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

[Greymere]

Counter question: WHAT would you do differently, if we got the intel?

Are you worried about combat? Bring Biedde. Everything else can be deal with by basically just Axe and Velvet. (highest general bonus and the all-4 rerolls and +20)

It makes sense to scry only if we actually expect it would change our preparations, but at that point it might just be cheaper to... well... bring an extra Name.

I can't imagine an expedition where Axe + Velvet + Biedde can't win.

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I'm not really worried about combat, actually. Biedde only has one Influence to give, and Edge 4 Velvet (w/o Frightened + Scarred) + 40 Edge Influence and Edge 3 DoA (w/ on-command +20 Influence) is a pretty hefty amount of Edge to bring to a fight.

To come from an angle that perhaps you would care about more: if we're going in blind, we have to assume that any Lore could be used. Which makes the mathematically optimal Influence to ask from Mareinette the Grail Influence, not the Heart Influence, as I suspect you would prefer due to +2 Heart scraps.

(Edit: Also if we're bringing a plus one, it's got to be Selene. She's got a wider Lore spread, which is important for actually clearing the expedition and she can fight! And also have conversations without her general bonus dropping to +10.)

 

[Solace2117]

I want to heal Velvet's scar as soon as we can for a few reasons. One it gets us another point of health, which considering all the potential dangers ahead is vital. Two it gives us more insight into her past and lets her come to terms with her issues. Lastly I'm interested if this could change her personal moth and grail sacraments. We know her personal sacraments are based on her personal interpretations which makes me think if anything could change them that would be it. I don't know that it will, but I'm interested in seeing what happens. At the same time though I'm not willing to commit to anything fully until we see what else happens this turn and how the next starts out.

Buuuut... If anyone is looking for an unconventional Victory Harmony is right there, only costs 1 Jade action to progress in it next turn(and it also lets her develop rituals again, it is a bonus) and is probably the second Victory we are best prepared to reach since:

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Actually there's another "Victory" we're halfway towards that's much easier.

I doubt we are as close to the Harmony ending as you seem to think, though as with the Tower, I have no problem taking some actions down that path. I remain unconvinced that the Harmony ending is as "good" as you think it is.

 

[DelightedOne]

Actually there's another "Victory" we're halfway towards that's much easier.

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We don't talk about the Mother of Wolves.

I doubt we are as close to the Harmony ending as you seem to think, though as with the Tower, I have no problem taking some actions down that path. I remain unconvinced that the Harmony ending is as "good" as you think it is.

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My logic is less "close" and more "we literally set up the perfect stage for it".

Why not? That feels like the closest to Canon MLP for me.

 

[Venerable Ro]

My logic is less "close" and more "we literally set up the perfect stage for it".

Why not? That feels like the closest to Canon MLP for me.

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If we keep to MLP canon we're going to have to fight Sombra in the "near" future as Cadance and Shining's closest friend. That would admittedly be fun under the right circumstances, the hypothetical opportunity to blatantly flex our eldritch muscles and bring down a host of Names and summons on his creepy head.

 

[DelightedOne]

If we keep to MLP canon we're going to have to fight Sombra in the "near" future as Cadance and Shining's closest friend. That would admittedly be fun under the right circumstances, the hypothetical opportunity to blatantly flex our eldritch muscles and bring down a host of Names and summons on his creepy head.

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Oh, there is also the Crystal Heart. I am so anxious to see if Velvet can grab it to Study.

That is actually another reason why I want to get to Cadance lessons so fast, if we get her to All-3(or better yet, 4) she might be able to hold on against Sombra for longer or find the Crystal Heart by herself.

 

[Greymere]

Oh, there is also the Crystal Heart. I am so anxious to see if Velvet can grab it to Study.

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Heart 7 artifact when?

 

[Solace2117]

My logic is less "close" and more "we literally set up the perfect stage for it".

Why not? That feels like the closest to Canon MLP for me.

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Because this is a horror quest and a fusion of two settings. You at times talk of Harmony and MLP as if they are separate from the setting of Cultist Simulator. Bird has done a great job integrating the two settings. You've said you doubted the Master's solution, it may not be the only one on that path, but I doubt Harmony is going to be able to just overpower the worms. I doubt any of the endings are fully static though other than the Wolf.

