PnP Group 4 Session 49

<uSeaGM> **FoE PnP Group 4 Session 49**
<uSeaGM>
<uSeaGM> On the well trodden road that runs through the middle of the forest, our party is locked in the midst of battle with a gargantuan timber wolf. Towering almost a dozen times taller than a pony, this beast would be a dangerous opponent... if it weren't quite so stupid. So far it has spent its time tearing through Watch_Tower's shields instead of simply jumping over them, and during that time our party has inflicted terrible damage to i
<uSeaGM> t.
<uSeaGM> The wolf's head and front legs were blackened and scorched after Watch's original encounter with it, and these charcoaled-limbs have almost been blasted to pieces by Cerberus and Artifica. Soon it won't even have a leg left to stand on...
<uSeaGM> Thick, tall trees surround the road on either side but the wolf is on the road back the way you'd come, giving a clear line of sight. It is about 100 feet away (Medium range) and its head and front left leg are looking very vulnerable indeed.
* uSeaGM gives voice to Milia Watch_Tower
* Little_Gloom is now known as Artifica
* Artifica looks upward and bites down on the bit of her battle saddle, unleashing a stream of fire (in convenient bullet form).
<uSeaGM> Only the bullets that struck its head seemed to have much effect, but the flaming enchantment had an impact at least
<Watch_Tower> "Well that didn't put it down...Much as I hate to disturb nature like this..."
* Watch_Tower lines up 3 shots and takes them.
* Watch_Tower fires the 3 plasma Grenades at center of mass nailing it each time.
<uSeaGM> Three plasma grenades blow up right in its face, sending splinters and charred wood flying in every direction... but still it stands. With a howl it charges forward, one word echoing around its crazed mind: firefireFIREfireFIRE
* Milia tenses up, out in front, ready to spring out of the way of any attacks...if she's lucky enough to.
<uSeaGM> The beast's colossal stride eats up the distance in an instant, but as it is about to meet Milia standing ahead of the group it leaps into the air, snapping at the low flying mare whose enchanted bullets just set it alight.
* Milia grits her teeth, snapping her attention behind her to watch as the wolf displays the most intelligence it has so far in this fight. "Tch, dammit!"
* Watch_Tower swears. "I knew...I should have put a shield up..."
<uSeaGM> The giant wolf bats its surprised prey out of the air and catches Artifica in its mouth. It bites down. Hard.
* Watch_Tower winces and closes his eyes. "Damn it..."
* Artifica gives a most unladylike grunt of pain.
<Watch_Tower> "Milia...Focus on killing it. I can get her out..."
* Cerberus watches at the ebra being nommed, her legs shiverin in fear for her friend
* Milia screams in terror. before jetting into motion. "NO, ART!" She gallops along-side the massive, wooden beast, before coming up underneath it and raining a series of vicious strikes at its face. After all, what better way to free somepony from its mouth, than to shatter its jaw completely?
<uSeaGM> Each of Milia's blows smash chunks of charcoal from the creature's face, until with one almightly buck she shatters its wooden skull completely and becomes buried in lightly smoldering firewood. Artifica drops onto the ash pile that covers Milia, bleeding but still breathing. The rest of the wolf collapses, breaking into bits of timber once again.
* Watch_Tower looks over to Milia...and then the Timber...
* Watch_Tower silently gathers it togeather. He is going to burn the remains. This thing doesn't get to live.
* Artifica gasps raggedly.  "T-th-thanks, Milia.... you're an angel..."
* Cerberus runs towards the battlesaddle pony "is she alive? pleasepleaseplease ttell me she's alive!"
* Watch_Tower removes the last grenade in his clip and cooks it off to go off under the pile of timber as a long burning fire. He couldn't really stand to face Art after that. He Should have put a shield up after all...
* Milia wrestles her way out of the pile of dead (for now) timber wolf, struggling until she can wriggle free from its depths. She stands, chest heaving, over her battered unicorn. "Goddess, Art, sweet-heart, I'm so sorry..." she says softly, kneeling down. "We need to get you patched up!"
