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

Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
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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.
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(Quote slightly edited to avoid spoilers)
 
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BirdBodhisattva said:
Yes, this turn is excessive. My current draft is that you will have 4 personal actions while working at the Bureau. Work in progress though so dont quote me on that.
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This IS counterbalanced though, by us being able to direct the Bureau to do shit for us correct? Like our Servant AP but actually willing to get their hands dirty as long as it's in Equestrias best interest?

And we will eventually have them ready to do Mansus shit directly?
 
[X] Do not. (Turn 16 will progress normally)

I will commit to voting to summon her next turn, unless the world is literally on fire or something.
 
[X] Summon Mareinette, Our Lady of Wires (will cost one action from Turn 16)

Starlit Horizon said:
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Your ignoring the benefit that we could take advantage of a fleeting opportunity to send Mareinette to take over the cult. Or just start removing mental maluses from us (very important if we want to aim for our SH sacrament as soon as possible which is a priority)

Master_Fireball said:
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We would really prefer our Secret Histories sacrament before exploring so we don't waste more SH scraps. Having a reliable way to seal with mental maluses would really help with that.
 
Earth-Destroyer said:
Their is no effective difference between summoning her now, or next turn save we get more actions if we do it now, and can ensure we control of the cult remains, and Ponyville as a whole.

Summons are AP neutral on the the turn summoned, and AP positive on the next turn.
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There is. The problem is we need at least one free action to re-bind her on the turn it will expire, and the timing of summoning her this turn is bad for that. Particularly as I suspect the rebinding will cost us a wound, and we *really* don't want to take another wound that quickly again.
 
Shaper47 said:
Your ignoring the benefit that we could take advantage of a fleeting opportunity to send Mareinette to take over the cult. Or just start removing mental maluses from us (very important if we want to aim for our SH sacrament which is a priority)
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a) The cult. Honestly, didn't thought about that, because will BirdBodhisattva even let us? Because we are a traitor and a director. To be honest, while messing with the cult is good and all, there's good chance it would be vetoed from going further. Subverting cult after the Master vanished have already been, after all.
(I think it's a good thing, because honestly choices made should matter)
b) Removing maluses. Because we are not going to lose opportunity to heal mental debuff - healing it is not too suspicion - and my doubt tbat we will find time to do it turn 16, it is rolled in general "one turn earlier benefit", like I rolled in "we can have 3 personal ap rather than 2" into "less tight turn" benefit.
 
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Yeah, the mental malus being healed isn't suspicious to anyone that hasn't known us intimately for years. To everyone else it will just seem like we adapted to our new job and that is that.
 
Mm. Two points I want to point out. One, it's worth noting that the Cult made up a significant portion of Ponyville, and two, they just lost their leadership at the same time a bunch of guards and one of the Princesses came to town. There is a… not insignificant chance that panic ensues. Panic amongst a large part of the town. Having a powerful Grail/Heart Name to calm that panic, whichever of the two other options that means, would not be an entirely terrible thing if we don't want Ponyville to start going crazy.
 
Do we care, though?

No, really. Arguably, more complications for Windy/Copper is good, especially if it happens on its own as to not reveal our hostility, and we removed most of the evidence.

Arguably, if we capture some of the panicing cultists, that's a great way to introduce lores into the Bureau very early.
 
Starlit Horizon said:
Do we care, though?

No, really. Arguably, more complications for Windy/Copper is good, especially if it happens on its own as to not reveal our hostility, and we removed most of the evidence.

Arguably, if we capture some of the panicing cultists, that's a great way to introduce lores into the Bureau very early.
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I rather think Velvet would care quite a bit if Ponyville starts to descend into backststabbing and fighting, but that might just be me. Windy is cutting off all connection to the Cult and Copper is in Manehatten, so it's not even an issue for them.
 
Ericwinter said:
I rather think Velvet would care quite a bit if Ponyville starts to descend into backststabbing and fighting, but that might just be me. Windy is cutting off all connection to the Cult and Copper is in Manehatten, so it's not even an issue for them.
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I suspect it will be more running for the hills and less backstabbing and fighting.
 
Byzantine said:
I suspect it will be more running for the hills and less backstabbing and fighting.
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If it weren't for their demonstrated willingness to do some rather fucked up shit, I would agree. A lot would probably run, I'll grant, but at least a few of the Chosen and Hintchasers seem more likely to try and grab power.
 
Ericwinter said:
I rather think Velvet would care quite a bit if Ponyville starts to descend into backststabbing and fighting, but that might just be me. Windy is cutting off all connection to the Cult and Copper is in Manehatten, so it's not even an issue for them.
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Well, full on back stabbing wouldn't be too good, yes, but presumably cultists aren't stupid and certainly not very Edge-y.

Also, if we actually succeed in stabilizing cult, then when Copper sends scouts our way (and sooner or later she will), Ponyville branch will be ready for taking. Again, seizing the leadership was vetoed.

It will be reduced, but given the fact that we live there, I would say it wluld be better if it burns to the ground and every member decides that the Inner Circle are all traitors.
 
