Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

by shenadri

Rating: teen
Tags: Crossover, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Diamond Dogs, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Adventure, King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis, Discord
Length: 55779

The mane six discover the joy of good old fashion pen and paper rpgs as they team up together on an epic quests within the "Forge World!"

"Featured 7/8/2014! Sweet!"
ADOPTED FROM HIS ORIGINAL AUTOR, Zelkova48 TO BE CONTINUED

Jump into the rich and vast continent of Metallos! Where magic meets machinery and the sword meets gunpowder.
Join up with your friends. Together, become involved in an adventure undreamed of!
Be a group of hardened mercenaries, elusive members of a spy ring or even be a band of swashbuckling pirates!
Explore the world! Learn it's history! Battle nefarious villains! Stab your friends in the back! Hog all the pie!
Experience all of this in "Forge World!"

-Learn the basics or creating a campaign and understanding the mechanics of "Forge World"
-Learn the history and lore of the great continent of Metallos! From the frozen tundra of Silverus to the blazing sands of Bronza!
-Choose from several different race and classes to mix and match to be your very own! Be a unicorn magus, a diamond dog pickpocket, even a changeling spy!
-Outfit your character with all manners of weaponry and equipment! Learn all sorts of spells to blast your foes and assist your allies in combat!
-Detailed explanation on crafting and alchemy to further your adventuring experience!
-All with highly detailed illustrations and writing in this massive 432 page rulebook!

What are you waiting for? Those brigands aren't going to stop themselves you know? Into the "Forge world" you go!

Twilight continued to stare at the the back of the book cover before sighing in exasperation "I know I like books and all but this is outrageous, even for me"

Without even giving the book a second look, she quickly went and shelved it back to Spike's own personal bookshelf as she was cleaning up their room. As she was leaving the library, she only thought to herself

"How can somepony enjoy a book as ridiculous as that?"

Published 2013-03-08 10:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2023-03-30 00:05:41 UTC

Forge World: Expanded Compedium, Weapons (Updated (8/17/2014)

Welcome To The Forge World Armory!

"Greetings, traveler! So you're looking to start your grand adventure across the Forge World, eh? Well, good for you! But be honest. You're not seriously thinking of taking on your foes with just, grit, confidence and enthusiasm alone are you? Heh, heh. I thought not. This is where I come in! Here in the armory is everything that you'll ever need to maim, burn, and/or terrorize your enemies down to their rotten core! But, uh, for a price of course."

"Good hunting, my man!"

Swords and Boards

In an age where modern firearms and powerful magic have dominated the world of warfare and combat, you have to remember that it was good ol' fashion swords and shields that really got the job done back in the day. To this day, melee weapons of all kinds are still being employed for use in nearly every active military on the continent of Metallos, and are still a major source of firepower for armies everywhere.

Be it a handy short sword, a menacing mauler, or the multipurpose halberd, close combat weaponry will never lose their place upon the fertile fields of battle. Not ever. Also, they don't jam either, as others have said.

[Swords and Others]

-Brass Knuckles:

A popular choice among bar brawlers and pirates. The brass knuckles are lightweight and easily concealable but packs that extra oomph that your punches need. Brass knuckles come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes and usually caters to everyone's special needs.

-Claymore:

The claymore is a massive two handed sword that is said to have originated from the northern island of Divided Golderan. While slightly smaller than large weapons like the great cleaver or war cross, this general difference allows for even the weakest to wield it properly. However, only mighty characters with great strength can wield two in both hands or wield one with a shield in the other.

-Cutlass:

A popular and abundant sword among pirates given how they were formerly marines and naval officers before they turned to piracy. Since most cutlasses usually have a very distinct ornate design than most swords do, they give off a certain prestigious air that can be used as integral part of a disguise if you wish to fool members of the military, high class society or even the local government.

-Entrenching Tool:

The entrenching tool (abbr. E. Tool) is a much smaller variation of the common shovel and is primarily a standard issue equipment for soldiers everywhere. What makes it different from the shovel apart from its much smaller size is the fact that it can be folded up for compact carrying. One side of the shovel head is sharp like a blade while the other is serrated like a saw respectively, therefore increasing its killing potential and utility out on the field.

-Great Cleaver:

The great cleaver is a massive single edged square sword reminiscent of a butcher's cleaver. It is the titular weapon of the Judicators, capable of cutting down swaths of foes in one fell swoop or crushing them with the blunt end. Given its gargantuan size and weight only Judicators and the mighty may wield such a devastating weapon to its full extent.

-Mauler:

-Pickaxe:

To the common eye, the pickaxe is but a tool used to mine rocks and minerals. But to the dedicated miner, the pickaxe is a sacred symbol of their work. Anyone can swing a pickaxe, but only miners can transform the simple tool into a mighty weapon that can pry armor off of soldiers like peeling the skin off of an orange.

-Pipe Wrench:

-Scimitar:

Large curved swords that are commonplace around Bronza of the Blazing Sands. It's unique exaggerated curved design may hinder its ability to stab properly but the weighted edge gives more slashing power that can cut through flesh and bone with relative ease.

-Shillelagh:

The shillelagh is an short walking cane made of extremely tough blackthorn wood that can be swung as a bludgeon given how sturdy it is. Able to withstand even the harshest of conditions, the shillelagh can cave a griffon's face in while retaining its pristine conditions and still guide you throughout your travels.

-Short Sword:

A classic among myrmidons, noblemen and soldiers alike. The short sword has withstood the test of time and has been used as a mainstay and quintessential weapon. Being a jack of all trades, the sword has no real disadvantages but also has no real advantage over the enemy.

-Shovel:

While the pickaxe is the signature tool and weapon of miners, it is the shovel that Diamond Dogs everywhere use to represent their culture and livelihood as hard workers and technological innovators. A common tools used for digging, the shovel can be found almost everywhere and can be used as an effective weapon to a degree either as a bludgeon should you swing it on the flat end, piercing if you thrust with it, or as a slashing weapon should you choose to sharpen the shovel head.

-Sword Cane:

A favorite for tough aristocrats looking to get into a scrap and duelists who want to fight with style without looking unsightly. The sword cane is a sword and scabbard that have been deliberately designed to look and work like an ordinary cane. Skilled fighters know how to make use of both its unassuming appearance and ability to charm the ladies of the world.

-Terror Blade:

The terror blade is a weapon of untold atrocity and horror. Relics of a time long since forgotten, the terror blade whispers omens of death to their users that drives them to the brink of insanity. Only the strong willed can resist the blade's thirst for destruction, but even then the owner is driven to kill without mercy nor remorse. Only experienced Fear Mongers* may wield this weapon properly, if at all.

*This career has yet to be established.

-War Cross:

The war cross has a bit of a fickle history as both a weapon of terrible wrath and a symbol of religious devotion. Story has it that one day, a high ranking priest from the Sect of the Brood Mother was helping the poor when brigands attacked his temple. As he and many others stood helpless before the blades of the brigands, the cross that adorned the arches of their humble temple broke off and unceremoniously crushed one of the brigands underneath.

Seeing this as a sign from the great conscience, the priest took upon the cross and went on to deliver terrible vengeance upon those who would dare to threaten the innocent. Thus starting the trend of focusing combat for the Sect rather than healing spells and the likes.

The war cross is basically a large wooden, stone, or metal slab that is shaped like a large ornate cross with a handle attached to it, allowing for it to be swing around like a weighty maul. Those high up in the hierarchy of the Sect are often seen with these menacing symbols of their faith worn upon their backs at all times, just itching to smash some punk into the good earth.

[Knives and Daggers]

-Assassin's Blade:

You might ask yourself, what makes an assassin's blade so much more different than the average dagger? Aside from being sharper than a razor, and lighter than aluminium, the assassin's blade can be collapsed into its hilt via a brilliant telescopic design that is still being sought after by blacksmiths and artificers everywhere. And with a flick of a switch, the blade will come out of the hilt and extend to its full length almost effortlessly, ready to claim its next victim.

-Bayonet:

Otherwise known as the great equalizer, the bayonet is a long sharp knife that can act as an optional add on to both rifles and pistols. The bayonet transforms the ordinary firearm into a deadly melee weapon for before and after you run out of ammo.

-Bow Blade:

The bow blade is a custom made knife that is designed to fit the curvature of the bow. Much like the bayonet for a firearm, it adds some much needed melee potential to your medieval bow.

-Dagger:

From its humble origins as a lowly stone knife, the dagger stays true as a trustworthy weapon for hunters, crooks, and wary members of royalty in times both old and new. Small, easily hidden, and dependable, the dagger really is the sword of knives.

-Injector:

Injectors are normally found around alchemist labs or at your local apothecary. Injectors are clunky devices with multiple needles that are designed to quickly spread healing salves or virulent poison throughout an individual's body. It is recommended to thoroughly sterilize each individual needle after each use to prevent the risk of transmitting diseases.

-Sacrificial Dagger:

A crude, almost archaic knife that's been carved out of a chunk of black obsidian. A sacrificial dagger is used to perform rites and rituals where live tribute are required for the appeasement of gods, both good and bad. It's not uncommon to find one of these caked in blood at all times and reek of salt and rust.

-Springblades:

A springblade is a small knife that can be extended and retracted with help from a complex housing mechanism. The blade is easily concealable and can be put to use almost immediately and hidden away before anyone gets suspicious.

-Throwing Knife:

Lightweight, balanced, and sharp enough to shave with, the throwing knife is an assassin's best friend when it comes to silently murdering someone from a distance or for winning bar bets down by the local pub. Throwing knifes can still be used like regular melee weapon and can be retrieved from the corpse of your enemies if they remain intact.

-Trench Knife:

The trench knife is a knife where it has a knuckle guard that can double as a set of brass knuckles. Whether you choose to stab or pummel your foe is usually up to the owner's preference.

[Staves, Spears, and Polearms]

-Battle Cross:

The battle cross is a polearm that is essentially a metal cross, often sharpened or studded, that has been attached to a wooden or metal shaft. Formerly used as a symbol for religious faith, people eventually found out how good it was for self defense and decided to make nearly every single one of it battle ready.

-Blasting Pike:

The signature weapon of the skyterrors. The blasting pike is a perfectly balanced pike with interchangeable heads. A regular spearhead and one that is filled to the brim with high explosives. Rarely ever sold on the market unless an entire shipment gets hijacked and sold on the black market. To own such a weapon is to be the envy of all soldiers.

-Halberd:

Often regarded as the swiss army knives of polearms, the halberd is a fearsome combination of a spear and an axe. Because of this, it has many uses and is often employed for use by local town guards and policemen due to its versality.

-Lance

-Stave

-Spear

-Wooden Staff

[Shields]

-Buckler

-Gun Shield

-Heater

-Mirror Shield

-Rosebush Shield

-Scutum

-Skyterror Shield

-Targe

-Tower Shield

Death from a Distance

As the ages past by for the kingdoms of Metallos, people eventually came to the conclusion that fighting up close with large imposing armies was no longer a viable tactic in war. Modern warfare would have to be fought from a distance. When bows and other various firearms came onto the scene, many pugilist and warriors alike have displayed a particular loathing towards these dishonorable weapons. They say that fighting from afar was cowardly, and that real soldiers fought each other face to face.

These people have obviously been shot at at some point in their career as a fighter and lost very badly. The moral of all this? Never bring a knife to a gunfight if you value the entirety of your kingdom.

[Bow and Crossbows]

-Auto Bow:

A large and heavy crossbow that is built like an automatic weapon. Using a crank this weapon is capable of sending hundreds of arrows flying at the enemy. It only be used by strong characters unless it is mounted or operated by a small team. Fires wooden bolts only.

-Ballista:

A large heavy crossbow meant for heavy support or for sieging. Incredibly powerful in both areas of range and damage. Only fires heavy bolts and can only be used by strong characters if the ballista isn't mounted or operated by a small team.

-Bow:

A classic weapon, the bow. Ancient yet its effectiveness has been proven to withstand the test of time. It can fire regular wooden arrows or a myriad of the special arrows designed for it.

-Compound Bow:

Rare and viciously expensive, the compound bow is a high tech prototype designed by scientist of Rubinelle to increase the efficiency of an old favorite. The compound bow can double the draw strength of the user to increase the range of the arrows. The compound bow is also collapsible for easy storage and transport.

-Crossbow:

Considered to be an evolution of the bow, the crossbow is a silent alternative to rifles and pistols. It can fire regular crossbow bolts or any of its specialty bolts and can be equipped with a scope for more accurate shots or a bayonet for close combat.

-Great Bow:

A bigger variation of the bow. It can fire arrows further than the bow as well as hitting much, much harder. However, it requires greater strength to wield than the average bow.

-Pistol Crossbow:

Smaller and weaker, but just as silent and as reliable as a regular crossbow. Normally used as a replacement for a regular pistol, the pistol crossbow is a silent sidearm that can help you out in a pinch. Can only fire short bolts.

-Quiver:

A carrying case for all your arrows and bolts. Comes in many shapes, sizes, styles, and gimmicks. Usually available with every purchase of a bow and its variations.

-Repeater Crossbow:

A special crossbow that has a magazine incorporated into its frame and a lever for the rapid loading of crossbow bolts, sacrificing range for speed and ease of reloading. This weapon can only fire basic wooden bolts due to the small size of the magazine.

-Slingbow:

An alternate version of the slingshot, the slingbow is basically a miniature bow that is capable of firing off arrows like a bow can. Which means that you can also use most of the bows various arrow types in conjunction with the slingbow. However, the slingbow loses its ability to lob random junk around in favor of having a far greater killing potential as a result.

When using a slingshot Conversion Kit, the slingbow can be turned into the versatile slingshot.

-Slingshot:

The military version of a slingshot is by no means a toy. Mainly used by the Rubinelle reserve forces for guerrilla missions, the slingshot has proven itself to be much more versatile and compact when compared to most other range weaponry. Easily concealable and with the ability to lob rocks, bombs, etc. the slingshot has earned this weapon a special place in the hearts of Diamond Dogs everywhere.

When using a slingbow Conversion Kit, the slingshot can be turned into the fearsome slingbow.

[Pistols and Others]

-Double Hand Cannon:

Twin barrel variation of the Hand Cannon. Is capable of either firing each barrel one at a time or both at once for maximum damage.

-Emergency Flare Gun:

Often carried onboard ships and in rare cases, zeppelins, the flare gun is designed to send a bright, almost blinding signal flare high enough to be noticed by passing boats. Although, if the toll is used as a weapon, it should be noted that the flare gun is very clumsy and can start unwanted fires.

-Hand Cannon:

Large, heavy, and extremely well made, the hand cannon is basically as its name imply. The hand cannon is a single shot pistol that kicks like an angry mule but will blow your enemies apart at twice the effective range that the average pistol can shoot.

-Holdout Pistol:

Smaller and less powerful that the average pistol but easily concealable.  The holdout pistol is a popular choice among thieves and spies.

-K' Pistol:

The K' pistol was developed for combat against war engines. It is a heavy, single shot pistol that fires specially made slugs that can stop an engine dead in its tracks.

-Pistol:

Standard flintlocks and single loaders. Widely used and popular as a cheap weapon for self defense.

-Revolver:

Similar to the regular pistol only the revolver has a five chamber ammo wheel integrated into its frame, allowing the user to fire often and reload less.

-Rune Pistol:

Incredibly rare and hard to obtain, the rune pistol can only be used to its fullest by a full fledged gun mage. The run pistol can fire unique rune cartridges that can be affected by whichever spells you cast.

-The Hydra Quad Barrel Hand Cannon:

Considered to be the holy grail of pistols, the hydra is a quad barrel hand cannon that can cause serious devastation to your enemies. Utilizing an extremely heavy wheel this four barrel pistol can unload all of its chambers at once without breaking apart. Too bad the same cannot be said for your shoulder.

[Rifles and Others]

-Blunderbuss:

The blunderbuss is a short stubby rifle with a wide barrel. The blunderbuss fires tiny pellets stuffed into a cartridge that can result in a wide spread. It is absolute devastating up close but almost useless long distance.

-Brute Battle Cannon:

A smaller variation of a ship cannon that is designed to be used brutes for protection when patrolling the coastline. It is a single shot cannon that can also double as a bludgeon given its weight.

-Cannon Shield:

-Carbine:

The carbine is basically the revolver of rifles. The carbine has a fave chamber ammo wheel which allows for rapid fire but at the cost of range.

-Harpoon Gun:

The harpoon gun is a pneumatic weapon that can fire harpoons at extreme velocity. The gun has several functions and can serve as a grappling hook.

-Rifle:

The rifle is a common firearm found throughout Metallos, though maybe not as much as the pistol perhaps but just as abundant. The standard rifle is normally found within the military or by the side of adventurers. It is a single shot weapon with good range and is praised for its reliability in battle.

-Long Rifle:

A reinforced version of the common rifle. The long rifle is longer, sturdier and more accurate than the average rifle as well as being a bit more powerful.

-Rivet Gun:

A tool used for the construction of engines, vehicles and structure. The rivet gun is a pressurized tool that fires out superheated rivets at your enemies. Being such a clumsy weapon, it's probably most effective in the hand of a mechanikal engineer.

-Rune Rifle:

-Prototype Gatling Gun:

Ammunition's Boutiques

What are our guns and bows without bullets and arrows? The answer? Mere oblong shaped bludgeons that reek of gunpowder and dried animal sinew. Yes, without ammunition guns would be about as useful as a wooden club brought up from the stone age. In this day and age there is a staggering amount of ammunition choices to pick from. From uranium rounds to explosive tipped arrows, killing has never been more fun nor creative!

[Arrows and Bolts]

-Wooden Arrows/Bolts:

Basic arrow type. Cheap, reliable, and can be retrieved unless it is damaged.

-Piercing Arrows/Bolts:

Crossbow bolts with a unique arrowhead that is specially designed to penetrate through light armor plating. Uncommon though moderately inexpensive.

-Explosive Arrows/Bolts:

Arrows that have a hefty amount of explosives housed in the tip. Detonates on impact.

-Net/Trap Arrows/Bolts:

Specially designed arrows that are designed to trap and ensnare targets non lethally using a net or bolas.

-Grapple Arrows/Bolts:

An arrow that is basically a sturdy grappling hook that has been fitted to the shaft.

-Makeshift Arrows/Bolts:

These arrows are unique in which they must be crafted for use and are rarely sold in shops unless they're from a dedicated supplier. This arrow type varies and is usually dependent on what items you combine together. Be it with common items found in the wild or even other types of weapons, modified arrows can have a bevy of wild effects.

-Short Bolts:

Around half the size of a regular bolt, the short bolts are commonly used for the pistol crossbow. Short bolts can be used as a substitute for regular bolts for crossbows but will not be as effective.

-Heavy Bolts:

Heavy metal bolts that can pierce almost anything it hits, even the heavy armored plating of a war engine. Can only be used with the ballista.

[Pistol Ammunition]

-Flare

-Small Lead Shots

-Large Lead Shots

-Uranium Rounds

-K' Pistol Spikes

-Pistol Rune Cartridge

[Rifle Ammunition]

-Rifle Rune Cartridges

-Rifle Rounds

-H.V. Rounds

[Others]

-Harpoon

-Rivets

Engines of Destruction

Accessories and More

Tired of your boring old gun? Are you sick of running our of ammo out on the field? Or perhaps you've been foiled one too many times from that damned lock box you've been trying to open. Then why not pick up a little accessory just for that special occasion? We've got lockpicks, disguise kits, and more weapon attachments than you can shake a stick at!

[Weapon Accessories]

-Ammo Bandoleer:

A belt used to hold all of your bullets on person, allowing you to reload and fire a bit quicker. There are two kinds of bandoleers, the old style which is essentially a bullet belt, and the newer style which allows you to store bullets in several pockets. Wearing the former could add to intimidation when making threats but having bullets exposed out in the open causes their quality to degrade over time. Wearing the latter will also make you intimidating, perhaps not as much as the open belt, but will protect your ammunition from the forces of nature and time.

-Ammo Casting Kit:

Gunners wouldn't be caught dead without ammunition in a firefight. Stay stocked up all the time with this casting kit which can create several bullets ranging from small lead shots to H.V rounds. This kit comes with everything needed to cast bullets. Materials not included.

-Ammo Wheel:

The ammo wheel, or chamber, comes in several variations and can hold up to five or six bullets at a time. Having many ammo wheels ensures that you can instantly reload a carbine or revolver in a single move by exchanging the chambers. But you will have to take extra time to refill each one after exhausting them.

-Bipod/Tripod:

A sniper and heavy weapons specialist's best friend. The bipod is a metal, or wooden, set of legs used to mount and balance weapons with powerful kickback. While it must be set up first, once it is it allows the user to fire from an entrenched position almost continuously without losing accuracy over long periods of fighting. Fully adjustable and reasonably priced, it is the perfect companion for the long ranged camper.

Rumor has it that one of the soldiers from the Iron Republic killed six enemy soldiers on his own during a raid with his bipod after his weapon was damaged saving him from a stray bullet. So if you're feeling up to it you can use the bipod as a weapon as well.

-Bow Blade

-Grenade Bandoleer:

The grenade bandoleer is a belt used to hold all of your grenades on person, usually up to six per bandoleer. With this bandoleer you can prepare and lob a grenade in one smooth action while suffering little penalties. Not only that, there is usually a quick release trigger that allows you to get rid of the belt should your grenades become compromised since they're out in the open. Wearing this also makes you a bit more intimidating when speaking with someone, it can come in handy in certain situation when a threat needs to be made.

-Grenade Launcher Converter Kit:

The grenade launcher converter kit has all the tools and materials needed to create a grenade launcher add on for one, and one ranged weapon only, with exceptions to weapons that cannot have a grenade launcher attached to it. When built, the grenade launcher converter can be put over the muzzle of either a pistol or a rifle where you can load and fire rifle grenades. Note, you cannot fire regularly with the grenade launcher in place. It must be removed in order to fire your weapon normally.

Since these kits are so complex they are rather scarce and are hard to find on the market. Odds are if you find a store stocked with these kits they're not gonna sell for cheap.

-Gun Brace:

A gun brace is a belt that allows you to holster several small firearms onto your person, usually two or more uncommonly, four at a time. Since most pistols are single loaders, or if you happen to be caught with your pants down with an empty revolver, you can automatically holster you empty weapon and draw out a loaded one freely. While gun braces can be bought, they can easily be made out of rope of straps of leather without having to pay a single bit, but the quality can be hit or miss.

-Gun Shield:

The gun shield, as its name implies, is a shaped shield that is meant to be mounted onto your weapon. Usually a small one for a rifle or a wide one for more larger firearm. Mounting this onto your rifle blocks most shots aimed at the upper midsection or at the face area when aimed with. While the extra weight added onto your weapon reduces the kickback, the wide metal plate can obscure your vision and act cumbersome when on the move.

-Quiver

-Scope

-Slingbow Conversion Kit:

-Slingshot Conversion Kit:

-Underslung Weapon Attachment mod:

A simple mod, the underslung weapon attachment mod is essentially a metal frame that can be used to fit smaller weapons onto larger one, usually a pistol in place underneath a rifle. This allows the user to have two weapons at the same time, with alternate firing options at your disposal for a bevy of situations. The disadvantages of this mod is that the added weapon weight slows you down and greater profile makes you stick out like a sore thumb.

While you can still jury rig two separate weapons together, this mod is usually well worth the price if you want your weapon to do a little more in exchange for some bits.

[Gear]

-Disguise Kit

-Forged Papers

-Lockpick Set

-Mixing Kit

-Necklace of Faith

-Rune Etching Kit

-Spyglass

1: Pen & Paper

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Special thanks to DetectivePingles for proofreading my story

Pen & Paper

The door to the library wildly swung open as six singed and soot covered ponies limped into the foyer. The mane six all let out collective sighs and tried to find a suitable spot around the library/home to crash down upon. With almost a rhythmic cadence, six thumps could be heard sequentially echoing throughout the hollow tree.

"Ugh! My hooves are killing me!" Rainbow Dash complained as she rubbed her aching hooves to alleviate the soreness "How was it again that we got caught smack dab in the middle of a feuding dragon couple again?"

"Ah don't remember, nor do Ah exactly care anymore" Applejack raspily spoke as she put out the flames that were burning brightly atop her her favorite stetson "Heck, Ah'm just glad we managed to get those two to kiss and make up before they destroyed town hall!"

"Who knew how dangerous marital issues were?" Fluttershy said as she tried to brush away the soot from her pink hair.

"Apparently, when it involves dragons, there are possibilities of suffering third degree burns and several compound fractures..." Twilight winced as she pressed an ice pack against her left foreleg, the biting cold of the ice stung for a bit only to soon fade into a cool soothing sensation. She let out a great big sigh as she settled down into her armchair " *sigh* At least it's all over"

"Hey, where's Spike?" Rarity said when she noticed that everypony's favorite green and purple reptile was nowhere to be found. Everypony then began looking around the room trying to catch a glimpse of the baby dragon but they found nothing. Just as they were questioning about Spike's whereabouts they all heard some muffled shouting coming from above on the second floor.

"Huh? He's upstairs. We might as well check on him" Twilight said. Everypony all limped up the stairs to try and find Spike. However, as they ascended further onto the second floor, the muffled shouts grew more and more audible with each step that they took. As they all approached the door, a multitude of voices could be heard from behind it alongside Spike's own.

Curiously, everyone pressed their ears up against the oak door trying to make out what Spike and others were saying inside.

"Alright, Fordstadt!" Spike heroically shouted "We found what you lost, now pay me and my crew!" Twilight and the others only raised an eyebrow at what they had just heard. What was Spike talking about?

"Who's Fordstadt?" Pinkie asked “*Gasp!* Is he a new pony?! You know what that means, right!?" but all the others shushed her before she got a bit too loud. Patiently, they waited for the conversation to continue, not sure of how to react to the shouting.

  " I thank you for helping me find what I lost..." a dark brown voice stated "... Although I think you will be thrilled to know that I never lost it in the first place" the voice let out a deep and menacing laugh. Gasps could be heard all throughout the other side of the door when the people inside realized their folly. The others pressed their ears against the door much closer as the conversation suddenly became interesting.

"This explains far too much! You used us, you slimeball! You used us to steal that artefact for you!" a female voice shouted, although for some strange reason the voice sounded familiar almost like they'd heard it before "There never was any gold involve was there? No priceless artefact that was stolen from you, you made us do your dirty work!" the voice spoke with venom dripping from her lips.

"Ahahahaha! All I had to do was mention one thousand gold apiece for you mercenaries and you come running!" the dark voice laughed menacingly again. The ponies were stunned, speechless beyond belief at what they just heard. Mercenaries? Artifacts? One thousand piece of gold? Was this some kind of secret life of Spike that they had accidentally stumbled into?

"You played us for saps!" a canine voice spoke "Because of you the entire Silverus military is cracking down on us!" the voice shouted.

"We won't let you get away with this!" Another canine spoke, this time with a gruffer more broad voice.

"We'll stop you no matter what!" a lighter more high pitch canine spoke.

"And how, pray tell, are you planning on doing that?" the dark voice taunted. Twilight and the others were starting to grow terrified with each passing second of the conversation. They had far too many questions that they didn't have the answer to.

"What’s going on in there!? Spike and his crew have some nation's military out for their head!" Rarity shakily whispered. Everyone else shook their head, they were all equally confused as she was.

"I never even heard of a nation called Silverus!" Rainbow replied with fear in her voice "Oh man, this is bad! Spike just got trapped in some out of control international affair!" everyone continued

"Oh, you know exactly how this is going to end" an older voice threatened. The scraping sound of swords being unsheathed along with several pistols and rifles being cocked could only be interpreted in one way. A fight was going to happen.

The girls trembled from behind the door. Spike and his crew members were about to go medieval on a back stabbing benefactor. The air that surrounded the room seeped underneath the crack of doorway and it made everyone feel terrified beyond belief.

"Hahahaha! Very well then! If you are so eager to die then allow me to hasten your death!" the dark voice threatened. The mane six couldn't take it anymore, they had to intervene, they had to save Spike!

Without giving a second thought everypony broke down and door and rushed on through, stopping just before the cloud of dust they created all the while striking an epic looking pose.

"Don't worry Spike! We're here to..... help?"

As the dust settled Twilight and her friends were not greeted with the sight of Spike and his fellow mercenaries fighting some mysterious and malevolent benefactor. Instead, they were greeted with the queer sight of Spike and most of their former nemeses huddled around a table playing some board game while dressed as a band of mercenaries.

Sitting around Spike was the draconequus Discord. Rover, Fido, and Spot, the diamond dogs from a while back. Queen Chrysalis the changeling queen. And the (no longer evil) King Sombra.

"Oh. Hiya, Twilight! How'd the dragon thing go?" Spike asked as he waved to them. The others were speechless at the sight before them, they had no idea what the hay was going on.

"Bu-b-bu-bu-b-b-but-b-b-bu-b" Twilight stammered incoherently with a dumbfounded look.

"Bu-b-b-bu-bu-bu-b-but what dear?" Discord asked with a grin "As fun as it is to watch you babble on like a complete and utter idiot, it's interrupting our little session here" he pointed to the board, books, and several dice scattered before him.

"Eh don't sweat it, Discord. We were going into the initiative round anyway" the little dragon waved him off as he tossed a d20 on the table "Yes! 27, that means I’m going first!"

"That's a good roll there buddy" Rover complimented as he began to throw his own dices. With the soft sound of dices pitter pattering against the wooden table, his number appeared along with a wide toothy grin on his face "Aha! 24! Not bad, huh?" his compatriots cheered for him, completely oblivious to the group of ponies that broke down the door.

"Wait, what? What's going on here?" Rainbow dash exclaimed "We thought you guys were getting into a dangerous fight!"

"Well we technically are" the changeling queen spoke up "This crazy griffon, Fordstadt, has at least twenty minions alongside him. Plus he has some very powerful weapons and abilities" Chrysalis explained which only drew more confused looks from the other group "Count in the Silverus military that's on our tail and we're definitely in for the fight of our lives!" she exclaimed as she threw her own pair of dices that were interestingly enough, in her colour scheme.

"No, what we're trying to say is why in the great wide world of Equestria are y'all here, dressed up in some silly costumes and rolling around dice?" Applejack asked with a perplexed look on her face.

"Hey! These aren't costumes certainly aren't silly!" Discord snapped back at her, clearly offended by her insult "I made these myself, you know, and I would very much like an apology"

"But why's a chaos god like you got a long white beard and a cloak! Don't you feel silly?" Pinkie quipped as she appeared beside the draconequus using her signature pinkieness "And what's with the stick? Are you gonna hit a pinata or something? Well? Are ya, are ya, are ya? Cause if you are then let me have a crack at it!" she playfully giggled as she reappeared back with her friends.

"We're just playing some 'Forge World'" Spike said as he showed them a large hard cover book with a picture of a large menacing robot with two adventurers on the cover "What do you think we all do when you're off on your adventures and stuff? We have adventures of our own too you know?"

Twilight stared at the book, she recognizes it. It was the same one that she found on Spike's shelf next to his collection of miniature figurines and the framed lipstick mark from Rarity that he treasured so much. She didn't know much about the book, not even after reading the short description on the back.

"What's this all about?" Twilight asked "I always thought that these were one of those comic books you loved so much"

"It's the full metal fantasy role playing game where average dragons like me and changelings like Chrysalis are daring adventurers!" he hopped off the table and showed himself "I'm a Myrmidon/Guardian!" the purple and green dragon was covered head to toe with a full set of gleaming silver armor complete with a flowing red cape and an adorably tiny lance and shield.

"I chose something fitting to my nature. I'm a spy/gunslinger" Chrysalis proudly announced with a flick of her hair, she was wearing a set of tailored plate mail that conformed beautifully to her changeling anatomy. She also had a black hood and a set of gun braces with two quad barrel pistols nestled within.

"We're pirates!" the diamond dogs exclaimed together.

"Well technically I'm a pirate/military officer, I get to point and order stuff around!" Rover said as he assumed a militaristic stance. He was wearing some type of highly decorated old fashion navy officer uniform with a tricorn hat and had peewee sitting on his shoulders. He also had a flintlock pistol that was holstered and a sheathed cutlass.

"I'm a pirate/thief, I'm good for stealing things!" Spot said, he was wearing a horizontal striped shirt with a bandanna and an eyepatch. He also had a dagger sheathed on his back but it was so big it was like a sword to him.

"I'm a pirate/brawler, I punch stuff! It's fun!" Fido said, he kept his black vest but it had alteration to make it look like the sleeves were ripped off. He also had a fake hook for a hand and a mean looking knuckle duster on the other.

"Lastly, I'm a magus/priest. Who would've expected me to be the healer of the party? Hehehehe!" Discord laughed, his beard was longer and bushier than usual and he had a large grey hooded cloak with a tall wizard cap and a large wooden staff. Needless to say he looks kind of like a certain wizard whose name shall remain anonymous that was associated with a specific golden ring.

"And together, we are members of the 'Krimson Klaw' mercenary group!" Spike exclaimed "We're hired for missions that would make lesser ponies and diamond dogs quake with fear!" the crazily dressed group performed a group high five "We're the best at what we do! And what we do ain't nice!"

