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!
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.
So I've got a question for y'all. What'll happen with everyone when Selene turns into Luna? The former will cease to exist to all the friends she made, and her new sister, and surely the transformation into the latter must remain a secret regardless if she stays tiny or if she emerges as an adult.
"Miss Velvet, whatever happened to Selene? She hasn't come to class all week."
"Mom? Where did Selene go?"
"Hi Missus Velvet. Is Silky alright?"
"You took in a child last year, Velvet. She is now gone, and Luna has returned, whole and intact. What have you done?"
Etc. Etc.
Best to get a game plan underway before it's too late. It's a long ways off, but better to set the rules rather than let them be decided.
As one variant, we can blow up our cover - from both sides - openly join Celestia and explain to everyone what just happened. Is it a good variant? Well...
We naturally can't afford to just send a letter to the family in general, but isn't there a way to ensure that the letter would be given to specific pony?
...Do we remember the Cutie mark for that pony we specifically made the deal with? Since that's usually how letters are addressed at least. And it occurs to me that sending a personal message outside of "business letters" would be an astoundingly Mothy method.
So I've got a question for y'all. What'll happen with everyone when Selene turns into Luna? The former will cease to exist to all the friends she made, and her new sister, and surely the transformation into the latter must remain a secret regardless if she stays tiny or if she emerges as an adult.
"Miss Velvet, whatever happened to Selene? She hasn't come to class all week."
"Mom? Where did Selene go?"
"Hi Missus Velvet. Is Silky alright?"
"You took in a child last year, Velvet. She is now gone, and Luna has returned, whole and intact. What have you done?"
Etc. Etc.
Best to get a game plan underway before it's too late. It's a long ways off, but better to set the rules rather than let them be decided.
It depends pretty heavily on our stance and loyalties by that point—which are still pretty undecided—but chances are family at least will be aware, and by that point we'll have at least an Alicorn to back us if we want to tell anybody else. Also a couple Elements will probably be aware as well, if all goes well.
So I've got a question for y'all. What'll happen with everyone when Selene turns into Luna? The former will cease to exist to all the friends she made, and her new sister, and surely the transformation into the latter must remain a secret regardless if she stays tiny or if she emerges as an adult.
In honor of Heart!Jade winning the vote, here's an excerpt from a different mlp fic I'm reading, that struck me as a really good descriptor of HEART.
For context, it's from a Diamond Dog "Drummer", someone who learns and passes on the history and stories of Diamond Dog culture through Music and Song. Who is explaining their distinct form of magic, which they call "The Ways", to a Pony.
Basenji picked up the drum he'd been absentmindedly beating on earlier and placed it in his lap. He tapped it once, waited a moment, then tapped it again, twice, and with more force.
Spitfire gasped as she felt her heart skip a beat. The third tap of his drum had washed over her like a wave, and for the tiniest of moments, the cold night air had left her as she felt a sensation of warmth over her entire body, like she'd just been lowered into a hot bath.
"The drum is what is necessary for a drummer to interact with the Ways," Basenji explained. "Every thing that lives has a heart, and each of those hearts has a beat. These heartbeats are all unique. None are the same."
Basenji tapped out a slow, steady beat on the drum. "Bum-bum-bam-bum-bum," he said as he hit the drum.
He held his paw still atop the drumhead for a moment, then beat another rhythm, fast and sharp. "Bam-bam-bam-bam-bam."
He placed both paws on the drum and quickly tapped out both rhythms at the same time, one with each paw.
"Hearts," he explained as he played his drum, "beating separately, yet together. The many beats become one, creating a heartbeat for the entire world, made of the rhythm of all that lives. Those who are strong in the Ways can hear the Heart of the World, and with our drums we add a new beat to it, influencing the shape of it. It is a subtle art, more so than the magic you are used to, but it has its uses."
As Spitfire watched Basenji play, she started to understand why Twilight had said they needed him. She could feel the vibration of his drumming in the air, on her fur, on her skin. The beat of his paws against the drum filled her with warmth like a summer's day, and she could almost hear this great big worldly heartbeat and the way that her own fit into it.
"The drum is what is necessary for a drummer to interact with the Ways," Basenji explained. "Every thing that lives has a heart, and each of those hearts has a beat. These heartbeats are all unique. None are the same."
"Hearts," he explained as he played his drum, "beating separately, yet together. The many beats become one, creating a heartbeat for the entire world, made of the rhythm of all that lives. Those who are strong in the Ways can hear the Heart of the World, and with our drums we add a new beat to it, influencing the shape of it. It is a subtle art, more so than the magic you are used to, but it has its uses."
