FoE RPG G0-2 - #042 Underclawed Tactics

[20:00]<SpiritOfFate>	Group 0-II: *Freedom's Price* - Session #042 starts now
[20:01]<SpiritOfFate>	=======================================================
[20:02] <SpiritOfFate> A carriage moves down a long, bone strewn road. Inside there is a pegasus. It is cold. A jury rigged device cools the rough metal carriage. There is a hellhound inside as well. Armed, but not as smart as the other one.
[20:04] <Gust> The pegasus looks across the refrigeration device at their bodyguard, overseer and attendant.
[20:07] <SpiritOfFate> He is tall and strong, doberman like, with sharp fangs and talons. One of the guards. He knows what you are supposed to do, and is there to make sure it's done
[20:09] <Gust> The pegasus keeps one hoof braced on the device, eyes flicking to inspect it every so often. Not that they could fix it if it broke...
[20:10] <SpiritOfFate> You still didn't retrieve the item, but the device is already keeping the temperature right
[20:15] <Gust> The pegasus waits. There aren't any opportunities for meaningful subversion here. Yet.
[20:15] <SpiritOfFate> ---
[20:18] <SpiritOfFate> The armorer is working on his designs at Nebulous Labs.
[20:19] * Royal_Lace Helps where she can and offers input
[20:21] * Firefly will be working on the Bat-Mech and getting it oiled up.
[20:21] * Ignis sighs and leans over at a railing. "You know, you might have a shot at testing that real soon, with the mutts' arms race and all...they'll be all too glad to pop in their holes to pop a cap at pony flanks."
[20:24] * Swiss_Provolone stand still and lets the armourer do what he needs to do
[20:25] <SpiritOfFate> Tamara trots into the labs, followed by two mudponies. She looks tense. "Lace! Ignis! Swiss! We have hound movement."
[20:27] * Swiss_Provolone turns to Tamara, snorting out a cloud of steam, "Towards us?"
[20:28] * Royal_Lace sighs, "That is unfortunate yet this is exactly why Im trying to make these preperations-". Hearing Tamara she turns to face the donkey, "Oh dear, another shipment? Or is it the mercenaries deciding to finish what they started earlier this week?"
[20:31] <~SpiritOfFate> "They have a fortified slave-pulled carriage moving towards the raider area. They might come our way, but it's suspicious either way" Tamara says
[20:32] <Ignis> "If they're doing dealings with the raiders, we might be in for a whacking real soon..."
[20:32] * Swiss_Provolone nods, "Can't be good no matter what. Got a plan?" he asks Tamara
[20:34] <~SpiritOfFate> "They come in a small number. If we strike fast we may free the Ponies they brought along." She says
[20:35] * Swiss_Provolone nickers, "Good enough for me." he says, stepping forwards, "I'm ready."
[20:37] * Royal_Lace looks very concerned, "How far and what timeframe are we working with?"
[20:39] * Ignis raises a claw. "Wait, wait..."
[20:39] <Ignis> "
[20:39] <Ignis> "What if it is a trap?"
[20:39] <~SpiritOfFate> "The next few hours. They just passed Last Stop. We can intercept them at the raider area."
[20:40] <Full_Physical> "Well, I think you have the idea." Full Physical tells the children. "I'll try to think of a way for Tamara to release you, but it may take a while. In the meantime, just try to think of some ways you could help out around here when they let you out of jail."
[20:41] * Swiss_Provolone "They don't seem like master strategists in that regard Ignis." he says, adding, "We should bring Firefly with us."
[20:42] * Ignis shakes his head. "Well, maybe not the hounds per se...but the one who let the dogs out, the top dog...an old, crafty, scruffy, flea-ridden bastard...I know there is one up there on their kennel."
[20:43] * Royal_Lace humms, "Clues point to a strong connection between the dogs and the ghoul who is providing the sand raiders with there drugs... its possible but Im not sure how likely it could be.... as for firefly her mother would kill us if we did that, have you tried to outrun a mare with a jet turbine strapped to her back and wings braced with experimental super alloys?"
[20:44] <~SpiritOfFate> "Huh? We... can kick Ponies who break the rules?" Spiny says
[20:44] * Swiss_Provolone nods, "First time for everything. 'Sides, don't think she'd be happy with us leaving her behind on something like this."
[20:46] <Ignis> "Are you sure that's a good idea? it doesn't seem too parent-responsible...I mean, there is one thing as allowing your kid to be at risk, and other thing altogether is letting the foal do goddamn movie stunts..."
