FoE PNP G-Platypus Session 41

[18:02] <Mister_Clacky|GM> *****G-Platypus: The City of Broad Withers - Session 41*****
[18:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Spirit.
[18:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  It's a word with many meanings.
[18:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  You can be in good spirits, with a cheerful mood.
[18:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  You can get in a cheerful mood by drinking a lot of spirits.
[18:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  You can drink too much and become a spirit yourself.
[18:05] <Mister_Clacky|GM> Perhaps out wastelanders will stay be in good spirits? Perhaps not...
[18:05] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****Session Start*****
[18:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Our wastelanders have just entered Railyard. The freed slaves mill about, seemingly in high spirits themselves. Amid the bustle of activity, a familiar cloaked mare moves about, a full saddlebag on her back.
[18:11] * Blackberry_Jam is heading towards the familiar zebra, at a quick pace. "Stripe- Nyota! Is that you?" She calls.
[18:12] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota looks up, a ghost of a smile playing at her lips. She nods. "It's good to see you again."
[18:12] * North_Star_ keeps alongside Blackberry_Jam, tipping his hat to the zebra. "The same for you, Nyota."
[18:13] * Blackberry_Jam tosses her current cigarette aside and looks her old comrade over with an appraising smile. "We've all missed you."
[18:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  She smiles a bit more, her head tilting down a bit. "I've missed you all as well." She looks over the group, eyes lingering over each of you as she smiles.
[18:15] * Blackberry_Jam looks toward the ground. "I think you should know..." She lights another cigarette and sighs. "Scrap didn't make it."
[18:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota's eyes, which had been seemingly searching for the missing among your number, snap back to Blackberry_Jam. "Didn't..." She drops to her haunches, head hanging low. "How?"
[18:18] * North_Star_ looks off to the side, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he thought how he could deliver this
[18:19] * Snack_Cake is happy to see Nyota. But... she doesn't want to think about what happened to Scrap. It was too... gruesome.
[18:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  She looks up to the group, eyes misting.
[18:20] * Blackberry_Jam trots over and lowers herself down a little. "Slavers..." She says quietly. She's let Clover down by now. Certainly don't want her in on this conversation. "Slavers." She says, tersely. "They were threatening Snack's Stable, kidnapped Cask's family... We went in to stop them and... Their leader took him." She rests a hoof on Nyota's withers.
[18:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask and family have headed off to talk with Mrs Priss. Nyota closes her eyes, squeezing them shut to clear them of moisture. She shakes her head. "It is... a shame... we parted on poor terms..." She continues to shake her head as she struggles to keep her composure.
[18:27] * Blackberry_Jam patpats Nyota gently. "I think that if he was alive to see all that happened because he died, he'd be at peace no matter what you may have said. Look over there." She points to the milling about slaves. "They're alive because of him."
[18:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota gives a slow nod. "I will take that for what solace it gives." She sighs. "So much unpleasantness about."
[18:31] * Blackberry_Jam gives her a weak smile and lifts her to her hooves. "I take it you're not here with good news either, are you?"
[18:32] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  She gives a faint smile. "With tea, actually."
[18:33] * Blackberry_Jam leads Nyota further into town. "For Splotches, I hope. I don't suppose you know what he was doing that was hurting himself like that."
[18:33] * North_Star_ looks between the two mares. "I hope you two don't mind if I take care of business while you gab."
[18:35] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota nods. "Of course not, do what you need. Perhaps we can meet again later and catch up?" She takes a few steps farther away, following Blackberry_Jam and turning her attention back. 'Yes."
[18:35] * Blackberry_Jam waves to North_Star_ over her shoulder, then turns back to Nyota as well. "Well, I'd love to hear it."
[18:36] * North_Star_ nods, seperating from the pair and begining the hunt for Slash.
[18:36] * Golden_Eye says to Blackberry_Jam as they start walking, not wanting to intrude on their personal talk. "I'll leave you to your business. I hope things are well." And, flies of to the apartment building.
[18:38] * Thunder_Strike waves at nyota then looks at the rest of the group.
[18:38] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota matches pace with Blackberry_Jam. "He was training me to better focus my... gift." She seems to have trouble considering it such, but the word makes it out of her. "I've been gone a while collecting the herbs to make the special blend of tea. I can't walk like he can without it."
[18:39] * Snack_Cake walks with Nyota and Blackberry_Jam. She asks, "Have you been doing alright? Is there anything we can do for you?"
[18:42] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota turns her head slightly to Snack_Cake. "I am... alright. We did not get far in our training before something was 'off'. At least, that is what he said. I have not 'walked' with him since. Instead I've gone to restock so we'll have plenty of supplies when he has me join him again."
[18:42] * Snack_Cake frowns. "Oh... And he didn't say what was wrong?"
[18:43] * Blackberry_Jam furrows her brow a little. Zebra mysticism was a bit over her head. She was more interested in the medical aspects of this. Open wounds are nothing to pass off as 'training'. She waits for Snack_Cake to finish before nodding a little. "Well... It's doing a number on his body. Open gashes, dehydration, bed sores... Make sure he's taking care of himself."
[18:46] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  She nods. "I've cared for him as best I could until we needed to get supplies. He was very vague. 'Something' was interested in me. He forbade me to attempt any communications until he came back from his 'walk'. He hasn't yet..."
[18:46] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  North_Star_ finds Slash in Slash and Slag's.
