Turn 6
OurLadyOfWires
Uh-oh, better hide those FOALS!
- Joined
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You are sitting at your office chair, reading a letter.
Not just any old letter, mind you, this is a letter from Canterlot, straight from the castle. Royal seal, high quality parchment, everything that the upper nobility enjoys.
Even the ink seems to be of excellent quality.
The content, however, is… something that you will have to give a great deal of thought to.
"Esteemed Mrs. Velvet… your help in the Canterlot Camp… invaluable to our efforts…" you read it once again, for what must be the third time, just to make sure you are getting this right. "We would like to cordially invite you to participate on the nation-wide coordination effort, in the royal castle, for the period of two weeks, signed…"
You sigh. You definitely read that correctly.
Two weeks. They want you for two weeks.
Granted, the letter was extensive in thanking you, and you can sense that whoever wrote it feels like you have already done more than your share, so it certainly is within your reach to simply deny the request.
You wouldn't be able to simply say the letter never arrived, of course, it came by royal courier, although you didn't recognize the name of the pony who signed it, and it certainly wasn't a Princess.
Still. Royal courier.
But anyways, you certainly wouldn't lose much if you denied the invitation, however… well, you are a noble, albeit a lesser noble, but you still have common sense. There are opportunities you can let pass you by, and opportunities you shouldn't let pass you by.
And there is also the fact that the letter danced around the subject, but didn't really avoid it, in saying that they are really short in staff. Any help would be appreciated, and your help would be especially appreciated.
But half a month…
"I could go there and say I can only stay a week, for sure. And besides…" you nervously talk to yourself.
Besides, they really must be overestimating you. Of course, captain Chalkhoof was boundlessly thankful for your help in his camp, but whatever the hell did he write in his report to warrant you, a lesser noble in a backwater town, something that was the second best thing next to a royal summons?
"Oh dear…" you sigh, "well, I might be able to-"
When your train of thought is interrupted by your door being banged open.
The hairs on your coat raise to their ends, but any reaction you might have is immediately restrained when you see that the pony who literally barged into your room is the one pony in all of Equestria who could get away with it scot free.
"MOM!"
The brown and beaming blur that is your daughter zips through the room and lands in your desk. It is a feat of reflexes on your part that you manage to shove your things to the side with magic, clearing her a small landing spot.
You see Soft Sweeps by the door, face on the ground and hoofs outstretched as if she had just tried, and failed, to stop your daughter from nearly blowing your door out of its hinges only a few moments ago.
Well, you will forgive her for that. She clearly tried.
"Mom! Look mommy, look!" Silky Stream prances on your table, speaking through her teeth as she holds on to a piece of paper she has in her mouth, "lookie look look! Can we go? Can we can we?!"
You stop her mid-prance with a bit of floating magic, a smile coming to your face as you recover from your shock, and your daughter's presence immediately melts away any sort of emotion that isn't objective acceptance to her actions.
Sure, you would remind her to try and not interrupt you while you are working, and you might have to remind her to listen to Soft Sweeps, as she clearly tried to stop Silky from coming here in the first place.
But your daughter is happy right now, and she didn't do anything objectively wrong, bar perhaps be a little overexcited about something. So you can't exactly scold her for that, right?
"Canwecanwecanwe?!" she keeps prancing, or at least her legs keep moving as she floats in the air, and you take the piece of paper she has in her mouth.
"Can we what, dear? What exactly is it that happened?" you ask absent-mindedly, as you take the paper she is holding and quickly read it.
It is a flier to some sort of… local event in Ponyville?
"Sisterhooves Social?" you ask her.
"Yes! Its an event where sisters compete! And all of my friends will be there with their sisters, and-" Silky Stream goes on and on, talking in the excited rush that only a foal is capable of talking in, and that only a parent is capable of understanding.
As she speaks, however, you look pass her and towards Soft Sweeps, who has only now recovered from her face-first impact. You see her dust off her maid uniform, but you catch her taking a peek in your direction from where she stands by the door.
And she notices your smile, directed at her, as well as she hears Silky Stream's continuous clamoring.
And by the heavens, you can see her soul leaving her body in embarrassment.
"-and now I can go because I have a sister! So can I go? Please? Pleasepleaseplease?" Silky Stream finishes, waving her hoofs around while free-floating in your magic.
"Is that so…?" you ask, as if seriously thinking about whether if you should let her or not.
But of course, the only thing you are really trying to do is not let your smile show too much.
You look at Soft Sweeps who is still by the door, blushing furiously and trying to hide her face behind her hoofs. You smile a little more at that.
"And did she say she would like to go with you?"
"Yes! She did!"
You see the maid die a little bit more inside.
"Well then dear, of course you can go."
Her reaction to your answer, although there really wasn't any other possible answer, nearly melts a hole in your heart, and as soon as you let go of her with your levitation she zips back towards Soft Sweeps, nearly tackling her in a hug, the two of them yelling and yelping for very different reasons, although deep down you can see that the maid is also almost as happy as your daughter is.
