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

[Shaper47]

You're right!

So we just need to befriend Mareinette first, then I'm sure we can trust her implicitly.

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Yeah!

Once Velvet is comfortable with Mareinette going Honest Guest on Celestia and Luna Bureau we can leave the Bureau and free Bureau social actions locked on Celestia to her.

[HONORED GUEST]: Mareinette can "step in" on Velvet's horseshoes, and perform social actions in her stead even if only Velvet should have been able to perform them. (HOWEVER, see "Old Intelligence")

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[Talon Tiger Dino]

Just remember that OurLadyofWires has said that the third renewal price is something we probably won't pay.

 

[des-pair-2]

Just remember that OurLadyofWires has said that the third renewal price is something we probably won't pay.

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Just another reason to have a prison and a prisoner prepared before we have to pay.

Edit: Or reach Heart level 4 and pray that not only is taking that Sacrament also befriending her, but it is doable in 6 turns as well.

 

[spiderhellian]

Just remember that OurLadyofWires has said that the third renewal price is something we probably won't pay.

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I sorta imagine it'll scale off what we've seen?

Next could be 2-3 AP/100-150 bits/More suspicious+bigger impact freedom/Level 3 artefact. Which is yeah, tough but doable.

And then 3-4 AP/200-300 bits/Even worse (better for Mareinette!) freedom/Level 4 artefact. Which is quite rough to pay.

Maybe we won't be able to reuse categories, as she seeks to sate a new desire.

We'll see. But in addition to All In reasons, it's definitely an argument for friendship.

 

[Random Anon]

[X] Plan Prudent KISSing

 

[Greymere]

If we do end up going after Level 6 artifacts to use in All In, what priority should we look for them in?

Frangiclave should cover the Knock 6 slot, unless it's destroyed freeing DoA, so I'm hoping it sticks around.

My gut reaction would be to go for Moth 6 next, both because of Celestia and because as far as we're aware there is now no Moth major Name that we can befriend and bring with us. Then Heart, since studying a Heart 6 artifact would get us two Heart scraps, regardless of if we're Level 3 or Level 4 at the time, and also because we might not be bringing Mareinette with us depending on how things go. Then, idk. Edge maybe. Find an artifact weapon and also cover that Edge Name shaped hole in our All In retinue (unless we can find and befriend Biedde's dyad partner?).

 

[Shaper47]

If we do end up going after Level 6 artifacts to use in All In, what priority should we look for them in?

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Forge definitely.

The ability to have our minions constantly pull of FR's would be very useful.

Not to mention it might help in making new tools/artifacts. (I'm still hopeful of scrying for star metal to forge a weapon out of)

Grail, because social is used a lot.

Heart, because it's lagging.

Don't think Edge is needed as Edge can be filled with Windigos, or Ash Ghouls.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Edge is also covered by Selene, DoA, Velvet... really we are hurting the most in Forge, like Shaper said. We currently only have Velvet for that. No Names, no Summons, no Artifacts.

 

[Limabot]

Edge is also covered by Selene, DoA, Velvet... really we are hurting the most in Forge, like Shaper said. We currently only have Velvet for that. No Names, no Summons, no Artifacts.

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Well, Rarity does have Forge 1, so she can technically do stuff. I do agree that she's not enough, and we'll need to find more. Maybe the ruins of the Mallery have some Forge spirits running around.

 

[Flaregamer82253]

Most likely, this is a case where I'd more expect Luna's Moth to overcome Celestia's Lantern if they're at the same level.

...Actually, while we're talking theory, Luna's Moth realization COULD provide a way to avoid, or at least delay an extra level of the doom clock as the Manehatten expedition already proved she can take other guises beyond "Selene" as well. Why couldn't she take the guise of Velvet and do her commissioner job for a turn (or two?) as Velvet scrambles for her final prep for All In?

Just some stray thoughts...

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I'm now legitimately thinking about this, I'm really starting to think this through deeper.

So! If this sort of option was available to us I can imagine it would free up roughly 2-3 actions* at the cost of all of Selene's actions but my first consideration would be suspicion on two fronts. First of all, Selene isn't Velvet, so potential differences in "character" according to the bureau and associated entities would have a significant chance of incurring suspicion for one reason or another. (Because Selene is Grailless.) Things such as penmanship, decisions, or relationship inconsistencies. Second, Velvet would likely be acting most of her time in Ponyville, which begs the question of how to avoid the obvious question of "Why is Velvet in two places at the same time?"

Well, I think that we actually have the resources to avoid this issue:

But most importantly, you can also do this.

You make a sudden turn as you walk through a busy street, walking into a bookstore as if something just caught your fancy. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing that Lady Velvet Covers wouldn't do whenever she has time to spare.

