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

[Greymere]

Actually going back to study books and artifacts is not THAT good of an option, as we currently have grail and SH influences online, and studying would instead heavily benefit from Lantern influence (the DCs are fairly high there after all).

Click to shrink...

We have a Lantern AotL and a reroll, a DC90 is not that big of a deal. And having Luna as a scryer is something that's more valuable the earlier we do it, especially since iirc you're one of the ones that insists that we only have like 3 turns to prepare for All In. Scryed objects need follow up, after all.

 

[Pittauro]

We have a Lantern AotL and a reroll, DC90 is not that big of a deal. And having Luna as a scryer is something that's more valuable the earlier we do it, especially since iirc you're one of the ones that insists that we only have like 3 turns to prepare for All In. Scryed objects need follow up, after all.

Click to shrink...

oh, right, we have the reroll. I suppose if we don't end up using it during this event it would be fine, we could research the two lvl 4 artifacts we have...

as for the 3 turns thing, that's simply the very worst case scenario. We don't know how Celestia progresses. It might be something like single rolls each turn with increasing DCs, or it might be multiple rolls to represent the multiple actions she could invest in it, or for all we know Bird is outright giving her automatic level ups.

We just don't know, and up to now we only saw her get 1 level (the easiest) in one turn. If she continues to gain one level per turn then we'll be warned about the likelyhood of our worst case scenario increasing.

Still... we don't know how useful the things we can get here are. We'll find out, I imagine. For all we know there's multiple artifacts we could find, for example, or maybe we could get a confidant to bring back to Equestria.

 

[Sveta08]

Well.
That.... Feels remarkably fitting. The thread is moving fast right now, and I move slow, so might be a bit behind. But....

Ha. Equestria Girls. That just...
Goodness, why didn't I think of that earlier?


Still! I will say, this is the Foggy Mirror. Things here reflect the truth both distorted and warped. But not incorrect. I don't recommend trying to ask on which reflects the other, but it should reflect each other, regardless of source.


... Remember The first Velvet Sacrament for Secret Histories? Imagine that kinda... Ur-reflection.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

I'm hoping that talking to one Twilight will give Velvet the push she needs to talk with our Twilight.

Bird said that Velvet refuses to go to Twilight and try to help her after everything that happened so that seems like the best(and only) way to make her start considering it.

The part about them being different is true, but the similarities exist and a good student of Histories knows how to recognize the patterns and use them to achieve their goals.

Click to shrink...

Here's the thing; Twilight doesn't want to see Velvet. Or talk to Velvet. And I like that Velvet is respecting her wishes in that regard. And I personally don't think they are similar enough any more, unless something somehow stripped human Twilight of her capacity to do science.

 

[DelightedOne]

Here's the thing; Twilight doesn't want to see Velvet. Or talk to Velvet. And I like that Velvet is respecting her wishes in that regard. And I personally don't think they are similar enough any more, unless something somehow stripped human Twilight of her capacity to do science.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, on one side respecting someones wishes on the other she wants to die alone in the dark...

If we didn't let Jade do that why would we do that to Twilight?

They are definitely not equal but they do share the same basic personalty/foundation. Our Twilight got enough trauma already but she is still the same pony deep down.

 

[Sveta08]

For every time, a place. For every place, a time.
I see four fates and I don't know which is more interesting.


A Reflection of the True History of Velvet Covers.
Find Ax's aim. Find Stormchaser. Befriend Rarity and Fluttershy. Find Cheeelee and let both histories ring in unity.

A Reflection of Regret and Recompense.
Find Ax's aim. Find speak and help Twilight. Talk with the Riches. See where regrets will lead.

A Reflection of GLORY
Find Ax's aim. Embrace the dream, hunt for the warped knowledge, and seek out the other traveler in this realm.

A Reflection of Harmony
The Sun and Moon are both here. They are both alive and well here, are they not? Find them.


I... Like this. It's the eternal question that has always been I think.
What does Velvet prioritize?
Will put my plan on another post.

 

[Sveta08]

Two plans.

