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

BirdBodhisattva · Jul 9, 2021

Dear reader! Whether you are new here, archive-reading and whatnot, or you are already someone who has been with us for quite a while, I would like to say a few words that I believe are best kept close to mind.

-This is an MLP quest. And more importantly, none of us are gratuitously cruel. So good things will happen on this quest, and I hope that enough good things have already happened to prove that.
-This is also a horror quest, so bad things will happen. Bad things might happen to good characters if you are not able to protect them, and you most certainly will not be able to intervene if you lack the tools to do so.
-And finally, this is a quest in which you jostle with powers greater than yourself, with all that it entails.

Please, do keep those things in mind as you go forward. But ultimately, this is also a quest in which it is hoped we all have fun! So if any of the above points is not exactly your cup of tea, or somehow make the experience as a whole "not worth it", then this quest might not be for you. Which is fine! Individual tastes are a thing, so don't think any more about it if you don't want to read anymore. And regardless, I hope you have a lovely day!

Kaelor said:
PSA for whoever needs to hear it:

Readers should take their own mental health into consideration when voting and not subject themselves to triggering narrative elements like rape or constant mental torture of a friend just for the Greatest Good of a world that doesn't exist.

If those are fine for you or Regrettable is even more triggering, then GREAT! More power to you. But you aren't a bad or selfish person for picking the option that keeps the characters you've emotionally connected with safe. [REDACTED for spoiler warning]

This is a high intensity quest that doesn't hold back when it comes to horror and negative consequences. Take care of yourself.

(Quote slightly edited to avoid spoilers)

zxzx24 · Feb 7, 2021

Ericwinter said:
I mean, it's mostly just off the top of my head and recognizing that most things aren't really fitting for Rarity specifically right now. Normally I would suggest having her help us with social actions or something, but there's not many of those needed this turn. Unless we sent her on some of the mostly ignored actions like making more connections or something.

[ ] spend some time with Twilight and help her get back on her hooves

But you know. Stats.

Mage of Eyes · Feb 7, 2021

Ericwinter said:
We're not getting it any time soon.

It looks almost as if you're implying that not having a possibility to Intercalate SeLuna is bad.

jason1stlegion · Feb 7, 2021

Mage of Eyes said:
It looks almost as if you're implying that not having a possibility to Intercalate Luna is bad.

It isn't?

BLOOD FOR THE GRAIL GOD, DEATH FOR THE BLANK PLAINS!

Starlit Horizon · Feb 7, 2021

Ericwinter said:
I was actually thinking about that, yeah. Introductions to the other Elements—or even just one or two—would be quite nice. Also, I'm thinking that if we do go for Artifacts with her, we should do the "ask merchants for a specific Level and Lore" rather than a general search. It'll be more expensive, but we really do need specific Lores right now. Getting another Level 3 Heartifact would give us more ritual fuel to sacrifice, and a Secret Histories Level 3 could help Jade with future search rituals. Anything else is kinda superfluous.

Actually, about artifacts, we should also remember that they can have useful effects, so I would be quite interested in Lanternifact or SH one too. And maybe a Forge one, to help Rarity with her work.

And, you know, potential confrontation with the cult, preparing ammunition for "The Path Through Nightmares" artillery and summons and so on.

Ericwinter · Feb 7, 2021

Starlit Horizon said:
Actually, about artifacts, we should also remember that they can have useful effects, so I would be quite interested in Lanternifact or SH one too. And maybe a Forge one, to help Rarity with her work.

And, you know, potential confrontation with the cult, preparing ammunition for "The Path Through Nightmares" artillery and summons and so on.

Sure, but the most immediate needs should probably come first. I'd rather get what we need rather than what we could use, if that makes sense.

Pittauro · Feb 7, 2021

Starlit Horizon said:
I'm not sure about that. Personally, I would rather have time with family alone, as for the Twilight's Tutoring & Teaching and write-ins - maybe, but honestly potential edge/heartifact as ritual fuel is worth more from my perspective.

what does the artifact have to do with Rarity? Wasn't that proposed as a JADE action?

about the tutoring, we can have her help with TWO actions. I kind of understand wanting our family time to just be for the family, but I also don't want to waste Rarity's bonuses if we decide to use her as support.

