Turn 23 - Part 1
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OurLadyOfWires
Uh-oh, better hide those FOALS!
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[X] Plan: A Song of Bright Snow
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate Neighnia
-[X] (Constables) Expedition: The Quarry of Yuxtabai
-[X] (Commissioner) Get your hooves dirty
-[X] (Director) Heart
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Mayor Mare
-[X] (Baldomare) Lantern lesson
-[X] (DoA) Consult
-[X] (Smiles-Free) Lead an expedition: Is It Free Real Estate?
-[X] (Cherenkolt) Consult
--[X] Recalibrate: Grail
-[X] (Selene) Soothe the night
-[X] (Jade) Study Moth 3 artifact
-[X] Summon a Mare-in-the-Light
--[X] In a barn on our estate
-[X] Acquire a dead body
-[X] Help Smiles (x2)
-[X] Cover your bases (-5 Follower AP, +2 Velvet AP)
[X] Plan: The Princess of Love's Chosen Has to Make an Effort
--[X] You don't have time for this. (Costs 0 actions. You will only roll ONE healing dice.)
--[X] The medicine taste is worse than its appearance. But it is exactly what you need, if they are to be believed… (Costs 30 bits. One dice will auto-succeed)
-[X] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [SECRET HISTORIES]
-[X] The delights of subservience (Leash currently targeting: NO TARGET)
--[X] Change Leash to another target. (Spoiled Rich)
-[X] [KNOCK] The Shattered Stairways
--[X] [KNOCK] A labyrinth of stairs. A monument of a gone age. A sprawling ruin. See where the many paths might lead you.
-[X] These are the skills that allow you to climb the Mansus
--[X] Take that terrifying leap, into the abyss we call change
---[X] Don the mask, shear your mane, pick the only pony who will notice it. Snip snip snip (Spoiled Rich)
-[X] Filthy Rich has reached a crossroad in his personal life. His marriage is not where he wants it to be, and he is not sure what he should do. You should nudge him in the right direction. (FREE ACTION) (SAVE)
-[X] The Royal Castle feels, quite literally, like a powder keg, and the temperature is rising. Cadance will come out of that boiler at some point. When she does, she will need your help. (5x)
-[X] [FORGE] It's actually a lot simpler than it sounds, now that you know what you are doing (produce a reagent, write in which Lore/combination of Lores.
--[X] [FORGE] Level 4 reagent (80 bits)
--[X] [FORGE] Purify a level 6 Forge Reagent (110 bits)
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate Neighnia
-[X] (Constables) Expedition: The Quarry of Yuxtabai
-[X] (Commissioner) Get your hooves dirty
-[X] (Director) Heart
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Mayor Mare
-[X] (Baldomare) Lantern lesson
-[X] (DoA) Consult
-[X] (Smiles-Free) Lead an expedition: Is It Free Real Estate?
-[X] (Cherenkolt) Consult
--[X] Recalibrate: Grail
-[X] (Selene) Soothe the night
-[X] (Jade) Study Moth 3 artifact
-[X] Summon a Mare-in-the-Light
--[X] In a barn on our estate
-[X] Acquire a dead body
-[X] Help Smiles (x2)
-[X] Cover your bases (-5 Follower AP, +2 Velvet AP)
[X] Plan: The Princess of Love's Chosen Has to Make an Effort
--[X] You don't have time for this. (Costs 0 actions. You will only roll ONE healing dice.)
--[X] The medicine taste is worse than its appearance. But it is exactly what you need, if they are to be believed… (Costs 30 bits. One dice will auto-succeed)
-[X] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [SECRET HISTORIES]
-[X] The delights of subservience (Leash currently targeting: NO TARGET)
--[X] Change Leash to another target. (Spoiled Rich)
-[X] [KNOCK] The Shattered Stairways
--[X] [KNOCK] A labyrinth of stairs. A monument of a gone age. A sprawling ruin. See where the many paths might lead you.