Actually, by the point of Luna's awakening, we would be pretty much invulnerable from Celestia's side. Given at least one confidant among the Bearers, the Elements are out. Mundane prisons are already out - see dreamwalking, potentially magnified by allied Princess of Night, and mundane death isn't really hard to counter too. Of course, being Burgeoning Risen isn't a peasant thing, but as an example of Saint Nympha shows as, it's doable. The only remaining option is not mundane prisons (Tartarus?), but hopefully combination of lore-wielding alicorn co-ruler and Element Bearer would be able get us out. And suicide is, however strange that does sound, is an option against such prisons too.
So, we probably want to invest into anti-cult defenses. And into moth and winter followers/artifacts. Preferably sooner rather than later.
So I've got a question for y'all. What'll happen with everyone when Selene turns into Luna? The former will cease to exist to all the friends she made, and her new sister, and surely the transformation into the latter must remain a secret regardless if she stays tiny or if she emerges as an adult.
"Miss Velvet, whatever happened to Selene? She hasn't come to class all week."
"Mom? Where did Selene go?"
"Hi Missus Velvet. Is Silky alright?"
"You took in a child last year, Velvet. She is now gone, and Luna has returned, whole and intact. What have you done?"
Etc. Etc.
Best to get a game plan underway before it's too late. It's a long ways off, but better to set the rules rather than let them be decided.
Could happen a lot of ways, if the master finds out and burns the fields down, and we need to run with Selene. It is dangerous ponies are hunting Selene down. We might spill it then. Discord could come around to Ponyville see Selene and pop the secret in the worst way possible as well.
If Luna and Selene are pretty well merged, then we can say that she is going back to her family that we found, and have Luna write letters every month to her friends. Luna can come around and visit every once and a while; since an age manipulation spell is something that Trixie could do with the Alicorn amulet. Being a literal Alicorn, Luna could probably cast it on herself.
If Selene completely ceases to create Luna, then this sucks a lot, and I have got nothing.
Absolutely lovely! And I'm so glad you decided to show this to us. I simply love the "fluffy" look she has about her!!!
Her human appearances are delightful, but I have to admit the one on the top right is my favorite! It has all the cuteness to it!
or, to put in simple terms: Sure, he'll help us. We're all family after all.
Obviously he expects to be treated the same if the time ever comes. For example, maybe a friend might ask him for a chance to meet THE Rarity, and he'd likely expect us to help him with that. Or he might at some point ask for help with some business of his he thinks we'd be well suited to, that wouldn't cost us too much effort and that he wouldn't trust to not-family.
I'll mention this, since this is something Velvet thought about as well.
Whoever sent you that letter can send letters in general for the Needle family, implying access to that sort of communication method.
It could be, then, that doing this via letters, and not personally, could incur in your letter being "tragically lost" before it reaches Needle Pin or another higher up.
well, I'll shut up then. There's also Rarity gaining both more experience and confidence too, in addition to the supernatural help...
...Just thinking of it, but she might end up imparting magical abilities to her clothes. After all, if made by a sufficiently talented cultist, wouldn't at least some of them possibly become minor artifacts?
I wouldn't be surprised if, in the long run, she started making all her clothes Grail 1 artifacts, and more for her true masterpieces.
Also, @BirdBodhisattva , how hard would it be to summon a friendly spirit and what risks would be involved? And how we could learn a summoning ritual to begin with?
So I've got a question for y'all. What'll happen with everyone when Selene turns into Luna? The former will cease to exist to all the friends she made, and her new sister, and surely the transformation into the latter must remain a secret regardless if she stays tiny or if she emerges as an adult.
"Miss Velvet, whatever happened to Selene? She hasn't come to class all week."
"Mom? Where did Selene go?"
"Hi Missus Velvet. Is Silky alright?"
"You took in a child last year, Velvet. She is now gone, and Luna has returned, whole and intact. What have you done?"
Etc. Etc.
Best to get a game plan underway before it's too late. It's a long ways off, but better to set the rules rather than let them be decided.
as Ericwinter is also saying, we're likely going to tell our family at the very least.
There's also a good chance of us trying to explain things to Celestia at that point, especially if Luna is willing to support/defend us.
Depending on our current status in the cult, we might then try and be a mediator between the two factions. We admittedly DID act on our own, but we ARE still pursuing the cult's objective... sort-of.
The Master, if he didn't already know, will likely NOT trust us as much as before after that, but we'd be to useful in our role of mediator/friend of multiple alicorns and element bearers to openly dispose of, at least as long as we're BOTH working to stop the Worms.
Depending on who we reveal things to, our current situations, and their reactions, that will influence how we act after that.
by the way, depending on how Discord reacts to us, I honestly want to try and get close to him.
I've had one idea for how to have him release his "chaos" in a mostly controlled and safe way for ages: Just have him open an Amusement Park!
