi, and thus saving me a mile-ish walk downtown to get to the library.

[BlasTech]

Unless they have pony toys, it's probably too early in the day for Maccas :smalltongue:

But yeah, this scene is kind of important for Cork, and given Amish's workload right now, I'm fine with waiting. Sorry for the delay guys, but I just don't want to push past this since it will likely have IC ramifications later.

I might release the dream prompts a bit early, if this takes too much longer, to give you something to chew on while we wait.

[BlasTech]

So, I was going to add the following house rule on Revives to the OP;

Revives

Cinematic Mode

During Cinematic Mode, each player has one self-revive for free. Players may also grant a Second Wind to another player by spending a point of willpower.

Narrative Mode

Self-revives do not function during Narrative Mode. Once per game day, a player may grant a fellow player a second wind by spending a point of willpower. This is in addition to the limits for Cinematic Mode.


How does that read to you guys?

[SiuiS]

And here's where the crunch hits I guess. The critical failure on the stretcher, and the two failed scavenge checks mean that it's time to talk negative consequences for the party.

Assuming that about a third of the supplies had been transferred to the stretcher, that means you're about 2 days worth of food and 2-3 water rations down on where you were when you started today.

Given that the party only had water for two days each when they started, that means you're going to be drinking the last of it tonight, however two ponies (and or griffon) will have to go without. This is likely to mean they're dehydrated tomorrow, taking a minor penalty on body checks and not regaining as much energy tonight.

This post singlehoof'dly made me want to use this system again.
*yearns*


Why do I get the feeling that a deer probably wouldn't really enjoy soda?

Maybe because the image is just as strange as Elrond or Legolas drinking a coke, just feels too "processed" for some being like that.

Also probably why in the D&D settings the Dwarves drink ale and the Elves have wine.

Beer is healthier, more nutritious or industrious work, and easier to make.
wow takes longer, goes bad easier, and has much more alcohol.

I always figured Dwarves drank beer like the british did, as a water substitute. I always figured Elves drank wine because their cultures (Scandinavian and Irish) were lushes.

[Balmas]

So, I was going to add the following house rule on Revives to the OP;

Revives

Cinematic Mode

During Cinematic Mode, each player has one self-revive for free. Players may also grant a Second Wind to another player by spending a point of willpower.

Narrative Mode

Self-revives do not function during Narrative Mode. Once per game day, a player may grant a fellow player a second wind by spending a point of willpower. This is in addition to the limits for Cinematic Mode.


How does that read to you guys?

It feels good, except for one thing: if encounters continue to be this level, I expect us to run out of Willpower fairly quickly, either to natural hazards or to cinematic encounters. This wouldn't be a problem if Willpower were easier to regain, but as it stands, I see a lack of Willpower coming up in the future.

To fix this, perhaps we could make it so that Narrative revives don't cost WP? Or maybe draw from something else?

[TheAmishPirate]

To fix this, perhaps we could make it so that Narrative revives don't cost WP? Or maybe draw from something else?

There could be something to be said for allowing ponies to recover naturally over time. Injuries heal, fear subsides, and energy is re-gained given the right environment. Of course, healing this way would be very slow and not restore much in the way of Fort/Courage/Energy.

Again, I apologize for the massive wait time. This is a really difficult post, and I'm still swamped with end-of-year work. I'd be more than alright with releasing dream prompts early, so I'm not holding everybody up. >.<

[Balmas]

I see. Instead of a willpower cost, it would be a narrative cost; if someone faints, we'd need to set up camp until they feel okay to continue... or we could do something to help them up again.

Still feels kind of weird to pay a willpower to shake a guy awake or shove a can under his nose.

Also, take your time.

[BlasTech]

It feels good, except for one thing: if encounters continue to be this level, I expect us to run out of Willpower fairly quickly, either to natural hazards or to cinematic encounters. This wouldn't be a problem if Willpower were easier to regain, but as it stands, I see a lack of Willpower coming up in the future.

To fix this, perhaps we could make it so that Narrative revives don't cost WP? Or maybe draw from something else?

Given that narrative revives can only happen once per day, I don't think such a change will have much of an effect on how much WP you guys have been spending. Personally, I'd rather just adjust my behaviour and become more lenient with WP regains than to adjust the rules over that.

I'm trying to aim for WP to be seen as a precious resource, especially given how much it can affect rolls. So the fact you're concerned about running out, but haven't actually run out yet? That means I'm doing my job! :smalltongue:

[Balmas]

Alternate theory: you, like all DMs, are the devil. :smalltongue:
And a very entertaining one, at that.
This is coming from the DM who had no fewer than three PC deaths in the course of three months.

[BlasTech]

Ugh, I tell you, there's nothing more depressing than spending a whole weekend revising accounting ...

Anyway, OTS, Ravian, did either of you have any problems with the rule suggestion? I'll start working on the dream prompts now, but when you see them you'll have to bear in mind that some of it may be thrown off by what happens in the current scene.


This post singlehoof'dly made me want to use this system again.
*yearns*

Hi Siuis! *waves*

*reads post*

Uh, thanks? I guess? What is it about that post that you like so much, and that you can't get in another system?

[Ravian]

Sounds fine to me, and this means that Soot's uplifting attitude let's her give a free revive in cinematic mode? Or can she also do it in narrative?

[TheAmishPirate]

And thus, the Crownsplosion continues. Apologies for the wait.

(Reminder: His name is Crown. Calling him by his last name Cork has rather different connotations and implications of tone.)

[SiuiS]

Hi Siuis! *waves*

*reads post*

Uh, thanks? I guess? What is it about that post that you like so much, and that you can't get in another system?

Hi! And it's an emergent property of tone, feel and tractability. This game seems like the first solidly skill based system I've seen (rather than a system that has solid parts which it also uses for skills). That post was a post I would like to come up in games I'm in. That's why.

[Balmas]

And now I need to figure out how DB responds to this... I'll try to have the post up by tonight.

[BlasTech]

Sounds fine to me, and this means that Soot's uplifting attitude let's her give a free revive in cinematic mode? Or can she also do it in narrative?

Well, the text only states: "Once per scene, you may restore faith at no cost"

Given that it doesn't specify cinematic mode, I fine with Soot having a free revive in Narrative too. It doesn't give you a second revive in narrative under these rules, however.


And now I need to figure out how DB responds to this... I'll try to have the post up by tonight.

Looks like it's down to Grease now. Which is good news for me because I'm trying to resist having something (namely; a tired, angry Griffoness who has probably heard all the yelling by now) interrupt the current conversation.

As an aside, has Soot been reading the "Mediator's Guidebook" or something? She's showing some textbook mediation skills right there :smalltongue:


Hi! And it's an emergent property of tone, feel and tractability. This game seems like the first solidly skill based system I've seen (rather than a system that has solid parts which it also uses for skills). That post was a post I would like to come up in games I'm in. That's why.

Eh, the system has some oddities in it, mostly around how the d20 roll adds a wide probability distribution on any given check. I think that's just a part of its whimsical nature though.

[Ravian]

I admit I did look up some mediating tactics before I got into this but I mostly attribute her skill at this to having to look after four foals and as the emphatic one, it fell to her to resolve these sorts of problems.

Now I'm thinking about getting some sort of mediator related skill in case she ever has to do this on npc's. Along with having to get some sort of spell to help her in combat beyond hurling herself down cliffs and grabbing guns.

[BlasTech]

Yeah, I had to read a book on the subject for work, and Soot's speech there was right out of the chapter on dispute resolution. :smalltongue:

Narratively, I get that she's just using her experience raising foals on the street, but the similarity just tickled me.

[One Tin Soldier]

And thus, the Crownsplosion continues. Apologies for the wait.

(Reminder: His name is Crown. Calling him by his last name Cork has rather different connotations and implications of tone.)

Hmm, maybe I'll change that, though in my/Grease's mind if he's being referred to by just one name it's going to be Cork. Then again, she is trying to choose her words carefully in the latest post, so I'll make a quick little edit.
Incidentally, it is hard to write diplomatic dialogue that flows well from a slightly aggravated tone.

I have no objections to the houserule, it sounds pretty solid to me.

[Balmas]

This is completely hypothetical, of course, but suppose one were to take an Epic Rap Battle of History and give it new lyrics for Crown and Dive Bomb. Would such a thing merit an extra point of XP as would a song? :smallbiggrin:

[BlasTech]

They thought they could DDOS us out of the RP.

But au contraire mon internet!

We're BAAAAAAAACCCCKKKKK.

Test. Test. Is this thing working, check in by numbers please :smalltongue:

(Translation: I figure it'll take a day or two for everyone to twig to the forums being online again, so we'll probably have to start it slowly. The one-post a day rule is offline till everyone's back here again)

[TheAmishPirate]

They thought they could DDOS us out of the RP.

But au contraire mon internet!

We're BAAAAAAAACCCCKKKKK.

Test. Test. Is this thing working, check in by numbers please :smalltongue:

(Translation: I figure it'll take a day or two for everyone to twig to the forums being online again, so we'll probably have to start it slowly. The one-post a day rule is offline till everyone's back here again)

Here, but I'll be responding tomorrow. The boon to this DDOS was that it ate up most of my last week at college. In two days, the homework and projects are DONE.