"What about him? He hasn't said anything yet" Fluttershy pointed to King Sombra who shyly hid behind a game board, trying his hardest to avert his attention elsewhere "O-oh dear... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable... I-I mean i-if that's okay with you...." she averted her gaze as well, completely flustered by the fact that she may have hurt somepony's feeling.

Sombra didn't say anything still, but after a few seconds he slowly rose from behind the board and graced the group with a weak yet sincere smile. Applejack slid by Twilight and quietly whispered to her."Wow, Ah didn't think the feller that enslaved an entire nation of ponies would turn out to be shyer than Fluttershy" Twilight chuckled when her friend finished.

"He's the game master; he controls the events that we experience with our heroic personas" Spike explained "He may be shy but once he warms up to you you'll find out he's a crazy great linguist!"

"You do know what linguist means right?" Twilight said flatly, clearly disappointed that her draconic son/younger brother didn't know the word's definition.

"That's an easy one! It means someone who speaks well right? Right?" Spike's response was only met with silence "....Right?" no one said a thing. It was way too awkward after that display of knowledge "Anyway, as I was saying before I was hit with a pop quiz...." he glared a Twilight before dropping it "He knows how to create some wildly entertaining campaigns for our adventure! I take it you heard him speaking the bad guy’s lines?" he pointed to the broken door which drew embarrassed blushed from his friends.

"You're telling me that all this time you've been having fake adventures with this dumb book while we were out saving the world? Pfft, laaame" Rainbow said which caused Spike and the other's glared at the multicolored pegasus with a look that could've melted her on the spot.

"I recall Fluttershy over here telling me of a certain rainbow coloured pegasus calling books lame at one point too" Discord shot back which caught the pegasus completely off guard "Besides, we're as much heroes as you guys are"

Rainbow tried to stifle her laughter, but she could only hold it for a good three seconds before falling on the ground laughing her head off until she turned into a dark shade of purple from lack of air. The group glared at her some more, clearly annoyed by her antics.

"Bwuahahahaha! Like I said, laaaame!" she kept laughing as she rolled around hysterically.

However, her laughing was cut short when she heard several shots being fired directly at her, when the musket balls collided right beside her hooves she shot back in fear and hopped right into Pinkie's arms. She turned her gaze to the diamond dogs who all had a scowl on their faces and several pistols pointed at her, smoke and the smell of sulphur escaping the barrel of the firearm  "What the hay! I thought those were just props!"

"I pride myself on getting each and every detail of our attire to be as authentic and functional as possible" Discord smugly retorted with a wide cheshire cat grin.

"That doesn't give you the right to shoot at me!" Rainbow yelled once she got a hold of her footing.

"What are you so worried about?" Spike said as he walked up to there the bullets were and pulled one of them out. As it turns out it wasn't a musket ball at all. It was a jawbreaker "See? Nothing to worry about" he promptly ate the bullet like candy with relative ease. His draconic teeth allows for him to chew through minerals and rocks like they were made out of paper, a jawbreaker was no different.

"What? You didn't think I would give them actual bullets did you?" Discord asked rather dramatically when he received glares from his peers "Heavens no! That would be dangerous"

"You may be crazy, but I have to admit that is a rather dapper cloak you have on there. Is that cashmere?" Rarity asked as she examined Discord's wizard garbs "And Spike just looks absolutely adorable in that set of armor! Why he looks just like a tiny itty bitty wittle knight!" she exclaimed as she rubbed the little dragons head causing him to stomped his tail and feet about wildly like a dog getting his ears scratched.

"See? At least someone appreciates all the hard work I put into my outfits" Discord said.

"Okay. Okay we get it, we'll get out of your hair and let you get back to.... whatever it is you're all doing" Twilight said as she left the room with her friends. But just as she was about to make her way out of the door she felt a tugging by her tail. She turned to find that it was Spike who had the 'Forge World' book in his claws.

"Wait up Twilight! Don't you want to play too?" Spike asked "All that 'saving the world thing' seems to be taking a hit to your social time.... again" he stated with worry laced in his voice "Don't you think you should sit down a relax a bit with something that isn't a book?"

"But that is a book" Twlight deadpanned causing Spike to giggle.

"It's more than just a book, Twilight, it's an adventure! With robots! And wizards! And robot wizards!" shouted Spike with childlike excitement "Come on, how about you girls fight a dragon without getting burned for once?" he offered as he handed her the book along with a small black satchel filled with an unfathomable amount of dice of all varying shapes and sizes "If you ever change your mind you can always use my set of dice for the game"

Twilight smiled warmly at Spike, she was glad to know that even with all of her royal duties and the occasional 'stop some kind of disaster' bit that the little guy still cared for her. She was especially glad for him to offer her a book, normally he would offer some of his food or some bad dragon advice that reflected with his personal code.

"Alright Spike, maybe I'll just glance through it when I have the time" Twilight tried her best to remain unbiased in the matter. Though she didn't show it, she was a bit hesitant at the book. Spike, noticing her hesitation raised an eyebrow at her, he wasn't particularly convinced.

"Oh yeah? Are you sure you're not just going to blow it off for something else that's boring?" Spike asked with a wry smile on his lips.

"W-what!? How could you say that?" Twilight nervously shot back "I'll have you know that I know a lot of other fun stuff to do too!" Spike raised his other eyebrow while lowering the other one, still not convinced by her.

"Uh huh, such as?" Spike asked with a touch of smugness in his voice.

"W-well...." Twilight locked up, beads of sweat formed by her brow as her eyes darted back and forth hastily "Well we shouldn't interrupt your game anymore! Come on girls, let's head back to the foyer!" without missing a beat she pushed all of her friends out of the door and back to the main room of the library.

"Oh kay! See you later!" shouted Fido as he waved them goodbye as they left the room. With that, Spike and the rest continued on with their game. Chrysalis had to reroll her dices after being interrupted by the others. With a quick flick of her hollowed hooves, the dice flew about on the table spinning wildly as it landed.

"Oh darn it!" shouted Chrysalis when she received her number "Snake eyes. That puts me at....."

Twilight was relieved to be out of the room but at the same time she was also annoyed by Spike's little comment about her doing boring things for fun, yet she was also touched by his concern for her. Reshelving books around the library and doing field research was fun! Right? Well even if others didn't think her personal interest are fun then maybe her friends did. Right?

As it turns out, she was wrong. For the next fifteen minutes of everypony's lives they did absolutely nothing entertaining at all, mainly because they were still sore after trying to fix some dragon's relationship. Instead, they all opted to do their own thing to pass the time.

Pinkie wasn't as full of pep as she normally was which was rare given her case, all she did was happily hummed a light peppy tune to herself and playing with her cotton candy mane. Rarity spent most of her time grooming her mane back to its former glory, making sure to hide any split ends and heat damage that may have occurred when dealing with the dragons. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Applejack quietly chatted amongst themselves. All Twilight did was just sit in her chair trying to come up with an Idea for something fun to do.

Twilight ran through her mental checklist of fun things to do. "There was still reshelving and field research, those two were most definitely on the table. Then there was.... uh.... there's.... what about...." all the time that she was thinking her eyes kept gravitating to the large book and bag of dices in the middle of the room. She tried her hardest to resist the temptation, more out of pride rather than other reasons. She didn't want to let Spike know that he was right and that she was wrong about the game.

  Amidst the stark silence of the foyer Twilight could hear the sound of jovial laughter and wild ramblings on the second floor "Wow, they sound like they're having fun..." She raised her head ever so slightly, making sure to be entirely inconspicuous. She thoroughly examined the book, from the cover to the pages it was in excellent quality. Spike must've really loved it for it to be in such exquisite conditions.

The image on the cover was the focal point of the game. Twilight stared at the book, finally noticing the intricate detail of the drawing and the sheer amount of imagination that went into it. On the cover were three characters.

One was a gray diamond dog clad in metal armor with goggles and a massive wrench. Next to him was a female unicorn that had a light orange coat with a black mane, she was dressed like an aristocrat, yet she was holding two pistols in her hooves. Lastly and perhaps her most favorite part was the large automaton standing behind the two. It looked like some sort of massive bipedal creature was mixed together with a train.

"Maybe a little peek...." thought Twilight. Although when she tried to stealthily reach for the book she felt a sharp pain in her leg, causing her to stumble and roll across the floor where she crashed right into table that had the book with a loud thump! Her friends noticed this and quickly went over to help her up.

"I take it you were going for the book?" asked Rarity. Twilight nodded as she rubbed her head "Well why don't we try and play this game together?" Rarity suggested "In my honest opinion I think it looks fun! And these clothes that the heroes are wearing just scream adventurous"

"What!? Really?" shouted Rainbow "You're not actually serious about playing this lame game are you?"

"You know, it's funny" said Twilight with a snicker "This was how you acted when I first showed you the daring do series" Rainbow deflated a bit when she was told this not once but twice in the span of only half an hour.

"Ugh! Fine, let's give it a go" Rainbow conceded "Jeez you sound just like Discord..." Twilight and the others only giggled at Rainbow's folly. Without missing a beat, Twilight brought the large book over to a table and began sifting through the pages. As she was doing so everyone pulled up a seat around the table and awaited for Twilight to read them the rules. But before starting, Twilight had one last thing to tell Rainbow Dash.

"You know how the saying goes...."

2: Don't knock it till you try it

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By; Zelkova48

Special thanks to DetectivePingles for proofreading my story

2: Don't knock it till you try it

"....So to attack, you roll one dice. Then you add the number to your weapon skill and attack damage. Finally, you compare the number to the enemy's defence or armor" said Twilight as she was doing her best to explain the somewhat intricate battle system of the game, condensing it as much as possible "If the number is higher then you hit the enemy or bypass their armor. Damage to your foe is done by subtracting the number you rolled plus your weapon damage, subtracting their armor, then subtracting that number from the foe's hit points. Not counting any abilities however"

"Why is there so much math?" Rainbow groaned while she complained "I thought battling bad guys was supposed to be fun, not a pop quiz in disguise!"

"Don't getcha feathers in a bunch there, Rainbow, it's just basic addition and subtraction" said Applejack "It ain't all that hard" she told Rainbow Dash who just continued to groan in exasperation.

"Don't groan like that darling, it'll affect your vocal chords in the long run" said Rarity before she turned to Twilight "So now we have the basics on battling down, we have all that we need to play the game. Paper, pencils, and dice. What's next?" she asked. Twilight began to vigorous flip through the pages of the book. At the exact moment she stopped, a wide creepy grin formed on her face.

"It's time to understand the lore!" Twilight exclaimed as if she was a foal with a brand new set of crayons "Come on over here and check it out! There's a map and everything!" she flipped the book over and showed all her friends the highly detailed map of the continent of Metallos.

"Okay, I have to admit. That is most definitely awesome!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed when she saw the massive fantasy world. It was so huge in fact that the game can only take place in a small western area of Metallos, Even if it was just a small chunk of land, it was divided up into several smaller states and countries. If her math was right, she must've counted about five different empires and kingdoms ruling their own individual plot of land. The sheer size of each kingdom dwarfed Equestria in almost every possible aspect.

"Wow! That's super, duper, ultra, amazingly huge! Think of all the parties I could throw there!" Pinkie squeaked uncontrollably at the thought of spreading her special brand of joy throughout a continent roughly one hundred times larger than Equestria.

"Hold on there Pinkie, let's read the story behind this 'Metallos' first" Twilight suggested which only caused Pinkie to nod her head back and forth rapidly like an out of control firecracker "Alright. The continent of Metallos is.....

Forge World

Western Metallos is the main setting in which you, the players, will explore in Forge World. It is a big and mysterious world, ripe with danger and adventure at almost every corner. It is a world that has seen great advances in progress and great displays of horror. This is a world that is not meant for the light of heart. However, if you can steel yourself, if you and your friends are willing to journey in this brave new world, then be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!

Table of Contents

                    -History

                    -Myths and Religions

                    -Life in the Forge World

                    -Life beyond the Forge World

                    -Steel and Magic

...

History

The records of civilization on Metallos date back several millennia to when each race had only begun to form small tribes and societies. Ages passed and with the concept of "survival of the fittest" many races rose to imperial greatness before evolving into something much more than a mere empire. Constant shifts in ideology and philosophy eventually caused several ancient empires to crumble to dust and drive each race to coexist together. This period in time is dubbed "The Great Unification" coined by Griffon scribe and scholar, Crow Magnum of the old Griffon Kingdom.

Several centuries passed after each race agreed to coexist amongst one another, and the idea of imperialism rose up once more and took hold of Metallos. Within the span of only a few centuries, new empires and kingdoms rose from the ground up. No longer was it about mindless warfare between squabbling tribes. It was to be the beginning of a modern age where science, magic, philosophy and political power became staples of everyday life. Centuries ago, five key states and countries rose to power and become the very center of western Metallos.

Myths and Religion

Of the four dominant races of Metallos, each have their own religion and beliefs based on the creation of the world or how to seek enlightenment. Each religion is based on several aspects of their own species. While some faiths have died out, there are few that remain a part of everyday life for the denizens of Metallos.

Pony

-The Church of Vita: Vita is said to be one of two alicorn sisters, with the other being her twin, Thanatos. Vita and Thanatos are said to have moulded the continent of Metallos from scarce beginnings, forming the landscapes and it's inhabitants purely out of their very essence. When the world was formed Vita taught her little ponies that the truest way to enlightenment is to be selfless and to love and tolerate others.

-Thanite Cults: While Vita's philosophy to enlightenment is to be selfless and love others, Thanatos rejected the idea of lowering oneself to ascend beyond all others. Thanatos believed that the truest way to enlightenment was to achieve it through any means necessary, to be free of any and all restrictions. As sound as the ideal appeared, it has been misinterpreted by many who failed to see the original meaning. Because of this, Thanites are mostly comprised of criminals, corrupt nobles and practitioner of necromancy. As a result, Thanites have been ridiculed and stigmatized as dangerous extremist in the eyes of the masses.

Diamond Dog

-The Paw of Dog: Diamond Dogs believe in an almighty omnipotent being known only as DOG (which at times can be confused as an anagram for "Dig On Guys") the story goes that one day in the other plane in which DOG resides, he grabbed a chunk of dirt and molded it into the continent of Metallos purely out of boredom. It wasn't until DOG realized the significance of his creation that he decided to reward the world's inhabitants with gems.The catch however, was that the gems must be found by digging for them.

Because of this simple ideology, Diamond Dogs accelerated to become the forerunner of modern technological advancements and engineering of high end machinery including the research and development of the coveted "Engines" for the sake of gems. The ideology of DOG has since been a hot topic for philosophers and scholars alike and has since been perceived in a multitude of ways.

Most have come to the conclusion that the ideology of DOG is more than just finding gems. The true meaning is that you can reach whatever goal you set for yourself through hard work and perseverance.

Griffon

-Order of the Four Winds: The religion of the Griffons is by far the oldest of the bunch, dating all the way back to the dawn of their species. Griffons believed in hundreds of gods, but only four stand out from the rest.

Four phoenixes, each one representing one of the four elements, helped to created Metallos from absolute nothingness. Chikyu, the phoenix of the earth, formed the world from one of his feathers. Mizu, the phoenix of water, dived into the planet and created the great oceans. Kasai, the phoenix of fire, removed his left eye to create the sun, always watching over the world and to protect it from potential danger. Lastly, Inazuma the phoenix of lightning brought forth the spark of life and breathed life into the desolate world.

The Griffons worship the four phoenixes and built the idea of unity around the creation of the world. Unity has the ability to raise monuments or crumble whole mountains. Unity brings everyone together and promotes peace and tranquility.

United we stand, divided we fall.

Changeling

-Sect of the Broodmother: Changeling have their own take on the creation of the world. They tell tales of the great conscience, a concept to the Changeling that has them all neurally linked together in one great collective consciousness. The great conscience simply thought of the world and it came to be so. It then created beings in its own image to populate the world. Because the great conscience is ethereal and intangible, it has no shape of its own. The Changelings believed that their innate ability to change shape at will is part of the great conscience trait and gift to their species.

While the sect of the Broodmother is technically not a true religion to the Changelings themselves, many races have come to call the Changeling lifestyle a faith of it's own. An ideology was formed because of the Changeling's shape shifting ability. The ideology is that changelings are all but one piece of the whole, and have the ability to change yet remain the same.

Thus the sect of the Broodmother has been known to be a religion that revolves around redemption and charity to others. Ponies, Diamond dogs and Griffons from all around flock to the great temples of the Broodmother to be absolved of their sins and to seek a better and altruistic life.

Life in the Forge World

The continent of western Metallos has five noticeable states and kingdoms that rule over the vast land. These five are the center of western Metallos and are the focal points of society in the Forge World. Of the five, there are:

The U.S.S.R. (United Silverus Socialist Republic)

Founded by Griffons, the U.S.S.R. is a highly militaristic state that known for it's modern military management and unity of it's citizens. Headed by Czar Talon III, the land of Silverus has made several advancement in military strength and equality despite being in the very heart of the frozen tundra where average commodities are scarce.

The U.S.S.R. is a tradition heavy state and has been ridiculed for having a dictatorship even with their focus on uniting the people whether rich or poor. Rumors of a secret police erasing political enemies plague almost every crack and corner of the frozen land including it's capitol, Silverus City. Looking past the supposed tyranny of the Czar, the state still stands as one of the most powerful because of its warriors.

Home to the intimidating "Skyterrors" of Silverus, perhaps the most fearsome and skilled fighters in all the land. Using their unique blasting pike, a weapon that is basically a pike with high yield explosives carefully fitted to each tip, they have to capability to wipe out whole forces with relative ease and they even have the audacity to fight an "Engine" head on without remorse.

With raw power and the people's zealous devotion to the cause of unity, the U.S.S.R. is not something to be trifled with.

The Lazurian Empire

The Lazurian Empire rules to the east of western Metallos. With help from the wide expanses of forests and mountains, it is nearly impossible to conquer the Land of Lapis Lazulia. A kingdom ruled by a monarchy, Queen Diamonda oversees her kingdom from her castle deep within the woods. It's citizens comprised almost entirely of ponies, the Lazurian Empire is equal to or perhaps even greater than in political power of the U.S.S.R.

The nation's greatest strength is its knowledge. The Lazurian Empire is famous for promoting a formal education for each and all of the people that live there. Housing the greatest numbers of schools and home to over a number of universities, almost all, if not all, of Lapis Lazulia's people are learned scholars, professors, and politicians. Being masters in the oratory art, the Lazurians are unmatched in debates and arguments during meeting with world leaders. Having a silver tongue and an expanded mind helps when the Lazurian Empire is pacifist in nature.

Though the Lazurian's may be pacifist, that doesn't mean that they can't defend themselves. While most turn to steel and lead to defend their homes, the Lazurians are masters of the arcane. Having greater understanding in magic than most, they pride themselves with a standing military of purely magi and grunts. The Lazurians are well equipped, and coupled with the terrain advantage, it is a daunting task to defeat them in their homelands.

Bronza of the Blazing Sands

Far to the south of Metallos, near the equator lies the kingdom of Bronza, otherwise known as Bronza of the Blazing Sands. Bronza is a nation that is trapped in time with a population that is a mix of every race. Refusing to modernize, Bronza is an agricultural based society where farming, irrigation management and weather control are the staple of everyday life in the blazing sands.

Aside from farming, Bronza is also known for having the most skilled artisans in all of the other kingdoms. Using ancient techniques that have been proven to stand the test of time, Bronzite's are famous for their skilled metal working, crafting and architectural accomplishments. Their towering stone monuments and gargantuan pyramids are only but a few of the many wonders they had accomplished using only hand tools.

Surprisingly enough, the system of government that Bronza has is a kratocracy. Only the strongest are allowed to run the nation and they decide so with a massive battle at their capitol, Bronzaria. Being in the middle of the blazing, almost inhospitable desert has forged violent and hot blooded warriors known as "Judicators." They are warriors with unrealistic strength who learned to wield and master weapons larger than they are. Hardy, reckless, and downright savage, the Judicators are demons of the sands.

Divided Golderan

A fallen and fragmented nation. Golderan's demise began through civil unrest and widespread racism of other races centuries earlier. Originally formed on a island to the west under the premise of unity and prosperity of its people, Golderan's representative government horribly failed as a crude number of bizarre laws were passed to keep the people at bay. When it was discovered that the laws were passed through backhanded tactics and bribery the nation crumbled underneath the feet of the citizens that they swore to protect.

Change is evident in modern day Golderan, or Divided Golderan as it has come be known now. The island is split up into two sections, northern Golderan and southern Golderan. Each side has decided to govern its citizens in their own way, for better or for worse. Thankfully, bigotry and racism have since been quelled and all of its citizens can live without fear of discrimination, though that isn't to say that some people still prefer to hate others because of who they are.

The greatest strength of the nation of Golderan is their insurmountable number of connections with other political leaders and trade corporations around Metallos. Simply put, Divided Golderan is a massive shipping industry. Anything and everything that goes around the Forge World has to go through Golderan's ports first before being sent off to their destination.

Because of this, the nation holds great power in communications, trafficking and intelligence of other nations. Golderan may be divided but they know and control more than enough to remain powerful in the eyes of the world.

The Protectorate of Rubinelle

The Protectorate of Rubinelle is not much more of a state than it is a country. In fact, it's neither. However, Rubinelle wasn't officially recognized as a key nation by it's bordering neighbors until the former leader of Silverus, Czar Loonin, discovered that the area of Rubinelle had a working government and strong leadership.

Mainly populated by Diamond Dogs, the neutral land is basically one big dig site for the canine inhabitants. Shanty towns and large mechanical facilities meant for the construction of digging equipment and "Labor Engines" dotted the great plains. Aside from being a dig site, the neutral land is common for sheltering fugitives and politicians seeking political asylum. Under the guise of catching criminals, Loonin went to the neutral area in good will to convince the leader of the land to be absorbed into the U.S.S.R. for protection from the surrounding kingdoms.

Loonin's plans horribly backfired when the appointed leader of the area, Foreman Husky saw through his lie and decided to do something else. Husky went and united each and every small town and city to form the Protectorate of Rubinelle, a nation of workers backed by an oligarchy that is a mix of meritocracy, geniocracy, timocracy and technocracy. From then on, Rubinelle became the buffer for the other four nations that surrounds it.

The Protectorate since then has risen to become the forefront of industry and commerce throughout the entirety of the Forge World, becoming the most powerful through trade, production of goods, and technological achievement.

Beware, Skyterrors from Silverus, Magi from Lapis Lazulia, and even Judicators from Bronza who are foolish enough to attack a neutral nation. With the protectorates massive armor of "War Engines" death comes to all.

Life beyond the Forge World

Farther to the west of Metallos lie other areas of the world, mostly islands and a very small continent. These lands and their people are declared as neutral and are not associated in any political involvement with the main five kingdoms.

Black Pearl Cove

Black Pearl Cove is an infamous island off the coast of Rubinelle and Golderan. Originally an expansion of Golderan, it all changed when the nation fell. The marines who were left behind on the island were driven to fend for themselves. In this state of isolation and madness the marines resorted to piracy and sacked local cargo ships and fishing boats that were unlucky enough to sail close by the island. Several years of being stranded on an uncharted island out in the middle of the sea, the marines eventually became pirates and built a city from broken ships to call their own. Thus, Black Pearl Cove was born.

Eventually, Black Pearl Cove became the center for pirates, thieves and criminals the world over. With no real sense of leadership, each province governs themselves in their own unique way. The most significant of these governments is the Black Pearl Armada, lead by Graybeard the pirate who has shown strong leadership abilities with almost every crew in port and resilience to withstand liver destroying amounts of grog.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Black Pearl Cove is Brigand City, home to one of the most entertaining gambling scene in all of Metallos. There you can win and lose just about everything you can possibly think of that was probably stolen by all kinds of thieves. Just make sure to check your pockets before leaving Brigand City

The Obsidian Flats

In an unearthly realm of Metallos, there is a land that is said to be cursed by the darkest and foulest of all magic possible. Nothing ever decomposes in the Obsidian Flats, so whenever something dies its body remains intact in the way it was when it met its demise. Because of this, mutilated corpses line the ground like a path of flesh and bones, or even stacked up high like hills and even mountains for the scavengers to feed on.

No one really knows what happened to cause the once verdant jungles of Obsidia to become  such desolate black wastelands of torn flesh and despair. What people do know is that surviving the horrors that the flats wrought often yields great rewards in the end. Enchanted by of the allure of mysterious treasure and adventure, many foolishly set course to the cursed land to either strike it rich.... or die trying.

While the Obsidian Flats may be a desolate land, many people have actually succeeded in building settlements and even creating a city in the heart of the flats. Necromancy is a valued art in these parts and is often encouraged by others for the benefit of everyone. The Flats is also the only land where thanites can live in peace and hone their skills properly without being hunted down by those that wish to harm them for their involvement in the dark arts.

The Iron Republic

The Iron Republic is a nation of soldiers, founded by soldiers, for soldiers. Almost every single one of it's citizens has served in the military at one point in time. However, they all left or were discharged to pursue another interest. It doesn't matter whether they served in Lapis Lazulia, Bronza, or even Silverus, they all share one common dream; to be soldiers without being pawns of the government. Simply put, they are a private military organization on a continental scale.

                    The Iron Republic fund their self proclaimed nation and endeavor through a staggering amount of mercenary contracts. The republic is popular among big and small businesses alike along with nobles of the upper crust who're looking for some extra protection against bandits or would be assassins.

Steel and Magic

Metal plays a key role in the Forge World. The continent of Metallos is so incredibly rich with ores and nuggets of all kinds that it's hard not to find a soft chunk of copper or tin just a few inches below the dirt of the mines. Life in the Forge World practically revolves around such a simple element, so much so in fact that monopolies around mining corporations and contractors were forcibly eliminated by Diamond Dogs because of it. Almost everything in the Forge World is made of metal; swords, guns, trains, railroad tracks, zeppelins, and engines are just a few.

Magic is a part of the Forge World, although it's a finicky element and only experts in the arcane can properly master it. Magic can be used by each of the playable races in the game, although with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on which race and sub species you choose. There are several types of magic to choose from; elemental, healing, arcane, and even black magic are among those that you can choose to wield. Just be sure to make a note that dark magic is looked down upon in the Forge World and can lead to a lot of unwanted attention and hostility.

"Yikes, that was a great read and all but some of this certainly wasn't meant for the foals" said Applejack who looked over the column about the Obsidian Flats again, tickling her fascination of the abomination "Blech! That's a hard thought to swallow, a land where nothing ever decomposes...." she grimaced at the thought of seeing hundreds of her apples laying on the ground, dead yet maintaining their deceptively fresh appearance. It caused her to shudder uncontrollably at such a horrific image.

"I'm fairly interested in the Protectorate of Rubinelle" Twilight said "Their system of government and how they came to be sounds plausible for something that is supposedly make believe."Tthe inner scholar within her began to turn the cogs in her head, winding up slowly as her imagination went wild "The fact that the Diamond Dogs are the most technologically advance is really surprising as well. All of that knowledge, and their drive is only for the gems" she giggled to herself, remembering how even the most successful of scientists have even a small amount of naivety.

"Hmm, I'm slightly conflicted about this.... Bronza" said Rarity "Home to both the greatest artisans in the land and the most savage of warriors? Talk about a nation of contradictions" she chastised "If we do go on an adventure there, I hope we stay as far away from these Judicators as possible"

"Well maybe they're not all bad" Fluttershy joined in "They do live in the desert, so it only seemed natural that they grow strong to survive. The bad attitude must just be from the heat" she proposed with a warm smile "I'm sure deep down they're just like us"

"Coming from the pegasus that single hoofedly help point Discord's moral compass in the right direction, I would have to agree with you there Fluttershy" Rainbow Dash interjected before she turn to Twilight "Okay, history lesson’s over. Let's get on to the next part, what is it?"

Twilight flipped back to the table of contents before flipping back to another page. Once again, when she stopped another wide and creepy smile formed on her face, one that made everyone recoil in fear.

"Uhh... -T-Twilight? Y-you're making that f-face again...." Fluttershy said hid back into her mane "It's s-scaring us..." Twilight immediately snapped out of her book driven revelry when she noticed everyone giving her the you're making that face again look.

"Oops, sorry. Force of habit!" Twilight said as her face turned red like a tomato from embarrassment "But I think this is something that we'll all enjoy!" she flipped the book over and showed them a group of heroes, kind of like them minus most of the violence, political incidents and the ruining of other people's lives "It's time to make our own characters!" her friends all cheered with delight.

"Finally, now we're getting somewhere!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed "I'm gonna make my character a powerhouse! How do we do it?" she asked as she puffed out her chest.

Twilight looked at the table of contents once more "Well, let’s see, there are...."

Character Creation

Character creation is by far the most important aspects of playing Forge World. Since you are going to be a part of it you're going to need a character that best suits the world. Making a character is quite easy, all you need to do is pick a race and then two career types. Everything else is entirely up to you, from appearances to their personality. It is YOUR character, after all. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect character; many races and careers may have certain prerequisites and limitations, but don't let that stop you from creating a unique character that you want. Want to be a Priest/Judicator? Sure. How about a Skyterror/ Investigator? Go for it. They are who you choose to be.

Races

There are up to four different kinds of races that you can play as in Forge World, each have their own set of unique advantages and disadvantages depending on which race and subspecies that you choose. The following races are:

Pony

Ponies are one of the races that you can play in this game. They make up most of the population in Forge World and are known for their magical prowess and resourcefulness. Most live in the Lazurian Empire along with their queen but ponies can be found almost everywhere else, either working the fields or running business all over the continent. Ponies have three subspecies to choose from when making a character.

-Earth Pony

Earth ponies are the average Pony. They're the everypony of the Lazurian Empire and can be seen doing all kinds of jobs. They can't fly or use magic all that well but they make up for their shortcomings with their amazing endurance, stamina and hardiness. Their natural physical build makes them resistant towards brutal strikes and blows by their enemies and make great guardians and myrmidons because of it.

-Pegasus

Pegasus are ponies of the sky. They're mostly either guards, farmers, or brushers because of their ability to fly.  Aside from flight they have the ability to gain limited control over the weather. They're not as hardy as their Earth Pony counterparts but they are fast on both land and air. Pegasus is also one of the only few races that can become a Skyterror as one of their career along with their race locked career, Stormcrafters.

-Unicorn

Unicorns are mostly royalty and politicians around the Lazurian Empire. They're renowned for their mastery in the both the oratory and arcane arts. Being innately connected to magic, their prowess allows them to control a multitude of magic at the cost of frailty. Their control over magic allows them to choose careers choices such as the elemental Magus, powerful Arcanist, healing Priests, or even the dead raising Thanite Advocate.

Diamond Dog

Diamond dogs also make up the general population of Forge World albeit not as much as the ponies. They can be found in the Protectorate of Rubinelle or almost anywhere else, often digging around for gems or building machinery. Because of this they are masters in excavations and mechanical engineering. Their exploits are what helped to make the Forge World the way it is today. There are three subspecies to choose from:

-Grunts

Grunts are the medium sized Diamond Dogs. They are the backbone of Diamond Dog society and are the ones that are most seen doing all of the work around their province. Diamond dogs grunts are roughly about the size of one and a half ponies, making them ideal for a multitude of jobs. Their expertise in mining and engineering allows them to choose careers such as the Mechanikal Engineer, Miner, or even Military Officers depending on your playstyle.

-Brutes

Brutes are the powerhouse and the biggest of the three subspecies. Being around two ponies tall, they're often seen carrying around heavy loads and doing most of the lifting. They are easily the strongest of the three subspecies with strength that rivals a minotaur. Having the greatest strength in the game they are capable of defeating heavily armed opponents with just their bare fists. Their expert in pugilism allows them to take careers of the brawler or even the mighty judicator.

-Runts

Runts are the runt of the litter, around one third the size of an average Pony. They are very agile and are valued among Diamond Dog society. Their size does not limit their abilities to help out their pack, rather it allows them accomplish feats that their larger brethren are incapable of. They can fit into small areas to perform diagnostic check in machinery and engines, and their dexterity lets them sort through all kinds of dirt and junk to find what they're looking for. Their speed and quick handling lets them to handle career choices like the thief or gunslinger with ease.

Griffons

Griffons are the mighty half lion, half eagle of the Forge World. They're mostly warriors and politicians that live in the harshest of conditions, living all the way north towards the frozen waste or all the way south to the burning desert. They are a tradition based society and have remained relevant throughout the Forge World through both military and political rule. Their civilization has survived for century because of their build. They can fly, they're naturally strong, and are great leaders. Because of this, Griffons do not have a subspecies and are only devoted to the order of the four winds.

Changelings

The Changelings are a fairly new race in the Forge World, being integrated into modern society just a century earlier. Before then they were only classified as insects and were treated as such; the fact that they fed off love and other emotions made them seen as monsters in the eyes of the general populace. Then one day, Changeling Queen Arachnia from a hive out in the Bronza desert grew tired of her species being kicked around and mistreated like a common gnat. She did her best to make the Changelings look like a civilized race despite the fact that they lived in a massive hive.

She built towns, scripted entire government structures, learned an entire language, even proved scientifically that you can't die from being fed on by a Changeling just to be recognized as an equal among her peers. It took close to three decades to make themselves presentable but when it finally happened, Changelings were no longer subjugated to abuse and were integrated into society where they were free to walk among the other races. Since then the Changelings have been able to live harmoniously with the others without strife, yet some still can't get over their hated for them.

