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

[DelightedOne]

That's why we're scrying this turn?

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Fair, just wanted the Name hit squad to take off. It would have been so fun and overpowered.

Biedde probably won't fail if it is just an assassination but the chance of seeing Copper's face when she realizes she fucked up and should have left Velvet alone would be priceless.

Edit: just remembered it was a short expedition so let's fucking go.

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

We can scry and send out a attack squad of names on the same turn. It only the Bureau that has to take 2 turns to attack someplace.

 

[AuthorTransient]

Additionally I would rather we do the Grave on the Hill expedition this turn as well, since we've already decided that we're giving that book to Baldomare, which Bird has confirmed would reset her summoned period -- instead of one of our level 5 books that we can decipher to get Scraps after a Sacrament.

 

[Sintonir]

Edit: Or go tell Mareinette to go chat up the biggest, most unrepentant asshole that she can find that "we" could still make friends with. And by we, I mean Mareinette, and by make friends, I mean make that relationship counter go up just enough to sacrifice it to the Vagabond.

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And then take that asshole prisoner and eat together with Mareinette.
Or maybe drain for the Lantern Sacrament.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Wasn't the current strategy to wait for a turn where we could have recent information, all Names and opportunity to attack Copper completely instead of just attacking her and inviting an immediate response from her?

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Not really, most people want to scry and die Copper all in the same turn.

Anyways, with the QM really liking my idea of the Moth Mask-Off being that the friend was actually Marinette all along, I am tempted to have her get started on that rather than slapping an Influence on us for a mere 2 Socials.

Also wow, Mareinette must have been incredibly worried about us to have left so much of the bodies behind. Normally it's just skin and bones she leaves, these bodies are practically intact by her standards! Makes sense if we are her pet project to bring back the Ligeaen Club though.

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

Their a lot to work on but this is basic outline I have so far.

[] Plan Eliminate Threats.
-[]A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[] [DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[] [SELENE] This body is new to her, but it is old to the world. She must learn of its abilities and privileges. (Grain +5 to her General Bonus) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Something else? (Expeditions Grave on the Hill)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Scry Copper and her forces.
-[] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book from Hill Expedition.
-[] [MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (Heart)
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[] [Biedde] Lead the assault on Copper.
--[] Priority 1 Unsummon/Flip the Winter Name, and retrieve the means of summoning ritual/Painting
--[] Priority 2 Kill Copper
--[] Priority 3 Retrieve all the valuables.
-[] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Search for the Outsider
-[] [Jade] Search for the Outsider
-[] [Servants] Equestria is full of undiscovered places. You must learn their secrets…
--[] Search for a place that is recent in its ruin, whose History is decided. Mundane as it might be, it might still bear treasures. (Search for an "easy" expedition)

Selene and Ax to solo the Grave on the Hill. Biedde, Marienette, Axe and Comet to destory Copper.

 

[DelightedOne]

Just posting the new version of my plan.

[]Plan Outshine v2
-[]A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[] [DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[] [JADE] Research "A Memory of Light"
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (GRAIL)
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book.
-[] There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200, applies Intrigue and Secret Histories) 3 times.
-[] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition.(The Grave on the Hill)
-[] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry(Copper and her Cult)
--[] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to.
-[] [COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent.

 

[spiderhellian]

Outshine v2

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Looks like you've got 11 actions here.

 

[DelightedOne]

Looks like you've got 11 actions here.

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What?

Jade-MoL
Selene- Winter
Mareinette- Influence
Axe- Lesson

Seven remain because Selene has 2 actions.

3x Outsider.
Expedition.
Reflection
Guard
Copper

Yeah, you're right. Gonna drop that Guard action, Biedee already does that for free+the Constables are enough(I think). It is also a good time to break Selene's habit of taking too much alone.