*happy dance*

[One Tin Soldier]

Here, but I'll be responding tomorrow. The boon to this DDOS was that it ate up most of my last week at college. In two days, the homework and projects are DONE.

*happy dance*

*applause*
I'm here, and despite it being finals week I'll be ready to roll.

[Balmas]

I've never been so happy to see that update notification in my inbox. I just stared at it for a second before squeeing happily. (Seriously. I'm glad that my roommate wasn't there so he couldn't witness that slightly less masculine side of me.)

Sir! Ready and waiting, SIR!

[Ravian]

Present, but would rather post on Wednesday if its ok, I too have a massive project due.

[BlasTech]

Well, seeing as i have a major exam today too, im fine with starting the post a day rule up again on Wednesday.

Between now and then, feel free to post, but try not to take off without the rest of us :smallwink:

[One Tin Soldier]

It would seem that everyone expect maybe Balmas has their last final on Wednesday, myself included. What are the odds?

[Balmas]

It would seem that everyone expect maybe Balmas has their last final on Wednesday, myself included. What are the odds?

Thank you, Brigham Young University--Idaho for having a quirky schedule. I only just started classes this last Monday.

[BlasTech]

Guess it was a pretty good chance in the end. I think my course altered its calendar this year to align with most universities too.

So, clearly a global conspiracy of some kind to depress us all!! D:

[Ravian]

Technically I don't have a final until next week I think, this is just a research paper that I haven't been able to get to because of my school's musical until now.

[Balmas]

You know, I'm beginning to think that we should have spread all this out. We're burning through learning opportunities like we'll never run out!

(Because, you know that we have a limited supply.)

[Ravian]

I doubt it. I barely count Soot's homesickness as a learning opportunity. She barely broke down and she's still keeping quite a bit in.

The true one will come sooner or later and mark my words there will be tears!

[BlasTech]

What you learn (if anything) from what happens is up to the pony in question. I'll just keep doing what I can to make for interesting opportunitites, but at the end of the day I can't cram a lesson down anyone's throats. :smalltongue:

As an aside, I'm going on a trip in mid May for a week and a bit, so might be away from the computer between the 17th and 27th. I'm still expecting to have internet access where I'm going, but if I drop off the face of the earth that's gonna be why.

[BlasTech]

Good luck to all you guys with exams or projects due today!

[BlasTech]

Soooooooo boooooooreeeddd ....

What'sa happening folks? We ready to start again soon? I'm thinking posts to be up and rolling again in the next 24 hours from now?

[TheAmishPirate]

Soooooooo boooooooreeeddd ....

What'sa happening folks? We ready to start again soon? I'm thinking posts to be up and rolling again in the next 24 hours from now?

Apologies. It turns out things are still going to be a bit busy until I graduate proper. I'll get in what posts I can.

That said, have a post. :smalltongue:

[BlasTech]

D'you think you can manage one a day again yet? Or do you need more downtime?

Also, I hope you all appreciate the massive effort I'm undertaking in resisting the urge to have an NPC butt in to the current scene. I'll probably leave it off until either Cork and Dive start throwing hooves at each other, or you tell me here that you need a GM-break-up-the-fight style intervention. :smalltongue:

[Balmas]

I think that if Crown doesn't settle down in a turn or so, Dive Bomb will probably say something along the lines of, "You're not worth my time," and start ignoring Crown. This will, if I'm correct in my judgment of Crown, just infuriate him more. (Totally not planned, of course. :smallbiggrin:)

I still don't think that it's in Dive Bomb's nature to start throwing hoofs. He might throw one back, but he won't throw the first buck.

[TheAmishPirate]

D'you think you can manage one a day again yet? Or do you need more downtime?

I should be able to squeeze a post in here and there. It shouldn't be more than two days at the most.


I think that if Crown doesn't settle down in a turn or so, Dive Bomb will probably say something along the lines of, "You're not worth my time," and start ignoring Crown. This will, if I'm correct in my judgment of Crown, just infuriate him more. (Totally not planned, of course. :smallbiggrin:)

Given that Dive Bomb just phrased his response in such a way that lines up perfectly with one of the conversational outcomes I had, I don't think that'll be necessary. :smallamused:

[Balmas]

I'm suddenly very worried. Is that bad? :smalltongue:

[BlasTech]

I think that's just a sign of good self-preservation instincts.

Anywhoo, I think I'm going to re-institute the post-per day rule now, even if it's just to post here and say "waiting on someone else to post". The biggest downside of having spare time again is that I spend it all hitting the refresh button on the RP and hoping for someone to chat to :smalltongue:

So yeah, post per day is good, three days is upper maximum without reason. Don't breach that if you want your nice shiny 1xp for attendence! :smallwink:

Also, what's up with everyone today? Anything interesting on your side of the planet? Any chat about the RP you want to have?

I can do a GM AMA! May not be able to answer everything, but what the hay! :smalltongue:

[Balmas]

Hmm. For me?

School is just getting started; the classes with perhaps the most amount of homework so far are Foundations-English and Foundation-Math. One of them focuses on big projects, requiring that I not procrastinate the work in favor of Fallout-based shenanigans. The other one has a lot of daily busywork.

On top of that, I've just started a text-based Let's Play (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281526) of Fallout 3. Playing the game is fun, but it's kind of hard to write it all down in a way that makes sense. (Ferguson is developing into a borderline raider, if the glee he takes at killing things is any judge.)

Oh, and I've also just found a D&D group. Well, Pathfinder, but close enough. Imagine if King Sombra had the ability to use his smoke to turn people into zombies, and you're pretty close to the main villain. He's an evil necromancer, and at this point, he's already won. Our little town survived by running to the mountains.

I'mma be a druid. (You can fill in your own evil laughter here.)


Oh, and something for you finals-week peoples:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rzajPqpYmo/UYNF2UJzRZI/AAAAAAAAK7s/k69QTyrOaBY/s1600/188375__safe_animated_caramel_ask-caramel_finals.gif

[One Tin Soldier]

I spent all of yesterday finishing Assassin's Creed 3, and thus did not notice that posting has continued. I'll be able to make the post-a-day quota just fine now.

As for Grease, she is continuing to have difficulty being diplomatic while being tired, thirsty, and grouchy.

[TheAmishPirate]

Trampoline. Dodgeball.

Need I say more? :smalltongue:

**************************

And with that, our argument comes to a close. Everypony did very well in leading Crown straight to this resolution. Pat yourselves on the back; you really deserve it.

[BlasTech]

At the same time? That sounds incredibly fun! :smallbiggrin:

Disappointed that there was no fighting, having Rinda haul the two of them apart would have been fun. But guess they are all too well adjusted to solve their problems in the most direct way possible. :smalltongue:

Speaking of which, the reason I restrained myself from intervening with her was twofold;

1) I didn't want to interrupt the party dynamic with physical intervention, because that would just lead to what Soot was trying to prevent; a burying of the problem for another day. While that may still have happened, at least this way she had a chance to get a better resolution tonight.

2) Rinda had some very relevant information that could have changed how the conversation went. But that felt like I'd, again, be intervening too directly in the mechanics at play here. You want that info, you'll have to get it out of her yourselves. I'll give you a hint that there's one pony in the group she will be more inclined to share it with, and two she will be disinclined to talk to right now.

[TheAmishPirate]

If there is something to get from Rinda tonight, a hook might be helpful there. I get the feeling that most of our ponies are just going to say "Frig this noise, bedtimes" after the little spat we just had.

[BlasTech]

It'll keep. :smallwink:

I should mention too: unless someone actually instructs Rinda or Iggy to stand guard, they're going to go to bed too. (of course, there's an open question as to their effectiveness after today's events.)

[TheAmishPirate]

It'll keep.:smallwink:

Ah, that sounds alright then. Just don't want to lose potential information due to the ever-frustrating, "I know there is more to be done...but my character would end their day here." >.>

[BlasTech]

Speaking of which, I assume we're all going to bed now?

If so, go ahead and make your "falling asleep" posts, and I'll post dream prompts.

[Ravian]

I was actually hoping to do a quick scout run on the rest of the cave, and yes I am paranoid about it. It that's all right with everyone else anyway.

[Balmas]

And DB is making a quick cool-down flight with scouting mission attached.

[TheAmishPirate]

Crown will be falling asleep. After all, he's made it quite clear that there's nothing more he's willing to contribute.

Also, how many people are not taking their water ration? I think we're well past the quota of required not-drinkers. :smalltongue:

[BlasTech]

Seems like everyone is forgoing their rations tonight :smalltongue:

Of the NPC's the Ambassador and Iggy will be drinking. Rinda won't. That leaves two rations between the four of you guys.

[Balmas]

Kay, rolling for energy: 3 energy + 5 aerobatics - 2 for direct sun, rolled twice for Tireless.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Made the save. Currently at two energy.

What do you mean by "between the cave and the ravine"? I thought that the cave was in the side of the ravine?



Not-drinking, we have Crown, Dive Bomb, Grease Spot, and apparently Rinda.

