FoE PNP G-Platypus Session 43

[18:10] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****G-Platypus: The City of Broad Withers - Session 43*****
[18:10] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Sin.
[18:11] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  In a world of grey morality, how can anything be considered sinful?
[18:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Do ends justify the means?
[18:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  In the Wastes... maybe...
[18:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  But past the Ledge are different scales.
[18:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  What judgements await our poor sinners?
[18:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****Session Start*****
[18:15] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Our group generally rings Splotches as Blackberry_Jam finishes her work on him. Thunder_Strike has gently laid the middleaged zebra mare down near him. Splotches starts to roll, a sad look in his eyes as the mare starts to stir.
[18:15] * Blackberry_Jam looks between Splotches and the zebra. "She's your mother?" She asks quietly, putting a hoof on Splotches before he moves any further.
[18:16] * North_Star_ is off to the side, reminesing with Scrap close to his side.
[18:16] * Scrap is still hugging North_Star_, head buried and a little overwhelmed at being able to see them all again.
[18:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A pained wheeze rattles out of the mare, her eyes open and fixed on Splotches, a small smile feebly twisting her lips. Splotches nods, halting his roll. He's a good patient for a doctor. The two share soft, meaningful looks.
[18:21] * North_Star_ lifts his eyes to see the two zebras gaze at each other. With a sigh, he pats Scrap on the head.
[18:23] * Snack_Cake is sitting with the zebra mare, helping to make sure she's alright.
[18:23] * Blackberry_Jam gives a small smile herself. "Thunder, Snack, bring her over here, gently as you can. I think they need to be together." And... defiintely get those wounds looked at.
[18:25] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The mare's throat and barrel are marked by a cross-shaped wound. Most likely from the equinoid having gotten its teeth into her and thrashed. Her body is covered in bites and cuts, deep wounds and divots where flesh is most definately missing.
[18:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The mare is somewhat close, Thunder_Strike having deposited her nearby, but she's out of hoof's reach.
[18:37] * Mister_Clacky|GM Splotches surrenders his brutalized forelegs to Blackberry_Jam, letting her set the bones. The anesthetic taking the edge off it as she work. His eyes are still bright. He smiles to the mare who closes her eyes, her labored breathing audible. He sighs, looking over the rest. "Thank you... for coming."
[18:40] * Thunder_Strike gently moves the zebra mare closer to splotches.
[18:42] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches looks up thankfully at Thunder_Strike. He lays a wrapped fetlock over the mare's foreleg. Her eyes opens and she smiles weakly again. "You...re... ... safe..." She manages to look relieved through the pain.
[18:44] * North_Star_ shifts his hooves to get to his rifle so he can fill it with buttles once again, making a short glance from the weapon's sights to Scrap.
[18:49] * Blackberry_Jam leans down and starts administering care to Splotches' mother.
[18:49] * Snack_Cake watches with concern. She's worried about Splotches and the mare...
[18:51] * Scrap feels North_Star_ moving around and looks up. He takes his glance to mean that he's overstayed his welcome and backs away sheepishly.
[18:51] * North_Star_ looks over at Scrap, "Oh, sorry Bucko. I was just thinking about something."
[18:53] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches shakes his head, giving his mother's hoof a squeeze. "I... don't think that will be... needed... Jam..." His mother blinks a few tears free.
[18:54] * Scrap whipes his eyes and looks up at North_Star_. "W-what?"
[18:54] * Blackberry_Jam blinks at Splotches a few times. "I... Are... are you sure? I'm sorry, but I'm still not clear on how this whole... 'spirit world' works."
[18:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches scoots a bit closer to the mare. "Those things... they eat spiritual energy. Cuts... wounds... can be healed. But what is consumed cannot be replaced." He manages to get his forelegs around her in a loose embrace.
[18:56] * North_Star_ lets his loaded rifle lean against his side, "Well... That big bird.. Thing got into my head and... Brough up a few emotions, which have gotten me thinkin'."
[18:57] * Blackberry_Jam still looks confused, and a little bit of fear is creeping into her voice. "What... what does that mean?"
[18:59] * Scrap tilts his head a little.
[19:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches hugs the mare, speaking back to Blackberry_Jam as he does so. "If you are completely consumed... your spirit will never reach the Well of Souls. The spirit can restore itself, over time, just like the body can regenerate. They are two halves that support each other. But she has no body to return to..."
