Occupied Equestria is an RP campaign set in a post-Equestria Equestria, where the princesses are gone, as are the Elements of Harmony. Gone, temporarily at least, but not by any means forgotten.
New players are welcome.
Fantasy Play has a few "kitties" to cuddle with
Brie has a Changeling Queen to negotiate with
Iron has some gangsters to beat
Silver has some follow up to do
Amber is exploring her new home
Spark is either looking for forest demons, or negotiating the fate of a tribe of Wolves
Midnight has more cultists to kill
Onyx has a colt to look after
Dark Star has some communists to kill
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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1880 replies and 58 files omitted.
>>131441
"I dispatched ghast who had it. I also gave all information I had on this place to Peer Review, who denied me payment."
"I dispatched ghast who had it. I also gave all information I had on this place to Peer Review, who denied me payment."
>>131442
“I don’t know what deals you made with Peer Review. Bring that up with him. But this is still an archeological sure, and you can’t just take souvenirs.”
“I don’t know what deals you made with Peer Review. Bring that up with him. But this is still an archeological sure, and you can’t just take souvenirs.”
I doubt I can make it any time this week.
is mlemmed in addition
>>131444
"Well, this place could certainly qualify!" He seems a bit riled
"But either way, a sword like this belongs on display"
>>131425
I mean... it's been a comparatively busy last few days, so thinking of new things to place in the world has been a bit meh. I don't have any landmarks in that area in mind aside from maybe two specific factories and a refinery, if those would even be considered interesting. But I also don't want there to suddenly be something interesting in that area later and everyone is left with the question "why wasn't that mentioned before?" With the Tall Sails building at least it's very briefly referenced as existing in Adrian Cloudbuster and Fantasy Play's first view of Baltimare, so when I decided "Baltimare needs a landmark visible anywhere" it at least had been already kind of set up
"Well, this place could certainly qualify!" He seems a bit riled
"But either way, a sword like this belongs on display"
>>131425
I mean... it's been a comparatively busy last few days, so thinking of new things to place in the world has been a bit meh. I don't have any landmarks in that area in mind aside from maybe two specific factories and a refinery, if those would even be considered interesting. But I also don't want there to suddenly be something interesting in that area later and everyone is left with the question "why wasn't that mentioned before?" With the Tall Sails building at least it's very briefly referenced as existing in Adrian Cloudbuster and Fantasy Play's first view of Baltimare, so when I decided "Baltimare needs a landmark visible anywhere" it at least had been already kind of set up
>>131450
Understandable. I should realize that this is Dungeons and Dragons, not City Tourist Simulator 2020™
I have an important paper to write regardless so it's probably best I don't play for the next few days.
Understandable. I should realize that this is Dungeons and Dragons, not City Tourist Simulator 2020™
I have an important paper to write regardless so it's probably best I don't play for the next few days.
>>131454
"Well, we'll see if he thinks any differently. This is an important part of the dig, and it belongs to the World as a collective part of its history. I know where I stand, as the second-most senior faculty member present, but he has final say. I doubt he'll think any differently."
He looks around, though his target is a bit unclear
"Come, ponies."
Faucet jumps out into the light, her long, wrapped tail behind her. Feather Duster turns and starts his own way a couple seconds later
"Well, we'll see if he thinks any differently. This is an important part of the dig, and it belongs to the World as a collective part of its history. I know where I stand, as the second-most senior faculty member present, but he has final say. I doubt he'll think any differently."
He looks around, though his target is a bit unclear
"Come, ponies."
Faucet jumps out into the light, her long, wrapped tail behind her. Feather Duster turns and starts his own way a couple seconds later
>>131455
Silver goes up to him once he arrives.
"I believe I have found something that would serve as compensation."
Silver goes up to him once he arrives.
"I believe I have found something that would serve as compensation."
>>131456
Peer Review is looking down at, of course, the letters, along with Loans, who is right next to him. Grant walks up with determination, while Faucet slinks behind him, and Feather Duster walks up with a smile on his face. Mala trails behind Silver, walking beside and behind Silver in a "blind spot" just beyond his peripheral vision
Peer Review looks up at Silver, through his glasses
"What do you mean?"
Grant speaks
"We found a sword. Very ornate, rather rare, belonging to the Order of Saint George, I think it was, though Dr. Faucet could tell you more. This pony here wants to take it. As a weapon, apparently."
Peer Review is looking down at, of course, the letters, along with Loans, who is right next to him. Grant walks up with determination, while Faucet slinks behind him, and Feather Duster walks up with a smile on his face. Mala trails behind Silver, walking beside and behind Silver in a "blind spot" just beyond his peripheral vision
Peer Review looks up at Silver, through his glasses
"What do you mean?"
Grant speaks
"We found a sword. Very ornate, rather rare, belonging to the Order of Saint George, I think it was, though Dr. Faucet could tell you more. This pony here wants to take it. As a weapon, apparently."
>>131457
Silver nods.
"It is not sword designed to be put up on display, but rather to protect others. And I am one of few people who know how to properly wield it."
Silver nods.
"It is not sword designed to be put up on display, but rather to protect others. And I am one of few people who know how to properly wield it."
>>131458
Peer Review Answers
"Mr.... Silver? Did you say your name was? All pieces of a dig site are clues to what happened before. They are like puzzle pieces to the past, and it's harder to tell what was there without them. They are not simple tools. I assure you there are plenty of those out there."
