Ebony Kingdom Prologue Session F

[2/11/2014 5:23:47 PM] TheWanderingZebra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhoOOZymKHs

Mercenaries.

Mercenaries are warriors who abide by the contracts that they sign. Always do they work for one thing; the caps. It's a job in the Wasteland that some are either neutral towards, or highly hostile of. As some wastelanders have known, mercenaries have either become an asset needed to deal with certain problems ... or as a vile job that entails Mercs willing to sign contracts that involve mass murder.
[2/11/2014 5:24:21 PM] TheWanderingZebra: But in a strange way, there's a sort of honor that mercenaries have that one pony to another can respect.
[2/11/2014 5:25:13 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Though their longterm motivation for working is for material weath, Mercenaries can have a system of honor that promotes loyalty and repaying debts.
[2/11/2014 5:25:47 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Is our hero here perhaps one of those mercenaries? Well, perhaps we'll find out soon.
[2/11/2014 5:25:57 PM] TheWanderingZebra: **Prologue Session F: Begin**
[2/11/2014 5:29:58 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Junction City is where our hero's travels had led him. Why is he here, perhaps he was searching for another job offering to take. The city was quite busy during the day, a ton of ponies were out in the market of the town bartering for goods and food and what not. He eventually takes notice on a job offering board, a few lists of jobs posted on paper.
[2/11/2014 5:35:31 PM] Dusk: Dirge sighs as he takes a look at the board, tapping his claw in the armored plating on his upper arm as he ponders what job would be best.  "Ahh...of course they don't have much, here..."  Stingy bastards; you'd think they'd be willing to pay for more problems to fix.  "Alright...bouncer at the Blushing FIlly...nah..."  He clicks his beak in frustration; can't they have a simple job, cut and dry?
[2/11/2014 5:38:27 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Hmm, here was a job offering for 500 caps. It appears the pony in charge of the Junction City Caravan is in need of a merc for some trouble they're having. The job offering doesn't describe it in full detail, but it gave the adress of the boss's office.
[2/11/2014 5:44:10 PM] Dusk: "Huh...500 caps..."  He shifts his bags strapped near his back; long journey has made his supplies light, only some bacon he had 'acquired' from a rather irate traveler with a happy triggermouth.  "Hmm...could get me back to the Roost..."  He walks away from the board, adjusting a shoulder strap to his bandolier before heading to the Caravan office.  "I'll be home, soon enough.  Get some decent grub, check on my songbirds..."  A faint smile creeps across his scarred beak.
[2/11/2014 5:48:10 PM] TheWanderingZebra: The travel to the Caravan office wasn't long. Once Dirge entered inside did he see an earth pony mare in a business wear reading through some papers. Hearing the door open did she turn to see Dirge. "Ah, I take it you're here for the job, no?"
[2/11/2014 5:54:06 PM] Dusk: "No, I'm here to apply as a chef.  Cook a mean roast radhog."  The griffon doesn't even know why ponies bother with asking him about 'the job.'  It's been the same job they expect of his kind; how can this one be any different?  Still...being a cook would be a nice change of pace...  "Look...I'm a busy griffon.  I want you to get straight to the point, so I can go out and collect.  Verstehen Sie?"
[2/11/2014 5:57:45 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "Verste- ... Ugh, nevermind. But yes, take a seat." She said, offering a chair to Dirge as she further explains. "So lately, my business has been struggling since last week. 3 days ago a pegasus that was employed by me found one of my caravans out near the old Route 47 road completly destroyed, and everypony who worked with it were found mutilated."
[2/11/2014 6:04:55 PM] Dusk: Great.  Another psychopath.  Just what he needed to deal with.  But...work is work, and at least this job is pretty clean, at least in terms of morality.  "And you want me to find out who, or what, is butchering your employees.  Sounds straightforward enough."  He leans forward in his seat, working his lower beak idly.  "Now, there is the matter of supplies.  I expect at least a couple of healing potions, and some rations for the trip.  You may deduct that from the bounty, once I bring back the POK."  Another thing with these bounties; some ponies are retarded enough to want the poor bastard alive.  Isn't it hard enough that he has to track and take down this bastard?
[2/11/2014 6:09:33 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "That, and I wanted you to also investigate to see if another caravan fell to the same source. Another one of them were supposed to have returned a day ago, and I haven't sent another to go out and confirm it. I would send Twindletwig to search there again ... but she's been 'under the weather' after witnessing the destroyed caravan as she puts it. If the other caravan had been destroyed, there should be at least three bodies along with the two others that were found with the first one."