[Balmas]

I'll wait to make my go-to-sleep post until Ravian can post. After all, he went flying for a good ten-to-fifteen minutes. It wouldn't make sense for him to have gotten back so quickly.

[BlasTech]

Oops, typo. It should read'city'.

[Ravian]

Looks like Soot gets some water than at least.

[BlasTech]

Assuming soot is going spelunking, I'm going to extend the dream prompts for the others so that they can be drawn out over multiple posts if necessary while we do the searching scene.

[BlasTech]

Speaking of dream prompts. Here's Cork's for tonight.

Crown Cork's dream prompt.

Really, Just for Cork.
Theme: Introspection/reflection


The idea is that Cork dreams of encounters with various people in his life that are important to him. (Father, co-workers, client, sweetie, Vereia etc)
Situations and conversations can vary and do not have to be factual, but all come to one key point. Someone asks the question "what does it mean to be a Cork" (Either as a pony, or in the context of a product such as Cork soda). And Cork has to give a short answer.
The above two points can be repeated while Soot goes searching. Probably best to leave the most meaningful answers till last.
Once the cycle of Q&A is finished, Cork enters a dark, underground place, devoid of light and company. Once there, he hears an unfamiliar, growling voice. Someone he has never met before, and never gets to see, will ask the question directly; "So, tell me, little Crown. What does it mean to be a Cork?"
The outcome of this part of the dream will change depending on his response. (If you tell me the answer now, I can tell you the outcome)

[BlasTech]

And with the pegasus out like a light, here's Dive Bomb's prompt.


This one's for Dive Bomb!

Theme: Abandonment/Loneliness.


DB dreams of the group. Seven of them in the desert.
In any order you want, and for whatever reasons, the party starts to dwindle.
First one goes, making six.
Then the other four depart in quick succession, leaving two.
Finally, that one leaves, leaving only one - Dive Bomb.
(You can string this out for a bit while Soot searches, making up reasons - maybe one was chased away. Maybe they disagreed over something and split. Maybe the party kicked him out.)
After wandering the desert alone, he sees Vereia, who leaves as well - her reason is explicit - she has had to choose the greater good, which means leaving DB to fend for himself.
Fade to black and wake.

[Balmas]

Oh, this is going to be fun. Herr Freud, if you'd please accompany me, we'll get started shortly.

[BlasTech]

Right, here's Grease's prompt for tonight.

Grease's Dreams!
Theme: The brink of a breakdown.


Grease is faced with a machine that is malfunctioning. Make up whatever circumstance and detail you like, but she knows that it's important she finish her work. (Maybe it's a finals project?)
The machine is about to break (in case that wasn't clear)
The noisiest problem is two gears that are grinding against one another, throwing off sparks and smoke. Any amateur mechanic could diagnose that.
There are more problems, another gear is off by itself and not doing much
A third is broken and will fail soon.
The machine is low on fuel.
Worst of all - her tools are gone. Despite hunting, she can only find three items; a small battery, some grease, and a magnifying glass.
To cap it all off, even the battery is damaged in some way. She can't say for sure if using it will help or damage the machine further.
Whether or not she feels she can repair this machine is up to her, but she should have the sense that if it fails, something bad will happen.
You can string out the (attempted) repair work while Soot searches.

[BlasTech]

Just in case anyone is reading the thread right now. I just had to update both greases prompt and my last IC post due to derps. They should be up to date now.

[Balmas]

Gee, I wonder whether the machine, with its two spitting gears, slightly faulty magic item, and isolated gear might be representative of something? :smalltongue:

[BlasTech]

sub·tle·ty
/ˈsətltē/Noun
1.The quality or state of being subtle.
2.A subtle distinction, feature, or argument.
3.Not your GM. see also: crazy

[TheAmishPirate]

I apologize if I gave anybody diabeetus from my last post.

Crown is just such a hammy, romantic sap that it isn't even funny. :smallbiggrin:

[Balmas]

Pssh. Browsing Derpiboo.ru for pictures of Fluttershy has made me, if not immune, at least resistant to diabeetus.
Cue the wave of D'aaaaaww.

[Balmas]

Out of curiosity, what do your characters sound like? By that I mean, who would be the voice actor for your character?

For instance, Dive Bomb is somewhere between Sanji (One Piece) and the serious side of Sokka (Avatar.)
Blastech is not Aku. Keep saying that.

[One Tin Soldier]

Gee, I never even thought of that. Hmm.

Well, after a bit of consideration, I somewhat arbitrarily came up with Beckett from Castle.

[TheAmishPirate]

It is tricky with Crown, as I often pull from Rarity and other such feminine hams when mentally plotting out his dialogue. Certainly something boisterous and lively; pony's got some fire in him.

Hmm. Can't quite think of a voice to match him though...

[BlasTech]

Everyone is voiced by Morgan "You are now reading this in the sound of my voice" Freeman.

... Yeah, I haven't got a clear idea for most of mine. I'm also a little hesitant because if I start listing characters it might colour your perception of these.

Ambassador would be nearest to maybe John Rhys Davies, but speaks without the Scottish turns of phrase like 'laddie'. Maybe Ian Mckellan? I don't think he quite has the bass of Christopher Lee.

Rinda is the only one I think I know who she sounds like, and that's Jack from Mass Effect, without the swearing.

Iggy's speech patterns are based on Pinkie Pie's, but his voice would obviously be different. Not sure how deep it should be.

Of course, Tarn, Gunter and Harrin were Cockney, TF2 Heavy and TF2 Sniper respectively. :smallbiggrin:

Edit: how do you guys think these guys should sound?

[Ravian]

Hmm, Soot generally speaks like this feminine voice that I can't identify but keeps bouncing around in my head. I think I said she was a soprano in our little musical number but singing voices and speaking voices can often sound different.

I'm working on a good comparison but it's generally the voice I read most youngish, female characters' voices in unless something is given about their accent or pitch.

For example in my mind both Soot and Haley Starshine have this same voice.

I'll tell you guys later if I track down a good comparison.

[Balmas]

Ambassador would be nearest to maybe John Rhys Davies, but speaks without the Scottish turns of phrase like 'laddie'. Maybe Ian Mckellan? I don't think he quite has the bass of Christopher Lee.

Edit: how do you guys think these guys should sound?


...Sean Connery. The ambassador is Sean Connery, now and forever.

[BlasTech]

Can be arranged :smallbiggrin:

So we have Sean Connery, Jack, and ... Berry Bubble?

[Balmas]

I'm going to wait for OTS to post.

[One Tin Soldier]

I'm going to wait for OTS to post.

Right, I'll get right on that.

[TheAmishPirate]

Things are gonna slow down a bit for me over the next few days. Family is coming up, have to pack up my stuff, and I fly home Sunday. Graduation also happens sometime in there too. :smalltongue:

I should be back to 100% normal activity come Monday.

[BlasTech]

I believe this is the first time Soot has spoken with the ambassador directly, and alone, since we started the journey?

Can someone confirm that with me? It's kind of important for his next response.

[TheAmishPirate]

I believe this is the first time Soot has spoken with the ambassador directly, and alone, since we started the journey?

Can someone confirm that with me? It's kind of important for his next response.

I don't have time to look right now, but the only other time when this might've happened was when we first woke up this past morning. I can't recall if it was Dive Bomb or Soot that woke up and met him first. All the other times, they've talked when we've been in a group.

[BlasTech]

Had a look, seems like Dive was the first on the scene.

So I'll go off the assumption that this is the first time Soot has been 'alone' with him. Joy oh Joy. :smallamused:

[Ravian]

Oh joy yourself, do you think Soot could use the chisel for a tools bonus to her heart check? :smallamused:

[BlasTech]

Maybe if you were threatening him with it, but I think you've mistaken him for Dive Bomb there. The ambassador doesn't particularly mind if you break it."

[Balmas]

You best hope that DB doesn't find out if you do break it. :smallbiggrin:

[BlasTech]

Out and about right now, so Soot's prompt will have to wait till I get home. Should be able to wrap up the dreams in the next two days then.

[TheAmishPirate]

Out and about right now, so Soot's prompt will have to wait till I get home. Should be able to wrap up the dreams in the next two days then.

Again, it may take a little longer with me, given graduation and all. If I'm the last to be done with dreams, then feel free to start the next morning and assume that Crown sleeps in a few extra minutes. Seeing how he passed out a few times this last day, it seems reasonable to assume he'd be a little more winded than the others.

Even if he'd never dare show it. :smallwink:

[BlasTech]

Eh, that's okay. But I'm going to be doing an effective 'scene change' by ending the night once everyone's dreams are complete, so would be good for everyone to be in sync before I start the next day. (I'm okay with waiting a bit though).

Soot's prompt for tonight

For Soot!

Theme: Family


Given the events immediately prior to going to bed, Soot would probably have rather discordant dreams initially; dreaming of the 'clock' or of the party fighting and so on.
Eventually, if things calm down, she will have a dream of her family back in Canterlot
This dream should be realistic, as if she were watching them do whatever they are doing right now.
They would not be able to see her, at the start at least.
She can try to speak to one of them, make them aware of her presence, or even give them some kind of message or gift from the things she has with her right now, but the dream will seem to stretch if she does this. Tension, like a bubble about to burst.
If she gives them something or is able to communicate with them, the dream will pop and end once she is able to give them a short message or a single item, if she stops herself she will be able to only watch them do whatever they are doing until she wakes.