Except that the small bell on the door doesn't ring as you open it, and none of the store assistants even look at you as you enter.

You make your way deeper into the store without breaking stride, tracking your follower as he finally realizes you are gone. The prey-drag attached to you wavers for a moment, begins to fade, until your follower notices the bookstore, making his way to the other side of the street where he can keep eyes on the exit without calling attention.

You nod to yourself at that. You would feel awfully silly if your tracker decided to give up right when you are about to do this. Still, you head to the second floor of the bookstore.

You ask the manager where the employee-only area is, she answers you because there is nothing strange in doing that.

You click your way through the locked door, and a mare on her break waves at you without even looking in your direction. You wave back, because not doing so would be rude.

A sudden gust of wind surges into the room, and the mare curses as she gets up to close the window. For some reason, she apologizes as if that was her fault. You accept her apology, thanking her for closing the window, which you opened, only after you were out.

And of course, there isn't a mare climbing out through the second floor window. Nopony would ever believe it if they saw it, so nopony bothers to see it.

You flit-flit-fly from one lamppost to the other, crossing the street at the eye level of a flying pegasus.



And a soft breeze cushions your fall as you land right next to your follower.

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Moth powers and Edge senses can make for one hell of a drug. Velvet probably already has the ability to avoid everyone relevant that can occur suspicion. And we are approaching Sacrament to potentially make this GREATER. And even in terms of potential shelter and housing concerns during the "work week"? Well, there's always Jade's house.

The REAL issue here is the question of what is "Selene the filly" doing at this time. And this is the only loose thread that I can't see resolved easily...

*For obvious reasons, these actions are probably unable to be social actions with anyone under confidant level. Blatant evidence and all that.

 

[Sveta08]

The REAL issue here is the question of what is "Selene the filly" doing at this time. And this is the only loose thread that I can't see resolved easily.

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[GRAIL]!

 

[Flaregamer82253]

[GRAIL]!

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Hm. A few statements to the staff at the Velvet estate and to Cheerilee, and Selene has come down with the flu and has to be on bedrest for a month.

I suspect that we would have to bargain though.

...Well, Alukites do like to eat corpses. Think we can give her the risen to eat?

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

I'm not sure Marinette is capable of playing a filly. She'd be drooling at the sight of herself.

To say nothing of the risk to all the grade-schoolers she would be surrounded by while going to school.

 

[Flaregamer82253]

The Grail-monster then looks up towards the shocked audience, and then she-



[Combating suspicion, breakpoints 60/80/100/120/150]

[Mareinette's roll: 90 13 + 60 (Social action) + 30 (Grail, level 6) = 180]

[Final breakpoint reached]



"[GRAIL]!"



-and then she convinces everypony this is just a bad dream, and that they should go back to sleep.

And they all, without exception, believe her.

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Ma'am, once again thank you for your time. Now, this is very important. If you could please tell my superior here everything you told me, that would be much appreciated," he says, encouraging the mare to speak up.

The two stallions patiently wait as the mare gathers her courage. And they understand her hesitation, of course. It must be intimidating for her to be in a situation like this.

But eventually-

"[GRAIL]!"

-she speaks.

"I immediately trust you, and I believe everything you just said," the Deputy says, to which Iron Button nods in agreement.

And the two of them thank the mare, for what must have been their first breakthrough in understanding what exactly happened here.

Her version of events, which was at the same time detailed and short… believable enough to have come from a maid, but with enough holes to give them breadth to check some details themselves, was the lucky break they needed.

And based on her words, the investigation continues.

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I'm not sure Marinette is capable of playing a filly. She'd be drooling at the sight of herself.

To say nothing of the risk to all the grade-schoolers she would be surrounded by while going to school.

Click to shrink...

I suspect that, honestly, we just need her to sell the story instead of act the role.

And Cheerilee? Why, Velvet herself could visit at the beginning of the month to explain it herself. They are close friends after all...

 

[Sveta08]

Well, I teased it earlier at the followerers phase and, eghh. It's not easy. I don't think I'll ever be happy with this piece, but it is here.
What was the quote, "Perfect is the Enemy of Done"

Because there will be a moment that this is asked. I don't know when, and I don't know where and I don't know why it would be asked. But it will.
This is but one potential way it is asked, perhaps using a good few catalists to make it visible.
It's uncomfortable and it's full of itself and was difficult to write. Doesn't mean I'm not proud of it though.



The Only Choice that Matters

---

You, are Velvet Covers.
And never has that been more true.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves, aren't we?



You are Velvet Covers, and that's kind of a lot right now.