Still, I DID propose a few other possible write-ins.

Ericwinter said:
I was actually thinking about that, yeah. Introductions to the other Elements—or even just one or two—would be quite nice. Also, I'm thinking that if we do go for Artifacts with her, we should do the "ask merchants for a specific Level and Lore" rather than a general search. It'll be more expensive, but we really do need specific Lores right now. Getting another Level 3 Heartifact would give us more ritual fuel to sacrifice, and a Secret Histories Level 3 could help Jade with future search rituals. Anything else is kinda superfluous.

Just as a reminder, a lvl 3 artifact bought through the merchants would cost double the normal price. That means 200 bits.

It's a LOT to ask. I'd rather... I don't know, have her search for interesting rumours and exploration sites instead. She might find something through gossip.

zxzx24 said:
[ ] spend some time with Twilight and help her get back on her hooves

But you know. Stats.

valid option, though I'd prefer having her support our lessons at that point. That would give Twilight someone else to talk to about these things too.

Starlit Horizon said:
Actually, about artifacts, we should also remember that they can have useful effects, so I would be quite interested in Lanternifact or SH one too. And maybe a Forge one, to help Rarity with her work.

And, you know, potential confrontation with the cult, preparing ammunition for "The Path Through Nightmares" artillery and summons and so on.

A secret History artifact would have also 2 extra uses: Jade can use it to help with the "finding things" ritual, so that she could do it on her own with pretty good chances of success, while we could also loan it to either Twilight (for her studies), or to Rarity/Jade and have them use the bonus in search actions.

Ericwinter · Feb 7, 2021

Pittauro said:
Just as a reminder, a lvl 3 artifact bought through the merchants would cost double the normal price. That means 200 bits.

It's a LOT to ask. I'd rather... I don't know, have her search for interesting rumours and exploration sites instead. She might find something through gossip.

Do you mean it's a lot to ask of us, or if her? Because I'm pretty sure it's not asking her to buy the thing, just talk to our contacts to find it. Also, are you sure it costs double? The action itself only says more expensive, without defining how much.

zxzx24 said:
[ ] spend some time with Twilight and help her get back on her hooves

But you know. Stats.

I assumed she would be doing that as part of her normal process of life, given Bird mentioned a while ago that Twilight's friends are and actively will be helping care for her.

Pittauro · Feb 7, 2021

Ericwinter said:
Do you mean it's a lot to ask of us, or if her? Because I'm pretty sure it's not asking her to buy the thing, just talk to our contacts to find it. Also, are you sure it costs double? The action itself only says more expensive, without defining how much.

Yeah, I meant us. 200 bits is, after all, more than half of what we have! (342, minus either 45 or 60 depending on which books we buy).

I'd rather NOT spend that much.

Also, my bad. I remembered wrong.

It's worse actually. 200 is how much we payed for the Heartifact. (and it was 100 for Moth lvl2 artifact, so presumably it would be 50 bits for a lvl 1)

So we'd actually pay MORE than that for a lvl 3 artifact found through the merchants. Not double, it doesn't mention double.. but still, more than 200.

We probably can't afford it, we have slightly less than 300 bits at most!

Starlit Horizon · Feb 7, 2021

Ericwinter said:
Sure, but the most immediate needs should probably come first. I'd rather get what we need rather than what we could use, if that makes sense.

You speak like we can't solve our needs with artifacts and artifact-fueled rituals! Because, you know, King Crucible would probably be able to deliver that letter, we only need to have high-level multilore one to burn so Rarity could summon him for us!

More seriously, I don't think that other options really qualify as "immediate needs" too.

Pittauro said:
what does the artifact have to do with Rarity? Wasn't that proposed as a JADE action?

Initially yes, but if now Rarity is an initiate anyway, we can employ her in that fashion based on this part:

BirdBodhisattva said:
-[] Act as your emissary. (Pick an EXTRA action from your own pool, Rarity will perform it to the best of her abilities, ALONE, and report to you later)

So I do want to use that option, given that searching itself isn't suspicious.