[18:47] * North_Star_ walks over to his fellow stallion, leaning on the closest surface. "So? How'd everything pan out?"
[18:48] * Blackberry_Jam huffs a little. Typical. "Of course..." She's leading Nyota to their rail car, but not mentioning it yet. "Well, Stripes, as long as whatever wants you doesn't want you dead, I won't worry too much."
[18:49] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash gives a tilt of his head to the side. On the far side of the store three mares sit. A peach mare cleans a rifle slowly. Past her, Lariat and Chastity sit at a table together, each with two books in front of them.
[18:50] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota doesn't respond to that.
[18:50] * North_Star_ sighs. "The interviews. How'd they go over?"
[18:51] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash smirks. "Good! I've got three new employees!" A grenade... or a hollowed out one at least... Flies from the back room and strikes him in the head. "We! We have three new employees."
[18:52] * North_Star_ actually perks up for once in his life. "Great! Anything on the rest of 'em?"
[18:53] * Blackberry_Jam gives another faint smile as she stops near the door to the train car, nodding to the new sign painted in garrish yellow and blue that reads "Scrap's". "We've been a little busy since you left, too."
[18:53] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota looks over to the clinic, but a little longer wouldn't hurt. She follows along with Blackberry_Jam as they approach a railcar... that railcar.
[18:55] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash nods. Priss is going to take in a few. Cleaning, another waitress, one was real good with numbers so she's going to get some help keeping tabs on finances. Several had some skill with weapons, so we're getting a few more guards out of it."
[18:57] * North_Star_ smiles an actual happy smile, "That's fantastic. Are there any left over?"
[18:57] * Blackberry_Jam pulls the door open and offers Nyota a look inside. "This is our new place. Make yourself at home. You're as welcome here as any of us."
[19:00] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash nods. "Yeah, 'fraid so. I pulled another car out of storage, Blanket Stitch showed some real skill, so we're setting her up with a couple others to take on some of the non-combat mending. That leaves ten needing placement. Less than I had thought."
[19:01] * Snack_Cake waits for Nyota and Blackberry_Jam to head inside, then follows suit. "You're still our very good and dear friend, you know!"
[19:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota smiles at the clean railcar. The modifications have been completed. There is a single stove with plenty of counterspace in the kitchen. It's been very well stocked. There is a nook to eat in and a half dozen cots, bunk style, at the far end. The surgical area is seperated by a thick curtain.
[19:03] * North_Star_ rubs his head in thought. "Tressle might have something.. Anypony good with construction, or guards y'all didn't have the equipment for?"
[19:04] * Blackberry_Jam climbs in after Stripes. "Slash does good work." She notes, depositing her gear in the corner and slinging her saddlebags on over a hoodie. "Feel free to stay any time you need to, Stripes."
[19:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash gives a noncommital nod. "Cherrypicked the ones with unique skills, but the rest all seem like good workers. All could do construction or guard work. We just can't justify adding more than six new guards. That's doubling what we keep here in town and adding three dedicated guards for the caravan."
[19:06] * North_Star_ nods as he scratches his chin. "Few could earn a bed and squard meal with construction and guard duty up that way, and I'm sure Cask wouldn't say no to a couple of hired guns."
[19:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash tilts his head. "Cask?"
[19:07] * North_Star_ waves a hoof. "Moonshiner. Makes good stuff too."
[19:08] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota looks around the place, walking around. "It's a nice place."
[19:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash scratches his chin. "Moonshine? That could sell Downtown. He talked to Priss?"
[19:09] * Snack_Cake starts taking a look over the kitchen, all smiles. Seeing it finally fully completed makes her feel like her life is finally getting back in order!
[19:10] * Blackberry_Jam stuffs her armor into her bags and wiggles out of the car. "Hey Snack, why don't you make something for Stripes while I do some shopping?"
[19:10] * North_Star_ smiles at Slash. "That's not a bad idea. A few extra hooves can make up the extra miles on his route."
[19:11] * Snack_Cake thinks for a few moments. "I think I could come up with something..."
[19:11] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota shakes her head. "I should really go check on Splotches. Although I'd love a meal."
[19:12] * Blackberry_Jam smiles at them both. "It'll be done by the time you're done with Splotches, right, Snack?"
[19:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota nods and slips out to head to the clinic.
[19:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash shakes his head. "Well, I'm not the end of the line on anything, roight? But I could see us trading for 'shine and resellin' Downtown. Already got a route set up south, yeah?"
[19:14] * Snack_Cake starts looking around... and pulling out ingredients. Nyota needs something cheerful!
[19:15] * North_Star_ scratches his head again. "Well... Considering he's living in Tressle, proper I don't think he has much of a route anymore."
[19:15] * Blackberry_Jam trots out the door and towards her favorite arms dealer.
[19:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake finds the cabinets overflowing with foodstuffs.
[19:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Blackberry_Jam makes her way to Slash and Slag's where Slash is still talking with North_Star_
[19:20] * Blackberry_Jam gives both stallions a wave before leaning on the counter and dumping her armor and a 5.56 pistol on the counter.
[19:22] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash looks over the gear. "Welcome back, yeah?"
[19:22] * Blackberry_Jam pushes it towards him with a smile and a wink. "Good to be back. The place looks lovely." She turns to North_Star_. "You really should see it."
[19:23] * North_Star_ nods to Blackberry_Jam. "I will, don't worry."