-[X] These are the skills that allow you to climb the Mansus
--[X] Take that terrifying leap, into the abyss we call change
---[X] Don the mask, shear your mane, pick the only pony who will notice it. Snip snip snip (Spoiled Rich)
-[X] Filthy Rich has reached a crossroad in his personal life. His marriage is not where he wants it to be, and he is not sure what he should do. You should nudge him in the right direction. (FREE ACTION) (SAVE)
-[X] The Royal Castle feels, quite literally, like a powder keg, and the temperature is rising. Cadance will come out of that boiler at some point. When she does, she will need your help. (5x)
-[X] [FORGE] It's actually a lot simpler than it sounds, now that you know what you are doing (produce a reagent, write in which Lore/combination of Lores.
--[X] [FORGE] Level 4 reagent (80 bits)
--[X] [FORGE] Purify a level 6 Forge Reagent (110 bits)
- - -
At some point during this turn, Princess Cadance will roll to resolve the Celestia situation. There are three possible outcomes to her dice roll:
-She may succeed in her roll, and resolve the situation;
-She may partially succeed in her roll, and "delay" the situation for one more turn;
-She may fail in her roll.
Depending on the outcome of her dice roll, the turn (and Velvet's plans) may experience a sudden shift in direction. Some actions may be aborted or cancelled, or other things may occur.
Consequently, it is important to note that some of Velvet's actions will yield results before Cadance's dice roll (ensuring their regular occurrence) and some of Velvet's actions will occur after the dice roll (putting them in danger of being interrupted or facing unexpected circumstances).
You will be told about some (but not all) actions that will fall under one or another category.
And in some cases (like in this update) you will be able to vote to nudge things in one or another direction.
-She may succeed in her roll, and resolve the situation;
-She may partially succeed in her roll, and "delay" the situation for one more turn;
-She may fail in her roll.
Depending on the outcome of her dice roll, the turn (and Velvet's plans) may experience a sudden shift in direction. Some actions may be aborted or cancelled, or other things may occur.
Consequently, it is important to note that some of Velvet's actions will yield results before Cadance's dice roll (ensuring their regular occurrence) and some of Velvet's actions will occur after the dice roll (putting them in danger of being interrupted or facing unexpected circumstances).
You will be told about some (but not all) actions that will fall under one or another category.
And in some cases (like in this update) you will be able to vote to nudge things in one or another direction.
- - -
The sun sets on Equestria. Grudgingly. Haltingly. Like it is being strangled down towards the horizon, burning and kicking, rather than being put to bed. Everypony with a cutie mark notices it, but nopony points it out.
In most cities, where the air whispers malice into the ears of ponies and the wind is a little colder, ponies blame each other. Their neighbors, their families, everypony but themselves.
But in fair Ponyville, where trust has not been chased away by wolves, everypony just silently notices the struggle taking place in the twilight sky. And in their hearts, they hope that tomorrow will be a little better.
Still, as the shadows lengthen and the sky is tentatively dotted by stars, another figure flits through the clouds. A lone pegasus, clad in uniform and carrying a locked saddlebag, flying towards the distant estate on the town's outskirt.
A courier of the Lunar Bureau, running a familiar route, undisturbed by the late hour or the chilly weather. After all, even if the very heart of Equestria is troubled, its legs still gallop, and those who have a duty to perform will see to them.
Because they might as well give up on their cutie marks if they stop doing what they are supposed to do.
"Mail, from the Commissioner," the familiar figure says to the guards. And soon enough, packages exchange hoofs, soldiers call upon servants, and a group of letters is eventually delivered to their recipients.
Dear Stormchaser…
The first letter to be delivered was the longest. It was the longest, the most carefully written, and clearly the most important. But even then, it was not long enough. Because how could a simple letter ever replace the aching need for a pony's presence?
Still, even the longest letters eventually have an end. And by the end of that letter, a few unfortunate news had been conveyed.
That she would be busy for a while.
That they might not see each other for longer than usual.
And the hint, just the slightest hint, that he should be ready to take their family and run should something particularly strange happen in the sky.
