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

Reader mode
Nevermort said:
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As often I am a stickler for words and implications, I won't disagree with what is said here. But I will disagree on the problem you are trying to address.

This... The Problem isn't the Needles Contract. Sure, you can move it up so she's a more public figure and maybe advance but income there.
But the commissions were never part of the Needles Contract.
OurLadyOfWires said:
"… and we are willing to cover any breach-fines with the Needles. On top of your own commission. Whatever price it takes for your precious time is…?!"



It takes a long while for Rarity to remember about her breakfast.

And she doesn't dare read that letter again, or even touch it, until she can meet her more-business-savvy best friend.





Rarity is now able to "Take a Commission", accepting a private commission from a wealthy patron for an exclusive piece of clothing. To create another piece from the designer who clothed a Princess during her marriage.

When taking a commission, Rarity will be unavailable for the remainder of the turn, and will automatically fail her "career" roll for that month. However, Velvet Covers will immediately receive a large downpayment of at least 100 bits. (This downpayment is applied at the beginning of the turn that action is taken, rather than the usual end of turn). Performing this option is particularly taxing for Rarity.
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Relevant quotes.

Maybe you could finagle making Commissions part of the contract?
But they aren't right now. That's certain.
 
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Sveta08 said:
As often I am a stickler for words and implications, I won't disagree with what is said here. But I will disagree on the problem you are trying to address.

This... The Problem isn't the Needles Contract. Sure, you can move it up so she's a more public figure and maybe advance but income there.
But the commissions were never part of the Needles Contract.

Relevant quotes.

Maybe you could finagle making Commissions part of the contract?
But they aren't right now. That's certain.
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Rarity anonymity is a part of contract, at least when it comes to her location and ways to contact her. Commissions work like they currently work to maintain Rarity anonymity (they don't have other way to reach her, except her getting a message( through Needles I think? Maybe through Velvet) and then she would come to them herself). If we remove anonymity requirement we can then work on changing how Commissions work.

Here is quote
OurLadyOfWires said:
Cant find the exact quote. But im pretty sure i mentioned, when rarity gained her commission skill, that it involves her going to a high paying customer and creating a piece for them over the course of a month. Very high stress stuff.

But yeah, this is also so she can keep the secret about her origin and whatnot.
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No guarantee that just removing anonimity would be enough, but it is part of issue
 
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OurLadyOfWires said:
Hehe, Forge goes BRRRRR on bits supplies :V
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Greymere said:
Technically. Technically. We have one more button we can press for bits. I won't be happy about it, considering I was the one who advocated for buying it in the first place and it ended up being completely fucking redundant because we ended up meeting Biedde on the same fucking turn but. We could liquidate the Edge 3 artifact.

Edit: Tbh, while my mind's on the topic of artifacts, I'm kind of leaning toward passing on the Edge Sacrament this turn and instead just go a bit ham on searching for expedition sites. At best, they give us relevant-leveled books and artifacts. At worst, they give us manuscript fodder and artifacts that we can pass off to Jade to turn into more bits. Maybe we can find the Castle of the Two Sisters even.
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Liquidate the Edge 3 artifact to afford Assaulting Hills.

Selene: Scry/Scry/Soothe
Axe: Assault/Make Bits(Burglary)
Baldomare: Influence(Assist in Assault? We don't have a spare scry to find moveable assets so her ticket might pay for itself in bits)
Mareinette: Honored Guest(Spoiled)(Assist in Assault)
Biedde: Influence(Assist in Assault)
Forge Name: Build a Prison
Jade: LOCKED
Rarity: Focus on Career
Comet Feet: Search for Easy Expeditions
Servants+Risen: Cover Your Bases
Bureau: Dodge Junction/Tall Tale/Hoofs Dirty
If we leash Filthy: Search for Easy Expeditions
Velvet: Teach Rarity/Forge Name/Soft's Request/Study/Study/Study

What's your opinion on something like this? Should get us free and clear out of bits hell. Especially since Jade makes us, what, 50 bits a turn starting next turn if she can only study 1 level 1 artifact out of our closet a turn? If she can study 2 like a Velvet AP can than she becomes competitive with Rarity for "best moneymaking follower"
 
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ses said:
What's your opinion on something like this? Should get us free and clear out of bits hell. Especially since Jade makes us, what, 50 bits a turn starting next turn if she can only study 1 level 1 artifact out of our closet a turn? If she can study 2 like a Velvet AP can than she becomes competitive with Rarity for "best moneymaking follower"
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Looks good for the most part, mostly just some minor quibbles. Dunno if we really need Biedde's Influence + go to Tall Tale if we're not doing the Edge Sacrament, but maybe we'll luck out with a stronger than normal changeling and get it anyway or something. I'd also lean toward having DoA also look for expeditions, considering this has us liquidating the Edge 3 artifact (+200 bits), studying the Moth 3 + Knock 2 artifacts to potentially sell next turn (+100/+300 depending on if both or just Knock), and also sending in the full Name squad to simultaneously divest Hill of his freedom and valuables.
 
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Greymere said:
Looks good for the most part, mostly just some minor quibbles. Dunno if we really need Biedde's Influence + go to Tall Tale if we're not doing the Edge Sacrament, but maybe we'll luck out with a stronger than normal changeling and get it anyway or something. I'd also lean toward having DoA also look for expeditions, considering this has us liquidating the Edge 3 artifact (+200 bits), studying the Moth 3 + Knock 2 artifacts to potentially sell next turn (+100/+300 depending on if both or just Knock), and also sending in the full Name squad to simultaneously divest Hill of his freedom and valuables.
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Considering that we have two Expedition scries going I don't think DoA's action spent on expeditions is necessary, and I think we should go to Tall Tale regardless. We could save Biedde's action and have him be leader on the Assault I suppose, but that trades Velvet's near-guaranteed safety in Tall Tale for... an extra expedition search with just the raw +30 name bonus or a wrong keys craft or a Burglary for 30-50ish bits? Yeah that could easily be worth it, I can see that. But I do appreciate the safety blanket of +40 personal combat plus the free Edge attention. And the chance of a free Sacrament if we get very lucky is indeed appealing.

Remember that little bit of foreshadowing during the changeling hive assault where the drones started having the Dream? That bit of foreshadowing that hasn't paid off yet? And that we replaced the Woods with the Ashen Wastes in the meanwhile? Windy isn't the only suspect in Equestria that has the possibility of being able to summon an Ash Ghoul. We know that the Changelings are also taking their first steps into the Lores because they started having the Dream. One of them might have learned the Ash Ghoul summon and a changeling hive certainly would be willing and able to make use of sacrifices.

(Also personally I want to keep the Moth 3 artifact on our roster. We don't have any generic Moth summons and we have no befriendable Moth Names so no Name Influence during all-in)
 
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OurLadyOfWires said:
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Your advice helped immensely. I'm hoping that this is a bit better.

To Comfort in Spite

You are Ashen Weaver.

