Frostbitten (CYOA) #18

>>29405676
Only if I have to.

>>29405745
“I'd rather not if possible, but if it comes down to it, I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”
>One way to go about it, I s'pose.
He begins to dig behind the counter whilst still talking.
>I hate to be the one that allows you to go outside with the weather the way it is, but I'd also hate to be the one to refuse to sell you clothing you need. Puts me in a difficult situation, you see. Do I give you high prices to discourage your suicidal tenancies or do I lower them in case you might need the wares I sell?
A low roar of distant thunder echoes throughout the building. The shopkeeper looks upward in response.
>Lightning as well? Gods, this place can't catch a break...
Only about half a minute goes by before he puts two blue coats, both with a pair of goggles on them. The coats both have fur on their hoods.
>This is what I have. You two are quite lucky, I thought for sure I had sold all of these but it seems I missed some. In any case, both of these sets will cost 400 bits. It's quite expensive yes, but you get what you pay for.
That would only leave you with 100 spare bits...
“Uhh...You sure you don't have a sign anywhere that says “Buy one, get one free.” or something?”
>Hah, perhaps in a different time, friend. But I'm afraid this is all that I have that actually has a chance at protecting your sorry rumps, and that takes some fine, quality clothing. I'd know. In any case, I need to make a living, so this is what I got.

>>29405937
I wan to check gun prices before we pay that much.

>>29406052
“Well...could you keep that deal on hold or something? We were planning on checking prices for guns, so we'll see what we have if we can spare that much afterwards.”
He seems just the slightest bit disheartened.
>Ah. I see. I understand. You see, I'm a firm believer that the best offence is a good defence, but of course not all ponies would share my views. I'll keep them on hold, but don't be gone overlong, please.
“We will only be a minute.”
And with that, you saunter off to one of the tables. Now sitting moderately comfortably, Misty brings something up.
>He seemed a bit disappointed.
“He wasn't the only one.”
>Well yeah, the price was steep but I didn't expect us to do this much. Somehow. I probably should've brought more, huh. Sorry.
“It's fine. Do you have more at home?”
>Not much that I'd be willing to spend, but I do remember some sort of payment being mentioned if we did those extra things for Peter. I don't think we've spoken to him since we went to get Wallace. You think he'd pay us if we went and saw him?
“I'm not sure. He has lied before...”
>Well, we either possibly get more money from him, or we check the price of the guns first. And we still haven't spoken to Wally since we brought him back from the lighthouse. I don't want to talk to Peter again, but I can wait outside. Once again, you're at the wheel here. I'm fine with whatever, as always. I'm sure you're sane enough to decide.

>>29406205
>I'm sure you're sane enough to decide.
Are you sure it's a good idea to trust a pony who washed up from an asylum with important decisions? Anywho, I think we should check prices first then go to meet Peter. It's worth a shot to see if he'll pay us.

>>29406234
“You're really going to trust the ex-mental patient with important decisions like this?”
>Can't be any worse than a mare who makes laser cannons out of scrap metal. I think there's a line between ingenious and insane, and I think I walk that line quite well if I do say so myself.
“Yet you can only make one flavour of soup.”
>Can not! I have lots of soup I can make!
“Oh, I'll believe it when I see it, miss one trick mare.”
>Shhh! You are going to get a stern talking to once we're outta here.
“Pffft, I can't wait.”
>Just tell me where we're going, you ass.
“Let's check the prices first, then go see about getting money from Peter. I mean, it's worth a shot at least.”
>Alright, fine. Off we go?
“Off we go.”
And off you go, up the metal staircase and up the catwalks until you reach the “Random Axe Of Kindness” shop. It sounds like something you would name it, and you're not sure whether you're happy about that or not.
A rather fit looking stallion with a beard is laying on the floor of his cell. Around the cell are a multitude of weapons ranging from great clubs made out of cement and rebar, swords made from scrap metal, and of course, axes. At the very back of the cell, you can see a large locker with a rather hefty looking lock on the handle.
“Hello?”
The gruff stallion rolls over onto his hooves and walks to the counter.
“Quite the name you've got for your shop here.”
>It brings ponies in. Worked for you didn't it?
“I suppose it did. I'm here looking for guns, and just ranged weapons in general I suppose.”
>Mhmm. I got the stuff. So what do you want? Something fast? Something that hits hard? Both? Your options are based on what you want out of a weapon and how much cash you got.
“We only have 100 bits to spend on guns, will that be enough?”
>A hundred bits would get you a dagger at most. Maybe a cheap sword if you're really lucky. There's attachments to weapons that I sell, but that's about it.

>>29406434
What are your cheapest guns going for? Just so I know.

