Esquestria: The House of the Sun - A pony cultist experience

[Talon Tiger Dino]

eh, I don't know. We don't yet understand just what the Mask unveil is like.

Is sending them away that quickly THAT cruel?

Click to shrink...

Using Leash to Moth Sac was stated to be extremely cruel by the QM. I imagine it's only worse for someone who has the Leash filling up more of their psyche than most Leashed targets.

 

[SolipsistSerpent]

Hm... You know, it's a minor concern, but if we're still trying to keep the lores balanced, we should probably put a little effort into increasing Heart at some point.

 

[Shaper47]

Hm... You know, it's a minor concern, but if we're still trying to keep the lores balanced, we should probably put a little effort into increasing Heart at some point.

Click to shrink...

I have suggested heart books in the past (30 bits a book and we can just do it on the same turn as our personal SH sacrament) but at the moment our priority should probably be more on reaching Moth 6, sacraments and befriending Names.

Totally agree though as we also want at least heart 4 for the Church expedition.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

I'm just sitting here crossing my fingers hoping that Velvet Axe rolls well and grabs us a foal predator to eat.

 

[DelightedOne]

And I am here hoping the roll does not apply Knock and that she rolls a Nat 1.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

And I am here hoping the roll does not apply Knock and that she rolls a Nat 1.

Click to shrink...

That's fair, that's fair.

 

[Thamuzz]

It's alive!

Current situation is interesting. Glad we went Lionsmith, Smiles seems fun.

I think I would have voted to acquire the minion. Not to use as a sacrifice, but to see what we could have made of him.

Not sure how I feel about the Soft Sweeps cult vote. Tasking a Wolf cult with keeping Ponyville on the 'right' track seems worrying.

 

[DelightedOne]

Tasking a Wolf cult with keeping Ponyville on the 'right' track seems worrying.

Click to shrink...

To be fair, Soft Sweeps is the primary force behind the decisions and she has actually done good work with her cult.

Some ponies got better by being part of a Wolf cult, they were allowed to leave without being killed. Those that stayed are most likely the lost causes, the ones that would have been broken for the rest of their lives in this Evil-influenced Equestria.

This has a GIGANTIC potential to go wrong, I won't lie about that. But the fact that it didn't till now is very promising if we manage to avoid further Stains(And maybe teach our family, cause I still believe that helped Soft curb her Daughter nature).

The bad side is her followers and her not being aware she has a cult. For that we can't do anything(I think) except for trusting Soft and avoiding RA's like the superplaguenukes they are.

 

[Sintonir]

I'm just sitting here crossing my fingers hoping that Velvet Axe rolls well and grabs us a foal predator to eat.

Click to shrink...

We already have a foal predator at home!
...Not in this sense though.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

Tally
[X] You will take Smiles' offer.
[X] Plan: The Mothy Path Forward
-[X] (MAP) Take it for yourself.
-[X] (PRISONER) Leave him.
-[X] (LOOT) I will steal from the poor, innocent pony prisoners.
-[X] (THING) Kill it.

Spoiler: Current Plan

[X] Plan: IM FROM PONYVILLE AND I SAY KILL EM ALL
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
-[X] Study (2x), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Manehatten book
-[X] Join the Assault on Tall Tale
-[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde

[X] Plan: Prisoner Chomping
-[x] (Free) Sell Edge 3 artifact
-[x] (Detectives) Follow Up: Dodge City
-[x] (Constables) Follow Up: Tall Tale
-[X] (Commissioner) Introduce Lore: Forge
-[x] (Director) Lantern
-[x] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Spoiled Rich & Filthy Rich
-[x] (Biedde) Channel an Edge Influence
-[x] (Baldomare) Channel a Lantern Influence
-[x] (Selene) Soothe the night
-[x] (Rarity) Focus on her work
-[x] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry x 2
--[x] Target: Easiest Level 7 book to acquire
--[X] Target: Easiest Forge 6 reagent to acquire
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Acquire a prisoner, preferably not an innocent civilian
-[X] Build a prison
-[X] Obtain a dead body
-[X] Perform the Attention of the Laws (Edge) (x2)
-[X] Cover your bases (-2 Follower AP, +1 Velvet AP)

In the end, you decided to Wake. You returned to the Wake, you woke up on your bed, and the world wasn't any different than it was before you fell asleep.

The night was still dark outside your window. Your ribs were still broken where Biedde had casually headbutted you earlier that night. And Equestria was no more or no less safe than it was before you fell asleep.

You decided to wake up, yes, and leave that dreadful place.

But not before you made a certain decision, and not before letting that larger-than-life stallion whisper a few words into your ear.

What he told you, by itself, was already scandalous.

However, and perhaps more importantly, you also knew to expect his presence in a few days.

As well as… a certain absence, as soon as you woke up.

…

Still, you also knew you had several other things to worry about.

After all, the whole purpose of your efforts is to make sure the world keeps spinning. So, it would not do for things to stop moving just because you made a particularly worrying decision.

But even that would have to wait for later. At that moment, all you could think of was to take your pain-numbing medicine, and go back to sleep. Come the next morning, you would begin the process of tending your wounds. Hopefully without too many ponies noticing.



Velvet Covers has gained the trait "The Lion's Lot."

Biedde has been unsummoned.

The Name-given Influence "A Resolution" has dissipated.





- - -
- - -
- - -





You are Soft Sweeps, and today you are very busy!

Not because of Silky, mind you. Granted, you aren't really her "official" nanny anymore, but even the usual attention you had to give the filly has slowly but surely decreased. As is usually the case when a foal gains their cutie mark.

But let it never be said that Soft Sweeps is an idle mare. Because whatever tasks you no longer have to do as a nanny, you have made a point to pick up as a maid of the Velvet estate!

Even though you don't… really get paid anymore? And Ponpon doesn't really give you specific things to do?

Well, it's a way to keep the hoofs busy.

Besides, there aren't really a lot of maids who are allowed on the second floor, which wasn't really a problem when it was just the three nobles. But now that your mo-Mrs. Velvet has been entertaining an increasing number of guests, you know first-hoof that the second-floor maids are thankful for your help.

And speaking of guests…



"… once again, thank you for your time, my Lady. It was a privilege."

"Nonsense! The pleasure was all mine. And I will make sure to write if I hear about anything else. Now, if you don't mind, my daughter Softy will take you fine stallions downstairs. Have a wonderful day!"



You watch as a pair of stallions, merchants who have been invited to the Estate, wave goodbye to Lady Velvet. And you barely blush at how she casually referred to you as… well…

Thankfully, the two stallions don't even bat an eye at how you are wearing a maid uniform, despite the title you were just referred as. And they just follow your lead as you take them to the entrance hall.

And once those latest visitors are on their way, pulling their carriage towards Ponyville, you make your way back to the second floor and help Tip Top clean up the tea room they just used.



Velvet Covers has sold an "Edge 3" artifact and received 200 bits.

Velvet Covers has also pawned off several small items, jewels and personal effects, she acquired from Tall Tale, and received 53 bits.





- - -
- - -
- - -





You are Selene.

And you… are…

"Deep breaths, Selene. Like she taught you."

… you are fine.

You are fine.

This is not the end of the world. This is not an indication of the end of the world. And this does not mean you screwed up.

