private What the Wasteland Hooves Out

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin trots forward two steps, and speaks in his old, squad commander voice, "I am a Paladin of the Imperial Chapter of the Steel Rangers. My allies and I seek an audience with your commanding officer concerning some inhabitants of the Shantytown!"

 

CHR roll: 24

 

LCK roll: 37

[Ghostpony 17]

As Seeker followed the group, his mind began to analyze Spion's words. Ruby's father was killed a week ago, could it have been that the Overseers where there, but their mission wasn't to get Seeker but to go after her father.Though he couldn't rule out the Trottingham Rangers either. Even with the way Guardian Angel and Alizarin spoke of them, killing other ponies just for weapons was out of character for that chapter. 

The moment the group had gotten to the farmhouse he looked up to see a Trottingham Ranger in simple blue robes. His eyes seemed to rise for a moment as he heard the Ranger confront the group. "Elder Seeker?" he seemed to half whisper to himself letting out a light chuckle as he saw Alizarin confront the Ranger.

[Standard User 2,127]

Alizarin trots forward two steps, and speaks in his old, squad commander voice, "I am a Paladin of the Imperial Chapter of the Steel Rangers. My allies and I seek an audience with your commanding officer concerning some inhabitants of the Shantytown!"

 

CHR roll: 24

 

LCK roll: 37

 

The blue-robed pony snickers. "Yeah, everypony in power armor thinks they're the boss...let me check on something." The pony turns and rounds the corner of the barn, then returns moments later with a gruff-looking earth pony in power armor sans helmet. What little graying mane that is left is cut short. Even through his armor his muscles ripple from years of exercise and combat experience. 

 

"Senior Paladin Beanie Toe, this lot wants to talk to Star Paladin Pot Belly." The pony is now much more comfortable looking at the two griffons. "They say that they got some problem with somepony in Shantytown. Normally I'd tell them to piss off, but-"

 

"But you saw a bit of power armor and ran with your tail between your legs?" Beanie Toe looks at the robed pony with no small amount of disgust. "Dismissed, Scribe Bolt."

 

"But sir-"

 

"I said dismissed." 

 

With a look of defeat and shame in his eyes (which were now locked on the ground), Scribe Bolt slowly made his way back into the barn. Senior Paladin Beanie Toe spits into the dirt and tugs at his power armor. "Damned Scribes and greenhorns are getting soft on us...Pot Belly ain't having them do their jobs. Anyway, you have some deal with somepony in town? In any other case we'd have beat your ass by now, but you seem like a...motley crew." You notice him eyeing both Silver's PipBuck and Malik's...well, everything.

 

Beanie Toe looks through the bars at each of you. "I can bring in the robot, the Stable filly, and you two," he says, pointing at Guardian and Alizarin. "But the griffons gotta stay outside. No offense- well, okay, I lied. Mild offense. Damned birds."

 

[Oh shit no he didn't]

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

@,

 

Raptor sighed before looking the paladin straight in eye. "You know, it's funny. If you hadn't said that, I would have been content to stay out here. In fact, I never wanted to come here to begin with. But now... now you've gone and insulted my people. And I can't abide by that." He flexed his talons. "It's tempting enough to rip you open already, please don't push me any further; there's no way it can end well for either of us."

[SilverHeart 741]

Silver Heart gave one last glance behind her to the two foals before following the rest of the group. Silver thought about Spion's story about Ruby and her Father. Ruby claimed that the Steel Rangers murdered Pyrite for a lousy laser rifle. It seemed really stupid to kill someone for one. It's not like they were even impressive, there were at least three dozen back at her stable. Even if she couldn't understand why somepony would kill over that, she still wanted to be angry at these "Steel Rangers". Although she couldn't put a face to the anger, she honestly knew next to nothing about the group. Except that Dawn and Guardian were apparently affiliated with them. Those two seemed like good ponies and they probably wouldn't be friends or allies with a group that did horrible things. She really wanted to ask about the Steel Rangers but she hated appearing ignorant. So she decided to wait, after all she would meet them soon enough.

 

There wasn't much to do, no one seemed too enthusiastic about striking up a conversation. For a few minutes she tried to think of something to talk about. She may have been able to come up with a decent topic, however she kept getting distracted by the townsfolk. Almost every single one of them seemed like they were horribly sick. It almost seemed like Spion and Ruby were lucky to be as healthy as they seemed. Silver Heart tried to think of a reason for the entire town to look that bad. Maybe their water supply was poisoned? The health of the town was beginning to really depress her. Maybe there was really nothing she could do, that had never occurred to her before. Hopefully that wasn't the case. She spent the rest of the walk lost in thought.