[2/11/2014 6:15:01 PM] Dusk: Dirge nods slowly, seeing why the price was so high for something like this.  "Alright.  So investigate the caravans, and find whoever is having their way with the former workers."  He gets up from his seat, offering a claw to the mare with a serious expression.  "If you the contract written up, I'll sign it, and be on my way."  Contracts; the one thing that he can trust, even if he doesn't trust the employer.  At least he would have something to stand on, should he have to take the caps by force.
[2/11/2014 6:17:54 PM] TheWanderingZebra: The mare brings out a piece of paper and begins to write down on it. It mostly claimed the responsibility that Dirge had for making sure this job went smoothly. Finished with her writing did she give the paper to Dirge. "And how much do you need exactly?"
[2/11/2014 6:22:14 PM] Dusk: Dirge frowns as he looks at the contract.  Typical.  Trying to make it sound like they were doing him a favor for taking the job.  "At least two potions, and some meat and water."  He doesn't want to tell her that he's been running really low on food; critters have been pretty scarce along the way.  "Enough to last a round trip between the caravans and back.  And I'll be expecting the deductions to be at cost, not market price."
[2/11/2014 6:23:52 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "Alright, you have a deal. I expect you to come back alive and inform me of what you know. Oh, and what kind of meat would you need?"
[2/11/2014 6:28:12 PM] Dusk: "Radhog meat.  And make sure that it's either salted or dried."  Dirge scratches up some grunge from his armor, signing the contract with a single claw.  "Now...once the supplies are ready, I'll be moving out.  Who should I talk to get the supplies."
[2/11/2014 6:31:57 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "That would be Arrowroot. She works in the market as a general supply store. Red unicorn mare with pink mane, can't miss her. Tell her I sent you and that I'll be paying for you."
[2/11/2014 6:37:38 PM] Dusk: "I'll be back once the job is done.  Abschied."  He smiles as he walks out the door.  A simple job, for once.  And the caps aren't bad, either.  Still, something was nagging at the back of his mind.  What is he going up against?  "Ah, well...caps are caps, as Requiem always says."  He pads his way to the general store, going in through the front door and hoping that Arrowhead was nearby.
[2/11/2014 6:40:00 PM] TheWanderingZebra: As Dirge heads through the market to find Arrowroot could he take notice of a young filly appearing to be begging to some of the armored ponies, whom appeared to be shaking their heads to as they continue on, leaving the filly frowning.
[2/11/2014 6:43:20 PM] Dusk: Dirge lets out a sigh, seeing that the filly might need some help.  Arrowroot can wait a bit.  He changes course, eventually coming right in front of the filly.  "Looks like you got snubbed, kid.  Any reason why you're bugging the ponies?"
[2/11/2014 6:46:49 PM] TheWanderingZebra: The filly appeared to be frightened a bit at the big mean griffin asking her, though, she appears to try to calm down as she explains. "M-my mom hadn't come back in awhile. She was supposed to have returned from her caravan trip yesterday. I keep asking ponies if they'd search for her, but I ... I don't have many caps."
[2/11/2014 6:52:01 PM] Dusk: Shit...this isn't good.  Another stranded colt.  The bulky griffon leans down, trying to get as close to eye level to the filly as possible.  "What's your name, miss?  I'll try and find your mother, if you let me know what she looks like."  He doesn't want to be the bearer of bad news, but at least this will buy him time, before he comes back and maybe help the poor thing along.
[2/11/2014 6:56:40 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "Y-you'll look for her?" The filly asked in surprise. "Oh, and, my name is Buttermilk. But are you really going to look for her? D-don't I need to have enough to pay?"
[2/11/2014 6:59:24 PM] Dusk: Dirge cracks a smile as he rests a talon over her tiny head.  "You can pay me back when you're older.  But for now, I'll just take a smile as payment.  Now...tell me about your mother, fohlen."
[2/11/2014 7:00:41 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Buttermilk appears to smile at that. "Really? Thank you mister ... mister ..."
[2/11/2014 7:01:51 PM] Dusk: "Call me Dirge.  Or...heh...Puffles."  He fluffs out his headfeathers just a tad, just like he did with his little cub when she was crying.
[2/11/2014 7:03:01 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Buttermilk appeared to laugh a bit at Dirge calling himself Puffles. "Thank you Mr. Puffles! My mother is a green unicorn. Please bring her back."