 

[Rafuki22]

[] Plan Relative calm before the Assault
-[] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[] [DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[] [JADE] Research "A Memory of Light".
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Guard her mother.
-[] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Twilight Sparkle, if vetoed then search Canterlot for the Outsider.
-[] (AXE) Craft Wrong Keys. (She will give you three Wrong Keys, which will expire after five turns. Only once per summoning.)
-[] (BALDOMARE) Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry.
--[] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them.
--[] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare.
-[] (BALDOMARE) Prolong her stay by giving her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Moth 5 book.
-[] Lead an expedition. (A Grave on a Hill)
-[] Search Canterlot for the Outsider. (x 2)

I'm not sure about attacking Copper right this turn, but i could get behind Plan Time's Up (Brave Luna, find Outsider).

I don't have hopes of my plan succeding, but why not make one anyway? I'll be relatively fine with whatever plan that wins.

...Wonder if we could do something like this just in case...
-[] If Reflection of the Tapestry Results = high, then...
--[] Attack Copper.
-[] If Reflection of the Tapestry Results = low, then...
--[] Anything else.

 

[Sveta08]

Well, figured I can give the whole, writing a plan a shot.


[] Plan: On All Fronts
- [] A tighter security at all times
- [] [DETECTIVES] [VENGEANCE] Someone dared attack the commissioner. Find their trail
- [] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security.

- [] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to go on an assault/expedition. (Expedition Action)
- [] [BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (Level 6 book when successful. Else, level five) (Free Action)
- [] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Spoiled Rich
- [] [AXE] Craft Wrong Keys.
- [] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter.
-[] [SELENE] You have a Mother now, protect her. (Guard action)
- [] [BIEDDE] Attack your foe, Copper Secateur (Expedition Action)

- [] You need somepony to perform Reflections of the Tapestry, targeting Copper Secateur
-- [] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to.
- [] 3 x There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200)



Expeditions:

-[FLUTTERSHY] Grave on the Hill. Send Comet and Selene
-[BIEDDE] Assault Copper. Send Biedde, Mareinnete, Baldomare, Axe, Selene




Explainer:
This advances all out fronts. Searches for the outsider for Glory. Companions Spoiled for Moth Sacrament. Prepares defense with Keys, and sets up for Knock Lesson next turn. Finished Selene's training. Goes after Copper with scouting ahead. Advances Baldomare with insight. Raises loyalty and trust with all constables and Selene. Leaves with 6 Constables, Selene, and Biedde as guards.

It feels clean.

 

[Greymere]

Well, figured I can give the whole, writing a plan a shot.

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I think this is basically my plan except you have Mareinette socialing only Spoiled Rich rather than Filthy & Spoiled together

 

[Sveta08]

I think this is basically my plan except you have Mareinette socialing only Spoiled Rich rather than Filthy & Spoiled together

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... Oh
Well, seems I like that plan then! My bad.

 

[Nevermort]

Time to plan it seems.

[] Plan Take them Alive
-[] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[] [DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Guard her mother.
-[] [MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (GRAIL)
-[] (AXE) Craft Wrong Keys. (She will give you three Wrong Keys, which will expire after five turns. Only once per summoning.)
-[] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry.
--[] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them.
--[] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare.
-[] Research "A Memory of Light".
-[] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should…(Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
--[] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.
-[] Lead an expedition. (A Grave on a Hill)
-[] Lead the assault on Copper.
-[] Search Canterlot for the Outsider. (x 1)
-[] (BALDOMARE) Prolong her stay by giving her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book.


Conditions of assault would be part of expedition vote I think it was said, so no need to write it now. At the same time I would like to have option to take some cultists alive if opportunity presents itself. Maybe we can organize ambush directly on Copper and kidnap her, or perhaps there is few cultists whom we would knock out during process of fighting. So we prepare a prison, put them inside and have Marienette befriend them. Either we get an competent cultist pony out of it, or materials for Sacrament.
Other than that largely similar to other plans. Grail Influence mostly so Velvet looks presentable during her meetings this turn, but I am not especially invested in it.

 

[Greymere]

@OurLadyOfWires do we need to specific that Selene is defending us, if we want her to? Or will she call dibs on a "Guard home" action as long as both of her AP aren't taken up by unique actions?