[] Plan: Power is the Right to Change
-[] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)
-[] "To be honest? I think your job is better than mine." (Approach Cheerilee. She is here… somewhere)
-[] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle)


[] Plan: Power is the Right to Choose
-[] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)
-[] Alright, WHERE is Stormchaser? (Look for your dear beloved)
-[] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle



Explainer.
There is a job to do. This does it.
Velvet carries her regret for Twilight like an anchor. We need to be unburdened. This, she has to try for her own sake. Otherwise she would always wonder what if.

Cheerilee? She is staff. She is a friend. She is probably distantly close to this version of Velvet.
She is also staff. This feels the best option to potentially find the Sun and Moon.

Stormchaser?
This is Velvets life. There is but one thing most important to her, her family. How could she not seek it out? Does she not owe it to this history?


I want both of these plans. I won't say which I want more yet.

 

[Nevermort]

Bah, leave this Twilight be. She's basically a completely different person compared to one back at Equestria at this point, little of use can be gleaned.
Unless you want to glean science from her.

Click to shrink...

I think Twilight is a must.
We never finished SH lesson with our Twilight, and this is unique opportunity to try again. Velvet got a history teacher position for a reason. If she does a good job this time she may be able to convince herself that she is able to help pony Twilight too. Or hell, perhaps Twilights can even agree to change places between themselves for a bit. Human Twilight canonically is obsessed with magic so talking her into visiting pony world could be doable. Or we kidnap Spike so he can talk sense into pony Twilight

I do think we should take a Twilight action eventually, but I think Spiderhellian's suggestion of talking to some of the other students first is a good approach.

Click to shrink...

If it is canon Twilight then she likely does not have any friends yet. So talking with Rarity and Fluttershy first would not help. Rarity and Fluttershy may not even be friends themselves if Sunset action went like in canon. If anything they are more likely to be a lead toward Sunset than Twilight.
And we don't really need them to assist with Twilight. We are her teacher. with her it is more than enough.

We have a Lantern AotL and a reroll, a DC90 is not that big of a deal. And having Luna as a scryer is something that's more valuable the earlier we do it, especially since iirc you're one of the ones that insists that we only have like 3 turns to prepare for All In. Scryed objects need follow up, after all.

Click to shrink...

Many things that we need may actually be there. This is farthest location, like The Evening Isles in CS. And in canon show there is whole pile of various magic artifacts in Canterlot High. Like for example Memory Stone that sure looks like high level Moth artifact. Would be very stupid if we spend action to gain scrying, scry, and get pointed back behind mirror.

On that note I prefer looking around the place over going to library. If we assume that we are in high level location ( and it certainly looks so as we needed Knock Sacramnet to enter) then finding high level lore books in library seems possible. Modern science probably counts as high level Forge and Lantern, but we don't have urgent need for those. I'd rather look for artifacts instead, and exploring the place seems like a option potentially leading to it.

So far my favorites are
-[] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle) - potential inroads toward other Twilight.
-[] This feels like a dream. Treat it like one. Explore this strange place. - looking for artifacts and interesting places
-[] They are young and impressionable. Thankfully, you are a responsible adult. (Hang out with Rarity and Fluttershy, your real-life confidantes) – gaining helpers and maybe learning about Sunset.

Unfortunately since we need snake action too, only two at once are possible. So I am planning to vote for plans that have at least two of those.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

If we didn't let Jade do that why would we do that to Twilight?

Click to shrink...

Oh that's easy, it's because we aren't associated with all of the horrific events that tore down Jade. Velvet is the turning point for Twilight's life going to hell at ludicrous speeds.

Also, unless this Twilight has temporarily gone insane, lost her parents, lost her dog, and lost her ability to do science, she is not going to be remotely the same as Equestria's Twilight. Like there are explicitly paths that accomplish nothing, and thus shade of a history we wished to be is, in my opinion, highly likely to be one.

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

These are my general choices.

-[] They are young and impressionable. Thankfully, you are a responsible adult. (Hang out with Rarity and Fluttershy, your real-life confidantes)
-[] This feels like a dream. Treat it like one. Explore this strange place.
-[] What is this "cellphone" all the kids are talking about? Why do you have one? And what is this "Internet" thing?

Rarity and Fluttershy, for more actions, from them aiding us., general exploration, and figuring out the internet will make putting our presence out their with the Max Grail influence.

 

[Rafuki22]

These are my general choices.

Click to shrink...

Not choosing Axe?

Personally i would choose these for the first turn for Axe mission and more information.