<Milia> ((wait oh god i was still under there!))
<Watch_Tower> ((14:21  Watch_Tower silently gathers it togeather. He is going to burn the remains. This thing doesn't get to live.)
<Watch_Tower> (I am gathering the bits in a different pile :P)
<uSeaGM> Gradually at first, bits of timber get up on little twig-legs and start scampering away with their leaf-tails between their legs.
<Milia> ((oh okay))
* Watch_Tower returns them to the pile.
* Cerberus notices the wood moving on its own "ah... i'm stil lworried and stuff, but i think that we need to get out of this wood pretty soon"
* Watch_Tower does this somberly. He had chosen to spare the thing when it was coming togeather. This time....he wouldn't make that mistake...no matter how much it tears him up to do it.
<Watch_Tower> "Let me handle it berry." He says quietly.
<uSeaGM> They flee in all directions. Those near Watch nip at his heels in a bid to escape.
* Watch_Tower tosses the chunks back in with his TK if possible. He is ending this...
* Milia quickly retrieves a lone healing potion from her bags, uncorking it and gently feeding it to Artifica. "Please be okay please be okay oh Goddess I'm so sorry..." she can't help but repeat to herself quietly (and frantically).
* Watch_Tower gives a look around for any bits of the alpha that weren't shattered unrepairably...and burning those that were anyway.
* Artifica moans.  "I think... I'll just lay here a while?"
<Watch_Tower> "After this we are seeking a place to rest." He says quietly with a bit of force behind it. "We are not at are full strength...and she needs treatment. Hopefully Atom can provide."
* Milia leans her head down and gently nuzzles Artifica. "Y-yeah...you got it, just take all the time you need. I'll carry you if I have to!"
* Cerberus "yes but if we get attacke adgain.... i think we should get back on the road before we rest."
<Watch_Tower> "I can make us a shelter when we are suffiently out of the way." He tosses some of the last surviving bits away.
<Watch_Tower> (back into the fire*)
<uSeaGM> A few wood-pups have managed to escape into the forest on either side of the road but the rest are burned mercilessly. (you monster)
* Watch_Tower considers chasing after, but in a moment of genre blindness lets them go. He...didn't want to kill these...,but sparing them had nearly killed one of them. He just sits on his flank looking away from the group.
* Cerberus okay... so let's get this show on the road and find a decent place where to rest?
<Watch_Tower> "Let us get out of the woods first."
* Cerberus "hey that was what i said earlier!..." the foal sighs and shakes her head... oh well, better roll with it "good idea, let's go"
* Milia nods at Cerberus and Watch Tower. They had the right idea. "Yeah...and you better have burned all of that fucking thing. I don't want it coming back. EVER."
* Artifica is revived enough by Milia's generous gift to be able to start the slow process of magically healing herself...
<Watch_Tower> "I did."
<Watch_Tower> "I spared it once..."
<Watch_Tower> "It made me regret that." He says somberly.
<Watch_Tower> "anyway...once we get out of the woods...I'll see about setting us up a shelter..."
* Cerberus "oh dont' worry about that too much. i killed and ate ponies, and i'm mighty fine, so, don't feel guilty for a couple of brambles"
<Watch_Tower> "It is Guilt that allows me to carry on. When I do not regret doing terrible things it is then I am lost."
* Watch_Tower misquotes something.
* Cerberus "you talk weird and you should feel weird... i pity you"
* Cerberus starts trotting behinf the others, then remembers having a red racer and decides to scout the way. WOOOOOSH!
<uSeaGM> Once out of the woodland the road curves northward and in that direction you can see the Junkyard. It is a squared-off enclosure surrounded by a chain-link fence nestled against the side of a mountain. Scrap has been piled over half the enclosure like an undulating wave.
<uSeaGM> Even the countryside around it is littered with rusting old cars and powered wagons, half-buried in mud and stripped of anything useful. There is a distinct pattern among these vehicles; they all seemed to have been heading towards the Junkyard.