Right now, you are in your office- a new accommodation- and absently rubbing at your Hoof- no, no… your hoof. Sighing, you push it aside. The ache had been there for a full month already, and had merely dulled enough for you to get back to work in at least some capacity.

The first week after that encounter, you'd ended up having to visit the Hospital as every step seemed to make the-... the pain worse. The Doctors had been horrified, and… well, that was the past. What mattered now, was how it had impacted your work. Every day, you pushed through, focusing on your breathing and your Heartbeat to keep from going mad with pain. Honestly, scratching and biting at it had helped for a short time, before making it worse.

You signed your name on the latest setup for the scheduling, trying to ignore the phantom itch around your neck from where the collar had been strapped. The temporary relief wasn't worth the long-term worsening of the pain. At least now, you had definite proof of that. It would be months and months… maybe even years, but. It had already gotten mildly better. As long as you held steadfast, you knew you'd be fine.

Getting up stole a wince from you, and you forced it down with uncomfortable ease. Practice made perfect, and this was something you'd been practicing daily for almost a month now. Walking made the trip to your door both easy, and painful, but that was life these days. It was rare to see your smile in the last month, and it had made it very clear how isolated you were after the Tragedy.

Thankfully, your boss had come through. He'd shifted you into management and fast-tracked your training. Knocking on the door to his office, you hesitated and looked around. Zoning out to escape the pain was… not the worst option, but you hated the lost moments. It was… it was supposed to be something to savor. Life was meant to be full of wonder, and sweet joys… what had happened to that old ease you had with finding it?

Slipping inside after hearing the brusque tone of your bosses voice, you spotted him. Iron Nail was a Stallion in good standing, part of a proud clan of Irons who had done some kind of crafting since before the Apple family established their Orchard. He claimed his grandfather had been an old fling of Granny Smith's back in the day, though most people laughed it off as ridiculous.

The office itself was fairly simple- plain tan walls, a simple dark-brown tiling, and a basic desk with a pair of chairs- one in front and one behind. A few shelves held some empty space that had once held pictures and trophies, the patterns in the dust showing where they used to sit. Filing cabinets were behind him, a pair that were never full, but always close to being so. Smiling at him, you hid the pain of walking over and set the schedules on the desk, sitting and looking at him. He hummed, looking over your work and nodding to himself as he slowly began to smile more and more.

"Ah, these are...? Yes, they are. Good. That helps immensely. I was worried you wouldn't make it today, but you pulled through... You've been reliable the past few weeks. You make me glad I moved you up, honestly- you've been a great help compared to some of the other slackers that got in on nepotism or investor demands. You're a fine Stallion, Ashen. You remind me of my own Colt sometimes, really- pushing on even with that injured leg. Just like him in that way, he's so…"

Iron Nail paused, his mood plummeting as he glanced at a calendar, today's date the only one with writing on it- his smile dying at the sight. You glanced over, seeing the name 'Iron Hoof' written in crayon, the hoofwriting different from Iron Nail's own, with colorful balloons scribbled around it. Nail seemed more somber and soft spoken when he continued, and you couldn't help but feel what little good mood you'd developed dampen alongside his own. "... he adapted. Used to adapt. He… I'm sorry, I shouldn't be talking about... Listen, Ashen can you grab the new contracts from Straw's desk? He should have them, and I need to be sure no one is trying to screw us over."

You paused, the pain in your hoof flaring as you felt something almost rise up inside of you, but then you realized... Why didn't you feel like… like you cared as much? Were you really THAT distracted by your own pain that you couldn't be a half decent Stallion and FEEL something? With Nail in front of you and feeling so clearly hurt, you were sitting here and feeling... nothing. Not even nothing, or numb, just exhaustion and pain. It was disgusting and awful, and you felt... wrong. Like you had since you escaped that Nightmare, with that Wolf.

But maybe that was it. Maybe that was the reason it was so easy to zone out. Not feeling at all was easier, less painful. It was a way to bite at the wound, to scratch and rub at it. Feelings, Empathy... they'd be like alcohol on an open wound, wouldn't they? After all, you'd always believed that to empathize and help others, to offer service, was the best way to heal from a soul-deep hurt. And if your hoof was acting up only when you tried to empathize with other ponies… "Hey Nail? Would you like to go get drinks after work tonight? I… I have my own sorrows to drown, a-and I… hear that misery is… is easier with company."

You winced as you finished, your leg having started feeling like it was on fire during the question. You almost lashed out to attack it, hit it and make the pain go away, but… but spite fueled your refusal to let it steal away this part of you. You calmly lowered the hoof you'd raised in that initial slare-up, and massaged the Agonized leg, letting out a shaky breath as you tried to relieve some of the painful pressure that was cutting at you underneath the skin. Then you forced a smiled up at your boss, hoping he agreed.

He seemed concerned at first, until you smiled and he relaxed. His concern would be touching if you could feel that more easily or regularly. But once his concern for you passed, he hummed, thinking over your question. He seemed hesitant, some vulnerability showing for the first time since you'd met him, and he seemed to flip flop for a minute before slowly nodding. "I… you know what? Yes. I think I'd like that. I could use a night to just... get away from the house, and the... Thank you." He was silent for a moment, collecting himself. Then he sucked in a breath and spoke up again, his eyes snapping back into their normal firm pseudo-glare.

"Now get your tail in gear and go get those contracts. Now." After accepting, the vulnerability was hidden behind a wall of iron slammed shut with an unyielding demand. Nodding, you stood up, unable to hide your wince, or your limp this time as you started moving, refusing to let the pain slow you down. What good was Earth Pony strength and stamina if you couldn't push through a little pain?

---------

You sipped at your ale as Iron Nail lay slumped against the bar next to you. In your state, you didn't trust yourself to get drunk- the pain didn't dull with the rest of you, as you'd found out when the Morphine left your thoughts sluggish and everything except the pain numb. It had remained as sharp as ever, leading the doctors to suspect it was somehow cursed or affected BY a curse. At least until they brought in specialists. No curse to be found, they claimed, though there was something. Nothing they could specifically identify though... So you sipped your ale, listening to Nail as he sobbed and weakly smacked the counter.

"He was young... J-JUST A COLT! How… why...? Why did they have to… t-to…" His whimpers made your insides ache, every flicker of sympathy and pity brutally burned by the aching of your leg. As he sobbed out his sorrows, you just felt off. Something inside you felt broken and the burning of your leg made it so hard to focus on him and FEEL like you normally would. Still… there was that familiar niggling tingle in your flank, the gentle push that said someone needed you, needed a shoulder to cry on, a nudge in the right direction… something to pull him out of this awful darkness he found himself in.

And since you couldn't find the words right now, you stood up, tossing the bits to cover your drinks onto the counter, nodding to the bartender and pulling Nail with you. Every step was like walking across broken glass laced with fresh pepper juices, but you couldn't stop- you WOULDN'T stop. He stumbled after you, confused and dazed, needing your help to stay upright as you pulled him out into the street, the cool night air swirling around the both of you.

