PnP Group 4 Session 55

<uSeaGM> **Group 4 Session 55**
<uSeaGM> Last time our party arrived at the town of Harbourage and met a very creepy stallion. But they also met a pleasant young mare called Genie who was working on the battered warship in the harbour. At the very least she seems genuinely pleased to see you.
<uSeaGM> She told you about the monsters that live in the sea near the Moon Fish, and about how they use the warship, Thunder Child, to distract the razor squid while the fishing boats do their thing... “but last week, when that bright light burst out of the ocean in front of us, it was like all Tartarus was set loose.”
<uSeaGM> "Well it was big... and bright... and it shot off into the sky. It was almost on top of where the Moon Fish swim, where the sonar goes all funny."
<uSeaGM> Genie continues. "After that light, giant monsters rose from the depths. They stood like tripods, towering out of the water... They howled and the razor squid swarmed. The ink they spat burned with choking black smoke and they shot out a ray so hot that it melted the hull.”
* Artifica cannot hide her alarm at this.
<Whisper> "That sounds...bad."
<Prism> "How...how does something like that even happen?"
* Xavi-sleep is now known as Xavi-
<uSeaGM> Genie grins and taps the side of the boat. "But now you brought us the supplies we can fix her up until shes good as new!"
* Whisper says softly, "Well, at least we got the job done...finally."
* Milia is now known as Pony_40109
* Artifica frowns.  She whispers to Whisper, "I think our job here is just beginning."
* Whisper replies, "Why? This sounds dangerous, and it isn't our fight, is it?"
* Jasmine 's eyes widen. and for a moment, all she could even utter was 'Woaaaaaaah'..... She turns to Genie and moves up in front of her, in an excited manner. "Is that true? Really?! That sounds exciting! Its like out of some kinda story!" She turns to the others. "Hey, we could go out there and get rid of them! It'll be great!"
* Whisper turns to stare in bewilderment at Jasmine. "Great? You think that tangling with unidentified monsters that can melt a battleship's hull and things called "razor squid" would be great?"
* Jasmine grabs a hold of Whisper and shakes him slightly "Well, of COURSE it would be great! Its what hero's do!"
* Whisper stammers out, "B-but I never wanted t-to be a hero!"
* Prism shrugs.  "Eh, why not."
<uSeaGM> Genie nods excitedly at Jasmine. "That would be great! I was hoping to go out there tonight if I can get T.C. ready and enough of the crew are well..." She takes hold of Jasmine's claw with her front hooves. "You could come too! Oh, you must be great heroes if you want to fight giant monsters!"
* Artifica stares out at the water, her frown deepening.  "The timing... it matches up."  She glances to Whisper.  "The superweapon fired from somewhere out there," she says, looking back out over the water.  "It will go off again, and kill a lot of innocent people, if it isn't stopped."
* Whisper says quietly, "I'm not a hero and I don't want to fight monsters..."
<uSeaGM> As she talks, Genie lifts sections of armour plating from the parked carts with her magic and floats them towards the frigate, where they seem to get absorbed into the ship before your very eyes. Damaged sections of the hull reform and smoothen until they look like they had never been melted at all.
* Whisper looks at Artifica, "What superweapon?" he asks.
* Artifica turns to stare at that.  "Impressive magic.  Yours, or the ship's?"
<Prism> "Probably hers, I can do something similar."
<uSeaGM> Genie strokes the side of the ship like another pony would stroke a cat. "It's mine. I've been good with machines since I was itty bitty and I know Thunder Child like the back of my hoof."
* Jasmine grins at Genie, completely glossing over Whispers apparent lack of enthusiam over being a hero. "Well, Im mostly a hero in training for the moment, but the others? they -are- great heros! But I promise Ill prove myself! Ill be one of the greatest someday! Starting with these razor squid thingies!"
* Notify: mimezinga is online (irc.canternet.org).
* ChanServ gives channel operator status to mimezinga
* Whisper quietly repeats with growing annoyance, "I'm /not/ a hero."
* mimezinga is now known as BerryBeard
<Prism> "I'm not really a hero, but I don't mind helping out.
* BerryBeard i absolutely not drunk at all. no. not even close.
* BerryBeard "and sish ish why poniesh are hated everywhere, shee? you are thur, mindin' your own bushiness, and shuddenly pwneesh arrive and kill you with them gunsh.... for no reashons! you were hunting your food, wooing a nice female... and bang! next shtuff you know you're dead! fucking pwnees..."