[TheAmishPirate]

Just gonna drop this post link here... (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15216155&postcount=324) :smallwink:

[BlasTech]

Just gonna drop this post link here... (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15216155&postcount=324) :smallwink:

Congrats again Amish ;D

[Balmas]

Congratulations, Amish!

Now that we're all asleep, methinks it may be time for our DPCs, yes?

[BlasTech]

Finish your dreams first :smalltongue:

[Balmas]

On the topic of dreams: I believe in an eclectic approach to psychology, but this latest dream post is pure Freud.

[TheAmishPirate]

Thanks everypony!

Dang. I think I'm starting to see a bit of the reason that Dive Bomb just does not mesh well with Crown. And it is beautiful.

EDIT: Will we be able to look at each other's dream prompts when the night is over?

[BlasTech]

I won't stop you, depends how well you can keep IC and OOC knowledge separate :)

[Balmas]

Dang. I think I'm starting to see a bit of the reason that Dive Bomb just does not mesh well with Crown. And it is beautiful.
Isn't it, though? :smallbiggrin:

~Disfunction junction! What's your function?~


I won't stop you, depends how well you can keep IC and OOC knowledge separate :)

I'm so glad. You've no idea how the curiosity has tortured me these past few days.

[One Tin Soldier]

Congratulations, Amish!

Sorry for being light on posts, I haven't been spending as much time on my usual Internet stomping grounds the past couple days. Also, I'm not sure where to bring the dream next. Thinking about it now, I have a couple ideas, but it's too late to make it tonight, and much of tomorrow will be spent traveling and talking to family. Probably late tomorrow night I can get around to it, unless I feel motivated during the bus trip

[Ravian]

Way to go Amish!

I'm also looking at my high school diploma this June, so you have all my congratulations.

[BlasTech]

Congratulations, Amish!

Sorry for being light on posts, I haven't been spending as much time on my usual Internet stomping grounds the past couple days. Also, I'm not sure where to bring the dream next. Thinking about it now, I have a couple ideas, but it's too late to make it tonight, and much of tomorrow will be spent traveling and talking to family. Probably late tomorrow night I can get around to it, unless I feel motivated during the bus trip

If you want some more prompts on how things react to Grease's last tinkering, let me know.


I'm so glad. You've no idea how the curiosity has tortured me these past few days.

Heh, I admit that I too was curious as to how you've all taken these ones. They're alot more personalised than the prior dream prompts, but I think I won't be as prescriptive with the next night's one (gotta change things up, y'know?)

[Balmas]

I'm going to hold off posting, since this next post will most likely be the end of the nightmare, ending with a nice Nightmare Catapult. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CatapultNightmare)

[Ravian]

Can't post today unless my cable comes back on. Only able to post this due to a brief stint on a public computer. If they fix it, I'll try to post, though.

[BlasTech]

Gwar, the universe seems to be conspiring to slow down posting speed lately.

As another reminder, I'm heading away this Friday. Should still have net connection where I'm going, but if I drop off the face of the earth mysteriously, you can probably guess what happened.

Will be back 10 days after.

[TheAmishPirate]

Gwar, the universe seems to be conspiring to slow down posting speed lately.

As another reminder, I'm heading away this Friday. Should still have net connection where I'm going, but if I drop off the face of the earth mysteriously, you can probably guess what happened.

Will be back 10 days after.

Have fun wherever you're going!

I myself got back home last night, and nearly fell ill due to general exhaustion. Doing much better today, but that's why I've been so delayed. I'm working on my last dream-post, then Crown should be good.

[BlasTech]

Wakka Wakka Wakka.

http://derpicdn.net/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTIvMDcvMDcvMTRfNDlfMzVfNTBfMzU2NDZfX3 NhZmVfcGlua2llX3BpZV9idW5ueV9zdWl0X3BhY21hbiJdXQ/35646__safe_pinkie-pie_bunny-suit_pacman.jpg.jpg

Discuss.

[Balmas]

Wakka Wakka Wakka.

http://derpicdn.net/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTIvMDcvMDcvMTRfNDlfMzVfNTBfMzU2NDZfX3 NhZmVfcGlua2llX3BpZV9idW5ueV9zdWl0X3BhY21hbiJdXQ/35646__safe_pinkie-pie_bunny-suit_pacman.jpg.jpg

Discuss.

My brain is breaking trying to figure out what I'm seeing. Is that... Pinkie-Pac? If so, why is she in a bunny suit?

[One Tin Soldier]

If you want some more prompts on how things react to Grease's last tinkering, let me know.



Heh, I admit that I too was curious as to how you've all taken these ones. They're alot more personalised than the prior dream prompts, but I think I won't be as prescriptive with the next night's one (gotta change things up, y'know?)

That might be good, since what ideas I had fell flat and I'm not sure where to go now.

[BlasTech]

That might be good, since what ideas I had fell flat and I'm not sure where to go now.

Righto, well here's a quick rundown.


The application of the grease to the two gears quiets them, but it does not fix the underlying problem. They will begin breaking again soon.
The use of the mangifying glass to pry out a gear pops it off easily and lets Grease get a good look at it.
Inserting the crystal, however, breaks the damaged gear, and the machine begins to fail.
Wake as it explodes? Or keep fighting then wake? the choice is yours.



My brain is breaking trying to figure out what I'm seeing. Is that... Pinkie-Pac? If so, why is she in a bunny suit?

Weird, who'd post something that random?

[Balmas]

My feels! Ravian! Right in the feels!

[TheAmishPirate]

My feels! Ravian! Right in the feels!

I'm horribly amused that all of us are facing down personal demons and all that jazz, while Soot gets a touching scene of her family back home.

Sure, it's heart-rending! But there's something amazing about how mundane it seems in comparison.

[Ravian]

Clearly you have discovered my secret plan to milk you for your tears and market them as a sports drink. :smalltongue:

[BlasTech]

Well, I hope it means you've enjoyed this dream segment. Gotta admit, I like reading what you guys put up when you're given creative reign like this.

The only prompt I'm not fully satisfied on tonight would be Grease's but I guess that's because obvious inspiration is obvious.

[Balmas]

Clearly you have discovered my secret plan to milk you for your tears and market them as a sports drink. :smalltongue:

Oo! Oo! Dibs on lemon lime!

[TheAmishPirate]

Phew. Finally got the dream done. Crown is now ready for the next day.

[BlasTech]

Gonna be a little while before I can get the next post up (gotta hurry into work)

In the meantime, go ahead with your DPC's here.

XP for Day 3


1xp for Attendance
1xp For bandit attack
1xp for colts/fillies
1xp for earth ponies
1xp for Flaws (Soot)
1xp for Roleplay
1xp if you can articulate a lesson learned


Did I miss anything?

Also: Water rules for tonight. If I read right, Soot drank, Cork, Grease and Dive all refrained from drinking. It means there's still one ration to go around if needed.


Everypony who slept/eats gains 2 energy (Improvised shelter)
Everypony who drank gains a further 3 energy.
Anypony who didn't drink last night also gets 'dehydrated' for the rest of today, attracting a -2 roll on anything that would conceivably be impacted by a lack of water. (Physical tasks, endurance in sun etc.).
Anypony who forfeited their water ration, and who can link it to their guiding element in some way, gains two willpower.

Should note that if anyone drinks later today, it will help them gain energy, but not undo the dehydration penalty - the body needs some time to recover after drinking. Also, forfeiting drink again today will double the penalty tomorrow

[TheAmishPirate]

Any XP gained from guessing the details of the Ambassador's story?

[BlasTech]

Nah, that was neither helping someone nor a dangerous situation. The courage regain from that scene was about all it was good for (besides the rampant worldbuilding, I mean)

[Balmas]

Dear I-Don't-Even-Know

It was peaceful, up here in the sky. The only sound was the wind whispering in his ears and his mane fluttering behind him. No clouds meant no obstacles in seeing the planet below him; it stretched out before him like an infinite golden globe, full of potential.

Idly, he rolled on his back, staring down at the stars. The heat of the argument disappeared, leaving him alone with the stars and his thoughts.

What a day. Fleeing for his life, denying himself support; going back to his friends, helping them negotiate for their lives...

Friendship. Even now, it seemed kind of odd to think of that word in connection to himself. Yet for all its oddness, it felt appropriate. Right. Maybe it was just the close quarters helping it along, but he wanted to help these ponies. Protect them.

He groaned, flipping rightside up again. Maybe things weren't perfect. Maybe he wanted to strangle Crown, just a little bit. But in the end, they were his friends. He smiled, admiring the golden glow of the sun rounding around the curve of the world. He'd do anything to keep them safe.

Though if he wanted to help them, really, he'd need to get back to them. He smiled, angling himself towards the cave and letting himself drop.

It was going to be a good day.

Might be the biggest lesson yet, I think; now he actually cares.