To all who enters, all the chaotic entertainment and shape-changes they could wish for! He could blow off some steam and have fun all the time, as long as he doesn't actually hurt the ones that go in!
This is obviously something that's only really feasible if Discord becomes good and makes friends, but I always thought it was a pretty simple way to keep him happy and make him feel appreciated.
Actually, by the point of Luna's awakening, we would be pretty much invulnerable from Celestia's side. Given at least one confidant among the Bearers, the Elements are out. Mundane prisons are already out - see dreamwalking, potentially magnified by allied Princess of Night, and mundane death isn't really hard to counter too. Of course, being Burgeoning Risen isn't a peasant thing, but as an example of Saint Nympha shows as, it's doable. The only remaining option is not mundane prisons (Tartarus?), but hopefully combination of lore-wielding alicorn co-ruler and Element Bearer would be able get us out. And suicide is, however strange that does sound, is an option against such prisons too.
So, we probably want to invest into anti-cult defenses. And into moth and winter followers/artifacts. Preferably sooner rather than later.
You're missing the strongest defence against Celestia, which is that there's no way she's going to break with Luna over us, especially when Luna is the injured party!
I'm actually against books this turn. We are likely to get some scraps in Mansus, and we already had a lore-related freakout last turn. Give it some time. On the other hand, I'd love to wander Mansus a bit more. I believe, some temple was mentioned?
So, well... I KNOW this sounds horrible, mean, against all Velvet might have considered sacred and good, so on and so on.
And so on.
But, well... I'm looking at our rituals, and pondering: could a (HEAVILY modified) Incision of the Heart be possibly, maybe... CompletelyCutLunaAsASeparateEntityFromSelene?
That would give us the best of all worlds!
Yes, I know it sounds crazy...
And that there are a couple thousand ways it could go wrong...
And that nobody in their right mind would ever truly vote for such an option...
You're missing the strongest defence against Celestia, which is that there's no way she's going to break with Luna over us, especially when Luna is the injured party!
Celestia will NOT forget what we did... but still, if all goes as we wish, we'll be the one that healed her sister.
EVEN if we went as far as telling her about our part in making her go mad in the first place, our trying to make up for it (and also the fact that we have informations about eldritch beings wanting to make everything deader for all eternity!) HAS to count for something.
If she forgave Discord and the changelings, I don't see why she can't forgive US. It will take time, but she'll give us a chance.
Probably. The Intercalate is a thing, after all. Would still be incredibly stupid and kinda fucked up. Also would probably require a far more powerful ritual than the Incision of the Heart.
I'm actually against books this turn. We are likely to get some scraps in Mansus, and we already had a lore-related freakout last turn. Give it some time. On the other hand, I'd love to wander Mansus a bit more. I believe, some temple was mentioned?
We've been advised that Mansus rewards are usually temporary things like Influences. This matches the game, where I think the only Lore you can get from the Mansus is Secret Histories, and most of the time you get an Influence.
We might get event scraps for making progress, but I don't think we got any from the Blank Door.
I'm actually against books this turn. We are likely to get some scraps in Mansus, and we already had a lore-related freakout last turn. Give it some time. On the other hand, I'd love to wander Mansus a bit more. I believe, some temple was mentioned?
We already talked about this a lot before, so I don't think I can change your mind about this if you've taken part in the previous conversations.
I'll just say that I'm not going to vote for any not-winter 3 plan, because I refuse to face the hurdle without doing our best to minimize the chance of complications (and maximizing the gains from passing it).
Also all the arguments we already made about Winter possibly helping to balance things, but that's admittedly just our hope/theory/interpretation.
We need more lore levels, and the skills have ALL been invaluable too. Velvet is stable enough right now, so I'm fine with taking the risk.
But, well... I'm looking at our rituals, and pondering: could a (HEAVILY modified) Incision of the Heart be possibly, maybe... CompletelyCutLunaAsASeparateEntityFromSelene?
Mostly because we're already doing a very difficult ritual, and there's likely going to be a not-0 failure chance anyway. Trying to modify the ritual would be very hard, take time, and probably basically result in a new ritual altogether, IF it's even possible.
Selene IS Luna. what you're asking is to basically split Luna in two, and as they share the same OUTSIDER soul... that's incredibly risky.
Probably. The Intercalate is a thing, after all. Would still be incredibly stupid and kinda fucked up. Also would probably require a far more powerful ritual than the Incision of the Heart.
yeah, at LEAST 3 circles, and it would have to be an original ritual, so it would require a research project with a pretty big chance of failure.
On a secondary thought... might there instead be a chance of modifying the incision of the heart, which is after all a BASIC ritual, to be better suited to Luna's situation?
