New Pegas, A Fallout: New Vegas inspired RP

[Nebel]

@Illiad Easle

Nebel took note of the signs for Stable 11 and was slightly curious as to what life would be like in another stable. But now wasn’t the time for random exploration, perhaps he could venture out to it another time. Nightfall certainly would not turn down that opportunity.

Further down the road, the two come across an abandoned military convoy. Somehow, some of the containers appeared to be unopened. Having brought a few lockpicks with him, Nebel couldn’t resist the urge to see if he could get into any of them. He approaches one of the containers, takes his lockpicks and screwdriver out from his saddlebag, and starts to work on the lock. Nightfall quietly keeps an eye out for any potential trouble so her brother can focus.

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@Props Valroa

On 2023-10-27 at 1:57 PM, Carnelian Clout said:

She had no clue where to go, or who to even seek if she were so inclined to find help. 

The last information she had been given for a potential destination was to head East, which was also directly away from Searchlight, which was good if she wanted to distance herself from danger. She would be able to see the lights of civilization to the south, and if she remembered how Equestria was laid out, she might realize that that was about where Las Pegasus had been. So heading that direction might help her to find purpose. She also hadn't explored the Academic Research Area that she had seen in the East, now North-East from where she was, so if she were heading East anyway, she might as well see if she could find anything.

She wasn't able to find anything of value in the ruins of the farm, it didn't look like those who had lived here were all that well to do before they died, and the fire had claimed everything else.

(You can pick a destination in OOC and I'll give more details.)

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

On 2023-10-27 at 3:10 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" observe on what happens to me okay Otho. Learn from my mistakes."

Otho did not approve of Kuya's actions, but he didn't move to stop him.

Having lived his whole life connected to the magical field, Kuya could be forgiven for not recognizing just how much it had influenced him, and how much he had taken its effect for granted.

As soon as the fine particles entered his body he could feel it's effect, like ice in his blood sapping his energy. His body felt heavy without his earth pony magic to bolster him. The ground beneath his hooves felt... dead, in that he could no longer feel the dormant life and energy within it.

The effect was slow enough in building that he might have taken more than one breath, but even one was enough to cause a lasting effect. [Kuya has anti-magic poisoning, rank 1. Time remaining: 3 Days]

The dust was a strong irritant as well, causing coughing and sneezing.

(I think that qualifies as a major change, let me know in the OOC if you still want to proceed or if something needs clarifying.)

 

@GeneralDirection

Nebel would break three pins in the process, but the fourth one would get the box open, revealing an assortment of Equestrian ammunitions, mostly energy cells but there was a collection of flasks for his spell launcher (3 explosive, 2 incendiary, 1 cryo).

The other boxes in the convoy had already been picked over, so this was all they were getting out of this one.

(If they continue traveling after taking the new ammo, their sights are the same as in my previous post. Let me know in OOC if they take a different path.)

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

It was his first time being exposed to this chemical  which took him by surprise...

He'd then try to shake it off.

" Wooohhhhh..... Im good am good...otho... Lets grab as much as we can of these powders. Just be careful otho."

Proceed collecting.

On 2023-10-28 at 5:10 AM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

quite wise you are. We should do that. But we should make the radius of going around as small as possible. We dont want to take long on going around. Also id like to at least fight one of them... You know? For experience. How many can i fight off. Know their weakness. Their pattern and movements. How they think. And also can you handle fighting it?"

Proceed.

[Nebel]

@Illiad Easle

After three pin breaks, Nebel was feeling worried that he wouldn’t be able to get this lock open after all. He took a moment to put his tools down and take some deep breaths before he grabbed his last pin and went to work on the lock. Thankfully, he got it open, and found an assortment of ammunition inside. Most of it would not be useful to them, but he did find some flasks for his spell launcher, which he placed into his saddlebag. He wasn’t sure if the remainder would have any worth, so he grabbed a small amount of each remaining ammo type and placed those in Nightfall’s saddlebag. Perhaps they might encounter another place to trade things later.

The two unicorns would pass a dried lakebed and a service station, both of which were infested with various baddies that Nebel and Nightfall took great care to sneak past. They also noticed a large glowing tower off in the distance, which caught their attention for a few moments. While it was intriguing, Nebel decided it was in their best interest to stick to the road like they had been told earlier by the NCR soldiers. Much to Nightfall’s annoyance.