Peer Review Answers
"Mr.... Silver? Did you say your name was? All pieces of a dig site are clues to what happened before. They are like puzzle pieces to the past, and it's harder to tell what was there without them. They are not simple tools. I assure you there are plenty of those out there."
>>131459
Silver looks between them both.
"...so, you would both place putting it on display like trinket over having it be used as it was intended to protect innocent lives?"
Silver looks between them both.
"...so, you would both place putting it on display like trinket over having it be used as it was intended to protect innocent lives?"
>>131460
Peer Review
"There are weapons of war produced everyday, and en masse. What they are not making are more of are relics like these. Putting them on display would serve well to illustrate to the creatures of the world that the horrors of the present are not unique to our age, but were endemic in the Monarchist, older era just as surely. Lest they think the past should be any guide to our future."
Peer Review
"There are weapons of war produced everyday, and en masse. What they are not making are more of are relics like these. Putting them on display would serve well to illustrate to the creatures of the world that the horrors of the present are not unique to our age, but were endemic in the Monarchist, older era just as surely. Lest they think the past should be any guide to our future."
[1d20-1 = 11]
>>131461
Silver closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and looks again at Peer Review while trying to be as persuasive as he can.
Diplomacy: "You said you do not get much money for your work, yes? And before you were sidetracked to here, your group was to explore Tenochitlan? Perhaps we can come to agreement. I can give you extra Bits to fund this expedition in exchange for you letting me have sword unmolested. With those Bits, you could find far more artifacts of significantly more historical value than this sword."
>>131461
Silver closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and looks again at Peer Review while trying to be as persuasive as he can.
Diplomacy: "You said you do not get much money for your work, yes? And before you were sidetracked to here, your group was to explore Tenochitlan? Perhaps we can come to agreement. I can give you extra Bits to fund this expedition in exchange for you letting me have sword unmolested. With those Bits, you could find far more artifacts of significantly more historical value than this sword."
>>131462
He moves his eyebrows together
"We do not sell artifacts, they are donated to museums, remain at the university for study, or other similar fates. Donations are appreciated, to be sure, but we can't sell artifacts."
He moves his eyebrows together
"We do not sell artifacts, they are donated to museums, remain at the university for study, or other similar fates. Donations are appreciated, to be sure, but we can't sell artifacts."
>>131464
"I was just presented with this... quandary. I don't know exactly what this thing is, I couldn't even guess it's worth if it were ever sold, but I suspect this is a find from this area. And I wish to maintain the integrity of the site as far as possible"
"I was just presented with this... quandary. I don't know exactly what this thing is, I couldn't even guess it's worth if it were ever sold, but I suspect this is a find from this area. And I wish to maintain the integrity of the site as far as possible"
>>131465
"Even though you owe me for willingly providing letters to you that spell out entire history of this location, letters I risked life and limb for to acquire, without which you never would have discovered anything about site's history?"
"Even though you owe me for willingly providing letters to you that spell out entire history of this location, letters I risked life and limb for to acquire, without which you never would have discovered anything about site's history?"
>>131466
Peer Review:
"Well... I wouldn't, I wouldn't, I wouldn't say it like that, no, we could certainly find - What is it you want, exactly?"
Peer Review:
"Well... I wouldn't, I wouldn't, I wouldn't say it like that, no, we could certainly find - What is it you want, exactly?"
>>131467
Silver mutters something under his breath that to a keen listener sounds like an apology before looking at Peer Review with stern eyes.
"I want compensated for my work, like any other employee or contractor. And if I cannot have compensation, then I do not see why you are entitled to fruit of my labor."
Silver mutters something under his breath that to a keen listener sounds like an apology before looking at Peer Review with stern eyes.
"I want compensated for my work, like any other employee or contractor. And if I cannot have compensation, then I do not see why you are entitled to fruit of my labor."
>>131468
Pear Faucet mumbles something herself, while Mala, Feather Duster, and Mr. Loans listen. Dr. Grant looks as if he wishes to join the discussion, but does not interrupt.
Peer Review looks back
"Well... I would implore you to think of the common good in brining this pieces of history to light."
Pear Faucet mumbles something herself, while Mala, Feather Duster, and Mr. Loans listen. Dr. Grant looks as if he wishes to join the discussion, but does not interrupt.
Peer Review looks back
"Well... I would implore you to think of the common good in brining this pieces of history to light."
>>131469
"And I would implore you to consider that this is my livelihood. Do you ask taxi driver to give you ride and then not pay him 'for common good'? Do you stay at hotel and not pay owner 'for common good'? Is it in interest of common good to deny hard working pony compensation they deserve for work they do?"
"And I would implore you to consider that this is my livelihood. Do you ask taxi driver to give you ride and then not pay him 'for common good'? Do you stay at hotel and not pay owner 'for common good'? Is it in interest of common good to deny hard working pony compensation they deserve for work they do?"
>>131470
He blinks, and has a very serious expression. Grant drags his right forehoof along the ground. Feather Duster has a wide smile, Mr Loans winces moves his head about uneasily, Mala comes forward next to Silver, and Pear hangs back silently.
Peer Review:
"What is your bargain?"
He blinks, and has a very serious expression. Grant drags his right forehoof along the ground. Feather Duster has a wide smile, Mr Loans winces moves his head about uneasily, Mala comes forward next to Silver, and Pear hangs back silently.
Peer Review:
"What is your bargain?"
>>131470
Silver matches his expression, and trots forward to the table to be within reach of the letters.