However, your eyes still fall towards the royally stamped letter on your desk. It didn't specify when you should come, only the period they would like you to stay, but it seems that you will have a very busy month ahead of you indeed…
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Last turn's shopping list
Last turn's available bits: 321
[] FORGE Level 2. "A book about ingenious farming equipment, and how they function." Costing 15 bits.
[] HEART Level 2. "A novel about a mare who fell in love with a drummer, the romantic parts all written in rhyming poetry." Costing 15 bits.
[] HEART Level 3. "A study about yak culture. The part about their history and folklore is of little use. The chapters about their songs, however…" Costing 30 bits.
(Books not bought will be lost, other items will be available through the following turns, but have a chance of being sold to somepony else every turn)
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POSSIBLE ACTIONS
Specify which action will be carried out by your ponyservants. They will apply ONLY your status bonus, as they will follow instructions or carry your name and influence, but they will not apply personal bonus (bonus given by Lore, personal items, personal Characteristics or of any other nature).
[ ] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [SPECIFT LORE] (This is a free action to summon "The Attention of the Laws")
[] How much will you dedicate yourself to your family's affairs this month? (You must pick one)
-[X] A sense of urgency: There has never been any need for this, not for this much at least. No more double-checking, no more zeal. There are far more important things to be done. (5 personal actions and 1 servant action. Does not cause suspicion. DEFAULT PICK)
-[] A measured commitment: Give everything a once-over, sign everything in stacks. The farmlands wont just crumble and burn if you miss a few numbers this month. (6 personal actions and 1 servant action. Might be noticed by those closest to you. Will not be noticed by the family head if you do not do this often.)
-[] A furious dedication: You will not be able to do what really matters if you dedicate so much of your time to such mortal affairs. Do as little as it is acceptable, then move on. (7 personal actions and 1 servant action. Will worry those closest to you. Will be noticed by the family head, although you cannot say to what extent.)
-[] A desperate obsession: Everything is falling down, everything depends on this. You will not even sit on your office this month. (8 personal actions and 1 servant action. It is guaranteed that you will be called out for this.)
This turn's available bits: 441 (minus items you decided to buy)
Monthly revenue: 120 bits/month
[] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions will never be available again)
-[] You have a royal summons, and a "free pass" train ticket to Canterlot for this month. If you understand this correctly, they want your help in organizing the Equestria-wide searches for Princess Luna. This will be taxing and time consuming, but it will also be an opportunity both to learn useful intelligence, as well as to becoming acquaintances with very powerful ponies indeed. (Picking any of the sub-choices will take you to Canterlot for free, and any action that involves Canterlot, this month, will have no transportation cost.) (Picking any of the sub-choices will give you a better chance of "identifying the place in Princess Luna's dream".)
--[] Go for one week. Half a month is too much. You will try to be as useful as possible, and leverage as much influence as you can, but although you had been given the option to not go at all, going for a single week is sure to leave a… less-sweet-taste in the mouths of everypony involved. (COSTS 1 ACTION)
--[] Go for two weeks. It will be time consuming for sure, but this is not the sort of opportunity that you should deny. (COSTS 2 ACTIONS)
-[] Sisterhooves Social! Your daughter is going, and your name is not Velvet Covers if you are not attending it as well. Dear heavens, of course you couldn't do even the simplest of tests that you read in the flier, but there will be loads of parents there watching as well.
[] On what must be done (searching for Princess Luna)
-[] Jade Whistle said that she will try to devise a Ritual to locate Princess Luna. The Mansus is the only advantage you have over the search parties, so helping her on this is surely the way to go.
-[] You reached Princess Luna's dreams, and although you do not know why she was asleep in there, you did gleam some useful information. You have a mental image of a place, of a river in a forest next to some hills. It is time to hit the maps. (This action will receive bonuses based on how much you helped the search parties, as it strikes off from the map places that have already been searched, and said work gave you access to several up to date maps.)
--[] Search in the libraries of Ponyville, which are incomplete and outdated, but you just might have luck. (Not much chance for success, but discreet.)
--[] Search in the libraries of Canterlot, they are bound to have the most updated information there. (Costs 20 bits in transportation, slightly indiscrete. Picking this while also answering the Royal Letter will be totally discrete, however you will still have to pick this option, and spend an action, as to conduct your private searches, which you will not do while performing your expected organizational work.)
--[] Search it in person, grab a train, take a tour around the countryside and go check your suspicions yourself. Nothing beats hoofs-on investigation after all. (Costs 40 bits in transportation, indiscrete.)
-[]You are a noble, albeit a lesser noble. But the crown has called for every stallion and mare for help, and it would be very noble of you to join in the searches. Offering your help to the search parties will surely give you useful insight, on their progress if nothing else. Not suspicious, but servants will take no proactive action other than bring back information. (You have received an invitation to participate in the Equestria-wide organization. It wouldn't do for you to volunteer to a lesser camp while this is happening.)
[] On the treasures that bits may buy (actions where you search for things to purchase)
-[] There are books that could be of use. You should start looking for them. All sub-choices not suspicious.