 

Silver Heart hadn't even realized they had reached the farm until a pony in blue robes yelled something and Dawn yelled back. She had missed what they said but it was a welcome break from thinking about the bleakness of the town. She zoned in and out of the conversation as she looked at the farm. The barn was rather noisy, but she couldn't tell what exactly was going on in there. Two ponies were wrestling, which was kind of interesting for a few moments but quickly became dull when neither seemed to be winning. Finally her eyes drifted up to the two energy turrets on the roof.

 

Silver looked back down to find an armored stallion staring at her. Apparently she had missed his arrival. She shifted uncomfortably and blushed, unused to being stared at by somepony as old as he was. It only occurred to her after he turned his gaze to Malik that his eyes had been lowered towards her Pipbuck. She wasn't sure if she should be thankful or insulted. 

[UnitP0N13 25]

Malik immediately assumed an voice of authority. He was damn well not about to waste time watching the two go at each other's throats.

 

"Lock it down, both of you," He appeared to leer at the both of them with his television-glass eyes. "Right now, we need to focus on finding the killer, and I'm not going to wait around just so you two can compare dicks all day long. If we're going to be let in, all of us are going to be in and we're all going to be nice to each other, and I'm going to tell you why. I am around three hundred pounds of steel and gun with little patience for your childishness, and if I have to stand here for another fifteen seconds while you threaten one another, I am going to be considerably less tolerant of it."

 

The whisper of his vents as they quietly circulated the air for his systems turned into to a dull roar as his frustration grew. He barely realized how much the ground had cracked where his hooves were from exerting so much force and weight onto it. Quite frankly, he didn't care. There was a filly with one less parent and only one friend to console her. He was not letting the killer get away over something as stupid as this.

[Standard User 2,127]

Beanie Toe scoffs. "So we got the stereotypical macho griffon and a robot on it's period?" The pony shrugs. "Good to see something around here still has balls, even if it does have a beak. C'mon in." Beanie Toe fiddles with a panel on one of the pillars supporting the gate and steps back as it swings inward, inviting you all in.

 

"So that idiot Bolt says you wanna talk to Pot Belly? I suppose our Star Paladin can find the time in his oh-so-busy schedule to meet with you." It isn't hard to detect the sarcasm dripping from his words. "But before you come in, I'm gonna have to ask you all to leave any weapons in this bin." He gestures to a small blue-lidded garbage can pockmarked with bullet and laser holes. "Don't worry, those two fondling each other over there," he points to the two ponies wrestling, "Will keep an eye on it. And this is non-negotiable." He gives a stern eye to Raptor. "And no claws, either. Although I know some of the colts would love to have fried chicken for dinner."

 

He laughs darkly and continues on towards the farmhouse. "Drop your stuff off and come on in."

Edited April 29, 2013 by Scoutaloo

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin trots to the entrance and stops, eyeing the bin, "I'm not to keen on giving my weapons over," he says, taking his collapsed rifle out of its casing and looking at the red sardonyx set into the body, "If I can focus hard enough, I might be able to float this in there should things go south." He turns to the others, "What do the rest of you say?"

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

Raptor shrugged and tossed his rifle into the bin nonchalantly. "It's not like I need it anyway. Only soft creatures like ponies have to rely on weapons they weren't born with. Even then, I could easily take you without using my claws. Now let's just get this over with."

[UnitP0N13 25]

"Well, I can't actually part with mine since it's built into me, but thankfully I'm not hell-bent and pissing everyone off today. So it won't be a problem." The robot shot a stern look (or so it seemed) towards Beanie Toe to emphasize his point before walking through and following Beanie grudgingly.

 

While, yes, this would have been a pretty awesome, yet reasonable lie, it really was the truth. Malik's minigun has been with him ever since he booted up, and he's found no way of detaching it from his weapon's system due to the fact that he can't reach around his back and dismantle it (since it's actually inside his back). And he trusted /no one/ with task if tinkering around inside of him, so they were just going to have to put up with him. Either way, he was going to get the information he needed, even if he had to stare down the barrels of the Rangers.

 

It wasn't the first time, and it probably wasn't going to be the last.

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin, almost grudgingly, sets his rifle down, leaning it against the bin out the immediate sight of the Rangers. He then takes his pistol out and drops it into the bin, glancing at Raptor out of his peripheral, "You may find power armor is a bit tough to penetrate with any claws other than a Hellhound's. at least in my experience."

 

He stands by the entrance, waiting for the rest to go on before following himself.