* Whisper stares at Berry, unsure of how to react to this.
* BerryBeard is holdin her speech from inside a punch bowl
* BerryBeard "and what can a normal sod do, i ashk? you can't jusht go there and say to undo what dem doed... you have to kill them, and inshtead of shtopping being ashhholesh, they go on killing and before you know, you have pwnees everywhere! at home, in your garden, even in your shorry assh! bhel, i shay! BLEEEEH!"
<Whisper> "Is...she...okay? I think that filly needs serious help."
<uSeaGM> Genie's face lights up like she suddenly had an idea. "Oh! Do you want to come aboard? I could show you round, oh it's so cool!"
<Prism> "Heheheh."
* Whisper glances around and shrugs, "Uh, yeah, sure," he mumbles.
* BerryBeard is blehing at every pony that gets close enough
* Prism watches Berry.  "I think she's gonna be alright, but she may be drunk."
* BerryBeard is not drunk at all!
* BerryBeard is now napping in the bowl
<uSeaGM> Genie heads over to a gangplank and waves her hoof for you to follow. "Welcome aboard! You can bring the sleepy filly with you."
<Jasmine> "Do I get to steer?! Captain Jasmine of the High Seas! Ahoy mateys! Off we go on an adventurrrre!"
* Whisper follows Genie.
* Artifica floats Cerberus out of the bowl and casts a cleaning spell over the filly.  Then sets the fluffy, sleeping warrior on her back and follow Jasmine.
<uSeaGM> "Well we won't be setting off until the evening, but you can play with the wheel while she's in the harbour!"
<uSeaGM> As you are led onto the boat, the group notices that the front deck is dominated by a single large triple-barrelled cannon. The barrels are arranged close together in a triangle shape, which suggests to any party members familiar with weaponry that it is most likely a magical energy cannon.
* Whisper silently marvels at the firepower on display.
<uSeaGM> She gives you a tour of the warship, keen to show off the engine room with its powerful spark-fusion drive. Genie seems very enthusiastic and gives energetic (and probably embellished) accounts of the war-time battles Thunder Child had seen.
* Prism marvels at this.   "Heh, better not let the Rangers see this..."  He muses.
<uSeaGM> The tour ends on the ship's bridge. There are dozens of consoles and panels lined with shiny buttons and levers. The captain's chair is in a central position and the ship's wheel is situated towards the front, giving its user a good view from the forward windows.
* BerryBeard wakes up at some point and listen to the incredible tales. obviously she believes everything she hears
* BerryBeard "have you ever fought a leviathan? and a mecha-dragon?"
<uSeaGM> Genie hesitates, but just for a moment. "Well, I haven't, but I bet Thunder Child could! The main cannon was made to fight dragons!"
<Prism> "That's really awesome."
* BerryBeard "ah! take that red-fucking-eye! we don't fear your cyberdragons now!"
* Whisper says quietly, "Wonderful, just enough firepower to make it look like we have a chance."
<uSeaGM> She nods. A lot. "I've even seen it fire!... well I saw a memory of it firing... but it was super cool!"
* BerryBeard goes licking the giant gun, because you lick what you respect. it's common knowledge
* BerryBeard looks at the others "so.... ehat now?"
<BerryBeard> *what
* Prism decides to relax a little.  "I dunno, you're the boss."
* Whisper raises and eyebrow at Prism's remark and makes to say something, but then apparently decides not to and glances away.
* BerryBeard "okay, then i say.... WE RIDE!" strikes a pose waiting for a suitable muic to play in the background
* BerryBeard "really"
* Whisper pipes up in a small voice, "Ride where?"
* BerryBeard deflates "oh c'mon, it's not the.... the where! it's.... i mean... ah.... nopony ever asks where the heroes ride! it's a trhing you do!"
* BerryBeard glances at genie "you know where we are riding, right?"
<uSeaGM> Genie scratches the back of her neck. "Um, the repairs aren't done yet and we need to wait till night for the fish to come out..."
<Prism> "Do you need any help with the repairs?"
* Whisper perks up just a little. "Well darn, no suicide missions just yet, I guess. We could always get something to eat, maybe?"
* BerryBeard "yes! a night assault! they'll never know what hit them! you are smart, sweetie... you could be a decent pirate too... ever considered that?"
* Artifica is deeply fascinated by the mechanics of the ship, especially the engine.  She has no end of questions for Genie.