--[] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (no extra cost)
--[] In the great libraries of Canterlot… the ones that are open to public access, that is (20 bits in transportation)
--[] In the many small bookshops that dot the side streets of Manehattan (35 bits in transportation)
-[] The cult now has an appropriate place to meet, but you could still use a discrete location that is all your own. Scout for a suitable place, or other buildings that might be for sale. Not suspicious.
-[] Although you are personally judicious about such habits, you are still a noble. Searching for "peculiar items" to "add to your collection" is certainly not out of place… right? Not suspicious. Suspicion might arise if you later decide to buy the item, depending on its individual suspicion level.
[] Ponyville politics (furthering your influence in this town specifically)
-[] There is somepony in charge of the "heavy lifting" within your cult, of course, but you could do with a few strong hoofs at your personal disposal. Go looking for such contacts. (Low chance for success in Ponyville, according to Comet Feet) Moderately suspicious.
-[] There are bound to be, among all of those large, strong earth ponies, some who wouldn't mind a way to make some extra bits on the side. Reach out to them. (Scout out for ponies willing to get their hoofes dirty among your own employees. Low chance of success in Ponyville, according to Comet Feet). Highly suspicious.
-[] You are the highest authority from your family in Ponyville, and have countless earth pony farmers working under you. The next logical step it to scout for those who would be loyal to you and your cult. (Scout out for cult candidates within your own employees). Highly suspicious.
-[]Copper Secateur may be in charge of finding suitable candidates, she even was the pony who first introduced you into the Wildhoof Club, but you could use followers of your own.
-[] You have access to ledgers, but only your ledgers, and the fact that most of your produce is syphoned to Canterlot or to the railroads means that you actually don't have much of a feel when it comes to the merchants and bit-handlers of Ponyville. Attempt to contact the merchant guild of Ponyville, or whoever makes bits exchange hoofs, and expand your influence. Not suspicious.
-[] They're not the Royal Guard, but they're still guards, and as much as they might not have that much work on their hoofs, they're still the go-to ponies in case something worrying happens. Find out how the guard is structured in Ponyville, that will be the first step in getting to know them better. Moderately suspicious.
-[] A pony needs not to be a faithful of your cult in order to be useful, said pony needs only know what to report to whom, and when to keep one's mouth shut. Ponyville has an underworld, small as it might be, and their eyes and ears could be useful. Attempt to contact them. Highly suspicious.
[] Canterlot politics (furthering your influence in this town specifically)
-[] Despite the current kerfuffle you have with your family, you are still a noble. Try and reach out to others like you. Expanding one's influence has to start somewhere after all.
--[] Reach out to your family, at least the ones you go along well with.
--[] Reach out to other minor nobles of Canterlot.
--[] Reach out to other higher nobles of Canterlot, although that might be more complicated.
[] On aiding the cult (options not related to your current task, but related to the cult or with interactions with its members)
-[] Help Comet Feet
--[] He is out of town in… whoever knows where. Reach out to him, he could definitely use some company... again.
--[] He definitely is attempting to go deeper into the Lore of Edge. Help him.
--[] WRITE IN, for a specific way to approach him. Might yield bonuses.
-[] Help Starry Dancer
--[] Now that you know her a bit better, you can always just spend time with her.
--[] She is supposed to get into the good graces of the local merchants, but you can't help but worry that she will be swindled out of her every bit during the whole thing. Give her a hoof.
-[] Help Copper Secateur
--[] She was the first pony you met from the cult, and you two have become good friends. Pay her a visit.
--[] What she did when she first met you, the whole recruiting dance, seems to be something she does often. Accompany her during one such night out and see if you can be of use.
--[] She has her plate full, this time, and trying to impede an official investigation is not something to be done lightly. Offer her your aid.
-[] Help Windy Flakes
--[] You realize you don't know very much about him at all. Time to remedy that.
--[] He is setting up a new business, isn't he? Surely you can be useful on that front.
-[] Help Jade Whistle
--[] Jade Whistle is a very interesting mare, even if not one of many words. Spend some time with her, and try to goad those few words from her with the help of a pleasant time.
--[] She is attempting to devise a Ritual that will aid you in finding Luna. Help her. (Already an option as your current assignment).
[] On furthering your knowledge (actions directed at increasing your Lores, as explained in the Informational threadmark)
-[] The matters of [SPECIFY LORE] intrigues you, petition your cult's Master for a lesson (currently willing to teach all Lores up to level 4, gives a single scrap of Lore WITHOUT triggering a test)
-[]WRITE IN, to petition your Master for a question. (Mind you, however, that this will involve "trying" to talk to him, not a guaranteed audience, and he just might be very Moth about his answer.)
-[] There is something about this… thing, and you must learn what it is (pick a single artifact to learn from its Lore, and check it for hidden abilities).
--[]No artifacts available. (Unless if recently bought)
-[] It doesn't have to be just during a leisure weekend evening, you can fit a few minutes of reading even when walking between rooms if you really get into it! (Pick up to two books to attempt to learn a scrap of Lore. Consumes books).