[19:01] * Thunder_Strike moves close to Snack_Cake. ''are you ok?''
[19:02] * North_Star_ rubbed his head. "Well... It's hard to explain, but... I saw things no pony should ever see, and I like to say I've see some shit in my time..." He paused, shifting his rifle. "Some reason, mind told me the best thing to do was start shooting, seemed like a normal response at the time.."
[19:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The mare looks up, tears staining her cheeks. She shakes her head. "I... don't want to go. You're my little painting... my masterpiece... a mother place..." she struggles to control her breathing and make words pass her damaged throat. "A mother's place is with her children."
[19:04] * Snack_Cake glances over at Thunder_Strike. "I'm worried about them..."
[19:05] * Scrap nods. Seems reasonable.
[19:06] * North_Star_ pats the rifle at his side. "This old thing misfired, and that's when my head cleared. I blinked and... Well, you were in my crosshairs, dead center..."
[19:06] * Blackberry_Jam doesn't look like she's buying Splotche's explanation, either. She looks to Scrap, more fear worming it's way in. "I can't watch her die, Splotches... I'm sorry." She slowly rises and, almost stumbling, leads Thunder_Strike away from the group to talk.
[19:08] * Snack_Cake gives Splotches a pleading look. "There has to be something we can do to help..."
[19:08] * Thunder_Strike hugs Snack_Cake. ''well I'm ok, so don't worry abou me.'' looks at Blackberry_Jam and follows her. ''what's up?''
[19:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches shakes his head sadly before turning his attention fully to his mother, He can understand Blackberry_Jam's need to step away more than most. He kisses his mother's head, shushing her. "It's alright, Mother. I'm older than you were when your spirit freed..." She buries her head in his chest the best she can and continues to shake her head. "Think about Father, he's been waiting on the other side
[19:09] * Scrap blinks and thinks a moment. That must have been what it was like for Blackberry_Jam when she shot Thunder_Strike. "Y-you didn't know. You didn't mean to hurt me."
[19:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  for you. We'll meet again, you know that..."
[19:09] * Blackberry_Jam says in a hushed voice. "Thunder... I can't thank you enough for taking what I did to you so well... but... I'm starting to think that I might not be of as sound mind as I thought I was..."
[19:11] * North_Star_ nods. "I know, I know... I still saw red, dunno if I was pissed at me or that damned bird but..." He slumped onto his back, looking up and the empty sky. "Fuck, I need a drink."
[19:14] * Snack_Cake squeezes her eyes shut. She doesn't like this. She doesn't like this at all.
[19:15] * Thunder_Strike smiles and hugs Blackberry_Jam close. ''it's because I know it wasn't intended, and if I remember. this right here only missed you by a few inches.'' she says tapping her Bowie knife scabbard.
[19:16] * Scrap sits and looks concerned. As usual, he has no idea what to do. Maybe if he thinks like his master... "Well, my master always said that alchohol clouds judgment. You said that you weren't thinking straight, but drinking will only make that worse." Maybe that was a good thing to say?
[19:17] * Blackberry_Jam just sort of stares out into the void. "I... I don't think that justifies it... but if it ever happens again." She says, breaking her hug and putting both her hooves on Thunder_Strike's shoulders. "For everypony else's benefit... drop me."
[19:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The mare cries as Splotches strokes her mane. "Go to him. I'll find you in time..." She gives the barest of nods before looking up at him. She tilts his head down so she can kiss his forehead. "The /fullness/ of time, my little masterpiece." She smiles and the white of her coat gets more vivid, the red dulling away. Soon she is physically glowing. There's a flash and a ball of light streaks away, droppin
[19:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM> g away and shooting toward the galaxy beneath them. Splotches heaves a sad sigh .
[19:19] * Thunder_Strike ''I..I don't think I can do that....'' she lays her ears down and lifts a hoof. ''please don't talk like that.''
[19:21] * Blackberry_Jam lowers her gaze a little. "I'll try not to... But..." She lowers her hooves, too. "Nevermind. Thanks, Thunder. Now... I think Snack needs your help." She begins to trot away, towards Scrap. It's about time she said hello.
[19:24] * North_Star_ looks to the young pegasus before smiling. "Master was a smart stallion. Guess I should listen to 'im."