[19:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Thanks, yeah? I think it looks good. Put a lot of work into the medical cutty room, roight?" Slash grins.
[19:27] * Thunder_Strike has followed Snack_Cake and is watching what she is doing.
[19:27] * Blackberry_Jam rolls her eyes a little at 'cutty room', but grins back. "I'm looking for some better armor. Something more like the stuff you wear."
[19:29] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash smiles. "I'm flattered, yeah? I actually got some time to dig through some of my cache with the new help. Found some stuff I forgot about y'all might like, roight?"
[19:30] * North_Star_ rubs his hooves together. "I've yet to hate a word that's come from you today, Slash."
[19:31] * Blackberry_Jam smiles and rubs her hooves together a little. "I think I'd definitely like to see that." She says, smiling right back at him.
[19:33] * Snack_Cake takes a little bit longer to decide, this time. But once she does, she gets right to baking! It's nothing really too complex... just a little something to let Nyota know we're thinking of her!
[19:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash slips into the back and comes out with a crate, laying it on the ground in front of Blackberry_Jam. He takes a smaller box off the top and slides it toward North_Star_.
[19:35] * Blackberry_Jam gives a whistle as she eyes the crate. Without hesitation, she pries it open and uncrates her loot.
[19:39] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Blackberry_Jam unboxes a suit of medium armor. It looks to be based loosely on riot armor design, but the pink crosses on the paldrons and the lack of the lettering across the barrel differentiate it. Across the chests are several round metal balls.
[19:41] * Blackberry_Jam blinks a few times. She prods at the metal bits on the front. "Slash... you've outdone yourself..." She hefts it out of the crate and judges the weight.
[19:43] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  It's pretty heavy, about 30 pounds. The balls appear to be filled with liquid you quickly deduce to be healing potions.
[19:45] * Blackberry_Jam blinks. She's never seen a potion delivery system like that before. She's got one of her widest smiles yet on as she examines every inch of it.
[19:51] * North_Star_ takes the lid off off his box, glancing over at Blackberry_Jam's prize.
[19:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash smiles. "I think you'll find it sized." North_Star_ opens the box to see a truly /massive/ pistol.
[19:52] * North_Star_ takes the pistol in his hooves, looking it over."
[19:52] * Blackberry_Jam looks up at Slash, turning over the numbers in her head. "It's fantastic, Slash. But I could never afford it." She puts the lid on the box and sits on it.
[19:57] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash snorts. "Forever's a long time. Three thousand." The huge wheelgun in North_Star_'s hooves is a heavy monster. It's a Piper-Zebra Revolver, chambered in .600 Nitro Express.
[19:58] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag slips out from the back to the counter. She smiles and stands more in front of North_Star_. She'll make sure the oaf doesn't do something stupid.
[19:59] * Snack_Cake shows Thunder_Strike how she bakes the cake. She even lets her help make the frosting!
[19:59] * Golden_Eye makes his way home and flies up the stairwell to find Toil and to see what she's done with the apartment furniturewise.
[19:59] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Thunder_Strike and Snack_Cake enjoy themselves. The oven works splendidly.
[19:59] * Blackberry_Jam continues to sit on her box, shaking her head. "Sorry to say, but I'm not sure I'll ever have that much." She gives a faint smile.
[19:59] * North_Star_ blinked in disbelief. "Where under Celestia's covered sun did you get this goliath!?"
[20:00] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The aparment has several more pieces of furniture, a real bedroom taking shape in a cleaned out apartment.
[20:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash contemplates. "I suppose we can work out some errands downtown to work out the difference, right Slag?" The mare in question rolls her eyes but nods. "...Sure... as long as it isn't /too/ big a difference."
[20:01] * Golden_Eye smiles as he looks around, she's doing a fine job. This place is quite nice.
[20:02] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag turns to look at North_Star_. "That? Doofus hid it back to make a project of and forgot about it. Got a cache... somewhere nearby... and found all kinds of fun stuff."
[20:02] * Thunder_Strike helps Snack_Cake with the snack cake as best she could. she's not to good with baking. cutting however is a different story.
[20:04] * Blackberry_Jam rubs the back of her neck. Sheepishly, she admits... "Seven hundred and ten."
[20:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil herself is scrubbing away on what looks to be an old mirror set on its back on a table. She's humming a happy tune, unaware of Golden_Eye's presence.
[20:08] * North_Star_ gingerly sets down the pistol, before rumaging through his satchel for the pistols he most likely won't be using anymore.
[20:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash smiles. "I'm sure we can work something out. Got some errands need run downtown, knock it down..." He receives a withering glare from Slag. "... by 500 if you'll make the supply run for us."
[20:10] * Blackberry_Jam looks to North_Star_, still very sheepish. "Downtown..." She says quietly. "And the rest of it?"
[20:11] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag sighs. "If you can come up with the other 210, caps or trade, we'll trust ya for the errand. Best we can do. We /do/ run a business."
[20:12] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The oven gives off smooth heat, evenly cooking the cake with surgical precision.
[20:13] * Blackberry_Jam hangs her head and closes her eyes. She thunks the lid of the crate with a hoof in irritation, not really sure where that sort of caps is going to come from. Further complicating things is that she's not sure how to sell that to the others. 'Hey everypony, let's go put ourselves further in danger so I can afford spiffy clothes.'
[20:15] * Golden_Eye takes flight and glides silently to smile down at her in the mirror. "Jealous of my getting to admire your looks?"