-Ascended Changeling

There is a minor misconception and confusion regarding the Changeling race, Changelings aren't entirely about mindless drones that follows the queens orders on a whim, that is only half of the picture. There is a split between Changelings in their hive, drones and ascendants. Drone are the workers, they do most of the work in and out the hive. Ascendants are similar to a queen, only they don't have their minds linked with everyone else in the hive. They do most of the directing in the hive. Aside from the queen, ascendants have free will and can do as they please.

For years, ascendants have been living a sheltered life under the queen’s watchful mind with almost little to no knowledge of life beyond the hive. Now that they are considered citizens on Metallos they are finally exploring the world for the first time. However, even after being recognized as citizens some people still treat them like insect and often stigmatize them for being spies of another country because of their shapeshifting abilities. But others are willing to extend a hoof, paw, or talon in friendship to them and accept them for who they are.

Others

These are the races that aren't playable but should be mentioned for the sake of world building and creating npcs. Some of these races or subspecies are possibly going to be playable in the expansion pack.

-Minotaurs

Minotaurs exist in Forge World but they are fairly rare to see as they mostly live to the east of Metallos that has yet to be talked about in this book. The chances of seeing a minotaur hanging around a tavern in western Metallos is almost slim to none, as they mostly keep to themselves and live in tight knit communities pass the mountains to the east. It should be common knowledge that minotaurs are gladiators by nature as well as master smiths, capable of forging some of the greatest weapons and armor in the land. To fight or gain some piece of equipment from a minotaur is considered to be an honor of the highest caliber.

-Donkeys, Zebras, and Cows

Donkeys and Zebras are other subspecies of the equine race that are mixed into the Pony population. Just like the ponies they can be found almost everywhere in western Metallos and are mostly workers rather than adventurers. Although it is quite rare to meet a donkey or zebra going adventuring somewhere it shouldn't be immediately ruled out, as they like a little rush every now and then just like everyone else.

Cows are in the same boat as the donkeys and zebras, although they're mostly the type that prefers to work rather than go out on life threatening quest.

-Ratlins

Ratlins are a hit or miss to the views of the general public, though the view so far has been leaning a bit towards negative and for good reasons too. For starters, they're oversized rats that smell. Next, They love to steal thing and because of this the Diamond Dog Runt's are commonly blamed for committing the heinous deed. Lastly, they're all disease carrying vermins that enjoy ruining other people's day. Whether it's stealing candy from a baby or taking a bath in some chef's big pot of soup, they are the main cause of mischief that happens in the city.

While it may be rare to find the occasional well dressed and polite rat, they are a scourge on city living. Ratlins don't even have a sense of community, for them it's finders keepers losers weepers. Should you find a ratlin, track it down, kill it, then loots it's den that's stashed full of treasure. When you're done, takes it's corpse and have it turned into a coin purse. Their fur is resistant to all kinds of weather and will keep your money safe in even the toughest of environments.

Careers

While your race is the base for a character, the career might as well be your catalyst. There are plenty of careers to choose from, each one suiting your own personal playstyle or interest. The list is:

                    -Alchemist

                    -Arcanist

                    -Arcane Engineer

                    -Aristocrat

                    -Bounty Hunter

                    -Brawler

                    -Brushers

                    -Cutthroat

                    -Duelist

                    -Explorer

                    -Guardian

                    -Gun Mage

                    -Gunslinger

                    -Investigator

                    -Judicator

                    -Mage Hunter

                    -Magus

                    -Mechanikal Engineer

                    -Military Officer

                    -Miner

                    -Myrmidon

                    -Pirate

                    -Priest

                    -Riflemen

                    -Skyterror

                    -Soldier

                    -Spy

                    -Stormcrafter

                    -Thanite Advocate

                    -Thief

-Alchemist

The Alchemist is trained in the arcane science of refining and combining rare and exotic ingredients to create Alchemical items, including blasting powder, healing salves and potent alchemical grenades. The alchemist is the only career in the game that is capable of fully exploring the world and science of alchemy without suffering the occasional explosion that normally occurs from performing untrained alchemy. Seasoned veterans in the alchemical arts are deadly bombers that can bombard their enemies with corrosive, fire, ice, and even rust bombs depending on the situation.

-Arcanist

Not to be mistaken with the Magus career, the Arcanist are those who have devoted themselves in learning and refining the innate magical abilities that exist in all living creatures. They train for years to master the arcane arts and are a very flexible magic career that focuses purely on spellcasting. Their skillset allows for offensive support, control, and even utility. If you are more interested in a character that can use magic correctly and effectively then this is the career for you.

-Arcane Engineer

Bridging the gap between machine and magic, Arcane Engineers are similar to Mechanikal Engineers except they are masters in crafting magically enhanced items. They can command engines just like a Mechanikal Engineer can and even improve upon existing weapons and parts through rune etchings. Having an Arcane Engineer on the team to help buff your weapons and gear as well as crafting and fixing said items is an invaluable asset to any team.

-Aristocrat

Prerequisite: Pony, Griffon

Aristocrats descend from the upper class in society. They can be nobles from Silverus, politicians from Lapis Lazulia or even a merchant prince from Bronza. What the Aristocrat lacks in combat abilities they make up for in social etiquette. With vast amounts of wealth, strong connections to others in the upper class and graced with a silver tongue Aristocrats can talk, bribe, or even seduce their way out of any bad situations.

-Bounty Hunter

Bounty Hunters make a living chasing criminals, deserters and wanted fugitives of all stripes. They are capable of tracking down even the most elusive of criminals and can subdue them with ease, especially if you want the person of interest alive rather than dead. The Bounty Hunter is a great combat career as well as a social career if you're interested in being a law dog for locals.

-Brawlers

Brawlers are bare knuckled pugilists that love to punch things into submission. Aside for having great unarmed combat abilities they can also grapple enemies and even improvise to use their environment as a makeshift weapon. Being a Brawler is a great career choice if you just love to beat stuff into a thin red paste without receiving too many injuries in the process.

-Brushers

Brushers are individuals that live out in the wild. They're mostly paid to scout out hostile environment or find some rare creature hidden in the brush. They're in their element when outside in the woods rather then being cooped up in the cities. Brushers are masters at fighting wild animals and mastering rough terrain with relative ease, making them valuable for campaigns that take place in the woods or if the objective is to hunt down wild animals.

-Cutthroats

Make no mistakes, being a Cutthroat means that you are a cold blooded killer. Cutthroats specialize in mostly melee combat that involves bypassing armor and attacking multiple times in rapid succession. Their mastery over the backstabbing ways makes them both cunning and dangerous foes to fight against. If you choose to pick the Cutthroat as one of your two starting careers then be prepared for the bloodshed that you shall soon wreak.

-Duelist

The Duelist is a career that exemplifies refined combat through both the sword and the pistol. They can block and deflect attacks while attacking back at the same opponent during their turn. Their expertise in combat is not the only advantage that the Duelist has, they are also well versed in etiquette and are respected individuals among all members of society.... except maybe for that one guy you just shot.

-Explorers

The Explorer career is for those that love to travel and mapping out large expanses of the world. They are masters of survival in the wild and are very intelligent, being able to crack ancient codes as well as being very perceptive to anything that is foreign and bizarre. Their knowledge of the landscape also makes them great navigators, so getting lost in the woods isn't much of a problem if you have an Explorer on your side.

-Guardians

Guardians are soldiers who believe that the best offense is a good defense. They have strong defensive capabilities and can survive even the most horrific of encounters. They can go prone if a bomb goes off, avoid being knocked down and even shield other friends from harm. Because of their strong defensive abilities they are a valued member to any group lucky enough to have one.

-Gun Mage

Shooting bullets not good enough for you? Then try out the Gun Mage! Being a career that allows for long range fighting and magical attacks makes them a force to be reckoned with. Gun Mages use specially constructed magelock weapons that are capable of dishing out insane amounts of physical and magical damage in a large area of effect. When combine with other gun focused careers their effectiveness skyrockets to absurd levels.

-Gunslinger

Gunslingers are experts in utilizing the pistol. This is a gun focused career that allows you to either hit a single target multiple time or striking them once for the maximum amount of damage. Surviving an onslaught of bullets from a Gunslinger can be tough, as they can pin you down and force you to make only one move per turn. If you love to shoot stuff up then the Gunslinger is right for you.

-Investigator

The Investigator is a career that excels in criminology and forensic science. Nothing can get pass the keen eyes and wit of a seasoned investigator. Capable of detecting, understanding, and deducing all form of the problem, the Investigator has the skills and the knowledge to help prove the impossible, possible. If you're interested in playing a character that can solve the most boggling of puzzles, then look no more for the Investigator is the career for you.

-Judicator

Prerequisite: Citizen of Bronza

Judiactors are hot blooded and wild warriors of the sands. They are warriors that are forged in the blazing heat of Bronza who learned to harness unfathomable amounts of strength in their body to wield massive weaponry that are easily double or even triple their size. They emphasize raw strength and because of this their recklessness can hurt not only themselves but their allies and unfortunate others as well. If you're going to play a Judicator then make sure you hit something with that power of yours, otherwise you'd just be a walking liability issue.

-Mage Hunter

Prerequisite: Earth Pony, Diamond Dog, Griffon

Mage Hunters might as well let their name speak for themselves. Mage Hunters carve out a living hunting down people who use magic. It doesn't matter whether they're good or not, they just want to see magic extinguished from the world. Being silent assassins and almost immune to magical attacks the Mage Hunter can make quick work of any magic user. Be wary of the fact that when playing as a Mage Hunter you will have a very hard time speaking and interacting with magic users in Forge World.

-Magus

Prerequisite: Unicorn, Changeling

The magus is a specific magic career that allows the user to tap into the power of the elements. The Magus is similar to the Arcanist in that they can both perform magic, the only caveat for the Magus is that they can use their innate magical abilities to fortify themselves passively rather than actively. Choosing one of the four elements to master can benefit you in more than just some spells. Choosing fire can grant you immunity to fire attacks while choosing earth will make you more resilient to physical attacks. All in all, the Magus is a powerful career that wields magic and should not be taken lightly in any case.

-Mechanikal Engineer

The Mechanikal Engineer is a career that lets you build, repair and properly upgrade an engine, aside from commanding one of course. Mechanikal Engineers are also great crafters and can build and repair almost anything that's made of metal or wood. If you choose to play as a Mechanikal Engineer then be prepared to command your very own engine! This is the only career in the game that allows you to obtain a light engine at the very start of the game, which can be very helpful when facing large groups of enemies early on.

-Military Officer

The Military Officer is a natural born leader and is a career that can boost your teamfighting capabilities. Military Officers can issue order to the team that can affect the flow of a fight. They can call "Find Cover!" so that the team could get more defense or "Charge!" to increase their chance to hit a target. Aside from providing some much need directions for the team the Military Officer can also command engines just like Engineers can. If you are a leader then the Military Officer is right for you.

-Miner

The Miner is career that allows for an odd mix of playstyles. Miners can wield their signature tool, the pickaxe, as well as any swordmaster can, and can use dynamite without suffering negative penalties for premature explosions. Combat aside, the Miner is in their element underground in the continent of Metallos or when digging for treasure. With a keen eye for jewels and all sorts of baubles they can appraise the item to further it's value for sale. Being a Miner can put you in good standings with the civilian populations and they'll act positive around you.

-Myrmidon

Myrmidon is just a fancy name for a knight. However you like to call them there is no dispute that they are masters of the sword and the shield. Being a very well rounded career the Myrmidon is great for beginners who are just starting the game. The Myrmidon is equally balanced for both combat and social encounters so choosing this as one of your starting career is not a bad choice.

-Pirate

Prerequisite: Citizen of Black Pearl Cove

Pirates, privateers, buccaneers, however you like to call them they are all the same thing, they're raiders of the open seas. Being able to pilot ships and perform daring raids are only a few of the trick that a swashbuckling Pirate has up their sleeves. Aside from ship battles, Pirates are known for their bag of assorted dirty tricks that let them gain the upper hand in almost any situation. Headbutt someone to knock them down or even duck an attack to let some unlucky fool get hit instead of you, like your teammates.

-Priest

Prerequisite: Church of Vita, Sect of the Broodmother, cannot have Thanite Advocate as second career

The priest is member of either the Church of Vita or Sect of the Broodmother, they can use healing magic quite proficiently and some combat magic as well. The Vitan Priest leans more towards support while the Priest of the Broodmother is geared towards combat. Aside from healing the Priest also has an aura that can passively provide additional benefits to your team without wasting an attack or action. Keep in mind that most Thanites despise Vitans and will most likely attack on sight if you aren't careful.

-Riflemen

The Riflemen is another career that is focused on using a specific type of gun, namely the rifle. While the gunslinger uses pistols and can pin a target down, the Riflemen can snipe targets from afar as easily as shooting the wings off of a gnat from a mile away. Using distance to their advantage, the riflemen is a versatile career that can be combined with all sorts of careers to boost your effectiveness. If you prefer to hang back and provide covering fire to your allies then pick the Riflemen.

-Skyterror

Prerequisite: Pegasus, Griffon, Changeling (U.S.S.R.)

The Skyterror is by far the most restricted career in the game, requiring both an appropriate race and nationality. However, the benefits far outweigh the cost. The Skyterror is specialized military career that can only be attained by races that can fly and are from the frozen nation of the U.S.S.R. They're hardened soldier that can rapidly flank enemy positions and devastate them with their signature blasting pike without suffering damage from their own explosions. Choosing a Skyterror as a career is choosing a military career that offers a whole lot for very little.

-Soldier

Similar to the Myrmidon, the Soldier is a well rounded career that uses the gun instead of the sword. Soldiers know how to issue commands just like a Military Officer can, and can even patch up injured teammates with their medic skill as well as commanding an engine. Choosing a soldier as a starting career is great when you find yourself fighting in both urban and wilderness areas of Metallos.

-Spy

The Spy is a master of espionage and subterfuge. While not very combat oriented they can provide unique advantages for the team. Spies and tap into their connections to gain knowledge about a certain subject and even gain some support from their friends in the shadows. Aside for information the Spy is a master of disguise and can blend into almost any environment in both the urban and wilderness areas. With some forged papers and a good wig you can fool almost anyone, unless you're a Changeling; then that's another story.

-Stormcrafter

Prerequisite: Pegasus

The Pegasus subspecies can tap into their innate magic to control certain aspects of the weather, albeit for a short amount of time. Stormcrafters can stir up raging storms to blast foes with bolts of lightning or even create a thick fog to blanket and area to conceal movement. With that said, the Stormcrafter is a unique career that is only available to the Pegasus and can be very handy in many cases. Keep in mind that just like actual weather, they are unpredictable and can backfire on the team at a moments notice.

-Thanite Advocate

Prerequisite: Thanite Cult, Cannot have Priest as second career

The Thanite Advocate is member of the Thanite faith, worshiping the great alicorn, Thanatos. The Thanite Advocate can control dark magic with the ability to raise the dead for their own benevolent or malicious purposes. Being a practitioner of the dark arts grants you access to powerful spells that can lay waste to your foes and even let you grow stronger when you kill an enemy by consuming their soul. Bear in mind that the general view towards Thanites are very negative so you might want to keep your faith to yourself.

-Thief

The Thief is a very simple career, you're very good at cracking safes and stealing things. Being a master Thief lets you pickpocket passer by's with relative ease and allows you to blend into the crowd to hide from the authorities. Locks are your natural prey and you are the predator, with your collection of lockpicking tools there are no valuables that are safe from your greedy grasp.

Engines

Throughout the passages that you've read you're probably wondering what an Engine is. Check out the cover of this book, see that big robot on the cover? That is an Engine. Engines are large steam powered robots with the ability to reason, thanks to an artificial brain, the cortex.

They were originally built by the Diamond Dogs to be used as additional labor for their frequent mining operations. When the need for bigger and tougher Engines came up, people found that they could apply it for military use. Since then, the Engines have been been a staple of everyday living in Forge World in both the work environment and the military.

-Light & Heavy

The Engine come in two flavors for now, Light Engines and Heavy Engines. Each have their own unique set of chassis that are fitted for any type of job, big or small. Light Engines are the standard for average work around the Forge World. They're handy, reliable, and can help cut work time in half. Heavy Engines were developed for more rigorous chores such as salvaging for sunken ships or handling volatile substances in a caustic environment. Engines can be outfitted with all types of gear for any situation or work at hand.

The only sound that you could hear in the quiet library were the light hums of Pinkie Pie and the collective sounds of  multiple pencils scribbling on sheets of paper. After about an hour of decision making, figuring out which career was right for each of our heroes and adding up all of their abilities and stats, they were ready for action.

"Phew, that was actually kind of fun, even if we were just writing the whole time" said Twilight "Let’s see what we have for our characters" all of her friends flipped over their own character sheet and began to share it amongst themselves. Some had expected outcomes when it came to making a character, others were quite surprising when it came to breaking the status quo "Now this is very interesting"

                    Name: Twilight Sparkplug

                    Race: Unicorn

                    Career: Arcane Engineer/ Mechanikal Engineer

                    Equipment: Rune etching kit, light labor Engine

                    Armor: Armored great coat

                    Weapon: Wrench

                    Engine name: Twilight Sentinel

                    Chassis: Light

                    Cortex: Lazium cortex

                    Armor: Rusty iron plating

                    Weapon: Empty hand

                    Gear/ Upgrade: Hydraulic crane

                    Name: Rainbow Blast

                    Race: Pegasus

                    Career: Skyterror/ Stormcrafter

                    Equipment: None

                    Armor: Skyterror plate mail, Skyterror shield

                    Weapon: Blasting pike

                    Name: Captain Pinkie Pirate

                    Race: Grunt

                    Career: Pirate/ Alchemist

                    Equipment: Spy glass, gun brace, mixing kit, grenade bandoleer

                    Armor: Alchemist leather

                    Weapon: Cutlass, handcannon, ember bombs

                    Name: Elusive

                    Race: Unicorn

                    Career: Aristocrat/ Spy

                    Equipment: Disguise kit, forged papers

                    Armor: Modified elegant dress

                    Weapon: Springblades, holdout pistol

                    Name: L' Orange De Apple

                    Race: Earth Pony

                    Career: Rifleman/ Guardian

                    Equipment: Scope, ammo bandoleer

                    Armor: Infantry armor

                    Weapon: Cannon Shield, bayonet

                    Name: Necrolyte Butterfly

                    Race: Pegasus

                    Career: Thanite Advocate/ Investigator

                    Equipment: Necklace of the Thanite faith

                    Armor: Plated robes

                    Weapon: Battle cross, sacrificial dagger

"Wait, what? Ya actually chose the Thanite Advocate?" Applejack asked "Aren't they like the crazy dead raising cultist or something? Ah expected you to be the Priest or something along those lines" she asked as she stared at the calm and innocent pegasus. Trying to picture someone like Fluttershy going around raising the dead and eating a pony's soul was almost impossible.

"Well, I thought since my character is going to be my persona in another world, I choose for her to be a bit different from me" Fluttershy explained "I wanted her to be the strong but misunderstood heroine who uses her investigative and necromantic skills for the benefit of others rather than evil. Thanites aren't all bad you know?" she then assumed a proud stance with her head held high. For just a second, she almost looked as if she was Butterfly the Thanite Investigator.

All of her friends reeled back. The leap in logic Fluttershy gave was astounding, it left all of her friends speechless and made them question the moral values of good and evil. The stunned expression left on everyone's faces made Fluttershy feel uncomfortable when no one said anything for five minutes.

"Uh.... girls? Are you all alright?" asked Fluttershy. Right then everyone in the foyer was brought back to Equestria from their involuntary soul searching.

"Whuah? What? Oh! Yes darling, we're fine" said Rarity "You just gave us another one of your surprising moments, that's all" she fluffed her fabulous mane a few times.

"So can we play now?" Pinkie excitedly asked "I mean we've got everything we need to play right? I mean we can't have everything and not play. What kind of game would that be then if you prepared yourself for everything then just get up and leave. *Gasp!* what if that is the game? What it it's all really some game within a game that- mmmph mmmph mmph" Pinkie would have continued to talk on and on for the next few hours if it weren't for Twilight and her magic zipping up her lips to keep the noise levels down.

"I'm sorry, Pinkie, but I don't want to get cited for noise pollution by the royal guards, especially at a library!" Twilight said as she let go of Pinkie's mouth "Anyway, to answer your question, it says here...." Twilight began to silently read the passage of text to herself "It says that someone has to be the game master to help create the campaign for us" her friends all looked at her perplexedly.

"But there's already six of us that have characters. We can't be a game master" said Rainbow Dash "We're not going to have to make our own campaign are we?"

"I believe I can help you with that" Spike's disembodied voice spoke from the dark side of the room.

"Oh! That would be great! Thank you Spi-" Twilight stopped in mid sentence when she realized what she was about to say next. Her heartbeat quicken, her pupils mediated before shrinking into pinpricks. She turned to the dark side of the room and saw an small baby dragon sitting in a big armchair outlined in the black shadows "Spi-Spi-S-S-Spike!" she shouted "H-how long have you been s-sitting there?"

The baby dragon reached his little purple claw to a nearby lamp and turned it on. With a loud clicking sound the little dragon was revealed in all of his suave glory. He was just sitting comfortably on the chair wearing his favorite robes and fez, pretending to nonchalantly smoke a pipe that was actually a novelty bubble blower. He looked at his friends with a smug glance, shifting his pipe side to side every now and then before giving Twilight a big wide grin.

"Oh, only for the past hour and a half. We already defeated Fordstadt and got pardoned by the Silverus military so everyone else went home till we prepare for the next adventure..... sooooo...." Spike slyly spoke as he dramatically paused himself.

"I-it's not what it looks like! I swear!" Twilight attempted to lie despite all the paper evidence that was strewn onto the table like the library had sneezed on it.

"Oh really now? Well it looks to me like a couple of good friends are enjoying a game of Forge World, am I wrong?" Spike shifted his eyebrows ever so slightly which only added to his classy appearance.

"I.. but... well you see" Twilight stuttered "I'm just... reading! Yes, that's it! I'm reading... heh heh" Twilight's eyes began to dart back and forth frantically as her mane was starting to grow moist with sweat "Hey, is it getting hot in here or what?" she swallowed a lump in her throat, hoping that Spike would buy her bluff. But Spike was no child (well technically he's a baby dragon but that's besides the point) he knew full well that Twilight and her friends were about to enjoy a good game of Forge World behind his back.

"Say it" said Spike as he got off his chair and walked over to Twilight "Come on, say it" he pestered his older sister "Come on, it easy. All you have to do is say that I was right" he smiled coyly as he stared into lavender unicorn's very soul with his draconian eyes.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about" Twilight attempted to dodge the question, but as she tried to back away she ran into Pinkie Pie who held a large interrogation lamp over her head.

"Come on" Pinkie deceptively asked with a coy smile of her own "Just. Say. It" she held the lamp closer to Twilight who felt like she staring directly into the sun. As Both Spike and Pinkie Pie persistently pestered poor Twilight, Applejack just rolled her eyes and decided to speak up.

"Oh! For land sakes! Just say it ya stubborn gal!" Applejack shouted "Sheesh, and you say Ah'm the stubborn one"

"Fine!" shouted Twilight who cracked like an egg under the pressure "I'll say it!" the room fell silent as Twilight began to collect herself for the trial that await her. With deep breathes she steadied herself to the point where she could've achieved pony nirvana.

"S-Sp-Spu" she tried to get the words out of her throat "Sp-Spike" she managed to say "You were r-r-ru-ruh" she struggled hard to say the last word "You were ruah... you were ruiaht... you were re-reaght" Twilight felt as if she was carrying the world on her shoulders now "Ruagh... reuight.... r-r-r-"

"Only one more word left Twilight" Spike said as he cupped one of his claw to his ear, hovering as close to Twilight as possible.

"Ru-r-r" Twilight couldn't say the word, she had far too much of her petty pride swelled up in her head to say such a sentence. So she did what any sane unicorn would do during stressful time. With one of her hooves raised to the side of her head she went and quickly (and painfully) slapped herself on the side of the head.

"SPIKE, YOU WERE RIGHT!"

"That's all that I wanted to hear" said Spike as he looked over Twilight. She was a wreck, she looked exactly like that one time she nearly got Ponyville destroyed over her Mister Smarty Pants doll "Well you know if you needed a GM I'd be more than happy to guide you girls on the adventure of a lifetime" he paused for second as he remembered something vague yet important "Well, maybe the adventure of the month" he added

"Really? That would be wonderful" Fluttershy said "Thank you very much Spike" by then Twilight had recovered from her shell shock and sat back at the table, all the while trying to fix her bedraggled mane. She gave herself a few seconds to grip her nerves before returning back regular Twilight instead of mental breakdown Twilight.

"So what kind of adventure do you have in store for us mister game master?" Twilight asked. Spike stared into space as he tapped on his chin.

  "It's been a while since I was the GM of a campaign, ever since Sombra decided to take over I haven't had much time to create a new campaign" before anyone could say anything else, Spike ran over to his room and came out carrying a large wooden box "I keep most of my current ideas in here. I've got a few good ones, which one would you like to try?" Spike asked as he pulled out three sheets of paper. On each one it reads:

"Special Delivery!"

Transfer a box and it's mysterious content over to a neighboring country. But you might ask yourself, what's in the box that people are willing to kill you over?

"Exodus"

A group of Thanites seek refuge in the Obsidian Flats. Help escort them all to the safety of the hostile land before they're wiped out!

"The Krimson Kutthroat"

Go out and solve a case of mass suicides in Black Pearl Cove. But be wary, for the Krimson Kutthroat roams the city of thieves looking for new victims.

"Well? Which one do YOU choose?

3: Spike's Campaign- Exodus

Forge World: The Fullmetal Fantasy Roleplaying Game

By: Zelkova48

Edited by the awesome Detectivepingles

Chapter 3: Spike’s Campaign- Exodus

        “Well, it’s settled. We’re gonna go and help some Thanites get to the Obsidian Flats” Spike said as he pulled out a small booklet with the big word EXODUS, BY: SPIKE written in all capitals neatly scrawled on the cover “Honestly, I’m surprised at you guys. I didn’t automatically expect you to choose this campaign. You know, with dead raising zealots and everything” he chuckled a little.

        “What’re you talking about Spike?” Said Pinkie “We didn’t make the choice. They did” Pinkie then turned her head to face you. Yes, you! The readers. She gave all you guys and gals two hooves up and a wink before turning back to her confused friends.

        “Uh... Pinkie, who’re you talking to?” Twilight asked the reality bending pink mare, but brushed it off when she remembered just who she was talking to “Er... nevermind” she nervously grinned before regaining her composure “Anyway, we did pick this campaign, Pinkie, we all thought it sounded interesting. Remember?”

        “Oops, that’s right, we did! Didn’t we?” Pinkie said as she let out acute little chuckle. All her friends just smiled and rolled their eyes at the mediocre normalcy of Pinkie Pie.

        “Well, it’s only two o’ clock. We got plenty of time to go through the first half of my campaign” said Spike as he set up his game master’s board and collected his color coordinated die. He continued to look through his little booklet and pulled out several sheets of papers that everyone assumed was integral to his story.

He reached into his dice bag and pulled out a set of d20’s which he passed to each of his friends. As the girls received the dies they all marveled at how exquisite the quality of the dices were. They were all beautifully carved out of individual chunks of solid marble and shined to the point where the luster could blind a lesser pony.

Each die was special in that they all had their own unique little color scheme, each one representing the color palettes of everyone present at the table.  One was lavender and dark purple, another was pink and pinker and so forth.

        “Wow, these are some pretty fancy looking dices. Say, where’d ya get these thing, Spike?” Applejack asked as she shined her die on her coat. Spike juggled his own die with a smirk on his face.

“Made them myself, cool right?” he coolly replied with a wide smile as he twirled the die on the tip of his claws with incredible dexterity “But enough about me, this is about you girls. Are you ready to help out some Thanites?” everyone at the table nodded at Spike and he began to properly set up the table.

“Okay, lets see... dice, game master board, character sheets” Spike quietly muttered beneath his breath “Normally this would be played with little models and a game mat but I think we can manage with some imagination and creativity” he said as he assumed his position behind the game master board.

All the girls shuffled around in their seat to get comfortable before they went questing in the world of Metallos. Pinkie somehow managed to filled part of the table with snacks and chilled fizzy drinks of all kinds from seemingly out of nowhere...

“Alright, let’s get this show on the road” said Spike as he cleared his throat as he flipped through his little booklet to find the right page.

“Here we are” he placed a claw on a page “You six are all members of a mercenary charter in the Protectorate of Rubinelle that you all decided to join for one reason or another” he flipped his little booklet over to show an image of a big stone building that looked like a shoddy yet spectacular warehouse from Canterlot “You six are all new and are meeting for the very first time” Spike put the book down and looked at everyone else

“Soooo.... what’re you all doing?”

***

        In the neutral land of the Protectorate of Rubinelle lies a small mercenary contracting company off the edge of Sprocket City, Rubinelle’s largest city. There stood a large stone structure that looked like a bizarre mix of old and new. The old stone and woodworks were covered with vines and metal pipes of all sorts, surrounding the building in plant life and metal.

Basically it looked like a hacked together building that had been upgraded hastily to conform to the industrial age. Aside from the outside appearance, perhaps what stood out from the rest of the other contracting companies was the fact that the building was close to empty at the moment.

        Normally when a company like a mercenary contractor is empty that means one of two things; they were either completely rented out or they were going out of business for good. Luckily for the remaining staff of the company it was the former. All the soldiers and guns for hire had all been contracted to some fancy noble around the nation of Silverus, leaving behind six members that were basically the scraps at the bottom of the barrel.

***

“Hey! I thought we were like heroes or something! Not the ponies that nobody would hire” shouted Rainbow Dash, clearly miffed about being some sort of reject in a fancy company.

“Hey, you gotta start somewhere right? We’ll get to the whole heroics part later in the campaign” Spike replied as he flipped through another page in his booklet “Anywho...”

***

        Standing outside of the building was a unicorn who was busy cleaning and repairing her rusty labor engine, the sounds of whirring gears and splashing water was the only thing that could be heard in the quiet clearing.

The unicorn had a light lavender coat with a spiky electric pink mane that had a few streaks of deep purple running through it. She had a large pipe wrench on her back and was wearing an armored great coat that had metal plates and studs implemented into the fabric of the clothing to help fend off physical blows. She was also wearing a scarf and a set of leather gaiters along with her horseshoes. To put it simply, she was wearing armored mechanik gear.

“Jeez, cleaning a light engine is harder than I thought” said the unicorn, who let out an exasperated groan as she wrung her towel dry. As she was drying off her robot she caught a glimpse of another pony out of the side of her eyes who was trotting towards her. The silhouette was equine in shape, but what set the rest apart were the obvious set of wings that they had on their side. It was a pegasus.

“Hey!” the pegasus shouted, though the sound of their voice was muffled as if they were speaking through a metal bucket “Is this the Cheap N’ Disposable contracting company?” the pegasus continued to trot their way towards the weary unicorn. The unicorn wiped the sweat off of her brow and dried herself as turned to greet the visitor.

“Why yes, yes it is” the unicorn replied matter of factly, with a warm smile. “My name is Twilight Sparkplug, how can I help you?”  she asked. As Twilight awaited for the pegasus’s reply she examined them.

The pegasus before her was covered from head to hoof in a full set of metal armor. Special Silverus skyterror plate mail to be exact, complete with a matching arnet helmet and a large tower shield. The armor was a beautifully rich navy blue that had been highlighted with streaks of lustrous gold. On the back of pegasus was a long spear like weapon, one that Twilight had some experience in repairing for certain individuals.

It was a blasting pike. A weapon that was entirely exclusive to the Silverus military and is feared by lesser soldiers throughout the continent of Metallos. It was basically a long spear like weapon that had an interchangeable head, one being an average spear head while the other was a special tip that had been carefully crafted to house lethal amounts of high yield explosives designed to detonate on impact.

One last thing that piqued Twilight’s interest was the rainbow coloured mane that was sticking out of the back of the helmet in a ponytail. Twilight’s train of thought was interrupted when the pegasus lifted up the concealing helmet half way to reveal their face. The color of the pegasus’s coat was a blue that was only a few shades brighter than their armor, and one interesting aspect about the partially revealed face was the small scar on the side of their cheek.

“Yeah, you can help me” the pegasus said, her voice now identifiable as female. “The name’s Rainbow Blast, best Skyterror in all of Metallos” Rainbow pulled her helmet all the way back to reveal her face which had a cocky smile plastered onto it “I’m looking for a job”

***

“Wow, even in a whole other world y’all still got an ego the size of the whole dang world” Applejack joked as she tried to suppress a snicker.

“At least I’m in the story, Applejack” Rainbow Dash retorted with a smug grin “Cause, you know, I’m just awesome like that” she flashed the same cocky grin that was just like the one Rainbow Blast had. Everyone just rolled their eyes, saying anything else would only put Rainbow on a ego trip.