[2/11/2014 7:05:15 PM] Dusk: The griffon smiles back at the little filly, ruffling her head before getting up.  "Only the cute ones can call me that.  Keep that in mind."  He then starts to walk away, but not before calling back to Buttermilk.  "Oh, and what is your mothers' name?"  The least he can do is pretend that she isn't already dead.
[2/11/2014 7:07:37 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "Emerald Shimmer. Do you really think you'll bring her back?" She said with a smile.
[2/11/2014 7:10:19 PM] Dusk: Dirge pauses for a moment.  Damn, this filly is making it hard.  "Yeah...I'll bring her back, kid."  He knows better, but at least he can try and bring back the body.  "You just wait at home, and I'll do the rest."
[2/11/2014 7:12:12 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "Thank you Mr. Puffles!" She said as she begun to trot back home.
[2/11/2014 7:14:53 PM] Dusk: Dirge sighs again.  "Take care of yourself..."  He mutters under his breath.  Now he has to worry about finding this mare, dead or alive.  Contract or not.  He heads for the general store, hoping to find this Arrowroot character.
[2/11/2014 7:16:07 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Arrowroot could be seen having just done business with another pony. She turns to Dirge as he nears by. "Welcome! Here to buy something? I have plenty of wares for wasteland adventurers like you to purchase."
[2/11/2014 7:18:59 PM] Dusk: Dirge just walks right up to the counter.  At least this one was friendly, even it was just professional courtesy.  "I'm here to pick up some supplies.  The mare running the Junction City Caravan would be covering the costs, while I'm out on the contract."
[2/11/2014 7:19:37 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Arrowroot nods to Dirge. "I see. Very well. What is it you need?"
[2/11/2014 7:22:20 PM] Dusk: "Two health potions, enough radhog meat that will keep on the trip along Route 47.  And water, pure, if you have it."  Sure, the sun may have been out, but it doesn't help the fact that there's still damn radiation out there.  "And let the mare know, at cost, not market price."  They'll forget.  They always do, those caravaneers and merchants.
[2/11/2014 7:25:16 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Arrowroot nods, bringing out two healing potions, 3 radhog meat, and two bottles of pure water. "Here you go sir. I hope this helps you."
[2/11/2014 7:27:44 PM] Dusk: Dirge nods as he stashes it away in his bags, promptly turning to leave the store.  "Hopefully, I don't need some of this.  Abschied, miss Arrowroot."  He heads out the door, ready to head out to the route.
[2/11/2014 7:30:00 PM] TheWanderingZebra: A few hours pass on as Dirge heads out to Route 47. Not much happening at the moment it appears as he continues on his journey.
[2/11/2014 7:32:22 PM] Dusk: "Tsk.  Now, where are you?"  He frowns, making sure that his revolver is ready to go in his bandolier.  At least it wasn't like the last trek, where he had to go for a few days in one direction.  That was a pain.
[2/11/2014 7:34:22 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Indeed.

Dirge can eventually see down below two caravans, which /were/ pulled by brahmin, with blood appearing to be splattered all over the place.
[2/11/2014 7:35:59 PM] Dusk: Dirge makes a couple of fly-about circles, scanning the area for anything moving.  With all the blood, that something may be a beast, and it may be sticking close to it's latest kill for food.
[2/11/2014 7:38:24 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Dirge couldn't see any wild beasts around here, but as he looks down below him did he notice that there were only four corpses, which is odd, as the mare told Dirge that one caravan had two ponies, and the other had three ... one seems to be missing.
[2/11/2014 7:41:01 PM] Dusk: He narrows his eyes, coming in low for a closer look.  Odd...but maybe one of them got away?  He eventually lands, looking about to find the last body, or pony...why does he always hope for the best?
[2/11/2014 7:42:05 PM] TheWanderingZebra: As Dirge could see better now did he take notice that mo- ... no, every corpse appears to have flesh biten off of them, as if something was eating them for awhile.
[2/11/2014 7:44:39 PM] Dusk: Shit...this isn't good.  He pulls out his revolver, ready to take a shot at whatever might come his way.  "Either a beast, or..."  He shakes his head, as though to clear it.  Focus.  He starts to look for the last pony, hoping that there might be at least one survivor.
[2/11/2014 7:47:03 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Again, Dirge didn't see exactly what attacked the caravans. Taking a look at the four dead ponies could Dirge see that none of them appeared to be Emerald Shimmers as Buttermilk described her.
[2/11/2014 7:48:57 PM] Dusk: "Hmmm..."  He takes a closer look at the ponies, methodically checking where they were bitten, before inspecting the caravan itself.  He hated being on the ground like this, but it was necessary to examine things closely.
