>>25430300
>>25430848
"Zombies" Gino says, and Matchsticks shoots him a dirty look, "Only the ferals are anything like that- Ghouls are what happens when you're unlucky enough to take on enough radiation to kill a pony twice over and live. Rots your flesh, but they'll never die of old age. Necropolis was close to where one of the balefire bombs hit- most ponies there died, but those that didn't have holed up there since most ponies out here shoot ghouls on sight."
"And Appleoosa ain't exactly useless- though I'd avoid that place too. Old Appleoosa is slaver territory, and New Appleoosa doesn't seem to mind that too much."
New and Old Appleoosa? Gino nods, "Yeah, New Appleoosa formed after the war. Small place, it's okay enough, attitude aside."
Matchsticks sighed, "If you've got your sights set on Las Pegasus, I won't stop you- but I'm telling you, that place gives ponies the creeps. Scrapvale and Hubcap get plenty of salvage, I'd seriously suggest staking those places out first."
"Scrapville is just south of here- some kind of junkyard turned into a town." Gino answered, "Got a great bar and casino, and the mayor is a stand up guy. Got a few fellow gryphons there too- we've ran together for the right amount of caps."
"And Hubcap is the closest thing to polite society the wasteland's got out west," Matchsticks added, "Ponies found one of the less radiated patches of desert and polished that turd into a damned diamond. It's even got a fresh water supply from an underground source. Every trader worth their salt barters there, and they're the reason caps are the currency of the Wasteland."
>Continue
>>25441384
>>25430892
Caps? Matchsticks nods, "Yeah- prewar bits are still a little valuable, since you can get bottles of cola out of machines with them. But bottlecaps are what we use for coin nowadays."
Well, looks like that entire dufflebag full of banknotes is less than useless now.
>>25433087
Both of them frowned, Matchsticks speaking first, "Used to be something called a Diamond Dog. Taint and Radiation changed them into something... else. Full of rage and death."
"And definitely not the type of thing you want to run into in a dark alley, chica." Gino said, the normally cool and composed gryphon a little more poofy at the mention of them. You add "Hellhounds" to the top of your "Avoid these at all costs" list, right by Radscorpions.
"Anyhow, I suspect you'll be on your way soon enough," Matchsticks says. You nod- every second you spend lollygagging is a second not finding that talisman. You do admit that you're feeling considerably more out of your depth than before. Matchsticks nods, "The wasteland is a scary place." She stands, thinking for a moment before turning to Gino, "Gino, our contract states that I'm hiring you for the protection of Dirt's best interests, right?"
"Pretty much exactly," He says, quirking an eyebrow, "Is this going where I think it's going?"
She nods, "I want you to accompany Fuse Box- keep her safe." there's pleading in her eyes, "She's the closest thing to hope we have."
No pressure or anything.
>Response: write in
>>25441398
Thank Matchsticks but ask if she's sure. You should also ask if Gino would like to come and help you on your journey. Make a proper introduction to Gino. Offer him your hoof! We should start heading to scrapvale then.
>>25441398
It would be nice to have somebody competent with a gun.
Someone gimme the CliffNotes version. Who are we, what are we doing, and why?thx in advance
>>25441589
We are a pony from Stable 15, wandering the wasteland because our Stable's magical fusebox is about to blow and we have no replacement. And now we're going to help make this stretch of the wasteland less irradiated by finding the Pony!G.E.C.K.
>>25441384
Your map is missing Las Pegasus
>>25441643
It's actually zoomed in quite a bit
>>25441612
!get inventory
>>25441663
Stable Jumpsuit, Pinstripe Suit (equipped), Tommygun and 2 drums of ammo, Hunting Rifle (Winona) and 10 rounds,a canteen of water, 20 caps, 10mm pistol with 22 rounds, 2 rolls of duct tape, A MedKit (1 syringe of Med-X, Pill bottle of RadSafe (20 pills), 3 Health Potions, 2 packets of RadAway), screwdriver and 37 bobby pins, wallet with ID, A whole duffle bag's worth of bits and banknotes, PlayPony magazine, 2 snack cakes, 1 bottle of fine spirits, 1 issue of Sword Mares, 2 books on science and mechanics, business files from the Dodge Junction saloon/train station
>>25441512
>>25441571
"Well, I could definitely use someone who actually knows how to work one of these things," You say, poking at the tommygun hanging from your neck. Matchsticks rolls her eyes, "I wouldn't give him that much credit."
"Hey, it's not my fault that everyone keeps running into the path of my bullets," Gino says, defensively. You are now a smidgen less sure about this.
"But if we're going to be travelling together now, I'm gonna suggest we check out Scrapvale first- I have a little business there, anyhow."
He smirks at you, sticking out his talons, "What do you say, chica?"
You stare at his talons for a moment, before grabbing them with your hoof, shaking them.
"Sounds like a mutually beneficial relationship!"
Gino's grin widens, "Alright- let's get a move on then. Scrapvale is a day away from here on foot." He grimaces, "Eugh, I hate walking. Flying is so much faster. And before you ask- I don't give out rides."
>Write in
>>25442151
>>Write in
Head to Scrapvale. What, were you expecting something different? Choo-choo.
>>25442151
Well then we better start walking. Do you have everything you need?
>>25442167
>>25442180
You ask Matchsticks if there was anything she could do with the dufflebag full of bits and banknotes you have, and after thinking it over, she goes to a cobbled together bookcase and pulls out a dusty journal.
"This was Gidget's- a compiled list of blueprints she made and other ideas. It's not much use to me, and I've been holding onto it just for nostalgia. Might be of use to someone more mechanically minded. I'll throw in a hoofful of caps, too."
>Recieved: 20 caps, Gidget's Journal
You thank her, and head out the door with Gino. The crowd has now since dispersed, though a few ponies that are still out and about shoot you hopeful looks. The sight of these ponies fills you with DETERMINATION!