“Oh for the love of....” Spike grunted “Twilight, how would Twilight Sparkplug react to this?” he asked. Twilight held a hoof to her head and pondered the situation.

“Well for starters....” Twilight paused with an inquisitive look on her face “What’s the best Skyterror in all of Metallos doing at a crummy merc contracting company looking for a job......”

***

Twilight raised an eyebrow at the questionably confident Skyterror before her. She was no wizard when it came to job management but she knew that Skyterror’s were the elite when it came the Silverus military hierarchy. They were treated like celebrities, and they could have whatever they wanted. So what was a so called Skyterror doing in perhaps the shadiest area of Sprocket city looking for a job as a merc?

A true Skyterror’s payroll would almost be ten times the amount that Twilight would ever make if she’d actually get a contract for her expertise that is. But then again, she’d only been in the company for a week. But business is business, so she might as well go and get Rainbow Blast into the system of their company.

“Alright then. Come on, follow me into the building” Twilight replied as she motioned for Rainbow to follow her. Just as Twilight was about to walk into the building she stopped and turned to her inactive labor engine “Whoops! Almost forgot” Twilight immediately dashed on over to her robot, leaving behind a very perplexed Rainbow Blast.

“Alrighty Twilight Sentinel, time for you to go to sleep” Twilight approached the large robot’s mechanical legs and pressed her hooves onto Twilight Sentinel’s left kneecap servo. With a little flash of light, a small ring of runic inscriptions glowed before her.

A few seconds later the runes levitated off the metal and expanded until it was about the size of the engine itself. The inscriptions slowly enveloped the engine until it disappeared in another flash of light. When the entire process was done the only thing that remained of the rusty robot was its shiny metal kneecap, which Twilight promptly affixed to her shoulder as a makeshift pauldron.

“Now that that’s over with, what do you say we get you employed?” said Twilight as she nonchalantly walked into the building right past Rainbow Blast who was frozen in awe with a slack jaw expression.

* * *

“Wow, you practically blazed through my book, didn’t you Twilight? Using runic inscriptions early on like this comes in very handy” Spike said, sounding genuinely impressed with a wide smile. Twilight just giggled and smiled back at Spike.

“Wha- whuah? What just happen?” Rainbow asked, incredibly confused at what she’d just experienced “How did she just do that?” Spike and Twilight shared a small bout of laughter at the confused mare.

“Do you want to explain it to her or do you want me to do it?” Spike asked Twilight.

“No, it’s alright. I can do it” Twilight said as she turned to Rainbow Dash “My other career, the Arcane Engineer, allows me to use my rune etching kit to create special runes that have a variety of effect on all sorts of items, such as my engine” she paused to let Rainbow Dash absorb the information

“I chose the pocket dimension inscription. It allows me to house my labor engine in a regular object, such as my shoulder pad. Did you get all that?” she finished which left all of her friends more confused than content with her answer. Spike rolled his eyes and continued on with their story.

“Meh, they’ll figure it out sooner or later. But for now, we have a new member to greet.....”

* * *

Both Twilight and Rainbow Blast walked in the unusually quiet foyer of building. The halls that they passed through were surprisingly well furnished and better looking than the outside. The hall and floor moldings were all made of  wood that was stained with a brilliant mahogany shine. The floorboards didn’t squeak, no matter how old it looked.

As the two continued down the hall they came across a set of large wooden doors that had been carved with all manners of designs with extreme precision. Twilight went and opened the door, and with a loud creak they were greeted with the sight of the lounge and four other staff members.

“How about I introduce you to the other members of the crew?” said Twilight. She pointed over to a stalwart earth pony soldier sitting in the corner of the room cleaning her rifle.

She was about an average size earth pony, with an orange coat and a golden mane that had been gracefully wrapped up into tight bun. She had a beauty mark on her face that only accentuated her plump lips and alluring sapphire irises.

She was wearing a set of specialized infantry armor that appealed to the natural curvature of her body. It was mostly heavy cloth that had been plated with metal around her shoulders, sides and her neck. There were a set of greaves on her back hooves that show some signs of natural wear and tear. She was also wearing a bright red ribbon that was used to tie her hair back.

The weapon that she was cleaning was a cannon shield. It was a heavy carbine that had been fitted for a scope and a long sharp bayonet, it had some elegant engravings along the barrel and a varnished stock. It was attached to a massive metal assault shield that had metal studs embedded onto the surface for bashing would be chargers.

“That’s L’Orange De Apple” said Twilight “She’s a soldier from the Lazurian Empire. I heard she was dishonorably discharged from the military” Rainbow Blast grew nervous all of a sudden and swallowed a lump in her throat.

“W-what for?” Rainbow asked.

“She told me the military couldn’t handle her excellence” Twilight said with evident sarcasm in her voice “Truth be told she really got discharged because she was an insufferable brat of a soldier” she snickered just as L’Orange caught her insult.

“Hmph” she huffed as she raised her nose high “You are just simply jealous of my unfazomable talents Mizz Sparkplug” L’Orange spoke with a very thick french accent that either charmed you or annoyed you to no end.

***

“Really, Applejack?” Rarity spoke “That has got to be the worst prench accent that I have ever heard” she said with a little dab of overdramatic flair.

“Oh yeah? I’d like to see you try to imitate my voice!” Applejack retorted.

“Hmph, maybe I will” Rarity quickly shot back.

“Girls, girls. You’re both pretty, now lets get on with your story” Spike said as he dived back into his little booklet “Alright, where were we. Oh yeah, Twilight was talking to Applejack’s character...”

***

“Oh keep your shirt on Lora, be glad that the boss didn’t kick you off his doorstep just because of your attitude” Twilight shot back with a smirk as she wandered on through the lounge with Rainbow Blast.

“Uh, Lora?” Rainbow asked

“It’s just a nickname me and the others gave her cause nobody wants to say L’Orange all the time” Twilight answered she pointed to another pony in the room, but this time it was a unicorn who was lazily lounging on her large and comfy looking sofa. She was currently very engaged with a romantic novel and wasn’t really aware of the others standing right next to her.

The unicorn had a flawless ruby red coat with a dark, almost sanguine like mane that flowed around her her like a river of blood. Her eyes were also a rich sea of crimson that flooded her obsidian pupils. She was wearing a long elegant and somewhat frilly dress that was about four different shades of red, the colors were so vibrant and breathtaking they looked as if it were a part of her very skin.

As the unicorn continued to glance through her book she raised her head ever so slightly till she finally acknowledged her two peers.

“Oh my, my!” the unicorn exclaimed “Why howdy there darling” the unicorn spoke flawlessly with a very heavy southern twang “To whom do I owe the pleasure of seeing you again, miss Sparkplug?”

***

“See, Applejack, it isn’t that hard to speak like you” said Rarity with an innocent looking grin on her face. Applejack just grunted and mumbled something that foals shouldn’t hear underneath her breath. Spike and everyone else shared a little laugh at the bummed apple farmer.

***

“Just introducing you to the new recruit, Elusive” Twilight replied “Meet Rainbow Blast. She’s a Skyterror from Silverus” Elusive shifted her eyebrow when she heard that Rainbow Blast was a Skyterror.

“Oh really now” Elusive spoke inquisitively “Well what’s a famous Skyterror like yourself doing in a place like this?” she asked. Rainbow shifted around uncomfortably, her eyes darting back and forth nervously.

“I figured a change of scenery would be nice for me, you know?” She shakily replied “Seeing nothing but snow and daylight that last up to six months can be a real drag sometimes” Elusive and Twilight were a little skeptical about her answer, but they decided not to press on it. It’d be rude just poking around another pony’s life like that.

“Well alrighty then, don’t let me slow you two down” Elusive said as she returned her attention back to the book “Also, before I forget, welcome to the crew”

“Uh, thanks, I think” Rainbow said as she walked around another part of the lounge with Twilight. This time they were in the small bar by the darker side of the room. As they approached the bar they were greeted with the sight of a ruffled gray Diamond Dog grunt that looked like she had drunk a few shots too many. To make matters worse, she was playing darts.

“Hey Cap, I think you’re aiming those darts the wrong way” Twilight said which broke the dog out of her drunken haze.

“Whuah, huh? Hic!” The diamond dog got a good look at where she was aiming at, it was the company’s accidents board. Apparently the board stated that the company has had zero days without an accident, the chalk on the board also looked very old and dusty, like it hasn’t been used in a while

“Hic! Thank ya for pointing that out *hic* Twilight” she dropped the dart and returned to the bar where pour herself another glass of grog. Just when she was about to drink the shot full of volatile fluid, the shot glass was covered in a purple glow and pulled away from her “Hey! *Hic* I was about to *hic* drink that!” she shouted in her drunken rage.

“I honestly think that you've had enough, Cap” Twilight levitated the shotglass over to the sink and poured the contents out “Sober up you git, and show some initiative by introducing yourself to our new member” she said as she pointed to Rainbow Blast. The dog just eyed the pegasus with half lidded eyes, smacking her lips due to her lack of grog.

“Argh!” she stated “My name be Captain Pinkie Pirate, *hic*! One of the Pirates around *hic* Black Pearl Cove” Pinkie said as she struggled to stand up straight “Welcome to the *hic* crew” Rainbow just stared at the drunken pirate, she looked far better than one normally would after downing a gallon of liver destroying grog.

There were obvious signs that she was a female. Compared to the male grunts, she was very curvaceous with a certain kick of women that just ran through her legs, arms and face. She looked very strong, despite keeping her voluptuous feminine figure.

She had two golden ring earrings on her left ear while she had spiked earring on the other. She was wearing a red bandanna on her head that was covered with a battered looking tricorne cap, and she was wearing a stylized corset atop her shirt and pants that hugged her like there was no tomorrow. She also had some a pair of long boots that rode all the way up to her hips.

“You like what you *hic!* see?” Captain Pinkie said with a slur in her voice and a wiggle of her hips “Eeyup! Ain’t no other diamond dog got’s a *hic* booty like mine!” the captain then promptly pulled out small treasure chest and opened it up to reveal it’s contents “Yup. Bootylicious!” Before the others got a chance to peek around the chest, Pinkie blacked out on the spot and collapsed onto the floor.

Apparently all that talking and standing took too much energy out of the captain, so she decided that it was a good time to shut down all bodily functions and just take a nap. Within the span of only ten seconds flat the captain was unconscious, snoring louder than a fork that’s been jammed into trash compactor. Twilight and Rainbow Blast took this a cue to move onto the rest of the lounge.

“Don’t you think we should help her?” Rainbow Blast asked, sounding concerned about the unconscious pirate.

“Meh, she’ll be alright” Twilight replied nonchalantly “Besides, this is probably like the fifth or sixth time this week that’s happened” she said as she wandered around to a more silent area of the lounge. It was much more quiet in this particular area of the room than where the others were. As they continued into the darkness a strong scent filled the air; it smelled like a tantalizing mix of cinnamon and vanilla.

“Ah, so this is where she is” Twilight said as they came across an old wooden door. She pushed the doors open to reveal a pegasus pony meditating in the quiet room around a ring of candles. The pegasus was in deep meditation, the outside world was literally blocked out to her “Rainbow Blast, this is Necrolyte Butterfly”

The pegasus before them had a coat that was equivalent to bleached bones, and her mane was midnight black. She was wearing a long set of black robes that had been plated with metal to protect certain vital organs.

But the one that thing that stuck out from her the most was her necklace. It was made of metal and had been pressed into the shape of a sword that’s facing up, with a black alicorn on the center of the blade. The mark of the Thanite faith.

After a few more seconds of waiting, Butterfly shifted around her seat and opened her eyes. With a warm smile, she greeted her visitors.

“Greetings, friend” Butterfly said “It’s good to see you again, Twilight. How are you?” she softly asked as Twilight smiled back at her.

“I’m fine, thank you for asking” said Twilight “How do you like this place? You just got here yesterday, didn’t you?” she asked.

“The accommodations are satisfactory, albeit it’s a little dusty here and there but there’s nothing bad about this place” Butterfly replied before switching her gaze to Rainbow “Are you a new member?’ she asked.

“Uh... yeah, I am... Rainbow Blast is my name” Rainbow cracked a nervous smile in front of the Thanite, she’d heard about some very disturbing things about them and wanted to be as cautious as possible to prevent provoking her.

“Well, it’s good to have you on board, Rainbow Blast” Butterfly replied before turning to Twilight “Ah yes. The boss told me to gather everyone once we were ready. We have a contract to fulfill” she stood on up and with a quick flick of her wings, all the candles were put out

“I’ll head over there first, see you all in a bit” Butterfly then walked out of the room to tell the others. Twilight and Rainbow Blast followed suit and exited the room and well. As they were walking down the hall Twilight noticed that Rainbow was still acting all fidgety.

“Is it safe to have her around here?” Rainbow asked as she constantly shifted her vision to make sure that no one was listening on them.

“Is it safe to have who around?” Twilight asked, not really sure about Rainbow’s question.

“You know....” Rainbow hushed her voice “The Thanite...” Twilight just gave Rainbow Blast a nasty glare before they headed over to the boss’s office.

“Get used to it. This is a mercenary charter, almost everyone is welcomed here. Even Thanites” Twilight said as they trotted down another long hallway. Her answer didn’t make Rainbow feel any better, however.

“Aren’t you afraid that she might try to raise the dead or something?” Rainbow fearfully asked.

“I hope she does, we could use some more help around here with inventory” Twilight nonchalantly replied as both the ponies finally made it to the boss’s office. The door before them was an average wooden door but it had one unique quirk about it., the knob was really low to the floor, about half a foot off the ground to be exact.

“Here we are, time to meet the head honcho of this place” Twilight had to crouch down to the ground just to reach the doorknob. With a quick twist of the knob the door popped open with a delightful little creaking sound.

The room before them was quite small, only capable of fitting around fifteen people at most. But what it lacked in size it made up for in all sorts of random knick knacks and baubles that has been place all over the room. In front the Twilight and Rainbow was everyone everyone else that they’d just met along with a massive wooden desk and an equally huge leather chair.

The smell of a freshly lit cigar filled the little room with the nauseating scent tobacco and some other plants that they must’ve rolled into it by accident. The big chair that was in front of them was view from the back, leaving the enigmatic boss out of view.

“So, who’s the new chick?” a loud gruff voice came from behind the massive chair. Puffs of smoke coming from behind the seat floated into view as the boss puffed his cigar a few times. Rainbow steeled herself to face the menacing sounding voice.

“The name’s Rainbow Blast, best Skyterror in all of Metallos!” she proudly flaunted with a flick of her wing. But the boss didn’t sound impressed, in fact it was quite the opposite. He was laughing his head off.

“Bwuhahahaha! You mean this Rainbow Blast?” the boss, still hidden from behind his seat threw back a newspaper that landed with a soft thump on the desk. On the newspaper it read:

Disaster, idiot Skyterror destroys Silverus’s ammo dump.

Gets dishonorably discharged for action. Laughed at.

Rainbow’s blue face turned a bright red when her blunder was revealed for all to see. She closed her helmet and tried to block out the world as she waited for the whole situation to blow over. Instead of hearing another bout of laughter from the boss she instead heard... clapping?

“I like that” the boss stated which gave Rainbow a sliver of hope “That shows initiative, it shows that you don’t take no lip from anyone. We need someone like you as part of this company” off the side of the chair everyone could see the edge of the cigar being tapped a few times to let the ashes fall out into the ashtray.

“Congratulations Rainbow Blast. Welcome to the Cheap N’ Disposable contracting company!” the boss gruffly said as he turned around to reveal himself to everyone else in the room.

He was a diamond dog brute, roughly about one foot tall and one an a quarter feet wide. He had a blond coat and the face of an adorable pug. He had on a fancy looking vest and tie with a hilarious large cigar off the edge of his lip. It was so weird seeing the little guy sit in a huge chair behind and equally large desk too.

The boss hopped off of his chair and walked on over to Rainbow to give her a hoofshake.

“The name’s Boss Hoss, but you can call me Boss” Boss said “I’m a diamond dog brute, the strongest in my entire family” he proudly stated just as Rainbow began to snicker “What’s so funny?”

“I’m pretty sure you’re a runt, not a brute” said Rainbow “Aren’t brutes suppose to be like two ponies tall or something? There’s no way you can be a brute” she laughed shortly afterwards.

she promptly received her answer when Boss gave her a wicked smile and squeezed her hoof with enough strength to crumple her armor. He then proceeded to lift up Rainbow with one paw and twirl her around like a little rag doll. When he finally stopped Rainbow’s eyes were bouncing around her skull like a superball on steroids.

“Okay!” Rainbow shouted “I get it, you’re a brute” she held onto her head to steady her shaking pupils. Everyone in the room just chuckled and giggle at the poor pegasus’s misfortune.

“Cool it on the new girl boss, what about our contract?” Twilight said, straight to the point without sugar coating anything “What’s the job?” she asked.

Boss just shuffled through the large stacks of papers that he had lying around on his desk. He flipped through a few pages until he finally pulled out a dirty looking telegram that had some blood splattered onto the parchment. While the girls were excited, save for Captain Pinkie who was fighting off alcohol withdrawals, Boss had a look of uncertainty on his face.

“ *Sigh* I know this is your first job but I’m gonna warn ya, it’s a doozy” said Boss as he removed his cigar and flipped the paper to show everyone what they were going to do

“It’s an S.O.S. from a desperate group of Thanites...”

4: Spike's Campaign- Friendship's not magic, bullets are

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Edited by the talented Detectivepingle

Chapter 4: Spike's Campaign- Friendship's not magic, bullets are

* * *

 “About two weeks ago a group of Thanites living around a rural area in Rubinelle sent out a distress call to the authorities. As you can imagine, no one wanted to help them given their involvement with black magic. Not even the local government would help them” Boss said as he tapped away the ashes forming at the end of his cigar “That’s where you six come in” he pointed to everyone else in the room.

“Your job is to escort them all safely to their covent in the Obsidian flats. Simple as that” he then puffed on his cigar a few times before turning back to his employees “Now the pay ain’t great but it’s more than average around here. Rescue these innocent folks and you’ll all be proper mercenaries from here on out. Sound good?” he asked as he lounged back into his massive chair.

None of the girls objected to the boss, as they were all in desperate need of cash, so they just went on and ran through the documents a few times. According to the designated plan of action given to them by Boss Hoss, they were to go and rescue any surviving Thanites and help get them all to the Obsidian Flats. Preferably all in one piece and unharmed, for the most part.

Apparently the location of the temple where all the Thanites were living in was only a few dozen miles to the west from their current location. This was good considering that if they continued on westward they would make it to Starboard Port. When they reach the port they could try to take a boat to Black Pearl Cove. From there, they would have to board another ship so that they could finally reach the flats without fear of the authorities interfering with their mission.

“Question, Boss. Why do we have to take two ships to the flats, especially one through Black Pearl Cove?” Asked Twilight “The Obsidian flats are about the same distance from Rubinelle as it is from the cove. Couldn’t we just take one ship there?” Boss just blew some smoke rings from his cigar before he turned back to Twilight.

“Because, the flats are considered as an OLZ by every other sensible nation in Metallos. OLZ meaning that it’s an off limit zone.” he replied “No country, not Rubinelle, not Silverus, not Bronza, not even Lapis Lazulia would dare set foot onto a land where the roads are paved with the corpses of foolish adventurers and would be treasure hunters” he put his cigar out on his ash tray before stowing away what was left of it into a wooden case.

“Black Pearl Cove and The Iron Republic are the only two nations in western Metallos that have to guts to travel to and even establish trade routes with such a place” Boss gruffly explained.

“Now I don’t care how you six can acquire a boat in both of those places but you can figure that out once you get those Thanites to safety, understood?” everyone nodded in acknowledgement “Okay, any more questions? If you do, spit it out already. The longer you six stay here the closer those Thanites are to dying, got that?”

“How much is the pay?” Rainbow Blast asked.

“About 200 gold pieces for each of you. Subtract contracting cost and all sorts of other cost for this company and that’ll leaves you with around 140 all to yourselves” he replied as he pulled out a tiny chart representing all the deductions for their pay. Rainbow, however was a little displeased with the number.

“Hmm, that’s a little low...” she thought to herself, and  began wondering about how she could make the number go up a little higher.

* * *

“So what can I do Spike? How can I ask for more money?” Rainbow Dash asked Spike, the little dragon began scratching his chin with a raised eyebrow.

“I could ask you to make an intelligence roll since your character doesn’t exactly have any ability that might help you haggle with him” said Spike “Roll your d20 and add it your current intelligence, and I’ll see if Boss Hoss reacts or not. Go on, try it”

Rainbow Dash went on and picked up her prismatically painted set of die and gave them a few good shakes in her hooves. With a quick toss onto the table the die clicked and clattered across the surface before landing with a one and a two. Rainbow Dash wasn’t quite sure how this was going to work out but she simply shrugged her shoulders. She went and added all the numbers together until she got her answer.

“Okay, so that’s 6 total. What happens?” She asked. Before Spike said anything, he struggled to stifle a giggle that was trying to escape his mouth. After he collected himself he chuckled a few times before turning back to his booklet and replying.

“Okay everypony, Rainbow Dash just rolled a 6. Let’s see what happens...”

* * *

“Uh... Boss, I think you got some of these numbers wrong here. You forgot to carry the two” Rainbow Blast said with a smug look on her face. Boss Hoss just raised an eyebrow before looking over his tiny chart and staring at Rainbow with the kind of look you would give a crazy person. He gave her a toothy grin afterwards and chuckled softly.

“Hmm, thanks for catching that, kid” he replied which gave Rainbow Blast a tremendous ego boost “According to your pea sized brain, it says here that I only owe you and everyone else here 1 gold piece each” he showed everyone his chart which showed Rainbow’s flawed mathematical logic scrawled onto it “It’s good to know someone around here can count, right?” he then erupted into a fit of jovial laughter as he rolled around in his massive chair.

As the boss continued to laugh everyone else just glared at Rainbow Blast and her intelligence that was comparable to a little foal. A foal that enjoyed to gum on everything she saw.

* * *

As Spike continued to laugh everyone else just glared at Rainbow dash and her terrible luck that was comparable to walking under a ladder. A ladder that was surrounded with cute and cuddly black cats with fragile mirrors all around them.

* * *

“Ah, I’m just yanking your chain kid. You’ll still get paid the average amount. If you finish the mission, that is” Boss said as he put away his tiny chart “Although if you’re looking to make some more cash, I’m sure that there isn’t an empty street corner around here with a few desperate ponies or dogs who’re into that kind of stuff” he broke out into a laughing fit again as Rainbow’s face turned red like a tomato. Boss eventually calmed down and settled himself into his chair again.

“Okay, last chance for questions and then you set off, capisce?” said Boss. Everyone began to think about what they would ask him, it seemed like all the necessary questions had been asked. The job, the pay, what else was there...

* * *

“Alright girls, make me a perception roll. Let’s see how sharp you are” Spike said as everyone else rolled their die. More dices clicked and clattered on the table before stopping to reveal their enigmatic numbers.

“M’kay, Ah rolled it. Now which one do we add it too again?” Applejack asked, looking particularly perplexed.

“Add it to the one that one that says PER, that’s your perception” said Spike as he looked over his booklet “If you pass the target number that I set you girls all get to know a little secret” the little dragon tempted. Everyone started counting and most of the results were... less than desirable “Wow, all below 10... wait, Twilight got a 16. That’s good”

“What’s good about it, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“Well, your character managed to spot something that would’ve been otherwise unnoticeable...”

* * *

While the rest of the group demonstrated that they had glass knobs for eyeballs and wooden cups for ears, Twilight’s keen sense of observation allowed her see the unseeable. It was very subtle, most people wouldn’t even noticed it but Twilight could tell that Boss sad. The little shifts in his eyebrow and his low hanging jowls whenever he mentioned the Thanites made it evident that he was concerned. But concerned for what?

“Say. Boss. You look at little down there, is something the matter?” Twilight asked, sounding calm to sympathize with the saddened boss.

“How could you tell? It was my nonexistent whimpers, wasn’t it?” Boss said as his usual smile sank to a low frown “If you want to know, I’m related to one of the Thanites that sent out the distress call” Boss pulled out a old photo that showed him standing next to a much larger more shaggier diamond dog “His name’s Tiny. He’s a diamond dog runt and my little brother” the rest of the group just stared at the picture with a dumbfounded look.

“That’s yourlittle brother? He’s big!” Captain Pinkie exclaimed “Wait, did you just say he’s a runt?”

“Yes” Boss nonchalantly replied. The others were going to go and try to question the wrongness that was a brute sized runt of a diamond dog when they realized that there was a runt sized brute of a diamond dog sitting right in front of them.

“He joined the Thanite order several years ago to better himself. I rarely talk to him anymore since he left, and I’m worried” he reached into his desk and pulled out a small rusty and misshapen pewter spoon “If... If he’s still alive, can you give this to him? If you do I’ll increase your pay. If he isn’t... just tell me, I can handle it...”

“We will” said Twilight as she took the spoon, as she twirled it around it her magic she couldn’t help but ask what was so special about it ”Say, Boss. What’s the story behind this spoon?”

“It’s not a spoon, it a shovel” Boss said “I made it for Tiny out of a chunk of pewter for his first birthday. He loved it so much he’d carry that thing around wherever we went. It’s too bad he left it behind though when he joined up the the Thanite order...” Boss promptly held back some tears when memories of a time long since passed threaten to overwhelm his senses. Almost by instinct, he whipped out his cigar case and immediately huffed on another cigar

“Maybe it would be best if you all took off already” Boss suggested “Remember, the more time you spend here, the more those Thanites have a greater chance of dying, got it?” without missing a beat all six of the mercenaries grabbed what they needed and headed straight out the door. Boss just stayed behind and stared at the old picture while his cigar illuminated the dim room, a single tear flowing from his eye.

* * *

        Twilight and the rest of their rag tag gang quickly went back to their own quarters and gathered all their personal possessions as well as some supplies for the trip.

Twilight gave her engine one last tune up before setting off. Captain Pinkie went and sharpened her cutlass, loaded her handcannon and brought along a bottle of emergency grog just in case. Rainbow Blast polished her armor and checked all of her explosive pikes heads to make sure that they were all intact. L’ Orange loaded her cannon shield while Elusive made sure that her concealed springblades and pistol were in working order. Necrolyte Butterfly softly whispered a prayer to her dark goddess for a safe trip and recited a few lines from the Thanite codex.

Once all was said and done, they all went to the nearest train station and headed west towards their destination.

The rest of the train ride was mostly uneventful. Although, Captain Pinkie did find some spare gold in the train’s seat cushions, other than that nothing special really happened. A few more hours of waiting on the train and they finally the other station. Once they all got off they had to go the rest of the distance on hoof. The Thanite temple was just a mile from where they were so they wasted no time in sprinting to their location.

Eventually, after running for a while, they could all see the temple off in the distance of the high plains. What had them worried as they slowed down their pace was the large tower of black smoke emanating from the building. They brushed the thought aside though when they dismissed it as smoke from a chimney. As they drew closer and closer to their goal the group could all hear loud noises. Noises that sounded like several guns going off at once...

        The moment they finally got into view of the temple they were all shocked at what they saw. The temple was set ablaze and some sort of fight was going on. To avoid being spotted by any aggressors the gang decided to lay low and observe from a safe distance. Perfectly hidden behind the tree line, they quietly surveyed the grim scenery before them.

All the Thanites of the temple had been caught and tied up against a set of wooden post where they were being slowly executed one by one. Their executioners all wore white hooded infantry armor and were armed to the teeth. There wasn’t a single one of them that didn’t have a unique set of pistols or rifles and a smile on their face as they openly shot at the helpless Thanites with prejudice.

One of the executioners, a stallion, walked up to the homemade shooting range and looked down his sight. He started to calibrate his rifle for the first few seconds, fidgeting around with his sights before loading his gun and taking aim at his target, a young mare. The group couldn’t see her face from behind her dark hood but they could tell that she was crying, the bruises on her legs and the blood around her body made it evident that she was brutally beaten before being tied up to the post.

With a wicked smile on his face and a loaded gun, he pulled the trigger and silenced the mare for good. The rest of his company cheered and applauded him for his action while all the girls hid back from afar with a look of anger and disgust on their faces.

“Oh, my word... how appalling...” Elusive whispered. Her stomach felt like it was being twisted into a knot as she continued to witness the horrendous crimes before her.

“We have to do something! If this keeps they’ll all die and we won’t get paid” Rainbow Blast said as she prepared herself to charge into the fray but she was pulled back by Butterfly when she yanked Rainbow back by the tail.

“Rainbow Blast, please stop!, why don’t we try to settle this non violently?” Butterfly suggested.

“Are you being serious?” L’ Orange exclaimed “You saw what zey did to zose people! Thanites or not zey don’t deserve zis kind of treatment”

“Hear me out okay, I’m going to try and talk them out of killing them” said Butterfly “I could lie to them and tell them that I was sent from the government to stop them or maybe I’ll tell them their superior called them back” she brought her staff along with her and covered her face with her hood and looked back at her team.

“You all might want to get yourself all set up just in case anything goes wrong though” without missing a beat she immediately headed off towards the temple with hopes of settling things without bloodshed.

As Butterfly made her way towards the captured Thanites, Twilight and the rest gave all their weapons one last check before setting up. Twilight activated her rune plate to let out Twilight Sentinel while L’ Orange planted her cannon shield onto the ground and set her sights on the aggressors just in case they tried anything funny.

Captain Pinkie and Elusive stealthily trailed Butterfly from cover of the shadows while Rainbow Blast patrolled the skies. It was risky business but once the first shot goes off they’ll be more than prepared for a scrap.

* * *

Butterfly slowly made her way towards the aggressors and the captured Thanites, making sure to make herself as inconspicuous as possible. She hid away her necklace and shifted her hood to cover most of her upper face. After reciting some more lines form the codex she entered the courtyard of the temple and approached the aggressors. One of the gunners, a gryphon, took notice of her and decided to check her out.

“Halt, you will go no further” the griffon said with a raised talon “This area’s off limits, you can come back once we finished the job” he stated rather coldly. Butterfly straightened herself up before the griffon, as it made her look much more assertive, like a figure of authority.

“I’m here tell you to go back. The job’s done” Butterfly sternly stated “I’ll handle the rest, we have no need for your services anymore” the griffon laid his rifle down and stared at Butterfly. He scratched his chin as he raised his eyebrow at her.

“Who are you? I’ve never seen you before round here” said the griffon “Who sent you, the government? The boss?” he demanded.

“That doesn’t concern you. I’m just the messenger” Butterfly quickly replied “I won’t repeat myself again, the job is done. Leave” she said through gritted teeth. The griffon just stared at her before breaking out into laughter. The griffon eventually settled down and glared at Butterfly.

“Listen here little missy, the job ain’t done yet. We’re members of the Broken Wands Guild” the griffon said as he showed him his necklace. The necklace was similar as Butterfly’s only the sword was facing down and there was a white alicorn instead of a black alicorn

“As a mage hunter and a dedicated Vitan, it is my solemn duty to purge Metallos of these Thanite scum, you hear me? We’ll leave once these four remaining Thanite each have a bullet or two in their head” he said no more as he picked up his rifle and walked over to the Thanites where he loaded his weapon and took aim at one of the Thanite...

* * *

“This character doesn’t seem to be listening to me, I can’t change his mind” said Fluttershy.

“Yeah, members of the Broken Wands can be really hard headed when it comes to their overzealous obligations” Spike said with a chuckle “Maybe you could sway his mind by threatening him? Thanites do have the intimidation skill” Spike suggested.

“Threaten somepony else? I don’t think I can do...” Fluttershy said as her head wilted down a little.

“You’re not really threatening anyone Fluttershy, Butterfly is” Pinkie said.

“Oh! You’re right. Okay then, Butterfly will... threaten the griffon” Fluttershy said almost hesitantly, but she reminded herself that it was just a game set in a fantasy world with another version of her self. Although it still kind of bothered her knowing that another version of herself is threatening someone else.

“Okay then, roll for intimidation” Spike said. Fluttershy threw her die against the table until they stopped to reveal something impressive “Well, would you look at that. Add that up with your intimidation skill and you’ve got... 17”

“Oh my, how wonderful! But what happens next?” Fluttershy asked.

“Well, Necrolyte Butterfly will now show just how scary she really is...”

* * *

The griffon was preparing to line up his shot when his view was obscured by Butterfly standing in front of him. She quickly grabbed the griffon by the throat and stared directly into his very soul as she held her sacrificial dagger close to his throat. She let out a sinister cackle while her eyes portrayed a maddening thirst for blood.

“Listen, and listen well bird brain...” Butterfly said as she pressed the jagged knife closer to his throat “These are orders straight from the top, and if you like to disobey orders... then you’ll find yourself losing your head over such trivial matters” she cracked a wicked grin that was only further accentuated by her black mane and bleached bone skin.

“Okay, okay! We’ll leave, just let me keep my head!” the griffon pleaded as he shrank beneath the gaze of Butterfly.

“Good, now run along before someone ends up decapitated around here” said Butterfly before she released the terrified griffon. He then went and picked up his rifle before scuttling back towards his group to give them the bad news. Most of the group complied with their teammate but one of them wasn’t so sure. Another one of the member of the Broken Wands guild, a stallion, walked up to Butterfly with a skeptical look on his face.