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@StrawberryMilk Simp

Otho had already put on a mask to protect himself from breathing in the dust by accident, but would still keep his distance, "Others in the Legion use specialized tools to collect the dust without risking themselves. I won't risk myself getting covered in that stuff, and I'd advise you get some distance before things get any worse for you. You have plenty in that cloth of yours anyway, and if you stay there much longer your coat will be full of it."

Otho would remain well outside where the dust was blowing around, but he would offer a spare dust filter mask if Kuya asked.

If Kuya insisted on collecting more of the dust, he would cause more of it to blow around, which would mean breathing in more if he didn't ask for a mask first. Even with the mask, it would get all over him.

(If he collects without the mask, he'll reach level 2 anti-magic poisoning)

(In either case, he gains anti-magic coating level 1 until he next washes, granting an additional 25% reduction to magical effectiveness)

 

On 2023-11-03 at 1:41 AM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

Proceed.

Moving around the city, Otho would continue to maintain his distance form the dust, regardless of how closely Kuya decided to walk. While the shambling shadows inside the city didn't pay them moving much mind, if Kuya made too much noise they would start to head his way.

(More in the OOC if you choose this path)

Otherwise, they would make it to the other side of Searchlight without incident. Dead ahead of them stood the remnants of a farm, a few stalks of corn still stood in front of the dilapidated structure. Otho would comment, "Looks like the Vipers have been through here. They're a minor gang, they're smart enough to leave the Legion alone... usually."

In the distance to the north they could see some other structures, as well as a trial of smoke even further north. 

 

@GeneralDirection

While the two of them thought they were sneaky, only one of them had any real skill in it. As such Nebel was spotted by the rough looking ponies in the service station, who didn't hesitate to start attacking them.

They could see the base of the glowing tower, and it looked like there was some sort of military presence there. If they ran they might be able to get there before the raiders caught up to them.

About the same distance in the opposite direction was that city they had seen earlier, and they could use the caravan as cover from the raider's attacks.

They could try running through the dried lake, maybe the creatures in there would be distracted by the raiders and leave them alone?

Of course, they could always stand their ground and fight back, maybe put their new spell flasks to use. There were a few bits of rubble they could take cover behind, their smaller forms giving them a small advantage here.

(combat or running in the ooc)

 

@Props Valroa

Not being in a hurry, Carnelian was able to investigate the contents of the bunker. She found several pages of notes, both old and recent, about the effects of the Thaum. There was what looked to be an undamaged suit in one of the lockers that could provide protection if she wanted.

One of the notes was particularly enlightening (+1 intelligence)

After a bit in the bunker, right about at the minute mark, the powerful feeling within her shifted to more of a burning feeling, like her blood had grown hot, and was starting to burn her as it coursed through her.

[Carnelian has Thaumatological burnout, rank 1.]

She would feel the burning feeling feel slightly alleviated if she moved closer to the concentration of radiation, while moving away would cause the burning to increase for a bit before gradually subsiding.

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

2 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If he collects without the mask, he'll reach level 2 anti-magic poisoning

He receives this in exchange of having more of that powder to use.

" Ehhh this'll make me stronger. Its time i dont rely on magic."

 

2 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

While the shambling shadows inside the city didn't pay them moving much mind, if Kuya made too much noise they would start to head his way.

" Hey Otho. Are those shadows not affected by this dust?"

He asked.

2 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Looks like the Vipers have been through here. They're a minor gang, they're smart enough to leave the Legion alone... usually."

" Anyway lets get some corn. And if we end up meeting them.... Why not have a little chat with them?"

2 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

the distance to the north they could see some other structures, as well as a trial of smoke even further

"So any idea what this smokes are?"

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@StrawberryMilk Simp

On 2023-11-07 at 11:37 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" Ehhh this'll make me stronger. Its time i dont rely on magic."

Otho rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath.

On 2023-11-07 at 11:37 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" Hey Otho. Are those shadows not affected by this dust?"

He asked.

Otho looked over, "I'm sure they are, but they're too mindless to notice. It's rare that a spawn flies or uses magic typically. Those ones are especially dangerous. So the ones in there will be weaker than what you would find elsewhere, but not by too much."

On 2023-11-07 at 11:37 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

"So any idea what this smokes are?"

Otho would look in the direction he pointed, pulling out some binoculars, "Looks like a raider camp, a small one, and the burned out remains of an old farm."

As he turned his gaze East he would notice a fresh pillar of smoke, "That's something though, that's about where another settlement is, one the legion was intending to raid. Looks like they were successful."