Honorable Cherenkolt, and the blasted snake I know won't bother reading this…
The next pair of letters was bundled in a single scroll-binder.
The two letters, disguised as a pair of reasonably respectable invitations, were in fact missives. Orders, to those who were bound to obey, regardless of how unwilling they professed to be.
Granted, one of the letters went unread, as expected by its writer. But still, the more dutiful of the pair made preparations for both of them, and in a few days' time they would depart to the capital as instructed.
A long and arduous journey awaited at least one of them.
"Miss Baldomare? I have a letter for y-"
"I already know that. Here is my answer."
The following letter, delivered to a well-used guest room of the Velvet Estate, was never opened. It was barely delivered to begin with.
Because when the assigned maid knocked on her door, good Baldomare answered by barely opening it. And rather than receiving her correspondence, she instead shoved a scroll of her own writing on the maid's hoofs.
"Just make sure this gets sent back to her. You can still catch the courier if you go down to the garden right now."
She said that, and then she closed the door once again, letting the click of its lock ring loudly just to make her point clear.
And the maid was wise enough not to question her anymore.
And then, of course, there was the final letter…
- - -
- - -
- - -
You are Commissioner Velvet Covers.
Five minutes ago, you were just Velvet Covers. Five minutes ago, you were just yourself. But that moment of reprieve ended the moment you sealed the letters and passed them to the waiting Bureau courier.
Now, you must focus on the task at hoof. Now, you must make the hard decisions. And as much as it pains you, now is the time for you to decide how other ponies will risk their time, safety or even their lives. Because as much as you wish it was the case, you can't be everywhere at once.
So, you will have to trust your servants, allied and loved ones to handle their own responsibilities.
And in more practical terms, that means…
"I want an all-hoofs meeting tomorrow with everypony in a leadership position," you say to the trio of secretaries in front of you, the three ponies taking notes as you speak. "We can't assault the changelings yet, but I have other priorities for the Bureau to tackle while we figure out how to deal with them."
You tell them to send somepony to the archives for a number of things. Maps of outside of Equestria, particularly of the far east. Historical notes on quarries and stone-digging creatures. Newspaper articles on freak snowfalls over the last few months.
Your secretaries do not question the seemingly random nature of your requests. They only ask you for clarification so they know exactly what to look for.
They also do not question you when you say Deputy Shining will be absent for the foreseeable future. That, you know, is a mystery that is far easier for them to figure out.
"We will also be hosting two of our consultants," you say. "Make sure everything goes smoothly with their clearance when they arrive in Canterlot, but make sure they come see me before anything else."
You say that partly because, indeed, you want to make sure there are no hiccups during this first visit of your "consultants" to the Bureau. After all, you know you are taking a bit of a risk by bringing Lore-soaked Names here, given how Eclipse is already exploring the Mansus. But still, you don't have time to hesitate or second-guess yourself.
And of course, the other reason you want to oversee this first visit of the Names to the Bureau is because of…
"That damned snake…" you say under your breath.
"Beg your pardon, Commissioner?" one of the secretaries ask.
"Nothing, nothing. Moving on…"
Your meeting with your secretaries eventually ends, and you go about the task of catching up with the bureaucracy of the Bureau in preparation for tomorrow.
Still, you can't help but take that time to decide that…
The blasted snake is too good at voyages to have her do anything else. However, both yourself and Cherenkolt have versatility at your side.
How would you like to fine-tune your decisions for the coming Bureau Expedition?
As a reminder, the Constables of the Lunar Bureau will be ordered to go on a Long expedition this turn.
Furthermore, you have ordered Cherenkolt and Axe to "consult" for the Bureau, meaning they will lend their aid to the Bureau this turn. You have also decided to "get your hooves dirty" and personally oversee the Bureau's actions this turn.
Given her expertise, Axe will personally accompany the Bureau in the coming expedition (other options would be wasteful, or too suboptimal for Velvet to consider).