Not that it hasn't been for a long, long time though. From noble daughter to married mare to itinerant cultist to Glory seeker, to The Commissioner and beyond, it is fair to say you have worn more than a few hats in your time, and very few of them have been easy.

Still, it is not Velvet Covers, the mare of many titles and deeds that's hard to take in. Because for those gathered, they know those deeds to the one. Many of them have even helped you on the path to here. They understand the burden to lay the stepping stones you have for each of them as well, and how it, in turn, weighs on you. It is not for your resilience and your deeds that you are a lot to take in.

It is that you are Velvet Covers, First in line to GLORY and stand now...

Ready is wrong you think. You will never be ready, but you are as ready as you could imagine you could be.



Canterlot is home to the center of Ponykind.

Ask any foal, colt or filly and they could tell you that. Ask any mare, any stallion who lives and breaths in the last thousand years and they could tell you that Canterlot has been, ever was, and ever will be the center of Ponykind. For the longest, for everyone who lived from then till but recently, it could be described as nothing more than the jewel of Equestria, the very heart of it's land and it's people, where it's Princess deigns to live. It is the best of what ever was and could be hoped for for its peoples.
And if you ask anyone now, they will tell you much the same. Canterlot is the crown of Equestria and its people. Some realize the difference for what it is, but for most? The difference is slight. Felt, but not articulate. The difference between a jewel and a crown is hardly important to most when it comes to metaphor. Same way as how describing it as the heart of Equestria has given way to it being the seat of power of Equestria. It always was those things after all.

For you?

Canterlot is a mountain upon which the Sun sits. One whoms cliffs stretch to reach all heavens.
It is the home of what once were gods. It is the home of your final test.
It is old and dangerous in a way that nothing else ever could have been to you.
It is what once was your home. It is only fitting it would be your last step.



There are rooms inside the Lunar Bureau.
Rooms for every purpose under the the Sun. Almost certainly for every purpose under the Moon too, should she ask them. But here, amidst this little conference room, you are gathered.

All of you. Everyone of your hands and hooves and pawns and tools that matters.
Every face that you look across shining with... if not hope, resolve. Determination. Drive to see this through. To see you through to this end.

You see it too in their gazes. In the reflections, in the shadows you cast.
Draped in the influences of powers older and greater than known history. Several wrapped fast around you, emboldening every word, every step, every pace and every thought with...
There is only one way to describe it. Power.

Nigh visible reflections of your climb. Of your desire made into a second skin. Imbued with the hopes and aspirations of all those gathered. That you, first in an era and an age, might reach GLORY. How about your body hung artifacts, tools that once took aspirants a lifetime to achieve now crossing your body like the jewels of a noblemare.
Maybe it is fitting. Maybe it is too much. Maybe it is not enough.

Everything. Anything. More than you thought you could, and yet somehow always not enough. It was all brought to bare for this.


So then why...

"Where is Baldomare?"

One of your oldest, longest, grandest companions. Latest and newest true companion, in the ways she and she alone knew how, she somehow was both. But since you did what you did she has ever been one of your most stalwart of allies.
So why then, now when all is ready to be set, to be off... Why is she not here?!



She is not blind. At times lethargic and at other indolent, but perhaps only ever once blind. She has to know?

Just like you all do. Just like everyone in that room had agreed. Had seen. Had known. The Sun... Celestia, she was...
Near.

In the same way as the rising dawn, in the same way you could never stop seeing GLORY, she was near. Nearer all the time, every moment rising higher, shining brighter. Pristine and pale and putrid perfection in bleached ash. Were she aware that there were heels to bite, she would have torn your hindlegs off. She was close, disastrously close! So why -?!



"She... said she needed a drink?"

It was a voice that spoke up. Confused as you were at the answer by the sound of their voice. Everyone here knew how... how important this was. Nothing more dangerous, nothing more difficult, nothing more... consequential than this. That Baldomare decided she just... needed a drink? Now of all times?!

If it weren't for the fact it sounded exactly like her, you'd probably be more upset.

"Fine, I'll find her. Just... wait here a moment." Words dripping with every command, lush with promise, and ringing with drive fell from your lips, hooves moving before you had even finished. No one else would leave. Not till you returned with your lost ally. And, perhaps, a bottle or three to share.

Baldomare did have a good eye after all.




There are rooms inside the Lunar Bureau.
Rooms for every purpose under the the Sun. Almost certainly for every purpose under the Moon too, should she ask them. Rooms for gathering, for meeting, for working, for training. For celebrating, and yes, even for drinking. Though, if you have to be honest...
You are fairly certain this room does not exist.