[20:15] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil does a very good job of not jumping. "Hey, Goldie. You shouldn't be the only lucky one."
[20:16] * Blackberry_Jam hefts her right saddlebag a little, in the bottom, where her cigarettes are. "I'll.... I'll be right back."
[20:16] * North_Star_ set down the Pulse Gun and Trail Carbine he had been carrying around for Slag and/or Slash to appraise. "I'm carrying too many guns anyhow."
[20:17] * Snack_Cake is very patient with Thunder_Strike. She's very happy with the opportunity to do something she loves to do with her!
[20:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  When Blackberry_Jam leaves, she can see Nyota taking some trimmings of some plants on the Clinic's flowerbox of herbs.
[20:18] * Blackberry_Jam gives the Zebra a wave, even if she doesn't see it, before mentally preparing herself for dealing with Kaching. With a deep breath, she pushes open the door and heads inside.
[20:19] * Golden_Eye lands behind her and puts his hooves around her. "As long as I get to stay one of the lucky ones, I'll be happy."
[20:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil smirks. "Yeah... well... I /do/ still like you, so I suppose I'll allow it." She tucks her chin and kisses Golden_Eye's foreleg encircling her neck.
[20:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching smiles as the bell rings. "Kaching's Kollecti... Why, hello there Doctor." His lips curl more, a hoof going back through his slick mane.
[20:22] * Thunder_Strike is very happy to do something Snack_Cake enjoys with her!
[20:23] * Blackberry_Jam gives the sleezy shopkeeper a flat look. "Keep it in your pants, Kaching. I'm just here for business. And I'll be on my way." She sets four of her cigarette cartons and 2 packs on his counter. "There."
[20:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash looks them over, passing them to Slag with a nod. "Well, North. I could live with giving you 1300 for these."
[20:25] * North_Star_ ran the math in his head while he dug through his satchel again, depositing his .357 peashooter and a box of 22 round for it, adding both to the pile.
[20:25] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching looks down at the smokes. "Curt as always. We really should see each other socially, ya know? I'm sure we could really get along well." His hooves count out the caps while he talks, putting them in front of Blackberry_Jam in neat little rows.
[20:25] * Golden_Eye chuckles softly. "How kind of you. You're doing a great job making this place nice."
[20:26] * Blackberry_Jam furrows her brow. "I'll consider that." She swipes the caps from the counter and trots /backwards/ out the door. She doesn't imagine that Kaching is any less creepy when he's not working...
[20:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  North_Star_'s newest additions to the pile recieves similar treatment. "1650 for the pile."
[20:27] * North_Star_ finally places 350 caps onto the counter and pulls the boxed pistol towards him. "Sold."
[20:29] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The transaction is made.
[20:31] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Blackberry_Jam can see Nyota dart quickly back into the clinic as she heads back toward Slash and Slags.
[20:32] * Blackberry_Jam slides back into Slash and Slag's, trying to purge the thought of her and Kaching meeting socially from her head. It's not going well. "Right... here's the rest of those caps. With the 500 from your delivery... I'm left with a resounding 0." She looks fondly at the crate. "Worth it, I'd say."
[20:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash takes the caps. "We'll get you the details on that errand in a bit. No big rush on it. So long as it gets done, yeah?"
[20:34] * North_Star_ looks over at Slag. "How much would it cost to fill the chambers on this thing?"
[20:35] * Golden_Eye lets go of Toil to let her clean, if she wants. "Finding things ok?"
[20:35] * Blackberry_Jam opens the crate again. "I get to take it with me, right?" She asks, smiling wide and wiggling into the pre-fitted armor.
[20:36] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil smiles. "This place is a treasure trove on the middle floors. Plenty of stuff to bring up here. Got a lot of it marked, but I'm spreading out the teleports."
[20:37] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag points in the box. "Those five come with it, Slash has to special make the .600. Had him work up a bit of a supply we'll keep up. 3 caps a round." Slash nods to Blackberry_Jam. "All yours."
[20:38] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The cake fills Scraps with a delicious aroma
[20:38] * Snack_Cake takes the cake out of the over once the timer is up, and lets it cool. Meanwhile, she sets aside the two kinds of icing they'll need to frost the cake!
[20:39] * Blackberry_Jam trots about the store in her swanky new duds, getting a feel for how it stretches and moves with her. "Very, very nice!"
[20:39] * North_Star_ nods, "You wouldn't happen to have ten of 'em made, would you?"
[20:41] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag nods, leading North_Star_ over to the ammo racks. Twenty holes have been drilled in a board and each holds a .600 round. "We'll keep filling the board when he gets a chance. Just ten?"
[20:41] <Golden_Eye> "Excellent. You'll have this place fit for you to grace it in no time."
[20:42] * North_Star_ nods. "For now. I'll clear the board once I have a chance to put the beut' to the test."
[20:43] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil smirks. "You flatterer you. Good thing I like that." Her horn lights and siezes Golden_Eye by the ears and pulls him into a kiss.
[20:47] * Golden_Eye chuckles into the kiss and puts his hooves around her again, pulling her into him.
[20:47] * Blackberry_Jam trots out into the main portion of Railyard, looking for Clover. Time to get that filly a hat.
[20:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil giggles, allowing herself to be pulled close.
[20:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask's family isn't immediately visible, but are probably somewhere.
[20:50] * Blackberry_Jam searches! Hats are serious business, especially ones that will tell other ponies how many lives you've saved just by looking at it.
