No idea my guy. But when we investigated it we found thousands of small ancient runes carved on it that not even Merlin could figure so maybe it's that way by design.
Huh. Weird. Could... could it be a discordian artifact? Or could those runes amplify the effect of the Crystal itself, or maybe direct its protection and magic onto the Crystal ponies? But why were we and our wife able to utilize it then?!? Is it just true love that's the factor, or the very concept of love that works it?!? Is the sky blue or merely a projection of our collective unconscious?!?!? So many questions!!!
Huh. Weird. Could... could it be a discordian artifact? Or could those runes amplify the effect of the Crystal itself, or maybe direct its protection and magic onto the Crystal ponies? But why were we and our wife able to utilize it then?!? Is it just true love that's the factor, or the very concept of love that works it?!? Is the sky blue or merely a projection of our collective unconscious?!?!? So many questions!!!
It wasn't so much that we utilized it but that the crystal utilized us. Since Sombra had kept it away from any kind of love for it to draw power from when we found it. It then had a source of love. Our maxed out spouse relation and all the soldiers fighting for the love of their families and homeland. It then used all that new found love to kill sombra.
It wasn't so much that we utilized it but that the crystal utilized us. Since Sombra had kept it away from any kind of love for it to draw power from when we found it. It then had a source of love. Our maxed out spouse relation and all the soldiers fighting for the love of their families and homeland. It then used all that new found love to kill sombra.
So exactly like the heart of Atlantis, except more benevolent as I'm pretty sure there's not a giant energy shield blocking them from the rest of the world.
Huh. There's a thought I just had. Where do the souls of the Crystal Ponies go when they die? Or the royalty at least. Is the Crystal Heart so tied to their civilization that it is their very soul, as in the show they were very lifeless and dull when it was off or not working. Was it shaped over the course of centuries to be the well, very heart of their souls? The implications are fascinating. It would mean that correctly utilizing magic or belief like in warhammer in this way may directly empower seemingly useless artifacts or objects with runes of power to such an extent that their limits may not be known.
The changelings are different as they feed off of individuals emotional relationships and feelings, like a malevolent race of parasites. The Crystal heart seems different in that it's a artifact that directly harnesses the love of seemingly all beings to protect them and itself, and as far as we know does not directly harm those it uses for lack of better word.
Huh. Well. Um. That might actually explain a lot about it's odd behavior compared to other magical artifacts. But why love then? Is it a case of love being the most powerful emotion of its people, or was it shaped that way?
It probably was both ways. Love is far from simply romantic. Cadence in the MLP comics even pointed out platonic and other non-romantic forms of love being just as important, such as love of nation. (IE: Candace is the Princess of Patriotism just as she is of Love.)
Huh. Weird. Could... could it be a discordian artifact? Or could those runes amplify the effect of the Crystal itself, or maybe direct its protection and magic onto the Crystal ponies? But why were we and our wife able to utilize it then?!? Is it just true love that's the factor, or the very concept of love that works it?!? Is the sky blue or merely a projection of our collective unconscious?!?!? So many questions!!!
While the heart prevented the worst of Discord's magic from affecting them directly, it couldn't protect them from everything, nor did it prevent them from being relocated as the continents reshaped themselves.
No one was spared the wrath of Discord. Some were just fortunate enough to not have their entire culture and civilization destroyed, or their very minds forever altered.
It wasn't so much that we utilized it but that the crystal utilized us. Since Sombra had kept it away from any kind of love for it to draw power from when we found it. It then had a source of love. Our maxed out spouse relation and all the soldiers fighting for the love of their families and homeland. It then used all that new found love to kill sombra.
Pretty much this. It was both romantic love between Garrick and Gabriella, and the patriotic, and brotherhood/brother in arms love of our armies and allies armies that empower the enough Heart to kill Sombra. Not the total 'reset switch' but it got the job done.
So exactly like the heart of Atlantis, except more benevolent as I'm pretty sure there's not a giant energy shield blocking them from the rest of the world.