Pittauro said:
about the tutoring, we can have her help with TWO actions. I kind of understand wanting our family time to just be for the family, but I also don't want to waste Rarity's bonuses if we decide to use her as support.

Still, I DID propose a few other possible write-ins.

And I think extra artifact search action is more useful that help with 2 non-family actions or those write-ins, I just didn't list them individually, sorry for unclear wording.

serra2 · Feb 7, 2021

[X] Plan Cooling Down plus family and rituals

This one I like the most.

Pittauro · Feb 7, 2021

..by the way, what if we added a bit expenditure to the family action, and made it a small trip to relax somewhere? A small family vacation!

Starlit Horizon said:
Initially yes, but if now Rarity is an initiate anyway, we can employ her in that fashion based on this part:

So I do want to use that option, given that searching itself isn't suspicious.

And I think extra artifact search action is more useful that help with 2 non-family actions or those write-ins, I just didn't list them individually, sorry for unclear wording.

ok, now it's clearer.

With Jade, we were talking about the RITUAL to find artifacts, I think.

With Rarity, you're talking about normal search, not asking the merchants or the ritual, right?

Still, it feels like a suboptimal use of her. Would she even get to use our Secret History bonus on the search?

Ericwinter · Feb 7, 2021

Pittauro said:
Yeah, I meant us. 200 bits is, after all, more than half of what we have! (342, minus either 45 or 60 depending on which books we buy).

I'd rather NOT spend that much.

Also, my bad. I remembered wrong.

It's worse actually. 200 is how much we payed for the Heartifact. (and it was 100 for Moth lvl2 artifact, so presumably it would be 50 bits for a lvl 1)

So we'd actually pay MORE than that for a lvl 3 artifact found through the merchants. Not double, it doesn't mention double.. but still, more than 200.

We probably can't afford it, we have slightly less than 300 bits at most!

I mean, we'll be making more money next turn, so that's something, but... you might have a fair point. Fine, I'll change it to a normal search action. Remind me, do we have to specify a place for that? Or is it just a general search?

Starlit Horizon · Feb 7, 2021

Pittauro said:
ok, now it's clearer.

With Jade, we were talking about the RITUAL to find artifacts, I think.

With Rarity, you're talking about normal search, not asking the merchants or the ritual, right?

Still, it feels like a suboptimal use of her. Would she even get to use our Secret History bonus on the search?

Yes, normal search. Probably would be about the same as if we perform through normal servant action, I think.

As for suboptimal vs optimal... Maybe. I don't think that alternative would be better, but I am not certain, that is major part of why I only proposed it.

Pittauro · Feb 7, 2021

Ericwinter said:
I mean, we'll be making more money next turn, so that's something, but... you might have a fair point. Fine, I'll change it to a normal search action. Remind me, do we have to specify a place for that? Or is it just a general search?

well, we get about 120 bits per turn, and we should get a share of Rarity's earnings... but we still don't actually know how much that actually IS.

Probably at least 100 bit, but that still means we'd be spending probably more than a turn's full income on this one artifact, if sought through the merchants. Possibly more, depending on just how much more they'd charge us.

I think general search. Still not sure if Rarity would get access to our Secret History bonus though. If she does, fine, it's a decent use. If she doesn't I think it's not worth it.

Starlit Horizon said:
Yes, normal search. Probably would be about the same as if we perform through normal servant action, I think.

As for suboptimal vs optimal... Maybe. I don't think that alternative would be better, but I am not certain, that is major part of why I only proposed it.

mh.. I slightly prefer using Rarity for something OTHER than finding artifacts, as if it's a normal search we can probably use our servant action next turn on it, or try and get that extra minion action from the cult and use THEM for it... but it's not too bad.

Other than Edge artifact, another Heart artifact is ALSO an option, so we'd have a spare for an extra ritual (and to possibly study next turn if we don't find the needed books).

Technically Forge artifact is also an option, and we could at some time use it for the healing our leg, but that's probably not something we're going to do soon.