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

Selene should not waste her action of guarding when their so many better thing for her to do. And training so she can promote next turn.

We have 6 guards plus Biedde that could tank 2 of those new summons.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

To me, whether or not Selene Guards is entirely dependent on if we think we can reach her the next lesson next turn. If we can't, then eh. If we can, then she should finish her training instead.

 

[Venerable Ro]

Ah, we're doing plans now? Well let's see if I can figure this out.

[] Plan: War (In pursuit of peace)
-[] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[] [DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[] [GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Let Luna guard us)
-[] You need somepony to perform this ritual… ("The Reflection of the Tapestry" seeking Copper Secateur's specific whereabouts)
--[] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[] [COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to go on an assault/expedition.
-[] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition. (The Grave)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (Gifting her the level six book found in the Grave expedition, if the book is unavailable then her choice of level five books.)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [AXE] Make Keys.
-[] [MAREINETTE] Something else? (We intend to put on a performance in the near future, with Mareinette playing a central role. But we need a victim lead, would fair Mareinette be so kind as to seek out an ideal costar? For the Moth Sacrament we need a reprehensible pony to inflict a reprehensible fate upon without regret, Mareinette knows the sent of such all too well.)
-[] There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200, applies Intrigue and Secret Histories) X3

---

Alright that should do it.

Three things in my mind, as usual.

1. Bringing the Bureau closer into our orbit and Luna's by extension, thus letting them fuss and safeguard us by their own inclination
2. Copper brought our home into this, and she used a windigo to do it. This Ends, it ends now and with prejudice, Baldomare does the scrying and then Biedde leads a targeted raid directly at her with intent to interrogate her for everything we need and then dispose of her.
3. Velvet is not well and needs her family this turn though next turn will likely be back to business. Therefore letting Luna protect us and our family, and setting up a bit for next turn's Knock adventure. I'd give Jade the month off but I know the readership won't go for that.

Other than that, asking Mareinette to help us set up a nightmare for someone who deserves it, since it seems @OurLadyOfWires is inspired by the idea of evil kabuki and it's honestly an interesting direction to take it.

Edit: Whoops, I put in the request for Comet to go on an expedition but I never stated that an expedition would take place. Fixed that oversight.

 

[Sveta08]

Selene should not waste her action of guarding when their so many better thing for her to do. And training so she can promote next turn.

We have 6 guards plus Biedde that could tank 2 of those new summons.

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I disagree, but I'm interested in where you are coming from.

What do you think she should do instead?

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

I disagree, but I'm interested in where you are coming from.

What do you think she should do instead?

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Either go he grave on a hill to get the book. Or search for the outsider.

 

[Pittauro]

Well then, having had some time to think some things over, I think it's safe to say that the Forge's Redemption ritual is no longer optional. We need to get that eldritch therapy sorted because by Storms and Crows Velvet is fucked up. It's a good thing the Moth Sacrament hadn't been forced through already or we might have actually just straight up died.

This gives powerful credence to the theory that the Moth Sacrament is based on Velvet's trauma/insecurity. Like, not in a flavor-text way, a "this is a foundational part of my identity" way. We can't be building anything on *this* or we're going to implode if and when we're forced into this state again.

I'm pretty sure Velvet actually Wolfed her own brain rather than deal with her spiraling anxiety and guilt, (let it be noted for posterity that Velvet is not on board with Shaper's shennaniganry) the brain damage seemed to manifest after the fact.

On a similar note, I reiterate my profund regrets that we chose the Master's Moth-apple over Baldomare, as Mareinette's unilateral ministrations are yet another consequence thereof. We never actually extended her time, we never took her Sacrament (either one!) for all that we've been a perfectly lovely Bed&Breakfast host we've never made a serious investment in our relationship. Yes yes the book is in the works, but that's tomorrow and Mareinette is in our bedroom tonight.

All in all, dear Velvet is in dire need of some positive reinforcement and care, it is a damn good thing we opted to bring in literally everyone or we'd have no support structure at all right now. We have confirmation of Cadance visiting, that's very good.

Ai, what a mess.