We DO have Jade as a confidant now, so that might be a good project for her. Especially if we can use a 3 circle ritual instead of 2 (if that makes things easier/better)
We've been advised that Mansus rewards are usually temporary things like Influences. This matches the game, where I think the only Lire you can get from the Manaus is Secret Histories, and most of the time you get an Influence.
We might get event scraps for making progress, but I don't think we got any from the Blank Door.
nah, we DID get scraps, but we were also Winter 0 at the time I think.
And in any case, even with the chance of gaining scraps (or influences, and possibly gaining scraps from THEM like we did from the Moth influence in the past), I'd rather not give up the bonus to the hurdle in exchange for a maybe.
Are you sure? I went back and checked and it looks like we got Secret Histories from understanding the Blank Door and Lantern from Baldomare, but no Winter despite wandering the fields of the dead.
Are you sure? I went back and checked and it looks like we got Secret Histories from understanding the Blank Door and Lantern from Baldomare, but no Winter despite wandering the fields of the dead.
So, well... I KNOW this sounds horrible, mean, against all Velvet might have considered sacred and good, so on and so on.
And so on.
But, well... I'm looking at our rituals, and pondering: could a (HEAVILY modified) Incision of the Heart be possibly, maybe... CompletelyCutLunaAsASeparateEntityFromSelene?
That would give us the best of all worlds!
Yes, I know it sounds crazy...
And that there are a couple thousand ways it could go wrong...
And that nobody in their right mind would ever truly vote for such an option...
All children have to grow up eventually. Taking her from her destiny, and Luna from the love and childhood we decided was so important might be... bad.
Are you sure? I went back and checked and it looks like we got Secret Histories from understanding the Blank Door and Lantern from Baldomare, but no Winter despite wandering the fields of the dead.
You have reached the Blank Door and felt the whispers and longings that surround it. You have gained one WINTER scrap of lore, although you do not know why.
You have been awake for a while now, but you are still lazing on your bed.
Stormchaser isn't here with you, unfortunately, but perhaps… that is for the best.
You love him dearly, of course. That will never change. But as another month begins, you can't help but to worry about the several little things that you will have to plan for and work on during these coming weeks. And it's not just your responsibilities with work-related things, what has been really gnawing at your mind is your responsibilities to other ponies.
Stormchaser, obviously, being one of them.
You don't know why exactly, but you can't shake the thought that… that for some reason, you really should take care of which ponies you will be trusting with what.
After all, even though it was a few months ago now, the ugly fight you had with Stormchaser when you brought Selene home is still fresh in your mind…
It might just be, you think, that perhaps you… you simply can't tell some things to certain ponies.
Not because you don't trust them, but because…
You let out a sigh and force your body to move.
It may be a weekend for your daughters, but you have a lot to do…
- - -
- - -
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WORDS FROM THE QM
A few things I would like to talk about before this voting turn starts proper.
-First of all, on knowledge.
I was already doing that personally, but since you now have your second Confidant, I believe it will be important to "keep track" of certain things. Specifically, what you tell to whom. It is important to keep in mind, when you think about what you are going to reveal to certain ponies, that one of the central themes of this quest is Knowledge. Both the price that one might be willing to pay in order to acquire it, as well as the effects that learning about said knowledge might have.
But of course, you are the most important and central part of this story, so this theme is a lot more intimately tied to and explored with you, personally. But… there is no reason why those around you would not react to certain things as well, is there?
-Second, about what just happened with Jade Whistle.
To put it shortly and simply, Lore knowledge… Well, it's not that "learning about Lore affects the mind of a pony", it's more that "learning about Lore cannot be dissociated with changing your view of the world".
So let's check on some things… we have an Inner Circle who is, by Jade's words, "problematic". And everypony on the Inner Circle only has a single Lore to them. And also, once Jade Whistle started taking steps (shy as they might be) into becoming a more centered pony, she embraced a second Lore.
Anyone sees a theme here?
-Third. Confidants.
Kindly keep in mind that acquiring Confidants is not a walk in the metaphorical park. Granted, all your confidants up until now required effort from you, and a lot of it, but I would also like to point out that…
Well, it might sound harsh for me to say it like this, so please don't think I'm being mean. But I must point out that "effort does no always equate to success".
That is to say, you were uniquely suited to fulfill Rarity's dreams (being a noble and whatnot) and you were on a very good place to get closer to Jade (being a particularly kind pony, and talking to her not long after the Ritual, which was a shocking experience). You might also be very well suited for Twilight, for example, since you are a scholar (and a mother figure).
So, by no means am I saying that you can ONLY become confidants with ponies who are "aligned" with you. Not. At. All. Please don't interpret it that way.