[TheAmishPirate]

Nah, that was neither helping someone nor a dangerous situation. The courage regain from that scene was about all it was good for (besides the rampant worldbuilding, I mean)

Fair enough. I got a little confused because it seemed like the XP gains for today was much smaller than yesterday. However, that was mostly due to some good roleplaying and the song Dive Bomb wrote.

I'll be considering lessons for Crown Cork. This day will be...tricky. Lots of potential lessons to learn.

[BlasTech]

Will pay the DPC Balmas, although it seems a bit discordant to how he felt before going to sleep last night.

New post is up, have at you!

(Also, as usual, if anyone has any thoughts/suggestions/criticisims/praise of how the last game day went, please post them here)

Speaking of XP for roleplaying, I am very going to award an additional point for the way you guys ended last night. Unscripted roleplay like that argument and Soot's discussion about her presents, particularly where I don't prompt you to it and it leads to character development, is basically what that's for. Keep it up.

(XP tally post is updated)

[TheAmishPirate]

Speaking of XP for roleplaying, I am very going to award an additional point for the way you guys ended last night. Unscripted roleplay like that argument and Soot's discussion about her presents, particularly where I don't prompt you to it and it leads to character development, is basically what that's for. Keep it up.

(XP tally post is updated)

On the one hand, I'm glad for the extra XP. On the other, I can't help but feel that I just accidentally begged for extra by mentioning we got more yesterday.

Sorry? :smalltongue:

[Balmas]

Shhh! Don't talk about it or he'll take away our laser swords!

(Cookie for anyone who gets the reference.)

[BlasTech]

On the one hand, I'm glad for the extra XP. On the other, I can't help but feel that I just accidentally begged for extra by mentioning we got more yesterday.

Sorry? :smalltongue:

Eh, don't worry bout it. I was debating with myself whether to award the XP for roleplaying today, and in the end went with it on the basis of; this is behaviour I'm trying to encourage.

I have a mild unease that I'm giving too much XP in general, because it's going to be less fun for you guys if you have the XP to do everything easily too quickly. Instant experts are what I'm trying to avoid.


Shhh! Don't talk about it or he'll take away our laser swords!

(Cookie for anyone who gets the reference.)

It's a type of cheese. :smallwink:

[TheAmishPirate]

Eh, don't worry bout it. I was debating with myself whether to award the XP for roleplaying today, and in the end went with it on the basis of; this is behaviour I'm trying to encourage.

I have a mild unease that I'm giving too much XP in general, because it's going to be less fun for you guys if you have the XP to do everything easily too quickly. Instant experts are what I'm trying to avoid.

I don't think you have to worry about that. If the general mess that was the bandit fight proved anything, it was that our ponies have a very specific set of abilities, and going outside of those abilities requires clever/gutsy play to avoid complete disaster. Even then, we still took heavy HP losses.

By the by, I still haven't forgotten about the Phobia. I'm going to look it up later, and add it to my character sheet properly when I add new XP stuff.

[Ravian]

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned that sometimes you can't fix everything like you want it. Sometimes when your friends are fighting you can't guarantee that you can resolve it yourself. Sometimes friends need time to work things out for themselves, and though you should always help them on their way, you can't force it. Time is the best healer sometimes, even if its just time to be mad.

Your subject, Soot.

((the way I see it is that Soot is most worried about not being able to resolve the argument, I thought about the whole incident with the gun, but given that it all turned out well and the ambassador was cool with it (plus that Soot is currently annoyed with said ambassador) I decided that this was more of a learning experience for Soot.))

[Ravian]

After srounging through the threads I have finally calculated about 13 XP Soot has accumulated over the course of her adventures to spend.

Horn Hocus-Pocus: Soot's horn counts as an appropriate tool when using magic (essentially giving her a +2 to her spells)

New Spell:
Ghost Sound
Soot fabricates an illusory sound of anything from hoofsteps to a Dragon's roar to emanate from empty air
Deceive, Sonic
Range- Anmiomorphic
Duration- Concentration
Difficulty- 2 (2 elements+ 1 Range - 1 Duration)

New Spell:
Light Beam (AKA totally cribbed off of Celestia in Canterlot Wedding)
Tricks are all well and good, but sometimes a blinding ray of light can win out when subtlety fails.
Forge, Light
Range- Anmiomorphic
Duration- Instant
Difficulty- 4 (two elements + 1 range + 1 for affecting opponents)
(a less subtle version of Shrouded sight, more useful for self-defense since it doesn't wear off as soon as she focuses on something else)

Skill-up: Pick Pockets to level 2

[Balmas]

By my calculations, Dive Bomb has eight XP left, even after that 3xp expenditure during the bandit scene. I think that he's done enough flying today to narratively justify him taking the Winged Victory ability. For the purpose of flying, but not weather, his wings count as appropriate tools.

[TheAmishPirate]

Once I get a lesson typed up, I should have 6 XP to spend. It'll probably be more like 4, seeing how I want to keep some in stock for bonuses.

I think I'll be looking into something to help with my Energy saves.

[BlasTech]

After srounging through the threads I have finally calculated about 13 XP Soot has accumulated over the course of her adventures to spend.

Horn Hocus-Pocus: Soot's horn counts as an appropriate tool when using magic (essentially giving her a +2 to her spells)

New Spell:
Ghost Sound
Soot fabricates an illusory sound of anything from hoofsteps to a Dragon's roar to emanate from empty air
Deceive, Sonic
Range- Anmiomorphic
Duration- Concentration
Difficulty- 2 (2 elements+ 1 Range - 1 Duration)

New Spell:
Light Beam (AKA totally cribbed off of Celestia in Canterlot Wedding)
Tricks are all well and good, but sometimes a blinding ray of light can win out when subtlety fails.
Forge, Light
Range- Anmiomorphic
Duration- Instant
Difficulty- 4 (two elements + 1 range + 1 for affecting opponents)
(a less subtle version of Shrouded sight, more useful for self-defense since it doesn't wear off as soon as she focuses on something else)

Skill-up: Pick Pockets to level 2


By my calculations, Dive Bomb has eight XP left, even after that 3xp expenditure during the bandit scene. I think that he's done enough flying today to narratively justify him taking the Winged Victory ability. For the purpose of flying, but not weather, his wings count as appropriate tools.


Once I get a lesson typed up, I should have 6 XP to spend. It'll probably be more like 4, seeing how I want to keep some in stock for bonuses.

I think I'll be looking into something to help with my Energy saves.

Gah, my XP tallies must all be off. :smallfrown:

Has Soot spent any yet this game? That must be one thing.

[TheAmishPirate]

Gah, my XP tallies must all be off. :smallfrown:

Has Soot spent any yet this game? That must be one thing.

I've been tallying up mine on my character sheet. For Crown, he spends a lot of his on bonuses, so it makes sense that he might've used more of his.

[Ravian]

Gah, my XP tallies must all be off. :smallfrown:

Has Soot spent any yet this game? That must be one thing.

No she hasn't that's why I had to search through the thread for XP tallying.

[BlasTech]

I think she should have 17xp then. Can't check my notes right now, so better to double check the OOC thread. There should be three days worth.

[Ravian]

I think she should have 17xp then. Can't check my notes right now, so better to double check the OOC thread. There should be three days worth.

Well I know she spent XP for a bonus once, I don't remember if it was two or three, and I forgot to narrate a letter to the princess on the 2nd day. So I may have 14 but it's no higher then that.

[Balmas]

Happy fun math times!

Starting XP: 25
Day 1 XP: 4
Day 2 XP: 8 (songwriting and flaw)
Day 3 XP: 5
Total XP: 42

XP spent: 39
Egghead 10 xp
On the job training (Chemist level 2) 4xp
Skill up medicine (level 3) 5 xp
Awesome Aerobatics 5 xp
New Skill: Field Medicine 5 xp
Skill up Field Medicine (level 2) 2 xp
+6 situational bonus (fight with griffons) 3 xp
Winged Victory: 5 xp

XP left: 3


Also, looking back through the thread yields some fun quotes:

"Thank you. And may I say that Dive Bomb has all the self preservation instints of a suicidally depressed lemming."

"Theory C: It is maginally intelligent, and we are, in fact, seriously screwed."
"I like theory C."

[One Tin Soldier]

Dear Brush Stroke
It's been another exhausting and eventful night. Last night, though, was all magic and mystery. Tonight's troubles were of a much more mundane variety. Still, we've certainly learned some things.

First, we learned that this desert is not completely uninhabited. Unfortunately, that fact is of no help. We ran into a group of gryphon bandits. They told us that the area is the territory of their gang, in so many words. Though they only told us this offhoof, and after a nasty fight. Somehow, no one was badly hurt, mostly thanks to a healthy amount of fast-talking on our part. It certainly wasn't our skill in battle that saved us. Probably something to keep in mind for the future; only start fighting as an absolute last resort, and make sure that everypony is on the same page if we do.

At any rate, while no one was too badly hurt, we did lose some important supplies during the fight, and we couldn't afford to stick around and search in case another group of bandits showed up. It's left us in quite a bind. Getting to a place where we can resupply is going to be a race against time, much less getting out of the desert. It's already wearing the group down. Crown Cork and Dive Bomb - the two younger colts - got into a heated argument before bed. If I hadn't broken it up, it looked like it might come to blows.