-[] This place has a library. Go take a look.
-[] What is this "cellphone" all the kids are talking about? Why do you have one? And what is this "Internet" thing?
-[] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)

Although in Equestria girls you can find magical artifacts from Equestria, in this fic probably also lore related artifacts, so maybe this one replacing the library or internet choice.

-[] This feels like a dream. Treat it like one. Explore this strange place.

Wonder how dangerous would the Dazzlings be if we found them? Mayor Grail and minor Edge?

 

[Pittauro]

Here's the thing; Twilight doesn't want to see Velvet. Or talk to Velvet. And I like that Velvet is respecting her wishes in that regard. And I personally don't think they are similar enough any more, unless something somehow stripped human Twilight of her capacity to do science.

Click to shrink...

If someone wants to commit suicide, should you just respect their wishes?

A bit of an extreme example, but... I'm fine not having Velvet help Twilight directly only if we have a decent enough reason to believe that someone else will help her.

Right now there's a chance Cadance might, but that's it. Maybe Cadance can approach her about the forge ritual too, eventually. Especially if, say, we first heal Shining Armor, as he can be her evidence that YES, we CAN help.

[x] Plan Become an internet Celebrity
-[x] They are young and impressionable. Thankfully, you are a responsible adult. (Hang out with Rarity and Fluttershy, your real-life confidantes)
-[x] What is this "cellphone" all the kids are talking about? Why do you have one? And what is this "Internet" thing?
-[x] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)

Get the local versions of our confidants. Figure out the internet. Search for Axe's... long lost sister?

Who knows, it might even synergize. Internet, and a couple locals that might help us, and we might, say, put videos and photos of us online for "someone" to notice the medallion...

and if not, maybe they can help us do a reverse image search of our medallion to see if anyone has ever seen anything like it around?

Even if they end up being completely separate questlines, well, I'm fine with it.

 

[Maer]

[x] Plan Become an internet Celebrity

 

[Bakkasama]

Interesting that Twilight isn't at Crystal Prep like in the series but at Canterlot High School here. Anyways, I guess the reward is maybe some science path? Or starting this Twilight on the lores? Or an angle for helping our world's Twilight?

Click to shrink...

Maybe this is pony Twilight from another history and we are in the middle of the Equestria girls movie.

 

[LieutenantSpirit]

A cult, or perhaps and order, or maybe even a sisterhood.

Click to shrink...

I'm surprised no one has specifically brought up this line, which feels relevant given we're in human territory (Equestria Girls nonwithstanding). One of the Hours the Sisterhood of the Knot worshipped was the Horned-Axe, and DoA is quite literally called "The Daughter-of-Axes." Given the talk of shaping the keys, my thought is that someone high up in the cult or even the Horned-Axe herself is responsible for her "creation." I'm expecting a religious aspect to our hunt, which makes me wonder about the presence of Celestia in the "pony" world versus the presence of potential Hour-worshippers in the "human" one.

 

[DelightedOne]

Given the talk of shaping the keys, my thought is that someone high up in the cult or even the Horned-Axe herself is responsible for her "creation."

Click to shrink...

DoA was actually the "daughter of another" before, most likely the Mother of Ants(for the whole mother-daughter thing).

"She claims that she was the Daughter of 'another', before, but that she had to bind herself to a new patron once her Mother 'did what she did'.

Click to shrink...

The Horned-Axe is just her new boss.

 

[Sveta08]

I'm surprised no one has specifically brought up this line, which feels relevant given we're in human territory (Equestria Girls nonwithstanding). One of the Hours the Sisterhood of the Knot worshipped was the Horned-Axe, and DoA is quite literally called "The Daughter-of-Axes." Given the talk of shaping the keys, my thought is that someone high up in the cult or even the Horned-Axe herself is responsible for her "creation." I'm expecting a religious aspect to our hunt, which makes me wonder about the presence of Celestia in the "pony" world versus the presence of potential Hour-worshippers in the "human" one.

Click to shrink...

I can at least say why I haven't thought or pointed at that.

We are going to find out more. Nearly everyone seems on board with exploring on Ax's mission, so we will find out more consequently.