…

Okay, maybe you did screw up. But if there is one thing you have learned, it is that screwing up is not an excuse to give up. You can stumble and fall, but you only lose if you stop getting up.

You close your eyes, as you remember everything your mother told you that night. Everything she did, both before and after finding you. All of other mistakes. All of her regrets.

And you remember how, despite all that, she still kept moving forward. To keep the world safe, and to keep all of you safe.

Not for the first time, you can't help but think that you won't be worthy of being an alicorn, let alone a "Princess," if you don't try to match her fortitude.

Yes… yes. You think about all that, and you feel a little better.

Just a little.

"But enough for me to focus on what I can do."

You say that, and then you focus on the scrolls you have in front of you.

You are currently inside the… surprisingly well-kept house of one of your mother's friends. The ad-hoc center of operations for the things that must be done, but that Ponykind is not quite ready to learn about. This little room you are in, formerly a bedroom of sorts, has been converted into a study. And true to its title, you are currently using it to write down everything you have learned so far.

Right below you, on the ground floor, is the freshly-used ritual circle where you just cast one of the strange spells your mother taught you.

It is curious, you think, that you are able to do something so complex without even the smallest influence of your horn. None of this feels even remotely close to the bond you feel, to the earth or to the sky or to the world that is illuminated by your horn. Nor does it feel anything like the affection you feel from the stars and the moon.

No, this is clearly something different. Something older, that needs to be prodded and poked at, almost as if it was about to fall asleep and disappear. But still, something that can be poked nonetheless.

But more importantly, it can yield you results.

"And this is how I can help," you tell yourself as you light up your horn and continue to write. "This is what she asked me to do, so I know it is important."

You say that, and once you are finished with the scroll, you rub your eyes and prepare to cast a second ritual.

Spoiler: A missive from Selene

The Quarry of Yuxtabei

Location: Far, far to the east. After the earth becomes hard and dark, but before it is blanketed by the snow. There, a thrice-cursed gouge into the ground grows ever deeper, occupied by those who forgot why they still dig.

Expected duration: LONG

Base cost: 10 bits (you must have at least 150 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Special notes: This expedition was located after scrying for "A level 7 book"

- - -



At times, you think preparing these rituals is more trouble than they are worth.

It takes a little too long to your liking. It has too many little details that, from what you were taught, could cause it to fizzle if you get them wrong.

And what is more, the sounds of that moving machine constantly digging away on the underground of the house was more than a little distracting.

But in the end, you do what you are supposed to, and you prepare another scroll for your mother.

Spoiler: A second missive from Selene

The Choked City

Location: To the west, within the mainland but beyond the borders of Equestria. Close to the heart of the endless swamp and its moving trees. Under the rubble, and all the regrets, of a broken empire.

Expected duration: LONG

Base cost: 9 bits (you must have at least 135 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Special notes: This expedition was located after scrying for "A Level 6 Forge reagent"

You look down at your hoofwork, feeling a little satisfied at how you managed to get all of this done in just a few weeks. And considering how you also have to juggle taking care of your family, your other duties and school, and that you can only really move around at night, you tell yourself that you moved at a good enough pace for how complicated these things are.

Although you can't really bring yourself to feel proud, considering that you will also have to report to your mother that…

"Well, if anypony will know what to do, it will be her," you tell yourself.

After another deep, calming breath.

And with that, you make your way downstairs towards the door. You make sure your disguise is in place, and that you have everything you need with you, before you lock the house and head into the night.



At Velvet's request, Selene has cast two Reflection of the Tapestry rituals. 60 bits have been taken from your coffers, and two new expeditions have been discovered.

At Velvet's request, Cherenkolt has built a prison underneath Jade Whistle's house.

All rolls omitted.





- - -
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- - -





You are Silky Stream, and right now you are alone.

Not the bad kind of alone. You aren't lonely. But you definitely are all by yourself right now.

That has been happening a little more often, ever since your cute-ceñeara. But you don't really mind.

It's just that you have been more… busy.

Your parents talked to you about this, they told you that you didn't need to feel intimidated by this, and that you could always come to them if this felt wrong.

"It's normal for a filly to want to focus on her talent," your mother said. "It's normal for a baker foal to spend their free time in the kitchen, and for a farming foal to start messing with pots and plants. So, go do whatever your heart and your flank tell you."

And sure enough, you can tell that you have been playing a lot less often in your free time. It has been a few days since you last opened your toy chest, and you have already read two of the books you were gifted for your cute-ceñeara.

But still, something feels… off.

You don't feel lonely.

And you don't feel like you are wasting your time either.

But you also… don't really feel like you are doing what you are supposed to do?

It's confusing. Your dad told you it could be confusing, but this is definitely not the kind of confusion you were expecting.

It just… feels…

"I think this is enough reading for today," you tell yourself, putting down the book you are currently working through.

It is a book about history. A very interesting book, even. Especially considering how you didn't really care about history or geography before getting your cutie mark. But now that you have it, and now that you can hear your parents whispering to each other complicated words like "diplomat" or "negotiator," you have been finding those kinds of books very engaging.

But again, you don't really feel like reading it. Not right now at least.

So, you jump down from your bed and you make your way towards your closet. You then put the book away on the bottom shelf.

And once again, your eyes stay for a few seconds on one of the items you have in your closet. One of the important things you know you have to take care of.

It is an old and battered cap, the one that grampa Biedde used to wear all the time. He gave it to you, just a few days ago, and he asked you to take care of it. "Tell your mother I will come back for it," he said, and on the next morning he was gone.

You told your mother, of course. Grampa Biedde was always very nice to you, and you liked doing him favors. But for some reason, your mother was very quiet when you gave her that message. She even asked if she could keep the cap instead, but you insisted that you were supposed to be the one to hold on to it.

But that is neither here nor there. What matters is that, once again, your eyes linger on the cap, and you can't help but feel that… that tingling, somewhere inside of you, that tells you that you should be doing something. Or maybe that you failed to do something, and that now it is too late.

Still, you shake your head, and you shut the door of the closet, and then you make your way downstairs.

There is always something to do in the mansion. So, you hope you will find some inspiration, or perhaps some guidance, of what you should do about this feeling you have inside of you.

After all, every grown-up says that learning to talk to your cutie mark is one of the most important things in your life. And you do not want to be one of those grown-ups who, despite their age, have not yet learned how to do it.



- - -



There is always something to do in the mansion.

You pass by the kitchen, and you overhear the cooks saying that their knives haven't been as sharp as they were, since a few days ago. But you keep your distance, because good fillies don't get close to knives.

You pass by the tearoom, and you overhear uncle Pride begging aunt Baldomare to tell him when Axe will be back. But you don't disturb them, because Axe asked you not to tell anypony about her secrets.

You pass by the servant's workshop, and you hear Soft Sweeps gossiping with a unicorn maid you have never seen before. But you leave them be, because your older sister looked like she was having fun.

And eventually, you find something that almost immediately catches your attention.

In the end, you are still just a filly.

So, even though you have been playing less often, it doesn't mean that you don't play anymore.

And as you walk through the garden, you come across a scene that is as familiar as it is welcoming.

You find a tea party.

A tea party that is about to begin. More than just that, a tea party that was waiting for you!

And you know this tea party was waiting for you because, well, everything is in place but still untouched.