--[] BOOK, HEART Level 1. "A small book that covers a particular kind of elegant dancing".
[] The Mansus is a place of contradictions. It exists, and yet it doesn't. It is frightening, and yet it calls to you. Only through exploring it will you learn its secrets.
-[] The Woods
--[] Explore the Woods, and its many whispers
--[] There are other places connected to the Woods, but that are not in the Mansus proper. Look for them.
-[] The Blank Door
--[] Explore the Blank Plains, the first afterlife of ponykind
--[] Visit the Lodge of the Sage Pony. You may not be able to talk to Baldomare, but you surely can listen very well.
--[] There are other parts connected to the Blank Plains. Look for them.
-[] You have studied the Lores, and are now more knowledgeable than before. It is time to climb even higher in the Mansus. (Mansus Hurdle CD 80, WINTER)
[] On the matters of house and heart (actions directed towards your own family, the part that you care for deeply as well as… the rest)
-[] Of course you love your family very much, but you could always spend a bit more time with them.
--[] Just another pleasant day that you will spend with them. Perfect for cooling your head off.
--[] Alright, this might be a BIT on the cult-y side, but… why not start giving your family subtle hints of Lore here and there? You might catch their attention, or perhaps even their interest.
--[] WRITE IN (other ways to spend time with your family, or anything else)
-[] Bits are the engine of Equestria! You have been working your hooves off for years now, so it can't be seen as scandalous if you write a letter to your father requesting an increase in your share of the family's grants… right?
-[] You do know "your place" in the family, but bits are still important. A letter asking for a one-time gift will surely be better received than one asking for a permanent "raise", right?
-[] You really shouldn't, but needs must. Every single ledger from the farms east of Ponyville pass through you, it would be a simple matter to have some "administrative mistakes" make some bits disappear from the coffers and appear in your pockets. Highly suspicious.
[] On those who surround you (actions directed at your contacts and friends)
-[] Go into town and try to meet somepony interesting.
-[] Sit down and work on a letter. Reach out to nobles who do not live in Canterlot. They, much like yourself, might not be deeply entangled on the webs of politics that surround the capital, but that just means they can also act with more freedom, right?
-[] Much to your own satisfaction, you now have a personal life outside of your maids, immediate family and business related meetings. You could choose to spend some time with… (SPECIFY if it will be "a social call" or "a step forward to converting said pony". SPECIFY if "you are willing to spend bits on this", for that little extra leverage)
--[] Rarity, who bears the Element of Generosity (will not deepen your connection with her, will probably not respond badly if you start attempting to convert her)
--[] Twilight Sparkle, who leads the bearers of the Elements of Harmony
--[] Cheerilee, your daughter's schoolteacher
--[] Mayor Mare, the de-facto ruler of Ponyville
--[] Filthy Rich, a well-to-do and wealthy bussinespony
--[] WRITE IN (arrange to take your daughter to meet some of your younger acquaintances, or plan something else entirely)
[] You haven't forgotten about it, you just put it on hold until a more convenient time. (Purchases done here will arrive/be completed at the end of this turn.)
-[] ARTIFACT – MOTH Level 2, buy for 100 bits.
[] On invoking the Lores (see RITUALS for more information, as well as CD and cost. SPECIFY if you will offer SACRIFICE)
-[] "The Attention of the Laws" (specify Aspect)
-[] "The Forge's Redemption"
-[] "The Incision of the Heart"
-[] "The Path Through Nightmares" (specify target)
-[] "The End is Beautiful" (specify target)
-[] "The calling of Influence" (specify Aspect)
--[ ] To be performed your cult's gathering place, where it is discreet but the cult will know of your actions. (Jade Whistle's Cadre can currently aid with a +10 bonus)
--[ ] To be performed at your own home, where the cult will not know of your actions, but you probably will be discovered or leave traces of it.
--[ ]To be performed on another location (you do not yet know or own any such location)
[ ] Others WRITE IN (anything, but I will have to consider it, and it might make the voting period a bit longer)
Contacts who are "Good Friends" or better (currently only Rarity) have a better chance of reacting well or being useful if you include them in "Write In" options, although caution (and basic common sense on who to call for what) is advised. This might change if she is carpet-bomb called for everything.
There will be at least 48 hours of voting.
All voting will be in plan format. DO NOT INCLUDE actions you do not wish to take. No need to specify that "you will NOT buy X item" if you do not want to buy it. Merely do not mention it.
And one last thing that must be addressed. IF you wish to keep the results on your attempts to find Luna a secret, make sure you do it away from your fellow cult members. You cannot be expected to convincingly lie on your reports if you take Jade Whistle to tag along, for example, or if you ask help for anypony else on that matter. Considering the mixed stand you seem to have about the Master, I figure this is relevant for you all to know.
The above message will be repeated until one of the parties involved locates Princess Luna.
Not just any old letter, mind you, this is a letter from Canterlot, straight from the castle. Royal seal, high quality parchment, everything that the upper nobility enjoys.
Even the ink seems to be of excellent quality.
The content, however, is… something that you will have to give a great deal of thought to.