 

@GeneralDirection

On 2023-11-12 at 2:45 PM, GeneralDirection said:

Nebel’s ears perk up as he hears noises from the service station, seems their efforts to remain undetected had been thwarted. Nebel freezes up, unable to decide what they should do.

Nightfall yells at her brother to break him out of his trance. She sees the military force at the glowing tower and takes off as fast as she can towards it. Nebel follows, and due to his taller physique, can run much faster. He places her on his back as he heads towards the tower.

Their attempts at running was not without it's struggles, as the rough terrain made running difficult. To their credit though, it seemed to be hindering the raiders just as much, if not more. Allowing them to get some distance from them.

As they neared the glowing tower they would attract the notice of some of the patrolling guards. A pegasus guard dropped from the sky to land in front of them, weapon drawn, before they could reach the fence, "Halt! This is a restricted a-"

He cut himself off as he noticed the raiders pursuing them, "This better not be a trap." He took off back into the sky, heading to pass over the pursuing raiders.

Nebel and Nightfall would see a small object fall from the pegasus, and as soon as it hit the ground a pair of the raiders were dispatched by the ensuing explosion. The remaining raiders decided to flee, and the pegasus did not pursue them.

In the mean time another patrolling guard approached, an earth pony, "You two alright? This isn't the safest place for two young ponies like yourselves to travel unaccompanied."

 

@Props Valroa

As Carnelian equipped the suit the burning feeling inside her would intensify as she was wholly cut off from the radiation. It would take several minutes for the burning to subside a bit (The burning will continue at a low level until the burnout expires, or until she removes the suit.)

There were a few scattered notes about what was being tested. It seemed that this site belonged to Celestia's School at one point, and they were testing how to launch concentrated wild magic bombs as well as studying the effects.

There wasn't an example of it here, though there were some sketches of prototypes. Maybe if she could find other test sites she could make something of it?

Other than that, there wasn't anything else for her here.

If she left the bunker, she would see a new pillar of smoke rising from the south east. It looked recent, and big.

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

43 minutes ago, Illiad Easle said:

he turned his gaze East he would notice a fresh pillar of smoke, "That's something though, that's about where another settlement is, one the legion was intending to raid. Looks like they were successful."

" Should we join the party as well?" He asked but intended to go to that direction of smoke.

" who knows? We might find something of value there?" He informed Otho.

@Illiad Easle

[GeneralDirection 1,022]

@Illiad Easle

The ground was difficult to traverse, a few times Nebel almost stumbled, but luckily, he kept on all fours and continued running until he got close to the tower. There, he would stop as a pegasus guard approached them. He saw the raiders, and flew by the unicorns, dropping some sort of explosive near a couple of the raiders, wiping them out and discouraging the rest from continuing their pursuit.

An earth pony guard asked them what they were doing. Nebel had to take a few moments to catch his breath before responding.

“Ah, yes, we’re ok now, thanks to that explosion. We’ve been trying to stick to the main road to avoid confrontation, but I knew it was inevitable we’d come across some real trouble at some point. Thank you for your assistance, we both truly appreciate it.”

Nightfall nods in agreement while her brother grabs his canteen from his saddlebag and takes a drink.

“By the way, we’re looking for a courier named Red, an earth pony. She was in the area recently, headed to Primm. Anypony here happened to see her?” Nightfall queried.

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@StrawberryMilk Simp

Otho shrugged, "Sounds more reasonable than your plan to fight the spawn unprovoked. I'll lead the way."

Otho would lead Kuya to the road, then follow it in the direction of the smoke. As the path passed between some hills, they passed another farmhouse, this one seemed in decent condition, but appeared unoccupied. Otho wouldn't comment on it unless Kuya asked, "Hmm? Can't say I know much about it. Apparently someone loyal to the legion lives there, when they're not running errands. A Courier I think they're called?"

In either case, Otho would motion for Kuya to stop, and to take cover behind a large rock, "Someone's coming this way, and moving fast."

Looking further up the road, a unicorn in a checkered suit flanked by a pair of gryphons were running down the path towards them. While the unicorn didn't look too terribly strong, the gryphons were each at least double Kuya's size.

"They don't look legion, I think that unicorn's from the city, but those gryphons are definitely with the Talons. Mercenary types, so while they're not hostile to the legion, they're not exactly friendly either. I'd guess that unicorn hired them for protection."

 

@GeneralDirection

The guard looked thoughtful, "A Courier you say? I can't say I'm too familiar with them, we may have seem them passing on the road on occasion, but we don't typically need their services. Tell you what though, not too much further up the road is a town called Nova, I bet they'll've seen something. It's a popular stop for those traveling this route." The guard would point it out on their map, "It's got the big dragon statue out front, you can't miss it, though I don't think you can see it from here. They've got a motel there which, by my estimate, it'll be about evening when you get there."