[19:25] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches looks up, meeting Snack_Cake's eyes. The only pony who saw the transition. He gives her a supportive smile, if a bit strained.
[19:25] * Blackberry_Jam steps closer to Scrap and coughs a little. "Hey, Kamikaze."
[19:26] * Scrap smiles a little. He said something good. Then he hears Blackberry_Jam. His ears flatten and he slowly turns to face her, eyes looking toward the ground, ready for the lecture.
[19:28] * Blackberry_Jam is wearing a grin, not her usual stern, cross look. "Don't give me that look. That's not how friends are supposed to look at each other during a reunion."
[19:30] * Snack_Cake isn't taking it very well. "We really couldn't do... anything? Anything at all?" It's things like this that make her feel horrible.
[19:30] * Scrap looks up at her, perking up a bit instantly. He smiles, but doesn't have a clue where to begin.
[19:31] * Blackberry_Jam trots right up to him and gives a crushing hug. "It's... It's so good to see you..." She whispers.
[19:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches rolls to his hooves. He takes a drink from a flask, making a bit of a face at the taste. Still, the surface wounds clear some. He looks to Snack_Cake, his foreleg raising slightly, he might just need a hug as much as as just might.
[19:33] * North_Star_ looks up to see Blackberry give Scrap a hug. Maybe it would be best to wait before asking what the plan is.
[19:33] * Thunder_Strike smiles at blackberry then gives her a quick kiss on the cheek to comfort her. ''don't worry. you have into fear like I did, I doubt that'll happen again.'' she says smiling then goes to check on Snack_Cake
[19:33] * Scrap didn't expect this! He knew she cared, but she usually yells first. Regardless, he hesitates then hugs her back just as tightly, tearing up into her shoulder.
[19:35] <Mister_Clacky|GM> (as she just might)
[19:35] * Blackberry_Jam shakes her head into the hug. "I don't have any words... just..." she's fighting a losing battle with her tears.
[19:38] * Scrap didn't even try fight his. He might never get to thank her again. "I missed you. T-thank you for putting my head back on. Thank you for healing me again and all those times."
[19:41] * Snack_Cake is a little hesitant. But... they both sort of need comfort. After a moment she gives Splotches a hug.
[19:41] * Blackberry_Jam eventually breaks this hug, too. She gives a fond look at Scrap, then her expression muddles as she looks at his neck. It doesn't stay that way for long, though. "You really ought to bandage that." She says, her smile returning.
[19:44] * Scrap chuckles. His cheeks are wet as well as distorted by his wide smile. "That's what you're here for right?"
[19:44] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches returns the hug. A little comfort is nice and it did seem they both could use it. "No, Snack, but remember, she passed away years ago. She didn't die just now, she just finally let go to accept her reward for being a good mare. This place... it isn't where you go when you pass. It's where you stay if you won't let go, whatever the reason. She's off to pay her time in the Well, and then she'll r
[19:44] <Mister_Clacky|GM> each paradise."
[19:45] * Blackberry_Jam already has a roll of MBFBB's in her hooves. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
[19:47] * Scrap gladly lifts his head to grant her better access to his neck, still smiling wide.
[19:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The stitches wound is expertly and carefully closed.
[19:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM> (stitched)
[19:48] * Snack_Cake still doesn't like it. "It still feels horrible to just have to... sit and watch and not be able to do anything at all..."
[19:51] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches gives Snack_Cake a squeeze, his eyes meeting Thunder_Strike's as he lets Snack go. "It is... but I've wept for her before. I was blessed to have her looking out for me from this side for so long. We can be strong, I'm sure of it." He gives her an honest smile, the kindly face she's used to seeing on the older zony stallion.
[19:52] * Blackberry_Jam coils the bandage around as delicately as she can. "There..."
[19:53] * Scrap goes to touch the bandage, but remembers that she told him not to touch them and lowers his hoof. "Thanks."
[19:54] * Snack_Cake gives a hesitant nod.
[19:55] * North_Star_ smiles as he looks between Berry and Scrap. "Now that's a familiar sight.."
[19:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches gives a slight nod. "Could you be a dear and help me find my meditation staff? I'm afraid I lost it in the fray."
[19:56] * Blackberry_Jam gives a quiet chuckle and turns to face North_Star_. "How are you feeling, Hot Shot? Got any wounds that need closing?"