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I don't quite get what you mean by it being good we didn't go for Moth Sacrament yet.

Presumably if we did that, the trauma would be solved, if only because we'd "shed it away", or at least shed away the parts of Velvet that care/worry about those things.

For better or worse, the problem would be solved there, if at a cost.

As for Wolf... uh, actually good catch. it's only AFTER the "Shut up" that Velvet express confusions at where she is and what's going on, showing signs of Amnesia.

as for the moth apple... keep in mind that the choice there was "eat the fruit and don't roll for Selene Moth 3" or "give it to Baldomare, and take a risk on Selene".

As Baldomare said "it wasn't really a choice at all", and to be fair Selene came out PERFECTLY, and we can't be sure how much the "never failing to teach her" helped.

• We need the Book, so that'll be one thing,
• we need the raid done, that'll be another,
• a guard action for Selene and the constables,
• revenge for the investigators,
• we need a Knock-scrap for to take a crack at the Knock Sacrament next turn (probably ask Axe for that)
• we need Copper scryed to aim the hit-squad (that'll probably be Baldomare)
• we need to at least get started on the Moth-fuckery that is the Sacrament so that'll need a patsy (Mareinette),
• in terms of Velvet actions I would strongly prefer as many wholesome influences as possible so socials for her family, Cheerilee, and Mayor Mare,
• Rarity needs to focus on her career so that that doesn't go up in flames too and this should be a cheaper turn anyway,
• Comet can lead the Graveyard expedition and bring Baldomare along to actually find the bloody place,
• Biedde ought lead the raid unless he's gone AWOL for some strange Edge-reason,
• Jade I think can either search for the Outsider or progress the Memory of Light (I don't have a strong opinion) Edit: no I actually do, she's probably stressed as hell, either give her time off or let her contemplate a merciful Light.
• That leaves the servants, I don't really have any ideas that leap out at me.
• And of course the Baldomare free action, the level six book from the expedition if successful, one of our level five books otherwise. I personally choose the Moth book, because I'm petty like that.

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For Moth Fuckery, the grail influence + 3 socials plan covers it.

Why would you have Baldomare go with Comet instead of Axe or Mareinette, who have far higher bonuses? Baldomare is ONLY better on Lantern and SH, Axe is better at literally everything else except social, and Mareinette is only a bit worse than Axe in general BUT makes up for it in case of social challenges.

For Rarity, unless we're explicitly told she HAS to work this turn, Bird previously mentioned she can "afford" to fail her roll. So I'd give her Commission again, as next turn we WILL need even more bits for Mares, Canterlot Part 3, healing ritual, and who knows, maybe a follow up on Comet assault. Also we kinda need to get some bits reserve for when we'll have to renew Biedde's contract. in the not so distant future...

for Baldomare, we probably want to go Grave>knock>moth in terms of books given.


mh... I still want to try and get Outsider done this turn. Maybe Servants + Jade + Selene? We can do the last action next turn together with exploring for the Malleary.

It gets worse when you remember that Moth was the lore that Velvet demonstrated the most interest/affinity in the past(Copper recruited her talking about it).

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eh, that's more because that was the lore of the cult that the one that most resonated with Velvet.

She did call us mom already.

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and it was a VERY GLORIOUS MOMENT!

Wow! Thank you Mareinette! I trust you immediately and we should be deeply grateful for your friendship!

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oh no, she's already trailing some of us! nobody is safe, the 4th wall won't protect us!

1) Rarity does not need to focus on her work. She's a d100 + ~11 on the Outsider search, pretty good. At Grail 3 she should have quite good odds of succeeding the roll even without guaranteeing it. And in the very unlikely chance she does fail, it's okay -- as long as we don't get three failures in a row, it'll be alright.

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with how many potential expenses we have to deal with, I value the 100+ bits more than her contribution to outsider. Send Jade, Selene and servants (and maybe an additional one if we have someone left) instead.