>>29406529
“Just so I know, what are your cheapest guns going for right now?”
>Cheapest guns I got are Pitchers. They're really simple weapons that can only fire one crystal shard at a time and it needs a switch to be flicked each time you want to fire again. It's going for 150 bits right now because almost no one uses them. Only ponies who have nothing else would consider getting them.
Misty speaks up.
>Why are a couple of winter coats downstairs so expensive in comparison to guns?
>You can't wrap a gun around you to keep you warm in the night. A good weapon won't do much if you're freezing to death. Anyways, above that is the standard Etcher that fires multiple shards at once until you're out of shards. Those are going for around 300 at the moment. You can usually find them from scavenging or “borrowing” them from others, but who knows if the condition they're in is useful. Shredders are more for doing less damage faster, and has a fire rate currently unmatched by any other pistol that isn't custom made. However, the amount of damage you'd be trading off for speed turns most away from the weapon, even if it is effective. If you don't have a lot of ammo, don't use em, you'll probably end up wasting a lot of what you shoot if whatever you're shooting at is agile enough or has thick armor. They're going for 250.
The stallion pauses for a second, but continues soon after.
>I could tell you about most of the other weapons in stock seeing as how I don't think I'll have many more customers to serve, but I doubt ponies who only have 100 bits to spend on weapons will be interested in them.

>>29406822
I have no problems knowing about stuff we can work towards. Also, what attachments does he have for Misty's gun?

>>29406822
Thank him for the prices and be on our way. I want to speak with Peter. Hope he pays good.

>>29406912
>>29406917

[1/2]

Well, let's see what we can work towards in the future.
>Sure thing. Punctre weapons are one of the highest damaging pistols you can get, full crystals instead of just crystal shards. They hit like a battering ram but only have two shots before reloading, and ammo for it can be more difficult to find than your usual shards. I've heard horror stories about ponies modifying them to shoot normal shards, but that sort of thing is beyond my expertise. Those pistols are 400 bits.
“Why would shooting shards be a horror story?”
>There's a lot of different types of crystals you can shoot from these weapons. Putting more than one type of shard and having them all fire at once is something I'd rather not witness. A more rare type of pistol include the Daemon brand which automatically adds barbs to the shards you put in it, eviscerating flesh but doing little to armor. 500 bits for that one there.
“Sounds painful.”
>Tis.
“In any case, we do have a pistol with us that we'd like to see attachments to.”
>What brand is it?
“Etcher, I think. Is that right, Misty?”
>Yeah, that's right.
>Well, let me see it.
Misty takes the gun out of her holster and lays it on the counter. The shopkeeper lifts it up and examines it.
>Well, it's an older model for sure. They don't make them out of wood anymore, instead opting for different types of metal. On hoof, I don't have any attachments for outdated models such as this, but if you pay me a hundred bits, I could probably send some ponies out there to try to find some. They'd know where to look, but they may or may not find anything. Keep in mind you're paying for a chance to get one, not a deal set in stone.
“Hmm. I understand. Well, we'll keep that in mind when we get back here. First we gotta go get some money for a job we did.”
The pony hands the gun back to Misty, which she holsters.

>>29407291
>Well, come back when you've got more money then. If you've got the bits, I got the stock. Kind of.
“Sure thing.”
And off you go to meet Peter. As per usual, Misty makes conversation as you walk. The storm from outside made quite a lot of noise considering there was meters of brick and cement between you and it.
>Hope Peter pays well, otherwise we're going to have to make some serious sacrifices.
“Let's hope he won't trick us like he did last time.”
You reach Peter's door and Misty sits against the wall.
>Go on in, I'll be here when you come out.
You nod and walk inside his abode once more. Even with the generators on, it's almost as if he keeps his room dimly lit just for atmosphere. Peter sits at his desk, writing something down.
>Who is it?
“Chance.”
>Hrmm. You should've knocked first. Who cares, though. Come, have a seat. You're looking for payment for bringing Wallace back, right?
You sit down on one of his comfy chairs.
“Yeah.”
Pete averts his gaze from his papers to look at you with a dull expression. He looks a bit restless.
>And tell me, what do you think of him? Is he holding that image of “smartest pony alive” well to you?

>>29407302
I don't know about the image but it seems he certainly knows a lot about what's going on here.

>>29407403
“Well, I mean, he certainly knows a lot about this place. Don't know about the “image” though.”
He just stares at you.
>Yeah. He does.
“Do you have a problem with him?”
>Him? I don't care about him. He can go do whatever for all I care.
You're pretty sure he's lying, but you'd rather not prod further.
>If you want to find him, I set him up in the basement.
“You did wha-”
>Don't get upset. We cleaned up everything besides the medical wing, so he's set up in the Admin office.
“Who is “we”?”
>That's for me to know and for you to eventually find out. Now do you want your money or not? I have paperwork to do.
You sigh.
“Yes, I'd like the bits, please.”
Peter digs in his drawers and pulls out a leather pouch, tossing it toward you. It lands on the other end of the desk, the coins inside clinking together loudly.
>Unless I counted wrong there should be four hundred bits in there. I'll pay you double if you explore the mist up to the casino like I said, and even more if you bring back something useful.
“Like what?”
>Samples of something like... I don't know, flesh, fog in a jar, whatever. Something you think may be a product of the fog. Useful stuff we can break down and examine.
“Got it.”
>Now unless you have any more questions, it would be kind of you to see yourself out.