[20:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A bit of searching finds the family in the company of Miss Priss in the Dining Car.
[20:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  THe cake is suitably cool.
[20:52] * Blackberry_Jam trots over, not trying to attract their attention, if they were still talking. She gives Clover a light tap on the shoulder.
[20:53] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The fillies, and Mr. Wiggles, look incredibly bored as the grownups talk.
[20:54] * Blackberry_Jam pokes the boredom right out of little Clover. "Psst. Time for your present, Clover."
[20:55] * Golden_Eye breaks the kiss and smiles at her. "I was pleased at myself. I thought of you fondly while away and couldn't wait to get back to you."
[20:55] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Clover smiles, sliding out of the bench seat. Mr. Wiggles and Fern look ready to follow.
[20:56] * Blackberry_Jam offers Clover a spot on her back, on the new armor. "Right. Off we go." She does her best to sneak off and out of the dining car.
[20:58] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Clover clammers up on top of Blackberry_Jam, Fern does the same on Mr. Wiggles. Cask and Arbor smile, but continue negotiating.
[21:01] * Blackberry_Jam delivers her filly payload to Slash and Slags, and inquires about finding suitable headgear for her.
[21:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash and Slag both smile. Slash leans over the counter. "Why hello there, yeah? What can I do for you ladies..." He leans over a bit to look around Blackberry_Jam. "...and large dog..."
[21:05] * North_Star_ was by the door, tucking his new pistol rounds into small loops on the strap of his satchel, usually reserved for exensive, high-powered rifle rounds.
[21:05] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil smirks to Golden_Eye. "Good boy, Goldie. If you didn't miss me, I'd be very sad." Her eyes shine with mischief.
[21:05] * Blackberry_Jam chuckles lightly and nods to Clover. "Well, my apprentice here was hoping to procure a hat like mine. Got anything like that around here?"
[21:08] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash nods. "Believe it or not, I've started stocking berets for some reason. I can size one down and put an emblem on it."
[21:09] * Golden_Eye grins slightly. "And, does being a good boy come with a reward?"
[21:10] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil smirks, buffing the last bit of mirror. "Help me get this on the ceiling and you can find out."
[21:11] * Blackberry_Jam gives an amused look. "'Some reason', huh?"
[21:12] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash smiles. "Yeah. Kinda like the look, roight? Same emblem?"
[21:13] * Blackberry_Jam turns to Clover, looking for approval. "I think so."
[21:13] * Snack_Cake has Thunder_Strike help her frost the cake! First comes a layer of white frosting... then chocolate stripes drawn on top!
[21:16] * Golden_Eye isn't sure why she wants a mirror on the ceiling, but oblidges anyway, taking it and hovering toward the ceiling. "And, where would you like it?"
[21:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Clover nods big. "Just like Docta Jam!"
[21:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil helps Golden_Eye with levitation as the mirror is as big as the princess sized bed it's going over. Really, his help isn't that needed, but she likes to make him work. She starts floats him a screwdriver as brackets levitate into place. "Screw it up tight, Goldie. Should be within your skillset."
[21:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash nods. "I'll get right on it. Shouldn't take too long, yeah?"
[21:22] * Golden_Eye chuckles softly and does as directed. He lands next to her once he's done. "I'm assuming you have that there for a reason?"
[21:22] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil smirks. "I do everything for a reason, Goldie."
[21:26] * Blackberry_Jam sets Clover down and nudges her towards the counter. "Just let him take your measurements. There are some ponies I need to see." And to the Clinic she goes!
[21:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash slips around the counter  and with a bit of slight of hoof, wraps the filly's head with measuring tape. He starts into some silly banter as Blackberry_Jam leaves.
[21:28] * North_Star_ follows Blackberry_Jam to the clinic, tucking his new pistol into the unused holster for the 14mm pistol.
[21:29] * Golden_Eye grins back. "As always, you have me curious as to what you're planning, but I enjoy our games and your surprises."
[21:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Blackberry_Jam finds the Clinic's door to be ajar. A strong, biting smell assaults her as she enters. Nyota stands by a bunsen burner, a large kettle coming to a boil. Splotches sits where he was before, fresh bandages covering new wounds and old ones. His eyes are as unseeing as before as he stares forward. "Nyota, we have guests I believe."
[21:31] * Blackberry_Jam coughs a little at the sharp smell. "I hope I'm not interrupting..." She says quietly, closing the door behind her.
[21:33] * Thunder_Strike has drifted off into space staring at Snack_Cake awkwardly.
[21:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches' lips pull back in a smile. "Not at all, we were just getting ready to have some tea. Caboose /did/ get regular with the water visits, but he can't make tea worth drinking." Splotches' lips do look less chapped.
[21:35] * Blackberry_Jam trots in closer and removes her cap. Oddly enough, she feels a little less situationally aware without it on. "I think I'd like to hear /exactly/ what's been going on here, Splotches."
[21:38] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches' sighs. "Alright. Nyota? You'll make more tea won't you?" His foreleg twitches, a row of small red pools filling in a rough semi-circle.
[21:40] * Snack_Cake has Thunder_Strike apply some of the chocolate icing with her. "Remember, as close to zebra stripes as you can make them!"
[21:41] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota nods, preparing some more tea as the water continues to warm.
[21:43] * Thunder_Strike nods then decorates the cake as close as she could, which living with a zebra for most of her life. is pretty darn close.