 

[DelightedOne]

Because this is a horror quest and a fusion of two settings. You at times talk of Harmony and MLP as if they are separate from the setting of Cultist Simulator. Bird has done a great job integrating the two settings. You've said you doubted the Master's solution, it may not be the only one on that path, but I doubt Harmony is going to be able to just overpower the worms. I doubt any of the endings are fully static though other than the Wolf.

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This quest being a fusion of two settings is exactly why I talk about Harmony that way, because we only really had full contact with the Cultist Simulator side of things, the MLP side is so mundane since the Lores were forgotten and Harmony only started being active again recently(instead of passive) that I can barely talk about it without mentioning Harmony in some way. There is also that tiny part where I'm trying to make people go for the Harmony victory, so if you see me focus too much on it that's why.

Harmony is just starting to really come into itself, it had a lot of effects on the world but it still hasn't reached its full potential. The Dreamlands trying and more surprisingly looking like they can take over the Mansus shows that Harmony has a lot of potential, it could even become an Hour or Hour-equivalent if things go right.

That makes me think that yes, if Harmony can't hide or kill all Worms it can at the very least make wards(the Crystal Heart is proof of this, even). It was even implied that it already did something like this and if we help it that might be a real possibility or whatever we need to do for the Harmony Victory, the Worms will be taken care of anyway.

 

[Iustus Vitea]

The tower is only the first part of the HotM quest chain, we would likely need to find the Key of David to actually gain access to it after completing the climb.

As for Harmony if I understand things correctly then Memory of Light is to merely get info on Harmony, like what and where it is. Full contact comes later.

 

[Venerable Ro]

This quest being a fusion of two settings is exactly why I talk about Harmony that way, because we only really had full contact with the Cultist Simulator side of things, the MLP side is so mundane since the Lores were forgotten and Harmony only started being active again recently(instead of passive) that I can barely talk about it without mentioning Harmony in some way. There is also that tiny part where I'm trying to make people go for the Harmony victory, so if you see me focus too much on it that's why.

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Sadly we cut Harmony off at the knees by ruining its chosen of chosen ones and then further separating two of the remaining five Bearers from the other three. Fluttershy has quite the distraction to occupy her in Comet, and Rarity is busy making it big well ahead of schedule.

In hindsight I'm honestly surprised we haven't had the other Bearers looking in on our relationship with our confidantes, I suppose we stuck the wedge in so early that we preempted any real emotional closeness.

 

[Greymere]

Sadly we cut Harmony off at the knees by ruining its chosen of chosen ones and then further separating two of the remaining five Bearers from the other three. Fluttershy has quite the distraction to occupy her in Comet, and Rarity is busy making it big well ahead of schedule.

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We could go ahead and make it three out of five! Applejack is already on our contacts list as a Friend and we don't have a Forge Confidant yet

 

[DelightedOne]

Sadly we cut Harmony off at the knees by ruining its chosen of chosen ones and then further separating two of the remaining five Bearers from the other three. Fluttershy has quite the distraction to occupy her in Comet, and Rarity is busy making it big well ahead of schedule.

In hindsight I'm honestly surprised we haven't had the other Bearers looking in on our relationship with our confidantes, I suppose we stuck the wedge in so early that we preempted any real emotional closeness.

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Be patient please, healing takes time when you're not using the laws of reality to speed it up.

Fluttershy and Rarity aren't confined to Velvet's home so they must still be in contact with the other Elements(they were friends for years before the start of the show) and they had their own lives before, I doubt a boost in career and a boyfriend are enough to make them cut off contact completely.

We gave Harmony a "win" with the Wedding according to Bird, so I'm not too worried.

We could go ahead and make it three out of five! Applejack is already on our contacts list as a Friend and we don't have a Forge Confidant yet

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Yes, please.