"Esteemed Mrs. Velvet… your help in the Canterlot Camp… invaluable to our efforts…" you read it once again, for what must be the third time, just to make sure you are getting this right. "We would like to cordially invite you to participate on the nation-wide coordination effort, in the royal castle, for the period of two weeks, signed…"
You sigh. You definitely read that correctly.
Two weeks. They want you for two weeks.
Granted, the letter was extensive in thanking you, and you can sense that whoever wrote it feels like you have already done more than your share, so it certainly is within your reach to simply deny the request.
You wouldn't be able to simply say the letter never arrived, of course, it came by royal courier, although you didn't recognize the name of the pony who signed it, and it certainly wasn't a Princess.
Still. Royal courier.
But anyways, you certainly wouldn't lose much if you denied the invitation, however… well, you are a noble, albeit a lesser noble, but you still have common sense. There are opportunities you can let pass you by, and opportunities you shouldn't let pass you by.
And there is also the fact that the letter danced around the subject, but didn't really avoid it, in saying that they are really short in staff. Any help would be appreciated, and your help would be especially appreciated.
But half a month…
"I could go there and say I can only stay a week, for sure. And besides…" you nervously talk to yourself.
Besides, they really must be overestimating you. Of course, captain Chalkhoof was boundlessly thankful for your help in his camp, but whatever the hell did he write in his report to warrant you, a lesser noble in a backwater town, something that was the second best thing next to a royal summons?
"Oh dear…" you sigh, "well, I might be able to-"
When your train of thought is interrupted by your door being banged open.
The hairs on your coat raise to their ends, but any reaction you might have is immediately restrained when you see that the pony who literally barged into your room is the one pony in all of Equestria who could get away with it scot free.
"MOM!"
The brown and beaming blur that is your daughter zips through the room and lands in your desk. It is a feat of reflexes on your part that you manage to shove your things to the side with magic, clearing her a small landing spot.
You see Soft Sweeps by the door, face on the ground and hoofs outstretched as if she had just tried, and failed, to stop your daughter from nearly blowing your door out of its hinges only a few moments ago.
Well, you will forgive her for that. She clearly tried.
"Mom! Look mommy, look!" Silky Stream prances on your table, speaking through her teeth as she holds on to a piece of paper she has in her mouth, "lookie look look! Can we go? Can we can we?!"
You stop her mid-prance with a bit of floating magic, a smile coming to your face as you recover from your shock, and your daughter's presence immediately melts away any sort of emotion that isn't objective acceptance to her actions.
Sure, you would remind her to try and not interrupt you while you are working, and you might have to remind her to listen to Soft Sweeps, as she clearly tried to stop Silky from coming here in the first place.
But your daughter is happy right now, and she didn't do anything objectively wrong, bar perhaps be a little overexcited about something. So you can't exactly scold her for that, right?
"Canwecanwecanwe?!" she keeps prancing, or at least her legs keep moving as she floats in the air, and you take the piece of paper she has in her mouth.
"Can we what, dear? What exactly is it that happened?" you ask absent-mindedly, as you take the paper she is holding and quickly read it.
It is a flier to some sort of… local event in Ponyville?
"Sisterhooves Social?" you ask her.
"Yes! Its an event where sisters compete! And all of my friends will be there with their sisters, and-" Silky Stream goes on and on, talking in the excited rush that only a foal is capable of talking in, and that only a parent is capable of understanding.
As she speaks, however, you look pass her and towards Soft Sweeps, who has only now recovered from her face-first impact. You see her dust off her maid uniform, but you catch her taking a peek in your direction from where she stands by the door.
And she notices your smile, directed at her, as well as she hears Silky Stream's continuous clamoring.
And by the heavens, you can see her soul leaving her body in embarrassment.
"-and now I can go because I have a sister! So can I go? Please? Pleasepleaseplease?" Silky Stream finishes, waving her hoofs around while free-floating in your magic.
"Is that so…?" you ask, as if seriously thinking about whether if you should let her or not.
But of course, the only thing you are really trying to do is not let your smile show too much.
You look at Soft Sweeps who is still by the door, blushing furiously and trying to hide her face behind her hoofs. You smile a little more at that.
"And did she say she would like to go with you?"
"Yes! She did!"
You see the maid die a little bit more inside.
"Well then dear, of course you can go."
Her reaction to your answer, although there really wasn't any other possible answer, nearly melts a hole in your heart, and as soon as you let go of her with your levitation she zips back towards Soft Sweeps, nearly tackling her in a hug, the two of them yelling and yelping for very different reasons, although deep down you can see that the maid is also almost as happy as your daughter is.
However, your eyes still fall towards the royally stamped letter on your desk. It didn't specify when you should come, only the period they would like you to stay, but it seems that you will have a very busy month ahead of you indeed…
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Last turn's shopping list
These are the items that you had the option to purchase last turn. They must be bought with the resources you had available then, but if bought will be immediately available for use or study at this turn.
Last turn's available bits: 321
[] FORGE Level 2. "A book about ingenious farming equipment, and how they function." Costing 15 bits.