But also because there are currently several empty seats around the table, and only one of them is currently occupied.

"Cherry Coat, you shouldn't have!" you say, absolutely delighted.

And before you can even think about it, your little wings begin to flap behind your back, and you sit on one of the empty seats opposite to your friend.

But ah, how rude of you. You really should introduce your friend!

Prince Cherry Coat (although he gets embarrassed by the title) is one of your newest friends.

He is also a toy. Almost the size of a colt, and with so many joints and parts that you can pose him however you want. But a toy nonetheless.

However, despite being a toy, he also has a secret.

Because you know, you just know, that Cherry Coat can talk. He can talk, and you are also pretty sure he can move.

"Prince Cherry Coat, it has been far too long!" you say, the haughty voice of your noble persona coming to you like second nature. "Where have you been? And did you remember to bring any souvenirs?"

Granted, he hasn't talked to you yet. But you know he listens to you. He listens to you, and more than once you had this nagging feeling that he gets a little lonely when you stop talking. On top of that, for all that he hasn't talked to you yet, you swear by your flank that the name "Cherry Coat" came to you in a dream.

You are also pretty sure you misheard it, or that there was an accent to that name. But that didn't stop you from drawing a pair of cherries on his blank flanks to make him closer to your age.

And about the moving part… well, Cherry Coat has already disappeared from your room more than once. And he already returned to your room, without Soft or any of the other maids having anything to do with it.

Besides, who else could have set up this tea party if not him?

"And this tea is absolutely wonderful. As always," you say. At this point, the hat you keep hidden nearby is already on your head. And you are the perfect picture of a noble lady, just like your mother. "But more importantly, why don't I tell you about my day? I simply must hear your opinion on a problem I have."

Yes, yes, you know. Fillies your age shouldn't have imaginary friends. Fillies your age shouldn't say gibberish, or insist that one of your toys can talk. You know that. And you know that if somepony like Soft were to see you right now, you would probably get a very light scold about how you should start acting your age. Especially now that you have a cutie mark.

But you know you are not being silly. You know that… that there is something about Cherry, that isn't exactly magical, but isn't un-magical either.

And besides, honestly? You feel at ease right now. You feel calm, and happy, and the opposite of whatever nervousness you were feeling earlier today.

Granted, you are sure that your cutie mark isn't related to talking to toys. That would be very silly (and maybe a little embarrassing).

But still, even though you don't know exactly what your cutie mark is about, you are pretty sure it has to do with talking.

So, even if Cherry hasn't talked back to you yet, you feel content.

You feel like you are keeping company to a pony that needs it, right now.

You feel like you are building bridges, or learning how to build bridges, where they are meant to be built.

And no matter how much a grown-up might nag you if they saw you right now, you really don't feel like you are wasting time by being here in this tea party.

Even if, to everypony else, you are just talking to a very well made doll.

That is… until you hear hoofsteps behind you.



"Well, well, well. Look what we have here?"

"[MOTH]?"



And your tea party is interrupted by two voices you are very much unfamiliar with.



- - -



You were raised to be a well-behaved filly.

You were taught etiquette, and good manners, and you always say your please and thank-yous.

You were also taught that first impressions are very, very important. And although you are usually a bit shy when you meet ponies for the first time, you always try your best when you are introduced so somepony new.

All of that being said…

… you definitely did not behave like a good filly today.



"Where is she? Where did she go??? Cherry please help me, she can't have gone far!"

"[LANTERN]!"



You are currently laughing, almost yelling, as you hold on to dear life.

You have no idea how things came to this. And something tells you that your mother would be furious if she saw you right now.

But just a few minutes ago, you met a pair of ponies. Ponies who, from what you understand, are friends of your mother like aunt Baldomare and Axe.

More importantly, they asked if they could join in your tea party! They even gave you silly names (because Lady Mare and Sir Smiles couldn't be their real names). And for some reason you couldn't help but treat them like they were your friends from school.

Still, again, you have no idea how things came to this. Because right now…



"Left? Right? What do you mean she's behind me?"

"[MOTH]…"

"Three lefts can't make one right, you silly mare!"



… right now, you are quite literally grasping at the mane of Sir Smiles.

Because the stallion is big. He is huge! Large enough for you to, quite literally, be able to walk on his back, rather than just ride him. And his mane, also, stands upright almost in a spiky way. It is tall enough for you to be able to hide in it, and it goes all the way to the middle of his back.

And the reason you are holding on to his mane is because, when you marveled at how large he was, he told you to see for yourself, and basically lifted you to his back.

Then, he put Cherry Coat on top of his head, almost wearing him like a helmet, and then he pretended he "lost sight" of you.

Which was just an excuse for him to start spinning in place, following the funny instructions of Lady Mare, as he looked for you here and there.

And by Celestia, Mr. Smiles can spin fast.

He spins, and he spins, and he almost throws you off his back when he jumps into the air. Bringing out some very unlady-like laughter from you.

Until finally, he twists his neck just enough to look straight at you, Cherry Coat still nestled close to his forehead, and he gives you the widest of grins.

"Oh, there you are! By the light of me, I thought I had lost you!"

He says that, and you are honestly too out of breath to answer him. But you let go of his mane, and it takes you a few seconds to realize your forelegs are still shaking from the effort.

After a few more seconds of breathing, and giggling a bit at the funny face he is making, you finally realize he also raised a hoof to help you off his back.

And good sun, even his hoof is huge! You are sure you would be able to stand on his hoof, if you balanced yourself right. But still, you try to retain what little noble dignity you still have, and you give him a proper answer.

"That is quite alright, Mr-… Sir Smiles," you say, waving his hoof away. "I was lost in that jungle of manes for a moment, but I can make my way out just fine."

You say that, and then you jump out of his back. He is still tall enough that you have to flip your wings a bit, so you don't hurt your legs on the landing. But you get off his back nonetheless. And you give him a short curtsy for his troubles.

"Of course, my fair lady," he answers, with a flowery bow of his own. "I am glad you are returned to us safe and sound," he says with another grin, as you make your way back to the tea table.

And you try your best not to look at the nearby bushes (because when the hay did they get so beaten up?), or the stamped grass under your hoofs (and how did his spinning cause so much damage?). You are sure you will get an earful from your mother, on behalf of the gardeners, later today.

That is, if they find out about your involvement.

Still, you try your best not to look at the surrounding damage from your literal horseplay. And you take a refreshing gulp from your cold tea.

Only to be joined by the two grown-ups (and the doll) who somehow seem to be having as much fun as you are right now.

"[SECRET HISTORIES]?"

"Lady Mare is right, Lady Stream. You were telling us about how you met our good Prince?" Mr. Smiles asks.

To which you respond with a nod. Your eyes once again glazing over at how Lady Mare once again tried to sit next to you, only to have her seat artfully stolen by Mr. Smiles. Forcing the elegant (and strangely indescribable) mare to sit opposite to you.

"Ah yes, that. It was quite the magical story, even if a short one. You see, one day after I became a grown mare," you say, pointing at your flank, "I woke up from my sleep, and there he was sleeping next to me."

"[GRAI-]?!" Lady Mare begins to say-

"-that is a lovely story!" only to have a cupcake stuffed into her mouth the moment she started to say a word you don't really know the meaning of. Something that sounded like consummasomething? "I am glad the two of you became such good friends." He finishes, emphasizing that last word.