"When I trot away from here, it will either be with sword, or it will be with letters. It is your choice, I can offer to give these letters to Tall Sails Company in exchange for payment should you so choose."
Silver matches his expression, and trots forward to the table to be within reach of the letters.
"When I trot away from here, it will either be with sword, or it will be with letters. It is your choice, I can offer to give these letters to Tall Sails Company in exchange for payment should you so choose."
>>131472
"Alright. Fine. We surrender any claim we may have to that shinny sword. That doesn't necessarily make it yours, because if it actually belongs to the Equestrian Church, or to the Successors of the Equestrian Monarchy, we can do nothing about that. But leaving these letters with us would go a great way to deciphering the history of this region."
Grant:
"You can't leave it! That's part of the site"
Peer Review raises a foreleg, and a hoof, in the direction of Dr. Grant. After a moment, Dr. Grant stops, and stops talking. After a brief glance to Grant, Peer Review returns to staring at Silver. His hoof goes down with an almost slam on top of the letters. Mala's ears go up, and he moves further forward, besides Silver. This seems to concern Mr. Loans, who moves back half a step, though a table remains between Mala and Silver and Peer Review and Loans.
"Alright. Fine. We surrender any claim we may have to that shinny sword. That doesn't necessarily make it yours, because if it actually belongs to the Equestrian Church, or to the Successors of the Equestrian Monarchy, we can do nothing about that. But leaving these letters with us would go a great way to deciphering the history of this region."
Grant:
"You can't leave it! That's part of the site"
Peer Review raises a foreleg, and a hoof, in the direction of Dr. Grant. After a moment, Dr. Grant stops, and stops talking. After a brief glance to Grant, Peer Review returns to staring at Silver. His hoof goes down with an almost slam on top of the letters. Mala's ears go up, and he moves further forward, besides Silver. This seems to concern Mr. Loans, who moves back half a step, though a table remains between Mala and Silver and Peer Review and Loans.
>>131473
Silver places a foreleg in front of Mala to keep him back, looks to Peer Review, and gives him a single, firm nod.
"Very well. I am glad we have come to understanding, and I hope you have good day."
He turns to leave the tent with the sword in his possession, motioning for Mala to follow. Pear Faucet sees him flash a brief, remorseful, apologetic look in her direction before he returns to looking forward sternly as he exits.
Silver places a foreleg in front of Mala to keep him back, looks to Peer Review, and gives him a single, firm nod.
"Very well. I am glad we have come to understanding, and I hope you have good day."
He turns to leave the tent with the sword in his possession, motioning for Mala to follow. Pear Faucet sees him flash a brief, remorseful, apologetic look in her direction before he returns to looking forward sternly as he exits.
>>131474
"And to you too" Peer Review says
And so, Silver walks away with the Saint George's Greatsword, but without the letters. Mala rushes to follow him, then evidently stops and turns around, then comes back following Silver.
"And to you too" Peer Review says
And so, Silver walks away with the Saint George's Greatsword, but without the letters. Mala rushes to follow him, then evidently stops and turns around, then comes back following Silver.
>>131475
Silver remains like he is until they leave the site of the quarry. There on the road out of the area, Mala sees him stop in front of him, shake a little, put a hoof to his forehead, and faint.
Silver remains like he is until they leave the site of the quarry. There on the road out of the area, Mala sees him stop in front of him, shake a little, put a hoof to his forehead, and faint.
>>131479
"Wha...yes, yes, I am fine, just...help me up, please."
He holds a hoof up to request assistance.
"Wha...yes, yes, I am fine, just...help me up, please."
He holds a hoof up to request assistance.
>>131480
Mala extends a paw to help Silver, and Silver can feel the soft pads, fluffy top, and trimmed nails. He pulls up Silver with what seems like little effort.
Mala extends a paw to help Silver, and Silver can feel the soft pads, fluffy top, and trimmed nails. He pulls up Silver with what seems like little effort.
>>131481
He steadies himself against Mala's body for a short time after getting up. He looks gratefully.
"I am sorry, I just have not been like that since before I retired."
He levitates the sword he acquired before the pair.
"But...it was worth it."
He steadies himself against Mala's body for a short time after getting up. He looks gratefully.
"I am sorry, I just have not been like that since before I retired."
He levitates the sword he acquired before the pair.
"But...it was worth it."
>>131482
"That is a nice sword" Mala says, looking at it, before diverting his eyes away. "You didn't even have to fight them over it." Then he turns his head "What do you mean you haven't 'been like that'?"
"That is a nice sword" Mala says, looking at it, before diverting his eyes away. "You didn't even have to fight them over it." Then he turns his head "What do you mean you haven't 'been like that'?"
>>131483
"As adventurer...there will be times when you will encounter person who will be unreasonable, or who just otherwise tries to take advantage of you when you request compensation. When that happens, you put your hoof down - or paw, in your case - even if it means not following tenants of Harmony by being selfish or unkind. I just have not been like that since I retired from adventuring, I had almost forgotten about it."
He smiles at Mala.
"I suppose since I have come out of retirement, I will have to relearn it, yes?"
"As adventurer...there will be times when you will encounter person who will be unreasonable, or who just otherwise tries to take advantage of you when you request compensation. When that happens, you put your hoof down - or paw, in your case - even if it means not following tenants of Harmony by being selfish or unkind. I just have not been like that since I retired from adventuring, I had almost forgotten about it."
He smiles at Mala.
"I suppose since I have come out of retirement, I will have to relearn it, yes?"