[2/11/2014 7:50:54 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Dirge didn't really notice anything much with the corpses, it just seems to have been a wild animal that bite him repeatidly. Though, Dirge does get a glance at a feint blood trail, as if somepony was being dragged.
[2/11/2014 7:53:10 PM] Dusk: Dirge takes a quick look at the blood trail.  It has to lead somewhere, and he does have a contract to fulfill.  "Verdammt ..."  He takes flight, staying close enough to the ground to follow the slight, crimson trail.
[2/11/2014 7:54:52 PM] TheWanderingZebra: It's not much, but it's enough for Dirge to follow it between two rock ledges, where he could take notice of a hidden door between the two rocks.
[2/11/2014 7:58:23 PM] Dusk: Great...enclosed spaces.  He heads for the door, but he keeps a wary eye our for anything out of the ordinary.  It made sense, he thought.  If you're going to attack ponies along a road, you might as well be close by, but hidden.  He moves to open the door...
[2/11/2014 8:00:10 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Dirge didn't notice anypony in sight before he opens the door, which reveals a rather dark celler down below, with wooden stairs going downward.
[2/11/2014 8:03:06 PM] Dusk: Dirge smiles slightly, and he starts to head down for the stairs.  Well, here goes nothing.  Probably just some psycho who was clever enough to ambush the caravans.  Or something like that.  Still...he kept his gun at the ready.
[2/11/2014 8:05:59 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Walking down into the darkness for a brief amount of time could Dirge see lamps set on wooden tables that appeared to be in terrible condition. Dirge could smell blood coming from the floor as he came down to the floor.
[2/11/2014 8:07:32 PM] Dusk: Dirge looks down, his beak assailed by the stench.  Whoever this freak was, he certainly didn't know how to clean up.
[2/11/2014 8:12:26 PM] TheWanderingZebra: As Dirge continued forward, where he could see a few spare pieces of pony flesh on the floor, could he see a unicorn mare, who's description matched what Emerald should appear as, with blood covered on her body as she shivered in fear. She appeared to have her neck in a chained collar attached to the wall, with a sleeping unicorn stallion who had blood all over him was resting peaceful, not having noticed Dirge entering.
[2/11/2014 8:16:16 PM] Dusk: The merc widens his eyes, noticing how much blood there was on the two ponies.  He flies right up to the mare, gripping her by the shoulders as he recognizes her as the one Buttermilk described.  "You're Emerald Shimmer?"  He then looks over to the stallion, glancing at him before turning back to the mare.  "Your daughter wanted me to find you; she's been worried sick."  He tries to see if the chains are firmly secured to the wall.
[2/11/2014 8:17:34 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Emerald appears to nod, though appeared to not have much energy to even speak. As Dirge pulled on the chain could he feel that it could be pulled off with enought Strength.
[2/11/2014 8:21:04 PM] Dusk: Dirge starts to tug on the chain, grunting slightly as he gets enough of a grip to yank hard.  With a sudden jerk, the chain easily breaks off from the wall.  "Hehe...looks like that pork diet really paid off."  He smirks, before moving to pull on the second chain.  "Alright, wake up.  We're getting out of here."
[2/11/2014 8:24:51 PM] TheWanderingZebra: The other unicorn appears to flick his ear as he heard the chain being pulled out. He streches his body as he opens his eyes, widening as he sees Dirge freeing Emerald. "You fuck! That's my spared meat!" He yelled as he took out a machete in his TK, charging towards Dirge.
[2/11/2014 8:29:24 PM] Dusk: Dirge whirls around, seeing the unicorn brandish his machete.  He goes into autopilot, letting loose two rounds with his revolver.  "Get back!!!"  He roars, wings flaring out to try and cow the cannibal.  Seriously, if there's one thing he detests...
[2/11/2014 8:32:14 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Emerald appears to run away to a corner as Dirge fires off his shots at the mad cannibal, with only the second one hitting the unarmored pony. Screaming in rage did he begin to swing his machete at Dirge.
[2/11/2014 8:33:04 PM] TheWanderingZebra: However, Dirge manages to avoid the machete in time.
[2/11/2014 8:36:09 PM] Dusk: Dirge snarls as he dodges the bladed weapon, juking slightly to the side as he takes a swipe at the psychopath.  "I said...get...back!!"  Right after his cruel attack with his claw, he fires off two more rounds, wanting to waste this piece of garbage before he can take another swipe.