And you nod at him. Because of course, you and Cherry are great friends!

Although you can't help but feel a bit curious at the quick bout of bickering you heard the two grown-ups share under their breaths.

"But what of you two? Sir Smiles and Lady Mare tell me you are friends of my Queen Mother, yes? Do tell, how did you meet her?"

"Ah, of course, of course. What sort of guests would we be if we did not entertain you with tales of our own origin?" Mr. Smiles says, waving a hoof at himself and Lady Mare.

To which the older mare answers with a sage nod, before she opens her mouth and-

"[SECRET HISTORIES]."

-tells you the thrilling tale of how she met your mother.

And once she is done speaking, Mr. Smiles chimes up.

"And your mother invited me just a few days ago, though I just arrived earlier today. And Lady Mare is an old friend of mine. She is like an aunt to me, really. So, she was showing me around when we found you and Prince Cherry here."

He says that in an innocent, friendly tone. But for some reason, you can't help but feel that something about his words is embarrassing Cherry Coat. You just can't quite put a hoof on it, but they seem to be on good terms, so you won't pry.

"[FORGE]!"

"No, I don't look smaller, I just… Look, I had chicken one time! And half of them said they are from the sky, while the other half said they were from the earth. How was I supposed to know!"

Clack-clack-clack-clack-clack-clack-clack.

Still, your odd thoughts about… about how an odd feeling inside of you is telling you that one of your toys is comfortable with two grown-ups you have never met before, well those thoughts are interrupted as Mr. Smiles and Lady Mare turn towards you once again.

"Speaking of which, it was awesome to meet you, little filly. And I hope you invite us for more of your tea parties! But then again," he says, looking away from you and towards the central mansion. "I really should go meet your mother. Do you think you can take me to her?" he asks.

And to that, you move away from your make-believe persona as quickly as you take off your fancy hat.

"Of course, Mr. Smiles," you say, jumping off from your seat and picking up Cherry Coat as you wave for him to follow you. Something about his words making it easy to still treat him like a school friend, even though you met him less than an hour ago. "Oh, and is Mrs. Mare coming too? She said she has been here for a while and that she knows mom, but I have never seen her before so…"

"[WINTER]."

"Not if your mother is in that building. My aunt here is, uh, uncomfortable in closed spaces."

You nod at that, and you say your goodbyes to Mrs. Mare before you guide Mr. Smiles to the entrance hall.

"Oh, but before we go any further," the stallion says.

And you turn around just in time to see him licking his hoof-

-and then absolutely ruffling your mane with it.

"Somepony did something horrible to your mane. It had no place on a filly as cute as you," he says. "It looks much better now. And make sure you don't wear any old dusty stuff that comes from old dusty stallions!"

You have no idea what he did to your mane, exactly. But your mom only jumps up in surprise a little bit when you open the door to her study and reveal the hulking form of Mr. Smiles.



Smiles, the Name of Edge, has been summoned. His counter will begin from the start of Turn 23.





- - -
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- - -





You are Lady Velvet Covers.

And not only do you have a lot in your mind right now, but you would also really appreciate if you stopped having new things to worry about thrown at you like this!

Because yes, Biedde is gone. He is gone, and he left you a very harrowing message, delivered through the most terrifying angle possible.

After all, it doesn't get any scarier than having a consummate assassin tell you that he "will be back" for something he left with your precious daughter.

But then, there is also the fact that you just heard about "rumors" going on in Ponyville, that the local cemetery has been disturbed. Which means that Comet Feet wasn't so subtle about his actions when he delivered you that body a few weeks ago.

On top of that, Axe recently reported to you that she acquired a prisoner. But when you asked her about the pony she, well, kidnapped, she looked you straight in the eye and asked "does it matter?"

And between your broken rib, your thirst for Glory, and the several very dangerous actors you have to worry about, you do not have the time to deal with anything else. Let alone these new issues.

But at least, for good or for ill, you now have a new guest to take the spot Biedde left.

He may not have the subtlety of Mareinette, despite his size. He may draw a lot of eyes. And he may already have broken a few things around the house, like a literal bull in a china shop. But at least he had the good sense to… hide the fangs you know he has, and to look more horse-like than not, even if he doesn't really look like a regular pony.

And more importantly, you can tell he is at least as dangerous as Biedde. Even if he feels more like an "unstoppable force" as opposed to the old stallion's "immovable object."

That, and he also… kept to his end of the deal.

As promised, he has gifted you Sacrament. And you feel, you literally feel, greater for that.

He also explained to you what he would need to make your current arrangement more permanent.

But you will worry about all of that later.

Right now, you have much more important things to do.

"Are you sure you are alright, mom?" the filly asks, as you fail to suppress a wince while drinking from your tea.

"I am fine, Selene. But thank you for your concern," you answer. "Now, you said you wanted to tell me something important?"

Namely, Selene said she wanted to talk to you, in private.

So naturally, here you are.





You have obtained a dead body, and retroactively transformed it into a Rise counting at the beginning of this turn.

You have obtained a live prisoner that was placed in your Prison. He will expire, and turn into a dead body, at the end of Turn 28 if not used.

Smiles' Sacrament, as well as the requirements for his stay, will be discussed soon.

The Bureau's reports will be read and considered later.

And a small matter that Selene needs to bring to your attention will be mentioned after that.

More to follow, later. Just an "administrative" update so we can catch up to everything that is going on this turn. I hope you are all doing well!

 

[spiderhellian]

It is an old and battered cap, the one that grampa Biedde used to wear all the time. He gave it to you, just a few days ago, and he asked you to take care of it. "Tell your mother I will come back for it," he said, and on the next morning he was gone.

Click to shrink...

Oh, Biedde. That is an excellent, excellent, parting line. I was a staunch advocate that we summon you, and I'm glad we did. I'll miss having your dread self around, and this update in particular makes me sad for the Name Hotel shenanigans we missed out on. But I'm sure we'll see you again, before All In comes a-calling. Even if I hope we do not!

It's always lovely to see the world through Silky's eyes. Does little Cherenkolt have a crush? Well, clearly he is in good hooves when it comes to instruction on how to be a Pony.

It does also make me wonder if Velvet has now, settled somewhat on the 'Change' side of the Principle spectrm. Or at least that's how the numbers have now shaken out, after a long time on the other side of things. Interesting to see that those lines remain drawn, even all these eras later...

---

Meanwhile Selene, you're crushing it! The Lantern artefact plan worked excellently. Though the Bits these two expeditions demand, lord... maybe the shame of looting prisoners will pay off after all.

Also, I love the choice not to tell us about the prisoner. It doesn't matter, not really, does it?

 

[Greymere]

The Quarry of Yuxtabei

Location: Far, far to the east. After the earth becomes hard and dark, but before it is blanketed by the snow. There, a thrice-cursed gouge into the ground grows ever deeper, occupied by those who forgot why they still dig.

Expected duration: LONG

Base cost: 10 bits (you must have at least 150 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Special notes: This expedition was located after scrying for "A level 7 book"

Click to shrink...

The Choked City

Location: To the west, within the mainland but beyond the borders of Equestria. Close to the heart of the endless swamp and its moving trees. Under the rubble, and all the regrets, of a broken empire.