The ground does not feel like the stones beneath your hooves. Nor does the the small table look like anything you would see in the Bureau. And while the fireplace looks at home on the wall, the wall doesn't look at home on the... wall somehow. Nor windows that show things that are unimportant.
No, the only thing that looks right, that fits is her. Sitting on one of the three seats at the table. One bottle before her, crystal clear cups full to the brim and not a drop wasted.

"Baldomare, wha-"

No more words leave your lips. No more sound echoed in this room. Nothing changed.
But something moved.

Not in the corner of your vision. Not hidden beneath the table, or around the edges of the room. Not even out the windows with nothing in them. Not in the flickering light of the fire, nor in the drop of the wine into the glasses.

You moved.

You moved to the seat opposite Baldomare.
And the edges of your memory moved with it.

Well, not quite your memory, but something close to it.



For all that you have known Baldomare, she has ever and always been one of the nicer Names. Maybe it's a bit dismissive to put it as such, but she is. She doesn't carry baggage like some of them do, she is actually fairly personable, and she even, after much coaxing, seemed to take some manner of interest in the world and it's people!

But as she sits across from you, something seems to shift in her expression. And perhaps maybe, just maybe, you were wrong. Or maybe it's better to say, she doesn't carry baggage like some of them do.


Her expression is one of... well, it's hard to place really. Not because it's unfamiliar, no hardly. But rather, it's an expression you haven't really seen her wear before. Maybe one you would have seen, had you looked a little closer.
Frustration, but resigned. Irritated, but hopeful. Troubled but.... not herself.
The same Baldomare you have known, yes. But somehow...

No.
It is the same Baldomare you have known. But not only her. Not just the friend you have slowly made, that you invited into your home. Who has grown attached to your family and the people you know. Who has played with your daughters and has helped guide you in the past. This... This is not Baldomare, Name of Lantern

This is the side you never realized you never saw.

Baldomare, Name of Secret Histories

And you, are Velvet Covers.
And that has never been more true.






"There. Now we are all on the same page."

By the stars, her voice! Even if the room itself didn't seem to drown in it, it was just as stifling all the same. Rich and foggy, not quite so encompassing as some Grail rich voices you've heard but it didn't need to be. Grail gave you something to be lost in, this... This didn't stay long enough to get lost in it, but it overwhelmed all the same. And...

And, why does she look so...?

"I realize this isn't exactly what you had in mind." Words far less piercing, but equally muddled offered. Words as she lifted her hoof, inspecting it in a way you couldn't quite place your hoof on. "Not quite how I imagined either. It's a bit blunt and forceful for these sorts of things. Not quite revealing, but it is certainly forcing the issue."

"No. This is not how I would have like to have done this."

She...
She is...
Frustrated?

"But that's simply the way of things. Much as I might not like it, the only way I'm here is if it's out of my hooves. " She's still smiling that bitter smile. A smile that doesn't look quite right on her as her eyes take in the glass. The wine that hasn't been touched. "I would have at least had a drink by now. Something to give time to breath, to think." The corners of her mouth twisted, irate despite the smile. "Goodness Velvet, even these words are hardly mine. You should know this if you were paying attention. But that's the price of these sorts of things."

"That, and the price you already know."

Knowledge. Understanding. The awareness of things that you already knew, but never really put together. Or more often than not, things you did not wish to know, despite searching for the answers. These were always the gift of Baldomare, much as they were her curse.



"I know. You are busy. And I don't want to do this."
Words, not quite fighting at eachother. Not quite struggling but certainly not pleased with the path of things.

And as much as you strain. As much as you can feel your lips moving, as you can see the struggle that so rarely visited Baldomare's expression... Nothing you said would reach.
Not that it wasn't heard. Not that you wouldn't try. But that knowledge of what would touch is out of your grasp as of yet.
You are not her friend.



But.
But.
You could be.

And because you could be-
"Yes, yes, I know. I couldn't be a friend if I didn't tell you. I wouldn't be an ally if I told you. And yet if I didn't tell you but knew, you'd never forgive me. And despite it all..." She dipped her head. Older and more... mortal than you have seen her before. Not simply wearing a face that is saddened, but touched.
That worries for you.

"Despite it all, I still want you to know. Even knowing what it might cost."



She sits up. Putting on the appearance that you have ever known. Baldomare the Name, but still yet a pony. A friend even. A smile enigmatic and full of sacred secrets and eyes full of the knowledge that this isn't real. And the fact that doesn't matter.
"This isn't a warning. The Histories don't work like that, and neither do I. Not a prophecy either, though I've been wrong on that before. Not a request or a demand, or anything you need to do. It's an offering. Nothing that you want, and everything you would hope for all at once."

She turned to you. Speaking words she knew true.