"Come on, Gino! Let's move it- we wanna hit Scrapvale before sundown!" You say, breaking out into a brisk trot. Gino follows suit.
"You're gonna tire yourself out if you push yourself too much too early- plus, isn't that outfit you got on uncomfortable?"
You slow down- it has been a bit of a pain walking around in a full on suit. You excuse yourself to a nearby outhouse, quickly changing into your stable suit- it wasn't like you weren't obviously a stable pony anyways, it seems.
"Alright, let's get a move on."
>Level Up
At this point you may choose 1 skill to bring up to the next level, or 2 to bring to a +10 bonus. You may choose one of the following perks:
>Awareness: Examining targets with your Pipbuck gives you their health, armor, level and ammo count
>Faster Healing: You recover from wounds faster
>Presence: Your force of personality is one to be reckoned with, making interacting with unfriendly NPCs easier
>Swift Learner: You take to information easily, making training with any tools or items you don't know how to use much more efficient
>Binary: Robots are much more likely to turn out friendly to you, and those that aren't you are much more effective at fighting
And I'm taking a break until tomorrow- will be here later in the afternoon. Night!
>>25442481
Skill list for those that need it:
>Barter
>Energy Weapons
>Explosives
>Guns
>Lockpick (Rank I, +20 bonus)
>Medicine
>Melee
>Mechanics
>Science (Rank I, +20 bonus)
>Sneak
>Speech (Rank I, +20 bonus)
>Survival
>Unarmed
>>25442481
I vote for:
Sneak
Mechanics
Binary.
beep
I was thinking of putting everything we had into science and then trying our luck on the robot again though I don't mind raising our sneak and mechanics instead. Could be useful.
Morning
Anyone think we should raise our guns?
boop
And I'm back from work
>>25442543
>>25443362
>>25444904
seems like there isn't much of a consensus. Anyone else want to weigh in?
>>25447443
Sneak, Mecahnics, Guns
>>25447471
A max of 2 skills and 1 perk
>>25447522
ohyeah i knew that, of course
Mechanics, Guns
Binary
>>25447570
This works for me.
>>25447570
>>25447842
>>25447471
>>25444904
>Mechanics now at +10, Guns at +10
>Binary Perk added
>Hours later, but not many
Why is the outside so hot? Where's the temperature regulator in this place, sweet Celestia this SUCKS.
Gino rolls his eyes at your complaining, which you've been doing for a while now, "Aye yi yi, why are all you ponies so whiny? Grates on my nerves."
You scrunch your face- this guy thinks he's so damn cool just because he's some kind of mercenary-gryphon-person. At least he showed you how to hold that tommygun correctly to keep from suffering too much recoil. And working the bolt on Winona turned out not too hard- you've got her equipped at the moment, Gino's eagle-eyes spotting danger long before you're even close to it.
"Hold up."
Like right now. You're closing in on the top of another hilly area, and Gino holds up his talons for you to stop. He crouches low, peaking over the top, before turning to you, "We've got trouble."
You crab-trot to him, peering over the edge as well. A small camp seems to have been set up here- and the ponies there seem a little less than friendly.
"Damn Toasters- this is gonna be trouble."
"Toasters?" You ask. Gino grimaces.
"Their a raider group- obsessed with magic weapons and making their own guns from scrap. Go through towns taking any odd gear, pipe, and piece of scrap they can get their hooves on. Biggest hoarders in the wasteland.
Well this certainly is a pickle. How are you gonna deal with this?
>Write in
>>25448395
How many are there and how likely are they to have scavenged a regulator talisman?
>>25448395
We can't just go around them?
>>25448395
Can we get any idea of what kind of weapons they're carrying?
>>25448395
Ask him to explain what raiders are.
>>25448433
>>25448658
You count about half a dozen of them- a small band. And with a name that includes the word "raid" in it, you've got a good idea what they do. You then ask Gino how likely they are to have scavenged that talisman. He shoots you a hard to decipher look, "Eh, not likely. Force this small? Probably just a scouting party. We could take them, easy," he then looks you over, "Well, I could."
You huff, but don't challenge it. Killing radroaches was one thing- other ponies?
"I'm not going to kill other ponies, I'm not a-"
"You're not a murderer, you've got morals, blah blah blah." He says mockingly, moving his talons like some kind of puppet mouth, "Listen, I'm gonna say this once- the Wasteland isn't sunshine and rainbows. It's hard, it'd dangerous, and ponies kill ponies in it. Gotta get used to it sooner or later."
>>25448464
>>25448647
"Can't we just sneak past them?"
Gino groans, "Man, you ponies are wimps- yeah, probably easily. We could go around through those hills there." Gino doesn't seem to approve though- he's the type of guy who's itching for a fight. But you don't particularly care- it's hard to make out what kind of gear they're carrying aside from armor cobbled out of whatever junk must have been lying around, and that makes it too much of a risk. One of them is carrying some kind of polearm, the rest have pistols and rifles of some sort.
Time to decide the course of action.
>Sneak- roll 1d100
>Fight- write in what with and roll 1d100+10 for surprise round
>Other: write in
>>25449213
If we start out by taking out the ones with the rifles then we'll have the advantage of range. Do they have any cover they can run to?
>>25449213
I would go with sneaking but there is the fear of running into something worse going through those hills and we are on a shedule.
I would be for taking out some raiders.
We have the high ground so let's stay where we are and then count down to three. Then we both fire at whoever we're aiming at. After wards we can shoot the rest normally where we're perched up.
1d100+10
>>25441384
>Just got Fallout 3
>Never played Fallout
>So many fucking monsters
>Oh shit gear is breaking
>Too heavy, gotta drop shit
>Scary fucking monsters
>Too dark to see shit
>Oh fuck
>Get scared and play another gane instead
[1d100+10]
I'm just going to assume no one else is going to roll.