The guard looked about before leaning in closer, "If you're a bit short on money, there's probably something worth salvaging on those corpses, we're not allowed to loot them ourselves, but there's a scrapyard between here and Nova that'll buy just about anything."

If they went for the corpses they'd be able to find a raider style chest piece that had been blown off one of them, which was mostly just some metal and cloth tied and crudely fused together. a small amount of ammo for their talon gun, a heavy pipe that would make for a decent blunt weapon, as well as a small collection of various drugs. While some were recognizable as medicinal, they might have been tampered with by the less savory drugs in the set. Still, even if they weren't interested in them, they should hold some value.

 

@Props Valroa

As heading directly opposite was some rather inhospitable terrain (leaving the playable map) and heading due west would take her either back to the bandits she had first encountered, or just back to where the Æther was, and south of that was the farmstead she had just visited, if she headed perpendicular to the smoke she would be heading towards a large glowing tower, the glow of it reminiscent of the glow in the test site, maybe the two were related? She could see it was a long way off though, it would take some traveling to get there.

(You can specify a destination in the ooc)

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

2 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

They don't look legion, I think that unicorn's from the city, but those gryphons are definitely with the Talons. Mercenary types, so while they're not hostile to the legion, they're not exactly friendly either. I'd guess that unicorn hired them for protection."

" then i guess we better hide the things that make us look legion then..." he then sized up the gryphons.

" i can probably beat 2 gryphons.... The unicorn though..." he looked at Otho.

" probably best to observe them for now and not initiate the first move... Whats your take on this?" Kuya asked Otho.

While he listens. He prepared to wiped his blade with the anti magic material.

@Illiad Easle

Edited November 20, 2023 by StrawberryMilk Simp

[GeneralDirection 1,022]

@Illiad Easle

“Got it. We’ll be sure to head to Nova and check the town out. Once again, thank you very much for helping us here, I truly appreciate it.” Nebel says before the two vault dwellers head off again.

Before they get back on the main road, Nightfall takes the time to stop and check the bodies for anything useful.

“Night, what are you doing?” Nebel asks with a disgusted look. “They’re dead, did you not see the explosion?”

Nightfall looked up at her brother for a moment with a look that said ‘Really?’ before looking back down at the former raiders.

“Ok, so, look what we got here. Some armour, some bullets for our guns, a pipe, and some drugs. That guard told us there’s a scrapyard along the way to Nova, we can sell the armour there. I’m keeping the ammo and the pipe, and we can sell the drugs. I’m sure there’s some sort of trader in Nova that’ll take ‘em.” Nightfall explains before putting the ammo, pipe, and drugs into her saddlebag. “You take the armour, you’re bigger.” She says to her brother. “See, look at all this stuff we would’ve missed out on.”

Nebel sighs as he takes apart the amour into pieces that would fit into his bag. “You have no idea what they could’ve had on them. What if they had a bomb or something?”

“It would’ve blown up.” Nightfall replied, unphased.

Once back on the main road, they continued towards Nova, keeping an eye out for the scrapyard they were told about.

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@StrawberryMilk Simp

On 2023-11-19 at 10:25 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" then i guess we better hide the things that make us look legion then..." he then sized up the gryphons.

Otho looked skeptical before he sighed, "I guess I can't escape stealth then." He started to remove and stow his legion armor.

On 2023-11-19 at 10:25 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" i can probably beat 2 gryphons.... The unicorn though..." he looked at Otho.

Otho looked incredulous at that statement, snorting, "You taking on two griffons? Now that I'd like to see. If you can take the griffons, I can take the unicorn no problem."

On 2023-11-19 at 10:25 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" probably best to observe them for now and not initiate the first move... Whats your take on this?" Kuya asked Otho.

Otho nodded, "That's a far more reasonable approach. If we had a unicorn we could signal for an ambush, but I think just reporting back should be sufficient. Those from the city rarely have dealings with the Talons, so I've no doubt that Sawbones would be interested in this information."

 

The griffons and the unicorn would continue heading towards them, and would soon pass them if they didn't do something. If they had spotted them, they didn't show any sign of it.

 

@GeneralDirection

The scrap yard was hard to miss, sitting just off the road they had set off on from the glowing tower. An old looking mare sat on the porch, a number of dogs sniffing about the area, they seemed to be the mare's pets, turn to watch the two of them as they approached, one barked, which woke up the old mare. She waved at them kindly, waiting to see if they would approach.