[] HEART Level 2. "A novel about a mare who fell in love with a drummer, the romantic parts all written in rhyming poetry." Costing 15 bits.
[] HEART Level 3. "A study about yak culture. The part about their history and folklore is of little use. The chapters about their songs, however…" Costing 30 bits.
(Books not bought will be lost, other items will be available through the following turns, but have a chance of being sold to somepony else every turn)
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POSSIBLE ACTIONS
Specify which action will be carried out by your ponyservants. They will apply ONLY your status bonus, as they will follow instructions or carry your name and influence, but they will not apply personal bonus (bonus given by Lore, personal items, personal Characteristics or of any other nature).
Some actions will be tagged with a suspicion level. These are the actions that can be carried out by your ponyservants, and the suspicion level refers to how well they would (or would not) take to your task. Tasks that involve high suspicion might be outright refused, carried out with the inevitable gossiping, or even sabotaged if your servants believe that what you asked them to do is wrong.
Keep in mind that suspicion level refers to what a servant would think if asked to perform such task, regardless of them performing them, being caught or not. If you choose to perform the task yourself, you will take the necessary steps to be as subtle as you can, but the task itself will still raise suspicion if you are caught.
Keep in mind that suspicion level refers to what a servant would think if asked to perform such task, regardless of them performing them, being caught or not. If you choose to perform the task yourself, you will take the necessary steps to be as subtle as you can, but the task itself will still raise suspicion if you are caught.
[ ] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [SPECIFT LORE] (This is a free action to summon "The Attention of the Laws")
[] How much will you dedicate yourself to your family's affairs this month? (You must pick one)
-[X] A sense of urgency: There has never been any need for this, not for this much at least. No more double-checking, no more zeal. There are far more important things to be done. (5 personal actions and 1 servant action. Does not cause suspicion. DEFAULT PICK)
-[] A measured commitment: Give everything a once-over, sign everything in stacks. The farmlands wont just crumble and burn if you miss a few numbers this month. (6 personal actions and 1 servant action. Might be noticed by those closest to you. Will not be noticed by the family head if you do not do this often.)
-[] A furious dedication: You will not be able to do what really matters if you dedicate so much of your time to such mortal affairs. Do as little as it is acceptable, then move on. (7 personal actions and 1 servant action. Will worry those closest to you. Will be noticed by the family head, although you cannot say to what extent.)
-[] A desperate obsession: Everything is falling down, everything depends on this. You will not even sit on your office this month. (8 personal actions and 1 servant action. It is guaranteed that you will be called out for this.)
This turn's available bits: 441 (minus items you decided to buy)
Monthly revenue: 120 bits/month
[] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions will never be available again)
-[] You have a royal summons, and a "free pass" train ticket to Canterlot for this month. If you understand this correctly, they want your help in organizing the Equestria-wide searches for Princess Luna. This will be taxing and time consuming, but it will also be an opportunity both to learn useful intelligence, as well as to becoming acquaintances with very powerful ponies indeed. (Picking any of the sub-choices will take you to Canterlot for free, and any action that involves Canterlot, this month, will have no transportation cost.) (Picking any of the sub-choices will give you a better chance of "identifying the place in Princess Luna's dream".)
--[] Go for one week. Half a month is too much. You will try to be as useful as possible, and leverage as much influence as you can, but although you had been given the option to not go at all, going for a single week is sure to leave a… less-sweet-taste in the mouths of everypony involved. (COSTS 1 ACTION)
--[] Go for two weeks. It will be time consuming for sure, but this is not the sort of opportunity that you should deny. (COSTS 2 ACTIONS)
-[] Sisterhooves Social! Your daughter is going, and your name is not Velvet Covers if you are not attending it as well. Dear heavens, of course you couldn't do even the simplest of tests that you read in the flier, but there will be loads of parents there watching as well.
[] On what must be done (searching for Princess Luna)
-[] Jade Whistle said that she will try to devise a Ritual to locate Princess Luna. The Mansus is the only advantage you have over the search parties, so helping her on this is surely the way to go.
-[] You reached Princess Luna's dreams, and although you do not know why she was asleep in there, you did gleam some useful information. You have a mental image of a place, of a river in a forest next to some hills. It is time to hit the maps. (This action will receive bonuses based on how much you helped the search parties, as it strikes off from the map places that have already been searched, and said work gave you access to several up to date maps.)
--[] Search in the libraries of Ponyville, which are incomplete and outdated, but you just might have luck. (Not much chance for success, but discreet.)
--[] Search in the libraries of Canterlot, they are bound to have the most updated information there. (Costs 20 bits in transportation, slightly indiscrete. Picking this while also answering the Royal Letter will be totally discrete, however you will still have to pick this option, and spend an action, as to conduct your private searches, which you will not do while performing your expected organizational work.)
--[] Search it in person, grab a train, take a tour around the countryside and go check your suspicions yourself. Nothing beats hoofs-on investigation after all. (Costs 40 bits in transportation, indiscrete.)