>>131484
"Those ponies, the black-winged one had a small rake and a gardening shovel, but none of them had any guns, any machettes, or any other weapons I could see. It looks like we could have taken these things. I hope I did my part in intimidating them."
He kind of smiles back
"I like that about you. You are old, but you choose to live a second life, like you are young again. Many creatures do not even get to live a first life, when they are young. They are denied. But you take a second one."
"Those ponies, the black-winged one had a small rake and a gardening shovel, but none of them had any guns, any machettes, or any other weapons I could see. It looks like we could have taken these things. I hope I did my part in intimidating them."
He kind of smiles back
"I like that about you. You are old, but you choose to live a second life, like you are young again. Many creatures do not even get to live a first life, when they are young. They are denied. But you take a second one."
>>131485
"Hmm, perhaps we could have. But there are ways to get what you want without violence, as you saw."
He pets Mala around the ears.
"Hmm, perhaps we could have. But there are ways to get what you want without violence, as you saw."
He pets Mala around the ears.
>>131486
Mala smiles and closes his eyes, as Silver pets around Mala's diamond shaped ears
"Like the threat of violence?"
Mala smiles and closes his eyes, as Silver pets around Mala's diamond shaped ears
"Like the threat of violence?"
>>131487
"Not exactly. Threats only have power when backed by promise of action. It is more by leveraging what other party wants against what you want that I refer to. If they will not provide what you want, then you will not provide what they want. It is simple as that. Peer Review wanted letters, and I wanted sword."
"Not exactly. Threats only have power when backed by promise of action. It is more by leveraging what other party wants against what you want that I refer to. If they will not provide what you want, then you will not provide what they want. It is simple as that. Peer Review wanted letters, and I wanted sword."
>>131488
"Well, I'm not particularly smart, or likeable, or strong willed, so I'll let you deal with that. But ponies are afraid of me, and I really can crack bone if you need me too. So I am here if you need any of that"
He sits down
"Well, I'm not particularly smart, or likeable, or strong willed, so I'll let you deal with that. But ponies are afraid of me, and I really can crack bone if you need me too. So I am here if you need any of that"
He sits down
>>131489
He chuckles and smiles at him.
"I am not so smart myself, but I appreciate that, Mala. I am glad to have you with me."
He seems to stop and think for a moment before he takes his own sheathed greatsword off of his body. He looks down at it.
"This sword was forged by my father when I turned 18 and decided to leave to become adventurer. He gave it to me, to start me off well on my new life, and I have had it ever since."
He looks up at Mala, and holds his greatsword out to him.
"And now...I want you to have it, to start you off well on your own new life as adventurer."
He chuckles and smiles at him.
"I am not so smart myself, but I appreciate that, Mala. I am glad to have you with me."
He seems to stop and think for a moment before he takes his own sheathed greatsword off of his body. He looks down at it.
"This sword was forged by my father when I turned 18 and decided to leave to become adventurer. He gave it to me, to start me off well on my new life, and I have had it ever since."
He looks up at Mala, and holds his greatsword out to him.
"And now...I want you to have it, to start you off well on your own new life as adventurer."
>>131490
He opens his jaw partly, showing his array of sharp and jagged teeth. His eyes grow big, not that it's easy to see through his pupils. His ears turn and lock onto Silver
"You really mean it?"
He opens his jaw partly, showing his array of sharp and jagged teeth. His eyes grow big, not that it's easy to see through his pupils. His ears turn and lock onto Silver
"You really mean it?"
>>131493
Silver smiles, and lets Mala take the sword.
"I can also show you how to wield this sword sometime, if you ever decided to use it."
Silver smiles, and lets Mala take the sword.
"I can also show you how to wield this sword sometime, if you ever decided to use it."
>>131494
He removes the sword from his mouth, and places it in a holding position in his paw
"I think I got this"
He reaches for his belt with his mouth, and pulls out a mouth guard, which he awkwardly moves around in his mouth. Then he takes the great sword, places it in his mouth, and swings it around, and stabs it in a few moves. It seems he has at least some familiarity with how to use swords, even if the larger sized sword is newer to him
He removes the sword from his mouth, and places it in a holding position in his paw
"I think I got this"
He reaches for his belt with his mouth, and pulls out a mouth guard, which he awkwardly moves around in his mouth. Then he takes the great sword, places it in his mouth, and swings it around, and stabs it in a few moves. It seems he has at least some familiarity with how to use swords, even if the larger sized sword is newer to him
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>>131500
Been reading about planes and am lowkey obsessed with planewalking. I played a campaign of Conquest of Elysium 4 dedicated to exploring the different planes, though I couldn't reach the Elemental Planes as infantry and elemental units (only ones Warlocks can make) are nigh-useless at fighting earth gateways.
Been reading about planes and am lowkey obsessed with planewalking. I played a campaign of Conquest of Elysium 4 dedicated to exploring the different planes, though I couldn't reach the Elemental Planes as infantry and elemental units (only ones Warlocks can make) are nigh-useless at fighting earth gateways.
>>131501
I am extremely reticent to show anything other than the direct material plane, and I think I should justify that hesitation.