Huh. There's a thought I just had. Where do the souls of the Crystal Ponies go when they die? Or the royalty at least. Is the Crystal Heart so tied to their civilization that it is their very soul, as in the show they were very lifeless and dull when it was off or not working. Was it shaped over the course of centuries to be the well, very heart of their souls? The implications are fascinating. It would mean that correctly utilizing magic or belief like in warhammer in this way may directly empower seemingly useless artifacts or objects with runes of power to such an extent that their limits may not be known.
It probably was both ways. Love is far from simply romantic. Cadence in the MLP comics even pointed out platonic and other non-romantic forms of love being just as important, such as love of nation. (IE: Candace is the Princess of Patriotism just as she is of Love.)
The Crystal Empire existed before Discord.
So the Crystal Empire was probably on the other side of the world before being sent across the planet to it current location because of Discord.
Pretty much this. It was both romantic love between Garrick and Gabriella, and the patriotic, and brotherhood/brother in arms love of our armies and allies armies that empower the enough Heart to kill Sombra. Not the total 'reset switch' but it got the job done.
I....I have no idea. But your line of thought could be fascinating if was the case.
Huh. Self preservation and the protection of its people, even while the world is ripped asunder., teleports between is current location and its shrine of worship, carved centuries ago before discord, and is covered in countless runes of power that are not affected as of yet by magic dampening metals. But what does it mean?!? If it is the heart, why is it not active?!? It's surrounded by love again, it should be thriving. Does it require a host or a medium to channel its power? An Alicorn? Why?
Considering we used it, yes, but it need not be a pony let alone an Alicorn. Probably because it can't produce love, can't produce its own power, and thus requires a medium by necessity.
And maybe to know how they want it's power to be used. To identify the problem? Context.
Huh. Self preservation and the protection of its people, even while the world is ripped asunder., teleports between is current location and its shrine of worship, carved centuries ago before discord, and is covered in countless runes of power that are not affected as of yet by magic dampening metals. But what does it mean?!? If it is the heart, why is it not active?!? It's surrounded by love again, it should be thriving. Does it require a host or a medium to channel its power? An Alicorn? Why?
I refuse to believe the biggest concentration of love in existence is both a racist/specist and selfish.
It's whole thing is protection.
Especially considering all its new and varied worshippers.
I'll stick with it requiring a medium to channel and provide power and understand the desires of those it wishes to help.
After all in canon the alicorn sent to rule the crystal empire IS distantly related to the queen before sombra.
Like I am picturing it being starved of resources so it could not manage to throw off sombra and then we came in filled with love and a perfect fuel to jumpstart it allowing it to destroy sombra.
After all in canon the alicorn sent to rule the crystal empire IS distantly related to the queen before sombra.
Like I am picturing it being starved of resources so it could not manage to throw off sombra and then we came in filled with love and a perfect fuel to jumpstart it allowing it to destroy sombra.
Despite being a figure of great renown in both his native Canterbury and the Empire itself, despite having basically invented a whole new form of magic and given its secrets to your people, and despite having spent a considerable amount of time in your court...you know almost nothing about Merlin Ambrosius. Beyond the occasional report on his work and questions regarding it, the two of you rarely speak to each other.
You'd figured that it was time you remedied that.
Thus, here you were, two of the most powerful beings in the known world, sitting down and sharing a cup of tea in one of several drawing rooms that the palace had to offer.
As Merlin quietly sips at his cup (clutched in the glow of his magic), you break the silence that had settled upon you after the initial exchange of pleasantries.
"Why did you come to the Empire?"
Merlin raises an eyebrow.
"As I told you before: to learn, and to share what knowledge I have with those who wish to learn."
You tap a talon against the tabletop.
"But why here, specifically? You could have just as easily gone to Neighpon or YakYakistan."
The elderly unicorn shook his head.
"The Yaks are a proud people...not used to taking direction or advice from foreigners."
You open you mouth to speak, but Merlin waves a hoof before you can.
"You and your people are the exception. You earned their respect in your war against Sombra. If you hadn't, they would never have tolerated your assistance in building their kingdom."
He shakes his head.
"As for Neighpon...they have magic of their own, quite different from the sort that I and my Canterburian colleagues wield. And they have their draconic ancestors to guide them...they may only awaken for minutes at a time, but you'd be surprised what arcane knowledge can be imparted in only a few minutes."