-[]
[] On the treasures that bits may buy (actions where you search for things to purchase)
-[] There are books that could be of use. You should start looking for them. All sub-choices not suspicious.
--[] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (no extra cost)
--[] In the great libraries of Canterlot… the ones that are open to public access, that is (20 bits in transportation)
--[] In the many small bookshops that dot the side streets of Manehattan (35 bits in transportation)
-[] The cult now has an appropriate place to meet, but you could still use a discrete location that is all your own. Scout for a suitable place, or other buildings that might be for sale. Not suspicious.
-[] Although you are personally judicious about such habits, you are still a noble. Searching for "peculiar items" to "add to your collection" is certainly not out of place… right? Not suspicious. Suspicion might arise if you later decide to buy the item, depending on its individual suspicion level.
[] Ponyville politics (furthering your influence in this town specifically)
-[] There is somepony in charge of the "heavy lifting" within your cult, of course, but you could do with a few strong hoofs at your personal disposal. Go looking for such contacts. (Low chance for success in Ponyville, according to Comet Feet) Moderately suspicious.
-[] There are bound to be, among all of those large, strong earth ponies, some who wouldn't mind a way to make some extra bits on the side. Reach out to them. (Scout out for ponies willing to get their hoofes dirty among your own employees. Low chance of success in Ponyville, according to Comet Feet). Highly suspicious.
-[] You are the highest authority from your family in Ponyville, and have countless earth pony farmers working under you. The next logical step it to scout for those who would be loyal to you and your cult. (Scout out for cult candidates within your own employees). Highly suspicious.
-[]Copper Secateur may be in charge of finding suitable candidates, she even was the pony who first introduced you into the Wildhoof Club, but you could use followers of your own.
-[] You have access to ledgers, but only your ledgers, and the fact that most of your produce is syphoned to Canterlot or to the railroads means that you actually don't have much of a feel when it comes to the merchants and bit-handlers of Ponyville. Attempt to contact the merchant guild of Ponyville, or whoever makes bits exchange hoofs, and expand your influence. Not suspicious.
-[] They're not the Royal Guard, but they're still guards, and as much as they might not have that much work on their hoofs, they're still the go-to ponies in case something worrying happens. Find out how the guard is structured in Ponyville, that will be the first step in getting to know them better. Moderately suspicious.
-[] A pony needs not to be a faithful of your cult in order to be useful, said pony needs only know what to report to whom, and when to keep one's mouth shut. Ponyville has an underworld, small as it might be, and their eyes and ears could be useful. Attempt to contact them. Highly suspicious.
[] Canterlot politics (furthering your influence in this town specifically)
-[] Despite the current kerfuffle you have with your family, you are still a noble. Try and reach out to others like you. Expanding one's influence has to start somewhere after all.
--[] Reach out to your family, at least the ones you go along well with.
--[] Reach out to other minor nobles of Canterlot.
--[] Reach out to other higher nobles of Canterlot, although that might be more complicated.
[] On aiding the cult (options not related to your current task, but related to the cult or with interactions with its members)
-[] Help Comet Feet
--[] He is out of town in… whoever knows where. Reach out to him, he could definitely use some company... again.
--[] He definitely is attempting to go deeper into the Lore of Edge. Help him.
--[] WRITE IN, for a specific way to approach him. Might yield bonuses.
-[] Help Starry Dancer
--[] Now that you know her a bit better, you can always just spend time with her.
--[] She is supposed to get into the good graces of the local merchants, but you can't help but worry that she will be swindled out of her every bit during the whole thing. Give her a hoof.
-[] Help Copper Secateur
--[] She was the first pony you met from the cult, and you two have become good friends. Pay her a visit.
--[] What she did when she first met you, the whole recruiting dance, seems to be something she does often. Accompany her during one such night out and see if you can be of use.
--[] She has her plate full, this time, and trying to impede an official investigation is not something to be done lightly. Offer her your aid.
-[] Help Windy Flakes
--[] You realize you don't know very much about him at all. Time to remedy that.
--[] He is setting up a new business, isn't he? Surely you can be useful on that front.
-[] Help Jade Whistle
--[] Jade Whistle is a very interesting mare, even if not one of many words. Spend some time with her, and try to goad those few words from her with the help of a pleasant time.
[] On furthering your knowledge (actions directed at increasing your Lores, as explained in the Informational threadmark)
-[] The matters of [SPECIFY LORE] intrigues you, petition your cult's Master for a lesson (currently willing to teach all Lores up to level 4, gives a single scrap of Lore WITHOUT triggering a test)
-[]WRITE IN, to petition your Master for a question. (Mind you, however, that this will involve "trying" to talk to him, not a guaranteed audience, and he just might be very Moth about his answer.)
-[] There is something about this… thing, and you must learn what it is (pick a single artifact to learn from its Lore, and check it for hidden abilities).
--[]
-[] It doesn't have to be just during a leisure weekend evening, you can fit a few minutes of reading even when walking between rooms if you really get into it! (Pick up to two books to attempt to learn a scrap of Lore. Consumes books).