[1d100+10]
[1d100+10]
[1d100+10]
[1d100+10]
>>25449326
>>25449348
>>25449763
You frown. The raiders were a known threat- and who knows what beasties might be lurking in those other hills waiting to pounce. You don't want to take that chance, and you really, really don't want to kill anypony. But you decide that your morals a little fuzzier on the topic of kneecaps. You take out Winona, aiming down the barrel (this gun really needs a scope or something, maybe you'll figure something out about that later), and point it at the pony standing guard- the one with the polearm.
"You strafe them from above, I'll shoot here from cover."
Gino grins, nodding before taking to the skies. They'd never see him coming. Now for you to take the first shot.
You activate your SATS spell- at this range your chance to hit is about 50/50. You breath out and fire, the bullet ripping out of the chamber in slow motion- and going right through the raider's foreleg. She howls in pain, and you swing over to the next pony over, shooting them right in the flank. Your SATS dispells after that, the rifle using up a good chunk of it's duration. You clear the chamber, right in time for Gino to divebomb the now wary raiders, his SMG tearing up the dirt and ripping through the second raider you shot- along with a third and a fourth. Manually aiming now, you stare down the sights and fire at the fifth raider- your first shot misses, but your second hits right in the shoulder, sending him sprawling. By this time the raiders have figured out what's going on- the last of them charging up your hill holding a pistol in her telekinetic grip. You aim one last time, breath out and-
SPLAT!
You nearly drop your gun as the bullet rips through her head. Oooooh no, oh no no no no no.
>Continue
>>25450852
The raiders moan and shout in pain, as Gino drops in right beside you, giving a low whistle, "Didn't think you had it in you, chica- hell of a shot!"
You let the rifle hang by it's strap, staring shell-shocked. You killed a pony. You were just aiming to maybe clip her horn so she'd drop the gun. But you killed her. Killed her dead.
Gino nudged you, "Hey- snap out of it. She was gunning for you- she wouldn't have shown you the same kind of mercy." He looks at you seriously, "It's the law of the wasteland, chica- you did what you had to. Now come on- let's see if they have that chip."
Talisman, you correct almost absentmindedly.
"Whatever, let's just go."
Gino practically drags you along as you gingerly step around the wounded, calling you names that you wouldn't dare repeat. The pony you killed had something cobbled together that barely resembled a magical energy weapon- just a small spark battery attached to a beam focuser. Gino pockets it- might not be much, but energy weapons are still pretty valuable, regardless of the shape their in. The rest were carrying pipe weapons- pistols and rifles made out of stock tubing and spare parts. Same with the polearm. The two tents they had set up contain some sleeping bags, a stash of food and water, ammo and various bits of scrap and nic-nacs. No talisman.
"Well, it was worth a... shot." Gino says. You snort, despite yourself. Distraction is good. Gino nods for the two of you to leave the tent- and back onto the road you go.
The sun is nearly set when you finally see the lights of Scrapvale in the distance. You pick up the pace- finally something resembling legit civilization.
You and Gino stop outside the gate- walls made from piled boxcars and carriages. A guard stands there in beat-up looking armor, "What's your business here in Scrapvale?"
>Write in
>>25450973
Look to Gino and see if he speaks for you.
You came here looking for a rare item and you're hoping that scrapvale will have it. That item is a power talisman.
>>25451054
Gino says two words, "Talon business." The guard raises an eyebrow before stepping aside, "Go right ahead."
That was easy. Like... really easy. Huh. As you follow Gino through the gate, you ask him what exactly was that about.
"Well, see- I'm a merc, you already know that chica. But the merc company I'm with has a lot of pull, if you get what I mean. Talons get shit done, and we're known for that. Loyal to the contract. So yeah- welcome to Scrapvale."
You admit it's a little... underwhelming. There's a few fixed up pre-war buildings with new signs, such as "Gill's Depot" and "Sunrise Bar and Grill". But most other buildings are barely better than the shacks in Dirt. There is however one crown jewel- a building with actual working neon signs designating it as "Lucky 21's". That must be the casino Gino mentioned.
"Now, I'm gonna meet up with those folk I had business with. You can come with or just wander around- try not to get mugged, capisce?"
Yeah, capisce. What are you going to do?
>Follow Gino to the casino
>Wander around town, exploring
>Get a drink from the Sunrise
>Check out Gill's Depot to see what you can trade
>Other: write in
And I'm taking a break for tonight. I'll see you guys tomorrow
>>25451720
Ask him if he's going to be at the Casino the whole time. We should set up a meeting location if we're going to split up. I would like to wander around. Though if he isn't going to take long we should follow him.
Gils might know something to help our quest.
beep
Just dropped by to ask why there are two fucking FoE generals now? You people couldn't keep it to one fucking thread?
>>25455822
This is a CYOA, not a general.
>>25455872
>#3
>Not a general
Shut up
>>25455876
>Radioactive Horse Quest: A Fallout Equestria CYOA #3
>Quest
>CYOA #3
>>25452755
This, though if he is planning on taking a while we should head towards the depot
life saving bump
We can sell all the stuff we got from those toaster raiders.
b-bump?
>>25452755
>>25453793
>>25456560
>>25458558
You decide to head to Gill's Depot first. Gino nods, "Well, when you're ready I'll be at the casino. Just follow the soothing sounds of my voice."
You give him a weird look and just head to the depot. It's a fixed up building with wide windows- a shop before the war and a shop now. Stepping through the door, a little bell jingles.
There's a older pony at the counter- not as old as Matchsticks, but definitely giving off 'cool dad' vibes- and another pony standing guard by the door. The shopkeeper nods at you, "Welcome to Gill's Depot, what can I do for ya?"
You ask if he's Gill, and he nods. You then pull out the metric buttload of gear you took off the toasters- 1 polearm, 1 homemade energy pistol, 3 pipe pistols, 1 pipe rifle, and the small caliber ammo that doesn't fit the guns you use. Gill raises his eyebrows, letting out a whistle, "Someone's been a buys mare- where'd you get all this?"