It links into my theory on fantasy and magic and a common failing of the fantasy and sci fi genres. To me, an experience or a part of the world needs to fall into one of two categories, or else be boring and uninteresting. The first is that portion of the mundane world that can be studied by the natural sciences and thus comprehended by human reason. There's a beauty to the logic of it. The other is those experiences that are so far beyond the natural that they can be called mystical, and incite emotions of awe or terror as they defy human comprehension. Outside of these two extremes, experiences become familiar and mundane while not having a logical substance to it that the brain can ruminate on. This is my problem with many depictions of magic and fantasy. Often, the point of view character is familiar with the magic and [workings of the world, and thus cannot and will not react with the wonder or terror that a human of our world would, while the same magic and workings are obscure to the reader and thus do not allow the leader to understand and appreciate the intimacies of the internal logic on a rational level. If the workings of the world are unfamiliar to both the point of view character and the reader, the reader and character may both respond with awe or terror. If the workings of the world are well understood by the reader, regardless of the character's understanding, then there is an opportunity for the reader to rationally appreciate the internal workings of the world and their beauty. Outside of maybe comedy and dramatic reveals, I think it is only a downside for the point of view character to know significantly more about the world than the reader.
I honestly and sincerely believe that mystery and ambiguity are better than firm answers, especially when it comes to metaphysics and religion. The moment you have answers to this, you've stripped them of their wonder and elegance.
Another issue is that one of the themes of the campaign is or at least it really should be the diversity of competing ideologies.These different ideologies have different metaphysics, be they materialist, idealist, or anti-realist. There are also very different forms of religion, some pantheistic and mystical, some theistic, dualistic, and rational, and some are atheistic and materialistic. To definitively show 'actually, this one theory of the world is correct and everyone else is just wrong' would be to completely miss the point and undermine the theme. Sure, there are some events - like the appearance of Maar or Windigos - but they at least should admit of multiple interpretations, not definitively proving or disproving ideologies.
Having said all of that - all of it - I guess there might be some circumstances that I would be okay with plane walking. There is an H.P. Lovecraft short story that features a character finding and exploring a dimension accessible through a mirror, and two of my quests thus far have been adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft stories. But it's hard for me to justify the characters already knowing a considerable amount about the planes before encountering them.
I feel like I didn't say very much of that well... Most of my background is in various forms of non-fiction. In college I was a philosophy major, and much of my reading has been history or philosophy. In so far as I read fiction, it's mostly horror. The rule in horror is 'don't show the monster.' So I feel more comfortable obeying the rules of horror and non-fiction writing than even what is normal in fantasy or sci-fi. I am certainly willing to listen to anything you'd like to say
I am extremely reticent to show anything other than the direct material plane, and I think I should justify that hesitation.
It links into my theory on fantasy and magic and a common failing of the fantasy and sci fi genres. To me, an experience or a part of the world needs to fall into one of two categories, or else be boring and uninteresting. The first is that portion of the mundane world that can be studied by the natural sciences and thus comprehended by human reason. There's a beauty to the logic of it. The other is those experiences that are so far beyond the natural that they can be called mystical, and incite emotions of awe or terror as they defy human comprehension. Outside of these two extremes, experiences become familiar and mundane while not having a logical substance to it that the brain can ruminate on. This is my problem with many depictions of magic and fantasy. Often, the point of view character is familiar with the magic and [workings of the world, and thus cannot and will not react with the wonder or terror that a human of our world would, while the same magic and workings are obscure to the reader and thus do not allow the leader to understand and appreciate the intimacies of the internal logic on a rational level. If the workings of the world are unfamiliar to both the point of view character and the reader, the reader and character may both respond with awe or terror. If the workings of the world are well understood by the reader, regardless of the character's understanding, then there is an opportunity for the reader to rationally appreciate the internal workings of the world and their beauty. Outside of maybe comedy and dramatic reveals, I think it is only a downside for the point of view character to know significantly more about the world than the reader.
I honestly and sincerely believe that mystery and ambiguity are better than firm answers, especially when it comes to metaphysics and religion. The moment you have answers to this, you've stripped them of their wonder and elegance.
Another issue is that one of the themes of the campaign is or at least it really should be the diversity of competing ideologies.These different ideologies have different metaphysics, be they materialist, idealist, or anti-realist. There are also very different forms of religion, some pantheistic and mystical, some theistic, dualistic, and rational, and some are atheistic and materialistic. To definitively show 'actually, this one theory of the world is correct and everyone else is just wrong' would be to completely miss the point and undermine the theme. Sure, there are some events - like the appearance of Maar or Windigos - but they at least should admit of multiple interpretations, not definitively proving or disproving ideologies.
Having said all of that - all of it - I guess there might be some circumstances that I would be okay with plane walking. There is an H.P. Lovecraft short story that features a character finding and exploring a dimension accessible through a mirror, and two of my quests thus far have been adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft stories. But it's hard for me to justify the characters already knowing a considerable amount about the planes before encountering them.
I feel like I didn't say very much of that well... Most of my background is in various forms of non-fiction. In college I was a philosophy major, and much of my reading has been history or philosophy. In so far as I read fiction, it's mostly horror. The rule in horror is 'don't show the monster.' So I feel more comfortable obeying the rules of horror and non-fiction writing than even what is normal in fantasy or sci-fi. I am certainly willing to listen to anything you'd like to say
>>131502
I understand completely. My question was half-serious if only that though I would be interested in a planewalking campaign at some point (though clearly it doesn't fit into this one).
I did a small wiki-walk the other day from demilich>Acererak>atropal>Negative Energy plane>the "Inner Planes." I've always been a fan of the bizarre and was impressed at how the elemental cosmology of Forgotten Realms can be elegantly depicted as a sphere. It's also nice how the more esoteric/bizarre planes give a basic guide of what to expect but leave it open-ended for the DM to weave a story.