"Wh-wha… wha's happ'nen… why're we goin'?" The tearful stallion sniffled, looking in your general direction in dismay, and you gave him a smile that was dragged straight from your cutie mark, every ounce of your control going into hiding your pain for your… your boss. Your friend. He'd helped you even when he could've laid you off, and he had agreed to spend time with you. He was a friend now, and nothing was going to change that.

It was a fair question, and one that you had given a decent amount of thought to both earlier, and just now before you'd left. After all, words seemed to be failing you lately, everything coming out subtly Wrong. So instead of talking, you'd act and try to soothe his mind through movement, rather than the simple sounds you could make."I'm taking you to a club. Not to find a mare- it is far too soon for that. But Clubs have dancing, and singing, and laughter. So, we're going to give you a night to forget. Forget about everything, even if only for one night. Yeah?"

Nail seemed hesitant, less invested in the idea, but he was drunk. More, he was sad, and broken, and lonely. His Wife had been out on an expedition when the Calamity hit, and there was no telling if she was even alive or dead. He feared the worst. He was so afraid of so much... you'd realized as he sobbed into his drink that every part of him was riddled with memories and loss, pain and sorrow. More than that, he was an aching wound that just refused to close. So much hurt and pain had been pushed into him for so long that he was just tired. Still, he couldn't give up entirely until he knew about his wife. He'd know in only a few months... so he was holding on for her. You Mark tingled more at the thoughts, burning softly against you in a way so impossibly different to your hoof- this didn't hurt, for example. More like sand just shy of being too hot, than the... other pain.

"Mm… nn'kay…" So, you took him down the street. You weren't sure which club to head into, and each one felt… bad. Nothing was clicking, nothing was feeling right to your mark, and you were feeling Nail get worryingly impatient, until… you felt it. A Beat. It only lasted a moment, and your hoof flared in Agony right after, but… but you felt it. You led your boss into the place, shivering as you actively avoided stepping on the burning limb, and looked around. Everyone was dancing, or singing, or both, and there was a single person in the mix, looking exhausted and drained, utterly mentally wrecked.

The poor Mare looked like it was her last day on earth, and she planned to live it to the fullest. Her hoofbeats… they reminded you of that Secret that had been forced into your mind, and you felt it… well, ache, but less. Like somehow, this was the real truth. A real factual truth of that secret, not the partial truths told by that being. It was more. More than the broken shards of glass rammed into your mind and soul, more than the splinters still sticking out of your brain... The way she wove through the crowd was magical, and she seemed to delight everyone she met with barely a few words that seemed to enthrall her every conversational partner, her every motion adding more and more to your understanding and realization of the truth.

So you gently led your boss onto the dance floor near that Mare and started dancing. You took him from group to group, person after person, dancing and joining in the laughter and upbeat atmosphere filling the air- that sense of giving up and indulging in a moment of revelry and reckless abandon. Each person, you got closer, and the closer you got, the more your heart pumped and your limbs felt energized… and the more the burning was pushed back.

The connections were still forming, still building, and the pressure from the dance beating back the pain made it easier and easier to form this web of connection and interconnections… until you finally reached her. The Mare dancing on her own and with tears down her face. So close, you realized your missing piece, that painful last limb being forced into the Dance as you felt… something. A rhythm that simply felt... right.

A piece in your mind shook, an awareness of some fundamental truth being revealed as a falsehood. More than merely that, the lens had been fogged with Ash, and now you could finally truly see. It did not progress anything, but… but as you danced, that feeling was made… real. Though she seemed to be looking at you. Really, truly looking at you. Her grin slowly spread, and she laughed, spinning away to follow some unknown grander part of the Beat. You breathed, looking at Nail as he danced.

It was… off. But you had the rhythm in your hooves now, and you KNEW what to do. So you gently stopped him, looking at him and grinning. His body looked tired, his eyes dull, his mind stuck in the tar and honey of the recent past. He was haunted, and looked it. He was not a happy pony, but... well, neither were you. That was the whole point of coming out here this night, wasn't it? "Hey, Nails… I think I learned a new dance. Would you care to dance with me?"

He paused, looking at you and looking flustered, like he had seen a ghost. He hesitated and seemed to debate with himself. You smiled, gently nudging you and making him look up at your face. You winked and then adopted his favored expression, the one you remembered from when he 'promoted' you. "You need to move on and get some progress in you, hmm? Aint never been a pony that was healthy when they was stuck in life. I'll set you up something nice, just make me a promise, yeah?"

You paused, giving him a very pointed look to go with your false smile. He had made you promise to help around the office again, to bring people together and give people an outlet. A way to feel something again after the Calamity. A promise to help foster connections and bring people together. To do what his Cutie Mark said he was always meant to do. Shaking that away, Iron Nails scoffed, then chuckled and sighed. "Very well… though I think I'll head home soon. This has been… nice. But I can't... I need to just be alone for a bit after this."

You nodded, smiling more softly- a feat made easier by the pain pulling back at that pulsing Beat in your hooves and heart. "Alright Nails. I'll take you home after this."

Though you could tell he wasn't exactly eager, you slowly led him through the dance you'd learned, watching him follow along and slowly speeding up until you both reached that right speed, and then… the he felt it. The beat in the air, the earth, your hooves… with a pulse, you started dancing with him, and your cutie mark seemed to come alive, almost burning as that awareness, the feeling of the Beat, started to spread through your connections.

Slowly, those you had spoken too started to match the dance, their hooves beginning to tap out a pattern of an unfamiliar Dance. This felt Wrong, but also so very Right, like his veins had been hijacked to carry liquid magic instead of blood, but for his cutie-mark. Whatever was happening, he knew it was NOT how things were meant to be. But… but did it matter?

As the dancing continued, Nail became less and less sad, or rather… he was more and more distracted, memories of the past and visions of a dark future overwhelmed by the reality of the here and NOW. The Dance in his limbs, the Beat of his heart, the Rhythm in the air… Everything felt so terribly right and good, and it hurt to know that this was somehow Wrong.

Time passed, people came in and joined, the web spreading and growing on it's own in ways that had never happened before. You felt names, tasted stories, and smelled their eagerness to join. More and more the feelings grew, the night thickened, and the dancing intensified. Above and beyond it all, the smile of that Mare continued to flash at you from around the room as she danced.

And slowly, you began to notice other quirks about her dance, the way she moved, and twisted, the way she seemed dazzlingly beautiful and breath-takingly sweet in her every word and motion, each throbbing quaver of the music- when had it changed? How did it match the Beat so perfectly…?- perfectly in time with her steps and breaths. A living, breathing dance, made flesh. This was more than a Cutie Mark, this was something that was beginning to edge in on the Divine… or so it seemed. It just… felt so Wrong…

You tried to breath in and found it difficult, and not because of exhaustion or exertion. The air was thick and heavy, the newborn senses in your mind telling you that something enormously big was beginning to happen, and you couldn't tell if you'd want it to finish or not, part of you recoiling at the idea… which was enough. A tendril of focus wavered, the web trembled, and Nail saw a young stallion, One who looked like his lost Colt, in the flashing lights of the Club- and you both stopped.