[2/11/2014 8:38:12 PM] TheWanderingZebra: The mad pony avoids the swipe, but takes in both bullets as he screams in agony. "ArGahhhh!" He yelled madly as he swinged his machete twice at the griffin!
[2/11/2014 8:41:24 PM] TheWanderingZebra: He misses the first time, but his second time becomes deadly to the griffin as he aims for the arm that Dirge is using to hold his gun, using all his force to slice apart the right arm clean off.
[2/11/2014 9:06:06 PM] Dusk: "GRRAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!"  Dirge lets out an agonizing, deafening roar, the pain of the blow washing through the newly formed stump and eventually over his entire body!  The pain sends him into a bloody rage, using his one good arm to attack wildly at the cannibal, using all his strength to try and cut him down!  One, two, three...four cruel strikes at him!
[2/11/2014 9:13:22 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Dirge's talons hit twice on the mad cannibal as he screams in agony once more as he begins to succumb a bit to his wounds. But he doesn't appear to give up as he slashs at Dirge two times.
[2/11/2014 9:15:40 PM] TheWanderingZebra: At first the cannibal pony appears to be quite confident in himself as he manages to hit Dirge once, but accidently trips as he tries his second time, leaving him exposed!
[2/11/2014 9:19:02 PM] Dusk: Dirge can barely register that one slash that struck home, but he seizes the opportunity to pounce on his prey!  His eyes are filled with a wild rage as he uses this opportunity to try and pummel and maul the poor soul who dared to lop off his arm!
[2/11/2014 9:22:00 PM] TheWanderingZebra: One arm defintily does damage to the cannibal as he screams with each hit Dirge made against him. As hard as the cannibal could struggle does his eyes eventually roll back, succumbing to his wounds as he lay there dead.
[2/11/2014 9:29:02 PM] Dusk: Dirge lets out another roar, but this time it is out of victory as the roar is soon followed by an almost uncontrollable laughter.  His left talon is drenched in blood, a few drops falling to the floor as he straddles his latest kill.  "EHehe...AHAHAHA!!!!"  Maybe it was the adrenealin rush that is still surging through him, or maybe it was his mind trying, and failing to cope with the fact that he just lost an important limb.  Whatever the case may be, he felt...very good!  "Heheehe...you sick fuck..."  He slowly comes down from his high, finally coming back into reality as he looks at his bleeding stump.  "Ach, Scheiße ..."

He grabs a treated bandage from his bag, doing his best to patch himself up with his talon and his beak...
[2/11/2014 9:31:48 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Emerald appeared to have witnessed the entire scene, her eyes widened as she had witnessed her savior loosing his right arm for her.
[2/11/2014 9:36:08 PM] Dusk: The mercenary grunts as he tugs on the bandage with his beak, but he is having some difficulty with patching himself up.   He looks to the mare, still sitting on top of the dead pony as he lets go of the bandage.  "You think you can help me?  Or is your horn all frazzled?"  He speaks gruffly, trying to mask the intense pain he is still going through.
[2/11/2014 9:37:56 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "... I ... I could try with my mouth. I haven't exactly been feeling well since I've been stored here as some ... saved food." Emerald said, shaking a bit in terror at the thought of sharing the same fate as her companions. She trots over to Dirge to assist him in anyway.
[2/11/2014 9:42:35 PM] Dusk: Dirge nods, his breathing a bit heavy as the energy rush is wearing off.  "Yeah, you're lucky to be alive.  This little piece of trash..."  He kicks at the corpse with a hindleg, as though to emphasise the last word.  "...Might not have kept you alive.  Cannibals...they're unpredictable, and..."  He falls silent, the griffon now just focusing on his first aid...
[2/11/2014 9:56:56 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Emerald looks into Dirge's bags as she takes out a healing potion in her mouth, speaking in a muffled voice if he wants this.
[2/11/2014 10:01:54 PM] Dusk: Dirge manages to force a smile, taking the potion from Emerald and quaffing it down.  With a pained gasp, he tosses the bottle aside, clutching at the bandaged stump as his pain is no longer dulled by adrenalin.  "Gah!"  He then slowly gets up, trying to make sure he can still move about.  "Listen...I need you to help me with taking everything we can in this room."  He starts with grabbing the gun he was using, still being clutched by the lifeless limb that was once his.
[2/11/2014 10:09:57 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Emerald nods, searching around the place for anything worth taking ... but Emerald wouldn't dare touch the bloody machete that claimed the lives of her friends, nor the pony meat scattered around the room.