Not sure if it's true or not but it seems like philosophy majors and "right-brain" thinkers favor H.P. Lovecraft's work, which makes sense. Interestingly enough Conquest of Elysium homages him with the "Cultist" class and an entire plane.
I understand completely. My question was half-serious if only that though I would be interested in a planewalking campaign at some point (though clearly it doesn't fit into this one).
I did a small wiki-walk the other day from demilich>Acererak>atropal>Negative Energy plane>the "Inner Planes." I've always been a fan of the bizarre and was impressed at how the elemental cosmology of Forgotten Realms can be elegantly depicted as a sphere. It's also nice how the more esoteric/bizarre planes give a basic guide of what to expect but leave it open-ended for the DM to weave a story.
Not sure if it's true or not but it seems like philosophy majors and "right-brain" thinkers favor H.P. Lovecraft's work, which makes sense. Interestingly enough Conquest of Elysium homages him with the "Cultist" class and an entire plane.
File (): A27FA7C9772D8EC5BFA35C2AC5BFF122-788435.png (770.0 KB, 1280x543, ghostapples.png)
>>131503
Just to be very clear, I am not saying that there could be no planes nor plane walking, only that whatever planes may be are not going to be well understood by society, a significant portion of it, or by the player characters. If it wasn't obvious, I've been going for a kind of Aristotelian cosmological model, or at least that is what is accepted. My Little Pony has mirrors that go to alternative dimensions as a part of its cannon, and there is an H.P. Lovecraft short that centers on a mirror that accesses an alternate plane. I can imagine how such a thing can be fit into the story, it's just that if there will be anything like pane walking, the experience will be more like the data log of a D-class in an SCP entry than a conventional high fantasy
Just to be very clear, I am not saying that there could be no planes nor plane walking, only that whatever planes may be are not going to be well understood by society, a significant portion of it, or by the player characters. If it wasn't obvious, I've been going for a kind of Aristotelian cosmological model, or at least that is what is accepted. My Little Pony has mirrors that go to alternative dimensions as a part of its cannon, and there is an H.P. Lovecraft short that centers on a mirror that accesses an alternate plane. I can imagine how such a thing can be fit into the story, it's just that if there will be anything like pane walking, the experience will be more like the data log of a D-class in an SCP entry than a conventional high fantasy
>>131495
Silver nods at the display.
"Indeed you do. Still, it never hurts to learn more, and if you ever dicide you want to, I would be honored."
Silver nods at the display.
"Indeed you do. Still, it never hurts to learn more, and if you ever dicide you want to, I would be honored."
>>131513
Mala turns his head, and looks at Silver with his big, brown-black eyes.
"Thmmh nimmh" he mumbles. Then he turns his head back, and practices thrusting the sword, stabbing the air in repeated maneuvers.
Looking back to Silver's new sword, he might see the branching rays of the four point sun, or any of several other symbols engraved on the sword's ricasso, between the forward quillon and the crossguard. Perhaps they are the symbols of the sword's makers, of families and ponies who owned the sword, or of certain monasteries in any case, Pear either couldn't or just didn't explain them. The blade of the sword is close to pristine, almost worryingly so, until a very close examination reveals a few small nicks on the edge and top of the blade. On the handle, Silver can see that the hilt is covered in a decaying leather, and for the first time, silver can see rust underneath this layer. There is no pommel on the end, but rather a leather cover over what seems to be a screw for a pommel. Silver still has no proper way to carry it.
Mala turns his head, and looks at Silver with his big, brown-black eyes.
"Thmmh nimmh" he mumbles. Then he turns his head back, and practices thrusting the sword, stabbing the air in repeated maneuvers.
Looking back to Silver's new sword, he might see the branching rays of the four point sun, or any of several other symbols engraved on the sword's ricasso, between the forward quillon and the crossguard. Perhaps they are the symbols of the sword's makers, of families and ponies who owned the sword, or of certain monasteries in any case, Pear either couldn't or just didn't explain them. The blade of the sword is close to pristine, almost worryingly so, until a very close examination reveals a few small nicks on the edge and top of the blade. On the handle, Silver can see that the hilt is covered in a decaying leather, and for the first time, silver can see rust underneath this layer. There is no pommel on the end, but rather a leather cover over what seems to be a screw for a pommel. Silver still has no proper way to carry it.
>>131514
He holds it across his back with his magic in liu of a way to carry it. He decides he needs to find a blacksmith soon to finish restoring the sword and find a way to carry it.
He holds it across his back with his magic in liu of a way to carry it. He decides he needs to find a blacksmith soon to finish restoring the sword and find a way to carry it.
>>131406
Trotting into the Northeast, Amber is once again in a very different kind of area. There's a section of land in an almost "L" shape that moves east, then south nearer the coastline, consisting of factories, manufactories, warehouses, mills, and other such industrial facilities built around a rail-line. Though factories are not often marked, small signs show an aircraft landing gear factory, a factory making truck parts, a textile mill that finishes uniforms, and another making parachutes. At the corner of the "L" is what appears to be some sort of oil refinery or chemical plant. Many of the factories have high fences, even barbed wire around them, and some have green uniformed guards that look like soldiers. Amber has seen these sorts of guards before, around a few prominent buildings in the city center, and they seem more common here. Not all of the factories have smoke stacks or cooling towers, but those that do are certainly making use of them, as the factories abound with activity and sounds.