You tell him about the Toaster camp that was set up not far out of town. He frowns, and turns to the guard at the door, "Make sure to step up the patrols, got it?"
The guard nods. You give a confused look and Gill chuckles, "Shopkeeper by day, Mayor also by day. So," he looks over all your collected gear, and says, "I can get you about 150 caps for this- unless you want to barter. We got a good supply- some healing potions, chems, ammo, food, water, and a few good guns, parts, and armor."
Of the latter, you see a leather jacket reinforced with thicker plates, a couple different pistols including another 10mm and revolvers, a shotgun, an automatic rifle, and various replacement and repair parts. No scopes, so there goes that idea.
>Write in
>>25460425
What's our current inventory?Some CYOAs I play use a pastebin document for things like inventory and stats for easier reference.
>>25460523
http://pastebin.com/1Agh10hF
Blammo, that's a good idea
>>25460425
Do you have hunger, thirst, and/or fatigue?
>>25460754
We've gone through the food rations given to us by the Overmare so we've got snack cakes for food left, and our canteen is about 20% full. We've been resting at night so we should be heading to bed sometime soonish.
>>25460425
Lets sell our junk and try to buy supplies and some armor.
>>25460643
I was looking at the inventory and noticed that the Tommygun's ammo is way to low. The drums either hold 50 or 100 rounds.
>>25461005
CRAP yeah I goofed and put in the ammo for a combat shotgun WHOOPS
>>25460874
You decide to give bartering a try. You pick out the leather armor- surprisingly it's a near perfect fit. Convenient! You also buy a short magazine for Winona, bringing her up to 15 rounds. Finally, you take about 3 bottles of water, a box of cereal, a few pieces of 'Mutfruit', and another package of snack cakes.
So healthy.
"Alright, that'll about do it," Gill says as he starts putting the various weapons sold to him on display, "Now, since you're new in town and have been very polite, let me offer some advice on the house- try to avoid Lucky 21's. Place is shadier than a lonesome tree a the foot of a mountain at noontime."
You cough nervously, before explaining that's actually where yourself and your travelling companion were going to be meeting up. Gill frowns, before sighing.
"Welp, then you best sleep with one eye open. The establishment itself is about as bad as it's clientele, and that's all I'm sayin."
You nod politely- being the mayor, Gill probably knows more about the goings-on in town more than anypony else. Maybe you could get some more information out of him- or we could snoop it out for ourselves.
>Write in
>>25461251
Ask about the town and see if he knows anything about the talisman.
>>25461251
What are the good places in town I should go to?
>>25461763
"Sunrise Bar is nice- Rummy's a good pony, even if she's got a bit of a temper. There's also a clinic in town, run by a pony named Evergreen." He hums, "Everything else... well, we've got a gang that's been causing trouble through most of town for about a month now- nothing too major, but still bit of a nuisance. And I'm pretty damn sure Lucky's been the one paying them off to do so. Probably aims to take over for himself." Gill shrugs, "Nothing worth concerning yourself about though. Just watch your back."
>>25461313
You ask if he's ever heard of a power regulation talisman, and he furrows his brow, "Can't say I have- not much of a tinkerer myself; can't do magic either, what with the lack of appropriate appendages." He says, tapping his bare earth pony forehead. You admit, you are a little jealous of unicorns and their magic- levitation would make mechanical work SO much easier. But you get by. Gill laughs a little at that, "Yeah, fancy magic or no, we earth ponies still have our ways."
The bell above the door jingles again, and a unicorn steps in. Whoops
"Speak of Discord- welcome to Gill's Depot, what can I do for ya?"
"Yes, do you happen to have any ammo for a Mauser?"
Gill shakes his head, "Nah, can't say I have that in stock. Sorry pal."
"Well, that's just a crying shame," The unicorn says- pulling out a pistol and firing at Gill!
Gill is hit in the shoulder once before diving behind the counter- what do!?
>Draw a weapon and fire! Roll 1d100+10
>Take cover!
>Other: Write in!
>>25462993
also, last post for the night. See you tomorrow afternoon!
>>25462993
[1d100+10]
>>25462993
[1d100+10]well isn't this all just straight out of the first Fallout game
>>25463061
>>25463099
Hopefully there will be more than 1 round of combat.
beep
>>25462993
[1d100+10]
He's probably part of that gang that was just mentioned.
Has anyone else found the Derpy reference in Fallout 4 yet?
This is crazy.
bomp
>>25463061
>>25463099
>>25463554
You whip out your pistol, queuing up 3 shots in SATS. The first shot misses completely, whizzing past and embedding in the wall. The second shot barely grazes the unicorn's armor. The third shot FINALLY hits, but the unicorn isn't down- barely a flesh wound. You dive behind the counter with Gill- nursing his shoulder and trying to get a good look at the attacker. He's taken out the guard at the door, using his body as a living shield.
"Dammit, this went to hell in a handbasket real quick!" Gill says, a staccato burst from the unicorn punctuating his sentence.
>Combat round 2: Write inFor those of you enjoying the Marejave setting, there's a more art-heavy forum based quest-adventure located here: http://www.mspaforums.com/showthread.php?59266-Marejave
>>25468419
Ask gil if more guards will be coming.
Also ask him if he has a gun.
If not give him one of ours.
We both shoot on three.
[1d100+10]
>>25468419
>http://www.mspaforums.com/showthread.php?59266-Marejave
>>25468452
This t.b.h
>>25468452
This
[1d100+10]
>>25468419
It would be nice if we could capture the guy.
>>25468495Fuck, didn't mean to quote that website
>>25468452
>>25468499
"The commotion is bound to draw somepony soon," He says, grabbing a pistol hidden behind the counter.
"Give the word."
One.