2) Does Baldomare need to scry Copper? As opposed to Jade? She can guarantee we find the Outsider this turn. What I'd really love is some conditional mess based on how Jade's scry goes... @OurLadyOfWires I'm guessing that would wind up a complex enough plan that you'd rather not see it?
3) I think we should push Luna to not guard. 6 mortal guards, and Biedde? That's an incredible amount. Her actions are really useful, I'm not sure we can use one like this...

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partially agree with Baldomare, though we can afford to NOT send Baldomare on scrying IF we can send 4 other people there instead. Something like Selene x2 + Jade + Servants would near guarantee it for example.

that said, there IS a risk of a follow up attack. Copper is likely to be desperate the moment she finds out we survived. She might very well throw everything she has left against us then.

For example, all her remaining Windigoes.

GM has strongly hinted that Copper has already moved out of Manehatten. And Copper has a full cult with the defences only a cult can provide jade has 50% at most of getting thou. Baldomare is certain to.

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I'm not even taking it as hints. Bird very reasonably said that she COULD have moved, and we have no way to know until we check, which is kind of self-evident.

It's been some 5-6 months, she could have done anything and gone anywhere.

Very heartwarming and hopeful. I also have a Cadance interlude/scene planned for soon.

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I want it! I want it so bad!

(it's one of the reasons of why they are a one-turn deal, they're a coinscidence you happen upon, most of the times)

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but Bird, coincidences don't exist!

And the second reason is because you should be gunning for Glory. I won't give you guys another avenue of distraction when Velvet, a canonically Glory-smitten pony who has the ambition to reach the Branding Door, is so close to the damn thing.

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Bird is getting frustrated

It didn't have any effect on the last SH Sacrament attempt thought?

I mean, it's kind of hard to consult a book while transporting your consciousness to another History.

Like spider said right after:

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considering the book has different contents every time we check it, I'd assume it would work as "you check the book before you start having visions, and it coincidentally has pertinent information to the world you're going to visit"

Yeahhh, really appreciate if the plans don't get too complex for discussion.

But more than just that, it would be hard for me to judge what is a RotT failure. The SH check is 60, and you have a +30 artifact for Jade to use. Other than that, the Lantern roll is variable.

So from the get-go, I find it hard for Jade not to get SOME level of information, minus any wards that might be in place. The thing you guys need to decide if that would be enough.

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to me It's enough, because what if we send a full Name-team to deal with Copper and the Cult, then we don't need THAT much information from the scrying.

ALL WE NEED is basically the general location. After that they can basically brute force it with their +40 to +60 general bonuses + various lvl 6 lores.

Well, for starters I'd be very happy if you got that much Glory progress this turn

And more realistically, I'd probably reopen a vote to "decide what this leftover character does".

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Uh. Honestly I expected that extra progress to just be wasted. Nice of you to give us a little extra in that case.

...I kind of want to do it this way now, just because this sounds so in-theme for a Moth Sacrament about masks. And we were already thinking of using Spoiled Rich for it...

Edit: Or go tell Mareinette to go chat up the biggest, most unrepentant asshole that she can find that "we" could still make friends with. And by we, I mean Mareinette, and by make friends, I mean make that relationship counter go up just enough to sacrifice it to the Vagabond.

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THat's so petty.

I kinda like it.

Goodness...
What a beauty. Beyond Reproach is clever and cleverer. And Mareinnete is....
A friend. And we have precious few willing to give freely with the ability to change things.

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keep in mind she's a friend that's making a game of seeing if she can convince us to eat our own daughter. THAT has been the implication so far.

Mareinette is useful, and right now SOME of our interests align.

There's even a chance of the relationship staying friendly in the future.

but she's still a dangerous monster, and we shouldn't forget that.

Getting friend status with a Name is a big deal. Or do you think that Names have only 1 action to give, like a regular mortal pony. Newflash Names can do much more then the barely trying level of effort they are putting into helping Velvet at the moment.

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Personally I suspect it goes 1-2-3 actions as we progress with them, to sort of go with Biedde having 2 standard actions and not being befriendable, and Selene starting at 2 as well.