[21:44] * Blackberry_Jam takes a seat near Splotches and waits patiently.
[21:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches sucks his lips a moment, a red crack forming in the bottom corner. "What do you think happens when you die?"
[21:49] * North_Star_ takes a sit in the corner, deciding it best not to answer a clearly philisophical question.
[21:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Adding more water seems to have slowed the kettle's boiling, it has yet to whistle.
[21:53] * Blackberry_Jam lowers her head. "Well, E. Buck thinks that when we die, we're assessed at some set of pearly gates, where our misdeeds and triumphs are weighed."
[21:55] * Snack_Cake smiles wide as they put the finishing touches on the cake. "It looks amazing, Thunder! Thank you so much for your help!"
[21:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches smiles. "I think you'll find most philosophies are similar. Which is good, because there is truth to it. The soul of a pony is a transcentental thing. It survives past this place of stone and air. Do you believe this?"
[21:57] * Blackberry_Jam smiles back at him. "I like to think so."
[22:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches thinks a moment. "I... can walk. The spirits, they can come to me, and I can go to them." The glow of the ruby on his personal teapot casts him in red. "The place after is described differently by many. I don't think you want a long recounting on my beliefs regarding the Well of Souls, but suffice it to say I believe from what I've been taught and what I've seen that we are judged."
[22:02] * Blackberry_Jam folds her hooves in thought. Well of Souls? Buck hadn't said anything about that. She lets Splotches continue, genuinely interested now.
[22:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches continues. "Moreover, there exists a place between. A ledge between this mortal plane and the Well. It is where the spirits that affect our world linger. Do you follow so far?"
[22:04] * Blackberry_Jam gives Splotches a critical look, as though she was staring right at his theory. She'd never seen a spirit /directly/ affect her own world, but she nods. "Yes."
[22:08] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches wound leaks over the arm of his chair, the drip audible as he contemplates his next words. "There are... things... old forces... primeval powers... They stalk the ledge as well as some wicked souls that manage to find their way there when rejected by the Well. It can be a dangerous place to walk."
[22:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "I took Nyota there, to better understand her connection to the spirits. Something became interested in her."
[22:11] * North_Star_ rose an eyebrow. "By 'interested'. You mean...?"
[22:11] * Blackberry_Jam nods to North_Star_. "You mean a spirit wanted to do... something to her?"
[22:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches swallows. "Come now, don't be lewd." He chuckles, but soon sombers. "Whatever it is, it wants her. Whatever it would do if it got her would be... unpleasant. So I'm doing my best to disuade it from it's pursuit."
[22:14] * Blackberry_Jam rolls her eyes. She wasn't being lewd. The words that follow make her grumble a little. "Has... /it/ said what it wants to do? Has it said anything?"
[22:16] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches snorts. "The damnable thing hasn't even shown itself, just shadows and servants." A gash opens on his forehead, a small stream of blood dribbling down over his eye. "It will not be safe for her to walk, though. Were she to come here, they would reach her."
[22:17] * Blackberry_Jam grimaces. She hurries over to him and prepares more bandages. "I'm sorry, but these wounds of yours are /very/ concerning. They weren't bleeding this bad before, were they?"
[22:17] * Snack_Cake gives Thunder_Strike a hug. "Thank you for your help. What do you think?"
[22:18] * North_Star_ watched Blackberry_Jam patch up her fellow doctor, keeping his mouth shut about that damn, creepy zebra magic.
[22:19] * Thunder_Strike smiles. ''you're welcome snack cake!''
[22:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Splotches' wound does stop bleeding quickly, but it did bleed more than the others. "The body emulates the wounds taken while walking. They should bleed very little. The greater the wound, the greater th..." He pauses mid word. "Oh dear..."
[22:21] * Blackberry_Jam stops in the middle of coiling a bandage around his forehead. "What? Oh dear, what?" She also doesn't like the idea of Splotches being stabbed repeatedly while he's walking.
[22:21] * North_Star_ shifted forward in his seat, tilting his head. "Developments, Splotches?"
[22:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A sweeping rend drags across his underside from haunch to shoulder. A spray of blood erupts from the long sundering of his flesh, splattering the ceiling in a gout of gore. He takes in a breath, mouth falling open in a wordless scream the hisses to stop. His breathes keep coming in ragged gasps.
[22:24] * North_Star_ nodded to answer his own question. "Shit..."
[22:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota whirls, hoof quickly coming to her mouth in shock.
[22:25] * Blackberry_Jam blanches at the sudden gash. She grabs Splotches by the neck and tips his head upward. "Sweet fucking Luna! Splotches, whatever it is you're doing, stop it right now!" One of her new potions is at his muzzle, trickling down his throat.
[22:25] * Blackberry_Jam is a flurry of medical supplies, already moving to stitch up the wound as soon as the potion is administered.
[22:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There's a sickening crack from a foreleg. A round hole leaking blood from the wound like something was driven through it. A few moments later and the other foreleg is pierced and broken. Nyota whirls back into action, quickly mixing herbs together in a flurry. "That won't work! The body is just a mirror now. What is hurting him is on the other side!"
[22:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There's a shriek of agony, a mare's voice. The ruby in his teapot cracks, glowing now only faintly.
[22:29] * Blackberry_Jam grits her teeth in frutstration around a syrette. "Are you kidding? Stripes, make him stop. NOW!" She shouts, putting as much pressure on his wounds as she can to stop the bleeding.