[19:57] * North_Star_ nodded, brushing at the bite marks on his barding. "If you wouldn't mind."
[19:58] * Scrap wipes his face, making sure to leave his smile on. It was so nice to be able to be with them for a little longer at least.
[19:59] * Blackberry_Jam winds a pair of fresh bandages around them. "There you go."
[20:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches casts his eyes over the bone-strewn battlefield doing his best to spot his staff.
[20:02] * North_Star_ rolls his bitten shoulder, nodding in approval. "So. Where do we go from here?"
[20:04] * Snack_Cake turns to Thunder_Strike and gives her a hug as well. She mutters, "This is a very sad place... I don't like it."
[20:04] * Blackberry_Jam grits her teeth. There's the question that she didn't want to hear. "I'm going to be honest with you, North_Star_. I don't know. Nothing... nothing is right about this place."
[20:06] * Thunder_Strike hugs Snack_Cake back. ''I don't either, but when we get back, maybe I'll show you how much fun we can have to turn that frown upside down.
[20:07] * Snack_Cake gives Thunder_Strike a nuzzle, and a little smile. "Thanks... Let's help Splotches look, alright? I know you're much better at spotting things than I am." She tugs Thunder_Strike over to help.
[20:09] * Thunder_Strike nods and moves over to splotches.
[20:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake and Thunder_Strike both see the lost staff sitting a bit away from the bloodstained wall he'd been hanging from. It's mostly obscured by white brush.
[20:09] * North_Star_ nods, looking around the spritual wastes. "It's... It's unsettling, to sugercoat things.."
[20:12] * Snack_Cake walks over to retrieve the staff. She calls out, "Is this it here?" before picking it up to show him.
[20:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake picks up the expertly balanced staff, so much so it would probably stand up on it's own if the tip was on even ground. The crescent top smooth from used in meditation rituals and it's heft more substantial than one would think at first glance. Splotches turns to her, smiling. "Yes, that's it!"
[20:15] * Blackberry_Jam looks towards Splotches, then to Scrap. "Those two have been here the longest... so perhaps it's best that they explain. Splotches was talking about this 'entity', and... that we'd need to do something about it."
[20:15] * Snack_Cake brings it over to give to Splotches
[20:17] * North_Star_ raises an eyebrow. "Is 'something' our usual 'doing something about it'?"
[20:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches faces the group, motioning for Snack_Cake to go ahead and sit it down. He looks each in the eyes in turn. "I want to thank you again... You saved my life and my afterlife. I'm eternally grateful to all of you." He smiles warmly before surrendering to a more somber look.
[20:19] * Blackberry_Jam looks back at where the bird had fallen, before it disappeared. "If the local hospitality was any indication... yes."
[20:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "There is worse than what you've seen lurking here, and it wants Nyota. It is fixated on her, and it /will/ take her if it isn't stopped. I intend to try." He swallows. "That is my choice. I can send you back, and there is no shame in that."
[20:21] * Scrap 's ears perk up at the sound of Nyota in danger. He doesn't know what's going on either. His heart sinks a little at the thought that they can leave, but he can't follow.
[20:21] * North_Star_ nods, picking his rifle up from the ground. "I'll raise no objections."
[20:22] * Blackberry_Jam frowns slightly. "I won't either... But... I'll need a few questions answered first."
[20:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches continues. "Of course, but we must try for swiftness. Each of you needs to make a decision."
[20:23] * Snack_Cake sets the staff down for Splotches. "I don't think this is a very good idea... You could get hurt even worse!"
[20:25] * North_Star_ sits up, looking over at Scrap.
[20:27] * Scrap 's ears have flattened. He notices North_Star_'s gaze and returns it, a sad look on his face. He had just gotten them back...
[20:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "I'll answer what I can. And yes, there is little doubt we could be hurt, killed, or worse if we stay this course. I won't veer, but I can't ask more from you than I already have. If any of you wish to be sent back, tell me quickly."
[20:29] * Blackberry_Jam steps closer, putting on her inquisitive face. "If we die here... what happens to our bodies?"
[20:32] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "The body mirrors the soul, the wounds here appearing there. Should you die here, your body will die. Your soul would transition to the Well, unless you are consumed. The creatures that lurk here feed on souls that resist the pull of the Well. If they devour you, you will cease to be."