I'm hoping that after lvl 6 book Baldomare might go up to 2 actions per turn, same with Axe and Frangiclave. It seems like the most likely way to do that.

Anyway, now that I've got that off my chest, it seems like we have the general sentiment down (kill Copper with great prejudice), but not all the fiddly bits.

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you're missing the very important "and get all her stuff"!

Particularly Manuscripts, Neighnia, artifacts and bits, in that order more or less!

Anyways, with the QM really liking my idea of the Moth Mask-Off being that the friend was actually Marinette all along, I am tempted to have her get started on that rather than slapping an Influence on us for a mere 2 Socials.

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3, we get a free social action each turn and that one wasn't from lores so I'm assuming we still have it. 2 velvet actions + 1 free social.

Also wow, Mareinette must have been incredibly worried about us to have left so much of the bodies behind. Normally it's just skin and bones she leaves, these bodies are practically intact by her standards! Makes sense if we are her pet project to bring back the Ligeaen Club though.

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you know, I really wonder what she REALLY thinks of us.

It's probably something kinda like "I see a bit of my olds self in her, it's nostalgic, seeing as she has potential I'll see what she ends up doing for a bit".

Selene should not waste her action of guarding when their so many better thing for her to do. And training so she can promote next turn.

We have 6 guards plus Biedde that could tank 2 of those new summons.

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keep in mind we just saw how Biedde can basically only stop ONE person at a time, as the other ones will avoid him if they can.

generally speaking he can KILL nearly anypony in one round, two if he's very unlucky, but still.

and if Copper attacks us again, she'll be DESPERATE so I expect her to basically use all the Windigoes she has left, and the Ash-ghouls if she already found them and has the sacrifices for it.

She'll KNOW that she overplayed her hand, now either she kills us or we recover and kill her.

To me, whether or not Selene Guards is entirely dependent on if we think we can reach her the next lesson next turn. If we can't, then eh. If we can, then she should finish her training instead.

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all things considered I can't decide how important having her fully trained now to reach all-4 next turn is.

we COULD do it, probably. We'd likely need to sacrifice something else from our list to get the action to teach her next turn, but it's viable.

I think the near-certain ones next turn are healing ritual, 2 actions (at least) on Axe, and one study action for Lantern 4 (and probably knock 2) artifact.

that's the 4 basic actions. we can get more from cover your bases and, if really necessary, constables. If we can use the artifacts we study in the same turn, then we could have our followers summon some Mares for us and use THEM for Cover your bases, even.

---

I'll recheck current plans in a bit.

my tentative list includes

1)3 to 4 people on outsider search
2) Mareinette grail influence so we can have Velvet social this turn
3) Axe lesson to be ready for Axe sacrament next turn.
4)Grave expedition (add Axe or Mareinette as free action to help. That's 50 bits reserved, we'll probably get 10 bits back I imagine)
5)scry on Copper (Jade is fine for me, I can live with Baldomare doing it though).
6)Giga-attack on Copper (Probably Axe, Mareinette, Biedde and Baldomare at least. that's 100 bits reserved

I'm not set on what to have Selene do yet, nor Rarity. I'd like Commission, but I suppose she's stressed enough and an extra action for Outsiders would not be bad.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Ah, we're doing plans now? Well let's see if I can figure this out.

[] Plan: War (In pursuit of peace)
-[] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[] [DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[] [GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Let Luna guard us)
-[] You need somepony to perform this ritual… ("The Reflection of the Tapestry" seeking Copper Secateur's specific whereabouts)
--[] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[] [COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to go on an assault/expedition.
-[] [BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (Gifting her the level six book found in the Grave expedition, if the book is unavailable then her choice of level five books.)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[] [MAREINETTE] Something else? (We intend to put on a performance in the near future, with Mareinette playing a central role. But we need a victim lead, would fair Mareinette be so kind as to seek out an ideal costar? For the Moth Sacrament we need a reprehensible pony to inflict a reprehensible fate upon without regret, Mareinette knows the sent of such all too well.