"Silky Streams just got her cutiemark. Call for a carriage, and it won't be but ten minutes and you'll be on your way to her."

Maybe it was the air. Or the wine. But whatever it may have been, you... you couldn't tell if your heart was breaking or soaring. Perhaps both.
But Good Baldomare was not done. The Name of Lantern would speak and be known. On this fact, on this decision, the Histories held their breath. And she would carry this burden to it's end.


"You must choose."
"Stay the course and I will follow you back. We shall all make the ascent, and we will find you your Outsider. You will have your blood, and you shall reach GLORY"
"Go to her and I will follow you back. We shall all return to your home, and we will celebrate with you and your daughter. You will have your family, and everything that entails."


"I..."
She didn't say anything more. The look in her eyes was enough to say it. Baldomare, the Name who knew a path to Glory, and did not take it. That survived in the Blank Plains in her little cottage. Who was not alone. Who felt perhaps you had enough of a peek of her own answer.


But it ultimately did not matter.

This was not her choice. It was yours.

The only choice that matters.





Pick one and only one.

[ ] Stay

[ ] Go

 

[spiderhellian]

That was great, Sveta. Were you inspired by that moment we discovered All In — only to have it interrupted by a flying hug from Silky?

I thought that was a perfectly Velvet scene, and this story feels much the same way. I always enjoy your portrayal of Baldomare as well, merciless yet not.

I drew some idea from the way she seems forced to do all this, to some extent, this is Harmony weighing the scales? Pushing through that link to Silky and thus demanding this choice? Was that intended, or am I over-reading it?

[ ] Stay

[ ] Go

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God, what an intense vote this would be. I really hope we never have to encounter it, even if we've faced lesser echoes of it time and time again.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Joke's on you Baldomare, once Cadance has her kid there will be metalegal precedent for immortals not getting hangry for their own children and Velvet can elevate her family posthaste!

Honestly her genius... sometimes it's frightening.

 

[Sveta08]

That was great, Sveta. Were you inspired by that moment we discovered All In — only to have it interrupted by a flying hug from Silky?

I thought that was a perfectly Velvet scene, and this story feels much the same way. I always enjoy your portrayal of Baldomare as well, merciless yet not.

I drew some idea from the way she seems forced to do all this, to some extent, this is Harmony weighing the scales? Pushing through that link to Silky and thus demanding this choice? Was that intended, or am I over-reading it?

Click to shrink...

Thanks! I saw All In, and my mind instantly snapped at the question, "What would make Velvet hesitate?" And the answer is just, well, the same answer it's always been.

As for Baldomare and being forced...
Well... She's the Name of Secret Histories. The Histories by definition don't interact with canon, but do impact it. And... well, isn't that what these Apocrapha are? Not-Canon Events that do change and flavor the view of the audience watching it. Things that are not true, but do change what becomes true.

I took that concept and ran with it. Thus, the Name of Secret Histories can only exist as such, in such Apocraphya. And thus, would be aware that the... situation? World? History they are in, is not real. And more than that, can be made by people who by definition cannot create canon.

And, it is her expressing her disapproval. That this story is showing elements of a friendship with Baldomare that is not true in our canon at this time. Thus, somethings are hidden.
However, she is still beholden to the narrative. To the story. And is aware of that. And thanks to the fact that Velvet could become a friend, there exists a potential History that she does.
And if Velvet does become a friend, then wouldn't Baldomare tell her friend?

It's messy. But I don't think with my skill I could do something cleaner.

 

[spiderhellian]

I took that concept and ran with it. Thus, the Name of Secret Histories can only exist as such, in such Apocraphya. And thus, would be aware that the... situation? World? History they are in, is not real. And more than that, can be made by people who by definition cannot create canon.

Click to shrink...

Ah! I wasn't even considering that it could be playing with meta-narrative or breaking the fourth wall like that. I see it very clearly now and it's great.

 

[Venerable Ro]

The only choice that matters.

Click to shrink...

In which a prophet raves:

---

If you dream of a dream are you awake or waking further still?

Saith the immortal: "There's always a choice."

What are laws, really, when those who made and enforced them are long gone? What is a law, a rule, a tradition, an assumption?

Is it a habit or a presumption?

Is it obligation or deference?

If you don't have a choice is it oppression or addiction?

You can break both by act of will, though the striving may scar. Scars are defiance manifest, proofs of choices made and endured.

Bear conviction blazoned on one's hide, not just on one's sleeves. We bleed for what we care about.

We dream and then we wake and then we dream and then we wake and then we dream a waking dream.

A thousand dreams, a thousand dreams to keep the waking mind alight. Mercy may be found only in shadow, that which is illuminated shall not escape, those dreams which are enshrined in the dreaming light do not fade.