* Milia feels a heavy weight lift from her body as she watches Artifica begin to mend herself. "Thank Celestia for unicorn magic..." she says, relieved.
<uSeaGM> Pillboxes have been built high up in the side of the distant mountain, giving anypony inside an amazing view inland.
* Cerberus "i hope they don't get shooty at everything coming near..."
* Milia furrows her brow. "You and me both, Berry...but, considering we're here to /help/ the place...hopefully that's enough to keep them from going all 'shoot first, questions later' on us..."
<Watch_Tower> "Well...I could go on ahead...,but if it is friendly..."
<Watch_Tower> "It'd be best to rest there..."
* Milia nods at Watch Tower. "It's close enough at this point, too...I say we go for it."
* Watch_Tower continues on the way to the Junkyard.
<uSeaGM> As you approach, you can see train tracks running out of the Junkyard on the opposite side to the mountain, heading West towards the rest of Equestria. Somehow you doubt they lead anywhere after 200 years of neglect.
<uSeaGM> The scrap-sea is piled over and around the ruins of a train station, but the turrets of old battle tanks peaking above the surface like they were struggling for air, indicate that the station was military in nature.
<uSeaGM> Those ancient machines of war are forever stuck in parade formation, their chassis warped and melted in place by dragon fire. Despite the site's military origin, most of the junk is made up of piles of civilian vehicles like the ones you saw in the surrounding countryside. Hopefully the passengers fared better at their destination than the cars did.
<uSeaGM> The only clear area is around a huge 100ft semi-circle metal door built into the side of the mountain. Railway tracks lead from the scrap piles to the giant sealed door and presumably into the mountain beyond.
<uSeaGM> Caravans gather in the clearing and several ponies have set up shops and stalls, but since it is late in the day the stalls are being cleared up and the caravans that plan to head back West are negotiating for a place to stay.
<uSeaGM> One stall still looks promising at least. A grizzled stallion sits behind a table covered in guns and ammo. Shelves beside him show more stock and he seems too busy cleaning a dismantled rifle to pay attention to the other stall-owners clearing up.
* Cerberus "WEEeeeeeeee....!" keeps running with her scooter. when she's done running towards the place, the little filly starts running in circles IN the place "WEeeeeEEEeeeEEeeeEEeeeE"
<Watch_Tower> "I will need more ammo...and I would like a weapon to allow me to fight in closer quarters..."
* Milia is in somewhat better spirits now that they're out of the woods, both metaphorically AND literally, and the fact that her marefriend is no longer bleeding and on the verge of death offers her no small peace of mind, either! "Careful, Berry! Don't run anypony over, there! And if you do, at least try to aim for the ones we don't need to buy stuff from!"
<uSeaGM> Several red-cloaked ponies in military gear guard the enormous armoured door in the mountainside. They eye you suspiciously, their weapons never too far out of reach. Now you're closer, you can see various hatches and gates built into the structure so that parts can be opened separately without opening the entire thing.
<Watch_Tower> "I wonder if they'll charge us to stay..."
* Milia turns to Watch Tower. "No worries, hoss, We've certainly got the money...I think." She lets her gaze wander over the settlement's structure, now that they're closer, taking careful note of the somewhat grizzled looking guards. Turning back to Berry, she adds onto her prior warning: "...And try to avoid the armed ponies, too!"
<Milia> "So...ammo and weapons first?  It pays to be prepared, after all, and I need to fix up these powerhooves Jeeves gave me, too..."
<Watch_Tower> "I would recommend one of us handle that...and the other handle resting accomedations."
<Watch_Tower> "As you are...better suited toward merchantile efforts...I shall procure us the other."
* Milia raises an eyebrow, looking Watch Tower up and down, as if the zebra was appraising him. "...If you think you can swing it, sure. I certainly hope you're persuasive enough."
<Watch_Tower> "I am sure I will need some caps"
<Watch_Tower> "We are here to deliver a letter as well correct?"
<Watch_Tower> "Perhaps a solution lies in that direction..."