However, both you and Cherenkolt have the option to personally go on the expedition, or to NOT go to the expedition and devote your efforts somewhere else.
This vote relates exclusively to "fine-tuning" Velvet's and Cherenkolt's relationship to the Bureau this turn.
Furthermore, you have ordered Cherenkolt and Axe to "consult" for the Bureau, meaning they will lend their aid to the Bureau this turn. You have also decided to "get your hooves dirty" and personally oversee the Bureau's actions this turn.
Given her expertise, Axe will personally accompany the Bureau in the coming expedition (other options would be wasteful, or too suboptimal for Velvet to consider).
However, both you and Cherenkolt have the option to personally go on the expedition, or to NOT go to the expedition and devote your efforts somewhere else.
This vote relates exclusively to "fine-tuning" Velvet's and Cherenkolt's relationship to the Bureau this turn.
[] (VELVET) You will personally join the Bureau in the expedition.
-Velvet Covers will personally join the Bureau in the expedition.
-She will still devote some (but only the minority) of her aid to the other actions of the Bureau.
-She will be AWAY AT THE EXPEDITION when Cadance rolls her dice, and will not be able to react quickly to whatever happens.
[] (VELVET) You will NOT join the Bureau in the expedition.
-Velvet Covers will direct the Bureau's expedition from a distance, through missives and reports.
-She will still lend some aid to the expedition, but most of her skills will be aiding the Bureau in its other actions.
-She will be WELL POSITIONED when Cadance rolls her dice, and will be able to react quickly to whatever happens.
[] (CHERENKOLT) Cherenkolt will personally join the expedition.
-Cherenkolt will retain his orders to Recalibrate to Grail, and will join the Bureau expedition.
[] (CHERENKOLT) Cherenkolt will focus on aiding the detectives.
-Cherenkolt will NOT join the Bureau expedition.
-Cherenkolt will CHANGE his orders and will recalibrate to Secret Histories, and will aid the detectives in investigating Neighnia.
-This will guarantee that the detectives have their report (be it success or failure) BEFORE Cadance rolls her dice. (Otherwise, the detectives will only finish their mission after Cadance rolls her dice)
[] (CHERENKOLT) Cherenkolt will focus on aiding the researchers.
-Cherenkolt will NOT join the Bureau expedition.
-Cherenkolt will CHANGE his orders and will recalibrate to Lantern, and will aid the Bureau researchers in studying the changeling carcass.
-This will guarantee that the Bureau researchers have their report (be it success or failure) BEFORE Cadance rolls her dice. (Otherwise, the researchers will only finish their study after Cadance rolls her dice)
Baldomare sent you a letter. Confusingly, it was signed and sealed one day before you sent her your own letter asking for a lesson. But your confusion is the least of your worries, because the letter exploded in blinding light the moment you opened it. Its contents are still burned, as black fading mirages, in your field of vision.
You have gained one scrap of Lantern Lore.
Your Lantern Lore is now 4/4, pending a Sacrament. Any additional Lantern Lore scrap you receive will be "wasted" (lost and unused) until you attain Sacrament.
But wasn't there one final letter...?
It is midday. The gracious sun is at its zenith over the growing town of Ponyville. And under its warmth, the very air seems to be full of life.
Passersby fill the street. Merchants vie for the attention of customers. Newcomers gaze in wonder at the energetic tranquility. And despite everything that happened to Equestria, everything seems to be good and well in this little corner of the world.
Not a single pony realizes that, walking in their lively and tranquil midst, is…
Ponies look over their shoulders as she passes, not realizing they need to stare up to gaze upon her face.
Noisy streets die down to entranced whispers, as everypony from the bachelor to the widow is awed by her presence.
Families feel lucky, maybe even blessed, when she devotes a fragment of her time to fawn over their foals, before continuing about her stroll.
And yet, her trot and purpose this day is no flight of fancy.
No, it is no flight of fancy. And both her presence and her posture make it clear that she is more than just determined.
She is delighted. The taste of a letter, recently read, still fresh on her teeth, its papery corpse still clutched within one of her bony joints.