[20:34] * North_Star_ grimaces. "Sounds delightful.."
[20:35] * Blackberry_Jam gives uneasy glances to each of her friends. "Very delightful... And... these creatures... Like the bird, can they all... Manipulate us?"
[20:37] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches shakes his head. "Some of the stronger creatures can project emotions, manipulate feelings... Most are little more than the wild animals in the World. Motivated by a base desire to feed."
[20:41] * North_Star_ gets to his hooves, slinging his rifle over his back. "And we're motivated by a base desire to portect our hides, nothing new under the sun."
[20:41] <North_Star_> (*protect)
[20:42] * Blackberry_Jam 's gaze rests on Thunder_Strike for a long while. "I... don't know how comfortable I am being around things that... that can do that."
[20:45] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches gives an understanding if sad nod. "These things feed on lost souls, some are corrupted souls themselves. Others... are things far darker that gain strength from the darkness that eminates from our world. Some posess terrible powers to prey upon sentient souls that wander the Ledge. And some grow strong enough to project their reach past this realm to ours. This fight... it is desperate and dan
[20:45] <Mister_Clacky|GM> gerous..."
[20:46] * North_Star_ steps forward. "And you're sure this problem has to be solved here? These things aren't pissed off by some weird relic like I keep hearing about?"
[20:47] * Snack_Cake waits for a few moments, then asks, "If they're spirits... shouldn't Nyota be safe in the real world? What do they even want with her?"
[20:54] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches sighs. "Most spirits can't. It takes a lot of power to project any kind of effect to the World. Especially difficult if there isn't a conduit there. My teapot, Nyota's flower, they are small gateways to allow select spirits to project some part of their influence over. She walked with me and something dark and powerful found interest in her..."
[20:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Why? I don't know. I only know that spirits like this... they project their power to get what they desire... and that's Nyota."
[20:56] <~Blackberry_Jam> "And... there's nothing we could do to prevent those projections when they happen? This /has/ to be taken care of now? Here?"
[20:58] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches gives a small nod. "The only reason it hasn't reached her yet is that I've distracted it with my meddling."
[21:02] * Blackberry_Jam isn't sure that that answers her question, but gives a sigh and hangs her head. "All right. I'll stay."
[21:04] * Snack_Cake doesn't like it... but they can't just leave when Nyota needs them...
[21:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches looks over the rest of the group. "What will it be?"
[21:05] * North_Star_ nods, "I'm with Jam on this."
[21:09] * Snack_Cake just nods. She can't let everypony down.
[21:10] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Looks to Scrap and Thunder_Strike. Into the fire or back to the World? The question hangs unspoken.
[21:12] * Scrap wonders why Splotches is looking at him, it's not like he has a body to go back to. His confusion is visible on his face.
[21:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches fixes his look on Scrap. "There's still risk even for you. My Mother was as you are, you saved her from being devoured and losing her chance at paradise. Your afterlife is as much at risk as their lives."
[21:15] * Scrap thinks for a moment. Right, the light. He looks at the others then nods to Splotches. There's no way, he's letting them go into danger without him.
[21:18] * Thunder_Strike ''I'm not going back. disappoint everyone or being the only one to go back.'' she says sticking near Snack_Cake
[21:21] * Snack_Cake smiles and gives Thunder_Strike a hug. "Thank you, Thunder... just be careful... alright?"
[21:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches nods.
[21:22] * Blackberry_Jam looks between all of them, a tired, sad smile on her lips. She lights a new cigarette. "All right, Splotches. Where do we start?"
[21:25] * Thunder_Strike nuzzles Snack_Cake. ''dont worry about me.'' she says then adds. ''I'm going to protect you and the others. even if it costs me more than I want to give.''
[21:26] * Snack_Cake gives a little frown. "That's exactly what I /don't/ want happening, Thunder..."
[21:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches smirks, a sharpness coming to his normally soft and friendly eyes. "Check your weapons and prepare yourselves. I was close before this ambush, I can track it. We'll fight this thing and destroy it."
[21:30] * Blackberry_Jam gathers her weapons and her courage, loading a fresh magazine of Magnum Buckshot into the chamber. She's really not clear on how guns can harm spiritual manifestations of evil.
[21:31] * Scrap nods again. He's ready for one last fight with his friends.