Really, it seems like everything that happened tonight went worse than it could have. The bandits, the argument, even trying to guess the events in the Ambassador's story was frustrating. (He woke up in the evening, incidentally. One bit of good news there.) We're worse off than we were before, but we can still keep pushing forward. We have to choice in the matter, really. That's all we can do; keep pushing forward in the face of adversity.

Your loving sister,
Grease Spot

PS Got a bit dramatic there at the end. Side effect of the bad dream, I suppose.
PPS I'm going to have to explain so much of this in more detail later.


If I count correctly, that's an additional 5 XP for Grease. Not sure what I'll do with it yet, but I'll get the XP on my sheet.

[TheAmishPirate]

Just so we're clear, how small are we talking? Compared to our ponies, that is.

[BlasTech]

Critter size. About half to two thirds the length of their foreleg.

Edit. A reminder, we're heading out of Perth today, so my posting will be limited to when we have mobile coverage.

[BlasTech]

Don't look at these task DCs till you pick a course Of action IC

corall the herd DC
DC 20 heart/body check at -4 for startled and light to bring whole herd under control

Race to an entrance DC
Dc 15 body plus aerobatics to race them to either the entrance to the cave or the secondary chamber.

[Balmas]

Not sure whether this counts as an attempt to corral the animals, or if it's a body check to give a harmony bonus. I'm just assuming Body + Weathercraft to generate a downward wind. He's hoping to use the wind to slow them down; pin them to the floor, something like that.

4 weathercraft, 3 body

[roll0]

[BlasTech]

Yay, reception!

Don't forget the dehydration penalty. Not that a roll was needed to add the harmony bonus.

[TheAmishPirate]

The amusing part of all of this is that I did have some ideas on how Crown might possibly be of assistance, given that physical checks aren't his forte. Oh well! The first orders he heard were "Catch the rats!", and a good, stupid pair of hooves merely follows orders. :smallamused:

Right, so Crown is dashing over to the entrance to the second chamber. Right now, I see that as a straight Body check, with a -2 due to dehydration, bringing it to a flat d20 roll. I'm half-tempted to spend XP on a bonus here, but Crown isn't inclined to give this 110% right now. Depending on what was getting stolen, that might well change, but as far as I know he's got no incentive to give it the extra push.

[Ravian]

Well let's just hope that that carving isn't a portal to the kingdom of the rat princess otherwise this would be completely the Ambassador's fault and Soot would have to say "I told you so" really smugly.

[TheAmishPirate]

Well let's just hope that that carving isn't a portal to the kingdom of the rat princess otherwise this would be completely the Ambassador's fault and Soot would have to say "I told you so" really smugly.

"Especially since my heart is already claimed by another, and I would be left with no choice but to break the Rat Princess' heart and gently rebuff her attentions!"

[BlasTech]

Hmm

*scribbles notes*

Well. at least as far as Cork can see, the rats are running off with bits of everything from food to tent equipment. Basically, whatever was left out in the open near the supplies.

He wouldn't have time to do a detailed count, not if he wants to beat them to the tunnel.

[Balmas]

Well let's just hope that that carving isn't a portal to the kingdom of the rat princess otherwise this would be completely the Ambassador's fault and Soot would have to say "I told you so" really smugly.

"Ia! Ia! Blastech fthagn!"


"Especially since my heart is already claimed by another, and I would be left with no choice but to break the Rat Princess' heart and gently rebuff her attentions!"

"I'm sure that she'll find a way to deal with her disappointment."

[TheAmishPirate]

Hmm

*scribbles notes*

Well. at least as far as Cork can see, the rats are running off with bits of everything from food to tent equipment. Basically, whatever was left out in the open near the supplies.

He wouldn't have time to do a detailed count, not if he wants to beat them to the tunnel.

Right, no temporary bonus then. His important things are in his suitcase, which has the advantage of clasps and other security measures.

[Balmas]

This is just a thought... Cork is blocking the way to the second chamber; Soot is blocking the exit; Grease and Dive Bomb are helping to suppress and corral the mice.

Who's making the check?

[BlasTech]

This is just a thought... Cork is blocking the way to the second chamber; Soot is blocking the exit; Grease and Dive Bomb are helping to suppress and corral the mice.

Who's making the check?

So far, nopony 0_o

I think the npcs might be able To help too. if I go out of range before the next post, feel free to narrate Rinda and Iggy helping. Ambassador will not help. He's not a "talons-on" guy.


Right, no temporary bonus then. His important things are in his suitcase, which has the advantage of clasps and other security measures.

Depends if he twigs to the fact that the last water ration could be in there. >:)

Depends if he can

[TheAmishPirate]

Depends if he twigs to the fact that the last water ration could be in there. >:)

Depends if he can

Waaaaaaaaaaaaitasecond...


Crown's grating teeth made a noise akin to a mix of crying foals and sharp chalk scraping down a chalkboard. Steam rose from his coat, though whether it was from the long trot or fires within was anypony's guess. "I should hope we are careful with our supplies, Miss Spot," he slowly replied, never once taking his eyes off the pegasus. "To do otherwise would show a blithe disregard for all our well-being."

...he did say that he would do the bare minimum for survival. And if the rats are grabbing at their precious resources, then it's become a matter of survival. He isn't going to doom everypony else and himself out of spite.

Right. He'll be making the roll with a +5 Temporary bonus, just as soon as I know what the DC is.

[One Tin Soldier]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaitasecond...



...he did say that he would do the bare minimum for survival. And if the rats are grabbing at their precious resources, then it's become a matter of survival. He isn't going to doom everypony else and himself out of spite.

Right. He'll be making the roll with a +5 Temporary bonus, just as soon as I know what the DC is.


Don't look at these task DCs till you pick a course Of action IC

corall the herd DC
DC 20 heart/body check at -4 for startled and light to bring whole herd under control

Race to an entrance DC
Dc 15 body plus aerobatics to race them to either the entrance to the cave or the secondary chamber.

^
Blas posted them earlier. It's a DC 20 Heart/Body check, with a -4.

[TheAmishPirate]

^
Blas posted them earlier. It's a DC 20 Heart/Body check, with a -4.

Crown was going to be racing to the back half of the cave to cut off their escape. I was wondering if, given the actions of the other characters, the rats would be slowed enough to change the DC at all.

[BlasTech]

You coud get a +1 harmony bonus from Dive Bomb, but the other's actions wont help you reach the cave entrance any faster.

And the DC20 check is to bring the group under control, cutting them off was the DC15 one I think?

Also, yeah, it could be survival, depends if IC, Cork is awake enough to think of more than just his suitcase.

[TheAmishPirate]

You coud get a +1 harmony bonus from Dive Bomb, but the other's actions wont help you reach the cave entrance any faster.

And the DC20 check is to bring the group under control, cutting them off was the DC15 one I think?

Also, yeah, it could be survival, depends if IC, Cork is awake enough to think of more than just his suitcase.

Right on all counts. While he is prideful, and would think of his own belongings, these are rats. One of the first things he'd think of? Rats getting into the food and water. That's what they traditionally do, and what else would attract this many?

Making the roll:
Rolling a DC 15 Body check. +2 Body - 2 Dehydration + 1 Harmony + 5 XP Bonus = +6

Roll: [roll0]

EDIT: Or, the dice gods decide that Crown is ineffective this morning.

[Ravian]

I told you they were toying with us!

We must sacrifice a lamb to appease them!

[BlasTech]

Well, that just puts the final outcome into Shrodinger's ration territory

Perfect for me!! :smallbiggrin:

[Balmas]

Well, if Cork's running to the back of the cave, Dive Bomb might as well make the attempt to corral the mice.

Let's see.

Body/Heart would normally be 2, since that's half of four. However, since DB's got the Shy flaw, it drops to one. +6 harmony from Rinda, Iggy, and Grease Spot, minus two for dehydration, minus four for being startled.

So, total of +1. (Thanks, harmony bonuses!)

The question is, would he attempt to do this?

[Ravian]

Could Soot use Telekinesis to aid in herding? Maybe just to apply her horn and spell level? I just realized that while Soot is guarding the door, she also has the best chance of doing this since she actually drank water last night.

I think it's +4 (+6 harmony, -4 startled, +2 heart/body) right now but if she can bump it up with magic she might have a solid chance.

[Balmas]

Actually, for Soot, it would be +8. If Soot's the one doing the check, then she keeps the extra pony harmony bonus from Dive Bomb. (+10 harmony, +2 body / heart, - 4 startled.)

[BlasTech]

Herding them with a spell is less herding and more containing. They'd probably still panic once the spell was dropped wouldn't they?

As far as harmony bonuses go, figure DB is still helping so he should count if Soot is herding. Heck I'm not sure of Cork counts too?

[TheAmishPirate]

I feel like Harmony bonuses have to involve the pony/griffon/creature actively helping the task at hand. While Crown can indeed help corral rats that come his way, that's more part of blocking the entrance. Soot, on the other hoof, can use her magic to actively help, thus accomplishing both tasks at once and giving another Harmony bonus.