The feeling of the web snapped, the Beating Pulse suddenly ceasing from the shock as it unraveled and everyone was suddenly disconnected from one another, leaving the entire club feeling heavy and hot and empty. As you listened, and felt, the presence of that weighted gaze faded until it was but a whisper of a memory. Nail was right in front of you, panting as groups all across the club slipped almost seamlessly back into their own dances, laughter and cheering coming from across the building as everyone congratulated everyone else on how amazing that experience had been.

You stopped dancing as well, panting and blinking as you looked at him, and he looked at you. And then, slowly, in those eyes full of pain and tears and sorrow… you saw him really see you. And he smiled, a broken Stallion in a broken world- but for a brief moment, he'd felt alive again, and that lingered in his mind. You saw his hooves twitch, the same beat that echoed through your own hooves… and you smiled back, the aching burn of your hoof miles away in the dull warmth of your Heartbeat.

You weren't sure you could mimic what had just happened again, not without that Mare to help get you started- though you noticed she wasn't anywhere to be found anymore- but… but you knew you could dance. You could dance, and you knew your heart would answer and beat for you when you did. And you were fairly certain he knew it now as well.

You helped steady him as you started to leave the club, stopping and chatting with a few people throughout the club about getting a party started, something to celebrate the memory of those loved ones that had fallen in the Calamity, and the lives of those who had survived it. The reception was mediocre, but you got people to agree. Especially to just meet up again in a few days to discuss the idea and workshop it.

As you stumbled out into the night, you felt… lighter. The splinters in your mind seemed to have lessened, and you could FEEL again. Something other than ache, and pain, and spite. It was such a relief to feel… sad, again. Because you DID feel sad. This was not how you should've handled your Bosses grief. It worked out better than it could have, but… but you regretted it. Hopefully he'd forgive you after this. At least you shared a secret now, though.

Though you wished you knew why you'd gotten the feeling of two different tastes from that Mare. It wasn't only her Beating Heart that you'd sensed, after all. You'd noticed something oddly… Sweet. But it eluded you, for now. Maybe… maybe you'd figure it out on your own? Or the next time you were ready to try and face off against that Thing, you'd hear it's poison dripping more secrets into your mind.

For now, you just helped your boss get home, and then headed back to your own apartment to rest. You weren't ready to head back yet, there was something more to do first, but… but you were getting there. Already one secret had had the poison run its course and fade, so the other would as well, given time. You just had to trust in that and hope for the best.

So you slept, and Dreamed, and wandered the Crossroads, exploring as you ever did.

---------

The next morning, as you looked through the news paper while getting ready for work- with more energy than you had since that encounter- you paused on a certain section. A picture of that Mare from last night, being led away by men dressed in that uniform of those new Lunar Cops. The Lunies had been after her... and there was even mention of some kind of magical ritual nearly being cast last night at... at the bar. They were trying to interiew and figure out what had happened, but... but there was no one who could remember the names or faces or even Cutie Marks of most people they'd met last night, very well... other than a strange Earth Pony who had approached them to try and start a new festival.

Oh dear...
 
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OurLadyOfWires said:
But to your point, ses, i check "the last three months".

So at the beginning of Turn 21 i looked at what Greymere just posted and saw the "Focus" on turn 18, so Rarity was all set.
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@OurLadyOfWires This sounds like the rule isn't actually "Dont get three failures in a row" but "You are asked to Focus on Career if the last three turns were failures", effectively making it "Don't get FOUR failures in a row". If that's the case, uh, Rarity certainly has a lot more safety net than we thought and we should absolutely be reenacting the inciting incident of the Forever Filly episode with her starting next turn.

...it's still the case we can't accidentally stumble into a fail state as long as we always focus on career when she asks us right? Because this isn't filling me with confidence.
 
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Nevermort said:
Exactly.


Main goal of negotiations would be to deal away with comissions without losing our income. No commisions no stress.
Rarity current terms are follows.




See the part about She won't be living the dream anytime soon, though. Better to do something about it. I think best outcome would be if Nobles started to come to her instead of her to Nobles. Then she would not be away for commissions and it would be less stressful overall. Perhaps if we convince Cadance to visit her Boutique few times it would give us desired effect.

Of course we are also still hiding her being commoner which was mentioned as one of the reasons she need to go away on commission.

If we want to maintain mystery we can offer her to live with her sister in Velvet mansion while still using Boutique as workplace. Maybe it would even spark rumors of her being Velvet Rarity. Also who is looking after Sweetie Belle while she is on comissions?

I think talking with Needle Pin would at least gives us options on what we can change and then we can adjust accordingly. As you can see first negotiation was not about bits. They were more about arrangements.
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it is much harder to make a name for yourself when you try to have that name written everywhere at the same time

She HAS made a name for herself. Now it would be the time to capitalize on it, yeah.

Unless Bird has something against the option, it seems reasonable to me that after the Wedding renegotiations would be viable and rewarding. Especially when we can leverage our INDEPENDENT reputation and power (as in independent from the Velvet family) as Commissioner of the Lunar Bureau, AND close friend of Princess Cadance, AND when we can also bring grail 4 + influence 4, for a total of 13 (diplomacy) +5 (beautiful) +20 (grail 4) + 40 (grail influence) = +78 with reroll (or outright send Mareinette, who rolls +90 with reroll (AND if we sent her AFTER we befriended her she might even throw in an influence for +130. Names are scary when really trying in their specialties, news at 11.)

Maer said:
For the first: Would you enjoy that? Me making this a full on Fic as opposed to a string of Omakes tied into more of a side-Quest? I wouldn't mind, but I'd need to know it was something people would actually want.

For the second, I'm willing to do that. Next time I have the free time.
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I admittedly haven't read the last Ashen Weaver fanfic yet, I wanted to refresh my mind on the older ones first.