[20:48] * Royal_Lace shushes Ignis, "I agree with you on that but dont say movie stunts... there are a few phrases I think can pratically summon that filly and that may very well be one of them. No we should not bring her along, though her mother.... she may be useful. Especially if we take this", she says turning to look at the airship
[20:48] <Full_Physical> "Keep trying." Full Physical says before he leaves
[20:49] * Ignis raises an eyebrow at Lace. "You think you can?"
[20:49] * Swiss_Provolone shrugs, "Shes a mite older than a foal, and damn capable for her age." he replies, "But if you don't want to bring her along, I'll defer to you ma'am."
[20:49] * Swiss_Provolone *he says to Royal_Lace
[20:49] * Firefly continues working with her mother and father on the Batmech.
[20:50] <~SpiritOfFate> The mech is finally oiled up and ready
[20:52] * Firefly nods. "Excellent. Now to take it up!" She flutters up to the cockpit.
[20:54] * Royal_Lace nods, "Yes well it is technically property of my buisness so yes, I think I can. And also yes again, I am against inviting a teenager on a raid against a armored vehical traveling through raider teritory Swiss. But if you could go ask her mother if she would not mind assisiting with another outing on the ship that would be helpful. She may be at the garage, Firefly mentioned her parents were helping her?"
[20:55] * Swiss_Provolone nods, "Eyup, she mentioned that when she was last here."
[20:56] * Royal_Lace nods, "Alright, the ship can carry a fair load but not overly to many ponies. Should give us an edge. Paticularly if we load up the same spare cloud engine that we used with the car on our last raid. Any thoughts Ignis? Tamara?"
[20:58] * Ignis shrugs. "Anything you decide on that is good for me, I'll just be putting the BOOM in comBOOMstion up there." Ignis answers with a little smirk.
[21:03] * Swiss_Provolone nods, "Think you should teleport a few of us ahead ma'am? Get some the situation scouted out before everyone arrives." he suggests
[21:03] * Royal_Lace deadpans, "Sure, Is there anything you can give us Tamara? Where did you get the information from?"
[21:07] * Royal_Lace shakes her head, "one group, one pass, we dont want any forwarning"
[21:08] * Swiss_Provolone shrugs, "Fair enough."
[21:10] <~SpiritOfFate> "It came from our scouts. It's trustworthy. They have a pony pulled armored carriage with two hounds on top. Possibly more inside." Tamara says
[21:10] * Firefly will board the Batmech and get it started, taking it outside for a test flight.
[21:12] * Royal_Lace trots further into the lab, "Well I have to start loading equipment and preparing for launch, I suggest everyone dose the same, prepare themselves. We should leave within the hour if possible"
[21:12] <~SpiritOfFate> The mech rumbles as the
[21:13] <~SpiritOfFate> Engines start. The panels light up.
[21:13] * Swiss_Provolone salutes and trots off, promising to be back soon
[21:15] * Full_Physical waves at Swiss when he sees him
[21:16] <~SpiritOfFate> Both of them can hear the noises coming from the salvage yard
[21:17] * Swiss_Provolone stops in front of Full_Physical, "Got word of some hounds travellin' with a group of slaves over to the raiders territory, we're gonna stop 'em. You in? Always helpful to have a good doc' on hoof."
[21:18] <Full_Physical> "All right, I don't have anything planned. Any idea idea what they're up to?"
[21:20] * Swiss_Provolone shakes his head, "Not entirely, but if its them I doubt its anythin' good. Saddle up, we're leavin' within the hour." he says, twitching his ear towards the salvage yard
[21:20] * Firefly will attempt to fly the mech up and around, just to see if there are any other problems.
[21:23] <Full_Physical> "I'll be ready."
[21:24] * Swiss_Provolone nods towards the salvage yard, "That sound normal to ya?" he asks Full_Physical
[21:31] <~SpiritOfFate> The mech rises and controls much more smoothly now. It still is not as nimble as the airship, but that is due to its bulk and unusual shape. It's good to manuever over the area, but the fuel is spent too fast for longer trips
[21:32] <Full_Physical> "No."
[21:32] * Swiss_Provolone heads over to the salvage yard to investigate
[21:32] * Full_Physical follows Swiss
[21:33] * Full_Physical stops and stares at the mech
[21:34] * Swiss_Provolone looks back, "What're you gawking at?"
[21:34] * Full_Physical points at the robot.
[21:35] * Firefly will go ahead and land the batmech, taking it inside the garage.
[21:35] * Swiss_Provolone tries to follow his gaze, "I don't see anythin'"
[21:35] <~SpiritOfFate> Snow doesn't look happy about this, and seems to be ready to take flight to help if needed. Solar Fury looks rather proud.