[BlasTech]

This is true. Well it looks like five ponies actively collaborating then. DB, Rinda, Iggy, Soot and Grease. With one to make the actual check, leaves the bonus at +10

[TheAmishPirate]

Unless anypony actually orders him to, Crown will not be making the check.

(Just narrowing it down until somepony actually steps up and makes the darn thing. :smalltongue:)

[One Tin Soldier]

In that case, I think Grease might actually be the best to make the check. (Body 4, Heart 3, +10 Harmony, -4 surprise, bringing it to +9.)

And beside the numbers, somepony needs to step up and make the check. Any objections?

[Balmas]

No objections here. She might even be able to calm them down, so we don't get swarmed in the next round.

[BlasTech]

Just a heads up, but this is my last day with mobile reception for a little while. About 12-16 hours from now, I'll be out of range for around 3 days.

I can try to post tomorrow morninng before we leave, but since its an early start, no guarantees.

[Ravian]

Soot concedes to Grease Spot's expertise and will continue to watch the entrance.

[One Tin Soldier]

Ok, Grease will be making the roll, then.

9+9=18

Drat, only a partial success. It occurred to me right after I rolled that I was thinking of spending XP on it, too. Oh well.

I'll narrate the roll in a bit, once I get some good creative juices flowing.

EDIT: It just occurred to me that dehydration penalties might apply here, bringing it to 16. Still within partial success range, though, so it doesn't actually change much.

[BlasTech]

16 is a little low for a partial here. So, um, yeah. Can you convince me why dehydration doesn't apply? ^^;;

[TheAmishPirate]

16 is a little low for a partial here. So, um, yeah. Can you convince me why dehydration doesn't apply? ^^;;

I'd say because it isn't a physically intensive task.
Heart/Body roll, but the Body portion has more to do with performing specific physical gestures, and the occasional dash to keep ahead of the herd. What's more important - in my mind, at least - is the attitude taken while corralling the critters. How you carry yourself, how you speak, how you move, etc. It's the intent of your motion that counts, not how long or how hard you can move. Body only counts because you still have to move to do it.

Put another way; if this were D&D, I'd say the relevant stats would be Cha/Dex, rather than Cha/Str or Cha/Con. Charisma would be more important to the success of the roll, and Dex is the physical stat least affected by dehydration. Thus, I'd argue that it is not affected by dehydration.

[One Tin Soldier]

Technically, it's Body/Heart, but yes, I can see that argument. Also, the other members of the group are doing most of the work of keeping them in. Grease's main role here is getting them calm, which isn't physically intensive.

If you don't think that's good enough, then I can accept a failure.

[TheAmishPirate]

Technically, it's Body/Heart, but yes, I can see that argument. Also, the other members of the group are doing most of the work of keeping them in. Grease's main role here is getting them calm, which isn't physically intensive.

If you don't think that's good enough, then I can accept a failure.

^Add that to the end of my argument as well. Having a bunch of helpers really decreases the amount of work each individual has to do.

[BlasTech]

Heh, well you guys are good at this.:smallwink: I agree in the sense that It basically all comes down to how grease is going to corral the rats. If you give me a performance that is more in line with a heart check than a body one then I could accept the argument.

[One Tin Soldier]

Okey doke. Though seeing how late it is now, the post will have to wait for morning.

[BlasTech]

Packing to head off now. See you guys in three days or so.

[Ravian]

Am I the only one not surprised that the mice understand us? Seemed to me that all animals in Equestria (and beyond) could at least understand ponies, but only certain ponies (like Fluttershy or anypony else with the squirrel speak talent) could actually understand them back. After all, plenty of animals belonging to Fluttershy have tried to communicate to other ponies, but only she can really communicate with them ("Do I look like I speak squirrel?" from Hurricane Fluttershy)

[TheAmishPirate]

Am I the only one not surprised that the mice understand us? Seemed to me that all animals in Equestria (and beyond) could at least understand ponies, but only certain ponies (like Fluttershy or anypony else with the squirrel speak talent) could actually understand them back. After all, plenty of animals belonging to Fluttershy have tried to communicate to other ponies, but only she can really communicate with them ("Do I look like I speak squirrel?" from Hurricane Fluttershy)

Perhaps, but this this shows a level of civility/organization that I know Crown wasn't really expecting from what was previously a panicked horde of rats.

Also to consider; while Crown does have a sweetheart who works a farm, her family doesn't have much in the way of animals. And apart from that, he's lived a rather sheltered life in terms of outdoors experience.

[Balmas]

I'd say it's more the fact that they understand Equestrian. I'm assuming that there's more than one language in the world. Unless they're merely very good at reading body language, them understanding our characters means that they've had previous contact with Equestrians. That, in turn, means that we're at least close to some form of civilization.

[BlasTech]

Mmm, yummy yummy spec.

Flying home today, should be back to normalish posting soon enough.

[TheAmishPirate]

If you have time to post a clarification, what supplies does Crown see? He's trying to take stock of what all they've stolen.

[BlasTech]

He'll see what I typed before. Food, particularly grains, and the camping supplies from the equipment sled. Ropes, sheets, wood etc.

The last water ration might be there, and just hodden somewhere in the rat pile, but he can't spot it right now, not unless you want to roll a high perception check.

[TheAmishPirate]

Yeah, I think he'll be rolling the check. Can't hurt to try and get a better look. That'll be Mind 2 + Temp bonus 5 + Job Painter 3 (for picking out details) = +10.

[BlasTech]

DC 20. -2 penalty due to poor visibility.

[Balmas]

DC 20. -2 penalty due to poor visibility.

Why poor visibility? He's got two lights in the same room.

[BlasTech]

Cause it's still trying to pick out details by point light sources in an otherwise nighttime environment, also he's trying to pick out a bottle in a mass of brown fur that, if they do have it, are likely trying to hide it. In other words, moderately difficult task to begin with, and the rats have a terrain advantage.

[Balmas]

Fair enough.

Incidentally, you're slowly killing Dive Bomb with all the new things that he doesn't have time to study. We've got the slab of rock which has been remarkably uncooperative in revealing anything. We have the griffon gun, gonne before it's prime. Now we have a small civilization, and the party has to just grab their things and get running as best they can.

Also, it's kind of indicative of Dive Bomb's priorities when he's faced with potential starvation, and his first reaction is to study the threat.

[BlasTech]

We've got the slab of rock which has been remarkably uncooperative in revealing anything.

You're just not asking the right questions :smalltongue:


We have the griffon gun, gonne before it's prime.

Talk to our resident repair pony about that.


Now we have a small civilization, and the party has to just grab their things and get running as best they can.

You could try talking to them. Or smash and grab works too. Either way, Im sure you'll never see them again. :smalltongue:

[TheAmishPirate]

Alright. Making the roll:

Rolling Perception. Mind 3 + XP Bonus 5 + Job (Painter) 3 - 2 situationaly = +9.

Perception: [roll0]

And Cork remembers to put in his eyes this morning. Also, I'm amused that the roll would have been juuuuuust enough, even if I hadn't remembered that he's got Mind 3 instead of Mind 2. :smalltongue:

[BlasTech]

He can juuuust make out a rat with the bottle behind his back in the middle of the pack. Feel free to narrate the results

Also, has anyone seen OTS lately?

[TheAmishPirate]

Making the roll!

Rolling Perception. Mind 3 + XP Bonus 5 + Job(Painter) 3 + 2 Situational = +13

Roll: [roll0]

[One Tin Soldier]

Sorry, it's a holiday weekend filled with activities, and I totally forgot to post. I'm getting really bad about that, I should make a note to check more often. Sorry.

[TheAmishPirate]

I don't suppose it'd be possible to make a Mind check to try and interpret those drawings? :smalltongue:

Joking, but I am going to have to think hard on this. I think the little crown might represent Crown's name, but he also circled both before pointing to himself. I'd ask about the number of columns, or the nature of the disks strewn to the side, but I think we're supposed to be able to glean the meaning from what we have.

Are the discs drawn from the side, or from a more angled perspective?

[BlasTech]

Yeah, the idea is trying to get your heads around what he's trying to convey using my less-than perfect descriptions. It's kind of like text based charades, unless you find a more effective form of communication.

As for the disks, they're uniform in size and circular in shape - he's drawn most of them from a 3/4ths view so they look like little elipses I guess, or a 3-D cylinder with lines for the columns I guess, but he's drawn some face on so you can see they're circular.

[Balmas]

I'm sorely tempted to ask for a drawing of what the rat has sketched, because I have no idea what it's supposed to be.

[BlasTech]

Maybe it'll come to you, if you all have troubles understanding what's being shown I'll post a picture later today.

[One Tin Soldier]

As far as I can tell, the U is the entrance and the smaller rough circle is the cave itself. The rest is pretty obvious; the rats, the supplies, the king rat (or rat princess, as Grease thinks of it), and the big circle indicating ownership.

[One Tin Soldier]

It's really a good thing that the rest of the group can't hear Crown's inner thoughts. No one likes being called a half-wit, especially not ponies who consider themselves intellectuals.