I think I'd enjoy it, but I'm also only one person. And damn, I've been falling behind on plenty of quests and stories recently... 😢
 
Pittauro said:
She HAS made a name for herself. Now it would be the time to capitalize on it, yeah.
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Step 1: Have Rarity and Sweetie Belle move to Velvet mansion. Keep her origin mystery. Spread rumors that Cadance visited Velvet mansion to get exclusive Rarity's dresses
Step 2: Renegotiate contract with Needles. Inform clients that Rarity would stop doing commissions, but they can still get costume via special invitation.
Step 3: Profit. And excuse to bring Rarity home :V

Also waiting more turns for it is not strictly necessary. For example:


Plan: Business negotiations
Detectives - Dodge City
Constables - Tall Tale Proto-Hive
Commissioner - Get our hooves dirty
Free Lore Introduction - Lantern

Mareinette — Renegotiate Rarity contract (meet Needle Pin)
Baldomare - Lantern Influence
Biedde - Edge Influence
Forge Name - Build a Prison
Rarity: Commission

Selene (3) - RotT for Lv. 7 book, RotT for Lv. 6 Forge reagent, Soothe the Night
DoA - Assault Opponent: Velvet Hill
Cover your bases (+2 AP) - Servants, Risen, Fluttershy, DoA, Filthy Rich

AotL - Lantern
Knock - Shattered Stairways
Forge - Forge 2 for Forge Name
Grail - Filthy Rich
Social - Spoiled Rich
1+2+3) Study, by priority within sections: (Moth 5 book, Manehattan book), (Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Moth 3 artifact, Knock 2 artifact)
4) Soft Sweeps FO
5) RotT for Worthy Opponent Velvet would accept killing (meaning criminal or monster)
6) Rite of Joyous (Re)Forging

Mareinette and Velvet social actions exchanged mostly because I am not very happy with leaving Mareinette in Tiara proximity. Could be swapped back were Velvet doing renegotiations which probably safer but less impactful. Plus again leaving Mareinette with Tiara.

Also RotT for Worthy Opponent instead of Biedde sacrament. The rest is mostly the same.
 
Nevermort said:
Step 1: Have Rarity and Sweetie Belle move to Velvet mansion. Keep her origin mystery. Spread rumors that Cadance visited Velvet mansion to get exclusive Rarity's dresses
Step 2: Renegotiate contract with Needles. Inform clients that Rarity would stop doing commissions, but they can still get costume via special invitation.
Step 3: Profit. And excuse to bring Rarity home :V
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I don't understand what the point of this even is.

Edit: Actually, let me restate. Which part of this do you even suspect to actually lead to increased income and why? What are you even planning to renegotiate with the Needles?

Edit 2: Oh wait, there's only a few hours left for voting. Let me shill for my name idea for a moment...

It's meaningful*! It's Forge-themed! And it even includes a horse pun, and we all know the best Names have horse puns!

Vote Cherenkolt today sometime in the next four hours!



*From Wikipedia: "Cherenkov radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted when a charged particle (such as an electron) passes through a dielectric medium (such as distilled water) at a speed greater than the phase velocity (speed of propagation of a wavefront in a medium) of light in that medium. A classic example of Cherenkov radiation is the characteristic blue glow of an underwater nuclear reactor."

And from Cultist Simulator, Blue Gold: "This is alchemy's savage summit: the deadly blue of fire outpacing light. Touch it and die."
 
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I also will once more advocate for allowing Mareinette to pursue Cadance! More Alicorn+Alukite scenes is what I crave! Find out just how merrily Love and Grail get along! Witness competitive matchmaking in action! See Mareinette yell [GRAIL!!!] at fawning nobles in high society!

As for Hills, I definitely don't want to use him for the Sacrament if it entails seeing the DoA go after him. That would torpedo any chance of her and Velvet's brother establishing a relationship.
 
I want the Rarity omake to be canon, simple as. It was a good omake. And it's unintentional IC on Velvet's part, which I like and allows for fun scene or two without taking it too seriously or detracting from his main character arc, which I assume will be all about Velvet and our new robot son and Stormchaser and him becoming a Real Beloved Son(tm). That's why I really dislike the variant names that were proposed, it completely defeats the point. His name should establish the starting point of their relationship while still working after whatever character development arc QM has in mind happens.
 
Talon Tiger Dino said:
I also will once more advocate for allowing Mareinette to pursue Cadance! More Alicorn+Alukite scenes is what I crave! Find out just how merrily Love and Grail get along! Witness competitive matchmaking in action! See Mareinette yell [GRAIL!!!] at fawning nobles in high society!

As for Hills, I definitely don't want to use him for the Sacrament if it entails seeing the DoA go after him. That would torpedo any chance of her and Velvet's brother establishing a relationship.
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I agree with you but... I want to be friends with Mareinette.

And importantly I want to show that I want to be friends with Mareinette.
 
Greymere said:
I don't understand what the point of this even is.
Edit: Actually, let me restate. Which part of this do you even suspect to actually lead to increased income and why? What are you even planning to renegotiate with the Needles?
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First is the act of renegotiating itself. Our contract was signed long ago and circumstances changed greatly since then.See if we can simply ask for more bits (bigger percentage) as Rarity become vastly more popular.
Second is to remove anonymity clause as it restricts Rarity options.
Third is to start running Commissions through Needles. Have them arrange it so clients visit Rarity instead of vice verse.

We get approximately 300 additional bits in three months if we run 2 commisions and this is our limit, right? Ideally I would want to renegotiate for like 80-100 additional bits to our normal pay every months from arriving nobles so we don't lose money but stop doing commissions.

And during this turn specifically simply inform Needles that Rarity is too popular, have to many commissions recently and if they are not willing to restructure deal Rarity would not be able to work for them anymore. I mean they only give 50-60 bits of regular income in turn. In three month it is 150 bits which is close to one commission. Rarity can switch to doing commission every month and would not lose money even if her contract with Needles expires. They need her more than she needs them.

Obviously allows us to take commission action again this turn as we are making entirely new deal with Needles.

Talon Tiger Dino said:
As for Hills, I definitely don't want to use him for the Sacrament if it entails seeing the DoA go after him. That would torpedo any chance of her and Velvet's brother establishing a relationship.
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I always treated Velvet's brother flirting as comedy routine, than anything serious. Love killed DoA sister, due you want to murder DoA too?
 
@ses what do you think about looking for expeditions located near Ponyville rather than of a specific difficulty?

We know there's an easy expedition around here somewhere that should have a Level 4/5 artifact from the 1000-page celebration update. And I kind of want to see if we can find the Castle of the Two Sisters, which I doubt would be just an easy expedition.
 
Greymere said:
@ses what do you think about looking for expeditions located near Ponyville rather than of a specific difficulty?

We know there's an easy expedition around here somewhere that should have a Level 4/5 artifact from the 1000-page celebration update. And I kind of want to see if we can find the Castle of the Two Sisters, which I doubt would be just an easy expedition.
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Easy/Medium/Hard is the default verbiage of the turn votes. And I don't see any reason that a particular expedition being mentioned should end up mattering. We're either destined to run into it when doing a Search for Easy Expeditions action or we aren't. If we aren't then why would using different wording get us access to a thing we learned about from OOC information? Honestly the whole idea that we need to figure out a super secret password of wording the vote instead of the default we were given in order to unlock the secret menu of QM given goodies sounds unpleasant. I don't think the QM runs his game like that from how he's run previous votes.