<Milia> "You've got caps, don't you?  I seem to recall a certain somepony winning a bet..."
* Watch_Tower nods. "I do."
<Watch_Tower> "I was just waiting to inquire about the letter we were delivering."
<uSeaGM> Among the other ponies milling around there is a mare with a yellow and white bow in her tail. She is armed with a clipboard and looks quite important.
* Milia gestures at the VIP. "Well, she's probably a good pony to start with as far as delivering important packages goes..."
<Watch_Tower> "alright."
* Watch_Tower heads toward her fishing the letter from his pack. "Hello mam."
* Cerberus aims for the VIP too "BEEP BEEP I'M A JEEP!"
* Artifica thinks Cerberus is extra cute.
* Artifica does not, however, say so, knowing the warrior's pride.
<uSeaGM> She approaches and holds out her hoof in greeting. "Good evening, I'm Tick Box, Domestic caste Supervis--" she is cut off by the impact of a puce filly riding a scooter.
* Milia winces at the collision, rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof awkwardly. "...well...she avoided the guards and merchants, at least..."
<uSeaGM> Tick Box picks herself up, then helps Cerberus back up too. "Err, is this yours?" she asks the group.
* Cerberus bounces into the pony and lands on her soft rump
<Watch_Tower> "err...kinda?"
<Watch_Tower> "She is her own, but she is with us."
<Watch_Tower> "I however do not claim responsibility for her."
* Cerberus is still stunned, with her tongue stuck out andd her eyes like this X_X
* Watch_Tower floats the stunned Berry onto his back.
* Cerberus shakes her head and smiles "hi dad!"
* Watch_Tower blinks a little surprised at that. He is way too young to be a dad.
<uSeaGM> She looks at Watch_Tower "As her father you probably shouldn't let her ride around here like that. There are sharp bits of metal and ponies lifting heavy objects all over the place."
* Milia decides this is too good to pass up. With a grin, she pipes up from the sidelines. "Watch Tower, my goodness! How could you say that about your own daughter?! You need to be a more responsible parent!"
* Watch_Tower starts to grow flushed.
* Watch_Tower stammers a bit. ",but she's really not...I'm only...twenty or so..."
* Watch_Tower shakes his head blushing brightly still. "right uhh...Berry Don't go riding around places like this."
* Cerberus pouts "you said the same thing when you abandoned mom!"
* Artifica plays along and gives Watch_Tower an aghast look.
* Watch_Tower actually gets annoyed. "I would never do such a thing."
* Milia feigns indignance. "Pshawwww! Lying about how young you are, now?! You aren't trying to pick this poor mare up or anything, ARE YOU?"
* Milia lets out a wail of mock anguish in response to Berry's 'distress'.
<uSeaGM> Tick Box shakes her head. "Stallions. Red, Blue, or Yellow, they're all the same."
* Watch_Tower flusters and shoves the letter toward Tick. "I am not amuse by this guys..."
<Watch_Tower> "We are here to procure supplies for..." He momentarily forgets where in his fluster.
* Milia drops the act, seeing that it's actually getting to Watch Tower. "Okay, okay, sorry...too much. Seriously-" she shoots a softened look to Tick Box. "-Watch Tower here's a pretty stand up guy. Trust me."
<uSeaGM> She takes the letter, reads it over, then looks back at Watch_Tower quickly. "You're the ponies Mr. Grey sent? Did you bring any tea?!"
* Watch_Tower shakes his head. "I'm afraid not. In addition to the supplies...do you know where we can get some rest...The trip here was interupted several times by timber wolves."
<Milia> "Oh, tea?  U-uh..."
* Milia rummages around in her saddlebags. "...I have some fresh herbs and leaves, but that's probably not what you meant..."
<Milia> "...though it all tastes the same with whiskey in it, anyways."
* Cerberus sgrugs "you are no fun at all, watch... oh well, let's go back to business, i guess...."
* Watch_Tower has a sensitive spot regarding that particular thing so there he isn't much fun. if Berry wouldn't have brought mothers in...he'd have been less offended.