He takes another sip from his cup as you raise an eyebrow yourself.
"So we needed your help more?"
The unicorn snorts, shaking his head.
"Need? No. You've gotten along just fine without magic. More than fine."
You weren't about to argue that.
"So why here? Why us?"
Merlin sighs, standing and staring out one of the nearby windows, his cup trailing after him. Like many other rooms in the palace, this one offers a commanding view of the capital, its streets and buildings stretching into the distance. You remain seated, patiently awaiting his answer.
"...I am ninety seven years old."
Not the answer you were expecting.
"I've spent my entire life studying magic, trying to master the arcane. In the beginning it was a matter of practicality, about finding a way to survive in the chaotic maelstrom that the world was during Discord's rule. But I came to value knowledge for its own sake, not just for the things one could do with it."
He sighs, eyes downcast.
"Ever since I cast a spell for the first time in my youth, I've been chasing the idea that someway somehow I would be able to understand it all, that I would be able to decode the greatest mysteries of the aether...that I could know everything there was to know."
He turns and looks back at you, a tired look on his face.
"And for a time, in my arrogance, I actually thought I was on the cusp of doing so! And why wouldn't I...everyone else seemed to think so."
He laughs a hollow, bitter laugh.
"Merlin the wise, Merlin the Great, Merlin the Magnificent!"
He speaks each of his titles with a mocking tone.
"You should have heard the things they called me, the things they still call me, in the streets and courts of Canterbury."
He stares up at the ceiling and sighs.
"...When people say things like that over and over for years, eventually you start to believe them."
Clearly he didn't believe that anymore.
"So what changed?"
Merlin smiles a tired, amused smile as he returns your gaze.
"We met you."
You raise an eyebrow. Merlin simply nods in answer to your unspoken question, that enigmatic smile still gracing his muzzle as he walks back over to the table, taking his seat again.
"No, really. You may not have realized it, but our first contact with your people brought many of our preconceived notions of the world into question. Prior to meeting you, many assumed that Canterbury may very well be the last light of civilization, the only true kingdom still standing in the wake of Discord's madness. Our few encounters with the Yaks and the slavers of Maretonia only served to reinforce this belief. The idea that we were the Lady's chosen, destined to inherit what remained of the world...it was a far more common idea than you'd think, back in those days just after Discord's disappearance."
He chuckles to himself, staring down into his tea. It is not a happy chuckle.
"So arrogant. So prideful. To think that we were the only ones who would be able to rebuild, who would not only survive but flourish as stability returned to the world."
You listen quietly, not wishing to interrupt. This is by far the most the elderly unicorn has ever spoken to you...you think it's the most he's ever spoken with anyone regarding something that wasn't related to magic or some other academic topic. He looks back up at you, his expression unreadable.
"When Queen Chevaline had her first vision of your Empire...when we first encountered your people and learned the true extent of the world beyond our borders..."
He sighs.
"Humbling is probably the best word to describe it. For all of Canterbury really...but for myself in particular."
He stares back out the window, his eyes focused on something behind the horizon.
"Sombra...I can't really convey to you how the mere knowledge that a being such as that could exist rattled us. Queen Chevaline had never before encountered a threat that she could not predict, nor rival her in magical prowess. The Knights of Canterbury had only ever faced the beasts of the dark forests. And I..."
He turns back to you, and you are struck with how unbelievably defeated he looks.
"I realized that there was so much I still did not understand...that I would never understand...either because I didn't want to or because I simply wouldn't live long enough to do so...it was only then that I began to think of my legacy...of what would come after my end."
You nod. You think you are starting to understand.
"You came here in hopes of making the most impact."
Merlin smiles, more earnestly than before.
"In Canterbury I was merely the most learned of many wizards. My ability to influence and act was limited, as were the resources I had to work with. Here, I can do much more, build something to stand the test of time...that I might find a way to avoid the final death, when my name is spoken for the very last time."
You take a final drag from your cup as you nod your head in thought. You can certainly understand the desire to build something that will long outlive you. That was what you were doing with the Empire itself after all. Though, speaking of the Empire.
"And I'm sure that the entire new race of magic users had nothing to do with your decision."