If they did decide to come closer, the dogs would prove friendly enough, allowing them to approach the mare, who greeted them, "Well hi there, I'm old mare Gibson, or so they tell me. You looking to sell that armor you're carrying? Maybe buy something too? Or just curious?"

Looking to the north, they could see the large dragon statue from here, meaning that the town of Nova was close by.

 

@Props Valroa

As she stopped, she could hear better and concluded that the noise was still a bit of a ways off, so she could continue moving and get clear of it before it caught up with her. She was able to pick some fresh corn in the way of food before moving on.

Going around the canyon, she'd pass close enough to the ruined city covered in a purple mist to see what looked like creatures, vaguely equine in silhouette, shambling between the buildings, but she would be able to avoid the city and mist entirely without much difficulty and get back on the road. A short way up she would spot what looked like a patrol of uniformed ponies moving around the city heading her way (In that they're going generally in the direction she is, not that they're pursuing her). They didn't seem in a hurry, but she could wait for them to get to where she was or move on.

If she chose to remain, they would nod as they passed. Though they would stop if she asked something of them.

If she chose to continue, she'd be able to follow the road, noticing a cave entrance, a pair of mine shafts, and what looked like a camp site, not far off the road.

 

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

@Illiad Easle

As the coast was clear.

Kuya would take an interest on them.

" you think we should tail them? Im mighty curious.... It seems something important that that unicorn had to higher 2 gryphons.... Must be really important... should we?" He asked Otho. 

If otho would even give a hint or intrigue he'd quickly try to tail the unicorn.

[Nebel]

@Illiad Easle

It didn’t take long for the scrapyard to come into view. They decided to enter, and as they walked in, they saw an older mare waving to them along with what appeared to be a couple of her pet dogs.

Nebel looked to the amour and then back to old mare Gibson.

“Yes, that is exactly why we’re here.” He set the armour down on her porch. “I’m wanting to sell this armour. We also have some drugs and ammo, not sure if you would be interested in those. I’d also be interested in seeing what you’ve got for sale.”

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

The sun is beginning to set, casting long shadows on the ground.

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

Otho nodded, "Now you're starting to have good ideas. Let's let them pass us though, don't want them to think we're following, or about to ambush them."

Otho quickly moved to where an old firepit had been on the side of the road, and made a show like he was about to light it, like they were setting up camp for the night. So long as Kuya played along, or at least did not draw attention to himself, the pony and the pair of gryphons would pass them without paying them much notice. Still, the two would be able to see that the trio looked on edge, and were not wholly unscathed. They looked like they had just escaped a battle, or were actively escaping one.

Otho would wait until they were just out of sight before he started moving to follow. "Heavy griffons like that leave big tracks, especially running like that." He pointed to the tracks in the dusty ground, "Won't be hard to follow them, but given the hour? I think they're heading to Nova."

Otho would start to follow the trail they had left, "Still want to follow them?"

 

@GeneralDirection

The old mare looked over what they had to sell, "Got these off some raiders didya? I guess you too are tougher than you look." She offered what sounded like a fair price for the items. It would be more than enough to secure lodging in the next town for the night, and then some. Given they had lived in a stable all their lives, it was more money than they had ever had at one point before.

When it came to what she had for sale, it was a little bit of everything, but nothing too exciting or special, mostly things similar to what they were selling her that had no doubt also been scavenged off of others. She did have a good amount of ammo for their weapons if they wanted to top off, as well as some armor that looked like it would fit Nightfall pretty well, though it would cut in to their extra funds.

The old mare also indicated that she could tune up their weapons for a small fee.

 

@Props Valroa

The group adjusted their course to approach Carnelian when waved to, allowing her to better examine the uniforms they were wearing. While they had clearly seen better days, the uniforms fit them well, indicating that they weren't stolen, so it was pretty likely that these were NLR soldiers.

When asked who they were the leader commented the same, that they were NLR soldiers assigned to this area, but that Discord's Legion had set off a powerful Anti-Magic bomb in the city, killing many of the soldiers who had been stationed there when a herd of spawn soon followed. the leader's group had been lucky enough to be on patrol when the event occurred. He pointed to a small collection of tents on a bluff overlooking the clouded city, indicating that there was where they were camped if she needed anything.

When asked what was about in the area, the leader repeated that the greatest dangers here with the spawn in the city, and the Legion, indicating that they were far more dangerous than the raiders around here.