Expected duration: LONG

Base cost: 9 bits (you must have at least 135 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Special notes: This expedition was located after scrying for "A Level 6 Forge reagent"

Click to shrink...

Yuck. Two long expeditions, and both even more expensive than BtRC3. All things being equal, I think I'd rather we go for the book first, seeing as that gets us Baldomare's friendship immediately and therefore +1 AP compared to Cherekolt, which needs an additional turn to refine it into Blue Gold. And with how pricey they are... yeah, I don't think it would be a smart idea to try and do both on the same turn.

@OurLadyOfWires since they're both Long and Important, would it be possible to have a pre-turn vote before T23 regarding scouting out the locations? Since otherwise the expedition planning might get a bit. Uh. Messy.

Nice that Smiles is just telling us upfront what he wants for Name Friendship. And see, he's already being a better uncle to Silky! Biedde would never bother with messing with Mareinette.

Edit: Also I'm just going to go ahead and bet now that the book at the quarry is either Moth or Winter, considering the vibes.

 

[Arrkhon]

"[GRAI-]?!" Lady Mare begins to say-

"-that is a lovely story!" only to have a cupcake stuffed into her mouth the moment she started to say a word you don't really know the meaning of. Something that sounded like consummasomething? "I am glad the two of you became such good friends." He finishes, emphasizing that last word.

Click to shrink...

Mareinette will be a terrible influence on Silky, she's the one that put him there!

And you turn around just in time to see him licking his hoof-

-and then absolutely ruffling your mane with it.

"Somepony did something horrible to your mane. It had no place on a filly as cute as you," he says. "It looks much better now. And make sure you don't wear any old dusty stuff that comes from old dusty stallions!"

Click to shrink...

And Smiles as well, not only giving her terrible taste in hairdos but also hating on berets!
Terrible influences, both of them!

 

[Greymere]

"No, I don't look smaller, I just… Look, I had chicken one time! And half of them said they are from the sky, while the other half said they were from the earth. How was I supposed to know!"

Click to shrink...

Oh, I missed the implications of this the first time. I think our new Edge Name may be a former skaptodon or labhite. I'd bet on skaptodon, though.

 

[Quaxotia]

Seeing as we've thrown in our lot with Smiles, I got some time with my deskdog recently to crunch some numbers regarding simulated duels against Biedde. I was just writing up my analysis when the update hit.

Simulation assumptions:
- Hopefully I coded the battle system correctly and didn't introduce subtle bugs
- Biedde appears as we have seen him in his summoned form with no additional bonuses (5/5 health, +80 combat bonus, [My Scars Are Lessons], etc.)
- Duel to the death with no interruptions
- Attention of the Laws, if any, are applied immediately, with no regard for intelligent usage
- Chances were calculated based on 1,000,000 simulated battles for each matchup

Smiles v. Biedde
~41% chance for Smiles to win

• 9% with 1 HP
• 10% with 2 HP
• 9% with 3 HP
• 7% with 4 HP
• 5% with 5 HP

Conversely, 59% chance for Biedde to win

• 33% with 1 HP
• 3% with 2 HP
• 19% with 3 HP
• 4% with 5 HP

Biedde has an edge over Smiles, assuming that [Crushing Strength] causes [My Scars Are Lessons] to activate multiple times. However he has a high chance of being left in critical condition, and if I read the text of [My Scars Are Lessons] correctly, its bonus disappears if he enters a new fight with a fresh opponent while wounded.

Velvet Covers v. Biedde
Pretty much hopeless for Velvet Covers. Her HP is simply too low. With Edge 5, [A Resolution], and 3 AotLs she only hits 7% victory chance. Even Edge 6 with the presumed reroll every 2 rolls doesn't help much unless she also brings [A Resolution] and 3 AotLs, bringing her victory chance to 32%. So barring special boons from Edge 5/6 or Wrong Key spam, she should avoid direct combat with Biedde altogether.

Selene v. Biedde
[A Resolution] gives Selene fighting odds but is a coin flip at 47% victory chance. Activating [No Holds Barred] alone at the very start of combat nets her a 13% victory chance. However, if [A Resolution] and [No Holds Barred] are stacked then she can actually curbstomp Biedde (99.95% victory chance!!!)

However, please note that this entire calculus changes if Biedde himself has [A Resolution]. In that case, the only sensible recommendation is to have Smiles with [A Resolution] duel him.

Once Biedde hits the Wake again, advance detection of him and interception with Smiles is the best strategy in my mind. Then mix with Wrong Keys or another strong combatant waiting in the wings for mop up. Having an odd number of initial wounds on Biedde via Wrong Keys or other method such as The End is Beautiful ritual (assuming that even works on a Name) will help give the edge to Smiles. With full HP, he can win over 4/5 HP Biedde 59% of the time, and 2/5 HP Biedde 71% of the time, with even higher odds if those wounds were inflicted outside of the combat with Smiles and [My Scars Are Lessons] has expired.

In a defense situation, the target of Biedde receives Objective: Survive and hopes that Smiles can get to them in time. In case Selene defends, a risky play is for her to aim to inflict an initial wound and then attempt to disengage and have Smiles come in.

 

[Sveta08]

"Left? Right? What do you mean she's behind me?"

"[MOTH]…"

"Three lefts can't make one right, you silly mare!"

Click to shrink...

Ha-ha-HA!

I knew it! Blasted bleeding cursed delicious... Knew that Mareinette knew this kinda bend before. Heart too much and too many cycles.
Pay no heed to my poking of the curtains! On to the story and the show!



You know, I had half a mind to write a piece a few days back. A potential future looking back of Silky speaking and dancing and living later on. A few years on down the road. I think I very well may still.
But this? This satisfied my want to see it. At least in the way I couldn't make. I alluded to it earlier how Silky is both the daughter of Velvet, but also the daughter of Stormy, and this?
This well confirms it in my eyes.

Daughter of one who acts on the whims of fate, not in a way dappled with the lores, but in a way that is so much more Pony than Glory.
Daughter of one who walks in the light and the hunger for Glory for power and safety and control not for it's own sake, but for the safety of her own.
Friend to those who are found, and sweet and kindly and not quite so invested as they are... immersed.


A lovely update. Administrative you called it? Perhaps! But that's life! It's not about the big moments. Or rather... Hah. Stormy on the mind.
Big moments aren't always big.
I think Ax even was wondering about that just a moment ago...

Much as I'd love to laud more on it, don't want to detract from the story itself, and goodness knows there will be others more than happy to dance in my stead. So for now?
Just a request.
When going for the Journey to the Quarry? I'd ask that if Velvet goes, so too does Baldomare.
Call it a hunch.

 

[Greymere]

Once Biedde hits the Wake again, advance detection of him and interception with Smiles is the best strategy in my mind. Then mix with Wrong Keys or another strong combatant waiting in the wings for mop up. Having an odd number of initial wounds on Biedde via Wrong Keys or other method such as The End is Beautiful ritual (assuming that even works on a Name) will help give the edge to Smiles. With full HP, he can win over 4/5 HP Biedde 59% of the time, and 2/5 HP Biedde 71% of the time, with even higher odds if those wounds were inflicted outside of the combat with Smiles and [My Scars Are Lessons] has expired.