[Ghostpony 17]

Seeker only looked at Beanie Toe with a bit of amusement as he tried to seem threatening to not just him but to Raptor as well. Before Seeker could say anything both Raptor and Malik spoke up to Beanine Toe as he gave them a half assed compliment in response  Seeker soon followed the group past the fences of the farm as he watched the group put their weapon in the crate next to them. Being a former slave, seeker had quick claws, something that saved his life more times then he would like to recall, and this situation was no different to him. With quick claws Seeker appeared to throw his plasma Defender in the crate like the others as he followed the group.  Seeker looked at Alizarin with what seemed to be a knowing smile "don't underestimate us griffons were, much stronger than we seem" Seeker spoke as he followed the group.

 

((Roll Agility: 44, rolled for agility cause it effects the sneak skill and that effects if i can keep a weapon hidden on my person at situations like this, if its alright?)) 

[Half-Note 273]

Guardian Angel remained Silent through the whole encounter but made note of the intent interest the rangers had on his companions. Soon though, they were invited inside and Guardian Angel trotted on in. "Unfortunately I have nothing to drop, as my weapons are all installed on my armor. I will however give you a paladin's word to keep both myself and my companions in line.

 

(I THINK I HAVE A PLAN! I'LL KEEP IT TO MYSELF THOUGH)

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin smirks at Seeker's words, "We shall see." He says in a slightly joking manner. He trots after his companions after they're all through, keeping an eye on his EFS's radar and taking in his surroundings as he goes, "So far it doesn't seem like they've noticed who I am, or just don't care. Can't be to careful however."

[Standard User 2,127]

@@Ghostpony: Succeeds; the weapon is hidden. No one else in the party notices.

 

Beanie Toe inspects the bin, then gives each party member a once-over. Finding everything to be satisfactory, he grunts and holds the door open for everyone to enter the house.

 

The farmhouse is, like most other houses in the Wasteland, ransacked and vandalized on the inside. Long-dried blood and spray paint adorns the cheap wallpaper in the front hall you've walked into. Directly in front of you, a spiral staircase dominates the square room. To the right through an open archway lies a kitchen where a young unicorn mare in robes is murmuring directions from a cookbook while floating various plants and herbs into a stew. To the left, another archway stands guard over a modest living room with two couches facing each other. On one of the couches lies a fat large plump stallion with a coal-black mustache. His blue hide jiggles slightly as he looks over at you and grins.

 

"Beanie! You've brought me new friends! Ahahaha!" The old stallion laughs as he rolls himself up into a proper seating position. "My, my, what do we have here...come, sit down and let's see who ya' are. We've got ourselves a Stable mare (he only glances at your PipBuck), two griffons (he offers a look of mild amusement and respect), some Rangers (here he exchanges an approving look with both Alizarin and Guardian), and a-- wow, a Pegatron! Never got to see one of you guys up close...if you're not busy sometime, I'd love to pick your brain. Metaphorically speaking, of course. Literally if you would allow us.

 

"Oh, sorry, I'm rambling. This ole' thing--" he taps his head with a hoof, "tends to wander off. Ahehe...anyway, come, sit and relax! What can we do for you?"

 

 

Beanie Toe does not enter the room. Instead, he spins on his hoof and returns to the outside without so much as a glance at Star Paladin Pot Belly.

Edited April 30, 2013 by Scoutaloo

[00Pony 286]

"Well he's certainly living up to his name." Alizarin thinks to himself with some amusement. He leans lightly against the nearest wall/furniture rather than sitting, nodding to the Star Paladin, "Pleasure meeting you. We've come on behalf of a young filly in Shantytown. She claims her father was murdered by some Steel Rangers over a simple laser rifle. We'd like to know if you have any knowledge about this."

[UnitP0N13 25]

Kept to himself for the most part. He really did not want to part with his harddrive with people he found...somewhat distasteful. One thing that was starting  to bother him was how most of the people they came across only seemed to notice Silver's Pipbuck, as if that was the only thing about her worth mentioning.

 

Malik looked towards Silver, wondering how people managed to overlook her prettiness. Then he looked away after a few moments when he realized he was staring, his eyes turning a bit pink from embarrassment.

 

He turned his attention back to the conversation at hand.

[SilverHeart 741]

Silver Heart walked into the room with the rest of the group. She felt awkward without her two guns. She had only used them against the Raiders that had attacked the caravan, but they had been with her since she walked out into the wasteland. Along with her Pipbuck, her guns were all she had left from her family. 

 

Silver Heart watched Star Paladin Pot Belly as he talked, he certainly seemed friendly. She noticed he was staring at her Pipbuck. And that he knew she was from a Stable. She didn't really like that everypony she met knew she was a Stable mare. Perhaps she could do something to blend in more later on. 

[Half-Note 273]

Guardian Angel decided to take charge at this point. "Hello Elder, I am paladin Guardian Angel from the Mohoove chapter and I would like to ask about an incident in shantytown, Guardian introduced himself. "It's come to my attention that there may have been a killing involving some of your Rangers. I was hoping to question the ponies here," he continued.