Two
THREE!
You jump up from behind the counter, opening up SATS after it had recharged a teensy bit, being able to get off one shot. You thankfully miss the guard and hit the would-be assassin in the arm. He stumbles, and Gill takes his shot- obliterating the pony's face.
>>25468507
Well there goes that idea. Gill blows the smoke from his gun, placing it back by the desk before hobbling over to his medical supplies. The Mauser round passed clean through, thankfully- a single healing potion would do the trick. He gulped the red liquid down, his wound magically stitching up.
"Are you okay?"
He nods, "Yeah- not my first rodeo, I'll tell ya what." He walks over the headless attacker, and puts a hoof on the guard's shoulder, "Get the rest of the constabulary, we've got an investigation."
The guard nods, briskly trotting away.
That certainly was intense- how are we feeling about this? What do we do now?
>Write in
>>25468966
Today is not a good day that's for sure. Things were starting to seem ok too. Like "at least random shootings shouldn't happen in a city." and to a nice pony like gil too.
I guess we should check the body for any clues. maybe he'll have something on him that can give us an idea of why he tried to kill gil.
>>25469036
>>25469719
Gill starts patting down the body, checking pockets for any clues. Aside from the pony's gun and a fat sack of caps, nothing.
"Real professional, leaving no clues. Damn." He takes the sack of caps, and divides it in half, "Here- for saving my ass back there."
>50 caps added
You ask if Gill has any clues on who would do this.
"If I had to guess, Lucky would be the only one in town to gain from it who could afford a pro." He thinks for a moment, before speaking up again, "Listen, you seem like a capable pony- maybe you could do me one more solid? You said you were heading towards Lucky 21's earlier. Maybe snoop around a bit- get some info. Being new in town, no one has to worry about your allegiances."
He makes a lot of sense, but this could also be really dangerous for a semi-naive Stable pony like yourself.
>Accept mission
>Decline mission
>Other: write in
>>25470288
Just looking around doesn't seem too hard. We can also ask Gino if he knows anything. So let's accept the mission.
>>25470288
Accept
>>25470288
Kinda dozed off at my own desk for a bit there, so that's probably a sign I need to sleep. I'll see you all later today
It's business time.
>>25470370
>>25470911
>>25472978
"I'll help out any way I can."
Gill smiles, breathing a sigh of relief, "Thank Celestia."
You excuse yourself, and head out of the shop towards Lucky 21's.
The building is more impressive up close. How such a large building survived the Balefire bombs is a mystery to you. You step inside, and a greeter pony is immediately upon you, "Welcome to Lucky 21's! Please enjoy your stay!"
You nervously smile back and nod, saying you're just meeting a friend here- do you know if a gryphon named Gino is still around?
"Ooh, yes- down that hall, take a right into the business suite."
You nod, thanking the pony again and continuing to walk.
The casino is filled with all sorts of games- cards, slots, billiards- and ponies of all colors and reputability. You witness one pony in particularly getting caught stacking a deck with aces, and promptly getting a hoof to the face. Ouch.
When you make your way to the business suite, you hear a much rowdier crowd- and as promised, the familiar voice of Gino above the din of it all.
"Griselda Grimfeathers, I swear to god one of these days- POW! TO THE MOON!"
How does one even just walk into a mercenary's meeting room? Do you knock? Do you just walk in like you own the place in a show of power?
>Write in
So I'm going to be around until about 6-6:30ish because I have D&D today. Will be back for a few more hours afterwards.
>>25475279
You knock because if you just walked in you'll get guns pointed at you. This is supposed to be a shady place or something. Best not to step on any hooves. Tell them you're Gino's friend.
>>25475279
Knock, better to interrupt a private chat rather than hear one in a shady place like this.
>>25475326
>>25475382
You politely knock on the door, and everything goes quiet. The door cracks open.
"The fuck do you want?"
You stammer a bit, before saying you need to speak to Gino. The door opens wider, and you see about a half dozen or so gryphons in the room. Gino cracks a grin, "Ayyy, chica! Glad you could join us!" He says, waving a bottle of beer around. The gryphon on his left asks, "You know this pony?"
"Yeah, yeah- she's my client. Kinda. Still working for the old lady in Dirt, but she wants me to keep her safe and shit, y'know?"
The other gryphon sticks out her tongue, "Eurgh, babysitting." Gino blows a raspberry.
"She's not that bad- handles well for a kid straight out of a stable."
You fix Gino with a tight lipped look. He ushers you to join him.
"Fuse, these are the Talons! Talons, this is Fuse Box."
There's a general murmur of various greetings. You're suspecting this business is more pleasure than anything else, judging by the smell of alcohol in the room.
"Can I, uh- talk to you privately, Gino?"
He gives you a confused look, "Why, what's up?"
You give him an urgent look, and he groans, "Fiiiiiiine- I'll be RIGHT BACK. Don't hog all the beer."
You slip out of the room with Gino, heading down into a darker part of the hallway.
"What's all the hubbub, chica?"
How are you going to explain to your drunk gryphon acquaintance about the shoot out you were just in?
>Write in
>>25476186
Just tell him what happened and make sure he listens to the whole story before he does anything.
DND got canned tonight, looks like we're continuing the CYOA into the night
>>25476186
Ask if he know who gil is. The pony who works at the depot and is also the mayor? Someone tried to kill him just now.
>>25476326
>>25476551
"You know Gill, right?"
"That ol' mutie? Everyone in town knows him, he's kinda the mayor." He says in a condescendingly drunken tone of voice that peeves you slightly.
"Mutie?"
"What, you didn't notice the, uh..." He motions towards his neck, "Namesake?"
Not really, you say. He shrugs, "Eh, whatever. What were we going on about?"
You then inform him about the shootout in Gill's shop. His eyes widen.
"There was a fight?"
You nod.
"And I MISSED it?!"
You roll your eyes, focus Gino. Who would want Gill dead?