[21:31] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Blackberry_Jam, in checking her pockets and potion bandolier and such, notices a weight in the front pockets of her armor.
[21:31] * North_Star_ pats his rifle and makes sure to load the rest of his weapons.
[21:32] * Blackberry_Jam pats the pockets, then digs inside them. Did... she miss something?
[21:33] * Thunder_Strike ''me neither, but I will if I have too.'' she says smiling.
[21:40] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There are two somewhat thin bundles, one in each of the breast pockets of Blackberry_Jam's armor.
[21:40] * Blackberry_Jam pulls one out and examines them. They didn't feel like plates, or anything...
[21:40] <~Blackberry_Jam> it*
[21:44] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There's a little note on them. "Case ya need it, yeah? -Slash" There's a dozen beanbag rounds and a dozen incendiaries.
[21:46] * Blackberry_Jam rolls her eyes a little. She considers the effectiveness of beanbag rounds on incorpreal beings of pure darkness and chuckles a little.
[21:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches reaches for his staff. It's the only item except a flask in his posession.
[21:48] * North_Star_ notices Splotches lack of arms. "'Ey, Doc.. You need a gun or something?"
[21:51] * Snack_Cake retrieves her laser rifle... she'd forgotten it in her concern for Thunder, Splotches, and his mother. She's as ready as she'll ever be.
[21:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches shakes his head. "We appear with what we have with us. But not all things are as they appear." He takes up his staff, a light glow enveloping it when he touches it. The glow spreads up it's length, a spark dancing between the curve of the crescent top. The spark lights, a tongue of flame that wavers and grows, soon solidifying in a long waving blade of coherent energy. Tribal armor, flowing fre
[21:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM> e and glowing faintly appears over his form.
[21:54] * Blackberry_Jam blinks hard, looking down at her own gear. "There's... there's no chance of that working for us, is there?"
[21:55] * North_Star_ smiles at Splotches, readying his rifle in his hooves.
[21:57] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches shakes his head. "It's a manifestation of spiritual power. It would take many years for me to potentially train you to project your essense. Still, you're weapons are as effective against the creatures here as they are against creatures in the World." He sweeps his polearm over his shoulder. "This way. We have evil to vanquish."
[22:00] * Blackberry_Jam smiles just a little as she falls in behind Splotches. The prospect of vanquishing something that was /definitely/ evil felt... good. To know that there was no moral ambiguity here was comforting.
[22:00] * Scrap follows above as he takes flight.
[22:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches leads them up a small rise and then down through a twisting path that descends into a valley. The walls of the canyon turn near vertical as it descends. The white walls dripping and seaping a thick black fluid. A thick mist hangs. Scrap and Thunder_Strike will have to stay close over the party's heads to keep them in sight. Visibility is twenty feet at most.
[22:05] * Blackberry_Jam stops at the edge of the fog. "All right, before we go any further, does anypony have any rope?"
[22:05] * North_Star_ grimaced, his tail swinging close to where his hoofcannon sat in it's revolver. "
[22:05] <North_Star_> *"I
[22:06] <North_Star_> *"I've always hated foggy days."
[22:09] * Scrap flys low, looking around. He might have been here longer, but that doesn't mean that he finds this place any less unsettling...
[22:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches shakes his head, his glowing weapon cutting a bit into the dense mist. "No fork's yet..." Scrap feels this mist is... different... ominous. It saps the warmth out of you where the mist he was in on the cusp of transference filled the body with warmth and a feeling of safety.
[22:09] * Snack_Cake shakes her head. Who would just carry around rope?
[22:11] * Blackberry_Jam frowns. "And there's no other way around this? This mist is just asking for trouble."
[22:12] * North_Star_ keeps his head on a swivel. "Everything around here is asking for trouble..."
[22:12] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches tries to keep on a strong fascade. "It's down in these depths, I can feel it. This is the only way in."
[22:13] * Blackberry_Jam says through gritted teeth. "Everypony stay close. Bit the pony in front of you's tail if you have to. Just don't lose eye contact."
[22:13] * Thunder_Strike is flying along but practically standing on Snack_Cake to be able to know where they are.
[22:16] * Snack_Cake follows close to Blackberry_Jam. She takes her advice and bites onto her tail.
[22:17] * Blackberry_Jam coughs, masking a surprised squeak. "R-right. Thanks, Snack."