We DO want to heal BOTH Selene and Velvet after all... I'd actually like removing that malus to Velvet at some point, and it's already turn 10...

Alchemist767676 · Feb 7, 2021

We could have Rarity help with delivering the letter in addition to helping with Twilight. I can't really imagine that not having any social component, so extra Grail wouldn't hurt.

Pittauro · Feb 7, 2021

Alchemist767676 said:
We could have Rarity help with delivering the letter in addition to helping with Twilight. I can't really imagine that not having any social component, so extra Grail wouldn't hurt.

We could, sure. It's just... we don't know WHO we're delivering it too.

It might be a normal pony, or it might be a thug. And he might tell Comet Rarity was with us at some point, which means letting the cult know more about how close we are and how much we trust her with helping us.

Also Comet gave it to US. I'm not sure he'd be happy if we involved someone else.

PrimalShadow · Feb 7, 2021

Ericwinter said:
...Huh. Okay then. Well if Rarity isn't being leveled up, then there's only a couple things I can even think of using her for. Namely, use her for an extra search action for either books or artifacts, or just throw her at the usual job. Actually, I quite like the idea of her searching either Canterlot or Ponyville, since we could use Artifacts from those places.

I don't think those are the best uses of her time.

I think a case can be made for asking Rarity to clean out Jade's house. That is reasonably up her alley, I think, and suspicion isn't a concern since she knows about the Cult.

I also really like the assistance option, where she helps us with (half of) our tasks. I think helping with the Twilight action is especially interesting. Probably want to do a 6 turn action, though; something of a waste otherwise.

Pittauro · Feb 7, 2021

PrimalShadow said:
I think a case can be made for asking Rarity to clean out Jade's house. That is reasonably up her alley, I think, and suspicion isn't a concern since she knows about the Cult.

...You know, it's funny. We have this incredible fashionista and hero of the realm, a once-in a generation talent, who has ALSO just acheived her first lore level, who'll earn hundreds of bits soon enough... and we're asking her to go and clean an house :jackiechan:

I mean, it's not a BAD idea... it's just funny to me.

I think we'd want to do it ourselves though. What if there's something dangerous in there? also we can verify there is nothing too sensitive or personal left.

PrimalShadow said:
I also really like the assistance option, where she helps us with (half of) our tasks. I think helping with the Twilight action is especially interesting. Probably want to do a 6 turn action, though; something of a waste otherwise.

mh.. good point, but then again that's only if we have 3 actions in which we expect Rarity to be a major help.

Twilight tutoring is really an obvious one. Leaves her someone else to confide in, starts to bring our close contacts together, and can offer a different perspective into both the lores AND Twilight herself. Rarity knows her better than us, after all.

Also she can distract Spike if needed.

second and third... well, I already mentioned the family action, though I understand other wanting to keep it to family.

She can't really help with studying the books or exploring the Mansus, and I don't want her involved with Comet's letter, as we don't know WHO we're delivering it to.

so.. maybe she can help our actions NEXT turn instead. Right now there's only really one, maaaaaybe two actions she can help. Next turn we can use her on the Twilight Tutoring, AND we'll likely have other actions she's suited to assist us with.

This turn, I'd say the artifact/book search, or even the Appje introduction/Rich gossip are better.

PrimalShadow · Feb 7, 2021

Can someone who is keeping track outline the difference between leading plans for me, please?

Bakkasama · Feb 7, 2021

I am not sure Rarity is a good picj for helping with Twilight. She knows a bit about Grail but doesn't seem as academically inclined as Twilight is and the bonus she would give (Grail) does not fit with the situation.