 

[Solace2117]

This quest being a fusion of two settings is exactly why I talk about Harmony that way, because we only really had full contact with the Cultist Simulator side of things, the MLP side is so mundane since the Lores were forgotten and Harmony only started being active again recently(instead of passive) that I can barely talk about it without mentioning Harmony in some way. There is also that tiny part where I'm trying to make people go for the Harmony victory, so if you see me focus too much on it that's why.

Harmony is just starting to really come into itself, it had a lot of effects on the world but it still hasn't reached its full potential. The Dreamlands trying and more surprisingly looking like they can take over the Mansus shows that Harmony has a lot of potential, it could even become an Hour or Hour-equivalent if things go right.

That makes me think that yes, if Harmony can't hide or kill all Worms it can at the very least make wards(the Crystal Heart is proof of this, even). It was even implied that it already did something like this and if we help it that might be a real possibility or whatever we need to do for the Harmony Victory, the Worms will be taken care of anyway.

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I understand where you are coming from, but I doubt it's that simple. As others have brought up, Harmony feels more like an imitation of Glory.
Ultimately though it feels like you think Harmony is inherently a more "good" option than Glory. We know what the victory conditions are, but we don't know what that means as far as endings. We know things can change the nature of the endings considering the Master could have tainted them if we agreed to their terms. I think it's much more likely that the Harmony route involves some sort of sacrifice where it is less then what it was.
On the other hand I think you underrate the Glory path. I believe at one point you mentioned you viewed Glory as a reestablishment of what was before, but that feels like the Moon ending. I think Glory has more variance, but say an ending where Velvet reaches Glory supported by Harmony could be much closer to what you want.

 

[Venerable Ro]

I understand where you are coming from, but I doubt it's that simple. As others have brought up, Harmony feels more like an imitation of Glory.
Ultimately though it feels like you think Harmony is inherently a more "good" option than Glory. We know what the victory conditions are, but we don't know what that means as far as endings. We know things can change the nature of the endings considering the Master could have tainted them if we agreed to their terms. I think it's much more likely that the Harmony route involves some sort of sacrifice where it is less then what it was.

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I think one possibility, possibility mind you, is that we could assist Harmony in taking The Glory's place similar to how The Mother Of Ants assisted The Colonel in overthrowing The Seven-Coiled. We need to finish figuring out that Memory Of Light to be sure.

What we really need to be cognizant of is how streamlined the path to Glory has actually become, partly through our own efforts. The Tribal door is gone, The Cathedral has been opened, and Proud Vak has long since been murdered. Once an adept masters the Branded Gate it's only a collection of Lore-based navigation checks to march clear to the final Crucible-Lock. Granted that final Lock is an overwhelming obstacle, but we have no assurances whatsoever that the Canterlot lead is the only Outsider in existence. Somepony might just get lucky.

 

[Solace2117]

I think one possibility, possibility mind you, is that we could assist Harmony in taking The Glory's place similar to how The Mother Of Ants assisted The Colonel in overthrowing The Seven-Coiled. We need to finish figuring out that Memory Of Light to be sure.

What we really need to be cognizant of is how streamlined the path to Glory has actually become, partly through our own efforts. The Tribal door is gone, The Cathedral has been opened, and Proud Vak has long since been murdered. Once an adept masters the Branded Gate it's only a collection of Lore-based navigation checks to march clear to the final Crucible-Lock. Granted that final Lock is an overwhelming obstacle, but we have no assurances whatsoever that the Canterlot lead is the only Outsider in existence. Somepony might just get lucky

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Possibly, but I think it's more likely the Forge of Days would have done so already assuming she created it, which seems likely. Besides someone else reaching Glory first is a risk with any ending we pursue. It's actually better incentive to pursue Glory since we're farther along. Yes, she cleared a path, but it's still not easy to reach. If ultimately Velvet is able to become an Hour it's likely she restores the Manse in some form.