We pursue, that brightest uncompromising dream, into the fire we fly.

 

[jelloloaf]

The Only Choice that Matters

Click to shrink...

In which a prophet raves

Click to shrink...

The Lampyridae are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,000 described species, many of which are light-emitting. They are soft-bodied beetles commonly called fireflies, lightning bugs, or glowworms.

---

My brain is currently full of hair, so I don't have any coherent statements right now, but I will do my best and circle back later with real commentary instead of just vibes. Thank you both for sharing, these are very good.

 

[Pittauro]

That rock-hard belief is what has let you solve cold cases others had long given up on. It's what has you keep in mind even those earliest cases, in the hope that one day the few missing holes that remain are filled in. And it's what has led you to what you're doing right now.

Click to shrink...

He'd probably kill for the scrying ritual I imagine.

Also he's definitely Lantern. Secondary is likely Heart for his persistence, but I could see Moth working out too, honestly

Velvet Covers looks you in the eyes, and gives you a solemn smile. "Your work is exemplary as always, Beyond Reproach. Your conclusions are undeniable. Would you like to meet my accomplice?"

Click to shrink...

It helps that, with Celestia being so obviously unhinged (just look at how she went Sol Invictus on the trapped and harmless changeling we could have still pumped for more information, or maybe experimented on for biological and magical data if we don't care about prisoner rights) and with the amount of trust Velvet has accumulated both from saner past Celestia, from Cadance, from Shining, and from LUNA... well, I'd side with her over Celestia too, really.

Unless I was just that scared of Celestia going Sol Invictus on me, I suppose.

"No. One. Pony. But what about if that pony was taught by the most ancient and most evil creature to walk Equestria in millennia, sabotaged and then stole a demigod, betrayed the crown then betrayed the cult that had betrayed the crown, and all-but-touched the power that shines through every corner of this world? What then, Roach, what then? Tell me these lore-drenched hooves couldn't do it all, oh wait you can't, you don't even know what the lores are! "

Click to shrink...

ok, maybe let's not go for THAT explanation. Just a suggestion

"Silky Streams just got her cutiemark. Call for a carriage, and it won't be but ten minutes and you'll be on your way to her."

Click to shrink...

....you know, for half of the update I was expecting her to reveal the Crime of the Sky and that it would apply to Silky, rather than this.

I'll point out though that... the choice is more obvious that It would look like, I think.

If Celestia is at Lantern 4, we CAN'T wait, to protect both ourselves AND Silky.

If Celestia is NOT at Lantern 4, and we don't expect any big emergency in the following turn... I think we'd delay, in that case.

You dreamt of Ash, of pain, and of the sharp teeth in the darkness. And when you awoke, you felt... dimmer than before, and you had forgotten that odd secret, and the ritual attached. By choice, not by force- not that it would stop those teeth from biting you in your sleep again, now they had your scent... Sucking in a breath, you refused that path, the dim brilliance and Glory of it, dragging yourself out of bed through sheer determination. Your light would recover, and you would help heal those lights that belonged to every other pony around you.

You had too...

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uh, I forgot to read this one somehow. I thought I did, but I was mistaken.

Pretty cool, and interesting to see a pony that would refuse the call to Glory.

I wonder if he'd have refused even if instead of the Ashen Wastes there still was the Woods though.

 

[Maer]

uh, I forgot to read this one somehow. I thought I did, but I was mistaken.

Pretty cool, and interesting to see a pony that would refuse the call to Glory.

I wonder if he'd have refused even if instead of the Ashen Wastes there still was the Woods though.

Click to shrink...

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. :3

Likely not. Though saying he refused may be a bit hasty. I've been dabbling with bringing him back again, and trying to consider how I'd do it and what that would look like. :3

 

[Flaregamer82253]

I'll point out though that... the choice is more obvious that It would look like, I think.

If Celestia is at Lantern 4, we CAN'T wait, to protect both ourselves AND Silky.

If Celestia is NOT at Lantern 4, and we don't expect any big emergency in the follow

Click to shrink...

"Expectation" is a funny thing. You can start with Silky's cutie mark, and then it's something else, and then an emergency that we failed to predict at all occurs that needs all hands on deck. There's a very slippery slope here with few guard rails...

(Hypothetical, of course)

 

[Maer]

If it's anything less than a family emergency or major family milestone? It can wait for Glory. After all, everything else is secondary.

 

[jason1stlegion]

If it's anything less than a family emergency or major family milestone? It can wait for Glory. After all, everything else is secondary.

Click to shrink...

If it's anything less than a critical action to avoid a game over? It can wait for family. After all, everything else is secondary.