She would either fit better by helping us in book search (so we send our pony servants to Manehattan and Rarity scouts Ponyville) or a servant action that might raise suspiscions or something with a diplomatic bent. So either books or:

-[]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 now have a better grasp of the merchants in Ponyville, having had several letters of introduction sent around in your name. But what would you like to do next?
--[] Meet a few of them in person, and ingrain them to your cause. (WRITE IN if you will try to win them as personally loyal to you, or if you will point them in the direction of the cult)

-[] There is a house near the outskirts of town. One who very nearly got burned to the ground. You know its sole owner will not step hoof in it for a long while, but you surely can put it to use, right? Highly suspicious (Your first turn there will be spent "cleaning up" the most alarming things of the house. Further cleaning will surely be needed, but after this first once-over its suspicion level will lower) [NEW]

Or we could do a write in. Either to act as spymistress or scout possible cult candidates or recruit her to check how Selene is doing at school or something. Alternatively, once she is more secured in her new job, we can dip her hoof in canterlot high society to steal a march on the rest of the cult.

I think that our best use for her is probably to start networking with merchants and craftmen in the area.

zxzx24 · Feb 7, 2021

Rarity (might) not help on the academic bent, but I dont doubt she would be able to help with Twilights fascination. Especially as a grail adept.

Bakkasama · Feb 7, 2021

zxzx24 said:
Rarity (might) not help on the academic bent, but I dont doubt she would be able to help with Twilights fascination. Especially as a grail adept.

You are going to have to explain that one because I don't see it.

Xantalos · Feb 7, 2021

Bakkasama said:
You are going to have to explain that one because I don't see it.

Fascination is not knowing what's real and what's a vision anymore. Grail focuses heavily on sensations; it could very well help ground her in reality.

More pertinently, Rarity and Twilight are both good friends and Harmony-bearers - I don't doubt there'd be benefits to involving both of them, even if only in the realm of social link stuff.

zxzx24 · Feb 7, 2021

Bakkasama said:
You are going to have to explain that one because I don't see it.

Well it's a reach, but I felt it made sense.

Grail, desire, fascination in the literal sense, an obsession with the mansus and its secrets are sort of driving Twilight nuts?

I imagine grail could be used to direct that energy elsewhere.

There's also a normalization thing? Rarity has been doing this for a while without being as freaked out as Twilight got. So she might be able to help her accept all these... things.

PrimalShadow · Feb 7, 2021

[X] Plan Focus on Fundamentals
-[X] The Attention of the Laws: [Secret Histories] for the Mansus Ascension
-[X] Number of actions
--[X] 5+1
-[X] Buy Books
--[X] EDGE 3
--[X] WINTER 2
-[X] Rarity
--[X] Focus on her work
-[X] Jade Whistle
--[X] As per orders. (Perform her cult assignment)
-[X] Selene
--[X] Knock
-[X] A fleeting opportunity
--[X] Tutoring Twilight
--[X] Deliver Comet Feet's letter
--[X] "Those damn Needles!"
---[X] Ask your uncle
-[X] Personal life
--[X] Family
---[X] Invite and introduce Uncle Steppes to everyone, have a nice family gathering.
-[X] On furthering your knowledge
--[X] Read book (write in which)
---[X] Winter 2, Heart 2, Moth 1
-[X] Mission
--[X] Go higher in the Mansus
--[X] If next Door is not reached, attempt again, if full success has been achieved explore past it else explore past the Blank Door
-[X] Shopping
--[X] Books
---[X] In Ponyville. (servant action)

Alright. This plan is largely similar to the current leading option - but I think it puts our confidant actions to better use.

Rarity is getting a final turn spent on her work. It is going to be her first such action with her being an Initiate, so that is something interesting; it also also means get business gets off the ground faster (always good to do early). It also gives us more slack to have her do other work with us after this - I'm envisioning doing 6 actions next turn and having her help us out for half, among other things.

Jade is doing her cult assignment. Because she has been busy trying to figure out her life, she hasn't done any work on the cult task at all last month. I'd like to remedy that this month. Especially since the cult assignment is helpful in any case (it is a boost to the ability to do rituals).

Also, I'm not buying the Knock book, because while 15 bits is not THAT much, it is already a non-zero amount of money, and I don't think it is warranted here.

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

A bodhisattva, by definition, must die to move on.

Definitely not a Skaven Infiltrator

Definitely not a Skaven Infiltrator

Himouto! Sylvanas-chan

Definitely not a Skaven Infiltrator

There is always a greater fool

There is always a greater fool

Turtle-Speed Writing