 

[DelightedOne]

I understand where you are coming from, but I doubt it's that simple. As others have brought up, Harmony feels more like an imitation of Glory.
Ultimately though it feels like you think Harmony is inherently a more "good" option than Glory. We know what the victory conditions are, but we don't know what that means as far as endings. We know things can change the nature of the endings considering the Master could have tainted them if we agreed to their terms. I think it's much more likely that the Harmony route involves some sort of sacrifice where it is less then what it was.
On the other hand I think you underrate the Glory path. I believe at one point you mentioned you viewed Glory as a reestablishment of what was before, but that feels like the Moon ending. I think Glory has more variance, but say an ending where Velvet reaches Glory supported by Harmony could be much closer to what you want.

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Well, I admit I'm being fairly optimistic about all of the Harmony Path, but I can't help it.

While looking at it in the right angle Harmony certainly looks like an imitation of Glory, but I see it as a sucessor of the Hours instead of a new Glory, kinda like a New Sun(if we go with the "Harmony is the work of the Lores" theory) or a work of magic/ponies(if we use the "classic" interpretation).

Yeah, Celestia and Selene have a good chance of just... being that sacrifice if it happens, but it also could be temporary, like Tikki and Plagg fusing to form Gimmi(just watched the London special, don't judge me).
Many people thought we would lose Selene in The Rite of the Mother and the Father(I chose to believe Harmony would not be so cruel) and we didn't, she is Selene and Luna, nothing was lost only restored.
I'm still shocked that did not get any attention on the Harmony Path, I thought that would be a sign that we could get something "good", change the World for the better and get Velvet to make up for her mistakes... but Glory speaks louder, as always.

The reestablishment I mentioned is that of the system of the Hours, that corrupt, cruel and sometimes plain crazy thing that made the World a much less pleasant place to live in(and it was a Lantern Name that said that).

Finally as something I had in my mind for a while why people talk about the CS side so much and think that the World only works with the rules from that side when we have seen several times the MLP side has just about equal metaphysical weight? The greatest forces of CS, the Hours, have been inactive for an Era and Harmony just started to take action to fulfil its plans, that seems pretty even for me.

 

[Quaxotia]

Granted that final Lock is an overwhelming obstacle, but we have no assurances whatsoever that the Canterlot lead is the only Outsider in existence. Somepony might just get lucky.

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Finding an Outsider is one thing, but would that same luck let them kill one? I can't imagine any random cultist standing a chance at this point. The Master is gone, and between the remnants I don't think anyone has even achieved an edge sacrament yet.

 

[Pittauro]

I'm not really worried about combat, actually. Biedde only has one Influence to give, and Edge 4 Velvet (w/o Frightened + Scarred) + 40 Edge Influence and Edge 3 DoA (w/ on-command +20 Influence) is a pretty hefty amount of Edge to bring to a fight.

To come from an angle that perhaps you would care about more: if we're going in blind, we have to assume that any Lore could be used. Which makes the mathematically optimal Influence to ask from Mareinette the Grail Influence, not the Heart Influence, as I suspect you would prefer due to +2 Heart scraps.

(Edit: Also if we're bringing a plus one, it's got to be Selene. She's got a wider Lore spread, which is important for actually clearing the expedition and she can fight! And also have conversations without her general bonus dropping to +10.)

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Selene would admittedly help keeping up the general bonus for grail challenges, though her lore spread is still a "measly" all-3. If we could bring her to all 4 first, giving us extra rerolls, THAT would change things...

If we keep to MLP canon we're going to have to fight Sombra in the "near" future as Cadance and Shining's closest friend. That would admittedly be fun under the right circumstances, the hypothetical opportunity to blatantly flex our eldritch muscles and bring down a host of Names and summons on his creepy head.

Click to shrink...

Or, hear me our, we send an overpowered EiB against Sombra and kill him that way!

...or, even better, we send a Biedde at him!

Because this is a horror quest and a fusion of two settings. You at times talk of Harmony and MLP as if they are separate from the setting of Cultist Simulator. Bird has done a great job integrating the two settings. You've said you doubted the Master's solution, it may not be the only one on that path, but I doubt Harmony is going to be able to just overpower the worms. I doubt any of the endings are fully static though other than the Wolf.

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Keep in mind Harmony has been literally the ONLY thing shown to actually kill worms and leave no trace of them behind (Luna in dreamrealm with the weaker ones, elements against Nightmare Moon). Even dead worms are usually dangerous if I remember right...