By the water are a few clusters of docks and piers with warehouses beyond, though segments of the water have other buildings by them, which appear to involve fishing, and even a much older colonial style mansion on the waterfront. The northern most section of piers is roped off. The sections nearest the waterfront have the least consistency with the grid pattern, with some roads crossing diagonally, and more space between roads. In some instances this seems to be related to the larger plots used by industrial sites, and in some instances - especially the diagonal roadways - it is an inexplicable part of the city planning.
Shops congregate in a band around the city center, though they are often scattered throughout. Some are strange and almost mysterious, some are run down, some are abandoned, and some look just as proper as the ones in west town. Many are beneath larger buildings or are attached in rows, but especially towards the north and closer to the water there are more free standing buildings and shops. One building that stands out is the regional offices of the Dominion Mining Company, a twenty story beige brick office building with narrow, tall windows. It's not particularly aesthetically pleasing or tall, even by the standards of Baltimare, but it stands out as one of the few, or the only, high rises in this section of the town, well east of the center. There are a few more tall buildings, in particular what seems to be a shot tower stands out, looking almost like a castle's tower. The red brick tower is well over a hundred feet tall, and closer to the south of the city.
Residences are mostly overwhelmingly multifamily apartment buildings in blocks. Never more than five stories in height, these black, grey, brown and red tenement buildings are close to together and sometimes have external fire escapes, though that doesn't seem to be universal. Whereas the industrial buildings are mostly in functioning condition, or seem to be at least, residences display more signs of damage, with boarded up windows, shattered windows, and collapsed roofs being far from rare. Further north are more rowhouses and single family residences, though there are some near the center randomly placed, that seem to be of a much older design.
There is no parrallel to the neo-gothic cathedral of Saint Eligius in this area of the city, though there are many places of worship. Some have brick and stone with towers of the celestial design, some are similarly tall but more plain. Some are round in shape but clearly adorned with celestialist symbols, and still some others, mostly of a round design. Multiple distinct sects of the celestialist faith seem to be represented, and several religions having no origin in Equestria as well. There are several government buildings like a firestation with an automotive engine, a police post, and several school houses, which are mostly multi-story brick buildings of a design from the last century Amber has seen before.
This is an area with a very large number of non-ponies. Griffins are probably the single largest group of non-ponies, but diamond dogs and zebras are not far behind, with a few Kirin and even other groups like large, bipedal cats. Ponies are a narrow majority, but some seem to be ethnically distinct from the Equestrians Amber knows, and some speak in foreign languages or strange dialects as she passes. There are a couple ponies by themselves mumbling, or even shouting to no one at corners. Creatures here seem poorer than in the west, even when of the same race as their counterparts, but mostly they are still working class, with the attire generally being a little more functional.
>>131518
The sword is very big, and even when carried across his back diagonally sort of extends over. Its center of balance is around the ricasso, and the cross guard is very large, itself covered in that decaying leather.
Trotting into the Northeast, Amber is once again in a very different kind of area. There's a section of land in an almost "L" shape that moves east, then south nearer the coastline, consisting of factories, manufactories, warehouses, mills, and other such industrial facilities built around a rail-line. Though factories are not often marked, small signs show an aircraft landing gear factory, a factory making truck parts, a textile mill that finishes uniforms, and another making parachutes. At the corner of the "L" is what appears to be some sort of oil refinery or chemical plant. Many of the factories have high fences, even barbed wire around them, and some have green uniformed guards that look like soldiers. Amber has seen these sorts of guards before, around a few prominent buildings in the city center, and they seem more common here. Not all of the factories have smoke stacks or cooling towers, but those that do are certainly making use of them, as the factories abound with activity and sounds.
By the water are a few clusters of docks and piers with warehouses beyond, though segments of the water have other buildings by them, which appear to involve fishing, and even a much older colonial style mansion on the waterfront. The northern most section of piers is roped off. The sections nearest the waterfront have the least consistency with the grid pattern, with some roads crossing diagonally, and more space between roads. In some instances this seems to be related to the larger plots used by industrial sites, and in some instances - especially the diagonal roadways - it is an inexplicable part of the city planning.
Shops congregate in a band around the city center, though they are often scattered throughout. Some are strange and almost mysterious, some are run down, some are abandoned, and some look just as proper as the ones in west town. Many are beneath larger buildings or are attached in rows, but especially towards the north and closer to the water there are more free standing buildings and shops. One building that stands out is the regional offices of the Dominion Mining Company, a twenty story beige brick office building with narrow, tall windows. It's not particularly aesthetically pleasing or tall, even by the standards of Baltimare, but it stands out as one of the few, or the only, high rises in this section of the town, well east of the center. There are a few more tall buildings, in particular what seems to be a shot tower stands out, looking almost like a castle's tower. The red brick tower is well over a hundred feet tall, and closer to the south of the city.
Residences are mostly overwhelmingly multifamily apartment buildings in blocks. Never more than five stories in height, these black, grey, brown and red tenement buildings are close to together and sometimes have external fire escapes, though that doesn't seem to be universal. Whereas the industrial buildings are mostly in functioning condition, or seem to be at least, residences display more signs of damage, with boarded up windows, shattered windows, and collapsed roofs being far from rare. Further north are more rowhouses and single family residences, though there are some near the center randomly placed, that seem to be of a much older design.