[BlasTech]

It's really a good thing that the rest of the group can't hear Crown's inner thoughts. No one likes being called a half-wit, especially not ponies who consider themselves intellectuals.

*scribbles note to self*

Hmm :smalltongue:

[TheAmishPirate]

Okay, done editing.

[BlasTech]

Already replied! :smallbiggrin:

[TheAmishPirate]

It's really a good thing that the rest of the group can't hear Crown's inner thoughts. No one likes being called a half-wit, especially not ponies who consider themselves intellectuals.

Crown is both miffed at how awful dehydration feels, and royally peeved that you all have managed to jeopardize our survival within the first ten minutes of being awake, forcing him to act.

...yeah, I'd be mad at him too. A spiteful little bugger he's turned out to be. Hopefully, he'll have some time to reflect on his dreams.


Already replied! :smallbiggrin:

Poor rat.

He let the charismatic salesman know he was interested. :smallwink:

EDIT: I still have to write my DPC. It'll be up...sometime in the next week.

[Balmas]

Crown is both miffed at how awful dehydration feels, and royally peeved that you all have managed to jeopardize our survival within the first ten minutes of being awake, forcing him to act.

...yeah, I'd be mad at him too. A spiteful little bugger he's turned out to be. Hopefully, he'll have some time to reflect on his dreams.


If it's any consolation, Dive Bomb is rapidly becoming far more petty than I ever imagined him being. :smalltongue: It doesn't help that he feels threatened and more than a bit out of his depth.

[Ravian]

Yeah Soot currently seems to have two modes she defaults to, cynic mode, otherwise known as eye-roll mode. Of course when things get serious she goes into mother mode, which can range from ferocious mother bear (like when Cork fainted from the gun shot) to stern mediator mode (when she tried to resolve the argument)

Of course that's largely how I had envisioned her, so all good.

[TheAmishPirate]

Alright; I think we have yet another shot at making painting a useful skill. We just need to think of ways to make a drawing/sketch/painting practical. These rats are a little less greedy than I supposed.

Crown already mentioned the value as a scare/intimidation tactic. Anybody else have any ideas?

[TheAmishPirate]

Just got one from a friend, but how about a price/night list? Soot and Grease Spot have already argued that taking all the supplies is a bad thing, so they should be more open to keeping rent as their method of payment. An officially-drawn price sheet indicating price per creature would be visually striking, official-looking, and most importantly, practical.

[BlasTech]

I can't comment on any of these without giving away more info than you'd have right now. But I really really want to! :smalltongue:

[One Tin Soldier]

Well, giving away any of our important supplies is best to be avoided, but we might have to. Unless Crown manages to convince them to take the paintings.

Which, incidentally, is exactly the sort of trickery Grease was thinking of.

[TheAmishPirate]

Alright, I think I phrased it in a way that the rats might like. I think they'd appreciate the chance to get treated like actual businessrats instead of thieves.

[Ravian]

Are we... helping to set up a way-stop in the middle of the desert entirely run by rats? :smallconfused:

...

If we are this is probably the greatest RPG i've ever been in :smallbiggrin:

[TheAmishPirate]

I sincerely hope we are. :smallbiggrin:

Rolling time!

Alright. Big ol' stack of bonuses here.

Heart 3 + Soda Tycoon 2 + Finances 2 + Temp Bonus 5 + 3 Harmony + 1 Extra Talented - 2 Circumstance = +14, rolling twice for Charismatic.

Roll 1: [roll0]

Roll 2: [roll1]

The dice gods are going to have us biting our nails off at the end of the day at this rate, aren't they? Another just-barely-passed, and we're only on the first challenge of the day. :smalleek:

[BlasTech]

Speaking of which, is finances the actual name of the skill? Cause I'd see that as more the bookkeeping side of running a business rather than the more general understanding of economic theory.

Not that it matters on this roll, just. But what are you intending with that skill?

Edit: or maybe I just woke up pedantic today. Disregard.

[TheAmishPirate]

Speaking of which, is finances the actual name of the skill? Cause I'd see that as more the bookkeeping side of running a business rather than the more general understanding of economic theory.

Not that it matters on this roll, just. But what are you intending with that skill?

Edit: or maybe I just woke up pedantic today. Disregard.

Hey now, if I'm allowed to be nitpicky on what bonuses we get, you're certainly allowed to nitpick my skills too. :smalltongue:

Yes, I had put it down as Finances. And you raise an excellent point. General economic theory is not quite the same thing as running the money side of a business. The two certainly overlap, but there are some differences there. My intention was for Crown to have a general understanding of how to make money selling a product. He knows how to run a business without making it go belly-up from his own idealism.

[BlasTech]

Are we... helping to set up a way-stop in the middle of the desert entirely run by rats? :smallconfused:

...

If we are this is probably the greatest RPG i've ever been in :smallbiggrin:

Yes you are.

And thankyou :smallredface:

[TheAmishPirate]

Oh, and for the record, here's my interpretation of what the rat is saying. To keep the other characters appropriately in the dark, I'm spoiling it: :smallwink:


The square with squiggly lines represents the piece of art that Crown is making. The arrows represent value. He's saying that he's not automatically trading away all these supplies for the art piece. A better product will be worth more supplies, and a lesser product will be worth less supplies.

[BlasTech]

Anyone else want to get a post in before I respond to Cork?

[Balmas]

I'm good here.

[BlasTech]

Hey Balmas! Do you have time in your schedule for another RP? I've got one spot available at this time in one you might enjoy (sorry anyone else who might be interested)

I ask this question with deadly seriousness. I'm not the GM in this one, only a player, so I don't want this RP suffering lesser attendance as a result. Post a day is the requirement for both.

So yeah, do you have the spare capacity?

[Balmas]

I think I can manage that. What's the tone / setting?

[BlasTech]

I think I can manage that. What's the tone / setting?

Six words:

Fallout Equestria, Custom setting, Thanqol GM (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285974)

[Ravian]

Oh god that's sounds epic, I'll definitely at least try and follow it if I can't play

[One Tin Soldier]

Yeah, what Ravain said. I almost called you Soot
And Grease doesn't have anything notable actions or thoughts, so go ahead.

[TheAmishPirate]

That sounds both fantastically epic, and also far outside of my comfort zone. I play in a FOE FFRP, but only because I can opt to skip over parts that hit a little too close to home, and also donate my character and run if it ever becomes too much to handle. A full-fledged game like this would just snap my poor emotions like a twig.

EDIT: That, and I'm already at my promised limit of "NO MOAR GAMES". :smalltongue:

[Balmas]

Six words:

Fallout Equestria, Custom setting, Thanqol GM (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285974)

...I think I could manage to make a character. :smallbiggrin:

Oh gods this is gonna be good.

[Ravian]

...I think I could manage to make a character. :smallbiggrin:

Oh gods this is gonna be good.

Lucky... :smallsigh:

JK hope you guys have a blast with it :smallcool:

[BlasTech]

Lucky... :smallsigh:

JK hope you guys have a blast with it :smallcool:

Definitely will keep you in mind as a reserve. My biggest concern is the disclaimer on that RP that Thanq might have to pause it for RL reasons.

Anyway, I've assumed that nobody is going to say anything, so the next post is up. On with the show!

[Balmas]

I perhaps was overly vague here. I mean that he was looking at the stuff on the cart.

[BlasTech]

Ah right, in that case you've got about a third of your supplies and food back. No water.

[TheAmishPirate]

I perhaps was overly vague here. I mean that he was looking at the stuff on the cart.

Whoops.

Editing my post, then.

EDIT: And how much was left on the sled in the first place? How much were the rats able to take?

[BlasTech]

Not much left at all after the rats got to it. You had about six days or so of food, and one water ration last I reckoned, so two days worth have been returned.

Edit: Amended my last two posts as well to fix up the confusion

[TheAmishPirate]

I consider the flurry of activity for Crown now to simply be averaging out the drought of input as soon as this challenge is over. :smallwink:

[BlasTech]

I consider the flurry of activity for Crown now to simply be averaging out the drought of input as soon as this challenge is over. :smallwink:

Well, I think the specific instructions Cork is looking for are going to end up being too complicated for the rats to communicate. Which means it's down to the party to do what they can. Good chance for harmony bonuses perhaps? :smallwink:

[Balmas]

Well, I think the specific instructions Cork is looking for are going to end up being too complicated for the rats to communicate. Which means it's down to the party to do what they can. Good chance for harmony bonuses perhaps? :smallwink:

Ah, there's the motivation. Dive Bomb doesn't like Crown, but if it's a matter of survival, then he'll help. Yay harmony!

[BlasTech]

Woah, page 50. I didn't even notice.

New OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15350632#post15350632)is up. I'ma gonna keep using the OP to this thread for the rules though.

[Ravian]

The smile briefly faded from Soot's face before another thought struck her.
"Well Grease Spot's a mechanic! Maybe she can figure it out if we can't."

looking around the room she realized that Dive Bomb was probably best left to the books and radios.

"I'm going to go look at that safe," she said, turning down the hallway out "I might be able to pick it, once you're done can you meet me outside? I could use your help clearing the other door."

[Balmas]

One of these days, I'm just going to make a Die-smelting reaction image.