private What the Wasteland Hooves Out

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin nodded to Raptor and shouted to Seeker as he took off, "Sounds good. Let's try and catch up with the rest." He trots off down the alley, furrowing his brow muttering to himself, "What in Luna's name is going on... I haven't known any Chapters to just murder somepony for anything. Something is very off here."

[Standard User 2,127]

@@SilverHeart, @@Ghostpony - 32 succeeds. Maybe rolls will work after all...

 

Doesn't matter if you're on the ground or in the sky - the sound of a filly's hysterical tears is kind of hard to miss. You pinpoint the sound of crying coming from a dead end in an alley between a ruined house and a dilapidated pastry shop -- specifically a cardboard box turned on its side. The filly is curled up inside, her tail draped across her face in an attempt to stifle her sobs. It isn't helping.

 

The colt, sitting in front of the box, turns his head to the side so he can get a look at you all while still keeping an eye on his friend. At first he seems frightened by your presence, but then his fearful gaze turns to one of intrigue. 

Edited April 23, 2013 by Kolth

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin removes his helmet as he trots up, slowing to a walk, and from there to a complete stop. His amber eyes drifted from the colt to the filly in the box. He kneels down slightly so he is more on a level with the colt. He opens his mouth to speak, but stops, and stands up to his full height again, glancing to the rest, "Any of you fancy talking to them? I'm not the best when it comes to talking to children."

[SilverHeart 741]

Silver Heart looked around at the group. It didn't seem like anypony was eager to step forward. "I guess I'll try to talk to them." 

 

I don't think I'll get much out of the filly, poor dear. Her smile faltered for a brief second. I hope she isn't living in that box...the Wasteland is depressing. Maybe she is just hiding in there?

 

She renewed her smile as she started to walk towards the colt. "Can you tell us  what happened to your friend?"

 

Charisma roll: 30

[UnitP0N13 25]

(Whoopsie. My post didn't make through this morning. Odd. Also I apologize if this turns into a wall of text, the posty thingy is being really weird today.)

 

As Silver Heart conversed with the colt, Malik trotted over to the filly and knelt down to her, gently wiping a tear from her eye with his hoof.

 

"Hey, don't cry, little miss...we'll find the people who killed your father, okay?" He spoke softly, doing his best to comfort the filly.

 

"Hey, you like hats, right? Here..." The robot takes off his party hat and gives it to the filly.

 

"It's a very silly hat, and it's bound to make you laugh even when you want to cry. You see, ponies used to celebrate very special days called 'birthdays'. They give gifts to the person who has turned a year older and they all celebrate with cake and party blowers and these funny little hats. But it's only for one day..." He stoops a little lower, and seems almost like he's smiling for a moment, despite not having a face.

 

"But...you wanna know a secret? When you put this hat on, -every day- is a very special day. If you can laugh, giggle, or even smile a little when you're down in the dumps, it makes everything just a little better. But it's more fun when you're laughing with friends," He held a hoof out to her. "Whaddya say, pal? Wanna be my friend?"

[Half-Note 273]

Guardian Angel stood immovable. His mask didn't show any emotion but there was anger all over his grey face. He knew that everypony hated the rangers, and by extension him, but he couldn't believe that the Steel Rangers, especially from Trottingham, would kill somepony over a laser rifle. As gently as he could in his armor he trotted up and removed his helmet. "Can you please tell me what the pony who attacked you looked like or what is name was," he asked gently.

 

CHR Roll: 21

[Ghostpony 17]

As the filly's hysterical tears pierced the sky, Seeker turned his head to see where it was coming from. Doing so he felt his ears twitch slightly as he was trying to find its origin, his eyes falling on a small cardboard box. With his eyes on his target Seeker began to descend from the sky with a comfortable speed as if not to scare the two young children as he landed next to the group. He watched as Silver Heart had gone to the young colt as Guardian Angel and Malik had went to the young filly. Seeker tried to give a disarming smile as he walked to Silver Heart side and knelt down to the young colts eye level. "like my friend here is saying, we really wont to help you, but we can only do so much without some help from you. If theirs anything you can tell us, please do" 

 

Charisma roll: 26

[Standard User 2,127]

@@Ghostpony,@@Half-Note, @@SilverHeart

 

The colt looks at each of you in turn, obviously shocked by the sudden onslaught of conversational ponies. Judging each of you, he finally turns to Silver Heart. "You seem nice." He extends his hoof to Silver and grasps hers, shaking it gently. "If you could help us, that would be wonderful. Ruby here...hold on." The colt ushers the group (aside from Malik) away from the cardboard box. "She's in a mess ever since Pyrite died; no need to keep reminding her. Anyway, she thinks that a branch of the Trottingham Steel Rangers assassinated her dad and took his laser rifle." He looks at the two suits of power armor and subconsciously backs away. "N-not that I believe her, of course. At least, I don't think so. I've never heard of Rangers murdering some wastelander for a simple laser rifle."