[2/11/2014 10:11:55 PM] Dusk: Dirge frowns as he walks, or rather, limps around the place, but not before taking the machete...and driving it right into the chest of the former cannibal.  "You sick animal..."  He lets out a low rumble, before turning to help Emerald search the place.  "You find anything?"
[2/11/2014 10:15:12 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Emerald shakes her head. "N-nothing, I'm sorry, but I really don't want to be here anymore. Could you take me back to Junction City?"
[2/11/2014 10:17:48 PM] Dusk: Dirge sighs, nodding as he heads for the stairs.  "Okay.  Your daughter is waiting for you, there.  And so is my contract."  He pauses, growling as he remembers one more thing to do.  "Go on ahead of me.  I'll catch up in a moment."
[2/11/2014 10:18:51 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "T-thank you sir, for everything you've done for me." Emerald said as she trots out of the place.
[2/11/2014 10:21:39 PM] Dusk: Dirge frowns as he turns to the corpse, debating on having to either lop off his head, or simply take the machete.  After a couple of moments of deliberation, he pulls out the machete from the body, wiping the blood onto a patch of fur on the cannibal.  "You've done enough damage for today..."  He stashes the machete, before heading back up the wooden steps.
[2/11/2014 10:26:12 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Emerald could be seen running towards where Junction City could be seen, not wanting to wait for Dirge and have to deal with seeing the mutilated remains of her friends.
[2/11/2014 10:28:03 PM] Dusk: Dirge flares out his wings, taking a few flaps before lifting off the ground.  He takes flight, chasing after the mare, and despite his traumatic injury.  He had awlways been a tough bird.
[2/11/2014 10:29:06 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Dirge could see Emerald slowing down a bit, as if exhausted.
[2/11/2014 10:30:40 PM] Dusk: The griffon flies down, landing right in front of the mare and looking at her, genuinely concerned.  "Hey...are you alright?  You look...like you need something."
[2/11/2014 10:31:17 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "I ... I haven't eaten in awhile since I was stuck down there." She said in an exhausted voice.
[2/11/2014 10:34:56 PM] Dusk: Dirge nods slowly, pulling out both a bottle of pure water and a slab of bacon.  He sets the former down on the ground, before holding out the latter in his one talon.  "Here...I'll buy more food for myself, once we get back into town."
[2/11/2014 10:35:47 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Emerald appears to brighten up. "Thank you!" She says as she consumes the water and food Dirge gave her. Full of energy now does she head off towards Junction City again.
[2/11/2014 10:39:01 PM] Dusk: He lets a smile creep across his face; he made a promise to the filly, and he'll be damned if the mare collapses on him before they get there.  He flies right above the mare, keeping watch as they approach the settlement.
[2/11/2014 10:40:02 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Eventually do the two reach Junction City, with Buttermilk appearing to rush towards her mother. "Mommy!" She said to Emerald as she hugged her, whom Emerald hugged back.
[2/11/2014 10:43:33 PM] Dusk: Dirge lands several feet away from the mother and daughter, letting them have their moment while checking his armor.  Damn...he might have to get it tailored, by the time he gets back to the Roost.  "If you two don't mind, I'm going to check in with the Caravan leader.  SHe would like to know what had happened."
[2/11/2014 10:46:56 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Buttermilk waves to Dirge. "Thank you Mr. Puffles." She said with a smile as Emerald gives an amused laugh.
[2/11/2014 10:49:24 PM] Dusk: Dirge smiles back at the filly.  Payment in full, as far as he's concerned.  He waves back at Buttermilk, having to sit on his haunches to do so.  "You take care of your mother, okay?  She needs you, right now."  He then flies off, staying low as he navigates himself over to the caravan office.
[2/11/2014 10:50:49 PM] TheWanderingZebra: Dirge eventually finds the caravan office again. Entering inside could the boss be seen signing papers as she noticed Dirge coming in. "Oh, good, you're back, what's the status of-" She then paused upon seeing that Dirge had lost his arm. "Oh dear."
[2/11/2014 10:54:23 PM] Dusk: Dirge wastes little time in taking a seat, dropping off his bag before speaking.  "The contract has been fulfilled.  Most of the ponies in the caravan are dead.  They were ambushed and partially eaten by a machete-wielding cannibal."  He pulls the machete from the bags, offering it to the mare as proof.  "One worker survived, Emerald Shimmer.  She is currently in town, with her daughter.  If you would like, she can verify what I had just said."