<uSeaGM> She smiles at Prism. "Me and the others should be able to do it, thanks to the stuff you brought us. But if you'd like to help then I won't say no." Then she chuckles at BerryBeard. "My great granddad calls me his little pirate. I bet you'd like him."
* BerryBeard waves a hoof smiling "no, no thanks, i stopped eating ponies"
* Whisper looks at Berry in horror. "You came from a cannibal tribe!?" he blurts out.
* Prism balks at that and then looks at Genie.  "I'll help with the repairs.  Gives me something to occupy my mind."
* Artifica winces at Berry's comment, then smiles to Genie.  "I'd love to help too."
* BerryBeard bliks at whisper's question, a bit surprised "what? oh please, no! i was a hellhound!" tells that as if it was already obvious to everyone
* Artifica looks over the controls.  "The Thunder Child is truly amazing.  Your town is quite lucky to have her."
* Whisper slumps a bit at Berry's response, "You...what?" he asks lamely.
<uSeaGM> Genie is happy to answer Artifica's questions in staggering depth, but when Whisper mentions getting something to eat she has another lightbulb-turning-on moment. "I should take you to see my dad! He's the captain. He'd normally be here right now but the black smoke made him sick."
<Prism> "Hellh...alright then.  Best not to question things."  He shrugs and follows Genie around.
* BerryBeard sighs and approaches whisper "ah... didn't anyone tell you?" i used to be a hellhound, but then i ened in the middle of a killing joke patch... now i'm a pony
* Whisper says knowingly, "Oh, killing joke, right...well, it could be worse. Surviving that stuff is near impossible."
* Whisper turns to follow Genie.
* BerryBeard "have you ever tried fleeing three hellhouds? near impossible is exactly what i'd call it. i was lucky that we crossed our path with some sort of pony patrol, i fled while they stopped to slaughter each other..."
* BerryBeard trots after whisper
<uSeaGM> She takes you off the boat and heads into the town, a cheerful bounce in her step.
<Whisper> "Wait...so your, uh, packmates tried to kill you for nothing more than the rotten luck of stumbling into killing joke?"
* BerryBeard "yeah, you know, to spare me the humiliation... i can't really blame them, save that i didn't like the idea"
<Whisper> "So...that's what hellhounds consider /nice/?"
* BerryBeard "actually, if i were them, i'd do totally the same. sure, when it happens to you, your perspective could change"
<uSeaGM> As Genie leads the group towards her family's cottage, Berry, Whisper, and Prism spot the creepy stallion from earlier through an alley between some houses. He was looking the other way and seems too busy with his cart to notice you pass by the other side of the alley.
* BerryBeard "after all, it's easy to understand them... not even ponies like ponies... you ponies are the most hated scum in this asshole we call home..."
* Whisper is taken aback by that remark.
<Prism> "Can't say I blame anyone!"
* BerryBeard follows the others, still singing her own background adventure music
<uSeaGM> A giant seagull sitting on the roof squawks in a familiar way as Genie approaches and the young unicorn opens the cottage door without even knocking. “Hi Dad! These ponies brought the stuff we needed so now we can fix Thunder Child and get more fish so you can get bett— hey you're supposed to be in bed!”
* Whisper glances warily at the seagull.
<uSeaGM> The first thing you see is a middle aged stallion sitting in an armchair. His breathing is rough but he looks too proud to admit he isn't well in front of guests. “I heard some wagons came to town. Than—” His thanks are interrupted by a coughing spree, speckling the hoof he used to cover his mouth with blood.
* Whisper stares in alarm.
* BerryBeard stares "woah, that's a bad cough you have there..."
<Prism> "You okay, sir?"
<uSeaGM> "It's fine. You don't have to worry about me."
<Prism> "Nonsense, lack of compassion is one of the problems with the world nowadays."  He steadily appraises the old stallion.
* Whisper mutters, "You can say that again."
* BerryBeard approaches the old stallion, sniffs him
* Prism approaches, stepping closer.   "Affecting the lungs, not good..."  He mutters...
* BerryBeard frowns "oh... poor pony..." snuggles hi, a little like a dog trying to wake up an old packmate
<Prism> "I could try dispelling what's affecting it...but I don't think it's worth the risk.  I'll need to know more."
<Prism> "The creatures that cause the black smoke...they're capable of using necromantic magic in a sense.  That's what's causing this."