In a defense situation, the target of Biedde receives Objective: Survive and hopes that Smiles can get to them in time. In case Selene defends, a risky play is for her to aim to inflict an initial wound and then attempt to disengage and have Smiles come in.

Click to shrink...

I think Bird has confirmed that killing rituals don't work on Names. Anyway, it is worth noting that Biedde's anti-dogpile trait only works on creatures that can feel fear. I doubt Windigos fall under that umbrella, and its possible that someone under A Resolution wouldn't either, considering what we've seen of its mental effect. But Wrong Keys w/ Smiles is likely the best combatant, since he effectively only needs to hit Biedde once before the rest of his health can get shredded with Wrong Keys.

Anyway, what this really tells us is that we should summon Mares-in-the-Light who can throw themselves as sacrificial Wrong Key wielders before Smiles engages

 

[Venerable Ro]

And once again, your eyes stay for a few seconds on one of the items you have in your closet. One of the important things you know you have to take care of.

It is an old and battered cap, the one that grampa Biedde used to wear all the time. He gave it to you, just a few days ago, and he asked you to take care of it. "Tell your mother I will come back for it," he said, and on the next morning he was gone.

You told your mother, of course. Grampa Biedde was always very nice to you, and you liked doing him favors. But for some reason, your mother was very quiet when you gave her that message. She even asked if she could keep the cap instead, but you insisted that you were supposed to be the one to hold on to it.

But that is neither here nor there. What matters is that, once again, your eyes linger on the cap, and you can't help but feel that… that tingling, somewhere inside of you, that tells you that you should be doing something. Or maybe that you failed to do something, and that now it is too late.

Click to shrink...

Whoops, I think we ruined Silky's ongoing subversion. It is not, after all, completely impossible for a being to leave The Colonel's service...

"He will not release me."

Of course that would be a rather significant "nudge", one that really could only be delivered through complete innocence, given the nature of Edge. Ah well, no use crying over spilt histories.

To which you respond with a nod. Your eyes once again glazing over at how Lady Mare once again tried to sit next to you, only to have her seat artfully stolen by Mr. Smiles. Forcing the elegant (and strangely indescribable) mare to sit opposite to you.

Click to shrink...

And look, we even found ourselves a chaperone for Lady Mare, that's certainly fortuitous.

 

[DelightedOne]

The Quarry of Yuxtabei

Click to shrink...

DoA will certainly be busy next turn.

The Choked City

Click to shrink...

Uh oh. Both of them are long expeditions.

That imposes some limits, but not that much, I think?

Aaaand, the rolls were ommited. Great.

But that is neither here nor there. What matters is that, once again, your eyes linger on the cap, and you can't help but feel that… that tingling, somewhere inside of you, that tells you that you should be doing something. Or maybe that you failed to do something, and that now it is too late.

Click to shrink...

Please tell me we did not fuck up Silky's task to do something with Biedde.

If it is that, I regret my vote. Unless we can just end the Corrivality by killing Biedde and have the Colonel surrender.

Because you know, you just know, that Cherry Coat can talk. He can talk, and you are also pretty sure he can move.

Click to shrink...

Cherry Coat. Cherenkolt...

Oh, Mareinette put him to be a toy for Silky. Forgot about that.

"[GRAI-]?!" Lady Mare begins to say

Click to shrink...

... Smiles should have cut her tongue off for that.

You have obtained a live prisoner that was placed in your Prison. He will expire, and turn into a dead body, at the end of Turn 28 if not used.

Click to shrink...

Okay, plan B it is. So if there is anyone who doesn't agree with Mareinette befriending I will make all my plans for turn 23 around taking Velvet's Personal Lantern Sacrament by having Baldomare give the final Scrap and using the prisoner for that.

Smiles' Sacrament, as well as the requirements for his stay, will be discussed soon.

The Bureau's reports will be read and considered later.

And a small matter that Selene needs to bring to your attention will be mentioned after that.

Click to shrink...

Smiles is exactly what I expected.

Curious to see if the dead husk counts as a book. It would be pretty funny to give 5 lores to the Bureau in a single turn(and efficient!).

Small matter huh? That is your code for "something important that I won't elaborate".

 

[Greymere]

That imposes some limits, but not that much, I think?

Click to shrink...

Considering that at least one of these expeditions almost certainly isn't something we'll want to fling someone at solo, we can't realistically do both of these on the same turn.

 

[DelightedOne]

Considering that at least one of these expeditions almost certainly isn't something we'll want to fling someone at solo, we can't realistically do both of these on the same turn.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, but still it is quite easy to see who needs priority between Baldomare and Cherenkolt.

She expires next turn and he the turn after, we have the noose to give to him to extend that and can turn him into a artifact to keep his battery up and take him to both expeditions without cost(I feel like his expedition will have a forge roll by the description).

But aside from all of that, the good thing is that we can fling Smiles at "free real estate" without worry. Except for his seeming unsuitability for it, but it is the most useful short expedition we have so... *Shrugs*

 

[Greymere]

Yeah, but still it is quite easy to see who needs priority between Baldomare and Cherenkolt.

She expires next turn and he the turn after, we have the noose to give to him to extend that and can turn him into a artifact to keep his battery up and take him to both expeditions without cost(I feel like his expedition will have a forge roll by the description).

But aside from all of that, the good thing is that we can fling Smiles at "free real estate" without worry. Except for his seeming unsuitability for it, but it is the most useful short expedition we have so... *Shrugs*

Click to shrink...

Eh, he's got a +30 base and I doubt its a difficult expedition in the first place. He'll probably be fine.

But yeah, that's pretty much what I was thinking. Go after the book first, miniaturize Cherenkolt, recalibrate him to whatever will be most useful.

 

[Pittauro]

I'm just sitting here crossing my fingers hoping that Velvet Axe rolls well and grabs us a foal predator to eat.

Click to shrink...

I'm mostly hoping she doesn't end up picking the first guy to annoy her that day, really.

What he told you, by itself, was already scandalous.

Click to shrink...

...was it, by any chance, a great secret of betrayal?

-The Lion's Lot: "All enemies and no allies. That is the Rebel's way." (Velvet Covers is not sworn to, bound or aligned with the Lionsmith. However, her faction is now an enemy of Biedde.)

Click to shrink...

...is it wrong that I'm kind of regretting this choice already? For all we know the Colonel is not a bad boss here...

Really, Colonel could be anything from "Velvet but more powerful" to "worse than Sombra", really.

Even though you don't… really get paid anymore? And Ponpon doesn't really give you specific things to do?

Click to shrink...

...wait, we don't pay her?

Surely she gets an allowance at least?

...Then again, she wanted money to help her family... and... well...

my daughter Softy

...

You watch as a pair of stallions, merchants who have been invited to the Estate, wave goodbye to Lady Velvet. And you barely blush at how she casually referred to you as… well…

Click to shrink...

Velvet Covers has sold an "Edge 3" artifact and received 200 bits.

Velvet Covers has also pawned off several small items, jewels and personal effects, she acquired from Tall Tale, and received 53 bits.

Click to shrink...

Seriously, I find the fact people were hesitating at stealing some bits AFTER SAVING THEIR LIVES kinda funny.

Okay, maybe you did screw up. But if there is one thing you have learned, it is that screwing up is not an excuse to give up. You can stumble and fall, but you only lose if you stop getting up.