[22:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The descent continues, the glow of Splotches' staff illuminating what little distance the group can see. The trail flattens out and the mist pulls back only slightly. Ahead is a form. It moves, an equine head visible in the mist. It's a mare, large, a horn of tremendous size for a unicorn jutting out.
[22:22] * Blackberry_Jam looks to their Spiritual Guide. "Splotches..." She whispers, "Is that it?"
[22:22] * North_Star_ shifts his rifle, bringing the sights in the form's general direction.
[22:22] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The mare smiles. "Well... look what we have here? Some pitiful creatures come to stumble before our greatness."
[22:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches shakes his head. "This feels... different... powerful, but different."
[22:23] * North_Star_ scowls. "Is it really that obvious...?"
[22:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There's a sound of motion. Another form and face coming just into sight in the mist. An equine face with sharp fangs and tuffs of fur on it's ears. It looks like a female Golden Eye. "I think they're cute..."
[22:24] * Blackberry_Jam looks dubiously at the mare, then glares at the new face. "Please... we're just looking to pass through."
[22:25] * North_Star_ only offers the other form a glance, keeping his rifle where it is.
[22:26] * Scrap doesn't say anything and eyes the mares. Not surprisingly, this situation feels off to him.
[22:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A rush of sound, and a new face off to the side. A griffon tom. "Want, want, want. What about me! You look like you could be worth something..." A fourth form to the other side, vaguely equine but insectlike at the same time. "Something... something tasty?"
[22:28] * Blackberry_Jam takes a step back. "If you're trying to intimidate us, you've succeeded. Can we please pass?"
[22:28] * North_Star_ brings his attention to the griffon form, aiming his rifle towards it, both out of threat judgement and personal preference.
[22:29] * Snack_Cake whimpers a bit. "Please just leave us alone... Please..."
[22:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The batpony face disappears back into the mist, a new face, canine in form but different than a hellhound's replaces it. "Must we bother? So much work... But maybe /they/ can watch this place! And we can relax!"
[22:30] * Scrap focuses on the fourth one. A... bug pony?
[22:32] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A silky smooth voice, somewhat familiar from earlier speaks from behind Snack_Cake. "What a flank on you, Love. I could do things with that." She giggles, licking her fangs.
[22:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Another head joins the batpony head, it's blue and looks like any other pony. "I wish I had flanks like that."
[22:34] * North_Star_ huffed, "Seems we've wandered into a bit of a party."
[22:34] * Snack_Cake nearly jumps out of her skin. She yelps and practically dives onto the other side of Blackberry_Jam.
[22:35] * Blackberry_Jam huffs too. "And it would seem that asking to politely leave isn't going to work." She sighs. "What is it that you all want?"
[22:36] * Scrap tries to keep track of them all. He's quite confused.
[22:39] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The Batpony mare giggles again. "Such athleticism." The longhorned mare looks down her muzzle at Blackberry_Jam. "This is our place, commoner."
[22:40] * Blackberry_Jam nods slowly. "Then please, show us the way out, and we'll stop bothering you."
[22:40] * North_Star_ keeps his eyes on the griffion. "We don't have any trouble with you, I'd rather we keep it that way." A little part of his mind was hoping he was right.
[22:40] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A horned head bursts from the mist to the right. High up, bovine. It snorts, steam billowing up to mingle with the mists. "We should crush them! Why waste time!" The Doghead whines. "Why do anything, such bother."
[22:41] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The blue pony head looks up at Thunder_Strike. "This one has wings! I want wings! It would be so grand to fly!"
[22:45] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The insect face loops around through the mist and back out near Snack_Cake on Blackberry_Jam's other side. "This one smells of such delicious fear. Can I eat her? Please?"
[22:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The griffon smirks. "Not yet. They might be able to offer us /more/. What can you give us!"
[22:48] * Blackberry_Jam looks to the Unicorn. "Surely a pony as great and powerful as you doesn't need anything from commoners like us."
[22:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The large unicorn huffs. "Quite right, you have nothing to offer us. As base as it is, perhaps we should just dispatch you..."
[22:49] * Snack_Cake is pressed as close to Blackberry_Jam as she can get, trying to get away from the bug. She's muttering, "No no no no no..."
[22:49] * North_Star_ shoots a glance at the unicorn. "Oh, trust me. We're not worth your time. We'd all be better off if we just all walked away."