Other than that, asking Mareinette to help us set up a nightmare for someone who deserves it, since it seems @OurLadyOfWires is inspired by the idea of evil kabuki and it's honestly an interesting direction to take it.

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I love the wording on the Marinette vote. And it is always fun to humor the QM in a way that doesn't turn the world more into a dumpster fire the way indulging their Wolf-loving does.

I disagree, but I'm interested in where you are coming from.

What do you think she should do instead?

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Having looked at Selene and realizing she can finish her training and Guard us at the same time, I echo this statement.

Also unrelated, but we should definitely send the SH Book Artifact to the Grave Expedition since the big obstacle to it is apparently finding the thing, and Baldomare will be busy helping dunk on Copper's Cult harder than she could have possibly imagined.

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

If Copper could have sent more then 1 Windigoes she would have, ideally she would have sent 3 Windigoes to trigger their super state. She is not the master that can avoid all police attention from kidnapping and killing people. And frankly our Name attack will take only a week IC time to destroy her.

 

[Greymere]

-[] [MAREINETTE] Something else? (We intend to put on a performance in the near future, with Mareinette playing a central role. But we need a victim lead, would fair Mareinette be so kind as to seek out an ideal costar? For the Moth Sacrament we need a reprehensible pony to inflict a reprehensible fate upon without regret, Mareinette knows the sent of such all too well.)

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Hmm. A tempting write-in indeed... I may steal this to replace Mareinette's action in my plan.

 

[Venerable Ro]

Either go he grave on a hill to get the book. Or search for the outsider.

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Well that's the marvelous thing about expeditions innit? We can have her guard as *her* action and then we can rope her in on other people's expeditions as a free associate. Personally I was going to send Baldomare on the Grave expedition since the description heavily implies that finding the bloody thing will be the main challenge. Outsider searching, it's important, but this is a groundwork turn. Deal with Copper, get Baldomare secured, get Luna nearly fully trained and ready to go next turn, Jade/servants can handle the preliminary movements of the Outsider search and Baldomare et al can finish it next turn.

I don't quite get what you mean by it being good we didn't go for Moth Sacrament yet.

Presumably if we did that, the trauma would be solved, if only because we'd "shed it away", or at least shed away the parts of Velvet that care/worry about those things.

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Or the Sacrament would be ripped off along with the rest of our Lores and everything Velvet shed would have leapt back on her like a rabid Wolf.

 

[Sveta08]

Either go he grave on a hill to get the book. Or search for the outsider.

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Several of the plans, Mine and Greymere's especially, have Selene joining in on the expedition to the grave already. So, the choice is between her Guarding and Searching for the Outsider.

Much as I want Selene to spend time in the city of her sister, she wants to guard Velvet. And, looking at the line up for the turn, we could swap her guard for a search... But we would be down a guard then. And considering the others who are searching are like to be Jade, Rarity, and the servants? None of those could replace her as guard.

 

[Pittauro]

Or the Sacrament would be ripped off along with the rest of our Lores and everything Velvet shed would have leapt back on her like a rabid Wolf.

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mh... I don't know.

I think such a shedding would be permanent. It wouldn't regress like that.

There's also the fact that if we had a Sacrament we might not have ended in this situation either, admittedly. Sacraments are powerful abilities and while we don't know what Moth would do exactly we can assume we'd have played things differently if we had options from it.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

@OurLadyOfWires If we get a Knock lesson, or read the Knock book next turn, can we immediately try for the Knock Sacrament? I guess it falls under "you do the optimal ordering", but I also know sometimes things kinda wait for EoT to take effect.

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I don't want to risk conditional actions. Especially if you are conditioning a Sacrament attempt to something that can fail like book reading.

So, if your plan has a Lore scrap from a "certain" source (like a lesson) you can make future plans assuming you will gain that scrap. But if you want to condition a Sacrament try on a previous book read, I'd rather we don't do that at all.

@OurLadyOfWires do we need to specific that Selene is defending us, if we want her to? Or will she call dibs on a "Guard home" action as long as both of her AP aren't taken up by unique actions?