[22:29] * North_Star_ jumps to his hooves, thinking the shriek came from outside the clinic.
[22:32] * Snack_Cake prepares the cake for transport. She places it on a platter, covering it, before placing it on her back to carry it. "Here, let's go find the others. I'm a little impatient! I want to see the look on Nyota's face when she sees the cake." She carefully carries the cake outside.
[22:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The large teapot on the burner whistles. Nyota throws herbs in as quickly as she can. "I can't bring him out! Only he can! It must be keeping him some way." His stomach caves, pressed in by some triangular force that leaves a bloody hole that soon fill back in, only for the process to repeat. His mouth moves, words falling out rhythmicly, repeating. "Wale ambao kutembea pamoja nami, kusikia ombi langu. M
[22:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM> saada kwangu..."
[22:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "His mouth moves, words falling out rhythmicly, repeating. "Wale ambao kutembea pamoja nami, kusikia ombi langu. Msaada kwangu..."
[22:34] * Thunder_Strike nods at Snack_Cake. ''okie dokie. I wanna see her face too!'' she says following Snack_Cake
[22:34] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake and Thunder_Strike make their way outside Scrap's. They remember that Nyota said she'd be checking in on Splotches' at the Clinic.
[22:34] * Blackberry_Jam is fighting back tears as she desperately tries to at least cover all these wounds... but she can't keep up. She slumps a little, dropping her tools to the floor. "FUCKING DAMMIT, SPLOTCHES!" She shouts, bapping him over the head with what little force she has left.
[22:36] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota is tearing up as she works. She's grown to like the older stallion during his lessons. "Jam... I can't go... but I can make the tea for you... if you're willing."
[22:37] * Blackberry_Jam coughs a little, struggling for words. "Are... you... what? Why... would..." The gears turn, the levers click. She jumps up and stumbles over to Nyota. "Give it."
[22:39] * North_Star_ walked over to Blackberry, "Jam. This is probably the last thing in the world I should be telling you but..." He paused, looking over to Nyota. "Don't do anything rash."
[22:39] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota blocks the pot, lest Blackberry_Jam do something rash  before she's finished. "A moment more, it must be right to work. He's calling for help, for his friends. I think... you and your friends that share a connection to him would be drawn to him on the Ledge."
[22:40] * Blackberry_Jam turns to him, definitely crying again. She's cried more times in the past two days than the past two years. "Hot Shot... This is something that nopony in this room understands. The only rational thing to do would be nothing, and you can bet your ass that I'm not going to watch him die."
[22:41] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota throws in more herbs, chanting as a puff of thick red smoke billows up. Snack_Cake and Thunder_Strike arrive at the door.
[22:42] * North_Star_ touched her shoulder. "I know you're not. Niether am I." He looked to the door as the couple opened.
[22:43] * Snack_Cake happily opens the door and comes right into the clinic with the cake on her back, calling out, "I hope you're hungry! I just couldn't wait!" But when she sees the sight inside, she stops still with a horrified gasp. "Oh Celestia... What happened!?"
[22:44] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota doesn't turn. "Whoever's going, prepare yourselves. You'll appear as you are when you drink." Another hoofful of herbs disappear into the mix, a green puff of smoke puffing up.
[22:45] * Blackberry_Jam turns to Snack. She's probably covered in Splotches' blood, and crying quite a bit. "Snack... Splotches needs help. It doesn't make any logical sense, but I'm going to help him. I don't know how... and I can't say what's going to happen. But I'm doing it."
[22:45] * North_Star_ shifted his rifle on his back. "Guns included?"
[22:46] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota give the barest of nods as she prepared the last of the ingredients for 'the tea with visions'. "Yes. How else would you fight? Anything in your posession goes with you. Carry all you need, and prepare swiftly!"
[22:47] * Blackberry_Jam primes her weapon with shaky hooves, wiping the tears and blood from her face.
[22:48] * Snack_Cake puts her cake down out of the way. "But... what's happened? I don't understand..."
[22:48] * North_Star_ looked to Blackberry_Jam, then to Thunder and Snack. "We're going delving into the spirit world. Chances are, it'll be dangerous."
[22:49] * North_Star_ looked back to Blackberry. "Maybe even deadly."
[22:50] * Blackberry_Jam looks to Splotches as North_Star_ says that. "Don't lie to them, North. There's a 100% certainty of danger. We'll be hurt. Cut. Bloodied. Bruised. But I'll be there. I won't let any of you die here, or there. I will do everything I can to make sure of that."
[22:51] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota drops in the last of the ingredients. Like all teas it must steep a moment. She turns, putting four glasses on the table. A sickening squelch gurgles through the air as another impact to Splotches' stomach opens a huge wound that soon heals.
[22:51] * North_Star_ nods, tightening the strap to his satchel. "If you're going, I'm going."
[22:52] * Snack_Cake doesn't like the sound of that. She winces when she hears that horrible sound. "Oh Celestia... that's..." She closes her eyes and tries to take deep breaths to calm herself.
[22:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Thunder_Strike can hear the low plea Splotches' continues to weeze out. It's in zebra. <Those who have walked with me, hear my plea. Help me.>
[22:54] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota minds the tea, watching it's color. "Part of it's power is in the heat! Do not let it cool, do not hesitate, or it will fail! I wish I could go, but I know it would make things worse... Are you ready?"