“So we have to back out eh? Who told you that?” the stallion questioned her.

“I will tell you the same thing I told your associate, it is not of your concern” She said but the stallion refused to back down.

“Oh I think it is our business” the stallion said as he narrowed his eyes on Butterfly “You think a complete stranger like you can just waltz in here and tell us to stop doing this world a favor by killing these freaks, then you got another thing coming” he stated as he tugged onto his twin handcannon with a raised eyebrow “I don’t think you’re who you say you are...”

* * *

“So I rolled a few times to see if any of the guild members would believe your lie Fluttershy. Most of them believed that they had to leave... except for one” Spike said from behind his board “Now I’m going to do a perception roll and see if he can spot anything that’s off about your character” Spike rolled his die and grimaced at the result “Uh oh, I got 15. That’s not good”

“So you got a 15. Pfft, what’s the worst that could happen?” said Rainbow Dash which automatically set Murphy’s law into motion.

“That guild member saw something that wouldn’t normally be seen by the naked eye, Rainbow Dash. Which means...”

* * *

 The stallion stared at Butterfly for a good few seconds, she looked like the authoritative type but that was it. There was just one thing that was off about her, one tiny little detail that was threw away all credibility about her persona. The stallion quickly reached around her neck and and yanked onto her necklace revealing the incriminating evidence.

“She’s a Thanite!” the stallion yelled as he pressed his dual barrel pistol against her shoulder. The pistol’s engraved rune that it had on the barrel began to glow and shine an ethereal light. The runes later lifted off the pistol and formed a circle before the barrel of the pistol.

“Rune Shot, velocity! Death to all Thanite scum!” he shouted as he pulled the trigger. Two consecutive shots erupted out from the pistol, blasting past Butterfly’s armored shoulder. The two bullets went past the metal plating, past the robe and directly through all the flesh and bone leaving quite the exit wound. However, the magically amplified bullet didn’t stop. It continued to go through two of the lower stone walls as if they were paper until it got stuck into a nearby tree, splintering it upon impact.

The force of the point blank impact was so strong it sent Butterfly flying back and knocking her down onto the ground leaving a large gaping wound in her shoulder. She screamed in pain as she gripped onto her shoulder hoping to stop the bleeding.

All the other guild members quickly reacted and prepared their own weapons as well. They quickly surrounded Butterfly with all their guns pointed at her. Each with a look of pure amusement upon their faces.

“Did you reallythink you could trick us you dead raising scumbag?” The stallion asked as he reloaded his pistol. As injured as Butterfly was, she cracked a sly grin as she hacked up gob of blood.

“Well I did scare that chicken over there. Heh heh” Butterfly joked before getting kicked right in the face by a very angry diamond dog. She resisted the hit and just gave all the guild member a blood filled grin “Ha, my grandma kicks harder than you, poodle” her joke was abruptly ended when the dog pressed his pistol onto her cheek.

“I don’t find that funny, not one bit” the dog sneered “Any last words before I blow your head wide open?”

“Just one, do you find yourself losing your head over such trivial matters?” she innocently asked. The dog gave her a perplexed stare, one action that would also be his last when his head suddenly exploded like a watermelon that had twenty firecrackers stuffed into it. Somewhere off in the distance, a specific orange pony with a french accent smirked at the dog’s corpse

“Boom, headshot” she whispered beneath her breath.

The rest of the guild member were stunned when there friend who was well and alive just seconds earlier brutally died in perhaps the goriest way possible. They couldn’t move as their friends remains showered down on them in spatters of life fluid and skull fragments. Butterfly took grasp of this opportunity and used her staff to trip up the guild members and fleeing behind the courtyards stone wall. The rest of the guild members eventually made their way up and frantically looked around for their elusive adversary.

“Grr... if you think this is over, you’re sorely mistaken, you freak!”

* * *

“Congratulations Fluttershy. Your character just went and kicked the hornet’s nest” said Applejack with chuckle.

“W-what? Why would she do that?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Uh... I don’t think that was phrase to use, Applejack” Twilight said “Besides. Her character wasn’t the one that, quote and unquote from Spike, caused a diamond dogs head to suddenly exploded like a watermelon with twenty firecrackers stuffed into it” Applejack just cracked a grin at the violently explicit details.

“Heh, not my fault my character’s a crackshot” Applejack replied as she noticed Spike running towards his room “Hey Spike, where’re ya going?”

“Just getting my game mat and some models. You girls just got yourself into one heck of a fight!” Spike said as he came back with a large sheet of paper and a bunch of little expertly painted models “Just give me a few minutes to set up. In the meantime, why don’t you all take a break for a bit? Get yourself something to eat” he suggested as he eyed the large cinnamon roll just sitting on the table that Pinkie brought “Maybe I should eat something too...”

To Be Continued in Chapter 5: Spike's Campaign- Kicking Butt and Taking Names

5: Spike's Campaign- Kicking butt and taking names

5: Spike's Campaign- Kicking butt and taking names

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Edited by the ever talented DetectivePingles

Chapter 5: Kicking Butt and Taking Names

* * *

“Oh my gosh, this cinnamon roll is so good!” Spike shouted as he violently munched upon the sugary pastry like pack of rabid hyenas before a fresh antelope carcass “So anyway, I got the field all set up” he pointed to the rather large looking playmat before the girls. There was a scaled model of a field complete with a tiny little house that was painted and crafted with extreme details and intricacies “Pretty cool eh?”

The grass looked and felt like grass, there were clear signs of wear and tear on the little house, and there was also a stream of fire and smoke made out of what looked like painted cotton. To make things even more frighteningly similar to their current fictional situation of distress, there were detailed models of each of the mane six in their alternate outfits and gear. Standing next to those models were their enemies that demanded blood and vengeance. Mostly blood though.

Each one of the models were placed in the exact same position as they were in Spike’s story. Butterfly was hidden behind the temple courtyard’s outer wall, L’ Orange and Twilight Sparkplug were hidden back in the treelines, Rainbow Blast was hovering above the unknowing guild members, and the Cap along with Elusive were hidden in the shadows. Though they are not officially engaged in combat yet, they had the element of surprise on their side.

“Wow, is that me? ” Twilight asked as she examined her tiny self “This looks incredible! How do you do it Spike?”

“Paint, a few bits and pieces of a pony miniature, modeling glue, some imagination and half a day” Spike said with pride “You’d be surprised at how many conversions I’ve made while you’re away on another one of your little adventures. Other than that, let’s get back to the fight at hand” he pointed to the mat “So there are four Thanites left being held hostage by their mage hunter captors. You got to stop them before the rest get executed. It’s now time for the initiative round!”

“YEAH! ...what’s the initiative round?” Pinkie asked.

“It’s suppose to tell us which order we’re going to fight in” replied Twilight.

“Oh... Let’s do it!” exclaimed Pinkie with a spastic throw of her die. The die bounced all over the room, darting off almost every surface and landing onto the table, somehow without breaking anything in the library. Her big blue eyes then peering over her number.

“Hmm... let’s see. The sequence of pi, equal to the square root of the pythagorean theorem divided by zero to the nth power of the T, multiplied by X men...” she continued to babble on with her own sense of mathematical logic that would probably make Einstein and Copernicus roll in their graves. Thankfully Spike glanced over and told everyone Pinkie’s number before the sun went down.

“Girls, it’s a 15. Don’t try to think too hard about it” Spike deadpanned, his face entirely neutral as he said it “Alright, what about the rest of you?” he peered over the rest of the color coded die and adding up all the numbers “Alrighty then, the order is going to be...”

Stallion Boss

Career: Mage Hunter/ Gun Mage

Gryphon Thug

Career: Mage Hunter/ Soldier

Rainbow Blast

Career: Skyterror/ Stormcrafter

L’ Orange De Apple

Career: Guardian/ Riflemen

Captain Pinkie Pirate

Career: Pirate/ Alchemist

Elusive

Career: Spy/ Aristocrat

Stallion thug

Career: Mage Hunter/ Gunslinger

Necrolyte Butterfly

Career: Investigator/ Thanite Advocate

Twilight Sparkplug

Career: Arcane Engineer/ Mechanikal Engineer

Stallion Thug

Career: Mage Hunter/ Riflemen

Diamond Dog Thug

Career: Mage Hunter/ Myrmidon

Diamond Dog Thug

Career: Mage Hunter/ Miner

“By default, the boss always goes first in this scenario and he is very peeved about the fact that one of his teammate’s head is part of the scenery now. But because Applejack struck first from beyond the shadows, and because the rest of you are all hidden from sight, that means we go to a surprise round instead of the average battle. That means, other than Applejack and Fluttershy of course, the rest of you girls get one free attack off of them”

“Which mean it’s time for Rainbow Blast to shine!” Rainbow Dash announced “I’m going to try and get the boss!”

“Okay, right now your character model is out of view because of your subspecies’ unique ability to fly. That allows you to pull off an aerial attack, which increases your chance to hit someone, but the problem is after the attack is resolved or if you miss, then you are left wide open for an attack. Just tell me what weapon you want to use and we’ll roll to see if you can hit the guy or not” said Spike.

“Let’s see how this guy likes the taste of a blasting pike!” Rainbow yelled with the throw of her die “Ha! 16, did that hit him?” she asked.

“Hmm... Yep, that’s a direct hit. Now roll for damage” said Spike. Rainbow complied and tossed her die again.

“16, did I hurt him bad or what?” Rainbow asked as Spike glanced through his tiny little booklet.

“Huh. You hit him, but you just grazed the guy...”

* * *

With the first shot fired the rest of the Broken wand’s guild members scrambled to find cover within the temple courtyard. Most hid behind the stone benches and walls of the courtyard but that did not protect them from the aerial predator above them. The Skyterror Rainbow Blast hung in the sky under the concealment of the clouds. The exact moment a leaf fell from one of the nearby trees she immediately darted out of the clouds at mach speed with her trusty blasting pike gripped tightly in her hooves.

The gentle breeze that blanketed the temple contorted into a wild whirlwind as Rainbow Blast came crashing down upon the poor unsuspecting stallion boss. However, the boss immediately realized the presence of the Skyterror but by then it was too late as the blasting pike came directly in contact with his shoulder.

The explosive head of the pike was lodged directly into the stallion’s shoulder as it broke off upon the sheer force of Rainbow’s dive bomb. Unfortunately for Rainbow Blast, the exploding head did not go off and the stallion boss now had an active charge full of high yield explosives lodged into his shoulder. The boss simply stood up and scowled at Rainbow Blast before shouting so many curse words you could have mistaken yourself to be in a bar full of gutter mouthed sailors.

“Why you dirty stinking @$$hole, no good Thanite loving f*#khead of a b*&!h, raggle fraggle baggle...” the boss shouted as his swears eventually fading into incoherent mumbling and gibberish.

* * *

“ *Gasp!* Spike! Language!” Fluttershy shouted.

“Hey, I’m just trying to make the experience feel authentic, that’s all” Spike replied with wide smug grin and a chuckle

“That’s just an excuse for ya to speak with a potty mouth ain’t it?” Applejack asked.

“ *Gasp!* how could you accuse me of such a thing Applejack?” Spike said innocently with another grin on his face “Anywho, it’s Pinkie’s turn to attack”

“YAY! IT”S PIRACY TIME” Pinkie shouted while she was wearing a set of pirate themed outfit she’d acquired somehow during the span it took for me to write this sentence “I’m gonna give one of those big meanie thugs a little party favor...”

* * *

        The Captain peered from behind the building that she was hidden behind. The guild members were all completely unaware of her presence along with the others. Captain Pinkie quietly and stealthily snuck past all of them until she reached one of the stallion thugs. She could barely contain herself as she let out a little giggle for what she was about to do. She went over and tapped the thug on his shoulder. The thug turned around to seethe captain with an ember bomb in her paw and a smile on her face.

        “Here you go!” she exclaimed as she placed the bomb into the thugs hoof and pulled the pin. With a sly wink, she happily pranced away as she went to hide behind a nearby wall with her ears covered by her paws. This left the stallion thug with a confused look upon his face. He wanted an answer for what had just happened, until the sound of continual ticking snapped him back to reality. The thug looked down, finally noticing the bomb in his hoof, he started to cry the moment he realized what was going to happen next.

        “Mommy...” was the last thing that he tearfully uttered to himself before the ticking stopped with a loud ding noise.

BOOM!

The bomb then promptly exploded within the thug’s hoof and coated the poor fellow with flames that had been treated with high amounts of magnesium and condensed phosphorus. The resulting explosion did more than just blow the stallion away. The fire that torched him alive burned far hotter and brighter than any flame could ever reach without some form of catalyst.

The blazing fire seared away all the flesh off of his bones and melted his bones into a strewn mess of his former self. His teammates only stared in horror as they watched their teammate get transformed into red and white soupy mess.

“Tee hee hee! You’re melting, you’re melting!” Captain Pinkie laughed before noticing the immediate error of her successful action.

The fire from stallion’s bubbling corpse eventually began to rage even further as it started to spread out into the grasslands and high plains that the temple was built around. In a sheer matter of second, Captain Pinkie’s idea to blow up the stallion with an incendiary bomb had horribly backfired on them, literally.

Now the group and three problems to worry about; the members of the Broken Wands, the Thanite’s safety, and escaping a raging fire that the Captain unintentionally caused. The smile on the Captain’s face slowly melted off to reveal a look of terror as her own flames roared right back at her, threatening to consume their creator.

        “O-okay, not my best plan ever...” the Captain grinned sheepishly “Don’t worry, I’ll use my cutlass next time! If there is a next time that is...”

        Elusive simply facehoofed herself as she witnessed the former peaceful scenery of the temple and the high plains being ignited into a humongous bonfire caused by the group’s very own diamond dog pirate captain. She winced a bit as some of the embers singed some of her ruby red coat. It might not have been as noticeable because she was all red but it still bugged her that part of her coat was now burnt.

        She scowled for a moment before switching her attention back to the matter at hand while avoiding the blazing flames. She spotted her target amongst the flames, the gryphon thug that was standing in the middle of the courtyard, choking upon the smoke that rose from the earth. She narrowed his eyes upon him and readied her springblades. With a bat of her eyelashes she pushed her hoof right onto the gryphon’s back and let loose her concealed blade.

        “Watch your back hon” the springblades sprang into action as Elusive’s razor sharp set of hidden knives plunged themselves directly into gryphon, going directly past all the fur and feather before stabbing his vital organs with anatomical precision. Blood from the gryphon spattered all over her ruby coat as she did so but it only made her beauty shine even further because of it.

The gryphon fell to the ground screaming as he grasped his back in pain, miraculously he was still very much alive even after having his lungs and part of his kidneys pierced like a bobby pin into a balloon. Elusive cracked a cruel smile as she experienced her victim writhing in agony “Oh my, that looked like it really hurt!”

        “Grr... I’ll get you for this!” said the gryphon as he made his back up to a standing position “The next bullet’s gonna go right through your head, you bitch” he hissed with words that were dripping with venom.

“Now you wouldn’t hurt an innocent ole country gal like me would ya sugar?” Elusive teased with another bat of her lashes before turning dead serious “No, seriously. Stay down you no good murderous snake in the grass”

It was now Twilight Sparkplug’s turn to enter the fray. Even though she was in the back with L’ Orange, that didn’t mean that she couldn’t fight. With Twilight Sentinel on her side, she had something that L’ Orange’s long range cannon shield couldn’t compete with: a sentient automaton.

“Twilight Sentinel! Activate!” she shouted, and the great engine behind her whirred to life as steam vented out from his heavy boiler of an engine. Slowly, the steel head moved over to view his owner, his cold red reflective lenses narrowed upon Twilight Sparkplug. He silently waited for his owner to command him.

“Twilight Sentinel, activate hydraulic crane! Pull out one of the burning trees!” Twilight commanded. One of T. Sentinel’s eyes gleamed a bright red before letting out a loud whistle from his boiler, a sign that the command issued had been received. The rusty light engine’s crane that had been installed onto his backside came to life and grabbed the nearest tree. Within only a few seconds the tree next to L’ Orange was pulled straight from the earth and held in T. Sentine’s hydraulic crane.

“Twilight Sentinel! Command, throw object! Target, diamond dog on the left!” Twilight commanded. Another gleam and whistle bellowed from T. Sentinel as he grabbed the blazing log in front of him with his metal hands. T. Sentinel stared down the diamond dog that was several meters in front of him as he pulled his arms back. And then just like a mechanical catapult, T. Sentinel sent the burning log flying straight at the unlucky diamond dog in his sights.

The diamond dog in question was far too preoccupied with his struggle with smoke inhalation to notice that a giant flaming log was flying directly at him. The log came crashing down on top of him,splintering into thousands of tiny little charred fragments upon impact with the poor diamond dog. Even though he was just crushed by a flaming log, he stubbornly clung onto whatever life he had left as vital fluids leaked from his burned and broken body.

“Yes! Direct hit!” Twilight shouted happily from the burning treelines as T. Sentinel flexed one of his metal arms to boast his strength.

* * *

“Whoo! Engines are incredible!” Twilight shouted aloud as she broke into a giddy little dance for the success of her first attack with her light labor engine.

“Heh, I knew you would like em” said Spike as he suppressed the urge to laugh uncontrollably at Twilight’s little dance “Okay, so in the surprise round you only got one of the baddies thanks to Pinkie. But because of her ember bomb, the entire area is set ablaze, and you will continue to take damage until the fight is over. Three of them were injured, thanks to Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Twilight. Now it’s the Broken Wand’s turn to attack, and boy are they angry”

“So the boss is going to go for Rainbow Dash. Because, you know, you placed a bomb in him” Spike said with a chuckle “He’s going to shoot you with his rune plated pistol. He’s also going to use the spell Rune Shot, Rage, on you” Spike rolled his die “And he is going to hit you for 17”

“Dang it, that hit me. What about the damage?” Rainbow asked. Spike rolled his die once more. The die landed onto the table and the results put a grimace on Spike’s face.

“Whoa. He must be really mad at you...”

* * *

The stallion boss stared at the wound on his shoulder and then back at Rainbow Blast, he was positively fuming as he pulled out his special rune plated double barreled pistol and aimed it directly at Rainbow Blast. The runes on the pistol began to glow again as they lifted off the barrel of the gun.

“Eat this, you Rainbow mane freak! Rune Shot, Rage!” the boss shouted before letting loose a magically charged bullet that nearly knocked him off of his own hooves. The bullet, or more appropriately, the speeding lightning bolt of dense solid mass, came flying towards Rainbow’s direction. She swallowed a lump in her throat before holding up her massive tower shield in an attempt to block the shot.

The bullet came into contact with her shield and passed straight through like a hot knife through a warm pat of butter. Thankfully, her skyterror armor protected her, but the bullet dented the metal plates far inwards. This resulted in Rainbow Blast feeling the full brunt of the force as several of her ribs shattered like frail sheets of glass. She was still standing due to her intense physical build but now she was internally bleeding and was hacking out blood like it was going out of style.

“OUCH! ... uh, I mean... that didn’t hurt! OW! Okay... so maybe that hurt a little... YEOUCH! Oh sweet Vita this hurts like a bitc- GAAAAH!!” she wailed in pain as she held onto her chest.

“How did you like that, eh?” The boss taunted “There’s plenty more where that came from you dirty thanite lover!” he shouted as he reloaded his pistol.

Now was the gryphon’s turn to fight. He really didn’t need any explanation for what he was about to do. He simply pointed his rifle point blank at Elusive and smiled.

“This is for stabbing me in the back!” he shouted before shooting his rifle. When the smoke cleared from the shot he opened his eyes, only for them to pop out of his head from disbelief. He had missed up close. Elusive had a big grin on her face before laughing aloud from the gryphon’s failure. She was way too fast for the thugto hit her. “You’ve got to be freaking kidding me!” the gryphon shouted as he kicked the ground in anger.

“Haven’t ya got eyes in your head?” she taunted “Ah’ll tell ya what hon, y’all got the size with that big ole gun of yers, but if ya miss up close, that’s about as bad as shooting too fast or being too slow” she teased with a clever and insulting innuendo “Now is that any way to impress a lady such a mahself?” she asked with her signature southern twang and another playful bat of her lashes.

Rainbow Blast was injured, but that wasn’t an excuse for her not to fight. She gritted her teeth as she willed her battered body to standat attention. She then quickly reloaded her blasting pike with another explosive head before narrowing her vision at the boss again. She spit out some blood before charging again. This time, she was going for the kill.

“Time to end this!” she shouted as she charged directly for the stallion boss, charging through all the fire and fury until she violently collided with her determine target. The boss had no chance to escape before being impaled in the gut by Rainbow Blast. She quickly closed her arnet helmet and raised the skewered boss up high as his own body weight forcibly and painfully dragged him all the way down before a tick sound gave Rainbow Dash a smile “I hope you have a blast!”

* * *

        “Seriously? That was the best that you could come up with for the big finale?” Applejack asked,mildly unimpressed by Rainbow’s horrible one liner.

“Well what’s wrong with it? Personally I think it rocked!” Rainbow asked

“Well for one, there was really no build up towards it. It didn’t feel all that engaging” replied Twilight.

“It sounded generic, it wasn’t really all that super hyped and actiony and stuff” said Pinkie

“It wasn’t really all that good... um, sorry Rainbow Dash” said Fluttershy.

“Honestly, to me I’d say it was all in bad taste” said Rarity “Couldn’t you have said something like ‘How about we end things with a bang’?”

“Or what about ‘If you guys are so good at your job then how come I just defeated you’?” said Twilight.

“Maybe even something along the lines of ‘When the gatekeeper to Tartarus askswho sent you, tell him it was Rainbow Blast, the best Skyterror in all of western Metallos’!” said Pinkie.

“How about ‘No words can describe the sheer amount of pain you’re about to experience in three, two, one...’” Suggested Applejack “Oh, oh! How about-”

“Girls! As much as I would love to hear all the cooler one liners that you could come up with for Rainbow Dash, let’s just get on with the story shall we? said Spike.

“Uh... where were we? Oh yeah! So the poor sap that got a bomb stuck in him was going to get a nasty surprise...”

* * *

KABLOOEY!

The blasting pike’s head exploded within the boss’s gut and detonated the other pike head that was lodged into his shoulder. The ear splitting explosion welled an enormous crater into the earth as the boss exploded into a million different pieces of himself that got splattered all over the courtyard. The only parts that remained of the former boss showered the courtyard like red rain.

As for Rainbow Dash, being a Skyterror who was clad in specially designed armor and shield helped her to survive her own explosion. The fire simply shrouded the Skyterror, baptising her in the raging inferno. When the flames cleared she was left entirely unscathed by the flames.

Because of Rainbow’s success in defeating the stallion boss,the rest of the Broken Wands had their morale completely and utterly destroyed but they stubbornly continued to fight for their cause, even without the presence of their leader. They retaliated, but their lackluster efforts made it almost laughable.

L’ Orange went again, firing her cannon shield once more at the head of some poor stallion thug. The shot connected with the stallion, and he was left mortally wounded and on the very brink of death. Captain then yanked out her cutlass and charged the injured stallion, stabbing straight through the chest and killing him instantly.

“Sorry about this hon, but y’all asked for it” said Elusive without so much as a hint of pity for the gryphon that she was about to stab. She pressed her left hoof against the gryphon’s face and blew him a kiss with the other. With a flick of her hoof the springblade shot out and stabbed the gryphon straight into his throat. He gagged upon his own blood all while trying to push the unicorn away in a futile attempt. The gryphon slowed down over the course of his defiance before losing consciousness and lifelessly slinking his way down onto the ground, surrounded by a pool of his own blood “Eww... now that just ain’t right“

Necrolyte Butterfly peered from out of her cover from behind the courtyard walls, she could see that everything was going in their favor for the fight. Without a moment of hesitation she hopped out from her cover and charged at one of the two remaining guild members. WIth her battle cross out she ran straight through the diamond dog Myrmidon with all of her might.

The cross went all the way through his chest and plucked his still beating heart right out of him. The heart continued to beat even though it was now stuck to the sharpened edges of the battle cross, pumping out whatever blood that the old ticker still had. She pulled out the staff and watched as the diamond dog collapsed onto the floor dead, whispering a few line from her codex in respect for the fallen.

“Great alicorn of death, Thanatos. Reaper of souls and weaver of the underworld. Grant this soul a greater purpose by allowing him to serve me in my endless crusade for justice. May death ride with me” she finished before pulling onto the diamond dog’s soul from out of his corpse and absorbing it within her very being.

She inhaled in the wispy soul until there was nothing left. When she finally opened her eyes after exhaling she revealed that one of her pitch black pupils began glowing an unearthly green. She coughed a few time trying to get used to storing another being’s soul into her body but got better once all was said and done.

And then there was one. A lone diamond dog miner surrounded by his six enemies. There was really nothing he could do now, he could try to fight back but he would most likely get beaten by them even if he tried.

“Give it up you mangy mutt! We’ve beaten all of you guys! You haven’t got a chance against all of us!” shouted Rainbow Blast.

“If you value your life, turn and run now” threaten Twilight as T. Sentinel cracked his mechanical knuckles. They had expected for him to run, maybe even fight back if he wanted to do so. What they didn’t expect for him to do was laugh in front of all of their faces “What’s so funny?”

“You. You think you’ve won, but you couldn’t be farther from the truth” he taunted “By killing my team, you’ve made yourself a target for the Broken Wands guild. Even if I die, the mission isn’t over. There are more of us and we won’t stop until you’re all dead!” he began to laugh some more “If there is anyone around here who should run, it should be you six! Run while you still can! AHAHAHAHAHA!” he shouted wildly before pulling out a large bundle of dynamite out of his backpack. Everyone’s eyes went wide when they immediately noticed that the dynamite bundle had a very short fuse.

“TNT! GET DOWN!” L’ Orange shouted before the crazy dog lit the fuse.

* * *

“Oh my goodness!” exclaimed Rarity “Is it six o’ clock already?” she asked “I have to get home and make Sweetie Belle dinner” she then went and quickly dashed over to the door “I’m sorry but I have to excuse myself everypony. We should all do this again tomorrow. Same time?” she asked.

“Sure, Ah can make time for it” replied Applejack “Heck, Ah gotta leave too. Gotta make sure Applebloom didn’t paint the barn blue... again” she along with everyone else save for the Twilight and Spike quietly made their way out of the library “Ah see y’all tomorrow”

“Yeah, see ya later Twilight! Turns out this game wasn’t so lame at all!” shouted Rainbow before flying out.

“It’s been really fun Spike. Good bye” said Fluttershy who also flew out. Pinkie Pie was the last to bid farewell before bouncing away back to sugarcube corner. Spike and Twilight saw their friends off and went on to cleaning up the library.

“So, what did you think about your first clash in Forge World?” Spike asked.

“To be honest...” said Twilight “...I had a really great time” she answered with a smile.

“See, I told you it was fun” Spike replied with a smile as well.

6: Spike's Campaign- Let's go thataway

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Chapter 6: Let's go thataway

* * *

“Hello, girls. I’ve been keeping your seat warm” said Spike with a little puff of green flames as all of the girls quietly sat back in their respective seats of the library on a warm afternoon of a brand new day. A new day that was guaranteed to be rich with fantasy violence, copious amounts of loot hoarding, and the very possibility that one of the six will backstab each other just because it seemed funny at the time. Which, in a game like Forge World, happens more often than not.

“My, how thoughtful of you my little Spikey Wikey” said Rarity as Spike passed out everyone’s character sheets. He blushed a little as he as he pulled out his dice bag while babbling some incoherent gibberish under his breath after being called Spikey Wikey by his crush. Twilight and the rest to notice to this and they all rolled their eyes at the lovestruck drake.

“Uh, Spike? Our dices?” said Applejack. Spike immediately snapped himself out of his stupor before giving everyone an embarrassed grin and their color coded D20s “Thank you kindly, Spike”

“No problem, Applejack” said Spike as he looked through his tiny booklet again “Okay, lets see. Dices, check. Figurines, check. Character sheets, check. Tiny playing field, checkeroonie. Am I missing anything?” he asked. All the girls shrugged their shoulder, Spike glanced around the table to see if he forgot. And then it clicked in his head “Did we forget the snacks?” he asked.

“Nope, I’ve got that one covered” said Pinkie as she wheeled in a small cart full of savory confectionary creations that ranged from freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread to mouth watering fruits tarts and turnovers. To say that the library smelled like a professional bakery right now would be the biggest understatement of the day. Thankfully they were eating near the reading section of the library, otherwise Twilight would be throwing a hissy fit about getting the books all sticky, and no one likes to read a book with the pages stuck together.

“Alright! Now we can get this campaign rolling!” Spike exclaimed as he wolfed down a lime and kiwi tart “Okay, when we last left our little group. You six, members of the Cheap ‘n’ Disposable mercenary contracting company, had recently embarked on an escort mission to the west of Rubinelle to find and rescue some Thanites that were in trouble” he took a second to catch his breath.

“Upon arrival at the Thanite temple, you all noticed that it was under siege by a group of soldiers from the Broken Wands guild. You successfully repelled the attack and in the process of doing so, Captain Pinkie Pie inadvertently turned the pleasant fields into a blazing inferno” Pinkie grinned nervously upon mention of her little accident “So, does anyone remember what happened afterwards?” her asked.

“I remember” said Twilight “There was still one guildmember left, and...”

* * *

        “TNT! GET DOWN!” L’Orange shouted before the crazy dog lit his bundle of dynamite.

* * *

        “Oh, yeah. That crazy mutt’s gonna blow us all to kingdom come if we don’t do something about it” said Applejack “What do you think we should do?” she asked Spike.

        “Come on, use your imagination. Be creative you guys” said Spike “Although you might wanna hurry up, the fuse is burning as we speak. Just think, you all have some neat abilities and equipment and there might be something in the environment that you could use to your advantage. Although these are just purely suggestions, you have to decide what the best course of action is for this situation”

        “I’d say we plug this dog” Rainbow interjected.

        “But then there’s still the dynamite to worry about” Rarity retorted flatly “How about we run away from him?” she suggested.

        “It’s a big bundle of dynamite, Rarity” said Spike “If that thing goes off then you six, the Thanites that are still tied up to the post, and the temple itself are gonna become a black spot on the ground”

“Hang on girls, I got an idea. It’s crazy but I think it might work” said Applejack with a gleam in her emerald eyes. She went on over and began to whisper her plan her Spike, he gave himself a second to think but he nodded in approval for her crazy attempt at averting a great big boom.

“Heh, crazy plans are the best kind of plans” said Spike “Alright, Applejack. I want you to make me an agility roll. Now I just wanna remind you, you’re gonna have to score a high number on this if you want to pull this off, otherwise you all die” all the girls collectively gasped “Fictionally speaking I mean” Spike quickly added  as all the girls gave a relieved sigh.

Applejack gave her hat a tug before blowing on her dice for good luck. Then, like a pitcher with the wind up, she tossed her D20 onto the table where it tumbled around. With each tumble of the dice Applejack could feel the little shakes on the table like massive earthquakes. When the number finally revealed itself to the group, an awkward silence overtook the room.

“Crit 20...” Spike whispered in disbelief beneath his breath “Hoo boy, we are in for a show here girls. Applejack had just rolled a successful critical. She automatically pulls off her crazy action, with flying colors I might add”

“Well, what did she do?” Fluttershy asked as she looked over at the blaring 20 that was on the orange dice.

“Oh, you’ll see” said Spike “Ahem, lets see. L’Orange narrowed her eyes upon the diamond dog miner as she pulls her heavy rifle off of her shield...”

* * *

        The orange riflemen pulls out her heavy rifle and unloads a spent cartridge from the breech. As the hot shell ejected itself from the rifle, L’Orange quickly pulled out a brand spanking new bullet from the pocket on her shoulder and deftly loaded it into her gun. She raised her gun up high and aimed down the sight. It only took her a few seconds to adjust to the recoil without use of her heavy assault shield but a few seconds was all that she really needed. Once her calibrations were done she blew the dog a kiss as she pulled the trigger.

BANG!

The bullet flew through the air and towards the miner’s dynamite bundle. With a shot that was true and impeccable, the speeding bullet narrowly missed the actual dynamite bundle itself and instead struck the fuse. With eagle eye precision, L’Orange performed a difficult trick shot that saved everyone’s skin by stopping the dynamite from going off by removing the fuse with a well aimed shot.

“Huh? What!?” the dog shouted before L’Orange rushed the dog with her bayonet. She offered him no quarter as she brutally crushed his lower jaw to powder with a powerful strike from the butt of her rifle. Almost immediately after hearing the audible crunch of the poor dog’s jaw she followed through by impaling him upside the head with her bayonet to the point where the blade could be seen sticking out the top of his head, grey matter and all. The miner gurgled blood in his throat before collapsing to the ground like a rag doll.

“Tch, do not mess with ze best” L’Orange boasted as she wiped away the blood from her bayonet. She turned back to the rest of the team with a smug look on her face as she packed away the defused dynamite into her own inventory “See, zat wasn’t so hard” she boasted again before she caught a whiff of something that smelled like burning fabric “Blech, who cooks fabric?” she asked.

* * *

        “Um, Applejack? That was really amazing and all but I think you’re forgetting one teeny tiny little detail” said Twilight. Applejack furrowed her brow.