 

@@UnitP0N13,  

 

The filly stares in wonder at the metal body standing before her, then at the hat. She put it on slowly, as if expecting a grenade to fall out. She looks back at you, then back up at the hat, then back to you...

 

And then she spits on your face. "Go away, stupid shithead." She takes the hat off and cradles it almost lovingly in her hooves, nestling back into her box.

 

[All]

 

The colt gathers the six of you around in a tight circle. "Listen," he whispers. "I don't think the Rangers did this. If they did, then somepony needs to report them or something. If they didn't, then somepony needs to find out who did." He peeks through the sea of legs and sees the filly, shivering and sniffling in her cardboard home. "Her dad was all she had. She deserves to know what really happened to him, but no one in this town wants to help or they don't care." He sniffs and rubs a hoof across his eyes. "If you could help, that- that would be awesome. I think I have a couple caps stashed away somewhere and maybe I can get you a couple bullets or something." His face takes on an even sadder expression. "I don't have much but...I- she just really needs help.

 

"You'll help, right? I mean, you aren't like the others, right?" He looks solely at Silver Heart when asking this last question.

[UnitP0N13 25]

Malik flinches a little. Is heart sank as he managed to pass on his favorite hat, but none of his wisdom at all. Perhaps he had forgotten that the Wastes has no pity for children or the weak, and will change and corrupt anypony at its will. Even children could turn bitter to dull out the pain...

 

Maybe because he was a robot with ugly, charred, scarred armor. He never went for looks and, well, maybe that's why people found him so displeasing when trying to reach out for people. But he believed this was a case of a broken heart and a pony who's starting to cast aside her kindness to stifle the heartbreak of losing her father.

 

And we she did hurt his feelings...he didn't blame her. She didn't have much of anyone to trust anymore, save her friend. And the Wastes...the Wastes is no place to not have a friend.

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin kneels down, nodding to the colt, "I know full well the kind of brutality Rangers are capable of, but it is outside the character of the Rangers to wantonly murder some pony for something, and from what I've heard the Trottingham Rangers are kinder than most other chapters. I'll speak with them about this, even if my companions won't."

 

He stands back to his full height, "And don't worry about paying me for this. Just the chance to rid the Wastes of at least one more cruelty is enough." He puts his helmet back on, thinking to himself, "This could very easily get me killed. I'm not sure what the Trott's will think when I come walking up to their gates, demanding an audience with their Elder. Chances are they've heard of my defection from the Imperials by now - that was years ago after all - so pulling my rank probably won't help my case."

 

Alizarin looks to his companions, "Are you guys up for a little justice?"

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

@@00Pony,

 

Raptor shook his head. "Why should I? You think I give a shit about this stupid kid or her father? I don't just help ponies out of the kindness of my heart. I'm sure I could find a much more lucrative way to spend my time than playing sheriff for a couple of idiot foals." 

[SilverHeart 741]

Silver Heart pulled the colt in for a hug, "Of course we'll help. And you don't have to worry about paying me, I'm more than happy to help the two of you." Silver Heart released the colt and looked back at the filly in a box. "I guess we shouldn't bother her more than we need to. Could you tell us everything you know, um....I'm afraid we don't know your name. My name is Silver Heart."

 

Silver Heart looked back at the filly once more before hesitantly asking, "Is...is she living in that box? And while we're on the subject...where do you live?" If either of them don't have a home, I'll need to find them one.

 

@@00Pony,

Silver Heart smiled in agreement to Alizarin's question. Glad to see that she wasn't the only one that wanted to help the foals. It seemed that at least some of the group were good natured.

 

@@Alex Kennedy,

She glared at griffon for a few moments before responding, "Well then you can go find something else to do, while we take care of this. With that attitude I doubt you'd be of any real help anyway." Asshole.

[Half-Note 273]

Guardian Angel smiled at the colt and put his helmet back on. "I don't think that the Steel Rangers would do something so violent. If some of them have, however, I have to put them in line," he said before turning to Silver Heart. "We could use ponies as kind as you in the rangers. Paladin Guardian Angel at your service," he told her with a slight nod of his head.