Finding an Outsider is one thing, but would that same luck let them kill one? I can't imagine any random cultist standing a chance at this point. The Master is gone, and between the remnants I don't think anyone has even achieved an edge sacrament yet.

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They might not even realize Outsiders are the "key", so to speak. It's not exactly obvious.

 

[Venerable Ro]

Finally as something I had in my mind for a while why people talk about the CS side so much and think that the World only works with the rules from that side when we have seen several times the MLP side has just about equal metaphysical weight? The greatest forces of CS, the Hours, have been inactive for an Era and Harmony just started to take action to fulfil its plans, that seems pretty even for me.

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Well people tend to focus on the tools they can wield, and Velvet is very much an adept of the Lores. Cadance may be able to touch Harmony, Twilight probably could have if not for, well, if not for us...

So I think people tend to discount the influence Harmony can have because it's not a direct statistical influence like [Harmony's Grace: As a favored agent of Harmony you are a beacon of friendship in a cynical world, gain an escalating bonus (+10, +20, +30...) to rolls directly related to developing social bonds depending on how close you already are to the other pony] for a hypothetical example

If people saw things like that they'd give it more weight, but as-is it's pretty much all narrative influences which is often an uphill battle to get traction on.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Okay guys, I know how we can wipe out all the Worms forever. Harmony is a big old kill laser against them but it lacks the oomph to passively fry the bigger ones. Glory is biggest ball of energy I know of. We just need some really, reeeeeeally good power cables and that problem will be solved.

 

[Greymere]

I'm still shocked that did not get any attention on the Harmony Path, I thought that would be a sign that we could get something "good", change the World for the better and get Velvet to make up for her mistakes... but Glory speaks louder, as always.

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Yeah it sure is a mystery why people are more interested in the Glory ending right now. It's not like it's the only ending we both actually know the requirements for and are comparatively close to achieving or anything.

 

[Solace2117]

of the Hours, that corrupt, cruel and sometimes plain crazy thing that made the World a much less pleasant place to live in(and it was a Lantern Name that said that).

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Thing is though, that feels more like the Moon path. If it's Velvet reaching it, if she ascends, nothing says the Alicorns can't follow after.

 

[Venerable Ro]

Thing is though, that feels more like the Moon path. If it's Velvet reaching it, if she ascends, nothing says the Alicorns can't follow after.

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If the Thunderskin can enter through the Tricuspid Gate then so can Luna.

 

[Solace2117]

Keep in mind Harmony has been literally the ONLY thing shown to actually kill worms and leave no trace of them behind (Luna in dreamrealm with the weaker ones, elements against Nightmare Moon). Even dead worms are usually dangerous if I remember right...

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And yet the they still come. I don't want to completely discount Harmony, but I just don't see a lot of reason to believe that it's that simple as far as Victory Paths go.

If the Thunderskin can enter through the Tricuspid Gate then so can Luna.

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What does that have to do with what I said?

 

[Venerable Ro]

What does that have to do with what I said?

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The Thunderskin's ascension from a Name to an Hour was extremely unorthodox, as he came through the Tricuspid gate which is not at all the proper method. But it did work, and so set precedent, thus whatever Luna is by dint of being an Outsider she still has a right to use the same path.

 

[Solace2117]

The Thunderskin's ascension from a Name to an Hour was extremely unorthodox, as he came through the Tricuspid gate which is not at all the proper method. But it did work, and so set precedent, thus whatever Luna is by dint of being an Outsider she still has a right to use the same path.

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Yeah…I wasn't saying she couldn't ascend. I'm saying ideally Velvet Ascends as the first new hour to restore the Manse and then the Alicorns ascend after.

 

[Zxzx24]

I don't think the daughter of Axes will be willing to wait for anything if we DO find her key

 

[angelsadvocate666]

Fair point.

I never really understood why people were uncomfortable with the Winter Sacrament, Velvet already killed before and ordered DoA to kill ponies so it is not like it is anything new.