        “Oh, yeah? What did I forget?” she asked as she scratched her head.

        “How about the fact that the field is still on fire and that the Thanite’s are about to become barbeque if you don’t help them of the post” said Rainbow Dash. Applejack blushed a little upon forgetting such an important detail .

        “Eh heh heh, oops” said Applejack.

* * *

“I think there’s gonna be more than fabric that’s gonna get cooked if you don’t help us free these Thanite, Lora!” Twilight shouted as she broke one of the post with a mighty swing from her pipe wrench. An elderly stallion fell out of his binding and landed into Twilight’s grasp. He was barely conscious given the beating he received and the uninhabitable amount of smoke that was in the air “Don’t worry, I got you” the older stallion coughed a bit but he managed to let out a scratchy reply.

“T-thank you” he said before losing consciousness.

Rarity used her springblades to cut down two more Thanites from the posts. The two of them were small and covered in bruises. From the look of it they were a young colt and a filly, twin siblings that were no older than the age of twelve “Shh... it’s alright sugarcube, Ah’m here to getcha outta here” the two siblings began to cry tears of joy as they hugged their saviour tightly.

“Bless you miss, bless you” the colt spoke as he clung onto Elusive as much as he did with his sister.

There was still one more Thanite left to free and he was the largest of the the remaining four. Butterfly quickly galloped to to his rescue and was incredibly surprised to find out that he was still very much conscious despite all of the injuries that he sustained.

“Well, praise the reaper of souls herself. If it ain’t another necrolyte” the voice and figure revealed itself to be a diamond do bru... wait a minute... diamond dog runt, there we go. There was really no other explanation for it, Butterfly had came across Boss’ younger brother, Tiny “Would you be as so kind to help a fellow Thanite out of a bind?” he asked nonchalantly.

“Hold on, this might take a bit... of... effort” Butterfly strained herself as he used her sacrificial dagger to cut off the agitating amount of ropes that had been used to keep such a large dog up onto a post. Thankfully, the encompassing fire that surrounded them helped in charring some of the ropes, making it a bit easier to cut down the dog. A few more seconds of cutting and Tiny himself plopped right on top of Butterfly as she gasped for air while being crushed under such weight.

“Oops, sorry bout that” Tiny lifted himself up and picked up the slightly flattened Thanite Detective and threw her over his muscly shoulder before heroically hopping out of the flames like a kangaroo with muscle bound legs.

The rest of the group steadily made their way out of the blazing field as the flames continued to rage around the temple. It’s a miracle that the fire itself didn’t continue to spread out to the outer woodland areas. Eventually, it will have to burn itself out soon, destroying the temple in the process.

It was a sad sight to see, countless amounts of blood, sweat, and tears had been used to forge a passable life for social outsiders, only to be destroyed by roaring flames as the sun began to set itself upon the horizon. But in the ashes of destruction, hope rose from the soot covered walls of the fallen temple in the form of six mercenaries who were more inclined to do what’s right than to get paid.

“I can’t believe. Fifteen years of hard work, gone just like that” said Tiny as he stared the the bright fire. Tears were streaming down his eyes as a tidal wave of memories overtook his senses. The tears began to flow more freely now, he didn’t sniffle nor did he loudly sob. He simply stared and waited for his crying to stop “I wish it didn’t have to end like this”

“I’m sorry about your home” said Rainbow Blast “If it makes you feel any better, you can go ahead and blame Captain Pinkie. She was the one who blew that one stallion in chunks with her freaky alchemical bomb” she suggested.

“Hey! I said I was sorry!” Captain Pinkie shouted as Rainbow Blast laughed in her face.

“No, no. It’s alright” Tiny muttered beneath his breath “Perhaps it’s for the best. When the Broken Wands send out a scouting party they’ll likely believe that everyone here died in the fire. This is for the best considering we have to return back to the Obsidian Flats” Tiny let out a loud audible sigh “I forgot to thank all of you, I’m guessing you got our S.O.S. then?” he asked.

“Yes, we did” said Twilight as she walked up to Tiny with a tiny pewter spoon in her hoove “I take you’re Tiny, correct?” Tiny nodded for her “The boss wanted to give this to you” Tiny’s eyes widen in disbelief as he stared at his childhood possession. He was silent, he tried to say something but memories from a better time surfaced itself and a soft smile curled onto his face. He was speechless, this was a sign that told him everything was going to be okay. He held his old shovel in his paws, unsure of what to say next.

“I-I... Hoss held onto this... even after all these years?” He struggled to asked as he felt his throat grow dry “I thought he stopped caring when I joined the Thanite order” Captain Pinkie, in spite of the fact that she was the one who started the unintentional fire, placed her paw onto the shaggy runt’s shoulder with a gentle smile on her face, empathy swirling deep within her dark brown eyes.

“He never stopped caring for you” said the Captain.

Tiny broke down to his knees as he clutched onto his shovel. A plethora of emotions surged itself into his mind, stronger and wilder than when he was staring at the burning temple. It might as well have been a miracle for the big guy. He couldn’t say anything more for his senses prevented him from doing so. He instead grabbed the entire group and gave them all of loving, and back breaking, bear hug that expressed his gratitude for the group.

While all the girls were happy for the boss’ younger brother, they couldn’t exactly say anything else considering all of their lungs had just collectively collapsed all at the same time from such love that they were starting to fade in and out of consciousness. Thankfully he let go before any of them passed out from lack of oxygen or were paralyzed from the waist down if parts of their spinal column had been crushed in Tiny’s hug.

“Yeouch! Uh... I’m still recovering from a bullet wound, Tiny” said Rainbow Blast as she pointed to the dents in her armor. The cracking sounds of a couple of ribs could be heard as she tapped onto her chest a few times.

“Oops, sorry bout that lass” Tiny replied as he regained his composure “Well, for the time being, why don’t we go ahead and properly introduce ourselves before we head on out of here” he suggested “Well, you six fine lass already know who I am. Me name’s Tiny, I’m the youngest in me family. I’m also the second strongest, the strongest in the family is me older brother and you boss, Hoss” he then pointed over to the young twins that were still clinging to Elusive like a surrogate mother.

“The boy’s name is Soul Catcher” said Tiny.Young Soul Catcher had a light blue coat, similar to that of Trixie’s. He was an earth pony and had a dark black mohawk of a mane “He’s a prodigy that one. He know’s how to converse with the Shades like any elder could, maybe even better” Soul blushed a little as he looked to the group with a soft smile.

“H-hello there” he nervously announced himself before hiding behind Elusive again. Tiny then pointed to the boy’s twin sister.

“His sister’s name is Heart Stopper” said Tiny. Heart Stopper was a unicorn who was a bit taller than Soul but her frames was a tad thinner. She had a light pink coat, with a brown braided mane and tail that had an adorable little red bow that kept both from unraveling “She’s also a prodigy. She can control the heart rate of others as well as herself. It comes in handy when a certain somepony tries to fib her way out of a cookie heist” he gave her an incredulous look that caused her to smile nervously.

“H-hi there” she announced as she hid beside her brother.

“Well, where are their parents?” Elusive asked as the twins cuddled next to her.

“Aye, it’s a tragedy” Tiny’s tone shifted gravely “Their father passed away years ago, heart failure that was unintentionally caused by his own daughter. May death ride with him” he solemnly prayed.

“How terrible! And their mother?” Elusive asked.

“Died just half an hour ago” said Tiny with a frown “They tied her up to the post and began using her as target practice in front of her own children” he paused to resist the memory of such an atrocity “The Thanite order may have been ridiculed for being extremist but how does that justify shooting a pleading mother in front of her own kids? Animals those Broken wand are, animals” he angrily grunted.

“It’s a miracle that these kids aren’t traumatized” Twilight added.

“Aye, but who said that they aren’t?” said Tiny “It’s a hard life, being a Thanite in a world like Metallos. But they learn to cope with loss, for death is not the end, merely a beginning of something greater” he added.

“What about the elder?” Butterfly asked as she pointed over to the still unconscious elder.

“The old geezer’s name is Plague. He’s a sickly old stallion with a penchant for passing Thanatos knows what among others around him. As you ponies could probably tell, he’s talented with viruses, bacteria, mold and plenty of other ten bit diseases” said Tiny with a dry heave.

“Did someone say my name?” Plague began to stir from his mild nap. He looked around for a bit, still groggy from sleeping thanks to some blows to the head and smoke inhalation. He scanned the area around him until his eyes came across Butterfly.

“Ah! A fellow Necrolyte!” he got up immediately and went over to give her the obligatory thank you for saving me and what’s left of my congregation, now let’s pick up the pace and get as far away from here as possible before more thugs show up hug “It’s so nice to see a friendly face, the people that live around here are nothing but murderous jerkbags”

“Uh.. well put, elder Plague” said Tiny “We have the children, they’re safe thanks to these six fine, bloodthirsty individuals” he said as he pointed to the six.

“Aw, shucks. Tweren’t nothing, Tiny” Elusive said with a blush, which was kind of hard considering her whole coat was a deep crimson.

“We should probably get out of here” Twilight suggested “It would be better to move at night so that people don’t recognize walking corpses when they should”

“Aye, that sounds reasonable” said Tiny “Where are we headed though?”

        “We’re going to travel westward to Starboard Port” said Twilight “There, we can hitch a ride on one of the ships to Black Pearl Cove and then another to the Obsidian Flats. You’ll be able to regroup with the rest of your congregation then”

“Splendid! Come on, these old bones haven’t trekked great distances in a very, very long time...” said Plague as he wobbled his way along with everyone else.

And with that, the rest of their little group stealthily made there way to the nearest train station where they quickly boarded to reach their next destination. It’ll be a long wait until they finally reach Starboard port but at least they can sigh in relief knowing that from here on out... it’s only going to get more challenging.

* * *

        “Whoo! That was great!” Spike exclaimed with a tiny applause “Not bad for finishing the first quarter of the campaign, wouldn’t you say?”

        “I’ll say, we totally just handle a hostage situation!” Pinkie gleefully exclaimed with a dark undertone laced in her words.

        “Yeah, we handled it alright. And we did it by putting some bad people into the ground” Applejack darkly joked “I starting to wonder if my character’s moral compass is even pointing in the right direction or not”

“Oh, Applejack” Twilight joined in “It’s clear that all of our character’s moral compass are in the gray area” she giggled. What? You have to admit that it was kind of funny even if some fictional characters got annihilated by Twilight and the rest in a fantasy world.

“You got that right” said Rainbow Dash with a light hearted laugh in spite of it all.

“Alright, I’m gonna hand you girls out some experience points for successfully beating the first quarter of this campaign. Now choose what new skills and abilities you want carefully, because I'm not gonna let you change once you pick it. Here” Spike handed them his copy of the Forge World rulebook “I’ll let you all decide while I set up the next part of your campaign...”

7: Spike's Campaign- Portside Plunder

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Chapter 7: Portside Plunder

* * *

The sights and sounds of the nearby ocean could be seen and heard as our favorite heroes were nearing the city of Starboard Port, home to various trade ships all over Metallos as well as the girl’s only ticket to getting to black pearl cove. As the train begins to slow down after one whole day of travel, our sleepy heroes began to stir as the loud whistle of the train woke everyone up from their night of restful slumber.

As the girls and the Thanites exited from the train, they were greeted with the invigorating smell of the crisp salt air and the energetic sprawl of Starboard port’s citizens out and about with their business. Merchants were busy selling their wares, workers and engines were constructing warships and carriers by the dockyard, and the town drunk was on the corner of main street with his wooden mug and a smile on his face.

“Starboard port” said Twilight “The second biggest port in all of Metallos, second only to the entire country of Divided Golderan itself” she explained “This is our next stop, we’re gonna have to head over to the dockyard and see if we can find a ship that’ll take us all the way to Black Pearl Cove”

“Say, where is the dockyard anyway?” Elusive asked.

* * *

  “Alright, you girls know the drill” said Spike “This is a pretty big city, so roll me your perception” all of the girls took their color coded D20’s and rolled like how they normally would. With a couple of clatters, the various dices finally stopped and reveal their numbers to everyone.

“Dang it! I got a one” said Rainbow Dash “This is bogus, I demand a reroll!”

“Sorry, Rainbow Dash. No rerolls” said Spike and he turned back to his booklet “What about everyone else?”

“Same here, Ah got a one too” said Applejack as she nudged her die.

“I got a two” said Pinkie with a shaky grin.

“Um... I-I got a five” said Fluttershy.

“I rolled a nine” said Rarity as she twirled her hair around.

“I rolled a... one as well” Twilight sighed dejectedly.

“Wow, this has got to be your worse roll yet” said Spike as he tried to restrain himself from breaking out into laughter “The number was ten, Rarity was the closest but you all failed to see anything that would lead you to the dockyards”

“Well, what does that mean for our characters?” Applejack asked

“It means that all of you big bad mercenaries have glass doorknobs for eyeballs, also, you all got lost as well” Said Spike with a little chuckle “Anywho...”

* * *

        “Grr... zis place is way too crowded!” L’ Orange shouted “How ze heck did we even end up in this alleyway!”

        “Hey! I wasn’t the one who suggested that we take a shortcut down here!” Twilight replied “I told you all that we should’ve made a left turn over on market street, but noooooo! Lora over here decided that it was a good idea to cut across town through this seedy looking alleyway after talking to those street kids! Wait a minute...”

* * *

        “Heh heh heh... make me another perception roll everyone” said Spike with a mischievous grin on his face. The girls rolled again, only this time they actually got numbers that were all past fifteen.

“Whoo! Alright! We all pass fifteen! What do we win?” Pinkie Pie asked, her eyes were practically brimming with sparkles.

“Nothing” said Spike as he tried his hardest to keep a straight face, but a small grin managed to find it’s way onto his face regardless.

“What? Then what was the point of doing that perception roll?” Twilight asked.

“You all took notice to something very important once your character mentioned street kids, Twilight...” said Spike as everyone looked at him with a perplexed expression “You all learned that they were more than just some tramps out on the street... they were all pickpockets” a wave of realization washed over everyone when what he meant “You all check your wallets and you find out that you all lost twenty pieces of gold...”

* * *

“Huh, I thought my coin purse felt a little light” said Butterfly “Although a bit of charity never hurts” a warm smile formed on Butterfly’s face “I do hope they get something to eat...”

“Aye, you have a heart of gold there lassy” said Tiny “We need more people like you in the world”

“To Tartarus with charity! Those street urchins just ran off with all of my money!” Rainbow shouted as she shook on her empty wallet, only for lint and dust bunnies to fall out.

“Really? You only had twenty gold pieces?” Elusive asked “ Why Ah thought Skyterrors got paid more than that”

“Well, actually it was like fifteen gold piece... but that’s besides the point! Repairs for special Skyterror armor and purchases for blasting pike heads don’t come cheap, Elusive!” Rainbow shouted “Grr... when I get my hooves on those brats...”

“Now is not the time to vent out all of your frustration on little kids, Rainbow” said Twilight “Let’s just retrace our steps and do everything again from the top” she suggested.

“Hey, isn’t that the dockyard over there?” Soul Catcher pointed out as he pulled out from beside Elusive. Almost as if it were a sign from the dark goddess herself, Soul Catcher pointed on over to a nearby lamp post with a bulletin board that clearly stated:

DOCKYARDS →

        “Huh, good eye there darling” said Elusive as Soul Catcher returned to her side again “Welp, problem solved. Ah’d say we should be heading off now, shouldn’t we? Uh... girls?” she asked, but no one aside from Captain Pinkie and the Thanites, including Butterfly, responded. If anything, L’Orange, Twilight Sparkplug, and Rainbow Blast had their eyes locked onto the bulletin board with a dumbstruck expression on their faces. To them, the sign said:

OVER HERE, IDIOTS →

“Oh! For the love of... can someone help me with this?” said Elusive.

        “Aye, I got this” Tiny walked on over and picked up L’Orange and Twilight Sparkplug while Elusive and Captain Pinkie had to carry Rainbow Blast “How long do you think they’re gonna stay like this?”

        “I think we can just slap them back to reality when we reach the dockyard“ Captain Pinkie suggested “It’s always worked for my crewmates whenever something like this happens to them”

* * *

        “Seriously? You’re going to slap us back into reality?” Applejack said with a hint of skepticism in her voice.

“Technically, she is allowed to do that. There aren’t many restrictions to a role playing game” said Spike as he flipped through his booklet “If you want to do it, Pinkie. I’m gonna have to make you roll for it. It’s just a formality, plus I just want to flavor text the heck out of that if you roll high enough” he chuckled “If you want to slap your friends senseless in the face, then roll me your strength”

“Alright, I’ll do it!” Pinkie shouted as she threw her die onto the table. A couple of clatters later, it landed to reveal the number nineteen “Yay! Nineteen! Did I pass?” she asked.

“It wasn’t really about if you passed a number, but since you rolled a 19...” Spike looked through his little booklet “You slapped you friends with enough force to dislocate their jaws”

“Whoo! Alright!” Pinkie exclaimed before she turned face Twilight and slapped her right in the side of her cheek with a loud:

THWACK!

        “OW! Pinkie! You didn’t actually had to actually slap me you know!” Twilight fumed as she rubbed her reddish cheek.

        “Why not? It makes things more interesting in a role playing game!” Spike said before bursting out into uncontrollable laughter “Bwuhahahahaha! Anyway, I’m sure there are two other ponies who have to be slapped in the face” Pinkie’s grin somehow defied all logic and doubled in length as her head turned to a terrified looking Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

        “Hey girls... come a little closer why dontcha?” she asked eerily as her two victims slowly backed away from fear.

“Pinkie, girl, don’t you do it now. Don’t you, just stop right where you are. Pinkie! PINKIE!” Applejack failed to convince the pink party pony to stop and simply copied what Rainbow Dash did. They both ran away from Pinkie like their lives depended on it. They all ran around the library for a good couple minutes but to no avail. Even with Applejack’s endurance, and Rainbow Dash’s flying, their faces all met Pinkie’s overexcitable hoof eventually.

THWACK! THWACK!

“Okay, now that that’s out of the way, why don’t we head back to the issue at hand” Spike said nonchalantly, while avoiding the glares that he was receiving from his peers. Rarity and Fluttershy did their best to stifle their chuckles and chortles after seeing the the bright contrast of red on the cheeks of all of their friends who fell victim to Pinkie Pie’s excitable nature.

“You’re all enjoying this, aren’t you?” Applejack asked flatly as she rubbed on her cheeks.

“I just want to say that this is the best game I have ever played!” Rarity said with a smug grin.

“Um... I didn’t enjoy it... much” Fluttershy hid behind her mane, but her little smile was still very much evident on her face.

“Just continue, Spike” said Twilight “And I just want to set up so house rules before you start. No. More. Slapping!”

“Fine, fine. I’ll allow it” said Spike “Anywho...”

* * *

        “Ouch! Was the slapping really necessary, Captain?” Twilight Sparkplug complained “You could’ve just shook me until I came back to my senses you know?”

        “Well where’s the fun in that?” Captain Pinkie replied with a mischievous grin “Anyway, we’re here at the dockyard. So how the heck are we suppose to find a boat that’s willing to go all the way to Black Pearl Cove? I heard that almost every ship crew who had the guts to take the job all ended up having their rib cage turned into a hat rack by the local pirates”

        “Eeeeeew, gross!” both Soul Catcher and Heart Stopper exclaimed.

        “What’s so gross about a hat rack?” Captain Pinkie asked.

        “I believe they’re referring to the fact that it was made out of someone’s rib cages” said Plague “As much as I like the ooey gooey parts of biology, I don’t think it’s healthy to be talking about blood and guts to some of the children after witnessing their parents die before them. For now, let’s just focus on trying to find a way back to the flats”

        “Hey, look!” Rainbow Blast pointed to a group of scraggly looking sailors “Maybe those guys might know a way to the cove. Let’s talk to them” everyone nodded accordingly and walked on over to speak with the sailors while the Thanites stayed back with Butterfly.

The small group of sailors that they were approaching were each of a different race. One was a changeling, another was a pegasus, and the last one was, oddly, a minotaur. Each of them were wearing the basic sailor’s outfit of the Protectorate of Rubinelle, complete with the cap and uniform in white with red trimming.

All of them were on a quaint little lunch break. Just as the changeling was about to take a bite into his mushroom and lettuce sandwich (which was made with love) he noticed the girls approaching him.

“Ahoy there, what can I do for you fine ladies” said the changeling.

“Um, hi. My name is Twilight Sparkplug, and I was wondering if you know if any ships are about to head on over to Black Pearl Cove” she asked. The changeling and the pegasus raised their eyebrow suspiciously.

“And why would you want to find a ship to a place like that?” the changeling asked “You all don’t look like the gambling type, plus I’m pretty sure one of you have at least heard about what happened to some of the crew members that go there”

“Yeah, they all got their rib cages turned into a hat rack” said the Pegasus.

“Um... okay. We’re mercs on a mission, we just have to the cove, that’s all” said Rainbow Blast “Now can you think of any ships that might be heading over there?” the changeling and the pegasus pondered over her question for a bit.

“If you go down all the way to the ends of the docks, I’m sure you’ll find a transport ship from the U.S.S.R. that might take some extra passengers with them. I hear that they’re looking for some extra protection with their precious cargo and could use some mercs like yourselves” the changeling offered “We’ll send word to the crew to notify them that you’re coming”

“Zank you for ze help. We’ll be on our way zen” said L’Orange as the group waved good bye to the sailors. As the group made their way on over to the transport ship, they couldn’t help but feel as if they were being watched...

* * *

“Alrighty then, so you girls feel some sort of strange presence as you make your way on over to the ship. What do you want to do about it?” Spike asked.

“Ah say we ignore it” said Applejack “It’s probably nothing anyway. Besides, after botching the last roll, I’m afraid something terrible might happen if we fail again”

“Well, it’s your choice if you don't want to roll” said Spike “Any other takers?” he asked

“Uh... I think I’m gonna stick with Applejack’s plan. Let’s just get to the ship and get outta town before we draw more suspicion to ourselves” said Rainbow Dash.

“Okay, anyone else? This is your last chance, you might even spot something helpful during your mission if you can roll high enough” said Spike as everyone else shook their head “Okay then, don’t say that I didn’t warn you” Spike muttered beneath his breath.

* * *

        “Sooooo... this is the transport ship” said Captain Pinkie “It looks kinda... kinda...”

        “Dangerous?” said Rainbow Blast.

        “Old?” Twilight added.

        “Smelly?” said L’Orange as she clamped her nose.

        “Repulsive?” said Elusive with a low belch “Oh! Just threw up in mah mouth a little. Blech!”

        “Life threatening?” said Butterfly as she stared at the ship with a dumbstruck expression.

        “How about all of the above?” said Tiny.

        The ship that they were staring at before them was something out of a horror story, as in, it was basically a giant screaming metal death trap.

For starters, the damned thing looked about as rickety as Granny Smith without her hip replacement. The grime and all of the nasty looking algae were caked on so thick that you have scrape it off with a sword, if only it wasn’t the glue that held the boat together. Lastly, there were more hole on the sides of the ship than a sea sponge. Only a person with suicidal tendencies would willingly make a trip on such an atrocious affront to the shipbuilding world.

Sadly, this will be the ship that our heroes will have to board if they ever want to see the Thanites return home safely as well as getting their paychecks.

“Just think about the money, Blast. Just keep thinking about the money...” Rainbow kept repeating to herself as she started to mentally form a will in her head “If I die, all of my worldly possession will go to my pet turtle, Tank”

“Lets... lets just go find the captain and see if he’ll let us onboard” Butterfly suggested, much to everyone’s dismay “Plague, Tiny, Soul Catcher, Heart Stopper, you all wait here while my allies and I go talk to the captain” Tiny nodded in approval and had the kids pull away from Elusive as they stood by his side.

“ *Sigh* we have GOT to get a pay raise on this mission once we’re done...” said Twilight as everyone reluctantly made their way onto the ship. The creaks and rattle of the ship made everyone feel on edge, but they all steeled themselves even as they all broke out in a cold sweat. Maybe bullets and stab wounds wouldn’t kill them, but an accident regarding a transport ship is the most likely way they see it now. Eventually, they all found their way towards the captain’s quarters.

“Ah! Hello there!” the door swung open to reveal a posh looking unicorn in a stuffy looking suit “Word around the dock is that you mercenaries are thinking about hitching a ride with us, is that right?” he asked.

“Uh... yes, we are” L’Orange hesitantly replied.

“Good! Very good!” the unicorn exclaimed “We could use a couple of strong mercenaries like you!”

“Really now? L’Orange replied.

“Of course! The last mercenary crew that we hired all died horribly as they were all tortured slowly and had their rib cages turned into a hat rack!” the unicorn stated as a matter o’ factly. All of the girls collectively gulped upon hearing more about the previous mercenaries died and the whole rib cage getting turned into a hat rack thing...

* * *

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Time out!” Twilight exclaimed “This running gag is getting way too graphic for us, Spike! I don’t want to hear about how victims got their rib cages turned into a hat rack!”

“Well, why not? This is just how the world of Metallos is, I am merely building on the lore. And besides, you’ve all been handling this pretty well. Especially with Fluttershy’s character getting shot in the shoulder or when Applejack turned that one dog’s head in raspberry jam” said Spike.

“That’s because I was being polite!” said Twilight “Heck, I’m still a little shaky about Fluttershy’s character eating that one dog’s soul! Just thinking about that sends shivers down my spine” she shuddered upon the memory.

“Oh, come on. Is that what you’re worried about?” said Spike “ * Sigh* does anyone else feel the same way about this?” he asked.

“Eh... not really” Rainbow Dash said with a scratch of her head “I mean it was a little surprising to see Fluttershy play the Thanite but... I mean it’s her choice. Besides, she been an awesome Thanite so far! Even if she did eat someone’s soul, heck, that soul might come in handy later when you think about it”

“I think it’s nice to see her step out of her comfort zone, even if it is just for a game” said Rarity “She is, after all, acting like the misunderstood individual who uses her dark powers and investigative skills to help those in need”

“Ah don’t really mind. So long as my character is kicking butt, then Ah’m alright with it” Applejack replied nonchalantly with a shrug of her shoulders.

“I’ve always wanted to be friends with a dead raising sorceress lady!” Pinkie exclaimed “And now it looks like I am friends with one!”

“Pinkie, you want to be friends with everyone” Rainbow retorted.

“Huh, good point” said Pinkie.

“See, Twilight, everyone else is fine with it. You’re just overreacting” said Spike “This is what you get when you read all of the ghost and horror novels at night. Now if you don’t mind me continuing your story...”

* * *

“Ah, yes. You see, there is a terrible pirate that roams the outskirts of Black Pearl Cove who goes by the name of Captain Raleigh Ironjaw. He’s the head of the Ripper Armada” said the unicorn “He is one of the seven legendary pirates of Black Pearl Cove, right next to Graybeard of course”

“What!? So you want us to defend you against Raleigh Ironjaw!?” Captain Pinkie shouted.

“Of course not” the unicorn dismissed with a wave “The odds of running into him are practically slim to none. If anything, we’ll probably run into some of his scout ships if we aren’t careful. You’re just going to be insurance in case we do run into any trouble. And in the end, you and your friends will be getting a free trip to Black Pearl Cove”

“Assuming we all survive, that is...” Elusive muttered beneath her breath.

“Now if you would be as so kind as to sign the legal waiver...” the unicorn pulled out a sheet of parchment “...then you can be on your way to the cove within the next hour”

“Fine, gimme that thing” Twilight took the waiver and signed everyone’s name onto it.

“Wonderful!” the unicorn exclaimed “You’re all set! see you in exactly one hour!” he said as all the girls left the quarter.

“Well, that was easy” said Butterfly “What should be do while we wait” she asked. Almost on cue, everyone’s stomach began to growl all at once. It was a no brainer what the answer was “Um... how about we all get something to eat?” she suggested. Everyone nodded accordingly, they haven’t had anything to east since they all narrowly survived their first encounter with the Broken Wands guild. Some food would be most wonderful now.

“So... who’s gonna pay for the food?” Rainbow asked “We all just got robbed earlier, remember?”

“Uh...”

* * *

        “No way, nuh uh. My character’s broke as heck” said Rainbow “Someone else has got to pay”

        “I’m not gonna pay for food” said Twilight “I’m saving up to upgrade T. Sentinel”

“Ah need to pay for ammo later” said Applejack “Fighting is expensive work, and bullets don’t come cheap”

“What are you talking about?” said Spike “It only cost like three pieces of gold for enough blasting powder, bullets, and casing to make five cartridges for your rifle”

“Shh... she doesn’t know that” said Applejack.

“Well, why don’t you all just roll to see who pays” said Spike “The one with the Lowest number has to pay for your imaginary meals so that your character’s don’t starve to death. Dash can’t roll because she doesn’t have any more money left”

“Alright, I’m fine with that” said Rarity as everyone rolled their dices. With another clatter of the dice, only one pony was forced to pony up the dough.

“Darn!” Pinkie exclaimed “I got a three”

“What are you so worried about? You’re practically the richest out of all of us!” said Dash.

* * *

One in game hour later

        While the Captain was the one who had to pay for all of the meals, including the Thanites, she was so stingy about her gold that she managed to find some cheap food down by the local tavern of the dockyard. While the food was surprisingly delicious (and mostly vegetarian) for bar food, they all had to eat outside as to avoid the testosterone filled atmosphere of the bar and all of it’s sailor patrons. Also, there were pole dancers on the center stage, and no one wanted to have to explain to the kids about what pole dancers were without it feeling incredibly awkward.

        “Miss, Elusive? What’s a pole dancer?” young Soul Catcher asked.

        “Yeah, what is it?” Heart Stopper asked as well.

        “Uh... w-well, ya see kids...” Elusive fumbled with her words as she somehow became even redder than she already was..

You see what I mean? Awk-ward.

* * *

        “I-I can’t say this! It’s far too embarrassing!” Rarity exclaimed.

        “You don't have to say anything since you’re a spy” said Spike “just roll me deception and I’ll laugh uncontrollably at how you’re gonna answer to them” said Spike with a chuckle.

        “Fine, I’ll roll. But how the heck do you even know what a pole dancer was anyway?” Rarity asked with an accusing glare.

        “I don't, I overheard it from a couple of guys over by the quills and sofa shop. I'm still trying to figure out what the heck it means" said Spike.

"What? Who did you hear that from?" Twilight asked with a concern.

"I think it was Thunderlane and Caramel" said Spike

"Ugh, remind me to scold them later for talking about that around a baby dragon" said Twilight.

"Okay, I rolled a seventeen. What happens?" Rarity asked

        “Whatever you said to them, they believe” Spike simply replied “So, what do you tell those kids?” Spike asked.

* * *

        “They’re street ballerinas!” Elusive graciously lied through her teeth “Yes! That’s the truth and Ah’m most definitely not lying to you young kids” she cracked a shaky grin.

        “Aye, nice save there, lassy. Heh heh” Tiny complemented with a hearty chuckle.

        All the time that everyone was laughing about how flustered the aristocrat spy was, they were all rudely interrupted by the appearance of the rather large silver carriage that was noisily strolling down the street.

It was a fancy looking carriage, with mirror like metallic plating and solid gold trimmings. However, what separated the carriage itself from the average types was that it was built like a tank. The metallic plating was shaped and welded to make it look like an armored carrier. On top of all that, the were two small cannons on the front of the carriage and a large gun mounted on top of it.

“Oh my, what on earth is that?” Plague asked “It doesn't look like any carriage I’ve ever seen before”

“I think I’ve seen something like that before when I was still working for the Silverus military” said Rainbow Blast “I just can’t put my hoof on it. Come on, what was it...”

* * *

        “Okay, this one’s simple. Just roll me your perception, or anything else you girls have that might help in identifying what that weird carriage is” said Spike

        “Um... I have my investigative skills” said Fluttershy “Can I use that?”

        “Yeah, I also have something called engineering” said Twilight “It only seems logical to use in this situation”

        “Hmm, alright. I’ll allow it” said Spike. Dices were rolled once again and the numbers that show will determine the fate of the world. Just kidding, only if they can tell what’s so special about the carriage.

        “Oh, I got a sixteen!” Twilight exclaimed.

        “Dang, rolled a three” Applejack said dejectedly.

        “Everyone else rolled lower than a ten, what about you, Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I-I rolled a... twenty” Fluttershy quietly stated.

“Ooh, that’s great!” said Spike “Okay, let’s see here, Twilight and Fluttershy were the only ones who were able to tell what makes this carriage so special. Fluttershy, however, noted a key detail about it that Twilight failed to catch...”

* * *

        “Say, isn’t that a Silverus war carriage?” said Twilight with a gleam in her eye “I’ve always wanted to see how one in real life! Oh, this is great!” she exclaimed as her inner mechanik began to free itself “Look at how great the craftsmanship is! The way the metal is worked, the way how all of the rivets are exactly five centimeters from each other! It is an absolute masterpiece!” she oozed as she stared at the mechanical marvel “I just wish I knew what that gun was up there, it’s so strange looking”

        “Hmm, from the looks of it, I deduce that it’s the prototype gatling gun that Rubinelle was developing as a birthday present for the czar’s wife as a birthday present” said Butterfly as her highly trained sense of deduction and keen observation skills kicked into full gear “There’s no doubt about. The multi barreled design, the large caliber bullets, the crank with the belt fed mechanism; this is indeed the prototype gatling gun. This is the Murder”

        “The Murder? What kind of name is that?” Captain Pinkie asked.