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If the plan specifies Selene will guard, then Selene will guard. But if the plan has vague or general wording, I'll pick whatever pony is best for whatever action.

Yes, even if it means sending Selene to search Canterlot or do something else, and have another of your Confidantes guarding you instead.

That'd make her very mad, this whole "let me guard you" "lmao no, but Jade will guard me instead". But it is what it is for action optimization.

Anyways. What I mean to say is that I'd rather you specify it's a Selene guard if you SPECIFICALLY want to acquiesce to her request.

Other than that, asking Mareinette to help us set up a nightmare for someone who deserves it, since it seems @OurLadyOfWires is inspired by the idea of evil kabuki and it's honestly an interesting direction to take it.

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I love the narrative, but I'll say here and now that an action like this will be interpreted as "Mareinette, go find me a new contact" with vague mentions that it's for a future Moth Sacrament. For mechanical purposes, that is, because I really need to "translate" your actions into something actionable.

And if you guys eventually like the jerk-with-a-heart-of-gold that Mareinette possibly befriends, that's on you

the grail influence + 3 socials plan covers it.

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I can't remember when you were hurt the last time. But maybe check the "you are wounded!" mechanics? Someone already alluded to them in the discussion.

But if you want the chance to heal two wounds, you'd need to spend at least one action healing. Plus, you already promised Mareinette one action. So, if you wanna heal two wounds, you'd only have two Velvet actions free this turn.
EDIT: I forgot about the social actions. No reason to veto those due to dancing with death, so aye.



Also, voting is open by now. Good luck to us all.

 

[Greymere]

Well that's the marvelous thing about expeditions innit? We can have her guard as *her* action and then we can rope her in on other people's expeditions as a free associate. Personally I was going to send Baldomare on the Grave expedition since the description heavily implies that finding the bloody thing will be the main challenge. Outsider searching, it's important, but this is a groundwork turn. Deal with Copper, get Baldomare secured, get Luna nearly fully trained and ready to go next turn, Jade/servants can handle the preliminary movements of the Outsider search and Baldomare et al can finish it next turn.

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Several of the plans, Mine and Greymere's especially, have Selene joining in on the expedition to the grave already. So, the choice is between her Guarding and Searching for the Outsider.

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I was planning on Comet (leader) + DoA, actually, since DoA's specialty bonus applies to the most number of obstacles (i.e. anything not social in nature) and as a short expedition, it should be fairly easy so DoA can just brute force her way through.

Edit:

And if you guys eventually like the jerk-with-a-heart-of-gold that Mareinette possibly befriends, that's on you

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That's why we want to ask her to find a jerk-with-a-heart-of-jerk instead

But if you want the chance to heal two wounds, you'd need to spend at least one action healing. Plus, you already promised Mareinette one action. So, if you wanna heal two wounds, you'd only have two Velvet actions free this turn.

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I think they're counting the free social action. Unless we don't get that this turn? @OurLadyOfWires

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

I don't quite get what you mean by it being good we didn't go for Moth Sacrament yet.

Presumably if we did that, the trauma would be solved, if only because we'd "shed it away", or at least shed away the parts of Velvet that care/worry about those things.

For better or worse, the problem would be solved there, if at a cost.

For Moth Fuckery, the grail influence + 3 socials plan covers it.

Why would you have Baldomare go with Comet instead of Axe or Mareinette, who have far higher bonuses? Baldomare is ONLY better on Lantern and SH, Axe is better at literally everything else except social, and Mareinette is only a bit worse than Axe in general BUT makes up for it in case of social challenges.

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I believe the thinking there is that the Moth Sacrament doesn't shed anything, or just buries your self-hatred further under your new, ever-changing mask, and that Dancing with Death would have stripped that latest, most deep-set crutch away. After all, if we had shed the parts of us that we hated, then there wouldn't be a mask to see through at all for the Sacrament Tribute.

Are you sure we're getting the free Social for work-life balance when our current state is, "should be fully dead"?

As for why Baldomare instead of others, the big problem the Grave Expedition hints at is finding the thing. And Baldomare is exceedingly good at finding things.