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Basically what Pittauro said. In most moral systems killing isn't just killing, period, and even those that do consider it the same regardless of circumstance usually don't have the stance of "you already did it once, might as well continue." Purpose matters, and outside of a vague hand waving at "Velvet having more power is better for the world somehow", the only purpose of the Winter Sacrament right now is having more power.

Heart 7 artifact when?

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Never. We destroyed it.

Even dead worms are usually dangerous if I remember right...

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There's a reason Biedde is still standing guard outside the Worm Museum.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church

Spoiler: Winning Vote

Tally
[X][BIEDDE] Ask for an Influence of Edge.

You are Velvet Covers, and right now you are resting.

Yes, resting. You are doing absolutely nothing. You are not entertaining anypony, you are not spending time with your family, and you haven't even asked anypony to bring you tea.

You are just… resting. Taking some time for yourself. Allowing your mind to just exist without forcing yourself to tackle any problems, or consider any issues.

You really are, right now, at your home and doing nothing.

Is that really so surprising?

Well, considering how defensive you are being about this… yes, it probably is. Because when was the last time you truly did nothing?

"I suppose that worrying about the fact that I am doing nothing means that I am not doing nothing," you say to yourself.

But still, you make a point of not being too hard on yourself about it.

You are currently inside your… former office. You don't think this place can be called a hobby room yet, like the one Stormchaser has. And this place certainly isn't a workshop either. But still, you are in the large room where you used to work, back when you were in charge of the farmlands. And this place has already seen some level of transformation.

You had your servants bring one of the larger sofas here, the one that was in your tearoom and that wasn't really used even when you had visits. And you also transported your book cabinets here as well. As well as some other things besides.

Granted, this room is still mostly empty, but you think you will work on it one step at a time. One week after the other. As if you are allowing this room to grow on its own, in a sense, rather than imposing a design upon it.

Still, you aren't even concerned about that right now. Right now, you are just lounging on the sofa, letting time pass you by as you try to forget the concerns from this last week.

However, you are suddenly snapped out of your thoughts as somepony knocks on your door.

"Come in," you say out loud, not even bothering to check who it is.

And you are… honestly surprised when you see Biedde walk in.

…

You are surprised for a lot of reasons.

Because first of all, you did not sense him. Sure, you are telling yourself you didn't bother to check, but… But as you link thought after thought, you wonder if "not bothering" with it was truly your own decision, or if you just slipped up on that habit because it was him.

And second, you are surprised because…

Because you don't feel threatened at all.

Rationally speaking, you thought you would have felt a lot less comfortable around Biedde. You thought that, if he had ever walked into a room where you were, you would have shot up in alert. You thought you would at least sit up to greet him.

However, right now, you… you do not feel alarmed at all. In fact, the only source of nervousness you can feel comes from the fact that you are not alarmed by him.

The Name of Edge, who has been living in your mansion and interacting with your family, has just closed the door behind him, leaving the two of you alone, and you can't feel the slightest echo of your survival instinct crying out in alert.

That, more than anything else, surprises you.

"Good afternoon, my employer, I hope I am not interrupting anything," he says, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

No, more than just natural. He says that as if he is one of your servants. He is treating you with the same level of familiarity, coated with deference, that Ponpon would have if she were the one who had just entered.

"Biedde, I… there is no problem at all. Can I help you with anything?" you say.

And you… you actually force yourself to sit up. You force yourself to think of him as what he truly is.

Not as a guest. Not as an old stallion. Not as a visiting grandfather.

But as the most dangerous creature who you have ever seen walk the Wake. Something that should make you feel afraid, and that is all the more terrifying for the fact that he manages not to.

"Nothing at all," he says, giving you a short bow that shows you the bald spot at the top of his head. "In fact, I am just here to deliver you something, and then I will get out of your way."

He says that as he reaches into his coat, rummaging through some unseen pocket until he brings out a piece of paper.

It is a letter, you can immediately tell. But curiously, the letter he is giving you does not appear to be signed or sealed. As if somepony had finished writing it, and put it in an envelope, but never had the chance to fill it and mail it.