If she asked who the Legion were, the leader would look surprised before answering that the Legion were remnants of a much larger group that claimed to have followed Discord in the before times. They believed that by destroying all civilization they were doing Discord's will.

If she asked about joining or helping them, the leader would think for a moment, "Well, if you're volunteering to join the NLR, you'll want to talk with our leaders at the old airship station in New Pegas. If you just want to help though..." He saw the suit she was carrying and he looked surprised, "Is that a proper hazmat suit? With that you'd be able to enter the city without being affected by the antimagic. If you'd be willing to go into the city and collect some of the materials we had to leave behind. Food, weapons, ammo, pretty much anything useful, we've got some sand dollars to reward you with. Up to you though, the spawn may not be smart, but they are dangerous in large numbers."

(Carnelian will have a bonus to stealth in the antimagic cloud, but will be unable to use weapons relying on magic while in the city.)

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

2 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

would start to follow the trail they had left, "Still want to follow them?

"Well we have 2 options.

Follow them or potentially face the one they are fleeing away from."

" those 3 are heavily injured. Who ever did so must be stronger."

" so we should probably chase the fleeing pray. Now the question is.

Is it advantageous if we ambush them in Nova. Or before they reach nova."

" but for now we chase them from afar. We dont wanna be at the middle of the pray and whatever is chasing them."kuya follows Otto on the chase.

@Illiad Easle

[GeneralDirection 1,022]

@Illiad Easle

Nebel simply nodded in response, not wanting to explain what had actually happened to the raiders. Neither of them had any idea what a fair price would be for any of their gear, they hadn’t even seen more than a few bits in their entire lives. He would agree to the offer and exchange the goods for the bits. When the old mare explained what she has for sale, the stallion took some interest in the armour set, the idea of Nightfall having extra protection appealed to him.

“What class of armour is that?” Nightfall asked, as if she had been reading her brother’s mind. “I don’t want anything that might slow me down.”

Nebel also pondered the offer to tune their weapons up a bit. But given how little they had used them and how lacklustre their skills were, he wasn’t confident that it would be a worthwhile investment.

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

The shadows grow longer, it would be wise to seek shelter.

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

Otho nodded, "Sound reasoning, it seems I misjudged you earlier."

As he started to head in the direction of the three they were pursuing, "I don't think we'll be able to catch up to them before they reach Nova, not at the speed they were going and as weak as you are from the antimagic. And after they leave Nova it will be deep in NLR territory. Much more dangerous to attack them there, even if the NLR and Talons aren't on good terms. But maybe we'll get lucky in Nova."

Following the trail, they would soon approach a makeshift camp, where Otho would caution, "If I remember correctly, that's an NLR outpost. They shouldn't cause trouble if we don't look suspicious."

The camp made use of piles of debris, including a number of old carts, to make walls and elevated walkways, giving the rangers within a good vantage of those approaching.

 

@GeneralDirection

On 2023-12-11 at 5:44 PM, GeneralDirection said:

“What class of armour is that?” Nightfall asked, as if she had been reading her brother’s mind. “I don’t want anything that might slow me down.”

The mare chuckled at that, "Well this ain't power armor. anything able to protect you is going to weigh something, and that weight is going to slow you down. That's the price you pay for protection."

Seeing as they probably weren't going to buy anything the mare would get up from her chair, "Well, I best be getting to bed. You two too I reckon. Nova's just up the road there, they've got a motel you can spend the night in. Should have some rooms available if you're lucky."

If they did decide to buy the armor, the mare would produce a set of reinforced cloth armor. a bit more durable than the vault suit Nightfall had, and much less conspicuous, without weighing her down too much more.

 

@Props Valroa

(A bit hard to parse what exactly you want to happen in your post. I hope I interpreted it right.)

On 2023-12-09 at 9:08 PM, Carnelian Clout said:

Carnelian would have asked further about the massive tower in the distance. What they knew about it and who it belonged to.

The one in charge would look to see what she was referring to, before nodding, "Ah, that there is a place they call Helios. I don't rightly know what it is, but I've heard that it's built right over a ley line, and it's capable of distributing magical energy throughout the whole area. I hear they want to modify it to better regulate the movement of the sun. I'm sure you've noticed how erratic it can be? We suspect the Legion might have something they're using to move the sun, or the Solar Empire. But that's all theories above my pay grade. If you know something about pre-war magics, they might be able to use your help there."