-[] 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)
--[] Search for a place that is old in its History. Where the influence of the Mansus is but an echo, but that can still be heard in the wind. (Search for an intermediary expedition)
--[] Search for a place that should be better left forgotten. According to the powers of this Era, at least. Finding it will be hard, though, and uncovering its secrets even harder. (Search for a very hard expedition)
 
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ses said:
Easy/Medium/Hard is the default verbiage of the turn votes. And I don't see any reason that a particular expedition being mentioned should end up mattering. We're either destined to run into it when doing a Search for Easy Expeditions action or we aren't. If we aren't then why would using different wording get us access to a thing we learned about from OOC information?
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An easy expedition could be right on our doorstep or on the other side of the country; "easy" doesn't necessarily mean "short". And like I said, I want to try and find the Castle of the Two Sisters which I doubt would be considered an easy expedition site, but it is nearby. And quite frankly, combing the area around Ponyville is really the only way I could see us finding it, because we don't know any of the targetable information IC. Rarity doesn't talk about it, Selene doesn't remember it very well (I think that's the case @OurLadyOfWires right?), and we don't really have any way of indirectly targeting it via RotT afaik.
 
Scheduled vote count started by OurLadyOfWires on Apr 28, 2025 at 12:31 AM, finished with 272 posts and 35 votes.
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Turn 22 - Followers' Phase New
  • Threadmarks
    • You are Velv-...

    You are...

    ...ady Velvet Covers and...



    The way that the LIGHT refracts is just so… mesmerizing.



    The stars are pinprick wounds, the moon is a mirror, but the sun is a hemorrhage of the light.

    And the same way it shines down from the top and refracts in a thounsand-thousand directions through the Concursum, so too does its watered-down and filtered light eventually makes its way to the Wake.

    And into your room.

    And into your eyes.

    Because even this tiny crystal, small as it may be, has a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of it. Even this miniature spectacle before your eyes is enough to remind you that… to remind you of the bedazzling symphony of colors that is-



    "Ma'am? Ma'am?"



    -Ponpon's voice, at first coming from a great distance, but eventually from right behind you, snaps you back to reality.

    "Lady Velvet? Can you hear me? Is everything alright?" he voice comes again. Insistent. Concerned. Real. As real as the air inside your lungs, or the weight of your fur upon your coat.

    And you… you look around and…

    You are Velvet Covers.

    And you are currently on the second floor of your mansions… of your home.

    Ponpon is standing right next to you, concern written on her face. And right in front of you is…

    A dress. A filly-sized dress, more practical than elegant, but still with a few gems to make it prettier. Perfect for a filly to play in, while still being the center of attention.

    Perfect for a… for a cute-ceñeara. Your daughter's cute-ceñeara.

    Yes, you and Ponpon were in the middle of planning that. And she just brought out the dress you had ordered for your daughter to wear. Until you looked at the way the light reflected on the little gemstones and…

    "Ma'am… should I call your husband? Would you like to sit down or-"

    "No, no, everything is alright Ponpon," you interrupt your trusted maid, your friend, as you resist the urge to shake your head. "I just have… a lot in my mind right now."

    But deep down, you can't help but think that this is getting worse.

    Is it getting worse? Could it be that you just started noticing this now, instead? How often do you just zone out like that? How often do you remember… remember the light of Glory?

    You blink. Once, twice, ignoring how the world looks brighter through your closed eyelids.

    "I can still bring you something to drink, if you like. Tea, or water, or maybe some tonic?" she asks, although you can tell she is narrowing her eyes even without looking at her.

    "No, it's fine. It really is. I'll just…" you trail off, realizing that you are not being entirely truthful. "Why don't we continue this later? Most of the preparations are done, and we were just going over the details anyways," you say.

    Although you start making your way out of that room, and back towards your bedroom, before she has a chance to respond.

    And your mind is so filled with other thoughts, you don't even stop to appreciate how strange this must all look for Ponpon.

    But still, you know you have enough excuses for this. You have all the excuses in the world, even. You are doing your best to be a mother, and keep in touch with your personal life, despite everything else that is being asked for you. So, you can afford these indulgences.

    You can afford these slips.

    As long as you don't slip too deep into the light.

    …

    You should figure out what to do about this.

    All of this.



    - - -



    FOLLOWERS PHASE​



    Velvet Covers currently has 3 personal actions to use on her own phase. (4 base, one used to summon Cherenkolt).

    The following options must be included in your plan, and they are "preliminary" to this turn:

    Would you like to Leash somepony? (This option will also be available on Velvet's Phase. Please count the additional Follower Action as available if you turn somepony into a confidante with a Leash)
    -[] Yes (WRITE IN who)
    -[] Do not leash anypony.


    You currently have THIRTEEN Follower actions.
    Torn Risen: 1
    Rarity: 1
    Jade Whistle: 1 0 (Borrowed on the previous turn)
    Fluttershy: 1
    Baldomare: 1
    Mareinette: 1
    Velvet Axe: 2
    Biedde: 1
    Cherenkolt: 1
    Selene: 3
    Household servants: 1


    Additional notes:
    Tally
    -Cherenkolt, your latest... creation, has accepted his name. Although you don't think he will ever deny anything that comes from you. Even... Well, he is currently in your workshop, disguised as an intricate and half-finished clock to conserve its energy. You will properly address him later. (Winning vote)
    -You have decided to signal to Mareinette that you are still interested in hosting her. You can only wait and see how she will react in turn. (Winning vote)
    -Jade Whistle said she wishes to do something, on her own, and will be unavailable this turn. But from next month onward, she believes she will be able to aid you with more types of research than just those of her dreams.
    -Rarity has, with the most apologetic of tones, told you she feels she is falling behind with her contract with the Needles. She asked if you could (pretty please) not ask her to take any commissions this month. Or, ideally, let her focus fully on her career instead. (Note, Rarity is a Minion, you may order her to do whatever you want, and this is just her personal request).
    -Selene, your beloved daughter, has asked to be ordered to "Soothe the Night" again this turn.
    -The following Fleeting Opportunities will be available this turn:
    --You promised Soft Sweeps to let her do something for you. (May be performed with your "free social action". You also may choose not to pick this, and hope things end up well on their own, although you have no idea how those chips might fall. Mareinette may NOT perform this action.)
    --Uncle Steppes has asked for a little more of your time, to give you a "gift". (May be performed with your "free social action". You also may choose not to pick this, in which case you will still receive a "gift" but will have no say on its details. Mareinette MAY perform this action.)


    Current bits: 105 (all changes for this turn were accounted for during Cherenkolt's summons)


    The Lunar Bureau
    General notes:
    -Velvet Covers may NOT "tamper with evidence" of anything the Lunar Bureau captures.
    -The Lunar Bureau has a very small, but growing, understanding of the Lores. But very few ponies have been brought into the know so far. (This progress will be measure based on how many Lores have been introduced to the Lunar Bureau.)
    -Velvet Covers MAY "plant evidence" in advance, in an already-explored expedition site or somewhere you direct the Bureau to go. Consult with QM for details, to write-in a Velvet action aimed at that.


    Pick ONE of each.