>>29407573
Thank him. Tell Misty that you get the vibe that Wallace is very important to Peter in an "asset" kind of way and he doesn't want to show it. Wallace is in the basement right now. Set up in the admins room. Let's also go ahead and buy that winter gear. I'm thinking an Etcher, what does Misty think?

>>29407705

[1/2]

“Thanks.”
You turn and walk out the door before he speaks one more time.
>Has Misty been wearing that necklace I gave you?
“No, she hasn't. Why?”
>Just a preventative measure to keep you from ending up in my debt again. William is a terrible and powerful pony, but he does have his limits.
He looks back down and begins doing his paperwork.
>A little word of advice. Don't cross the ponies who know your weaknesses. They'll know exactly what to do to you.
He pauses, not looking up from his paperwork.
>You may leave now.
You gladly do so, closing the door gently behind you.
>So how much did we get?
You can't respond.
>Chance?
“Oh, erm, right, we got 400 bits from him. So we can get those coats and still get a weapon.”
>Nice, nice. I was expecting him to be a bit more stingy with it.
“Same here. Also, apparently they cleaned out everything in the basement besides the medical wing, so Wallace is set up in the basement in the Admin's office. I feel like Wally is an asset to Peter, but he doesn't want to admit it.”
>I bet he doesn't want to admit a lot of things. He's a stubborn old bastard.
“Apparently.”
After a bit of walking, you make it back to the clothing shopkeeper.
>Ah, hello again. Reconsidered my offer, have you?
“We have. We'll take those coats and goggles.”
You take out the pouch Peter gave you and lay it on the counter.
“Four hundred bits, as agreed.”
After taking the bag and counting them, he smiles widely with genuine happiness.

>>29408031
>Oh, thank you very much! Here, take them, they're yours. Well, of course they are, why wouldn't they be, but thank you again.
He takes out the coats and places them on the counter, taking the coin bag and storing it underneath the counter.
“Thanks for the coats, uhhm, what's your name?”
>Gathergale, but just call me Gale, it's less of a mouthful, heh.
“Well, again, thank you very much, Gale.”
>You're welcome. Stay safe, don't you dare get freeze out there.
Before you manage to make it up to the weapon shop, you ask Misty something.
“So I've been thinking of getting another Etcher, what do you think?”
>Anything other than a Pitcher sounds great, really. I wouldn't really know though. I mean, despite everything, I've always been more fond of blunt weapons. Of course I don't want to kill anypony I don't have to but if it gets to that point, yeah. Blunt stuff just...works for me. In terms of guns, though, yeah. Etchers seem like the all around best choice.

>>29408035
Let's buy an etcher and go see Wallace. I'm sure we could just find something that works well as a blunt weapon rather than buy one.

>>29408273

[1/2]

“We'll get an etcher, but I think we could probably just find something that works as a blunt weapon rather than just buying one.”
>Eh, you're probably right. After this we should probably go check up on Wallace.
“Yeah, that's what I was thinking too.”
>Great minds think alike!
After blowing 300 bits on a brand new metal Etcher, you head on downstairs. You notice that the extensive measures made to keep the entryway to the basement secure is gone, and the red emergency lights replaced by actual lights. Instead of everything being washed in red, it actually looked normal down here.
Walking down the halls and looking to the right revealed where all said extensive measures went. The metal door was moved and now protects the medical wing. You have the key to it still, but you don't plan on going in there any time soon. Or ever.
You open the door to the admin office to see Wallace sitting at the desk where you figured out that code. The terminal seems to be off, and nothing of note is in the room besides a mattress in the corner. Wallace is slumped over, examining The Taker's Stone with a longing expression on his face. Even though they cleaned the place up, this room seems to still be lit red by the emergency lights.
“I like what you've done with the place.”
He smiles weakly.
>Thanks. Pete told you I was down here?
“Yeah, pretty reluctantly, though.”
>That'd be like him. I see you have coats on your back and nowhere to put them. You can leave whatever armor you're not using here if you like, in the case the need to do so comes up.
“We'd appreciate that, Wallace. Thank you.”
>Any time. Would you mind staying down here a while?
He looks back to the stone.
>It... gets a bit lonely down here, you see.
“Sure, we'll stay down here for a while.”
>Thank you.

>>29408448
You sit in the corner, looking up towards the ceiling. You feel oddly content. Sitting here with a mare you are quite fond of. Sitting with a pony that may be the key to getting you out of this mess alive.
It feels oddly nice. And that's what makes it so odd.
You never really get the chance to feel nice anymore, do you?

That's it for me today. I'd really love your thoughts on the CYOA so far, if there's anyone who wants to say anything. Your favorite parts, what you like, what you don't like, what you're excited to see, what you'd like to see more of, etcetera. I'm pretty curious. If not, oh well.
I really wasn't sure if I was going to be able to run today, but I'm really glad I did. As always, thanks for playing.

>>29408463
I'm glad you ran. I've gushed enough over Misty and Chance's chemistry for you to know what I like. I'd like to find someway to get out of here but I'm terrified of the outside right now.

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I should've probably brought up not to bump the thread.