        “The Czar named it after his wife” said Butterfly “Her full name is Murder Antoinette XV”

* * *

        “I still think Murder is a weird name” said Pinkie.

        “I think it couldn’t be more fitting for a belt fed death machine” said Spike.

        “Still, the czar’s wife’s first name is Murder. It just sounds so... off” said Twilight.

        “There’s a joke to her name you know?” said Spike as he flipped open his rulebook to the image of a griffon with midnight black feathers and red eyes wearing a regal gown “This is Czar Talon’s wife”

        “Huh, she looks kind of like a... Oh! I get it now! She looks like a... so her name is like... ah, I get it” Twilight giggled “That is pretty clever when you think about it”

        “See, I knew you would get it” said Spike “Anyway...”

* * *

        “Wow, I never thought we would get ze privilege to see such a weapon” said L’Orange “Wait, If it’s a prototype, then what's it doing out here in broad daylight?” she asked with a scratch of her head “Shouldn't it be in a top secret facility or an armory somewhere?”

        “I believe that when all of the gunsmiths and engineers were hired by the Czar to make the weapon, the prototype’s design must’ve gotten leaked and was sold off in the black market for a profit” said Butterfly “That one there is either an official mass produced model of the military, or a black market replica. I assume that it’s a official model given how it’s on a war carriage”

“Um... I-I have a q-question” Rainbow asked rather fearfully.

“Oh come now, Rainbow. There’s nothing to be afraid about” said Butterfly “Now, what did you what to ask?”

“WHY IS THE GATLING GUN POINTED AT US!” Rainbow shouted just at the exact moment they were fired upon.

DAKKA! DAKKA! DAKKA! DAKKA! DAKKA! DAKKA! DAKKA! DAKKA! DAKKA!

8: Spike's Campaign- Planning Under Pressure

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Chapter 8: Planning Under Pressure

* * *

The sound of gunfire and screaming locals could be heard from a mile away as our faithful, and slightly shakened, heroes were currently under siege by a group of vengeful guild members.

Everyone believed that the first encounter with the Broken Wands guild would be their last, considering the fact that they brutally decimated the kill squad that was sent to murder their employers. Apparently, it was not so. The dog that L’ Orange plugged was right all along, they were going to be relentless pursued until they were all pushing up daisies in a field somewhere in the protectorate.

        And now, they were currently being chewed out by some more guild members and their large gatling gun that was probably illegally obtained through shady means. If it weren’t for Twilight, Rainbow, and L’ Orange quick thinking, they would’ve been ground meat by now.

Right before the gatling gun began to unleash a lead storm, Twilight swiftly kicked down their tables to provide some much needed protection, while both L’ Orange and Rainbow reinforced their makeshift cover with their massive tower shields. It worked, as the bullets noisily clanged against the tables and shields with little success of harming anyone behind it.

Bullets continually whizzed overhead the mane six as they covered their ears to drown out the sound of metal clashing against metal that ringed through their heads like a horrible migraine. Bullet after bullet struck the cover for what felt like hours. By then, both shields were slowly being worn down. Inward dents, splinters of wood from the ravaged tables and heated metal was all that remained when the shooting finally stopped.

After a few minutes, everything in the shipyard district became deathly quiet. The screaming was gone, the shooting had ceased, and everyone was in the clear, for now.

“Phew, I thought zey would never stop shooting” L’ Orange quietly whispered as she pulled away from her own tower shield to cool off her scalded hoof “Do you think they ran out of ammo? The must’ve wasted an entire crate full just to try and kill us”

“I highly doubt it. I heard those things are capable of holding more than a couple hundred rounds, and given how it’s mounted on a war carriage, I think they’re going to try and weed us out now” Tiny replied before before his heighten sense of hearing caused his ears to wiggle back and forth “Shh... everyone stay quiet” he whispered “They talking about something”

Everyone zipped their mouths shut and listened attentively to try and catch the faraway conversation. It was slightly muffled considering how their ears must have been ringing from all of the shooting, but they could still make out whole sentences nonetheless. The guild members were arguing about something. One voice in particular was loud and gruff, and he was yelling at someone, while the other merely mumbled in response to his superior.

“You moron!” the gruff voice shouted followed by a slapping sound “What in the name of Vita do you think you asshats are doing firing the gun off like that!?”

“Our job” another voice mumbled back “I saw our chance to get rid of those Thanites and I took it. You should be thanking me for getting the job done”

“The only thing that I should be thanking you for is for finally having a damn reason to have you castrated for acting out of line!” the gruff voice retorted “We’re not like those dirty dead raising Thanites! We’re members of the Broken Wand, we use precision, not automatic gunfire! Do you have any idea of the damage you’ve done for firing an incredibly destructive prototype weapon in a highly populated area!?”

“Pfft, what are you getting so worked up about?” the mumbling voice replied coolly “The government can’t touch us, and neither can the local authority if they know what’s good for them. We’re practically immune to anything the law might throw at us”

“Well are you immune to bullets, eh, rookie?” the gruff voice asked as a metallic clicking sound caused the mumbling voice to gulp in fear “Well if you aren’t afraid” a shot rang out into the air, followed by the sound of a body hitting the ground “Then I want all of you to get over there and check to see if our target are dead or not! IS THAT CLEAR!”

“Yes, sir!” a collection of eager and fearful voices chimed in.

“Uh oh, it looks like they aren't through with us just yet” said Twilight “What are we going to do?”

* * *

        “So, what’s the plan?” Spike asked with a tap on his chin “Come on, girls. Brainstorm a bit, this is you chance to do more than just roleplay a character”

“Can’t we just fight them?” Rainbow Dash suggested “I mean, we kicked their butts last time, so I’m pretty sure we can do it again” she crossed her forelegs together and wore a confident smile on her face.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Rainbow Dash” Fluttershy replied “They know what happened last time, they’re prepared now if we were to fight them”

“Fluttershy’s right” said Pinkie “These big meanie pants have a brand new toy too, and I think they’ll be more than happy to share it with us. I don’t know about you girls, but this is one present that I don’t want”

“She has a point” Rarity chimed in “The opposition is far too tough to handle directly. If we go in blindly, we might end up like swiss cheese”

“Heh, cheese. Yeah, rushing in like that wouldn’t be such a... gouda idea” Pinkie piped in with a giggle. Everyone else also shared a good chuckle from that joke, no matter how... cheesy it was.

“Well, what do you suggest then?” Rainbow asked.

“First, we need to get the Thanites to safety” said Applejack “ Ah say that some of us should to escort them to the ship, while a few of us stay back to distract these trigger happy idiots”

“You’re the one with the bundle of dynamite, do something about it!” Rainbow retorted.

“Alright, alright. I guess I’ll be the one who’ll distract them, but we need more volunteers” said Applejack.

“I’ll stay, I’m the one with the robot” said Twilight with a smile “I want to bust T. Sentinel out again”

“Oh, oh, oh! Let me join you girls! I still have lots of these bombs to use!” Pinkie piped in “Come on! I promise I’ll be more careful this time”

“Well, the fire last time wasn’t really your fault, Pinkie” said Fluttershy “It just got a little out of control”

“A little?” Rarity asked with the raise of her eyebrow “You set the entire field ablaze” she stated as a matter o’ factly

“But, her alchemical bombs would come in handy when we’re handling the guild members. A little fire here and there shouldn’t really matter to a portside city” said Twilight “Alright, I think we’re good to go!”

“Hey! What about me?” Rainbow asked with a frown “I want to get in on this fight too!”

“Your weapons and armor would help, but what you possess is far more valuable than your fighting skills” said Rarity.

“And what’s better than a blasting pike to the face? Without me you won’t be dealing as much damage”

“You seem to forget about your character’s magical abilities” Rarity replied “You can manipulate the weather to our advantage”

“Hey, that’s right! Yer a stormcrafter too, aren’t ya?” Applejack asked “Use that fancy magic of yers to create some kind of distraction so that you, Fluttershy, and Rarity can sneak away with the Thanites”

“Huh, I’ve been meaning to get around to using my magic, although, I keep forgetting that I have two careers instead of one” said Rainbow “Eh, alright. I’ll follow along with the plan. Hey, Spike” she called out “How do we perform magic?”

“It’s real simple. You just have to pass the roll to see if the spell doesn’t botch in your hooves, then continue to roll each turn to maintain the spell. If you want to keep it up, just keep rolling to upkeep your spell” said Spike “Although it will continue to get harder and harder the longer you try to keep your magic up and running”

“Um... I think I got all of that, kinda” said Rainbow with a scratch of her head “Okay then, I think we have our plan now. But there’s only one thing that I’m still not sure about, how many of these goons are there?”

“Well, let’s see then” said Spike as he peered through his booklet “Rainbow Blast carefully lifts her head over the table to try and catch a glimpse of their pursuers...”

* * *

        Her rainbow colored mane and armored head just barely past the barrier before an arrow grazed her on the side of her cheek. She swallowed a lump in throat when she took notice to the volley of arrows flying in her general direction. Before she could even register anything else happening, she quickly yanked her arnet helmet down and dove back behind cover before various arrows collided with the tables.

        “Well, how many are there?” Captain Pinkie asked nonchalantly.

        “Uh... I counted at least eight goons, mostly stallions and gryphons, no dogs, but that was before they shot at me” said Rainbow as she pulled her helmet back up again “I’m starting to think that we’re in over our head with this plan of ours”

        “You just get ze Thanites to safety. Me, gearhead and drunky over there will handle the rest. We’ll meet you by the ship soon” L’ Orange replied “But before we can do that, give our friends here some cover”

        “Okay then, here goes nothing” Rainbow said before raising her hooves together and concentrating all of her inner energy outwards. Within seconds, runic circles similar to Twilight’s rune inscription glowed around the tip of her hooves and electricity began to crackle and spark around them. Before long, a small gray cloud around the size of a grapefruit was conjured in her hooves, and an eerie mist was produced from it.

“Wow, that’s pretty neat” said Heart Stopper “But what are you going to do with it?” she asked.

“I’m going to try to create a fog using this cloud so that we can sneak out of here” Rainbow replied as beads of sweat began to form around the side of her head. Her confident smile and abrasive attitude was gone, replaced with a look of sheer terror and nervousness.

“Uh, are ya feeling alright, hon?” Elusive asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just...” Rainbow trailed off.

“Just what?” everyone asked, their voices filled with concern.

“This is actually the first time that I’m trying to tap into my stormcrafting powers since I enlisted for the U.S.S.R. military. I’m starting to feel a little lightheaded, heh heh...” Rainbow cracked a weak grin while everyone else’s jaw fell to the floor.

“Please tell me that there isn’t going to be any trouble if you screw up” Twilight pleaded.

“Um... my mentor have always told me that messing up stormcrafting usually resulted in... shocking results” just as she mentioned it, the wispy cloud around Rainbow’s hooves began to violently discharge small bolts of electricity onto the ground and nearly every conductible surface around them “... is this a bad time to mention that I have never practiced how to conjure up a fog?”

“No, it’s not bad. It’s horrible!” Twilight shouted “Quick, do something to control it, we can let our ticket out of here end up electrocuting us!”

“Okay, okay! I’m going to try and stabilize it. Everyone stand back!” Rainbow scrunched her face tightly as she used all of her willpower to stabilize her little cloud. A thunderous boom rang out from the small cloud as lightning jolted out in all directions “Grr... I can’t control it!”

“Come on, Rainbow. You can it, just concentrate!” Butterfly cried out as a blur bolt struck the ground next to her “Eep!”

“Grr... I- I can’t!” Rainbow shouted as the cloud began to overload itself. Should that occur, all of the condensed lightning and water would end up exploding, harming anyone around it. Rainbow’s heart sank as she felt herself losing control over the cloud. All hope seemed lost for her, but right before the cloud could spell doom, a single pulse from within her chest rippled throughout her mind “W-wait! I can feel something, hang on! I got one shot at this!”

* * *

“Come on, Dash. Roll big or else everyone is going to get hit by a lightning bomb” said Spike “You got to pass a fifteen to stabilize the cloud”

 “Alright, here goes nothing!” Rainbow Dash announced as she rapidly shook the D20 in her hooves. She looked just like a bartender with a boston shaker before finally sending the polychromatic dice rocketing throughout the room like a ricocheting rainbow bullet. It bounced and hopped all over the place before it beaned Applejack’s hat off and landed on the table with fanfare.

"Dah! Ouch!" Applejack cried out as she glared daggers at Rainbow. But Dash paid no mind, she was only interested in the number that she received.

“Ha! Eighteen!”

“Huh, looks like there is hope for you girls after all” said Spike "So, Rainbow Blast actually manage to control a small thundercloud without having it blow up in all your faces, quite a feat for a first try if I should say so myself" he cleared his throat "Anyhow, on with the adventure..."

* * *

“Here we go, it’s the moment of truth!” everyone quickly dove towards the ground to avoid all of the loose bolts escaping the cloud. After one last ear rupturing boom, the cloud itself became stable, and a steady stream od mist flooded the area past their cover with a dense white fog, enveloping their pursuers with as well. It was so dense in fact that the goons had trouble seeing the person that was standing directly next to them.

“Phew, thought I was a goner back there. Alright, let’s get the heck out of here before these goons figure out where they’re walking” said Rainbow Blast as she, Butterfly, and Elusive began to lead the group of Thanites out towards the docks through the cover of the fog “Come on, hurry up. This fog isn't going to last long”

“Just get going, we’ll handle the rest of the grunts... somehow” said Twilight as her shoulder pad began to glow. Pinkie pulled out her alchemical grenades and fiddled with the pin, almost as if she had the unbearable urge to chuck the thing at some poor unsuspecting fool. L' Orange pulled out her rifle and reloaded it, a spent cartridge ejected itself from the breach and a brand new bullet was put in its place. The sound of her her heavy rifle being reloaded brought forth a smug smile on her flawless face.

“Oh, these guys are going to be in for quite the surprise”

9: Spike's Campaign- The Lead Wind Blows

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Chapter 9: The Lead Wind Blows

* * *

“Gee, it feels like ages since the last time we played” Pinkie quipped as she fiddled with her dice “It may have been seconds for us but to me it felt like months”

“Uh, Pinkie? What are you talking about?” Spike furrowed his brow “We’ve only just started the battle phase, and thanks to Rainbow’s fog you might have another chance for a preemptive strike”

“Yes, and we should capitalize on that if we want to survive this next encounter” Twilight joined in “There’s only three of us now, plus my robot. But even then we’re still going up an elite group of soldiers trained to stop magic users”

“Luckily for us the only one around here who can use magic is you, Twilight. Even if it is just for making stuff and tuning up machinery” said Applejack “But it’s a good thing y’all got that big fancy pile o’ junk to make up for that” she snickered.

“Can we just move on with the fight now?” Twilight snapped, clearly irked about the insult to her imaginative robot.

“Alright, where were we” Spike drawled on “So Rainbow Blast managed to conjure up a fog to keep everyone else hidden as they made their way to the U.S.S.R. transport ship, while the rest of you girls are in for another fight against overwhelming odds...”

* * *

A dense fog blanketed the cobblestone streets of Starboard Port as our heroes readied themselves for a volatile sneak attack. Even though the odds were against them, the trio that remained were ready to lay their lives on the line to make sure that the others could escape successfully. And to do that, they had to stop these marauding band of self righteous murderers by any means necessary.

Using whatever time they had left before the fog slowly lifted itself away, the three mercenaries devised a plan that would make or break everything that they’ve built up until now. Positioning themselves to the best of their abilities, save for one pirate who was too drunk to follow instructions but still had enough brain cells to follow simple orders, the trio crept past the guild members silently to find a way to gain a leg up in the situation.

* * *

“So girls, tell me. What do you plan to do to try and turn the tide?” Spike asked with interest clearly laced in his voice.

"Oh, we can’t tell you that, Spike. It’s a surprise” Twilight grinned mischievously, something that she rarely does only unless she was really having fun. Spike grinned back, it was nice to see her have some fun that doesn’t involve saving the world or something mundane as weekly organization of book.

"Alright, alright, I can respect your privacy” said Spike as he stole a glance from his little booklet “Although, you three are going to having to roll for sneak if you want to avoid being seen past the fog by some of the more eagle eyed goons”

“That’s all Ah got to do right? Okay, Ah can do that” said Applejack with a curt toss of her D20. With a clickety clack on the table, the die landed on a fifteen. Not bad for a sneak roll “Hmm, well wouldja look at that”

“I got a nineteen. That should be more than enough” said Twilight as she reclaimed her color coded die.

“Yay! eighteen! What do I win” Pinkie jovially exclaimed.

“You girls all won all expense paid trip to your destination of choice without being caught by the guild members!” Spike announced with fervor “Now, onto the actual sneaking itself....”

* * *

“Darn it... I can’t see a bloody thing...” one of the stallions grumbled to himself as he unknowingly trotted past his intended target “Hey!” he shouted as he turned around “You guys see anything yet?”

“Nothing yet!” a voice shouted back.

Twilight had to suppress the urge to break out into laughter at the brick level intelligence that her opponent exhibited just so that she didn’t blow her cover. Thankfully she had her glowing pauldron hidden beneath her great coat to avoid turning into a walking target. With her breath held, she switch from walking to trotting as both her teammates reached their intended destination: the Silverus war carriage.

As the trio examined the carriage up close, they had to pay close attention to the gryphon that lazily guarding the gatling gun atop it. Making sure to stay out of his line of sight, Twilight inched up to the top as quiet as a mouse before pulling out and readying her massive wrench to brain the poor fooling for his lax behavior in the heat of combat.

“Sorry about this...” Twilight whispered beneath her breath as she raised her wrench high “...But I really want that gatling gun!” she shouted causing the gryphon take notice.

As the gryphon turned around, a massive iron wrench collide with his face, smashing his beak to bits and splitting his head wide open like a walnut. Brain matter splattered to the side of the carriage as a steady trail of blood made its way onto the ground. Bingo, the gryphon was dead as a doornail without so much as a peep to be made, save for the thunk noise that came with the wrench meeting with the recently deceased gryphon.

“Captain!” Twilight whispered loudly “Help me get this chump off the gun!”

“Okey dokey artichokey!” Captain Pinkie saluted as she climbed up to remove the obstruction.

“Lora, keep watch! The fog is fading, and I think everyone else is starting to get mighty suspicious about us!” Twilight commanded once more “Hide behind the carriage and get your weapon ready, they might fire on us at any moment’

“Understood” L’ Orange nodded “But don’t think this will give you any ideas to act all authoritative around me!” she hissed obnoxiously as she ready her cannon shield by the carriage. She flipped open the cover to her scope and assumed a sniping stance. The fog was dissipating and she had to be ready for anything that’ll be thrown at her “Perimeter is secure, few are looking back at the carriage, they think we fled to coastline”

“Good, let’s try to keep it that way. Now, onto the real prize...” said Twilight and she and the Captain chucked the gryphon’s corpse onto the ground. With the body out of the way Twilight’s eyes sparkled with a glint of excitement as she caressed the technological marvel that was the murder gatling gun.

 An incredible combination of mechanical gears, polished steel and diamond dog ingenuity. It glistened as the sun’s ray pierced through the fog, accentuating the beauty of the brass, steel, and blood that accidentally found its way onto the surface of the finely tuned prototype death machine.

“Oh, you are just a beaut, aren’t you?” Twilight gushed at the weapon “Twilight Sentinel will be thrilled to have you as his brand new toy!” she continue to mindlessly fantasize about the weapon until a stray bullet grazing the side of her forelegs brought her back to reality. She turned to face the direction of the bullet and was startled to see that the fog was gone and that they were out in the open and were being fired upon “Aw, manure...”

“Welcome back to earth, miss engineer” Captain quipped as she hid behind the side of the carriage“Now hurry up and get a move on with that weapon!” she shouted as she began to load up her handcannon “Come on! I’m not drunk enough to stand around and do nothing!”

* * *

“So that was your big plan eh? Pretty clever if you ask me” Spike complimented “Going for the best weapon and hooking it up to your engine during the confusion in the fog. Not too shabby” he clapped as loudly as he tiny claws would allow him to.

“Well, we are going up against some heavy hitters, so it would only make sense if we were to level the playing field a bit” Twilight replied.

“With a massive robot carrying perhaps the deadliest weapon this side of the protectorate?” Rainbow added with some snarkiness.

“When you put it that way, you make it sound like a bad thing...” Rarity trailed on.

“I think you’re robot is due for some new equipment anyway. I mean he did save us back in the plains” Fluttershy added “A little boost here and there wouldn’t be so bad”

“Fluttershy, sugarcube. We’re talking about a mechanical death machine using another mechanical death machine here” Applejack cut in “Besides, how do you keep doing that... thing you’re doing?”

“What thing?” Fluttershy inquired innocently.

“You know, that thing where nothing seems to faze you” said Rainbow Dash.

“It’s only a game” she replied “It’s not like it’s real or anything” everyone stopped what they were doing and pondered her response a bit. After a few minutes of some pondering, they all shrug their shoulder and accepted Fluttershy’s logic, once again.

“Eh, fair enough” Applejack brushed the whole idea off “How about we get back to the fighting now?”

“As soon as you all agree to stop acting so weird whenever Fluttershy says or does anything that makes you question your her thought process” said Spike as he nonchalantly flipped through his booklet “Seriously, it kinda detracts from the whole experience of role playing”

“Agreed...”

* * *

L’ Orange braced herself from behind her cannon shield as she used her mounted heavy rifle to retaliate upon the aggressors. Bullet after bullet was loaded into the rifle but she found herself having very little impact on the battle itself. Even with her crackshot capabilities, she was trapped in a hail of projectiles that threatened to turn her into swiss cheese.

“Bah! Can’t get a good shot. Zere are too many of them!” L’ Orange shouted. She gritted her teeth, cursing herself and her teammates for making such a horrid mistake. Misconception was their enemy. They believed that there were only about eight opponents and a war carriage to deal with. Turns out that there were more than a few dozen including some alchemist that turned the whole firefight into horrible chemical warfare.

Twilight ducked to avoid gunfire behind the gatling gun and began hastily loosening the bolts that tied it down to the carriage. Under constant pressure and the ever present possibility of and immediate death, her erratic movements weaved its way around the base of the gatling. Unscrewing every bolt in the process.

“I work better under pressure! I work better under pressure!” she kept screaming at herself as she painstakingly continued to remove the gatling gun from the carriage. Beads of sweat slowly turned into a torrent of perspiration threatening to cause her to slip under her own liquid nervousness “Keep holding them off, I’m almost done!”

Beside her, the Captain chugged down some liquid courage from her hip flask before blindly firing her handcannon in the general direction of the Broken Wands Guild members. Not surprisingly enough, it missed. She groaned at her lack of aim and peeked outward to see if she could get a good look at her opponents, only for her eyes to widen upon noticing several alchemical grenades flying towards them.

“Everyone! Get down!” she shouted as she brought up the sleeve of her alchemist leather jacket to lessen the effects of whatever it was coming at them.

With L’ Orange dug in deep, and Twilight feverishly working to attain her prize, they failed to avoid the grenades at they detonated in the air, clouding them with one of the more sinister forms of alchemical concoctions: fear gas.

“Don’t breath it in, it’s fear gas! The gas will cause you to hallucinate and go mad!” the Captain shouted as she slowly pulled away from the gassed area, sleeve still firmly pressed against her face.

L’ Orange immediately held her breath as the gas crept its way to her. She holstered her rifle and pulled her shield out from the ground as she pulled back. She didn’t want to be shot, but the last she wanted was to be driven mad by gas.

Twilight on the other hand ignored all sense of danger as her body regulated itself to adapt to the stress being exerted on her body as well as her psyche. That was when it happened, she opened her mouth just a little to take in some oxygen, and the fear gas found its way into her system.

“Come on, come on!” she yelled furiously. When the final hook holding the gatling gun was removed, she could feel a wave of relief wash throughout her body, only to realized that it was fear instead “Oh boy... this is bad...”

The world around her melted like a wax candle in a fiery kiln. Her sanity slipped and the whole world that she knew became a horrible illusion . Her heart pounded in her chest, the fear epicenter of her brain was being pinch, massaged, and squeezed as if it were a overused stress ball. She was losing it, and losing it bad.

To make matters worse, the wrench that she was ever so fond of hissed back at her. It slithered its way out of her grip like a snake and with a forked tongue in the mouth of the wrench to boot. Venomous fangs protruded from the metal frame before it coiled around her fear stricken body. Before long, it sank its terrible fangs into her neck as she let out a bloodcurdling scream.

The Captain and L’ Orange watched as Twilight dropped into the depths of the abyss whilst fighting off her imaginative enemy. It was ridiculous overall to see the egghead struggled with her wrench, but if they didn’t do anything soon she’ll soon fall prey to the sharpshooters.

“We have to help her!” L’ Orange cried out “You’re the alchemist! How can you get rid of the fear effect?”

“According to my knowledge, fear gas is just what it is: gas!” Captain Pinkie replied “We need to splash her with water to get her back to normal! If we don’t that fear will kill her! But where are we gonna get water?”

“We’re in a port town! There has to be water somewhere!” L’ Orange began to look around for something that could help, although she had to keep in mind that she and the Captain were pinned down by gunfire. Their movement was limited, so they’d better work fast.

* * *

“Oh, come on!” Pinkie yelled out “How can we not find water in a port town? That’s like saying you can’t find sugar at Sugarcube Corner!”

“I don’t care how you do it, but you better do it fast” said Spike “Fear gas spreads through the system like a virus, and is very lethal unless you get rid of it”

“Can’t I do anything about it?” Twilight asked “I mean I’m the one whose feared here”

“You could roll to shake off the fear, but it’s only a temporary cure” said Spike “Roll ‘em”

Twilight rolled her die to try and shake off the effects of the fear gas. She was practically useless in her state, not being able to do anything and having a panic attack over an inanimate object. However, when the die landed, she earned a measly two.

“Oh, darn it” Twilight pouted “What does that get me?”

“Nothing with a roll that” he snickered “Sorry, Twilight. But the effect stays”

“Let me do a search” said Applejack “There’s bound to be something we could use to stop twilight from bugging out”

“Do a perception check, that should help” Spike suggested “You know the drill”

“Alright, here goes nothing” Applejack chucked her die against the table, the clacking proceeding unceremoniously until it landed on a decent number. Fourteen “Now, that wasn’t so bad. What do I see?”

“Okay, with a fourteen, L’ Orange De Apple scans her surroundings to find some water” narrated Spike “Upon looking up, she found her teammates saving grace...”

* * *

“Captain, look!” L’ Orange pointed to a large water tower above a nearby building “Are you zinking what I’m zinking?” she smirked. Captain Pinkie smiled back as she pulled out her handcannon and loaded in a fresh round.

“Way ahead of ya, Lora” both the Captain and Lora aimed high at the water tower and fired straight at it. The resulting shot pierced through the wooden exterior of the tower and showered everything on the streets with water. Old, mucky, green, stagnant water that was probably caked on the surface with an insurmountable number of mosquito nymphs and dead leaves.

* * *

“Eeeewwwww....” Fluttershy cringed as her stomach pulled a flip flop.

“I second that eeeeewwwww....” Rarity turned green. The description was way too graphic for her sophisticated taste “Spike, please refrain yourself from describing stuff like this in extreme detail”

“Now where would be the fun in that if I didn’t do my job as a GM?” Spike as with a raised eyebrow “Or would you like me to go further into detail how disgusting the water really is?”

“No, no, no!” Rainbow jumped up “That’s okay, we’re fine. Just go on”

“Uh... yeah! What she said” Twilight joined in “But mucky water or not, did that help me at all?”

“Assuming it splashed you of course. I mean you were atop a carriage. Eh heh heh...” said Spike “Eh, I’m just playing around. A good amount of water splashed onto you and you feel reality stitching itself back together for you, or at least what’s left of it...”

* * *

“AAAAAAAHHHH!” Twilight screamed as she wrestled with the snake wrench coiling around her throat. It was even worse now that she smelled like the ocean during low tide after being splash with some sort of muck from seemingly out of nowhere.

Before long, her nerves steadied themselves and the world around her returned to the way it was supposed to. Fear escape her system and she found herself gripping onto her trusty wrench as if her life had depended on it. Which for the last five minutes, her life really did depend upon it.

“Whuah? What happened. WAH!” she yelled as a stray bullet whizzed by her head, causing her to stumble and fall back behind the carriage “Ouch... that hurt...”

“Welcome back to Metallos, miss engineer. Did you enjoy your trip to the realm of insanity? I hear the beaches there are quite nice” Captain Pinkie joked in spite of their dire situation.

“Ha ha... very funny” Twilight deadpanned before commands could be heard shouted from behind her.

“We have them pinned down, don’t let them escape or steal the prototype” a goon shouted “We have orders to kill on sight!”

“Well, zat’s reassuring...” L’ Orange grumbled “Twilight did you completely remove ze gatling gun yet?”

“All of the bolts are off but now we have to get it off the carriage itself. Then I have to hook it up to Twilight Sentinel which will take some time. Lastly, we need ammo for the weapon itself. There should be an ammo box in the carriage somewhere” Twilight explained.

“And just how are you going to get the gatling? It must weigh a ton!” the Captain pointed out. Twilight tapped on her pauldron and the runic inscription on it glowed luminously. In a bright flash, Twilight Sentinel appeared from the circle in his rusty glory and activated with a loud hiss of steam. His red eyes glowed as he rose up and yanked the gatling gun right off of the carriage itself in a single move.

“Details, details... Now cover me!” Twilight commanded “Captain, use your ember bombs! Create a wall of flames to keep them at bay!”

“Hmph, I’d thought you’d never ask” the Captain smiled and cackled deviously as she reached for her grenade bandoleer. She pulled out two ember bombs, one in each paw and ripped the pins out with her teeth “Here! Pinkie wants to give you all a present!”

* * *

“Whoa, easy there Fullmetal Alchemist” Spike stopped Pinkie “That’s two ember bombs in each paw, even with your explosive expertise you run the high risk of causing collateral damage with those things. The last thing we need is another fire”

“So does that mean I have to roll for something?” Pinkie asked.

“Only if you want those bombs to land on the spot you want. They could roll around given the shape” said Spike “Roll the D20 plus add your DEX to it to see if you land it right on the dot. And I’ll do my only roll to see just how destructive it really is”

“You got it boss” Pinkie threw her die and  watched it intently as it slowed down “Ooh... let’s see, that’s... seventeen!”

“Not bad, your bombs rolled around a bit but it’s nothing self destructive. As for the the rampant destruction you caused...”[

* * *

Fire consumed the streets of the port town as the ember bombs once again reduced everything caught in the blast radius into a smouldering remnant of what it once was. Thankfully all of the civilians had evacuated by then but that left unattended buildings and some unlucky stragglers of the guild turned to char. Among other things, a raging wall of flames blocked off all access to the carriage and the mercenaries.

“Hmm, not bad” L’ Orange complimented “zat’ll keep zem at bay until ze egghead finishes her little project”

“Maybe you’d like to help, Lora?” Twilight rebutted “Help me remove T. Sentinel’s left hand. I have to jury rig the gun onto the arm so that he can use it”

“Couldn’t he just, oh gee I don’t know, just hold the gatling gun his one arm and turn the crank with the other?” L’ Orange shot back.

“It doesn’t work that way, Lora. One, there’s not handle. Two, if there was one don’t you think I would’ve just hooked it up to the crane so that he could use it!”

“You two! As a Captain I’ll handle everything!” Captain Pinkie asserted herself into the conversation “Lora, dig in and prevent some of the alchemist from reaching us! Their leather can survive the intense heat from the bombs. I’ll help Twilight with everything else”

“Fine, but this better not get us killed... I want to get paid after all of this” L’ Orange muttered as she set up her cannon shield again. Firing off a few warning shots to keep the enemy back towards the wall of fire.

“Alright, Twilight. I’ve got the hand off. What now?” Captain Pinkie asked as she held onto T. Sentinel’s left hand.

“Try to find a crate of ammo somewhere in the carriage” said Twilight as she began to attach the gatling gun to T. Sentinel “Once I hook up the gatling to his arm and place the crate onto the crane, T. Sentinel’s lazium cortex will do the rest. His cortex should know how to work this thing”

“Isn’t it just aim and crank? How hard could that be?” the Captain inquired as she rummaged through the carriages holding compartment.

“It would, except for the fact that blasted thing was unloaded and the feeding mechanism is entirely unique to the weapon itself. It isn’t as simple a putting a bullet into a chamber and pulling the trigger, Captain. I doubt any of us could’ve worked it properly without it blowing up in our face”

“Fair enough” the Captain replied as she came upon a her quarry “Hey, wouldja look at that, ammo! It’s not in a crate but it’ll have to do” she reached into the compartment and carried on over a large ammo drum. According to the numbers printed on the side, the drum was still full with more than a couple hundred rounds to spare.

“Perfect, and just in time too. I just finished jury rigging the gatling to T. Sentinels arm” said Twilight “Help move that drum onto his hydraulic crane. He’ll know how to feed the bullets into the gun itself. Isn’t that right?” T. Sentinel nodded and let out another hiss of steam from his boiler.