With regards to who it belongs to, "Well, we control it, for now. We had to fight off a bunch of heavily armed and armored ponies for it, called themselves the Sisterhood of Steam. They haven't been seen around here since then. But it's not like the Legion or the Empire is going to just let us keep it. That's why protecting these border areas, even when they've been destroyed, is important."

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

1 hour ago, Illiad Easle said:

The camp made use of piles of debris, including a number of old carts, to make walls and elevated walkways, giving the rangers within a good vantage of those approaching

" .... So we can just walk right in? right?"

" if they ask, just tell them we got lost and i got sick from the anti magic powder thingy. That'd be the perfect ally by.

As planned they commence to pass through the outpost to get to Nova.

@Illiad Easle

 

Edited December 17, 2023 by Evil Pink One

[Nebel]

@Illiad Easle

Seems that Nightfall’s interpony skills need a bit of work. What she really meant to say was that she didn’t want anything to slow her down too much. Her brother looked concerned that they would be passing up a chance for his sister to have some extra protection.

“Oh, excuse me, ma’am, I would be interested in the armour set you have.” Nebel spoke up as the mare got up to leave. He places the correct number of bits on the counter and pushes them towards her.

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

The sun touches the horizon, the spawn are growing more active.

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

Otho shook his head, "There's a path that goes around. They only stop the caravans here. Since we're not carrying much they shouldn't care."

True enough, the guards in the camp didn't seem to pay them any mind, if they even noticed them. 

Soon after, they were out of the canyon and approaching a small collection of houses. Otho led the way past a small field with some strange looking cows, many of which had two heads, to a larger building with a large sculpture of a dragon. "We can rest here for the night, and those we're following are also likely resting here, or nearby, if you want to investigate. I'll get us a room."

Otho would head to the motel office, leaving Kuya behind in the courtyard. A griffon stood against one of the railings in front of one of the rooms on the second floor.

(Depending on @GeneralDirection's actions)

A pair of younger ponies, stable dwellers by the looks of them, also approached the motel. They lacked the confidence that Otho had, indicating that they were less used to the environment.

 

@GeneralDirection

The old mare smiled, "I figured you would. I'll bring that right out for ya, then you can get on to Nova before night falls."

She took the bits and was back with the armor, which was clean and folded, in a few minutes. "Ya'll travel safely now, and don't hesitate to come back if you need anything, or if you have more loot to sell."

If they proceeded towards town, they would arrive at just about the same time that Kuya and Otho did, but from the other side, circling around the back of the motel and passing a rundown shack.

If they went around to the front of the motel, they'd see Kuya standing in the courtyard, Otho heading into the office, and the griffon standing against the railing on the second floor.

If one of them went to rent a room, following Otho, the receptionist, a middle aged mare, would comment that it was a busy night, with three groups coming in all at once, and that Nebel and Nightfall were lucky to get the last room they had available.

She seemed open to conversation, if they were inclined, or they could talk to anyone else they had seen.

 

@Props Valroa

On 2023-12-17 at 12:11 AM, Carnelian Clout said:

"I knew it was important from the looks of it. What can you tell about the Empire?"

The one in charge shrugged, "We've only just encountered them recently. Apparently they claim to be a continuation of Equestria, and as such everything that once belonged to Equestria is theirs, and they're willing to do whatever it takes to take it back. They're not stupid though, and they have some pretty high quality stuff, so when they do attack, it's usually with overwhelming force. Best not to get mixed up with them if you can avoid it."

On 2023-12-17 at 12:11 AM, Carnelian Clout said:

"Provided you are willing to take me along, I would like to spend the night somewhere safe if it's possible. I cannot go out there in that city due to the dangers at night. Perhaps if I am given somewhere safe to stay, I would be willing to go out there tomorrow and recover some stuff for your faction, provided that there is a safe area I could drop stuff off at for you."

He looked thoughtful, turning his eyes skyward, "Hmm, it is getting late, or I'd send you to Nipton or Nova, being the next two closest towns. Sure, you can join us in our camp tonight, if you don't mind sleeping on the ground we've got a spare bag, and that same place is where you can drop off anything you find in the city. At least one person is at the camp at all times to receive whatever you find and reimburse you accordingly."

[GeneralDirection 1,022]

@Illiad Easle

“Sure thing, and thanks again!” Nebel says as they depart from the scrapyard.

A short time later, they arrived in Nova, and headed towards the first motel they saw, hopefully they would have room. Before they got closer, Nightfall spoke up.