I AM saying, however, that you might have to work to find certain "angles" with certain ponies in order to get closer to them if you aren't particularly "suited" for it to begin with.
To put it plainly. It is somewhat simple to understand how one might get closer to Rarity, but has anyone here wondered how in the heavens you might get closer to the likes of Windy Flakes or Rainbow Dash? (Yes, with Dash there is the "Heal Scootaloo" plan. But think about it, so far the only "in" you have planned for her is to perform a supernatural Lore-fuelled ritual. Not exactly something riding on your strength of personality, you understand?)
Kindly let me know if this third point was rather… confusing, or too long. It is really something I hope that none of you misinterpret.
-Fourth. A few change of rules.
From now on, failing to read a book will no longer "burn" it. You will have to, however, try again on the following turn. This will be especially important for harder books, since failing on them will be a possibility.
And really, considering how large your current bonuses are failing to read a low level book would only cause needless frustration. You can STILL fail, of course, but there is no reason for the book to be thrown away if you do.
Also, there is now a new level for Named Followers. A "Major 4, Minor 2" level before Exalt, since reaching Level 5 requires a Sacrament. (Reaching level 5 always required a Sacrament, but I now realized there is no reason for named followers to be stuck on Level 3 while they are working on that).
That said, voting.
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"The Lies We Tell"
This is a list of relevant information you have currently told (or withheld from) those who are closest to you.
This is NOT an exhaustive list, and will mostly cover things that you have either directly decided to tell them, or that you have not told them because you think they will react badly if you decide to reveal to them without some prior "groundwork" being laid. Think of this as a helpful list, not an actual "binding" situation-report list you should all exhaustively come back to in order to check. I will let you know if you (Velvet) thinks somepony might react badly to certain things. (That said, I hope we don't stumble upon too many "you don't know" situations like with husband dear.)
And don't take this list too serious. This is more of a helpful reminder.
Stormchaser has explicitly told you not to involve him or Silky Stream in anything occult related.
You HAVE told Stormchaser about the following:
-That Selene is Princess Luna, and that due to a great tragedy that befell her she cannot currently bear the weight of her memories
-That you have been part of a… "group" for several years now, and hid that from him
-That said group is led by a learned and powerful master, whom you can't exactly fully trust
-That you have been studying about certain "unusual" magics, to which your recent breakdowns or changes in behavior can be traced back to
-That the Worms, or some great threat to Equestria, exists
You have NOT told Stormchaser about the following:
-The more unsettling details about your Master's nature, or at least what little you have interacted with them (your husband does not know that your Master is... well, he thinks they are a regular pony)
-The murders you believe your cult has committed
-The cult's actions about Princess Luna's ritual and eventual disappearance
-Details about the cult itself, and details about the Lores.
You HAVE told Rarity about the following:
-That Selene is Princess Luna
-That you are part of a Cult
-About the Lores, the Mansus and the Worms. Her depth and understanding of said pieces of information being her current level on the occult
You have NOT told Rarity about the following: -The more unsettling details about your Master's nature, or at least what little you have interacted with them (your husband does not know that your Master is... well, he thinks they are a regular pony);
-The murders you believe your cult has committed
-The cult's actions about Princess Luna's ritual and eventual disappearance
You are currently not keeping any secrets from Jade Whistle. (She brushed off the fact that your Master does not know about Selene, specifically because she very clearly stated she does not care much for the cult as of late).
This doesn't seem to be important enough, as of yet, to warrant its own informational threadmark.
- - -
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: 222
[]EDGE lvl 3, "a posthumous, and rather contentious, biography of the legendary pegasus called Flash Magnus," 30 bits.
[]KNOCK lvl 2, "a fairly recent, and short, book about dream interpretation. You know it is recent because it was dedicated to Princess Luna's return," 15 bits
[]WINTER lvl 2, "a book on the benefits of Meditation, and why you should try it," 15 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.
[] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [SPECIFY 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 won't 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: 342 (minus items you decided to buy)
Monthly revenue: 120 bits/month
CONFIDANTS AND SUMMONS
-The ponies and creatures listed below can be given a "focus" for this turn. Not mentioning them will incur in their "default picks" being selected. Be wary, also, to the "expiration date" of summons.
-The ponies and creatures listed below may be safely taken for a single one-turn (five days) Expedition without hampering their "focus". Taking them for a two-turn (6+ days) or greater Expedition will cause them to not execute their selected "focus".