Click to shrink...

true.

No, this is clearly something different. Something older, that needs to be prodded and poked at, almost as if it was about to fall asleep and disappear. But still, something that can be poked nonetheless.

Click to shrink...

An interesting way to see it.

Which makes me wonder... did "normal" magic literally NOT EXIST in the ancient days, with the Lores being the only "magical" thing?

Was magic an attempt to REPLACE the Lores? a modified copy, like cutie marks are derived from Brands?

The Quarry of Yuxtabei

Location: Far, far to the east. After the earth becomes hard and dark, but before it is blanketed by the snow. There, a thrice-cursed gouge into the ground grows ever deeper, occupied by those who forgot why they still dig.

Expected duration: LONG

Base cost: 10 bits (you must have at least 150 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Special notes: This expedition was located after scrying for "A level 7 book"

Click to shrink...

Ouch. truly we need a LOT of bits.

Presumably we'll send two ponies, which means 300 bits for this, even if (hopefully) we'll get a good chunk of it back by finishing earlier.

The Choked City

Location: To the west, within the mainland but beyond the borders of Equestria. Close to the heart of the endless swamp and its moving trees. Under the rubble, and all the regrets, of a broken empire.

Expected duration: LONG

Base cost: 9 bits (you must have at least 135 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Special notes: This expedition was located after scrying for "A Level 6 Forge reagent"

Click to shrink...

...honestly, it might have been easier to just make a forge 4 reagent and turn THAT into a forge 6 one.

Then again, hopefully there's OTHER rewards here too.

So, assuming two ponies per expedition, this is 300 + 270 = 570 bits JUST for those 2 expeditions.

And we also want to AT LEAST do one of the Manehattan ones, simply because Smiles has a free action for short expeditions, and we can probably send him there alone.

we might need to cut back on the other ones though. Or we might want to sell another artifact, maybe. we'll see what our budget is like come next turn.

"Well, if anypony will know what to do, it will be her," you tell yourself.

Click to shrink...

...Really, if there's a difference between the Colonel and Velvet (beside power), is that Velvet shows herself to care more. But then again... we don't really know what the relationship between Biedde and the Colonel is ACTUALLY like.

For all we know there's actual care there, and they just don't show it to the world. For all we know Biedde doesn't WANT to be released, and is actually happy with what he has.

Not all Slaves are unhappy.

It is a book about history. A very interesting book, even. Especially considering how you didn't really care about history or geography before getting your cutie mark. But now that you have it, and now that you can hear your parents whispering to each other complicated words like "diplomat" or "negotiator," you have been finding those kinds of books very engaging.

Click to shrink...

an interest in HISTORY... and, maybe, lore expeditions? Which, in CS, ARE unlocked by SH cards...

It is an old and battered cap, the one that grampa Biedde used to wear all the time. He gave it to you, just a few days ago, and he asked you to take care of it. "Tell your mother I will come back for it," he said, and on the next morning he was gone.

Click to shrink...

... he's good. A comforting promise and a horrifying threat all in one!

But that is neither here nor there. What matters is that, once again, your eyes linger on the cap, and you can't help but feel that… that tingling, somewhere inside of you, that tells you that you should be doing something. Or maybe that you failed to do something, and that now it is too late.

Click to shrink...

I really wonder if the Coward's Way Out was a potential path towards resolving the Corrivalry between Biedde and Smiles.

Silky might very well have managed to bring peace to them, eventually. I suppose we'll never know.

You pass by the kitchen, and you overhear the cooks saying that their knives haven't been as sharp as they were, since a few days ago. But you keep your distance, because good fillies don't get close to knives.

You pass by the tearoom, and you overhear uncle Pride begging aunt Baldomare to tell him when Axe will be back. But you don't disturb them, because Axe asked you not to tell anypony about her secrets.

You pass by the servant's workshop, and you hear Soft Sweeps gossiping with a unicorn maid you have never seen before. But you leave them be, because your older sister looked like she was having fun.

Click to shrink...

Biedde is gone (for now).

Axe is out capturing a prisoner for us

Soft Sweeps is having fun with her minion friend

Prince Cherry Coat (although he gets embarrassed by the title) is one of your newest friends.

He is also a toy. Almost the size of a colt, and with so many joints and parts that you can pose him however you want. But a toy nonetheless.

However, despite being a toy, he also has a secret.

Because you know, you just know, that Cherry Coat can talk. He can talk, and you are also pretty sure he can move.

Click to shrink...

...I suppose Cherenkolt was a bit too complicated of a name?

But you know you are not being silly. You know that… that there is something about Cherry, that isn't exactly magical, but isn't un-magical either.

Click to shrink...

good instincts... and the result of our lessons, I imagine.

As well as her Cutie Mark.

...damn, I'm really starting to regret not taking the Coward's way Out!

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here?"

"[MOTH]?"



And your tea party is interrupted by two voices you are very much unfamiliar with.

Click to shrink...

AN AMBUSH!

...well... Mareinette is a friend now... or will soon be one... so... it should be ok?

You have no idea how things came to this. And something tells you that your mother would be furious if she saw you right now.

Click to shrink...

Not for the reason you'd expect though, Silky. And not really at you.

And you try your best not to look at the nearby bushes (because when the hay did they get so beaten up?), or the stamped grass under your hoofs (and how did his spinning cause so much damage?). You are sure you will get an earful from your mother, on behalf of the gardeners, later today.

Click to shrink...

As appropriate, Smiles is a bit less... controlled, than Biedde.

To which you respond with a nod. Your eyes once again glazing over at how Lady Mare once again tried to sit next to you, only to have her seat artfully stolen by Mr. Smiles. Forcing the elegant (and strangely indescribable) mare to sit opposite to you.

Click to shrink...

Smiles, you're already doing a great job!

"[GRAI-]?!" Lady Mare begins to say-

"-that is a lovely story!" only to have a cupcake stuffed into her mouth the moment she started to say a word you don't really know the meaning of. Something that sounded like consummasomething? "I am glad the two of you became such good friends." He finishes, emphasizing that last word.

Click to shrink...

...was she going to make a sex joke?!

...wait, Cherenkolt is a NAME. is she trying to push them together so that one day Cherenkolt would commit the Crime of the Sky?

"And your mother invited me just a few days ago, though I just arrived earlier today. And Lady Mare is an old friend of mine. She is like an aunt to me, really. So, she was showing me around when we found you and Prince Cherry here."

Click to shrink...

... An Aunt?!

"No, I don't look smaller, I just… Look, I had chicken one time! And half of them said they are from the sky, while the other half said they were from the earth. How was I supposed to know!"

Clack-clack-clack-clack-clack-clack-clack.

Click to shrink...

...what?

. "Oh, and is Mrs. Mare coming too? She said she has been here for a while and that she knows mom, but I have never seen her before so…"

"[WINTER]."

"Not if your mother is in that building. My aunt here is, uh, uncomfortable in closed spaces."

Click to shrink...

...suuure. Let's go with that.

"Oh, but before we go any further," the stallion says.

And you turn around just in time to see him licking his hoof-

-and then absolutely ruffling your mane with it.

"Somepony did something horrible to your mane. It had no place on a filly as cute as you," he says. "It looks much better now. And make sure you don't wear any old dusty stuff that comes from old dusty stallions!"