Merlin sighs.
"I'd be lying if I said that the Hippogriffs didn't interest me...that was what finally convinced me to leave Canterbury. But can you blame me? The birth of a whole new race of magic users is something unprecedented in recorded history, of course I'd take an interest."
You suppose you can't blame him for being curious. You'd have to admit to taking an interest in the possibilities inherent there yourself...but perhaps that's a conversation for another time.
"I see."
Another silence falls between you, this one more comfortable than the last.
A silence broken when Merlin suddenly shoots to his feet and stares with concern at...a corner of the room?
The Palace shudders, your cup shaking upon its saucer as a muffled boom reaches your ears, Merlin suddenly teleporting away in a burst of golden light as a member of the Palace Guard almost breaks down the door in his haste, panting.
"Your highness! The Lady Pearl she..."
You don't catch the rest, already down the hall and around the corner before he can speak another word.
—————————————————————————————
Months ago, Gleaming Pearl had asked for one of the larger and unused rooms within the palace's basement for her own personal use. She had quickly turned the subterranean chamber into a bizarre hybrid of study space and geological museum, all manner of stones and mineral deposits sharing space on shelves alongside countless tomes on topics ranging from mundane geology to Merlin's numerous treatises on the nature of Magic itself.
No one questioned the adopted princesses eclectic tastes or unusual hobby. A love of knowledge and learning seemed to be a common trait amongst the Imperial Family, and the children of the Emperor had a mutual habit of throwing themselves into their hobbies and studies with unparalleled enthusiasm. As a result, few took notice when the young Pearl began to accumulate an increasingly large amount of crystals and minerals that were considered magically reactive.
As you round the corner to find a massive pillar of solidified crystal jutting out at an angle from the wall, you realize that someone really should have stopped and asked your daughter more questions.
You weave around and over several other such protruding growths before finally reaching the room where in question...Where the sight of your younger adopted daughter tearfully groveling before Merlin brings you up short for a moment.
Merlin, for his part, seems completely nonplussed at the entire situation, giving you what you can only assume is a pleading look as he takes a step back and towards one of the obvious origin points of the massive spires of calcified minerals currently speared through the palace foundation.
With a sigh, you step forward and place a taloned foreclaw upon Pearl's shoulder, bringing her tirade to an end as she looks up at you with wide eyes and a nervous smile.
"Um...I can explain?"
You raise an eyebrow.
"Please do."
———————————————————————————————
You would discover much later that your daughter's ability was something not completely unknown to the Crystal Ponies. The manipulation of crystals, mineral deposits and the earth itself was a common ability amongst them. In the Crystal City, it was a popular party trick to place a piece of calcite in a bowl and see who could get it to outgrow its container.
But apparently Gleaming is on a completely different level when it comes to the act of crystalmancy, as evidenced by her ability to make a veritable forest of crystal spires grow out of a hooffull of "seeds". Such a magical prodigy has not been seen since before the reign of Discord.
Merlin seems as intrigued by this new phenomenon as he is seemingly frustrated by the fact that he once again needs to rearrange his worldview and understanding of magic. You're just glad that your daughter is ok, though you extract a promise from her not to do anymore "experimentation" without supervision, something she readily agrees to once her workspace is finally cleared of the excess mineral growths.
It seems there's never a dull moment in the palace.
Information on Merlin Ambrosius Gained, New Actions Unlocked, Gleaming Pearl gains Trait: Crystalmancer
Me: "Ok, I'm going to get this next update out in a reasonable timeframe!"
My Muse, My Brain, My Job, and the Universe in General:
I Promise the Rumor Mill will be out soon. Once again, thank you all for following this Quest.
I enjoy this quest quite a bit. The only concern I have about it is that the rate of tech advancement seems rather fast paced, but that's not necessarily a negative thing.
I enjoy this quest quite a bit. The only concern I have about it is that the rate of tech advancement seems rather fast paced, but that's not necessarily a negative thing.
Technological advancement after it hits a certain point becomes exponential. We're just experiencing it even faster due to having a good leader and competent government sponsoring it. Plus the laws of physics are a bit more forgiving in their universe due to magic being around.