    You don't have many detectives, but the ones you do are the best of the best. What should they focus on this month?
    -[] [DETECTIVES] Despite their friendly nature, ponies are capable of crimes just like any other intelligent creature. Have them investigate crimes at large, in the several cities of Equestria. (Less impactful in the grand scheme of things. But helps the Bureau keep a good image, and decreases the "tension" of the population at large, as the world becomes a worse place)
    -[] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
    -[] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) They have confirmed the presence of changelings in Dodge City. Have them take a closer look, and focus their efforts there. (May not be picked with "Siege Dodge City")
    -[] [DETECTIVES] The dangers in the dark come from outside of Ponykind as well. Listen to the rumors. Study the myths. Look for the threats from without. (Search for Expedition Sites for your later consideration. Additionally, keep an ear on the ground for other "foreign" threats)
    -[] [DETECTIVES] Nudge them in the… "correct" direction. Put them on the trail of one of your Opponents. (WRITE IN which Opponent. Sets the Bureau to investigate a pony you have a personal problem with)


    Former constables, ex-Guards, defenders, one and all. They are not perfectly suited for investigations, but the Bureau needs muscles. And these ponies provide.
    -[] [CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
    -[] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
    -[] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) There are changelings in Dodge City. Surround it, siege it, and root them all out. Regardless of how little information we have, or the collateral damage involved. (May not be picked with "Investigate Dodge City")
    -[] [CONSTABLES] Plan and execute a raid. Within Equestria, or anywhere else that is needed. (WRITE IN an Expedition, OR an Opponent the Bureau has investigated. The Bureau will attempt to perform the Expedition, or will assault an Opponent)
    -[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Adds four additional ponies as bodyguards to your retinue, for this turn only)


    Of course, now that you have a better handle of this, you can find the time to pursue other endeavors while in Canterlot.
    -[] [COMMISSIONER] Some of the ponies in the Bureau are more important than the others. Get to know them better.
    --[] Shining Armor, your Deputy.
    --[] Beyond Reproach and Iron Button, your finest detectives.
    --[] Spend time with somepony else. (Discover, and talk to, another key figure)
    -[] [COMMISSIONER] Dedicate more of your time to spreading the "necessary" knowledge within the Lunar Bureau, that they may learn how to better fight the darkness. (WRITE IN LORE, will create a level 1 "Institutional Knowledge" manifest)
    -[] [COMMISSIONER] The Lunar Bureau is not the only recently-minted institution in Equestria. Try to contact the others.
    --[] The Solar Court, and Fair Trial.
    --[] Eclipse(?), and Midday Dew.
    -[] [COMMISSIONER] Get your hoofs dirty. (Participate in the "Investigators" and "Constables" actions.)


    "Princess Luna is the Director of the Lunar Bureau." Those in the know understand what that truly means. Time to bring more ponies into the know.
    -[] [DIRECTOR] Introduce another Lore to the Lunar Bureau. (WRITE IN LORE, will create a level 1 "Institutional Knowledge" manifest)


    Exclusive actions
    Picking an action from any of these lists will "ensure/lock" that pony to that action, and that follower will not be available for the pool of "general actions".


    Rarity (3 health, GRAIL 3, FORGE 1)
    -[] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
    -[] [RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
    -[] [RARITY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (SECRET LIBRARY INSUFFICIENTLY LEVELED)
    -[] [RARITY] Something else? (WRITE IN)


    Jade Whistle (3 health, LANTERN 4, HEART 2) [NO ACTION POINTS THIS TURN]
    -[] [JADE] "You do you." (Let her do what she wants, and hopefully rest)
    -[] [JADE] Research an artifact (WRITE IN which, will not award any Lore scraps for Velvet)
    -[] [JADE] Research the Lores and try to come up with a new ritual (will offer you more options, later during the turn)
    -[] [JADE] Research "A Memory of the Path" (Current progress 0/200, uses Learning and KNOCK)
    -[] [JADE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


    Fluttershy (3 health, WINTER 1, UNKNOWN nonexistent)
    Comet Feet (4/4 health, EDGE 4)
    -[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to Guard your home.
    -[] [FLUTTERSHY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (No longer allowed, as per your deal with Comet)
    -[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else? (WRITE IN)
    -[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else from your… mutual frient? (WRITE IN to ask Comet Feet for something)


    Baldomare (2 health, LANTERN 6, SECRET HISTORIES 6)
    (Baldomare will expire at the end of turn 23)
    -[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lore)
    -[] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
    -[] [BALDOMARE] "Go have fun." (WRITE IN how many bits, at least 100, that she is allowed to spend to find something interesting)
    -[] [BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (WRITE IN an unread book, of level 5 or higher, to gift her. This is a FREE ACTION and will "reset" her summoning period to the beginning of next turn.)
    -[] [BALDOMARE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


    Mareinette (??? Health, GRAIL 6, HEART 6)
    (Mareinette's bindings will expire at the end of turn 22)
    -[] [MAREINETTE] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Have her meet your uncle, in your stead.
    -[] [MAREINETTE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lores)
    -[] [MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
    -[] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to… (WRITE IN a pony for her to speak with in, "stepping into" your horseshoes).
    -[] [MAREINETTE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


    The Daughter-of-Axes (5 health, KNOCK 6, EDGE 3)
    (As a befriended Name, the Daughter-of-Axes has TWO actions)
    -[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
    -[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock Influence.
    -[] [AXE] Craft Wrong Keys. (She will give you three Wrong Keys, which will expire after five turns. Three full turns of cooldown, starting from the beginning of this turn.)
    -[] [AXE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


    Biedde (5 health, EDGE 6, MOTH 3)
    (Biedde's bindings will expire at the end of turn 22)
    (Biedde will automatically "Guard" you as a free action)
    -[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge lesson.
    -[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge Influence.
    -[] [BIEDDE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


    Cherenkolt (5 health, FORGE 6, SH 3)
    (Cherenkolt will run out of fuel at the end of turn 24)
    -[] [CHERENKOLT] "Thank you for the meal, mother!" (WRITE IN what artifacts to feed Cherenkolt. FREE ACTION)
    -[] [CHERENKOLT] "Recalibrating." (WRITE IN what Lore to change his minor attribute to. FREE ACTION)
    -[] [CHERENKOLT] "Powering down..." (Cherenkolt will be treated as an ARTIFACT for the entire turn. Extends his fuel reserves for one full turn.)
    -[] [CHERENKOLT] Transmutate Blue Gold (Also costs one VELVET COVERS actions. Requires a Forge 6 reagent in your inventory)
    -[] [CHERENKOLT] Ask for a Forge lesson.
    -[] [CHERENKOLT] Ask for a Forge Influence.
    -[] [CHERENKOLT] Someting else? (WRITE IN)


    Selene (7 health, MOTH 4, EDGE 4, WINTER 4, KNOCK 4)
    (As the self-elected best alicorn daughter, Selene has THREE actions per turn)
    -[] [SELENE] You need her to talk to somepony about… (WRITE IN whose dreams she will enter)
    -[] [SELENE] Soothe the night. (Her Winter realization. Unknown effects, if any.)
    -[] [SELENE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


    General actions
    Do NOT specify what follower will perform which actions. Followers who are not busy performing "exclusive actions" will perform whatever you choose here, based on who is best suited for it.
    Any action may be picked several times. Write in a note specifying if you want that to happen.