He thinks hard for a bit, "Pffff... I dunno. Maybe Lucky, but they wouldn't try something so obvious. Not unless they were trying to send a message."
You nod- you had suspicions that was the case. You ask Gino where exactly to find Lucky. He laughs, "You don't just TALK to Lucky. Unlike Gill, Lucky knows that half the wasteland would kill him if they had the chance on policy alone. You gotta get him to agree to meet you." he looks you up and down, "And right now, you're kind of a nobody."
Gino thinks for a moment, "But... you do have one thing going for you."
And what's that?
Gino grins, "Yours truly."
Gino leads you back to the meeting room. Two of the gryphons are now arm wrestling, the rest of them placing bets.
"Ay, Griselda?"
One of the arm-wrestling gryphons looks up, and finally manages to pin the other guy's arm. There's much rejoicing and squawking, and you wince a little.
"What do you need, Gino?"
"Just wondering how Lucky's schedule tomorrow looks," He says, sidling up to her. She scoffs, "Oh please, you know there's nothing to really be busy with- it's all a crock of shit."
"I know, that's why I need you to pencil myself and the filly here in for tomorrow."
She raises an eyebrow, "For how much?"
>Continue
>>25476852
Gino looked around conspiratorially, before whispering something you couldn't quite catch. Her eyebrows slowly raised higher and higher.
"... Alright. You got yourself a deal."
Gino winked and clicked his tongue, "You're a real doll."
"Don't push it."
Gino grins, and gets up, "Alright, myself and the lady will retire for the night," He says in a rather put-upon snobbish accent, grabbing three beers, "After tomorrow, we've got to do the serious meeting, capisce guys?"
Everyone voices their consent in a bored groan. These guys certainly seemed rather... casual for well-known mercenaries.
Gino leads you up a flight of stairs and into one of the casinos many hotel-like rooms. He flops on the couch, popping open one of the beers.
"Grab a brew, don't be a square."
You've never drank before. It didn't really smell that great, but maybe it's just an acquired taste?
>Grab a beer
>Stay sober
>>25476946
We don't want to have a hangover for an important meeting.
>>25476946
Sober.
>>25476946
Who doesn't drink after getting shot at? Have a beer.
>>25477008
>>25477033
You'd rather not be hung over by the time you're meeting Lucky tomorrow. Gino sticks out his tongue, "Laaaaaaaaaaame. Fine, more for me."
You curl up on the bed. It's a little stiff, but it works fine for what it does. Gino eventually passes out, snoring.
This is going to be a long night.
Morning finally comes, and you get up- mane a mess and Gino curled up in a ball of self pity and hangover on the couch. You trot over to him, nudging him a bit.
"Come on, we gotta go meet Lucky." you murmur. He groans.
"Eurgh... no need to shout..."
You roll your eyes- boy were you glad that you abstained last night. After fixing yourself up in the bathroom, Gino finally awakens and brushes his talons through his feathers a bit.
"Alright, alright- so, we're going to go talk to Lucky. How are we doing this? Good cop, bad cop? Distraction and snooping?"
You've been giving this thought, and you figured the best plan would be...
>Write in
>>25478310
A naive stable dweller and a hungover gryphon mercenary sound like a perfect recipe for good cop, bad cop.
I would like a few more ideas on how to proceed before continuing on, so I'm going to pause for right now- class in the morning. See you tomorrow afternoon
>>25478310
Distraction and snooping sound like a good idea since we're trying to find out what we can about the shooting.
Though let's see what happens when we're there.
beep
We should ask what kind of pony lucky is like.
up
>>25482087
"It all depends- what do you know about Lucky?"
Gino shrugs, "Not much- usually talks through this big guy named Bouncer. Don't know many who've met the actual pony- bit of a mystery. Really pragmatic though- and Bouncer's no slob either."
So you wouldn't even really be talking with the actual pony, but some front man?
"About sums it up."
Well, judging by a name like Bouncer, there's probably not much you could do to intimidate the pony into releasing information- and trying to sneak around right in front of a pony is just stupid. But- it does give you a chance to scope the room out.
"Breaking and entering, eh? Didn't think you had it in ya."
You roll your eyes- you weren't a perfect pony, you've been in hot water metaphorically speaking a few times. Gino chuckles, "Sure thing, chica. Now- if this is the plan then here's what we'll do- I'll keep him occupied long enough for you to check the room out. One-griffon crazy cop him. Capisce?"
You nod- capisce. What gear should we bring?
>Write in
http://pastebin.com/J5L2Qw2z equipment list
>>25484275
They'll probably take our weapons so I don't see a point in bringing them but we can at least wear our pistol. We'll bring our screw driver and bobby pins.
We should also wear our suit to look nice.
That's all we should need.
>>25484275
Either the Stable jumpsuit or the leather armor, we need something that's easy to move around in and doesn't have metal bits that could make noise.
Screwdriver and bobby pins, just a few since we probably won't get many chances. We can hide them in our tail.
Duct tape, You never know when you'll find a use for the stuff.
Playpony magazine, we might be able to use it as a distraction or an excuse (I was looking for a little privacy).
page 10 bump
Leather armor works even since you should always be ready for trouble.
beep beep
Eat breakfast
beep
morning bump.
>>25484336
>>25484379
>>25486238
You form up a bit of a plan, and don your leather armor and pistol. You also take your copy of PlayPony as part of your cunning ruse and keep your lockpicking gear and duct tape.
Never leave home without duct tape.
>>25489560
You take out one of your snack cakes, and offer the other to Gino. He scarfs it down.
"Much appreciated, chica."
After the short breakfast, Gino leads you down the hall and up more stairs, knocking on a set of double doors. The gryphon from last night- Griselda- opens them.
"Nice of you two to finally show up. Bouncer is waiting."
The room is large, with a decent view of the expansive nothingness of the wasteland. Those windows would be a prime entry point if Gino can fly you in.