 

[Flaregamer82253]

Voting seems to have slowed down. Winds are looking like we're gonna act prudently then.

 

[Rafuki22]

Which plan is winning?

 

[spiderhellian]

Spoiler: Tally Results

Vote Tally : Esquestria: The House of the Sun - A pony cultist experience [Posts: 8350-8465]
##### NetTally 5.1.0

Task: 【NONE】
— Voters: 31

[X] Plan: Prudent KISSing
-[X][AotL] Lantern
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Invoke a Risen
-[X][Social] Teach Selene
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[X] Perform the Forge's Redemption
--[X] Sacrifice Forge 3 reagent
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (4x)
No. of Votes: 16

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Prudent KISSing
[X] Alan975
[X] Anjaxis
[X] AuthorTransient
[X] Bakkasama
[X] DelightedOne
[X] Flaregamer82253
[X] Greymere
[X] jelloloaf
[X] LieutenantSpirit
[X] Limabot
[X] Nevermort
[X] Pororurin
[X] Random Anon
[X] Steady Gaze
[X] Sveta08
[X] Waela

[X] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid)
-[X][AotL] Lantern (Explore Summit)
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Summon a Risen
-[X] FO Family
-[X][Social] FO Friends
-[X] DoA Sacrament x6
No. of Votes: 12

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid)
[X] Alan975
[X] Anjaxis
[x] Earth-Destroyer
[X] Flaregamer82253
[X] Greymere
[X] LieutenantSpirit
[X] Limabot
[X] MisRAR1
[X] Shaper47
[X] Solace2117
[X] spiderhellian
[X] Zxzx24

[X] Plan: Prudent KISSing but even more prudent
-[X][AotL] Lantern
-[X][Forge] Forge 4 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Invoke a Risen
-[X][Social] Teach Selene
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[X] Perform the Forge's Redemption
--[X] Sacrifice Forge 4 reagent
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (4x)
No. of Votes: 11

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Prudent KISSing but even more prudent
[X] angelsadvocate666
[X] DelightedOne
[X] Flaregamer82253
[X] Greymere
[X] LieutenantSpirit
[x] Limabot
[X] Maer
[X] Nevermort
[x] Pittauro
[X] Sveta08
[X] Waela

[X] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) + Wastes
-[X][AotL] Secret Histories (Ashen Wastes)
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[X][Winter] Summon a Risen
-[X] FO Family
-[X][Social] FO Friends
-[X] DoA Sacrament x6
No. of Votes: 7

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) + Wastes
[X] Alan975
[X] Arrkhon
[x] Earth-Destroyer
[X] Flaregamer82253
[X] Maer
[X] MisRAR1
[X] Shaper47

[X] Plan: Taking a Chance
-[X][AotL] Lantern
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Summon a Risen
-[X] FO Family
-[X][Social] FO Friends
-[X] Personal SH Sacrament x2
-[X] DOA Sacrament x4
No. of Votes: 7

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Taking a Chance
[X] Alan975
[X] Portec
[X] Potdl
[X] Shaper47
[X] Solace2117
[X] Talon Tiger Dino
[X] Void_510

[X] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) + Summit
-[X][AotL] Secret Histories (Explore Summit)
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Summon a Risen
-[X] FO Family
-[X][Social] FO Friends
-[X] DoA Sacrament x6
No. of Votes: 5

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) + Summit
[X] Alan975
[X] Flaregamer82253
[X] Maer
[X] MisRAR1
[X] Shaper47

[X] Plan: All on Snake
-[X][AotL] Grail
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][MANSUS] Tarrying in the Wastes (Search for a new area)
-[X][Free] Summon a Risen
-[X][Social] FO Family
-[X] FO Friends
-[X] DOA Sacrament x6
No. of Votes: 4

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: All on Snake
[X] Alan975
[x] Earth-Destroyer
[X] MisRAR1
[X] Shaper47

[X] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) + Wastes and SH Sacrament
-[X][AotL] Secret Histories (Ashen Wastes)
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[X][Winter] Summon a Risen
-[X] FO Family
-[X][Social] FO Friends
-[X] personal SH Sacrament
-[X] DoA Sacrament x5
No. of Votes: 4

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) + Wastes and SH Sacrament
[X] Alan975
[X] MisRAR1
[X] Potdl
[X] Shaper47

[X] Plan: Living on the line
-[X][AotL] Grail
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][MANSUS] Tarrying in the Wastes (Search for a new area)
-[X][Winter] Summon a Risen
-[X][Social] FO Family
-[X] FO Friends
-[X] Personal SH Sacrament x2
-[X] DOA Sacrament x4
No. of Votes: 4