Ericwinter said:
If it weren't for their demonstrated willingness to do some rather fucked up shit, I would agree. A lot would probably run, I'll grant, but at least a few of the Chosen and Hintchasers seem more likely to try and grab power.
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See: Mr. I'm Totally the Loremaster I Swear!

But tbh if the fake Loremaster takes control, that's pretty good for us. After all, that means we have an easy target for the Bureau right in Ponyville. Eventually. And it's not like the fake Loremaster is actually good at their supposed job.
 
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BirdBodhisattva said:
You just gave me the best idea as to where exactly Windy might run and who he might fatefully meet.

Also, guys, come on. This is an easy vote. You either vote for "Happy QM" or "Unhappy QM". I mean, I just write the story, so how bad can the effects of my disappointment be? :V
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Oh, look. It's been a while since I used the funny rating for horror.
 
BirdBodhisattva said:
This person speaks with wisdom.

I mean, I WANT Mareinette to be summoned, but I am knowingly biased. Still, AP hell will be real, no?
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I'm admittedly starting to be tempted, because yeah, AP hell. the point is, if we summon her, then maintaining her bindings becomes our top priority, second ONLY to restoring Luna and just slightly above resummoning Baldomare and DoA.

No matter the cost, we WILL have to focus on that.

If we're lucky it's just a payment in health... but in that case, redemption of the forge becomes a big priority as well, as we can't afford to stay at such pitifully low total health.

BirdBodhisattva said:
Yes, this turn is excessive. My current draft is that you will have 4 personal actions while working at the Bureau. Work in progress though so dont quote me on that.
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still a lot, but maybe we can nudge the bureau actions to be useful to us in some ways.

We can also find more uses for our servant and confidants. With how many bits we'll hopefully get we can start doing more rituals and expeditions, and maybe buy a few more lvl 3 books from Ponyville and Canterlot too.

Bird, don't be cheap with our wage!

Oh, I'm also somewhat worried about how Mareinette would look to Celestia/Cadance, so hopefully we can make it so they never meet.

Greymere said:
...man. It just really clicked for me how insane Mareinette could be at social actions. With just her general bonus, she's swinging a +70 to any kind of Grail check. If she has any kind of specialty to social actions (which... she's the Grail Name-equivalent. I really wouldn't be surprised), it's even higher than that.
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...kinda mundane, but I wonder if we can have her be a model for Rarity's clothes to boost her income :V

Greymere said:
...I may be starting to convince myself to vote to summon her this turn :V
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me too, mostly because the next 3 or so turns are going to be critical, so even if we're taking a risk we could REALLY use another Name (or equivalent) on our side.

BirdBodhisattva said:
This dissonance is intentionally part of her mechanic as a creature, so don't worry.

Mareinette's appearance will not cause you problems.
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not even in an Alicorn's presence?

Byzantine said:
There is. The problem is we need at least one free action to re-bind her on the turn it will expire, and the timing of summoning her this turn is bad for that. Particularly as I suspect the rebinding will cost us a wound, and we *really* don't want to take another wound that quickly again.
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technically we don't know if we need to pay actions for that. Take Baldomare for an example, if you have a book extending her summon doesn't take an action.

By the same token the price might not include APs

Earth-Destroyer said:
Actually better ideal send Mareinette to handle the meeting with Hills.

That would do wonders for Velvet's mental state.
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Kind of a shame that CS explicitly confirms that "eating the parent is not the crime of the sky", you know. We could have actually bonded with Mareinette if it was.

BirdBodhisattva said:
You just gave me the best idea as to where exactly Windy might run and who he might fatefully meet.

Also, guys, come on. This is an easy vote. You either vote for "Happy QM" or "Unhappy QM". I mean, I just write the story, so how bad can the effects of my disappointment be? :V
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evil QM uses guilt tripping.

it's... somewhat effective.

[X] Summon Mareinette, Our Lady of Wires (will cost one action from Turn 16)


I MIGHT change my mind, but all in all we're in such desperate need of actions that I'm willing to take the risk.
 
Roaming_Guardian said:
This IS counterbalanced though, by us being able to direct the Bureau to do shit for us correct? Like our Servant AP but actually willing to get their hands dirty as long as it's in Equestrias best interest?

And we will eventually have them ready to do Mansus shit directly?
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Probably not or we shouldn't treat the Bureau that way as bird pointed out. Their job will be negating supernatural threats and that is it. Using it to benefit ourselves goes against the spirit of the agreement of why we got the job.


BirdBodhisattva said:
"Okay Velvet, me and Princess Celestia are giving you this very important task because we think you have a good heart as well as the tenacity to do what is right."

"I should use the secret police to pursue my own agendas? Got it."

"Also, I personally respect and look up to you seeing how you have such a wonderful fam-... wait, what?"

"First order of business is to use the Crown's influence to threaten my own extended family. Then whoever else I perceive as a threat. In fact, I will literally think of myself as the KGB moving forward."

"W-wait. No?"

"I will also only do barely enough of what you ask me to keep you and Celestia off my back. If I don't just make up a report full of lies."

"This may have been a mistake."

:V

But jokes aside. I am concerned about some of your expectations. Still, that's for the future.
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