While there is still discussion to be had about it, the primary focus feels on things we can change and influence. The "not spoken for Ax" actions, so to speak

 

[HellFire666]

[x] Plan Become an internet Celebrity

 

[DelightedOne]

Ah, voting is open.


[X] Plan Paying our debts, Confidante version
-[X] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle)
-[X] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)
-[X] They are young and impressionable. Thankfully, you are a responsible adult. (Hang out with Rarity and Fluttershy, your real-life confidantes)

[X] Plan Paying our debts, Book version
-[X] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle)
-[X] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)
-[X] This place has a library. Go take a look.

[X] Plan Paying our debts, Exploration version
-[X] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle)
-[X] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)
-[X] This feels like a dream. Treat it like one. Explore this strange place.

[X] Plan Paying our debts, Internet version

 

[Nevermort]

[X] Plan Paying our debts, Confidante version
[X] Plan Paying our debts, Exploration version

 

[des-pair-2]

[X] Plan Become an internet Celebrity

I have a feeling we will get an extra action per turn from talking to Rarity and Fluttershy. I'm also certain there will be some situations that could be easily solved or dodged with a quick Google search.

 

[Greymere]

[X] Plan Paying our debts, Exploration version
-[X] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle)
-[X] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)
-[X] This feels like a dream. Treat it like one. Explore this strange place.

[X] Plan Paying our debts, Internet version
-[X] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle)
-[X] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)
-[X] What is this "cellphone" all the kids are talking about? Why do you have one? And what is this "Internet" thing?

I made a fourth variant of your plan, DO

 

[Nevermort]

If we want something to be done through Internet then Twilight is the gal to approach. In the short time that we will have Velvet would not reach her tech level , and if we need something we can simply ask Twilight's help.

 

[Thamuzz]

I did not call Equestria Girls. I would expect that to be a SH sacrament.

I want to follow to Twilight path.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Voting will close in... let's say twenty four hours.

Now, I have no intention of "rushing" this, and I will push things back if needs must. But these are, as pointed out, relatively low stakes votes.

So, I would like to ideally have things posted and a new voting period opened on saturday. And who knows what can happen after that.

Also, unrelated, I am also writing something else I might slot in before the Knock lesson.

Anyways, hope you are all doing good. Voting is open and all that.

 

[Zxzx24]

[X] Plan Paying our debts, Confidante version
-[X] "Miss Sparkle? See me after class." (Approach Twilight Sparkle)
-[X] You are here for a reason. Get. It. Done. (Further your search for Axe's… contact)
-[X] They are young and impressionable. Thankfully, you are a responsible adult. (Hang out with Rarity and Fluttershy, your real-life confidantes)

 

[spiderhellian]

[X] Plan Become an internet Celebrity

 

[LieutenantSpirit]

But these are, as pointed out, relatively low stakes votes.

Click to shrink...

The sheer shift in mood from Axe's sacrament is really funny, especially with all of the nerves going into it. I can see why you said you were so much more interested in writing Axe's Knock Sacrament over Velvet's. This is genuinely incredible.

[X] Plan Become an internet Celebrity
[X] Plan Paying our debts, Internet version

I'm voting for these plans since they both involve learning about the internet. I'm hoping we can find this world's equivalent of Cadence and see if there is anything to do there.

 

[Flaregamer82253]

Well, I had some idle thoughts that this was what was behind the mirror. So let's try and figure out our current situation.

So Equestria Girls huh? Probably the most immediately concerning aspects of this are EQG Twilight and Sunset Shimmer.

Twilight immediately raises a big flag in my mind that we are not in the typical canon EQG right now because Twilight should not be attending Canterlot High until post movie 3. With that in mind, I'm heavily inclined to pursue the Twilight option even beyond the usual "it's Twilight" button we would press anyways. Most likely, it will at least start to illuminate us on divergent points in History.

Sunset Shimmer is another factor we want to consider too. There's no blatant indication of her yet, but she's a character of central importance here. Call it paranoia, but I have a hunch that she is gonna be important to our goals too after having crossed through the mirror as well. One way or another, I want to investigate our way towards her in our 12 actions.

I don't have time to consider and vote right now, but I'll do so later this evening.

(Snek Sacrament!)

 

[Sveta08]

Well.

I think we are one plan that includes the Riches away from having every possible permutation of "Ax, Twilight, and XYZ"