[21:37] <Full_Physical> "Follow me then, you'll know it when you see it." Full Physical says as he approaches the robot
[21:39] * Firefly lands the mech and sets it back up in its docking station, fluttering down. "It uses up a TON of fuel."
[21:39] * Swiss_Provolone follows him to the garage, raising an eyebrow at Firefly and Co. as he arrives, "Got to say, ya impress me more an' more everyday Firefly."
[21:39] * Firefly looks over to Swiss_Provolone. "What do you mean?"
[21:40] * Swiss_Provolone points at the mech, "I knew you were good with machines and all, but I didn't know you knew that much."
[21:45] <Firefly> "Oh, its not mine. Its Batmares." Firefly nods. "I've been just getting it working properly."
[21:45] * Firefly appears to be quite serious.
[21:45] <~SpiritOfFate> Solar Flare laughs.
[21:47] <Full_Physical> "Wherever she is, I'm sure she'll be impressed."
[21:47] * Swiss_Provolone smiles thinly, "Right." He then trots over to Falling Snow, "Got some time? Got a bit of a situation brewing." he says, not so loud that a certain filly might hear
[21:48] <~SpiritOfFate> "Firefly, comic books are not real. You know that, right?" Falling Snow says to Firefly. Looking worried.
[21:48] * Firefly walks over and starts putting tools away. Funny enough, its near enough that she might be able to hear about everything. "Of course they aren't, momma."
[21:53] <~SpiritOfFate> Falling Snow trots a little further away. "What happened?" She asks Swiss
[21:54] * Swiss_Provolone follows her, "Got some hounds travellin' with a group of slaves headin' to raider territory. Lace wants your help in putting a stop to that." he replies
[21:55] * Firefly continues her work, totally not listening in.
[22:06] <SpiritOfFate> Falling Snow glances back. "Sure, I can go help in the lab." She says, louder
[22:07] * Swiss_Provolone nods knowingly, "She'll be ready for you within the hour." he says, trotting back to Nebulous, nodding to Full_Physical to follow
[22:08] <Full_Physical> "See you around." FP follows Swiss
[22:10] * Firefly will finish up, putting away her tools. "I'm going to go for a flight." The filly hangs up her overalls over her tools in a locker.
[22:14] * Swiss_Provolone arrives back at the labs and Royal_Lace with Full_Physical in tow, "Snow will come with us, and the doc' here is willin' t' help as well." he says to Royal_Lace
[22:16] <SpiritOfFate> Firefly's dad pats her mane. "Take care."
[22:16] * Royal_Lace is overseeing the fiting of the cloud generator to the rear of the ship, "Excelent, I trust snow that Swiss here got you up to speed? We need as many ponies on board to pilot this thing as we can, ponies who know how it works and how to take it quick and quiet. Hopefully we can have this buisness behind us shortly"
[22:17] <SpiritOfFate> Falling Snow follows Swiss and Physical soon after.
[22:19] * Firefly smiles. "I will." She takes off flying... ending back at her house. She changes into some clothing and flies off to keep an eye on Full Physical and the group. Maybe get a head start on whatever is going on!
[22:20] <SpiritOfFate> The group is on the lab's hangar, preparing for something
[22:23] * The_Batmare will watch from the shadows, listening in.
[22:25] * Royal_Lace checks if eveyrone is ready to go
[22:27] * Swiss_Provolone nods, levitating his rifle and testing if its scope is set properly
[22:27] <SpiritOfFate> Falling Snow takes her place as the pilot
[22:27] * Ignis is ready for action.
[22:33] * The_Batmare will disappear and fly ahead of the airship to the location that was discussed to see what was going on. Stealthily. Via clouds.
[22:38] <SpiritOfFate> ---
[22:44] <SpiritOfFate> The carriage stops by a caved-in street. A large entrance to the sewers at the southeastern part of the raider area. The pegasus is led out, followed by the same hellhound that accompanied him. He is outside, but his wings are still bound and his neck still in danger
[22:46] * Gust has grown to accept -- not get used to, but accept -- the terrible bonds placed upon him. He doesn't spend too much time thinking about it. His thoughts are on the moment current, and the moments ahead, looking for things that'll help him ultimately win his freedom.
[22:48] * Gust heads along where he's led.
[22:53] <SpiritOfFate> You are led past the two carriage pullers, too worn and dulled to fight. The hellhound leads you into the sewers.
[22:53] * Gust sighs quietly to himself, taking a look about as he trots along.
[22:59] <SpiritOfFate> Some sewer tunnels dried up, long abandoned. Others still seem to be used. There is a pony carcass along the way, wearing a torn old sports uniform. The hound gives it no mind. Shadows move beyond your sight.