Behind a wooden desk is probably the biggest pony you've ever met- easily towering over yourself with a look that makes you doubt yourself for a moment there. Gino cracks a trademark grin, "Eyy, Bouncer- what's shakin?"
"Cut the banter, Gino- what do you need from the boss- and who is she?"
He gestures at you, and you shrink back a little. Gino waves his talons, "No one special- just my client. So, you hear about that shoot out at Gill's last night?"
Bouncer snorts, and you put your plan into action. You take out your magazine and start reading. Bouncer glances over at you once and then does a double take. You stare deep into his eyes. He wavers. Stallions are so easy to mess with.
"I uh- don't think anypony in town hasn't heard about it by now."
Gino nods, "Yeah, can't think of many ponies in town who could afford to try and get him dead like that."
The banter between the two continues, Gino subtly trying and failing to get a confession out of Bouncer who subtly informs Gino of how many broken limbs he'd get for such insinuations. You take the time to catch glimpses around the room- there's an air duct for an alternate entry, and a door behind Bouncer which leads to Lucky's actual office.
>Continue
>>25493033
You cough once, and Gino takes that as his cue.
"Alright big guy, I'll take your word for it. Now, if you'll excuse me- I've got some loose ends to tie up."
Bouncer grunts, and Griselda shows the both of you out the door. You wait until you're a good distance away before telling Gino your options.
"So, we've got an entry point at the window if you can hold me up long enough to unlock it, or through the ventilation on the roof. It's probably too small for you to make it through-"
"Hey!"
"-BUT somepony like me could slide in easily and then unlock the window from the inside to let you in. Then we snoop through the front office. If we find nothing, then we check out Lucky's personal quarters through that door that was behind Bouncer."
Gino mulls this over, "Seems like a solid idea. Might need some supplies though- maybe we can bug the room with some fancy pony magic or something."
Too bad you're not a unicorn, that would be a pretty nifty trick. But you have the start of a plan- and you'll reconvene with Gino by the end of the day with everything you'll need. But in the mean time you need to prepare and Gino needs to pay off his debts to Griselda. What are you going to do?
>Write inForgot my trip in that first post
>>25493068
How high is his debt? We might be able to help with it. I do like the air duct plan. Much easier to do. Then we can just go out the window with gino when we're done.
We can ask Gil if such a thing was possible or if he knows a pony.
>>25493068
Ask what his deal with Griselda was about?
Let's hope we find something interesting.
>>25493068
If we can get a bug somewhere in town then we should do so. Would probably be best to make sure Gino's debt is settled first. He did take it on our behalf after all.
>>25493137
>>25493380
>>25494117
Gino coughs a little, "No offense, but uh- repaying that debt is gonna be a one gryphon job, you dig? I'm, uh- one of the few guys who know what Gris likes... if you catch my drift."
You raise a single eyebrow at him. He tugs at his collar, "Is it gettin' hot in here or somethin?"
Okaaaaaaaay, you'll let it go for now. Gino takes this chance to scamper off and do... whatever it is he has to do. You head out of Lucky 21's and go straight to Gill.
"You're still in one piece- that's a relief."
You nod, explaining how your meeting with Lucky's spokespony went earlier. Gill nods, "Yeah, I expect you wouldn't be meeting the actual pony. Don't think I've even seen their face. So what's your plan?"
You tell him your plan.
"That is a pretty risky plan- do you even know when that office is gonna be vacated? What even to look for?"
You say you figure that anything of actual value to the investigation would be in Lucky's room itself- which is why you were hoping to maybe see if he had some kind of recording device or bug for the room. He shakes his head, "Can't say I do. But... I think I know a unicorn who might know a spell that could work like that." He rummages around in his supply, pulling out a small crystal, "There- that should work as something for the spell to attach to. You should go to Evergreen at the clinic- she'll be able to help with that."
You thank him. Are there any other supplies you'd want to buy before heading out?
>Write in
I've got a different tabletop game tonight so I'll be home later to keep going. Be back then.
>>25494415
I don't think we need anything else after our trading yesterday. We should head for Evergreenand try not to think about the things being done to Gino right now.Strange things involving plastic toys and soft cheese.
>>25494586
It's horrible
>>25494415
We're fine. Also planning on doing this at nightish though maybe the middle of the day would be better because that's something they wouldn't expect.
Up we go
Whew, okay- so things ran much longer than anticipated so I'll be continuing this tomorrow just a bit after work- so shortly after 12. I'll see you all then.
Time to go see Evergreen.
Page 10
>>25506227
bumpu
Up from 10.
>>25494586
>>25495947
>>25501278
Heading back out it is, then. You're not going to do this immediately since Bouncer is literally still sitting around in that office.You try your best not to think about Gino. You really do.
After a few minutes walking, you find yourself standing outside a somewhat rickety building, with the phrase "Ministry of Peace" spray-painted on a sign right outside of it. What's that all about? You put that bit of info on the backburner of your brain and head inside.
It's surprisingly busy for such a small 'hospital'. There's about a half dozen cots around the room, and ponies filling every one of them. A mare with almost neon green hair covering half her face stands at the center giving out orders.
"Where's that RadAway, I need 500 CCs of it, stat! And someone get that mare a tourniquet, this isn't our first day ponies!"
She takes a glance at you and gives the stethoscope she was holding to the pony right next to her, "Great- hold this."
She marches up to you, "Listen, we're a little understaffed- unless this is a medical emergency or you're some kind of miracle volunteer I really don't have time for this. What do you want?"
Her eyes seem to plead "Please don't be a medical emergency."
>Write in
>>25508564
Gill told me that you would be able to help with giving me a recording device?
We don't know much about medicine but we can help with something if it's easy.
>>25508564
We were sent by Gill, but since your so busy is there any way we can help?