[22:55] * Blackberry_Jam takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself as well. With a bloody hoof, she reaches for the cup. "Now."
[22:56] * North_Star_ reached his hoof over his shoulder and pulled the lever-action on his rifle, making sure the chamber is loaded. "Hit me." He said, reaching with said hoof.
[22:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota achingly waits, another gurgle bubble up out of the strangely healing stomach wound. The color is not quite right yet. Almost there...
[23:00] * Snack_Cake glances at Thunder_Strike, concerned. She hesitates, then says, "...I want to help."
[23:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nyota grabs the pot and quickly pours the four glasses of near boiling tea. "Steel your resolve! Don't let it cool! Drink!"
[23:05] * Blackberry_Jam is a little dubious about the effectiveness of Buckshot on an ethereal spirit that seems to be brutally maiming Splotches, but downs the tea in a single gulp. She'd worry about the burns on the inside of her mouth later.
[23:06] * North_Star_ knocks back the tea like any old shot of whiskey, wincing a bit at the burn in the back of his throat.
[23:07] * Snack_Cake looks to Thunder_Strike, and says, "I'm sorry. I can't sit and watch!" She gives her a hug, then quickly grabs a glass, squeezes her eyes shut, and drinks.
[23:20] * Thunder_Strike had a look of confusion on her face. then she shakes her head and nods at Snack_Cake. ''me too!'' she says grabbing a glass and going bottoms up.
[23:21] * Snack_Cake smiles at Thunder_Strike and leans against her, muttering a quiet, "Thank you. Stay safe. Okay?"
[23:22] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The tea burns on the way down, a biting tang of spice invades your noses. You feel a tug deep in your chest and the world blacks out.
[23:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Vision starts to return to the group. They stand on what looks like frosted glass. Through a nearby crack, below them can be seen what can best be described as a galaxy. Thousands of points of light circling and closing on a bright spot in the center.
[23:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The opaque ground is littered with similar frosted glass trees and buildings, a landscape of whites and greys and blacks broken up by holes that give sight to the swirling mass below.
[23:29] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The sky is blocked off by a lowhanging, swirling white mist.
[23:30] * Blackberry_Jam blinks a few times at the sudden change of scenery. She'd spoken to drug-addled slaves before who had described seeing this exact thing after taking too much Dash... "Splotches?" She croaks, not yet composed enough to shout.
[23:32] * North_Star_ rubbed his head. He's actually taken too much Dash once, but he saw something completely different, and redder. "Fuck..." He muttered, looking around.
[23:33] * Snack_Cake is very confused. "Uhh... this is... a very strange place."
[23:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Ahead of the group, a shadowy equine form stands next to something thicker and heavier, short stubby legs carrying a massive body covered in thick plates. A ridge protrudes from its face like the blade of an ax, it's smeared with blood.
[23:34] * Blackberry_Jam rises to her hindhooves, approaching with her weapon raised. It's safe to assume that anything in her is hostile until proven otherwise. She's also not in the slightest bit surprised that North_Star_ has tried Dash.
[23:35] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A stifled cry drifts over the space between the group and these things, a second equine form looms over a zebra mare. It's head isn't visible, but the thrashing of it's shoulders makes it look like it's /biting/ the weakily struggling mare.
[23:36] * North_Star_ follows Blackberry_Jam's lead, drawing his own rifle.
[23:36] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Farther ahead a huge bird, easily twice a pony's size, stands. It's plumage a wide fan as it faces a wall. It's head darts forward.
[23:36] * Blackberry_Jam has absolutely no idea what any of this means. She approaches the pony having a snack and barks. "Stop that!"
[23:37] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  On the wall dangles Splotches, long spikes driven through his forelegs. The creatures beak peirces his abdomen and pulls free a length of his innards. The wound seals as it retracts. It goes back in for another morsel.
[23:38] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The equine form over the mare twitches an ear. It raises its head, looking over it's head with a snear. It's lips pull back to reveal lines of sharp, curved teeth lining its jaw that goes back way farther than a pony's should.
[23:39] * Blackberry_Jam grimaces a little, but holds her ground. "Get away from her!" She says, taking a step forward.
[23:40] * North_Star_ holds his rifle up, sticking behind Blackberry_Jam.
[23:41] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Thick strings of drool fall down it's muzzle as it's face splits. A lilting scream bursts from the beast as the four quadrents of it's head pull apart to reveal rows and rows of jagged teeth. Many of these creatures litter the ground around the group.
[23:42] * North_Star_ shifted slightly. "No wonder no pony wants to die..."
[23:43] * Blackberry_Jam suddenly finds herself a little less confident in this plan. "Shit... now we're in a tight spot." After seeing the afterlife... she'd very much like to stay in Equestria.
[23:43] * Snack_Cake is very much horrified by what she sees. She starts to feel a bit sick. "Oh Celestia... oh Celestia..."
[23:44] * Blackberry_Jam steps back towards Snack_Cake. "Thunder, stay with her... and get ready for a fight."
[23:45] * North_Star_ looks around the group, taking a breath. "Well. Nyota did tell us to steel our resolve."
[23:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The equine takes a step towards the group, growling. It looks ready to pounce when a blue and yellow blur collides with it out of a stooping dive. The equine is bowled over and rolls several feet away and off the weakly breathing mare. The yellow pegasus hovers in the air in a fighting stance, a necklace stitched round his neck.
[23:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM> *****Session End*****
[23:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  250 xp. No karma changes.