“Places like this are notorious for having sketchy creatures of all sorts hanging about. Best we keep a low profile and say as little as possible.” She said to her brother before taking off her vault suit and putting on the newly acquired armour. “It’d be nice if we could do something about your vault suit too, but for now it’s better than nothing.”

Nebel nodded quietly as they approached the motel. They noticed the earth pony in the courtyard, but as per Nightfall’s instructions, they both quietly made their way inside. Turns out it was a particularly busy tonight at this motel, as they managed to get the last room available.

“Thank you. Just out of curiosity, have you noticed a courier come by here lately? Female earth pony, goes by the name ‘Red’. She was headed southwest towards Sweetwater. We’re looking for her, she seems to have gone missing.” Nebel addressed the receptionist quietly.

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

On 2023-12-23 at 4:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Otho shook his head, "There's a path that goes around. They only stop the caravans here. Since we're not carrying much they shouldn't care

" sometimes i wonder if you really need my help." He'd give Otho a noogie.

" What would i do without you... Probably be dead."

On 2023-12-23 at 4:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

they were out of the canyon and approaching a small collection of houses. Otho led the way past a small field with some strange looking cows, many of which had two heads, to a larger building with a large sculpture of a dragon. "We can rest here for the night, and those we're following are also likely resting here, or nearby, if you want to investigate. I'll get us a room."

 

" ... You think those cow's milk are extra creamy?" He pondered.

 

On 2023-12-23 at 4:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Otho would head to the motel office, leaving Kuya behind in the courtyard. A griffon stood against one of the railings in front of one of the rooms on the second floor.

(Depending on @GeneralDirection's actions)

A pair of younger ponies, stable dwellers by the looks of them, also approached the motel. They lacked the confidence that Otho had, indicating that they were less used to the environment

" .... Huh.... Is that the same griffon?" 

If the pair would come near him or anyone really, hed give a nod and great them proper like.

@Illiad Easle

 

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@StrawberryMilk Simp

On 2023-12-25 at 9:21 PM, Evil Pink One said:

" ... You think those cow's milk are extra creamy?" He pondered.

Otho raised an eyebrow at that, "Mutated as they are? I doubt it's safe for consumption. Probably full of Thaum."

On 2023-12-25 at 9:21 PM, Evil Pink One said:

" .... Huh.... Is that the same griffon?" 

Otho spared a glance before shrugging, "Maybe? Hard to tell."

 

Once he returned from the office he would lead the way to their room, adjacent to the one the gryphon appeared to be guarding. He looked annoyed, but did not address them unless spoken to. If Kuya followed Otho into the room, he'd be able to hear some faint speaking through the wall.

Listening closely, he wouldn't be able to make out everything they were saying, but he'd be able to pick out the words Courier, Chip, House, and Pegas.

 

@GeneralDirection

On 2023-12-24 at 2:59 PM, GeneralDirection said:

“Thank you. Just out of curiosity, have you noticed a courier come by here lately? Female earth pony, goes by the name ‘Red’. She was headed southwest towards Sweetwater. We’re looking for her, she seems to have gone missing.” Nebel addressed the receptionist quietly.

"Red?" the receptionist looked concerned, "Sure, she's passed through here before, but not recently. I did overhear some of those griffons who just checked in talking about a courier though, maybe they know something? You room is right next to theirs." She chuckled, "They wanted to have no neighbors, but there's only so much I can do when two more groups show up."

If they went to their room, the griffon standing outside the adjacent room looked annoyed, but would not address them unless spoken to. If they went inside their room they'd hear some faint speaking through the wall.

Listening closely, they wouldn't be able to make out everything they were saying, but they'd be able to pick out the words Courier, Chip, Kill, and Boulder.

 

@Props Valroa

On 2023-12-22 at 1:36 PM, Carnelian Clout said:

"I suppose the Empire is a group you encountered recently, are there any other groups I should be aware of? Other than the legion."

The leader shrugged as he led the way over to their campsite, it wasn't much and looked to have been recently assembled, indicating that the attack that had filled the city with spawn had been fairly recent. "There's no end to the small gangs and tribe around this area, but most of them keep to themselves and only attack those passing through what they consider their territory. Outside of them though, and the Empire and the Legion, I guess the casino heads? They're the group that runs New Pegas out of the four central casinos. There are rumors that they've had creatures eliminated before for posing a danger to them, nothing that could be traced back to them of course, but considering just how much money they have at their disposal, they're worth paying attention to, if only to ensure you don't get on their bad side."

If she didn't have other questions, she'd be given a sleeping bag and a place inside one of the tents to spend the night.