--[] BOOK, HEART Level 1. "A small book that covers a particular kind of elegant dancing".
[] The Mansus is a place of contradictions. It exists, and yet it doesn't. It is frightening, and yet it calls to you. Only through exploring it will you learn its secrets.
(Exploring a known part of the Mansus will yield the most varied of rewards, through a hidden roll of a dice. But beware that most rewards will be temporary, such as an Influence or a temporary buff. It is possible, however, to learn fragments of Lore as well, or to be rewarded nothing at all. Proceed at your own risk.)
-[] The Woods
--[] Explore the Woods, and its many whispers
--[] There are other places connected to the Woods, but that are not in the Mansus proper. Look for them.
-[] The Blank Door
--[] Explore the Blank Plains, the first afterlife of ponykind
--[] Visit the Lodge of the Sage Pony. You may not be able to talk to Baldomare, but you surely can listen very well.
--[] There are other parts connected to the Blank Plains. Look for them.
-[] You have studied the Lores, and are now more knowledgeable than before. It is time to climb even higher in the Mansus. (Mansus Hurdle CD 80, WINTER)
[] On the matters of house and heart (actions directed towards your own family, the part that you care for deeply as well as… the rest)
-[] Of course you love your family very much, but you could always spend a bit more time with them.
--[] Just another pleasant day that you will spend with them. Perfect for cooling your head off.
--[] Alright, this might be a BIT on the cult-y side, but… why not start giving your family subtle hints of Lore here and there? You might catch their attention, or perhaps even their interest.
--[] WRITE IN (other ways to spend time with your family, or anything else)
-[] Bits are the engine of Equestria! You have been working your hooves off for years now, so it can't be seen as scandalous if you write a letter to your father requesting an increase in your share of the family's grants… right?
-[] You do know "your place" in the family, but bits are still important. A letter asking for a one-time gift will surely be better received than one asking for a permanent "raise", right?
-[] You really shouldn't, but needs must. Every single ledger from the farms east of Ponyville pass through you, it would be a simple matter to have some "administrative mistakes" make some bits disappear from the coffers and appear in your pockets. Highly suspicious.
[] On those who surround you (actions directed at your contacts and friends)
-[] Go into town and try to meet somepony interesting.
-[] Sit down and work on a letter. Reach out to nobles who do not live in Canterlot. They, much like yourself, might not be deeply entangled on the webs of politics that surround the capital, but that just means they can also act with more freedom, right?
-[] Much to your own satisfaction, you now have a personal life outside of your maids, immediate family and business related meetings. You could choose to spend some time with… (SPECIFY if it will be "a social call" or "a step forward to converting said pony". SPECIFY if "you are willing to spend bits on this", for that little extra leverage)
--[] Rarity, who bears the Element of Generosity (will not deepen your connection with her, will probably not respond badly if you start attempting to convert her)
--[] Twilight Sparkle, who leads the bearers of the Elements of Harmony
--[] Cheerilee, your daughter's schoolteacher
--[] Mayor Mare, the de-facto ruler of Ponyville
--[] Filthy Rich, a well-to-do and wealthy bussinespony
--[] WRITE IN (arrange to take your daughter to meet some of your younger acquaintances, or plan something else entirely)
[] You haven't forgotten about it, you just put it on hold until a more convenient time. (Purchases done here will arrive/be completed at the end of this turn.)
-[] ARTIFACT – MOTH Level 2, buy for 100 bits.
[] On invoking the Lores (see RITUALS for more information, as well as CD and cost. SPECIFY if you will offer SACRIFICE)
-[] "The Attention of the Laws" (specify Aspect)
-[] "The Forge's Redemption"
-[] "The Incision of the Heart"
-[] "The Path Through Nightmares" (specify target)
-[] "The End is Beautiful" (specify target)
-[] "The calling of Influence" (specify Aspect)
--[ ] To be performed your cult's gathering place, where it is discreet but the cult will know of your actions. (Jade Whistle's Cadre can currently aid with a +10 bonus)
--[ ] To be performed at your own home, where the cult will not know of your actions, but you probably will be discovered or leave traces of it.
--[ ]
[ ] Others WRITE IN (anything, but I will have to consider it, and it might make the voting period a bit longer)
Contacts who are "Good Friends" or better (currently only Rarity) have a better chance of reacting well or being useful if you include them in "Write In" options, although caution (and basic common sense on who to call for what) is advised. This might change if she is carpet-bomb called for everything.
There will be at least 48 hours of voting.
All voting will be in plan format. DO NOT INCLUDE actions you do not wish to take. No need to specify that "you will NOT buy X item" if you do not want to buy it. Merely do not mention it.
And one last thing that must be addressed. IF you wish to keep the results on your attempts to find Luna a secret, make sure you do it away from your fellow cult members. You cannot be expected to convincingly lie on your reports if you take Jade Whistle to tag along, for example, or if you ask help for anypony else on that matter. Considering the mixed stand you seem to have about the Master, I figure this is relevant for you all to know.
The above message will be repeated until one of the parties involved locates Princess Luna.