Rarity (currently an Initiate, GRAILLevel 1, FORGELevel 0):
Current Health: 3
-[X] Focus on her work. She has a contract with high-end merchants and a noble family, after all. (DEFAULT PICK) (She will still work on her designs if this is not picked, but there will be a chance for this month to be a "failure" by her reckoning)
-[] Accompany you, and lend her hoof. (Pick HALF of your own personal actions, rounded DOWN, and Rarity will accompany you while you perform them, giving narrative advantages or mechanical buffs as needed)
-[] 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) -[] The Bright Library has enough knowledge for her to learn on her own. Tell her to focus on her studies, so she may turn into a Disciple.BRIGHT LIBRARY INSUFFICIENTLY LEVELED
-[] Call her, you have a lot of things to tell her… and then a few introductions to make. (Induct her into the cult)
-[] Lead an Expedition. (Select her as the leader of an Expedition in which you will not take part, plan the other details of the expedition accordingly. You will still have to fund the Expedition yourself)
-[] Other (WRITE IN, in case you have a viable idea that I have not thought about. Certain ideas might even enter this list if they make sense)
Jade Whistle (currently a Disciple, LANTERNLevel 3, HEART Level 1):
Current Health: 3
(You are personally worried that Jade might react badly if she fails on an action she attempts)
-[X] As per orders. She will go with the motions, as she usually does, and focus on her assignment given by the Master. (DEFAULT PICK) [She has currently made zero progress with her latest assignment]
-[] "You do you." Let her do whatever she wants for once. It might do her some good, both mentally and personally.
-[] Accompany you, and lend her hoof. (Pick HALF of your own personal actions, rounded DOWN, and Jade Whistle will accompany you while you perform them, giving narrative advantages or mechanical buffs as needed)
-[] Act as your emissary. (Pick an EXTRA action from your own pool, Jade Whistle will perform it to the best of her abilities, ALONE, and report to you later) -[] The Bright Library has enough knowledge for her to learn on her own. Tell her to focus on her studies, so she may turn into an Seeker. (This will level her up, at the expense of her own focus action instead of an action of your own)BRIGHT LIBRARY INSUFFICIENTLY LEVELED
-[] Lead an Expedition. (Select her as the leader of an Expedition in which you will not take part, plan the other details of the expedition accordingly. You will still have to fund the Expedition yourself)
-[] Other (WRITE IN, in case you have a viable idea that I have not thought about. Certain ideas might even enter this list if they make sense)
Selene (MOTH 1; WINTER 2; EDGE1; KNOCK0):
As an alicorn, Selene has TWO actions.
-[X] Go play. (Selene will live a normal and happy life. This option costs one of her actions, it will always be picked, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.)
-[] What might be learned from a simple game of hide-and-seek? (Subtly teach Selene a lesson of MOTH)
-[] There is something that she must learn now… for everypony's sake. (Teach Selene the final lesson of WINTER)
-[] Life is an adventure, so go live it! (Subtly teach Selene a lesson of EDGE)
-[] There is always something more to be learned from our dreams. (Subtly teach Selene a lesson of KNOCK)
[] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions will never be available again)
-[X] You have promised Twilight Sparkle that you would tutor her in certain things. And considering how the mare was the last time you saw her, you really think you shouldn't bail on her when it comes to this. (This action is NOT obligatory. It was merely marked with an X for your convenience.)
-[] You have promised Comet Feet that you would deliver a letter for him. Time to see what this is all about. Although deciphering the address will be a pain…
-[] Those damned Needles! Somepony sent you a letter saying that they will be withholding Rarity's dues of the contract for "reasons". You simply cannot allow this to stand!
--[] Take care of this yourself. It will be better this way.
--[] Ask your father for help. This involves family business, so it is surely something he can take into his own hoofs… however much he holds that against you, that is. (COSTS NO ACTIONS)
--[] Ask your uncle for help! If there is one thing you know about your uncle, it's that he is always willing to lend his family a hoof! [Available due to your recent rekindling with your uncle] (COSTS NO ACTIONS)
[] On what must be done (Ascending within the Mansus)
-[] There is no real trick to it, no grand preparation. You have reached the Blank Plains, now it is time to search for a path that leads upwards. (Mansus Hurdle CD 80, WINTER) (It is a single dice-roll to search for a way up. It applies DIPLOMACY to traverse the Blank Plains, SECRET HISTORIESApplication Bonus to search, added to your WINTERKnowledge Bonus for its power.)
[] 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) (HEART, FORGE)
--[] In the great libraries of Canterlot… the ones that are open to public access, that is (20 bits in transportation) (applies "Royal Favor") (LANTERN, GRAIL, SECRET HISTORIES)
--[] In the many small bookshops that dot the side streets of Manehattan (35 bits in transportation) (MOTH, EDGE, KNOCK)
(Due to SECRET HISTORIES 3, now you have a better idea of what you are more likely to find in each city)
-[] 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 hoofs 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 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)
--[] They are bit handlers, and that means they are a source of income. "Borrow" a few bits from your family and do a few quick investments. Everything will be back to its place by the end of the month, and you will be a little richer for that. (Attempt to gain a few more bits on the side, using your family's fortune as a lever) Highly suspicious.