You have no idea what he did to your mane, exactly. But your mom only jumps up in surprise a little bit when you open the door to her study and reveal the hulking form of Mr. Smiles.

Click to shrink...

...damn, if we'd had the Coward's way out, I imagine it would be a constant alternating of Biedde's cap and Smile's ruffling of her mane

But then, there is also the fact that you just heard about "rumors" going on in Ponyville, that the local cemetery has been disturbed. Which means that Comet Feet wasn't so subtle about his actions when he delivered you that body a few weeks ago.

Click to shrink...

well, at least it's JUST rumors. We might want to avoid doing it again too soon though, lest rumors turn to an investigation.

On top of that, Axe recently reported to you that she acquired a prisoner. But when you asked her about the pony she, well, kidnapped, she looked you straight in the eye and asked "does it matter?"

And between your broken rib, your thirst for Glory, and the several very dangerous actors you have to worry about, you do not have the time to deal with anything else. Let alone these new issues.

Click to shrink...

...yes, it matters.

Probably not enough to have us STOP, if we don't like the answer... but it matters. for Velvet's peace of mind if nothing else.



Now we just need to learn about Smile's extended stay requirements, as well as Selene's news...

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Yuck. Two long expeditions, and both even more expensive than BtRC3. All things being equal, I think I'd rather we go for the book first, seeing as that gets us Baldomare's friendship immediately and therefore +1 AP compared to Cherekolt, which needs an additional turn to refine it into Blue Gold. And with how pricey they are... yeah, I don't think it would be a smart idea to try and do both on the same turn.

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nah, We probably can afford it, and I'd probably avoid scouting.

Let us just send one or two Names to each one.

Something like Smiles + Baldomare (Smiles protects Baldomare by having enemies pile up on him), and Axe + Mareinette or Selene.

Add some artifacts to cover their weaknesses, and it's doable. We need both reagent and book as soon as possible, and we have the resources to try for both.

And then maybe we add something like Smiles alone on a Manehattan expedition.

We'll PROBABLY get a good chunk of bits back, which we can hopefully use for Canterlot part 3 and Baldomare's SH expedition the turn after, maybe.

Oh, I missed the implications of this the first time. I think our new Edge Name may be a former skaptodon or labhite. I'd bet on skaptodon, though.

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What do chickens have to do with the Lionsmith's creations?

I got some time with my deskdog

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Once Biedde hits the Wake again, advance detection of him and interception with Smiles is the best strategy in my mind. Then mix with Wrong Keys or another strong combatant waiting in the wings for mop up. Having an odd number of initial wounds on Biedde via Wrong Keys or other method such as The End is Beautiful ritual (assuming that even works on a Name) will help give the edge to Smiles. With full HP, he can win over 4/5 HP Biedde 59% of the time, and 2/5 HP Biedde 71% of the time, with even higher odds if those wounds were inflicted outside of the combat with Smiles and [My Scars Are Lessons] has expired.

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What if we actually gave one or more wrong Keys to Smiles to help with Biedde? To be used once he gets to low health to get around the bonuses from his wounds?

It's better to use them LATE in the fight rather than early, as Biedde only gets stronger as he loses HP.

Also while I think we should use Smiles for expeditions next turn, from the turn right after I'd probably put him on perma-guard duties, just in case.

Okay, plan B it is. So if there is anyone who doesn't agree with Mareinette befriending I will make all my plans for turn 23 around taking Velvet's Personal Lantern Sacrament by having Baldomare give the final Scrap and using the prisoner for that.

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I can't imagine such a plan winning. We'd have to pay some other way for Mareinette extension, and we promised her already, so she might take offense too.

That's if we even CAN back out at this point.

And it's not like Lantern Sacrament is really morally better than Grail at that point.

 

[Greymere]

What do chickens have to do with the Lionsmith's creations?

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Skaptodons can only eat things from the earth, while labhites can only consume things from the sky. Smiles was complaining about that he wasn't sure if chickens were "of the sky" or "of the earth". And Mareinette said he now looks smaller, implying that he ate what he wasn't supposed to and lost his monster-ness, which in CS turns them human and here would presumably turn him into a pony (though, apparently one that still retains some feline traits).

 

[Sveta08]

damn, if we'd had the Coward's way out, I imagine it would be a constant alternating of Biedde's cap and Smile's ruffling of her mane

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Conflict is an eternal thing. The shape of it is all that changes.

Like I said. The cowards way was my hope for the curiosity and complexity. And avoiding any enemy as the type of conflict.
But! I think Smiles will prove interesting and good a choice.

 

[DelightedOne]

...honestly, it might have been easier to just make a forge 4 reagent and turn THAT into a forge 6 one.

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It would. But people get awfully stingy with imaginary money.

I can't imagine such a plan winning. We'd have to pay some other way for Mareinette extension, and we promised her already, so she might take offense too.

That's if we even CAN back out at this point.

And it's not like Lantern Sacrament is really morally better than Grail at that point.

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1. Give her the Winter 4 cursed artifact. I don't recall not giving her a cursed artifact being a condition last time, the only requirement was that we had to study it.

2. We did not promise anything, it only counts if we say that to her while negotiating her bindings. All we did was say "I might take you up on that offer so be prepared".

3. We can, "The Moods of Mareinette" is still a thing.

4. This is not about morality anymore. And at least from what I can see hasn't been for a while.

 

[Pittauro]

It would. But people get awfully stingy with imaginary money.

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To be fair, we'll near certainly also find other stuff there. Rituals, books, artifacts... so the expedition is still better in a "bang for bucks" measure.

4. This is not about morality anymore. And at least from what I can see hasn't been for a while.

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Then I still see no reason for not doing the Sacrament, if the guy dies anyway.

Is this about the fear of Mareinette's sacrament being inherently corruptive? If so, I doubt that will be enough to convince the playerbase here. We're too deep.

 

[DelightedOne]

To be fair, we'll near certainly also find other stuff there. Rituals, books, artifacts... so the expedition is still better in a "bang for bucks" measure.

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Pitt... Isn't that the exact same thing that happened with Baldomare's book last time? The idea that there were more rewards than a book when all the criteria we had was "easiest level 6 book"?

And that didn't happen.

Then I still see no reason for not doing the Sacrament, if the guy dies anyway.

Is this about the fear of Mareinette's sacrament being inherently corruptive? If so, I doubt that will be enough to convince the playerbase here. We're too deep.

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This is just the last chance for people to board the "I don't like Mareinette" train.

And I want to make sure the choice is there. Just in case there is something wrong and I can go "Knew it."

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

I am devastated that the Offer Vote won and thus ended Silky's slow Subversion of Biedde. She would have gotten so much Lore Diplomacy practice too!
Also damn it Axe, you better not have thrown us some random jaywalker or something; this is why I wanted us to be specific about what sort of criminal she nabbed if we absolutely had to nab one!

 

[Pittauro]

Pitt... Isn't that the exact same thing that happened with Baldomare's book last time? The idea that there were more rewards than a book when all the criteria we had was "easiest level 6 book"?

And that didn't happen.

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the lvl 6 book was an extremely easy and cheap expedition, this one is an extremely expensive one.

It's very much not the same case. Literally all expeditions have given loot FAR above the cost we payed for them so far. INCLUDING the lvl 6 book.