<uSeaGM> She looks down, dissapointed. "No tea... Wait, timberwolves? Oh my, we haven't heard of them attacking ponies in years..." she looks thoughtful, "or maybe we just don't hear from the ponies that get attacked."
<Watch_Tower> "Well they did...and after fending them off they came back bigger...shouldn't have spared them once..."
<Watch_Tower> "Rest assured they won't be a problem. We burned their remains thoroughly."
* Milia raises a hoof. "...the latter, probably." Her blood runs cold, as her mind flashes back to the image of Artifica lying bloody and beaten on the ground.
* Watch_Tower says that with a tinge of regret.
* Milia shudders.
* Cerberus "well, you know how things go in the wastes.... you get rid of timberwolves, then raiders, slavers and hellhounds arrive..."
* Artifica smiles.
<uSeaGM> Tick Box checks her clipboard. "The wagons are stacked up and ready whenever you want them. As for a place to stay... there might be room left in the old ticket office or waiting room."
<Watch_Tower> "Thank you."
* Milia puts on her best 'innocent smile' look, batting her eyes a few times. "Free of charge, I hope?~ We ARE here to help the settlement out, after all."
* Artifica looks to Tick Box expectantly.
<uSeaGM> She lifts up a page. "Let's see: we are not responsibile or any injury or loss of possessions or damage to property, etc. etc. blah blah. Any action you take that is seen as a threat to Sanctuary or a citizen of Sanctuary will be dealt with by extreme force, yadda yadda yadda."
* Artifica wraps her tail around Milia.  "I was saved by the bravest and most valiant of zebras."
* Artifica still feels a bit woozy, but gives Milia a smile that she hopes comforts the mare.  That shudder did not go unnoticed.
<uSeaGM> Tick Box shrugs. "Find shelter where you want. Oh, if you try to get into Sanctuary the Reds will shoot you on sight. Please don't do that, we have a hard enough time convincing them to let us trade with outsiders as it is."
<Watch_Tower> "Well I guess I will go take a look at the Ticket office."
* Artifica can't help but ask, "What... exactly is Sanctuary?"
<Watch_Tower> "Oh does anyone run the ticket office?"
<uSeaGM> She continues, mostly to herself. "A girl can't live on cave mushrooms alone! Well... she can, but she doesn't want to. And tunnel weed tea just doesn't stand up to the real stuff.” She blinks at Artifica's question. "Ah, right, Sanctuary is our home. It's inside the mountain on the other side of the big door."
<Milia> The tension in Milia's body practically melts away in an instant as Artifica's tail brushes up against her.  She returns the smile by planting a loving kiss on the mare's muzzle.  "H-heh...yeah...right, you're safe now, and...that's what matters...I don't know about 'valiant', though...more like angry.  But, hey, it does in a pinch!"
* Watch_Tower heads to procure sleeping arrangements
<uSeaGM> Watch_Tower soon finds that it's first come first served and the only space he can find is in one of the old waiting rooms... which is missing most of its roof. This isn't so good since the clouds look like they are going to rain very soon.
* Watch_Tower makes to fix that. Taking a deep breath he takes nearby materials and sculpts it into a new roof taking his time with it to conserve Strain. He had very preciously little. It...should hold a couple days...even though it need only last a few hours."
<uSeaGM> with the roof fixed it should make a suitable shelter for our heroes after their long day.
* Cerberus finds a corner and curls, yawning and ready for a long sleep
* Milia decides to take care of bartering tomorrow, when there's more stalls around. It pays to keep your options open, after all. Right now, she's happy to snuggle up with Artifica for a much needed night of sleep.
* Artifica nuzzles and gives a kiss back.  "I'd be lost without you."
* Watch_Tower collaspes utterly exhausted from all the magical work he has been doing through out the day.
* Milia coos back to the mare, lovingly. She's DEFINITELY grateful for the affection. "I feel the same way..."
<uSeaGM> **End of Session for Group 4**