[2/11/2014 11:00:11 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "I see." The boss said, seeming to take in the knowledge that she was absorbing. "... I'm sorry about what happened to your arm."
[2/11/2014 11:02:36 PM] Dusk: Dirge nods, but he doesn't seem to show any emotion about it.  "Like I said, I fulfilled your contract, and the threat is now dead.  But...thank you for your concern."  He gets up, setting the machete on the desk.  "If it's all the same to you, I would like to receive my payment, as promised."
[2/11/2014 11:03:43 PM] TheWanderingZebra: The boss nods, bringing forth 370 caps on the table. "This is how much remains from the supplies you purchased. Thank you for solving this problem."
[2/11/2014 11:09:58 PM] Dusk: Dirge takes a moment to count over the caps, talking to the mare as he goes through the lengthy process.  "So...I want you to do me one more favor.  Emeralds' daughter, Buttermilk.  Let her know that I will be expecting her at the Roost, once she is old enough to go out on her own."  He then takes the caps and puts them into his bags, nodding in satisfaction.  "Well...if there is nothing else you need, I should be on my way."
[2/11/2014 11:10:56 PM] TheWanderingZebra: The boss nods to Dirge. "Very well, I'll make sure she knows. Thank you for your business."
[2/11/2014 11:14:33 PM] Dusk: He moves out of the office, letting out a pained grunt as he pushes open the door.  As he heads out into the main settlement, he takes a few moments to take stock of the situation.  He was missing an arm, which meant that he is effectively a crippled mercenary.  This was going to be very hard to explain this to his commander, and doubly hard to justify why he should be allowed to stay in the outfit...
[2/11/2014 11:22:07 PM] Dusk: The mercenary starts to fly out of town, making sure he was out of sight of anypony before finding a decent spot to land.  He then slumps as he takes a seat on top of a smooth rock, growling as he touches at the still painful wound he had received.  "Damn it...this wasn't supposed to happen...not like this..."  He simply stares ahead, trying to think of how he can find a way to work.  It wasn't like his leaders were cruel, but he knows that they won't want to send him out.  And that meant he can't earn his keep, and support his new family.  "I'm sorry...I've let you both down..."  He then lets out a ragged sigh, trying to collect himself before anypony chances upon him.
[2/11/2014 11:24:36 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "But the world works that way. The unexpected tragedy always seems to strike us when we least expect it." A voice above Dirge could be heard.
[2/11/2014 11:26:17 PM] Dusk: Dirge jumps up from his perch, drawing his revolver and pointing it at the source of the voice.  "How long have you been here??"  Menace was in his voice...
[2/11/2014 11:29:05 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "Oh, for awhile. I've actually caught glance of you after you left with that mare back to Junction City." The spritebot above Dirge had said through it's speakers. "And please, it's really pointless aimming that thing, all you'd be doing is shooting the messenger."
[2/11/2014 11:37:22 PM] Dusk: Dirge snorts as he holsters his weapon.  Messenger...what a laugh.  "If you're looking for a contract to be filled, I'm not taking any.  If you're here to offer sympathy, I don't need it."  He then takes a seat back on his rock, still keeping an eye on the spritebot.
[2/11/2014 11:38:50 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "Hmm, it's become quite predictable hasn't it? If someone comes to a griffin, it's automatically assumed that they want to hire him ... which I find rather sad that that is what your kind is now known for."
[2/11/2014 11:42:45 PM] Dusk: Dirge sighs as he leans back to the rocky outcrop.  "It's a part of life, unfortunately."  He really didn't feel like picking a fight with a disembodied voice.  "But that's what happens when our kind was used and tossed aside by both pony and zebra.  Not sure if you're familiar with the Proxy Wars."
[2/11/2014 11:43:50 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "If you're referring to the Great War 200 years ago, maybe I do. If not, then I might of been quite too busy to have taken notice of it."
[2/11/2014 11:49:06 PM] Dusk: "Well...every nation has a story, and our story is largely ignored.  But to summarize, the griffon nation was plunged into a civil war, thanks to Equestria and Zebrica.  Factions offered service to both nations, and we were rewarded with a double-dose of balefire."  He then looks up into the sky, as though in contemplation.  "We're nothing but tools in the eyes of equines, either to be used or to be cast aside, once they are done with us at the time."
[2/11/2014 11:55:07 PM] TheWanderingZebra: "I can certainly relate to you. Once they realize that they have no use for you, they no longer have a reason to even keep you around ... but, I can see much potential in you."