>>25508654
>>25508656
"Um- Gill sent me here to, uh, get some help... after that shootout? Last night?"
Evergreen sighs, "Right, errand pony- okay, what is it then?"
You quickly tell her about how Gill thinks Lucky might be the one to have hired that hitpony to take him out, and your plan to plant some kind of listening device in Lucky's suite. You then ask if she knows any kind of magical recording spell that could be attached to a gemstone, while fishing out the crystal Gill gave you.
Evergreen frowns, "Well this is just peachy- okay, here's the deal. Do you have ANY medical training at all?"
Well, aside from some mechanical related cuts and small burns-
"Okay so nothing then." She floats out a piece of paper, "This is a list of medical supplies we needs. Stuff we're short on- I know Gill has a supply. If you can get us the stuff we need, then I'll take a look at your little... problem. Got it?"
You nod quickly.
"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me." She then goes back to helping patients. You slip out of the door.
Well. That was a thing. You trudge on back to Gill's store.
"Back already?" Gill says, and you slide the paper onto the counter.
"Evergreen had some... demands?"
Gill snickers, "Yeah, she can be a bit demanding. Let's see..."
Gill gives the list a look over, humming and hrrming.
"This is a lot of stuff... and I can't exactly afford to just give this stuff away."
Oh well this is just PERFECT. Gill holds up his hooves, "Now hold on- I'm sure I can work out some kind of billing for Evergreen later. I'll pack up some bags for the stuff, just let Evergreen know that we're going to have a little chat later, okay?"
That sounds... pretty reasonable, actually. Gill nods, "I'm not an idiot- someone's gunning for me and I'm not gonna be a scrooge about it."
>Continue
it's mission time.
>>25509616
buckle up
>>25509183
Gill proceeds to pack up some saddlebags with the requested items, along with a note for Evergreen about meeting up later to talk about paying her back. You cinch the saddlebags around you, nodding at Gill before leaving.
It's starting to get around noon now, but the leather breathes surprisingly well- you don't feel nearly as hot as when you wore that suit. Formal wear- you'd figure some unicorn seamstress would've figured out a spell to make it comfortable AND fashionable. Or maybe that's reserved only for the more high-end pre-war wear. Either way, a swift walk across town brings you back to the clinic, and Evergreen quickly accepts all the medical goodies you've brought her.
"Thank you so much- you're literally a life saver, here." She says as she levitates some Med-X over to a nurse, "Didn't think Gill would hand the stuff over so easily."
"Well, he does expect a little recompense beyond just the spell," You say, giving her the note. She stuffs it in her pocket, "Yeah, yeah- I'll look over the bill later. Now, lemme see that gem of yours."
You hand her the crystal, which she takes in her levitation aura and begins to focus. A small spark leaps from her horn to the crystal, and she lowers it back into your hooves. The spark then leaps from the gem to your Pipbuck.
"There- now you should be able to use your Pipbuck to tune into the gem's frequency, and hear whatever's going on in the room you plant it in."
You nod, thanking her and she scuttles back to work.
Time to put this plan into action- you're going to need to figure out what tools you might need for the infiltration. What gear do you bring?
>Write in
>>25511075
We'll need our lockpicking stuff and some way to open the vent covers (if we go that route). A way to pull Bouncer away and distract him for a bit could also be useful.
>>25511075
Just our lockpicking things and a pistol. I don't think we can wear our leather armor through those vents and might want to go back to wearing our stable jumpsuit.
>>25511182
>>25511224
>Later that night...
You met up with Gino back at the room in the casino. You very purposefully avoid asking at all how it went between him and Griselda, and let him in on the new little details of the plan.
"Can't believe Gill just let those Ministry ponies have all those supplies. Must be real shook up by that attack."
You nod, figuring as much. The rest of the day is spent with some idle chit-chat, asking a little bit more about different things you didn't know about the Wasteland- various raider tribes, what stables were open, and the various more common creatures. Night finally came, and you donned your stable suit, lockpicks, pistol, and duct tape. Time to roll out.
The flight up to the roof is exhilarating. You'd never gone so fast or so high in your life! You bounced a bit and almost asked Gino to do it again, but then reigned yourself in- you had a job to do.
You unscrewed the grating that blocked the air duct, and made the plunge- OH GOD THAT'S 90 DEGREES STRAIGHT DOWN OKAY APPLYING BRAKES.
Turns out sneaking through air ducts is a lot easier in movies. You sort of shimmy your way down until you hit the first tube parallel with the ground. You know that Lucky's office is on the fourth floor, which makes the journey down a lot easier since that's the last one before the roof.
A little bit of crawling and looking through grates and you eventually find the one that leads into Lucky's office- a swift punch to the grate and you're in. You unlock the windows and open them- Gino will see them eventually.
Time to start your investigation- there's a few filing cabinets, a desk, and the door to Lucky's private office which is locked. What first?
>Write in
>>25511983
Desk
>>25511983
It's always the desk.
>>25512066
>>25512199
You try the drawers on the desk- two on either side and one in the middle. Middle one is empty besides a box of bobby pins and a few pencils.
The top left drawer is empty, and the one below that is a file holder that's just moth eaten pre-war lists. Top right has a stash of caps, and the bottom right has much newer files. You start reading them, and Gino finally flies in.
"Find anything?"
You shake your head, "Not much- just reading these files so far."
Gino plops down next to you and starts going through them as well. After a few minutes of skimming you're pretty sure these are all IOUs by various patrons and other marked debts and business expenses. Nothing that actually seems suspicious or out of place- no oddly written off business expenditures or costs that don't add up.
>What do we take from the desk?
>Write in
>>25512387
Lets not take anything. Try tapping the bottoms of the draws though. Might be a secret compartment in one.
>>25512387
Part of being sneaky is that we don't leave traces.
>>25512387
We can take a quick look through the filing cabinets.
After that though I think it's time to try and open that door.
[1d100+20]