[00Pony 286]

@@Alex Kennedy

 

 

Alizarin steps in front of Raptor, staring him in the eyes, "I should've a response like this from a Talon. In my experiences with other Talon's, you guys would do just about anything for the correct price, right? If that's the case then I'll pay you out of my own pocket! And the caps I have now aren't enough, I'll be in debt to you, and continue paying you back until it is enough or I die!" His voice carried a determined undertone as he spoke, "That's my offer. You can take it, or leave it. But either way, we ponies are going."

 

He turns his attention to the other two members of the group, "Malik, Seeker, you two with us?"

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

@@00Pony,

 

Raptor shrugged. If he separated from them his chances of finding Haven were pretty much out the window, and it's not like it would really be so bad to do this one job as a favor. "Fine, whatever. I guess I'll go. I still don't see the point, but maybe it'll be fun. I might even get to kill somepony." 

[UnitP0N13 25]

Malik nodded to Dawn, standing back up. "I'm ready, willing, and fully capable!" The bot stamped the ground. Whoever did this was going to pay. Although Malik has never really been one for revenge, the senseless murder of the filly's only parent made his circuits spark. Figure of speech, of course.

 

However, he did show a bit of concern towards Guardian's remark. He didn't have anything against him or the Rangers, per se...although he was a tiny bit upset that he wasn't mentioned for his kindness despite giving up his one of his most prized possessions. Seriously, that was the only party hat he's seen out in the Wastes, and he only came upon it by chance. But now it belongs to the filly, and while he certainly didn't like to hear her swearing at him, he wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Alas...poor party hat. He knew it well...and-...er, something about ratios. What was that book called again? Ham Outlet? Well no wonder the quote hardly stuck in his hard drive, he probably couldn't even take the book seriously for a single line.

 

Where was he again...? Oh right.

 

He didn't hate the Rangers in any form or fashion, but he has seen enough of the Rangers to know that underneath all of that armor, training, and discipline, they are just as pony as anyone else in the Wastes. The only thing keeping them from turning around on their heels and engulfing a town they sought to protect in flames was their morals and willpower against the vices of the Wasteland.

 

That, and each other. A strict, militaristic system is a good way to keep the mind from being lured by the vices...but that's not to say it always works. Most of the time, someone gets drunk and decides its a good idea to toss a tin can in the air and shoot it when it nears the ground. But a trained soldier at his or her worst is a nightmare...but he's seen them before, but in a group.

 

He shakes his head of the thought. He'd rather not begin recalling that particular memory.

[Ghostpony 17]

Seeker gave a heavy sigh as he looked at the group; his attention was brought back to the young colt. His warm smile seemed to almost disappear but it wasn't completely gone. “Before I agree to help you, if these ponies do have power armor, can you tell me anything you remember about it? Like if their armor was rusty, highly stylized or even if it had a brahmin skull substituted for their left pauldron?” he asked. He was pretty sure most of the group would give him odd looks because of his question, but he needed to make sure.

 

If they had followed him all the way to this no name town, then he couldn't just put the rest of the group in needless danger. Though his mind began to reel on how they were able to get to this no name town before him,had they been waiting for him? and if so maybe the young filly’s Father just had something they wanted. Though it didn't make sense, Slavers didn't out right kill ponies, after all they wanted a profit. Though if it was the Overseers then it would make much more sense that they killed the filly's father for his weapon, after all Overseers took and killed any pony they wanted not caring of the consequences.

Edited April 24, 2013 by Ghostpony

[Standard User 2,127]

Seeker gave a heavy sigh as he looked at the group; his attention was brought back to the young colt. His warm smile seemed to almost disappear but it wasn't completely gone. “Before I agree to help you, if these ponies do have power armor, can you tell me anything you remember about it? Like if their armor was rusty, highly stylized or even if it had a brahmin skull substituted for their left pauldron?” he asked. He was pretty sure most of the group would give him odd looks because of his question, but he needed to make sure.

 

The colt blushes and looks at the ground. "I, uh, didn't seen anything. I don't think anyone did; it happened in the early morning almost a week ago. But the Rangers had moved into the area a little before that and Ruby just ran with that line of thinking." The foal jumps up and slaps a hoof to his forehead. "Oh, geez, where are my manners? I'm Spion. At least, that's what everyone calls me. Apparently I couldn't pronounce my name properly when I was little and it sounded like Spion. So ponies started calling me that.