[23:00] * Gust stays close to his guard. The mountainous slab of dogmeat is useful to him. For now.
[23:02] * Gust wonders if he's just seeing things, or if those are actually silhouettes of... potentially dangerous things.
[23:03] <SpiritOfFate> After walking a maze of twists and turns, you are pointed to a hole in the rubble. There is a light beyond.
[23:04] <SpiritOfFate> "If you try to be clever, say goodbye to your neck." The hound grunts
[23:04] * Gust would raise his eyebrow to his guard, but it's shaved off.
[23:04] <Gust> "Do Ah go through the hole, or wait next ta' it?" he asks.
[23:05] * Gust looks quite earnest in his questioning.
[23:06] <SpiritOfFate> "Go. They will give you the thing there. Hurry and come back." The hound looks annoyed for having to explain.
[23:07] <Gust> "Alrighty then," Gust mutters, trotting off.
[23:08] <SpiritOfFate> Meanwhile, Firefly spots the glint of a carriage, or something that looks more like a container given wheels and harnesses
[23:09] * The_Batmare will fly up into the clouds and settle in to hide and spy over the situation, see what is going on.
[23:11] <SpiritOfFate> One of the hounds by the carriage looks up and points at Firefly's direction. They both raise their guns.
[23:12] * The_Batmare scoots off.
[23:24] <SpiritOfFate> One of the hounds fires at Firefly, but the shot goes wide.
[23:25] * The_Batmare grumbles about lucky shots and takes to hiding in the clouds, making her way to the ship.
[23:27] <SpiritOfFate> Gust find himself in a clean, if partially crumbled lobby for Eggplant Pharmaceutics. There is a white Pony in a patient outfit here. His eyes look dull as he stares beyond you.
[23:29] * Gust waves his clean-shaven and neatly pedicured hoof to try and get the stallion's attention.
[23:29] <Gust> "Howdy?"
[23:30] * Gust stares at him for a moment before putting two and two together.
[23:30] <SpiritOfFate> The pony raises a good mechanically and lowers it.
[23:31] * Gust looks elsewhere for something else-- doors to open, or other people to interact with.
[23:31] <SpiritOfFate> *hoof
[23:40] <SpiritOfFate> There are doors to the back of the place
[23:41] * Gust eyes the... braindead fellow warily and heads on back.
[23:41] <Gust> As he walks, he runs a hoof over his shaved face and head...
[23:42] <Gust> "... damn it to tha' moon, Ah miss mah hair," the buck mutters under his breath.
[23:42] <Gust> "Helloooooo!" he calls past the door. "Anypony hoooooooome?"
[23:47] <SpiritOfFate> "Home. No, never home. To much work." Says a raspy voice of a figure in an old, worn labcoat. The room smells of decay and chemicals.
[23:48] * Gust walks towards him, but stops a respectable distance from the figure.
[23:49] <Gust> "Ah'm here ta' retrieve... somethin'," he says, saying only what he's been told. "Ah think ya' understand who sent me."
[23:53] <SpiritOfFate> "Swift? Is that you?" The figure turns. The dead donkey looks at you through old glasses and yellowed eyes.
[23:53] * Gust wonders if he recognizes that name.
[23:55] <SpiritOfFate> The hound scientist mentioned it before in radio talks, as the one who requested the research
[23:55] <Gust> "Ah'm not. But Ah represent Swift's interests," Gust says.
[23:58] <SpiritOfFate> "Ah, right. It is here. The canister. Very sensitive, you see. Careful with that. Don't, don't... Well, careful." The dead donkey says.
[00:00] <Gust> "Ah'll guard it with mah life," Gust says, approaching to receive it.
[00:02] <SpiritOfFate> The place is a well furnished, well maintained lab. Past the equipment, past a table with what seems to be a body covered in cloth, the dead donkey opens a large fridge containing a canister.
[00:04] * Gust stands there, ready to accept it. He'd use a wing, but... well...
[00:05] * Gust makes sure his... seething, cold anger doesn't show on his face.
[00:08] <SpiritOfFate> The donkey wanders off. "...but if it is combined with dextrorisoprine... Where... I can pay my mortgage..."
[00:09] * Gust stares after him for a moment before turning his eyes to the canister.
[00:09] <Gust> The green pegasus buck takes it in a hoof, inspecting it as he walks back to the hellhound that escorted him in.
[00:11] <SpiritOfFate> There is a pressure indicator. It's just as expected.
[00:12] <SpiritOfFate> The hellhound looks pleased. "Back now. Hurry."
[00:12] * Gust nods and trots along, holding the sample gingerly.