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Living on the line
[X] Alan975
[X] Potdl
[X] Shaper47
[X] Void_510

[X] Plan: Responsible KISSing
-[X][AotL] Lantern
-[X][Forge] Reserve for after DoA's Sacrament resolves
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Invoke a Risen
-[X][Social] Teach Selene
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[X] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (5x)
No. of Votes: 3

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Responsible KISSing
[X] Greymere
[X] Limabot
[X] Waela

[X] Plan Elopement
No. of Votes: 2

Spoiler: Voters

[X] Alan975
[X] Flaregamer82253

[X] Plan: Prudent KISSing with some Grail
-[X][AotL] Grail
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Invoke a Risen
-[X][Social] Teach Selene
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[X] Perform the Forge's Redemption
--[X] Sacrifice Forge 3 reagent
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (4x)
No. of Votes: 2

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Prudent KISSing with some Grail
[X] Bakkasama
[X] Nevermort

[X] Plan: SH + Selene + Health
-[X][AotL] Secret Histories
-[X][Forge] Forge 3 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Summon a Risen
-[X] "The Forge's Redemption"
--[X] Sacrifice Forge 3 reagent
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] FO Family
-[X][Social] FO Friends
-[X] Teach Selene, and make her something more.
-[X] personal SH Sacrament
-[X] DoA Sacrament x 3
No. of Votes: 2

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: SH + Selene + Health
[X] des-pair-2
[X] Void_510

[X] Plan French KISSing
No. of Votes: 1

Spoiler: Voters

[X] Alan975

[X] Plan: Grail opportunity
-[X][AotL] Grail
-[X][Forge] Reserve for after DoA's Sacrament resolves
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Invoke a Risen
-[X][Social] Teach Selene
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[X] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (5x)
No. of Votes: 1

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Grail opportunity
[X] Nevermort

[X] Plan Responsible KISSing (Forge Variant)
No. of Votes: 1

Spoiler: Voters

[X] Flaregamer82253

---

Total No. of Voters: 31

Prudent KISSing is ahead by a few.

Here's my argument for going with KISS instead, which is that we might need to do something beyond the Sacrament for friendship. Like, for example, a medium expedition beyond the Foggy Mirror, which would require 2 actions after 3-4 for the Sacrament.

Right now, we know ~nothing about the errand other than the small clues we've gotten and the fact it's associated with the Frangiclave. That's the exact scenario where flexibility is so important, and it's flexibility we sacrifice by locking in the other actions.

 

[Pittauro]

Here's my argument for going with KISS instead, which is that we might need to do something beyond the Sacrament for friendship. Like, for example, a medium expedition beyond the Foggy Mirror, which would require 2 actions after 3-4 for the Sacrament. Right now, we know ~nothing about the errand other than the small clues we've gotten and the fact it's associated with the Frangiclave. That's the exact scenario where flexibility is so important, and it's flexibility we sacrifice by locking in the other actions.

Click to shrink...

That's a fair point. Though of course different people will care more or less about doing the 2 actions in "KISS", the forge ritual and teaching Selene. There's good arguments for both.

Forge done first means we go into the sacrament action chain with 3 health (assuming we succeed), and Selene lesson is presumably an extra step towards Selene figuring out something about Daybreaker, AND it's in general a significant boost to her power (+5 general bonus, + 1 health, +5 and reroll to the 4 lores she has, making her actually about equal to our Names, if a bit more of a generalist to their super-specialist status).

Training Selene feels even more important with how, after gaining more reputation with the cult, and after the Beyond Reproach omake (YOUR omake, even!), Bird heavily implied we're going to reveal Selene to the cult (or at least some of the people in it) fairly soon, and I think doing it with a "stronger" Selene would be better.

in any case, I'm going to do something I should have done before: I'll post a variant of that 6 Axe actions plan with the forge 4 reagent, because, Really, the thought of failing that ritual, leading to a turn at 1 health where we'll be unable to take serious risks (INCLUDING Axe sacrament. If we fail and get to 1 health Can we even risk it?) terrifies me.


[X] Plan: Prudent KISSing but even more prudent
-[X][AotL] Lantern
-[X][Forge] Forge 4 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Invoke a Risen
-[X][Social] Teach Selene
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[X] Perform the Forge's Redemption
--[X] Sacrifice Forge 4 reagent
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (4x)

[X] Plan: KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) but with forge 4 reagent
-[X][AotL] Lantern (Explore Summit)
-[X][Forge] Forge 4 reagent
-[X][Knock] Explore the Summit
-[X][Winter] Summon a Risen
-[X] FO Family
-[X][Social] FO Friends
-[X] DoA Sacrament x6