--[] They know somepony who knows somepony who knows somepony. Use that to your advantage. (Ask them to search for an artifact. Specift LORE and LEVEL, up to Level 3. It will be added to your available list, but will be more expensive than normal) Not suspicious.
--[] Something else. WRITE IN.
-[] 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.
-[] 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]
[] 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 your mother, as much as it might be… complicated. (costs 20 bits in transportation)
---[] Attempt to locate your older brother, Velvet Wings, as much as it might be difficult. (attempt to locate him, at first, via correspondence)
---[] Go there yourself and try to talk to your younger brother, Velvet Pride, although getting caught will probably be bad. (costs 20 bits in transportation, involves invading your family's own mansion)
-[] 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)
-[] You are the Loremaster! You are supposed to help your Master teach the faithful in the cult all manners of eldritch knowledge. Get to writing a Manifest on a Lore! [SPECIFY LORE] (Will produce a "book" to be added to the Bright Library, said book will be of the same level as your current level on the chosen Lore)
-[] Help Comet Feet
--[] He is gone from Ponyville, and is currently working to further the cult's interests in Manehattan. Reach out to him. (Costs 35 bits in transportation. WRITE IN what you would like to do involving him.)
-[] Help Starry Dancer
--[] Now that you know her a bit better, you can always just spend time with her.
--[] One step further from getting into the good graces of Ponyville's Guard, she is now supposed to somehow get them even closer. She would surely benefit from your presence.
-[] Help Copper Secateur
--[] She is gone from Ponyville, and is currently working to further the cult's interests in Manehattan. Reach out to her. (Costs 35 bits in transportation. WRITE IN what you would like to do involving her.)
-[] Help Windy Flakes
--[] You realize you don't know very much about him at all. Time to remedy that.
--[] His business is all set up, and now he has to run it. And do you know who is good at running businesses? That's right, you are.
--[] Windy Flakes has messed with you, so now you will mess with him. (WRITE-IN HOW, specify if you will do it with good intentions [just to scare him] or with bad intentions [actually hinder him])
-[] You don't have anywhere interesting to go, currently. Look for one. (Attempt to locate an interesting place to prepare an Expedition to. WRITE IN, if any specific theme is in mind.) Slightly Suspicious
[] 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 two artifacts to learn from their 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 three books to attempt to learn a scrap of Lore. Consumes books).
--[] BOOK, HEARTLevel 1. "A small book that covers a particular kind of elegant dancing".
--[] BOOK, HEART Level 2. "A novel about a mare who fell in love with a drummer, the romantic parts all written in rhyming poetry".
--[] BOOK, 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…".
--[] BOOK,FORGELevel 1. "A small handbook on camping, explaining the basics of how to build a tent and start a small fire".
--[] BOOK,MOTHLevel 1. "A poetry book. Amateur work, really, but one of them talks about masks…,".
--[] Some other book (select a book you have bought this turn)
[] 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. (PICK TWOOPTIONS)
(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) (applies DIPLOMACY to traverse the Blank Plains, and SECRET HISTORIES Bonus to search, added to your WINTER Level) Already specified as current objective.
[] 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. (Stormchaser will surely see this as a major breach of trust)
--[] WRITE IN (other ways to spend time with your family, or anything else)
-[] You are on the good graces of Velvet Steppes, your uncle, although he feels like the pony who has his entire family on his good graces to begin with.
--[] Call him over! He hasn't met his own grandniece yet, after all, and better late than never when it comes to knowing him better.
--[] He is called the Facilitator. You have no idea why, but the effect is self-explanatory. Ask for his help regarding… (WRITE IN a favor you would like to ask, or COMBINE this action with another, to involve your uncle in it) (Your uncle is very good at making things easier)
-[] Bits are the engine of Equestria! You have been working your hooves off for years now, so it won'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.
--[] Have a servant do it, having an actual scapegoat is ideal if things go wrong. Highly suspicious.
--[] Do it yourself, it's better this way.
--[] Wait, right, the Wildhoof Club. Get in touch with Windy Flakes, and see how serious he was when he mentioned the whole "laundering bits" thing.
-[] 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) --[] Teach Rarity yourself, and have her turn into an Disciple Insufficient personal levels
--[] Induct Rarity into the cult --[] Teach Jade Whistle yourself, and have her turn into a Seeker Insufficient personal levels
--[] 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.) (Does NOT cost an action)
-[] NO ARTIFACTS AVAILABLE
[] 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)
-[] "The Reflection of the Tapestry" (specify subject)
--[ ] 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)
Remember that non-Confidant contacts may be called for certain actions, with varying degrees of usefulness and success.