"I had the opportunity to visit your uncle, and during our conversation he mentioned he was writing you a letter. So, I offered to deliver it to you," he says simply.

"You visited my uncle?" you ask, immediately curious, as you receive the letter from his hoofs.

"Yes, yes, your daughter mentioned him a few days ago. She said that she thought the two us of would get along well," he says with a smile, letting out a soft chuckle as he speaks. "We had a very interesting conversation."

He says that, and part of you wants to ask him for more details. After all, unless you are sorely mistaken, you just heard that a Name has visited your uncle. And that he did so at the suggestion of your daughter of all things.

You almost ask him about it, but you stop yourself at the last moment.

Because the part of you that is curious is the same strangely calm part of you that thinks the stallion you are speaking to is just an old pony, who likes to idle the day away while sitting on a rocking chair. The part of you that is curious is the same emotional, disarmed part of you that doesn't feel threatened by his presence.

And now that you are aware of this mental dissociation, it is almost painful to have it in your mind. After all, you almost have to force yourself, your rational side, to remember exactly who you are speaking to.

Still, once you remind yourself of that, you keep your silence. You don't ask him anything else. Baldomare, Axe and even Mareinette pursue their own interests in the Wake, and you have already learned not to inquire too deeply about them. Their presence here, you know, is a trading of favors.

You care about your uncle, of course. But if Biedde is not giving you any more details, and if he isn't reporting to you that he did anything troublesome, you are better off not getting on his way.

"Thank you…" you say, to which he gives you the slightest of nods.

So, you just… well, he just gave you a letter from your uncle, so you might as well read it.

…

My dear niece,

As always, it is great to hear from you! And yes, I have been doing fine. Work has been taking a chunk out of me lately, but nothing that you need to worry about.

More importantly, I was a bit intrigued about what you asked me. You want to know if I heard any rumors about you?

Well, I wouldn't really call them rumors. But I wouldn't call them gossip either. I think you already suspect this, but a lot of ponies have just been curious about who you (and us Velvets in general) are, ever since you were appointed to your current position.

And of course, most of the hub-dub I hear echo the same questions that I have! As in: how did you get appointed? What is your connection to the Princesses? What do you plan for the future? And most importantly, how can I get a piece of that pie?

I joke, I joke, don't worry about that last one.

But still, what little I hear is that everypony is mostly waiting for what comes next. After all, the Bluebloods were (quite literally) taken out of the scene less than two months ago. By Celestia, their trial is still going on! And I don't see a lot of ponies making a lot of moves until we see where those particular chips will fall.

Other than that, I also see hear a lot about Bureau agents going here and there, but mostly in rumors. Most of the times somepony will say that so-and-so was asked a few questions, and was flashed a badge, but to be honest I don't think anypony confirmed if those sightings were true to begin with.

The bottom line, niece, is that nopony knows what to expect, really. There are the decrees from the Princess, putting a very big hat on your head. And then there was the big show of the Bluebloods. But other than that? It's all speculation and uncertainty.

Oh, now that I think of it, I don't think anypony has hosted a ball or a gathering (in the noble circles, that is) ever since the Bluebloods were taken away. That in itself says a lot, but that also means the higher crust of Equestria had little chance to mingle and talk, other than through the very rare personal visits to each other's mansions.

Well, I'll stop babbling about that. I'd hate to bore you with my own speculations. The same applies to the Solar Court, of course. But I have a different lot less contact with the law, so I don't really have many feelers on that Fair Trial mare. Most of us ponies are waiting to see how she treats the Bluebloods before we jump to any conclusions.

But that's enough about that. How are you? How are the fillies?

I recently heard that…​

The letter goes on, talking about other things besides, but mostly the usually chit-chat you have with your uncle through your letters.

Still, you can't help but notice there are some unusual things about this letter.

For example, you can sense a lot of hesitation on this letter, for some reason. Of course, you don't think your uncle is hiding anything from you, and you certainly don't think he is lying to you.

Why would he ever do that?