With the drum secure onto his crane, he began to work his magic and armed himself with a new toy. He pulled on the ammo drum and attached the ammo belt into the feeding mechanism. Once it was secured in place, he used his free hand to test out the crank. It was a little stiff but nothing he couldn’t handle. He turned to face Twilight and Pinkie and gave them both a thumbs up. Twilight could’ve sworn that her robot was smiling on the inside.

“Uh... girls? We have a little problem” L’ Orange interrupted “Half of the group is breaking off to the coast, and the fire wall is dying down. If you’re going to try out that thing, you might want to do it now, otherwise everything we’ve done will be for nothing”

“We have to make a break for the coastline and board the transport ship” Twilight suggested “Everyone hop on to T. Sentinel’s back and hold on! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!”

Doing as they were told, both L’ Orange and Captain Pinkie climbed aboard and gripped the robot for dear life as Twilight hung aboard his shoulder. With another hiss of steam, T. Sentinel lifted his right hand and gripped the carriage on the side. As the fire died out and the smoke cleared, the many guild members after their head started their advance. Something that Twilight was all too expectant of.

“Twilight Sentinel!” Twilight shouted maddeningly from atop her death machine, scaring everyone around her as they witness her go insane with power. Even the guild members stopped dead in their tracks when they realized what they were going up against. Twilight could only smirk victoriously as she watched her enemies visibly pale until they were about as white as a ghost.

* * *

“Uh oh...” Pinkie backed away slowly as she say the look in Twilight’s eyes “It’s happening again”

“Whoa, easy there sugarcube. No need to get crazy” Applejack backed away as well.

"Oh dear, not this again...” Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash all followed suit and back to cautiously back away from their friend.

“Hoo boy, are we in for quite a show! There will be lotsa dice rolling here” Spike exclaimed with excitement “Let’s get this show on the road!”

* * *

“From this day forward, you are no longer a mere light labor engine! From this day forward, with your new weapon, you will crush your foes! From this day forward, you are no longer Twilight Sentinel! From this day forward, I hereby dub thee: Twilight Heavyarms!” Twilight cackled maddeningly before pointing her hoof forward and shouting “KILL THEM ALL!”

“Jeez... what a large ham...” L’ Orange facehoofed herself before the carnage started.

T. Heavyarm’s eyes glowed blood red before the gears whirring in his body startled the guild members. They all turned to run when T. Heavyarms took the carriage that was gripped in his hand and chucked it like a baseball towards those poor bastards, crushing the unlucky few underneath and turning them all into a red stain on the ground. All of them panicked and futilely attempted to fight back, only to get grounded up by the prototype gatling gun.

“Bwuahahahahaha! The lead wind blows!” Twilight cackled as her robot began wreaking havoc upon everything that was in its field of vision. If you’d thought the previous assault on our heroes was devastating enough, Twilight Heavyarm’s current blood fueled rampage made it look like a tea party. Storming through the streets like a hurricane filled with bullets, the four steadily made their way to the coastline, decimating anything and everything that impeded their destination to the transport ship.

It was like watching rabbits go up against a grizzly bear, if said bear was made entirely out of iron, steel and had a gatling gun grafted to its left arm with a crazy unicorn riding him out on a path of destruction. And as if that weren't enough, support fire came from behind as Pinkie and L’ Orange emptied the last of their ammo on any would be heroes.

“Bah! I’m all out...” Captain Pinkie pouted “Hey, Twilight! Can you drive this thing a bit closer to the enemy! I want to hit them with my sword!”

* * *

“Okay, okay. You know what? That got a little out of control, and some of you are having way too much fun with this right now” Spike interjected as he struggled to stifle his giggle.

“Aw, come on, Spike. I was on a roll there!” Twilight exclaimed “We can handle it!”

“We should all calm down a bit” said Rarity “Let’s just get out and enjoy some fresh air for a while. I feel like all this sitting is bad for my circulation”

“I second that, I have got to stretch my wings out like you wouldn’t believe” Rainbow Dash added “Plus I need to grab a bite to eat, I’m starving”

“Hmm, alright. I think it is high time we took a much needed break. I was starting to lose it back there, wasn’t I?” said Twilight with a light blush.

“A little?” everyone raised their eyebrow.

“Oh! You know what I mean...” said Twilight “Now what are we waiting for, I think I hear a daffodil sandwich calling my name...”

10: Spike's Campaign- High Seas, Low Expectations

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Chapter 10: High Seas, Low Expectations

* * *

Personal Equipment Update:

Name: Twilight Sparkplug

Race: Unicorn

Career: Mechanikal Engineer/ Arcane Engineer

Equipment: Rune etching kit, light labor Engine

Armor: Armored great coat

Weapon: Wrench

Engine name: Twilight Sentinel Heavyarms

Chassis: Light

Cortex: Lazium cortex

Armor: Rusty iron plating

Weapon: “Murder” prototype gatling gun, empty right hand

Gear/ Upgrade: Hydraulic crane (currently holding ammo drum)

Name: Rainbow Blast

Race: Pegasus

Career: Skyterror/ Stormcrafter

Equipment: none

Armor: Skyterror plate mail, skyterror shield

Weapon: Blasting pike

Name: Captain Pinkie Pirate

Race: Grunt

Career: Alchemist/ Pirate

Equipment: Spy glass, gun brace, mixing kit, grenade bandoleer

Armor: Alchemist leather

Weapon: Cutlass, handcannon, ember bombs

Name: Elusive

Race: Unicorn

Career: Aristocrat/ Spy

Equipment: Forged papers, disguise kit

Armor: Modified elegant dress

Weapon: Springblades, holdout pistol

Name: L’ Orange De Apple

Race: Earth pony

Career: Guardian/ Riflemen

Equipment: Scope, ammo bandoleer

Armor: Infantry armor

Weapon: Cannon shield, bayonet, dynamite bundle

Name: Necrolyte Butterfly

Race: Pegasus

Career: Thanite Advocate/ Investigator

Equipment: Necklace of the Thanite faith

Armor: Plated robes

Weapon: Battle cross, sacrificial dagger

***

        There was something strangely therapeutic about taking a good old fashioned stroll along the glittering coastline of Starboard port. Casually blasting away annoying guild members with righteous indignation on your very own robot mech armed with an experimental gatling gun, which you stole from said annoying guild members and are therefore killing them with the very concept of irony.

To Twilight, Captain Pinkie, and L’ Orange who were all hanging onboard T. Heavyarms, this was pretty much the incredibly violent and gore filled equivalent of enjoying a relaxing day down at the spa. If your local spa had giant mechs, gigantic guns, and lavender scented soaps that is.

As various soldiers and mercenaries were grounded, pulped, and otherwise turned into a fine red mist, the trio kicked back and enjoyed a little bit of girl time amongst themselves. They took a little time for themselves to forget about the mission to unwind a bit. Thankfully, the sound of screaming victims drowned out the sound of flying bullets. Which, well let’s be honest here, gets really annoying after a while.

        “So I was thinking about changing my hairstyle,” said Twilight Sparkplug as she ran a hoof through her spiky electric pink and purple striped mane. “I was thinking maybe I could tie it with twin braided pigtails or grow it out and braid it. What do you girls think?” she asked.

“Hmm...  to be honest, I always thought zat you would look great with a frivolous mohawk,” L’ Orange suggested with a curt chuckle. “Either zat, or perhaps something with a bit more... je ne sais quoi.”

“A mohawk does sound pretty cool,” Twilight ruffled her mane and attempted to shape it into a somewhat decent mohawk. “It strikes terror into the hearts of thugs and villains everywhere!” she exclaimed with a giggle.

“Ooh! Ooh! How’s about you spike the heck out of your hair even more!” yelled Captain Pinkie. “Imagine it! Just take like a whole tub of hair gel and slather it all over your mane until you get some liberty spikes! With hair that hard and pointy, you’ll always have a weapon on hand!” she finished as she caught her breath.

***

        “Hair that’s both fashionable and functional?” Rarity asked. “It sounds like it would come in handy if you ask me,” she ran a hoof through her own luxurious mane. “Although, I’m not sure if Twilight’s character would look all that great with liberty spikes. The mohawk was already pushing it, and to gel that up you might as well be glueing a buzzsaw to the top of her head”

        “Well, if I could voice my own opinion, I’d say that Twilight would look better with those twin pigtails,” said Applejack. “Ain’t nothing wrong with tying your hair back to keep it neat and tidy when you’re working. And given how she’s an engineer, I think it would look great on her.”

        “I think it would be nice if you could grow your hair out, Twilight,” Fluttershy joined in the conversation. “The feeling of having the wind blow through your hair is just a wonderful feeling!”

        “...” Spike looked around at everyone. “Which Twilight are you talking about again? Are still talking about Twilight’s character or Twilight herself?” he asked.

        “Umm... I think we may have gone off on a tangent here,” said Rainbow. “We should probably get back to Twilight and her robot.”

        “Agreed” said Spike. “So, let’s see... robot rampage... dying guild members... something about Twilight’s hair... Hmm, I believe we are... here!”

***

        “...Dakka, dakka, dakka, dakka!” Captain hummed from her slobbery lips as she eyed the upcoming death trap of a ship that they were hired to guard. Right beside her, L’ Orange was casually braiding Twilight’s hair until the sound of random explosion drew their attention back to the transport ship where they spotted it suddenly setting off while the rest of their team were fighting back the guild members.

        “Hey!” Rainbow Blast shouted by the stern of the ship. “Pick up the pace you three! The heat got too much and we had to set off without you! You better find a way to get here with that bucket of bolts before it’s too late!”

        Jumping straight to attention, the trio on the labor engine could see that the ship itself was burning, and had a good handful of guild members persistently hanging along the side. Elusive let off a few shots from her holdout pistol upon a few of the poor bastards hanging on for dear life while Rainbow was trying to scrape them all off with the end of her blasting pike. The plopping and ka-chunk noises of bodies hitting the water could be heard even from far away.

        “Well, this complicates things,” said Twilight as she stepped off T. Heavyarms. “At least there aren’t anymore mercs around. They were really starting to get on my nerves.” Glancing around the port, Twilight and friends could see that there were corpses and spent shell casings littered everywhere.

The acrid smell of sea salt, rust, and gunpowder blanketed the area around them. Not to mention that they couldn’t step anywhere without getting their hooves and feet red with the gore of their victim’s blood. In fact, there was so much blood that it pooled together and was spilling into water. So much so that the ocean water was beginning to turned red.

        “You could say that again,” replied Captain Pinkie as she pulled out her spyglass. Eyeing the horizon, she could see that the transport ship wasn’t too far off from Starboard port. But trying to swim there, especially if they’re going to try and bring T. Heavyarms with them, wasn’t going to happen. “I’d say we should commandeer one of the boats here and be on our way. Do you think you can put the robot away?”

“It’s no trouble. Just give me a sec,” said Twilight. Turning to face T. Heavyarms, Twilight pressed the left kneecap servo and the runic inscriptions appear again. With a bright flash of light, all that remained the kneecap where Twilight wore it upon her shoulder like a pauldron. “All done.”

“Oh. Bad news you two,” L’ Orange joined in. “I was inspecting all of the ships, and zey’re all mostly row boats or boats with scrappy sails. We’ll never catch up to them in time with zeese zings”

“Wait, what about the one by the far end of the port?” Captain Pinkie asked.

“Zat? It’s a motor boat but ze engine is shot,” replied L’ Orange. “It’s useless.”

“Hmph,” Twilight huffed as she pulled out her trusty, albeit bloodstained, wrench. “Useless is a just a fancy word that people came up with to make themselves feel less guilty about seeing broken machinery. Give me some time, I’ll handle everythang,” she concluded with sass.

***

“Hmm, that sassy tone really suits you, Twilight,” Rarity commented. “You should show that side of you more often, don’t you think?”

“No, no... I-I can’t,” Twilight stammered as she started to blush profusely. She looked away from everyone, shyly hiding behind her hooves to avoid being embarrassed.. “I hate it whenever I act like that.”

“But I know for a fact that stallions are into mare’s with that kind of attitude,” said Rarity egged her on. “With a little bit of work, particularly if this were to be refined with the help of moi, every stallion in Ponyville will be like putty in your hooves!”

“Ah think Ponyville is better off with less ponies like that, Rarity,” Applejack deadpanned. “Just leave the poor girl alone.”

“Fine, fine,” Rarity conceded. “But if you ever have your eye for that special somepony, you know where to find me.”

“Uh, girls?” Pinkie Pie interrupted them. “The boat?”

“Whuah? Oh! Oh, right,” said Twilight. “I can repair the motor boat’s engine using the random junk that’s laying around the port. Not only that, I can use some of my arcane mechanik skills to upgrade it.”

“You’ll have to roll for each individual action. One for the repair, and the other for the rune upgrade. The higher the roll, the better the quality of the repair and upgrade will turn out,” said Spike. “So, go on ahead. Roll.”

With a curt shake of her hooves and some clattering of the die, it rolled and spinned until it stopped. Where a collection of gasps was elicited by everyone in the room. Twilight had landed a crit twenty for the first time. A small applause was given to congratulate her on this small victory.

“Well whaddaya know! The motor boat is looking like it was shipped from straight out of the factory it was made from!” cheered Spike. “Go, Twilight!”

***

“There, good as new. Even better, in fact” exclaimed Twilight as she wiped away the black oil that stuck to her coat. “Ugh, I’ve been getting covered in this stuff for years and I still haven’t gotten used to it. Oh, well. I’ll get used to it eventually.”

“I’m glad that the boat’s all fixed up now, but even then, this is still just a minor a fishing boat,” said Pinkie as she took a swig from her emergency grog flask. “If we set off now, I should be able to navigate and get us joined up with the rest of the team by the end of the day.”

        “But we don’t have till ze end of the day,” L’ Orange retorted. “We’ll be old and gray by ze time we reach zem.”

        “Shh!” Twilight shushed her two friends. “I’m trying to work here!”

        “Doing what?” L’ Orange shouted back.

        “Can’t you see?” Twilight tapped on the boat’s motor with her rune inscription kit. “I’m giving us a little boost in the engineering department,” she then turned back and began to draw with white chalk several bizarre hieroglyphics, symbols, and other alien pictographs in the pattern of fire on the top of the motor. The other two had no idea what any of that meant. Like, at all. To them it just looked like a random array of scribbles from a foal’s coloring book.

        “And just what is zis suppose to do?” L’ Orange complain. “I doubt painting flames onto ze boat would make it go faster. It’s just a myth zat the diamond dogs came up with”

“Your pessimism is noted, Lora,” Twilight replied nonchalantly. “But in this case, painting flames onto this boat really will make it faster,” she then sighed heavily before staring intently onto the inscription. “Let’s see if I remember how to do this.” she hovered both her hooves over the inscription and began to concentrate.

The strain showing on her face made it clear that she was pushing herself till it looked like she was going to pop a vein. Tapping into the well of magic that is present in all things, the inscription flickered and sparked to life before glowing intensely.

“I really hope this works,” Twilight muttered beneath her breath.

***

“Alright, one more roll,” said Spike. “If you mess up, the rune self destructs on you. Dealing damage to everyone around it and totaling the boat for good. If you succeed, you’re looking at the speeder of the high seas.”

Twilight threw her die again. The usual ritual went by as expected, only with an unexpected result. As if she had received the blessings of both Madame Misfortune and Lady Luck, by some astronomically calculated twist of fate, she had a received another crit twenty. Everyone’s head immediately snapped their attention towards Twilight and Stared at her as if she just grew a second head on her shoulder.

“You sure that twenty sided die ain’t loaded?” Rainbow Dash questioned. “It looks real suspicious to me that you got twenty twice!”

“Or, Rainbow, she could just be really lucky,” said Fluttershy.

“Nopony is that lucky,” said Rarity as she flicked a lock of her mane away from her eyes.

“Cheating makes a load more sense than luck does, Fluttershy,” Applejack argued.

“Girls, the odds of getting twenty twice is only one in four hundred chances,” Spike joined in. “Not very often is it that somepony can get this, but not entirely impossible either.” he ruffled through the pages of his booklet and then through some parts of the main rule book.

“Anyway, Twilight’s inscription glows so blindingly bright that you all cover your eyes to shield yourself from the light. When you open you eyes, you find the rune is successfully burned onto the motor of which it constantly thrums with power whilst emitting a luminous red aura. The boat has been upgraded and can reach the transport ship within only a matter of minutes.”

***

“Well, I’ll be damned,” L’ Orange spoke with an incredulous tone of voice. “You managed to turn a minnow into a marlin. It appears zat I may have spoken too soon.”

“And the pessimism is all gone,” Twilight stated with a wry grin. “I guess I made a believer out of even the most hardheaded and prideful of ponies”

***

“For the record, Ah was pretty sure that we all decided to put that whole applebucking incident behind us,” said Applejack as she glared at her friends who only looked back at her with blank stares. “You’re all still gonna rib me about that, aren’t you?”

“You sent me crashing into Twilight’s house,” Rainbow deadpanned.

“You sent Rainbow Dash crashing into my house,” said Twilight.

“You gave everypony a tummy ache with those baked bads,” said Pinkie.

“You made all of the rabbits and bunnies that Fluttershy was helping out stampeding into town,” said Rarity.

“Well, I already forgave you,” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Just get on with the game, Spike,” Applejack grumbled.

***

“Yarrg! That be one of the finest fishing boats that I’ve ever seen, Twilight,” The Captain praised as she tipped her hat to Twilight. “All that it’s missing is a fresh coat of red paint and this baby will be moving at least three times faster than normal!”

“The rune’s already red. I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be three time’s better in everything with it on there,” Twilight replied as she stepped into the boat. “Come on, Captain. Navigate us to the ship.”

“Aye, aye, Twilight,” said Pinkie as she started the motor up. Three pulls of the rope later, the engined whirred to life and hummed as loud as Rainbow Blast when she snores. “All aboard the S.S. Red Comet. We will be leaving port soon.”

“Just get a move on,” L’ Orange rudely replied.

“Tch, spoilsport,” Pinkie muttered beneath her alcohol ladened breathe just as they speed off into towards the sunset and their friends. Water splashed all around them as the boat jumped and rocked against the the ocean. It seemed a little dangerous to be moving at such a speed. They came close to flipping over many times but were lucky enough to stay afloat.. And then something came into mind that made the trip a lot more unsettling than they initially thought.

“Wait, does this count as drinking and driving?” Twilight asked, L’ Orange before staring at each other in abject terror. With both their hooves, they grasped onto the side of the boat with a vice grip and never let go.

“HOLD ON!”

11: Spike's Campaign- You Did What!?

Forge World: The Full Metal Fantasy Role Playing Game

By: Zelkova48

Chapter 11: You Did What!?

* * *

“Are you sure we’re going the right way!” Twilight shouted as another wave of water was splashed onto everyone, soaking them down to the bone with cold saltwater. They were making good time with their new and enhanced motorized fishing boat. “I’m getting really sick of being splashed every five minutes!”

        “I’m a pirate, silly! I know what I’m doing!” Captain Pinkie slurred as she downed the rest of her emergency grog from her flask. “As a diamond dog, my sense of smell is far greater than ponies. I’m following the latent smoke trail that the ship left behind from the ship's smokestacks. We’ll be there soon! Just wait ten, fifteen minutes tops!”

        “Pinkie! I’m over here!” Twilight shouted again. Pinkie blinked her eyes a few time to rid herself of the haze that was clouding her vision. When she could finally see straight, it turned out that she was actually yelling directly at L’ Orange instead of Twilight, who was covering her ears in annoyance as she battened herself down using makeshift seat belt from her rifle sling.

        “Just keep driving! I’m okay, I zink,” replied L’ Orange as she pulled up her heavy cannon shield to deflect the next wave of water that came by. Which, unfortunately, splashed onto Twilight. The unicorn glared at her with such vehemence the boat could’ve burst into flames if she kept it any longer than she had.

        “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” Twilight asked as she wiped her dripping wet bangs away from her eyes.

        “Not as much as the captain is with this vessel,” L’ Orange grinned wryly.

        “Whoo! Wheeeeeeee! Wahaaaaa!” Captain Pinkie exclaimed at the top of her lungs. “I’m still drunk!”

***

        Meanwhile, back at the transport ship. The crew of the ship had finally managed to put out the fire that was threatening to sink them, thanks to the valiant effort of the Butterfly, Elusive, Rainbow Blast, and the Thanite refugees. Someway, somehow, they were still afloat despite being on boat that was charred and had more holes than a block of swiss cheese. It was a miracle that they didn’t capsize yet. Perhaps the great alicorn, Thanatos, was looking after them.

        On deck, various ponies, changelings, gryphons, and diamond dogs were busy mopping everything up and repairing machinery that the mercs and guild members had damaged during the assault. It looked pretty bad, but nothing far too serious. They were still en route to Black Pearl cove, except that they were still missing three other members of their team.

        Off by the bow, Rainbow Blast watched the sunset with her helmet off, letting her braided ponytail flow freely in the crisp salt air. Her melancholy expression made it clear that she was worried about the rest of the team they’d left back at port. She sighed heavily, and pulled out a bottle of wine that she had ‘acquired’ from the galley. Popping the cork off the top, she took a few sips for herself before dumping the rest into the ocean below.

        “There, that should do it,” Rainbow whispered to herself.

        “Do what, hon?” Elusive snuck up from behind, causing Rainbow to yelp in surprise and nearly fall over the edge until she caught her at the last moment. “Whoa! Easy there, hon. Y’all almost fell off.”

“That’s only because you startled me!” Rainbow barked back angrily. “What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were all eating.”

“We were, and Ah’d just finished. So Ah decided that it be good for my complexion if Ah were to get some fresh air,” replied Elusive with a flick of her tail. “There is far too much smoke inside the galley from the chef’s stove. By the way, what were you doing just know?” she pointed over to the empty bottle of wine. “Drowning out your sorrows? Shug, there are better alternative than turning to the bottle, you know?”

“No! No! I wasn’t doing any of that,” Rainbow denied. “I mean, I did take a few sips of the wine but most of It was for... well, you promise that you won’t laugh if I tell you?”

“Do you think me so shallow, Rainbow?” Elusive gave Rainbow as hurt expression. “An aristocratic southern belle such a myself, being born and raised in a household of higher standing, is far too ignorant and immature to listen to the plight of my own dear friend?” a few tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned away to stifle a sob.

“What! No! You got it all wrong,” Rainbow struggled to rectify her mistake. “It’s just that...” she stopped as she heard Elusive giggle, much to her surprise.

“Gotcha,” Elusive turned and struck a mischievous smile for Rainbow as she stared back with a stupefied look plastered to her face. Elusive looked fine. There wasn’t a trace of sadness on her face. Only an amused grin as she took in Rainbow’s reaction for just a bit longer.

“Huh? But... you were crying just a minute ago!” Rainbow shouted. Elusive giggled again as she reached into her pockets and pulled out a small vile of liquid with an eyedropper built into the cap.

“Tap water and an eyedropper. Instant tears on demand. Had you fooled, didn’t I? ” Elusive replied nonchalantly. “Heh heh, anyway. Sorry bout that. I needed to see if my acting skills were still believable enough.”

“Well, you had me fooled. That’s for sure,” said Rainbow. Although she wouldn’t admit it, Elusive did have going there for a while. She was one heck of an actress for a spy.

***

“And one heck of an actress in real life too,” said Rainbow Dash. “I know that this is just role playing, but I think this game is at its best when we’re all just chilling and getting into the groove of things. Really makes thing so much more enjoyable.” Her friends all nodded along with her.

“And to think, a few days ago you were badmouthing this game to Discord and everyone else,” Spike stated with a smug grin. He turned to Rarity and stared at her longingly. “That was great. Have you ever thought about a career in acting, Rarity?” he asked,

“I’ve thought about it, but you’d be hard pressed to know that the limelight isn’t really for me,” replied Rarity. “I mean, I enjoy acting on stage every now and then but I think my passion for dressmaking outweighs my passion for acting.”

“Ever thought bout doing both?” Applejack asked.

“I think it would be hard to do two things at once,” said Fluttershy. “Although, I think having the ability to act and make your own dresses could increase your chances of finding a job.”

“You know, if you could act, sing, dance, and sew your own dresses, I’d think that you’d be one of the most successful idols out there!” exclaimed Pinkie. “Having your name in lights, with thousands of fans screaming wildly as you show up in a puff of smoke wearing flashy clothing while singing your latest hit single!”

“I think that’s too much, even for me,” replied Rarity. “Plus I can’t stand how rude the paparazzi is. Parasites, the whole lot of them. Spike, can we get back to the game, please?” she asked.

“Can do, Rarity,” replied Spike.

***

“I was, uh... wow. Gee, how can I say this without making it sound weird?” asked Rainbow with a scratch of her neck. “I was beseeching to the great alicorn Thanatos in hopes that she could grant us safe passage to Black Pearl Cove and to the Obsidian Flats. Because for the last two days we have been constantly shot at by the Broken Wands Guild and I don’t think having bullets fly at us on an hourly basis is conducive to our good health.”

“How thoughtful of you, shug,” replied Elusive. “But Ah believe that you just made a grave mistake with that wine you just poured out.”

“Relax. The wine wasn’t even all that good,” said Rainbow Blast. “It was probably because it was about only a few months old and didn’t have any time to ferment properly.”

“No, it’s not that. According to my reliable sources, there are specific tributes and ritualistic guidelines you have to follow when you ask Thanatos for a favor,” said Elusive as she examined the empty bottle of wine that Rainbow held in her hooves. “Providing the wrong tribute can lead to rather unsavory consequences, shug. In this case, you just beseeched to her using a pinot grigio. A white wine.”

“So?” Rainbow raised her eyebrow. “Your point being?”

“White is more commonly associated with Thanatos’s sister, Vita, who is also known as the great white alicorn of life,” said Elusive. “In short, giving Thanatos, the great black alicorn of death, a tribute that was meant for her sister is the equivalent of spitting directly at her face. Now, she’ll probably do everything in her power to damn us unless you can fix it by giving her the proper tribute and beg for her forgiveness.”

“W-what?” Rainbow reeled back in horror. “You’re just trying to scare me. I don’t believe in all of that superstitious stuff!”

“You were just appeasing to a dark god not five minutes ago with a bottle of wine, Rainbow,” Elusive bluntly retorted. “Look, there’s still time to fix this. Ah assume that there is a bottle of pinot noir in the galley, or even some animal bones used to cook stew for the diamond dogs that we could use to stop Thanatos from invoking a terrible curse on us.”

“I’m not going to head back and steal another bottle of wine just to stop some make believe curse!” Rainbow whispered back loudly. “Do you know how hard it was just to sneak this one out?”

“You were the one who started it, Rainbow,” Elusive shot back. “Ah know you had good intentions doing what you did, but if you don’t get that pinot noir then Ah’m afraid tough times are gonna hit us fast and hard.”

“Hey, what’s going on over here?” a new voice joined in. Rainbow and Elusive turned to face the source of the voice and found out that it was Butterfly who had spoke to them. Behind her was the rest of the Thanites they were assisting. Tiny had both Soul Catcher and Heartstopper atop his shoulders, whilst Plague hid behind from the rest.

“Oh. Hello everyone,” said Elusive. ”Guess what? Rainbow just appeased to your goddess using, get this, a white wine!”

The exact moment Elusive mentioned white wine, Butterfly and the Thanites had the color drained from their very being. They stood stiff as a board with their mouths agape, gawking at Rainbow with a look of pure incredulity ever so present in their terrified eyes. Tiny was the first to break out of his stupor, and rushed up to Rainbow. With one smooth action, he lifted Rainbow off the ground by her neck and shook her around like a ragdoll.

“WHAT DID YOU DO LASS!?” he shouted hysterically. “DO YOU REALIZE THE DANGER THAT YOU JUST PUT US ALL IN!”

“Wah! Stop it! Put me down!” Rainbow cried. “What’s the big idea!? I just wanted to help! So I thought it’d be a good idea to make an offering for safe passage!”

“YOU JUST SEALED OUR FATE!” he wildly retorted before shaking Rainbow some more. “NOW THANATOS IS GOING TO SINK US INTO THE OCEANIC ABYSS ALL BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY PAY TRIBUTE TO A GODDESS!”

“Tiny! Calm down!” Plague interrupted him. “Look, the child didn’t know, so the blame isn’t entirely on her.”

“Plague’s right,” said Butterfly. “We just have to pay the proper tribute and everything will return to normal.”

“Uh, I know you guys are devoted to your beliefs and everything, but be honest here. What’s the worst that could happen because of this little screw up?” Rainbow asked curiously.

“What could happen?” Tiny spoke lowly as every Thanite, save for Butterfly, turned to glare so fiercely at the  ex-skyterror that she was rooted on the spot in terror.

Almost immediately, Rainbow’s answer came in the form of the emergency siren blaring loudly from every nearby speaker that dotted the transport ship. Seamen and deckhands alike began scrambling to their respective positions, taking note of the multitudes of silhouettes that darkened the horizon line.

“All hands and hooves on deck!” an alert voice spoke through the loudspeakers. “Marauders spotted off the port bow!”

“Look at the size of those ship!”

“There must be dozens of them!”

“How many guns are on those damned things?”

“Hey!” a changeling cried out, pointing his hole filled hoof to the horizon. “Look at the emblem on the sails!” Sure enough, all eyes found themselves directing their sights to the massive red patchwork sails that adorned the largest and most imposing galleon of the fleet of ships that was en route to their current location.

It was the white image of a dog’s skull with a massive lower jaw filled with sharp, jagged teeth that had more points than the prickly thorns of a cactus plant. Surrounding the skull was a collection of bones that formed a wicked ring around it. Rumor says that anyone who sees this emblem are in for a slow, agonizing death.

“It can’t be...” the changeling paled as he collapsed onto his haunches. “We’re all dead, we’re all dead...” he chanted to himself, putting everyone around him on edge. The feeling of dread and despair blanketed the ship like a thick fog that weighed heavily upon everyone’s shoulders. To drive the feeling home even further like a tiny nail being struck with a wrecking ball, the blaring loud speaker started again and gave away the grave news.

“It’s the Ripper Fleet! All crew, prepare for evasive actions!” snapping back to attention, the entire crew of the ship began to frantically operate and work every piece of machinery on the ship at a psychopathic pace considering how all their lives depended on it. The transport ship jolted violently to the side, banking so hard it nearly sent part of the crew and our heroes tumbling into the shark infested waters hadn’t the railings prevent that from happening.

The smokestacks bellowed so much black smoke from the increased activity onboard the ship that it clotted the skies to the point where not sunlight could penetrate it’s inky clouds. Valves hissed, coal was being shoveled, wrenches and levers were pulled, and the speed of the ship began to pick up dramatically as they fled in another direction. Hopefully, as far away from the Ripper Fleet as possible. Unfortunately, the shelling had already begun.

Yet in the midst of all this panic, between the orders being screamed to deckhands and the sound of explosions that sent the water flying into the air, Tiny and the Thanites faced Rainbow Blast with the same glare that they’d kept on her previously.

“That could happen!” Tiny roared back.

***

"Great..." Rainbow spoke with sarcasm dripping from her lips. "This just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?"

"Oh, I'm not done yet," Spike stated as his grin grew long enough to reach the ends of room. "I'll be playing a very special role soon... heh, heh, heh..."

Forge World: Expanded compendium (Update 5/9/13)

Since the whole idea of the game caught fire I'm adding this here so that we may exchange and discuss idea for the game including subjects such as systems of the game, abilities and skill use as well as balancing. Etcetera, etcetera. You get the general idea. Maybe this could be the next big fan collaboration kind of like the Past Sins printing and Fallout Equestria. Eh who knows, maybe I'm just thinking about it too hard.

Anyway, I'm going to try and update whenever possible but I might need some help. Systems might need the occasional tweaking for balance so that one's character might not become the most overpowered thing in the game *cough* Pathfinder *cough* I'm not entirely keen on how certain things work and from the look of you guys in the comments you know a lot more about this then I do. Hopefully we can get everything in working order (flavor text and lore aside) for there to be a game at all. I'll mostly stick with writing the story for the time being and add in any changes.

Table of Contents

History of Metallos

Life in the Forge Worlds

Characters

Character Stats

Creating your Character

Races

Careers

Experience and Advancement

Abilities

Skills

Magic

Spells

Spell List

Spell descriptions

Gear and Alchemy

Price List

Armor

Melee Weapons

Ranged Weapons

Ammunition

Equipment

Alchemy

Engines

Anatomy of an Engine

Engine Rules

Command Protocols

Controlling an Engine

Engine Developments

Bestiary

Character Sheet (Courtesy of very awesome Shenadri)

Index

Stuff that got cut or was replaced for certain reasons

Changelog

Character Sheet

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Image shown above may be subjected to changes

Changelog

(Monday, 4/29/13, 8:40 P.M.)

General information

Added expanded compendium as a chapter

Added table of contents

Added Shenadri's character sheet (1 of 4) for viewing and discussion

(Wednesday, 5/9/2013, 12:09 P.M.)

General information

-Added Shenadri's revised sheets (1,2,3 of 4) for viewing and discussion