    -[] You would like for somepony to search for books…
    --[] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE)
    --[] In the great libraries of Canterlot… the ones that are open to public access, that is (LANTERN, GRAIL, SECRET HISTORIES)
    --[] In the many small bookshops that dot the side streets of Manehattan (MOTH, EDGE, KNOCK)


    -[] You need somepony to search for a more "peculiar" artifact. (Search for a random artifact to buy)


    -[] You have contacts in Ponyville, that can find you exactly what you need. Reach out to them. (Write in LORE and LEVEL, up to Level 3. A suitable matching artifact will be available for purchase, but will be more expensive than normal)


    -[] Actually, you would like to get rid of this. (FREE ACTION, WRITE IN studied artifacts to sell, to receive the bits at the END of this turn)


    -[] 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 need a place where you can safely, and discreetly, store items. Use the upper level of her house for it.
    --[] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.
    --[] Actually, you will need a LOT more space. Dig under Jade's house, enough room for a 3 circle ritual. (Progress 0/400. Applies Martial and Forge knowledge.)


    -[] 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)
    --[] Search for a place that is old in its History. Where the influence of the Mansus is but an echo, but that can still be heard in the wind. (Search for an intermediary expedition)
    --[] Search for a place that should be better left forgotten. According to the powers of this Era, at least. Finding it will be hard, though, and uncovering its secrets even harder. (Search for a very hard expedition)


    -[] You need to learn more about this. Send a pony to better scout a known expedition site. (WRITE IN which expedition to scout)


    -[] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition. (Will cause an "Expedition planning" vote to occur, later this turn. If the expedition is not a "short" one, you must pick this action as many times as you want followers to participate in it.)


    -[] Needs must. Ask somepony to procure you a dead body from the local cemetery.


    -[] There really is no other way. Ask somepony to get you a live prisoner. (You have no place to keep live prisoners)


    -[] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (WRITE IN ritual, and its target)
    --[] To be performed in Jade's house (up to two-circle rituals)
    --[] To be performed... somewhere, where you hope nopony will catch wind of it.


    -[] You would like somepony to help you with a small ritual (WRITE IN what Lore, VELVET gains one Attention of the Laws in the Lore. May be picked multiple times.)


    -[] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
    "They might not be your enemies, but they are definitely not your friends."
    (Knowing, or at least suspecting, an opponent's location is vital for a non-ritual action to succeed. Otherwise, the pony sent will spend their action investigating an opponent's whereabouts)


    Defend your home. Because you can't keep fighting if you are dead.
    --[] [GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe.
    (Followers ordered to GUARD will always participate in combat if a foe, or some other faction, tries to attack you during this turn)
    (Followers ordered to GUARD will NOT magically teleport to Velvet if she decides to start a combat of her own accord, in another narrative/mechanic situation, and they will not be present during combats that occur during expeditions.)
    (If you are not attacked during this turn, any GUARD action taken will have no effect.)


    Windy Flakes (possible location unknown)
    --[] [WINDY] Send somepony to attack this opponent
    --[] [WINDY] Send somepony to locate, or spy on, this opponent
    --[] [WINDY] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN what ritual)
    --[] [WINDY] Attempt to contact this opponent (WRITE IN what to discuss if successful)


    "Cover your bases"
    (You may only pick ONE of the following options)
    -[] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
    -[] Two extra Velvet actions! (Costs 5 follower actions)
    -[] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
    -[] Four extra Velvet actions! (Costs 14 follower actions)


    -[] Something else? (WRITE IN)





    Statistically, I missed one or two things. Kindly point them out, as needed, and this post will be updated.

    Twenty-four hours of moratorium. Extendable, if requested.

    I hope you are all doing well!
     
    Last edited:
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    • There has been a lot of talk about possible write-ins. Assaulting your father, having Mareinette renegotiate with the needles, and other things besides.

    Ping me to suggest those. Now is the time to discuss them so we can all reach an agreement on how to turn them into vote options.

    And again, I checked my notes, but that never stopped me from forgetting stuff. Kindly let me know if this or that is missing from the options.

    Good day to us all!



    In other news:
    Pittauro said:
    oh, and I asked before, @OurLadyOfWires how does asking Axe for Keys work? Before it was once in the three months of her summoning. Now does the countdown starts again from zero because she "resummoned" herself? If we DON'T ask for keys now, will the new 3 months cooldown start from our asking?
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    If you ask her now, you will be able to ask her again on turn 25. If you ask her on turn X, you can ask for it again at the BEGINNING of turn X+3. The cooldown of three turns means that "Turn X, turn X+1 and turn X+2 are the cooldown period, if you ask at the beginning of turn X."

    Maer said:
    Your advice helped immensely. I'm hoping that this is a bit better.
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    Wonderful! I'll read and address this later.

    ses said:
    @OurLadyOfWires This sounds like the rule isn't actually "Dont get three failures in a row" but "You are asked to Focus on Career if the last three turns were failures", effectively making it "Don't get FOUR failures in a row". If that's the case, uh, Rarity certainly has a lot more safety net than we thought and we should absolutely be reenacting the inciting incident of the Forever Filly episode with her starting next turn.
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    I won't quibble over the wording. Rarity is expressing concern over her career at this turn. And since she is a Minion, you can order her to do whatever you want. The decision is yours.

    Greymere said:
    And like I said, I want to try and find the Castle of the Two Sisters which I doubt would be considered an easy expedition site, but it is nearby. And quite frankly, combing the area around Ponyville is really the only way I could see us finding it, because we don't know any of the targetable information IC. Rarity doesn't talk about it, Selene doesn't remember it very well (I think that's the case @OurLadyOfWires right?)
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    You have no IC information on the Castle of the Two Sisters. And for all that you know, they are not in the Everfree Forest in this quest.
     
    @OurLadyOfWires what is decision on Mareinette doing Comissioner socials? Can she meet with Midday Dew? And would it replace Velvet's single comissioner action or be a second one?
     
    Nevermort said:
    @OurLadyOfWires what is decision on Mareinette doing Comissioner socials? Can she meet with Midday Dew? And would it replace Velvet's single comissioner action or be a second one?
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    Sure. You can ask Mareinette to do Commissioner social calls.

    But you also have to pick a Commissioner action of your own. I don't want to "convert" a Commissioner Action that Velvet won't do back into her personal time pool. That would add too much complexity to it.

    However, personally, I don't see that being either interesting or too beneficial, and both I and Velvet think you should not do it. I would rather keep the Lunar Bureau and its consequences a separate pot from Mareinette's marinations.

    Rafuki22 said:
    Wouldn't Cherenkolt be in exclusive actions?
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    Done.
     
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