[22:50] * Blackberry_Jam looks to the dog-headed one. "And surely, that would require far too much effort on your part..." She looks back to the unicorn. "Why even waste your time with such insolents like us?'
[22:50] * Scrap focuses on the bugs again, not sure if he should fight it off of Snack_Cake or not. He should wait for Blackberry_Jam to finish talking.
[22:53] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The dog head nods. "Why bother? It will get them!" The alicorn shakes her head. "He does not wish to be disturbed while he tracks his prize."
[22:56] <~Blackberry_Jam> "So... 'it' left you to deal with commoners? Seems like 'it' doesn't value any of you in particularly high regards."
[22:57] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The alicorn scowls. "We are His most trusted servant. Only he is worthy of our respect, his power is great. We respect power." The minotaur head snorts agreement.
[22:58] * Blackberry_Jam frowns. "And that doesn't bother any of you?" She looks to the Griffon, the Minotaur, and the Unicorn.
[23:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The griffon tilt's its head. "Why would it? We can take what we want!" The changeling appears out of the mist toward the rear. "Eat what we want." The batpony purrs, "Conquor who we desire."
[23:02] <~Blackberry_Jam> "Except him."
[23:02] * Scrap 's ears flatten. This kind of talk reminds him of someone and he doesn't like that.
[23:02] <~Blackberry_Jam> "Or... 'it.'"
[23:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The batpony slips in front of Blackberry_Jam, just concealed in the mist except he face and glinting smile. She giggles. "I think a pony like you would know, sometimes it's just as fun to be conquored."
[23:03] * North_Star_ sneers. He felt the same familiarity, and it brought back some bad memories. Some angry memories.
[23:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The minotaur appears near North_Star_. "You're itching for blood, aren't you worm. The taste of copper in your mouth, the warm drip on your horns..."
[23:05] * Blackberry_Jam gives the batpony a sneer. She's figured these things out... but how to get them off of them! "If the lot of you are going to do something, I suggest you do it."
[23:06] * Snack_Cake is very intimidated by these ponies (and other things). Who knows what they could do in this place?
[23:06] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The alicorn gives a dignified cough. The lot tilt their heads toward her. "What say ye? Do we let these unwashed mortals past?"
[23:07] * North_Star_ offers the minotaur little more than a glance. "You're beating a dead horse, friend." He said, once again oblivious to the poor choice of words.
[23:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The minotaur smiles. "Not quite yet... I say we crush them!"
[23:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The changeling licks his lips. "I'm hungry..."
[23:07] * Scrap can only think of one thing to do. The violence option, but isn't sure that that's the right one.
[23:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The batpony smirks. "Corpses don't say no." The griffon's beak turns up in a sneer. "I call their things." The blue-faced pony gives a whine. "But I wanted... They shouldn't have such nice lives!"
[23:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The daimond dog behind the group sighs. "But... I don't wanna! Too much work..."
[23:11] * North_Star_ glares intently at the sneer, bringing his trigger hoof to it's home on his rifle. "What's the word, Docs?"
[23:11] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The alicorn head rises, looking down her muzzle. It continues to rise... impossibly high. The others raise as well. "Then we are decided. Any final words?"
[23:12] * Blackberry_Jam looks between all of them, then Splotches, then her companions. "Run."
[23:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "You cannot flee!" A blast from the alicorn's horn pierces the mist, streaking behind the group, there is a rumble and the sound of falling stone.
[23:15] * North_Star_ felt his ears twitch. "Have I mentioned that I hate vallies such as this?"
[23:15] * Thunder_Strike ''they're demons. why did you expect.'' she says to the group then lands beside Snack_Cake
[23:15] * Snack_Cake cries out, "PLEASE! We haven't done anything! You have to let us go! There must be something you want!"
[23:16] * Blackberry_Jam draws her weapon and swivels around till she finds the minotaur. She's taking his ass out first.
[23:16] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The mist peels away, dispersing as the heads continue to rise. They writhe and dance into the air each on long serpentine necks. The necks join to a massive body, thick scales covering it's sides and front. Two heavy legs support its bulk. The scream in unison. "Want?! We want to feed!!!"
[23:16] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****Session End*****
[23:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  750 xp. The group each gains an optional +3 karma for choosing to fight evil instead of returning safely home.