There will be at least 48 hours of voting.
Velvet Covers is devoted to taking care of Selene. Actions that may ultimately lead to said duty being threatened will be extremely difficult to pull off. QM will comment if anything like that is being voted on.
Kindly observe a SIX HOUR MORATORIUM before suggesting your plans.
And I hope I don't have to say that all actions are subject to writing-ins. Don't feel constrained by the abovementioned options, but keep in mind that they might be vetoed for in-character reasons.
[] The Attention of the Laws [SPECIFY LORE]
[] Number of actions
-[] 5+1
-[] 6+1
-[] 7+1
-[] 8+1
[] Buy Books
-[] EDGE 3
-[] KNOCK 2
-[] WINTER 2
[] Rarity
-[X] Focus on her work.
-[] Accompany you.
-[] Act as your emissary. -[] Have her level up on her own. Bright Library insufficient
-[] Induct into cult
[] Jade Whistle
-[] As per orders. (Perform her cult assignment)
-[] You do you.
-[] Accompany you.
-[] Act as your emissary. -[] Have her level up on her own. Bright Library insufficient
[] A fleeting opportunity
-[X] Tutoring Twilight
-[] Deliver Comet Feet's letter
-[] "Those damn Needles!"
--[] Do it yourself
--[] Ask your father
--[] Ask your uncle
[] Mission
-[] Go higher in the Mansus
[] Shopping
-[] Books
--[] In Ponyville.
--[] In Canterlot.
--[] In Manehattan.
-[] Search for a place to buy in Ponyville.
-[] Search for Artifact
[] Ponyville politics
-[] Look for muscle-for-hire in town.
-[] Look for muscle-for-hire among your employees.
-[] Scout for cult candidates among your employees.
-[] Scout for cult candidates in town.
-[] Merchants
--[] Interact
--[] Attempt to raise bits for yourself.
--[] Ask for specific Lore artifact.
--[] WRITE IN.
-[] Contact Guard and law enforcement.
-[] Contact underworld(?) of town.
-[] Start cleaning Jade's abandoned house.
[] Canterlot politics (furthering your influence in this town specifically)
-[] Your family
--[] Contact your mother.
--[] Look for your older brother.
--[] Contact your younger brother.
-[] Reach out to other minor nobles.
-[] Reach out to higher nobles.
[] On aiding the cult
-[] Write a Manifest [SPECIFY LORE]
-[] Help Comet Feet
--[] Contact him.
-[] Help Starry Dancer
--[] Contact her.
--[] Help her with her task.
-[] Help Copper Secateur
--[] Contact her.
-[] Help Windy Flakes
--[] Contact him.
--[] Help him with his task.
--[] Get back at him.
[] Set out on an Expedition.
-[] Look for a place to go.
[] On furthering your knowledge
-[] Lesson from Master [SPECIFY LORE]
-[] Ask Master a question (risky)
-[] Study artifact (none availabe)
-[] Read book (write in which)
[] The Mansus (pick TWO)
-[] The Woods
--[] Explore.
--[] Look for other places connected to it.
-[] The Blank Door
--[] Explore.
--[] Visit Baldomare
--[] Look for other places connected to it.
-[] Go higher in the Mansus
[] Personal life
-[] Family
--[] Idle interaction
--[] Attempt to teach Lore.
--[] WRITE IN (other ways to spend time with your family, or anything else)
-[] Velvet Steppes.
--[] Call him over.
--[] Ask for help (Write in on what)
-[] Ask your father for a raise.
-[] Ask your father for a one-time boon of bits.
-[] Steal bits from your family
--[] Have a servant do it.
--[] Do it yourself.
--[] Do it through the Wildhoof Club
[] Contacts
-[] Try to meet someone new.
-[] Contact other lesser nobles away from Canterlot.
-[] Interact with Known Contact --[] Level up Rarity Not enough personal levels
--[] Induct Rarity into the cult --[] Level up Jade Whistle Not enough personal levels
--[] Twilight Sparkle
--[] Cheerilee
--[] Mayor Mare
--[] Filthy Rich
--[] WRITE IN
[] Buy previous artifact.
-[] None available
[] Rituals
-[] "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)
-[] "The Reflection of the Tapestry" (specify subject)
--[] To be performed your cult's gathering place
--[] To be performed at your own home
Aye, this was quite the bout today. I will seriously give this a pause for now.
I'll appreciate if mistakes are pointed out so they may be corrected, and I'll probably return tomorrow morning to read through any backlog and answer any questions.