 

CHR roll: 20. + perk.

[Standard User 2,127]

@@Half-Note, @@00Pony

 

The amiable humor in Pot Belly's face disappears when you mention 'filly' and 'murder' in the same sentence. "Ah," he murmurs. "I see. Well, I assume you know that outright murder goes against everything the Steel Rangers stand for, and I would not tolerate anything of the sort in this division! Would you happen to have any evidence to support your claim?"

 

Well, you have the word of a foal...

 

To this, Pot Belly harrumphs. "Well, you know that foals can exaggerate stories...with no evidence against my Rangers I'm afraid I can't help you, and our numbers are stretched thin enough as it is."

 

[silver Heart (that means no one else look!):

Perception roll: You hear what sounds like a half cough, half chuckle coming from outside the window.

]

 

"However, I give you free reign to ask around the compound and see if you can come up with anything. Paladin Gravel should still be sparring with the recruit outside; he will relinquish your weapons once you choose to leave. I wish you luck in your investigations.

 

"Now, before I go and attend to some...pressing matters..." he casts a sidelong glance towards the kitchen, where the smell of simmering stew is wafting from. "Is there anything else you require of me?"

Edited May 3, 2013 by Scoutaloo

[UnitP0N13 25]

"Yes, actually. Do you know the whereabouts of a place called Haven?" Malik inquired.

 

The Steel Rangers are spread out far and wide, so the robot figured they may have picked up on a rumor or two. It was worth checking, even though he had a sneaking suspicion that Potbelly probably knew less then the rest of us here. And by the way he's been eyeing the kitchen...he probably cared less, too. Seriously, how can one even be that fat out in the Wasteland? Either you're well-fed and dying from radiation poisoning from the food, or starving to death.

[Standard User 2,127]

[Hey, I suck and stuff. I know. Believe me, I don't wanna see this die so soon.]

 

"Yes, actually. Do you know the whereabouts of a place called Haven?" Malik inquired.

 

 

Slowly, Pot Belly sinks back into his seat. "Oh, you're one of those groups...I should've guessed from the colorful collection of characters you have here. Want my advice?" He leans in close, struggling over his fat rolls. "Quit while you're ahead. All those rumors about Haven are just that: rumors."

 

He shimmies his way off of his seat and begins half-walking, half-waddling towards the kitchen. "But don't let me stop you. If you wanna go get killed on a wild moose chase along with every other group of now-deceased heroes, then go ahead. As for that poor filly, asking around the compound may be your best option."

 

@Ghostpony:

 

Intelligence: Thinking back on Pot Belly's last statements, you realize that he didn't exactly answer Malik's question one way or the other.

 

 

 

@SilverHeart:

 

Intelligence: Thinking back on Pot Belly's last statements, you realize that he didn't exactly answer Malik's question one way or the other.

 

Edited May 8, 2013 by Scoutaloo

[Half-Note 273]

Guardian Angel was still going to have a look around despite what the elder said and decided to start his search with the lowest ranking members of these Rangers, starting with the initiates. "I'm going to ask around and see what I can find out. Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone," he told his companions.

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin nodded, "Sounds like a plan. Kind of goes without saying, but try not to get yourselves shot. I'll see if I can get access to any terminals they might have. See if they have any information stored there." He looked after where Pot Belly had waddled off, then turned to look out at the barn, "Guess I shouldn't be surprised that we're not the first to try and find that 'Haven' place. What the Star Paladin said doesn't give me to much hope, but I might as well see it through. Who knows? Maybe we will find something." He physically sighs as he makes for the door, "Maybe even redemption."

[SilverHeart 741]

(OOC: I wouldn't worry too much @, this is probably just a slower paced RP. Also apparently Silver Heart is more intelligent than I am. I thought that was a pretty acceptable answer.)

 

Silver Heart listened to the conversation. An odd laugh briefly distracted her from a nearby window. She resisted the urge to immediately investigate, since she didn't want to offend the Star Paladin...and also because he was about to respond to Maliks question about Haven. Unfortunately he didn't really give out any information about Haven. 

 

Silver Heart looked around the room at each remaining members of the group. She mentally shrugged as everyone seemed alright with splitting up for the time being. With Alizarin looking through the terminals and Guardian talking to the lower ranks there wasn't a whole lot for Silver to do. It's probably for the best though, she wasn't very familiar with the Steel Rangers or their technology. "Just looking around seems as good an idea as any. I guess checking out....whatever or whoever made that sound would be a decent start." 

 

She quietly walked out of the farmhouse and around to the window where she heard the sound. 

 

(If required I rolled Perception: 34)