There is no parrallel to the neo-gothic cathedral of Saint Eligius in this area of the city, though there are many places of worship. Some have brick and stone with towers of the celestial design, some are similarly tall but more plain. Some are round in shape but clearly adorned with celestialist symbols, and still some others, mostly of a round design. Multiple distinct sects of the celestialist faith seem to be represented, and several religions having no origin in Equestria as well. There are several government buildings like a firestation with an automotive engine, a police post, and several school houses, which are mostly multi-story brick buildings of a design from the last century Amber has seen before.
This is an area with a very large number of non-ponies. Griffins are probably the single largest group of non-ponies, but diamond dogs and zebras are not far behind, with a few Kirin and even other groups like large, bipedal cats. Ponies are a narrow majority, but some seem to be ethnically distinct from the Equestrians Amber knows, and some speak in foreign languages or strange dialects as she passes. There are a couple ponies by themselves mumbling, or even shouting to no one at corners. Creatures here seem poorer than in the west, even when of the same race as their counterparts, but mostly they are still working class, with the attire generally being a little more functional.
>>131518
The sword is very big, and even when carried across his back diagonally sort of extends over. Its center of balance is around the ricasso, and the cross guard is very large, itself covered in that decaying leather.
>>131519
Something to take care of later. First things first, he needs to go to a store and buy some rope.
Something to take care of later. First things first, he needs to go to a store and buy some rope.
>>131525
Popping into the first store produces no such luck, but Silver comes across a free standing store that seems to have some agricultural supplies. The stallion - a black maned hornless pony with glasses and sharp blue eyes looks with concern at the stallion with an oversized sword across his back, and an equally well armed hyena. He says nothing, but has a wincing expression with his teeth, eyes locked on the creatures as they approach.
Popping into the first store produces no such luck, but Silver comes across a free standing store that seems to have some agricultural supplies. The stallion - a black maned hornless pony with glasses and sharp blue eyes looks with concern at the stallion with an oversized sword across his back, and an equally well armed hyena. He says nothing, but has a wincing expression with his teeth, eyes locked on the creatures as they approach.
>>131526
He looks at the shopkeerer first confused, then sheepish as he realizes what's wrong.
"Oh! My apologies, friend, I have not yet found way to sheath sword, yet. I was just looking for some rope."
He looks at the shopkeerer first confused, then sheepish as he realizes what's wrong.
"Oh! My apologies, friend, I have not yet found way to sheath sword, yet. I was just looking for some rope."
>>131527
He blinks, and his eyes return to their wide open stance. He moves a hoof up
"By the wall, closer to the back" he says, motioning his hoof in that direction
He blinks, and his eyes return to their wide open stance. He moves a hoof up
"By the wall, closer to the back" he says, motioning his hoof in that direction
>>131528
"Ah, thank you!"
He goes to the directed area, speaking to Mala quietly once they get there.
"You remember what we did with Maakie, yes?"
"Ah, thank you!"
He goes to the directed area, speaking to Mala quietly once they get there.
"You remember what we did with Maakie, yes?"
>>131530
"I was going to pull him back out, and turn him into authorities for reward. I think he has has been down there long enough."
"I was going to pull him back out, and turn him into authorities for reward. I think he has has been down there long enough."
>>131534
After a couple seconds of silence, Silver places a hoof on Mala's shoulder.
"I promised you I would get you amnesty. I intend to keep that promise."
After a couple seconds of silence, Silver places a hoof on Mala's shoulder.
"I promised you I would get you amnesty. I intend to keep that promise."
>>131536
He pets Mala a little, since his head is so exposed.
"You do not have to come along if you do not want to."
He pets Mala a little, since his head is so exposed.
"You do not have to come along if you do not want to."
>>131537
He closes his eyes, and seems to smile as his head is pet.
"I think I should come. You may need help securing or carrying him."
He closes his eyes, and seems to smile as his head is pet.
"I think I should come. You may need help securing or carrying him."
>>131538
He smiles at his reaction.
"Alright, it is your choice."
He gets some strong rope, pays for it, and heads for 33 Hoebuck with Mala.
He smiles at his reaction.
"Alright, it is your choice."
He gets some strong rope, pays for it, and heads for 33 Hoebuck with Mala.
>>131539
It only costs a few bits. The stallion at the counter doesn't say anything, but rather watches the pair.
Silver and Mala are quite a ways north and a little west of 33 Hoebuck; it's a nice, long walk back down.
It only costs a few bits. The stallion at the counter doesn't say anything, but rather watches the pair.
Silver and Mala are quite a ways north and a little west of 33 Hoebuck; it's a nice, long walk back down.
>>131541
A taxi is certainly possible, even if taxis are less common in the northern town, and the pair are a bit of an awkward, or rather, unsettling sight
A taxi is certainly possible, even if taxis are less common in the northern town, and the pair are a bit of an awkward, or rather, unsettling sight
>>131543
After what seems like a taxi slowing down then driving off, a taxi piloted by a griffin picks them up to take them to 33 Hoebuck
After what seems like a taxi slowing down then driving off, a taxi piloted by a griffin picks them up to take them to 33 Hoebuck
>>131547
Makade looks over intently
Waabashki continues
"I... I can't say. Tradition tells us that the Wetiko arises when a soul is consumed by its on greed, be they Ma'iingan or pony... but the doubles... we've never seen this before. Be cautious, as we are dealing with unknowns."
Makade looks over intently
Waabashki continues
"I... I can't say. Tradition tells us that the Wetiko arises when a soul is consumed by its on greed, be they Ma'iingan or pony... but the doubles... we've never seen this before. Be cautious, as we are dealing with unknowns."
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