And as the air around her fills with the smell of grace, and an easy melody dances off from her clacking jaws…
… nopony realizes that they are reveling in the presence of a monster.
Would anypony believe it, if they knew the true nature of the thing walking in their midst?
Would anypony want to believe, if they were told the truth? Even if they were presented evidence? Even if they were the subject of her attention?
Or could it be that, instead, they would be awed by her? Terrified, but in the same awesome way they are terrified of the Sun and its Princess?
Could it be that they would even be… honored, to be so "chosen" by her?
At least one pony was about to answer that question.
One pony who, cold and malnourished, had already learned not to feel hopeful at the sound of approaching hoofsteps.
One pony who had already forgotten the taste of freedom. And who deep, deep down, somehow knew he had been taken by forces that were beyond mortal malice.
She will give him purpose.
Whether his last thought will be of fear, relief or exultation, only Our Lady of Wires will ever know.
And all around them, in the safe and warm and quaint town of Ponyville, nopony had any idea that monstrous Mareinette was once again engaging in her grizzly craft, right next to the heart of the place they all call home.
Passersby fill the street. Merchants vie for the attention of customers. Newcomers gaze in wonder at the energetic tranquility. And despite everything that happened to Equestria, everything seems to be good and well in this little corner of the world.
Not a single pony realizes that, walking in their lively and tranquil midst, is…
My most esteemed Lady Mareinette,
Ponies look over their shoulders as she passes, not realizing they need to stare up to gaze upon her face.
Noisy streets die down to entranced whispers, as everypony from the bachelor to the widow is awed by her presence.
Families feel lucky, maybe even blessed, when she devotes a fragment of her time to fawn over their foals, before continuing about her stroll.
And yet, her trot and purpose this day is no flight of fancy.
It has occurred to me that, despite my best efforts, the time is already running late. And it has also occurred to me that, to my great shame, I have yet to devote a respectable amount of time to entertaining you as a guest.
No, it is no flight of fancy. And both her presence and her posture make it clear that she is more than just determined.
She is delighted. The taste of a letter, recently read, still fresh on her teeth, its papery corpse still clutched within one of her bony joints.
And as the air around her fills with the smell of grace, and an easy melody dances off from her clacking jaws…
… nopony realizes that they are reveling in the presence of a monster.
But I am delighted to inform you I am ready to right that wrong. And rather than try to come up with an event worth your time and pedigree, I will instead humbly accept that invitation you have extended to me some time ago.
Would anypony believe it, if they knew the true nature of the thing walking in their midst?
Would anypony want to believe, if they were told the truth? Even if they were presented evidence? Even if they were the subject of her attention?
Or could it be that, instead, they would be awed by her? Terrified, but in the same awesome way they are terrified of the Sun and its Princess?
Could it be that they would even be… honored, to be so "chosen" by her?
But I could not in good conscience saddle you with all the work. So, while I am sure any dinner hosted by you would have the most exquisite of dishes, I at least took the liberty to procure ingredients that are of your liking. As a show of my good will and… commitment, to our joint endeavors.
At least one pony was about to answer that question.
One pony who, cold and malnourished, had already learned not to feel hopeful at the sound of approaching hoofsteps.
One pony who had already forgotten the taste of freedom. And who deep, deep down, somehow knew he had been taken by forces that were beyond mortal malice.
You will find those ingredients neatly packaged in the old cellar of my close friend.
She will give him purpose.
Whether his last thought will be of fear, relief or exultation, only Our Lady of Wires will ever know.
And all around them, in the safe and warm and quaint town of Ponyville, nopony had any idea that monstrous Mareinette was once again engaging in her grizzly craft, right next to the heart of the place they all call home.
Your dinner with Mareinette will take place before Cadance's dice roll.
Vote by approval, no plans needed. The single highest vote on the "Velvet" and the "Cherenkolt" categories will be the winner for each category.
Edit: Voting is OPEN. No better way to get the engine running than to let it run.
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