[2/11/2014 11:59:00 PM] Dusk: Dirge snorts in derision, looking at the robot with a skeptical look.  "Yeah...hire the talkative griffon with a missing arm.  I think you must be on something..."
[12:00:43 AM] TheWanderingZebra: "What I see in you is a survivor, and anyone who can survive the most difficult trials is to me an asset that shouldn't be thrown away, one armed or not. Which is why, with the job I'm offering, perhaps I can help you."
[12:02:21 AM] Dusk: Dirge straightens up slightly, the robot having his interest.  "Alright...keep talking...you...you never gave me a name."
[12:04:47 AM | Edited 12:04:57 AM] TheWanderingZebra: "I rather prefer greeting my name when I'm in person. But, that's not important right now. What's important that I can get you a new arm. 50,000 caps is enough for a cybernetic implant, and I happen to know such a surgeon who can perform cybernetic surgery."
[12:08:26 AM] Dusk: Dirge lets out a low whistle, but his eyes told the mystery voice a different story, betraying his excitement at the prospect.  "Heh...now I KNOW you're high.  Nobody has that much lying around, and they certainly aren't going to just give it to someone else."
[12:09:36 AM] TheWanderingZebra: An ammused chuckle could be heard. "Now now, who said I was simply going to give it to you? No, if you want my reward, there's a job I want done first."
[12:11:39 AM] Dusk: Dirge rolls his eyes at the voice.  Of course there was a job.  Always is.  "Fine...I suppose I can play mercenary for you, if that's what you're offering.  What are the details?  And are we going to meet up in person?  Because before anything else, I want a contract."
[12:13:41 AM] TheWanderingZebra: "Ah yes, always wanting a contract. Well, I'll make it brief. Zebrica. There's something in that country I want found. I want you, and the rest of the group that I had just hired, to go out in the country and find it for me. I could go there myself but ... because of my condition, there isn't much that I can physically do there."
[12:17:44 AM] Dusk: Dirge flexes his one claw, fidgeting as he takes in all this information.  "I'll consider it.  But there are too many details that you're leaving out.  And that makes me wonder..."  He ponders for a moment, before looking back at the bot.  "If you want to hire me...then you have to do better than this to convince me."
[12:20:09 AM | Edited 12:21:17 AM] TheWanderingZebra: "Yes, there is indeed more to it, but I wanted to reveal to this when the entire group is standing next to me in person. I never love repeating the same thing over and over. From the south of where you are there's an old beach resort I own, where you may meet me in person. It should be just a day away from where you are. If you aren't convinced of the job, then you can be left alone, thrown away by your kind because as they see it, they've lost use of you."
[12:25:00 AM] Dusk: Dirge frowns at the bot, not because he was trying to leave no other choice, but because they both know...he's right.  "I expect you to be there, too.  And it doesn't mean I'm taking the job."  He dusts himself off, looking off to the south.  "Hmmm...I'll look into it.  Tired of being a merc, though..."
[12:26:16 AM] TheWanderingZebra: "Well, then perhaps you can use the rest of the caps for retirement. But thank you for thinking into my offer. Ta ta, until we meet in person." He said as the sprite bot began to fly away.
[12:31:09 AM] Dusk: Dirge sighs as he flaps his wings, starting to fly off into the southern lands.  "Huh...how did he..."  He stops for a moment, looking back to the spritebot and cursing under his breath.  He just realized something!  "Gah!  He knows about Puffles!"  He rockets to the south, hoping to be the first to be there...and to make damned sure he wont breathe a word of that to any of his colleagues.
[12:34:18 AM] TheWanderingZebra: And so, our hero travels to where Dirge will take a journey to regain what had been lost to him, willing to sign any contract to become "useful" again ... but he doesn't know, is that he has gotten himself into something far bigger than he imagined.
[12:36:04 AM] TheWanderingZebra: **Prologue Session F: Quest - Mercenary's Employment Completed!**
[12:39:28 AM] TheWanderingZebra: **Dirge has gained the trait Handicapped**
[12:42:32 AM | Edited 12:45:32 AM] TheWanderingZebra: **You only have one arm. Reloading is a pain, requiring you to pay an additional 10 AP just to reload, and you may not use two-handed weapons. However, with only one arm, you appear to have adapted quite well to it, increasing your proficiency with it. You spend 5 AP less for all unarmed attacks with that remaining limb, +10 DAM, and may ignore up to -10 accuracy penalty when you are close enough. These affect only that one arm, if you gain another one, the new arm does not gain the bonuses that the arm you've honed has.**