<uSeaGM> The stallion seems surprised by Berry's reaction, but he chuckles and pat her on the head. "I'll be fine, really. The soup helps."
* BerryBeard tilt her head "sish soup? with tomatoes?"
<BerryBeard> *fish
<uSeaGM> "Moon Fish soup." Says Genie's mother as she brings a steaming bowl from the kitchen. "But it does go well with tomatoes."
* RainbowYoshi is now known as Steve
* BerryBeard tries sniffing the soup "mh, looks nommy.... uhm.... nice lady, do you have some spare soup for a stray doggie?"
<uSeaGM> She stops beside her husband and brandishes a spoon. "Now say ahhhh." He gives her a look as if to say: 'Really? We're doing this joke now?!' but she loads a spoonful and continues anyway. "Here comes the gunboat, safely into harbour..." all the time making engine noises.
* BerryBeard jiggles at the scene
* Whisper barely suppressed his laughter.
<uSeaGM> She smiles down at BerryBeard. "That was our last bowl of Moon Fish soup, but I have some regular fish soup on the boil that's even tastier... but not quite as medicinal. Would you like some, dear?"
<uSeaGM> Meanwhile, the captain grumbles but eats his soup.
* BerryBeard "yush! thankyou beautiful lady!"
<uSeaGM> Genie's mother steps into the kitchen but soon returns with bowls of soup for everypony. "Machine Spirit's friends are our friends."
<uSeaGM> The house is decorated simply. Lots of family photos and various navy regalia. Paintings of old wooden ships are hung up on the wall and the bookshelves are full of volumes about naval history and the East Equestria Company.
* Whisper takes one of the offered bowls of soup and begins quickly devouring all of it.
* Prism also doesn't pass up an opportunity to eat.
<uSeaGM> Genie suddenly takes an interest in the fact that Artifica and Prism are unicorns too. "Hey, heyheyhey, do you want to see something cool?"
* BerryBeard noms the soup and has a happee
* Artifica nods.  "Certainly."
* BerryBeard "SLUUUUUURP"
<Prism> "Sure!"
* Artifica levitates the soup next to her, taking small sips.  She stops to look over Genie's father.
<uSeaGM> "Daaaaaaad can I show them the memory thingy? Can I can I? Thanks!" Without waiting for a reply she grabs a small box from the mantelpiece and opens it to show off the memory orb inside. "This was the last captain's log made during the war and it even shows the big cannon firing!"
<Prism> "A memory orb, huh.  Haven't seen one of those in awhile."
* Whisper glances longingly at the orb.
* Artifica ooohs.  Memory orbs are precious windows into the past.  Dangerous, but fun.
* Artifica pauses, then asks, "Who wants to go first?"
<Prism> "Hmm, cap flip?"
* BerryBeard laps the soup and wags her tail
* BerryBeard and after a good nom, the filly starts chewing her duckie! entertainment oh! SQUEAK!
<Prism> "You go first, Artifica."
* Artifica nods and steps forward.  "If I may," she asks, lying down.  Then focuses a short telekinetic nudge at the memory orb.
<uSeaGM> <-=======ooO   https://docs.google.com/document/d/10PiZQ6wGZ7lxN-pwj5xiOVvFQWYprBfFjBYpAx2eaVo/preview  Ooo=======->
* Prism wakes up from the orb.   "How interesting."
<Prism> "Probably some wrecks in the water."
* Whisper extends a hoof to Artifica after she emerges from the orb. "Um, I just wanted to say thanks. It's been interesting travelling with your group. Not bad, though. But we got the job done, and I don't think I'll be much use out on a ship, so..." he trails off.
* Artifica takes the hoof, getting up.  "We could definitely use all the help we can get."
<Whisper> "Are you sure you want me? I've never even been to sea, and I haven't really done much for your group so far."
* Prism shrugs, and stretches.  What Whisper does was really not a concern to him, given how Whisper's treated him so far.  He had it figured that some ponies just weren't gonna like him, so he lets Artifica take care of that.
* Artifica smiles.  "I'm willing to bet I'm the only one here who has been on the sea before.  And it wasn't anything like this."  With all seriousness, "I think we need any good pony who is willing to lend a hoof.  And frankly, you and Prism have weathered our weird better than I would expect from most.  You're part of the team... if you chose to be."
* Whisper looks unsure for a moment. "Okay. I'm in." he finally says.
<uSeaGM> **End of Session for Group 4**