 

"...anyway, not that that's important. So you'll help?" Spion grins eagerly at you all, eyes wide and hopeful. "I think the Rangers are holed up in a farmhouse on the outside of Shantytown. The local traders say that Star Paladin Pot Belly is leading this group. No idea what they're doing near here, though...maybe you could ask around?" Spion looks at the two suits of power armor in the group and shrugs. "Or maybe they'll just let you in, no problem. Although," he leans in close to Silver Heart. "I don't know how well they'll like that griffon. He seems kind of mean."

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin smiles slightly, hitting Raptor, then Malik lightly on the shoulder, which, amongst the merc group he ran with, meant something along the lines of 'good man'. He looks at Seeker as he asks Spion his question, then to Spion as he answers him. Alizarin nods in response to Spion, "Damn right we'll help you." He looks at his armor, then at Guardian's through his peripheral, muttering, "They might. It would certainly make things easier if they did."

Edited April 25, 2013 by 00Pony

[UnitP0N13 25]

Malik enjoyed the little bit of praise he received. But he figured it was a about time the group got down to some good 'ole fashion adventuring.

 

"We'll be back soon, little one. Keep my hat safe until then, okay?" The robot spoke to the filly, then looked to her friend.

 

"From where we're standing, which direction should we keep walking to get to Shantytown?"

Edited April 25, 2013 by UnitP0N13

[Standard User 2,127]

Malik enjoyed the little bit of praise he received. But he figured it was a about time the group got down to some good 'ole fashion adventuring. "We'll be back soon, little one. Keep my hat safe until then, okay?" The robot spoke to the filly, then looked to her friend. "From where we're standing, which direction should we keep walking to get to Shantytown?"

 

Ruby just grunts. She has now fallen half-asleep, cradling the party hat like a dear friend.

 

When questioned, Spion gives you an incredulous look. "You're kidding, right?" He looks to Silver Heart slowly. "It's kidding, right? You're in Shantytown. I'm surprised no one told you, like someone forgot to mention that. But anyway, the farmhouse is out that way." He points with a hoof in the general direction past the RADigator.

 

"Please hurry back," he pleads. "Ruby needs something to make the pain go away."

[UnitP0N13 25]

"This job will go much faster if you don't call me 'it'. I'm a colt, even if I am a robot." He let out an electronic huff before turning around and heading for the barn.

 

Honestly, it's like people don't even don't even listen to his voice or even look at him. Then again, he is kinda featureless. But it made him mad whenever people called him 'it' just because he isn't made of those disgusting meat bags called organs, or flesh, or keratin.

 

He has feelings too.

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin bit his lip, making a slightly pained expression as Malik walked away. He nodded to Spion and began to follow the bot, thinking to himself, "Let's remember that he has a stallion AI construct. Actually, for all I know calling him an AI construct might also be offensive."

[Half-Note 273]

Guardian Angel followed his companions, gesturing for Silver Heart to follow them. He was going to have a talk with these Rangers and set them straight if it turned out they were responsible for that filly's loss. He knew how tough it was to go without parents.

 

(THIS RP WILL LIVE)

[Standard User 2,127]

Your walk through Shantytown is, if nothing else, void of surprises. The dirt path you take past the RADigator is lined on both sides with desolate pre-war houses refurbished with planks and sheets of metal. Occasionally, if the house was completely destroyed by fire or the elements, a miniature makeshift hut made of tarps and garbage holds a shivering pile of ponies of all shapes, colors, and ages. Everywhere you look ponies are puking or sniveling or not moving at all.

 

Generally, things look pretty crappy.

 

Nevertheless, your journey to the farmhouse takes barely ten minutes -- a town made almost entirely of junk isn't terribly large. The farmhouse property is surrounded by a newly-repaired fence of cracked white paint with tall weeds choking the perimeter. The cobblestone path from the front gate to the front porch is similarly mangled with grass and weeds. Standing two stories tall and covered in stereotypical red paint, the farmhouse would be relatively unassuming...if it weren't for the two laser turrets attached to the roof and the Steel Ranger armed with a rocket launcher patrolling the windows of the second floor. 

 

To the right of the front walk is a makeshift firing range, where two ponies in leather barding are wrestling.To the left is a large brown barn where sounds of grinding gears and blowtorches can be heard emanating from. 

 

A gray-colored Ranger in simple blue robes approaches your party standing at the iron front gate. "Halt!" He calls, trying his best to keep a stoic expression while looking over the griffons and power armors in your party. "This is Trottingham Steel Ranger territory, jurisdiction of Star Paladin Pot Belly under Elder Seeker. Entry on official Steel Ranger's business only." The earth pony takes another look at the griffons and mutters, "Not that you couldn't bucking fly over this stupid fence..."

 

Hastily-scrawled map of the farmhouse