But still, you can feel there is something off about your uncle. You quickly conclude this feeling is due to the fact he is swamped by his work, as he said, but still… you truly hope he is doing alright. And who knows, if Biedde offered to bring this letter, maybe you are just reading an unfinished version. Or the draft he was preparing to send you, and that he would rewrite before mailing.

As you fold the letter back into the unlabeled envelope, you realize Biedde is still standing by the door. A calm smile on his face, with his bushy eyebrows hiding his eyes, as if his presence there was only natural.

"Oh, I am very sorry. Is there anything else?" you ask.

"I was about to ask the same question. Do you need anything else?"

The tone of his answer makes it abundantly clear he is quite literally waiting for you to dismiss him, if you have no other use for him, as if he was just another servant from your household.

And once again, you almost fall for the trap of waving him away. Your emotional, almost instinctual side, almost nods for him to leave as if he was just a butler who had just brought you tea.

It is almost scary, the fact that you are still not scared of him.

No, it is definitely scary. Because, your rational side almost drags this thought to the forefront of your mind, he is doing this on purpose.

This is intentional.

And then, you remind yourself that…

"Actually, there is something I would like to ask you," you say.

The stallion calmly waits for you to continue.

"I will be doing a few things, these next few weeks… A few conversations that might be dangerous. A few dreams that will certainly be dangerous. I would like to ask for your help with those. I would like you to…"

You don't really know how to finish that sentence. Because you aren't asking for his presence, but you aren't just asking for advice either.

You know what you want, of course. You know it, and he understands it as well. You already had this thing described to you as a shadow, or a presence, or just as a token. Or maybe as a gift that you carry inside your soul, like a burning ember that slowly fades away. Baldomare already gave it to you, once, in the form of a pleasant conversation over tea. And Axe already burned your veins with it, with her sharp fangs and her sharper venom.

Still, the fact remains that you need a little push. You need more than what you currently have. And you need it in the particular color you know only he can provide.

And of course, you know the stallion understands exactly what you mean.

So, as he walks in your direction, you begin to feel…

…

… nothing.

The old stallion makes his way across the room, stopping right in front of you where you are sitting on the sofa, and then he just nods at you.

And that… that makes your heart beat a little faster.

"Are you sure about that?" he asks, his tone nothing but polite.

And for all that you don't feel like you are in danger, you begin to realize that you should feel that way.

Your throat begins to dry up, and the beating of your heart turns into that of a drum.

But still, for some maddening reason, you can tell all those reactions are being forced into your body by the rational side of your brain.

Because your heart, and your nose, insist to you that there is nothing to be worried about.

"Y-yes," you say.

The stallion lets out a low hum. And then, he reaches for something inside his coat.

The sensation that your mind is splitting into two sides, and that they are battling each other, is almost disorienting.

Because on one hoof, there is absolutely nothing threatening about the stallion in front of you.

But on the other hoof, the Name of Edge has just pulled out a knife from inside his coat, and he is wielding it right in front of you.

It is an old knife, a dagger-sized blade covered in scratches and bruises. The blade itself is well-kept, and definitely sharp, but other than that you can't see anything out of the ordinary on that knife.

Except for the fact it is currently on Biedde's hoof, after being taken out of Biedde's coat, and that it is currently within fifty meters of your body, inside your very own house.

"I will give you what you need, my employer. But I have a few words of warning for you."

He says that as he brings out another item from his coat. A simple piece of string, old and worn with time and use.

And then, he ties a complicated knot on the hilt of the knife, almost as if he is making a trinket out of it.

A chill runs through your spine as he calmly passes the string around your neck, giving you a hoof-made necklace with a knife tied to its end.

"This is a rather special knife," he says. "If you try to remove it, it will cut you. If you regret having asked for it, it will cut you. And most important of all, if you ever hesitate, about anything at all in your life while you wear it, it will cut you."

He says that, and finally, finally you begin to feel something.

Not a chill in the air. Not a change in the atmosphere. You do not feel anything different about the old stallion at all. In fact, he might as well be telling you about the weather right now, or about a gift he was planning to give somepony else.

But the moment his hoof leaves the knife-necklace, the emotional side of your brain becomes acutely aware that the Name of Edge has just placed a knife around your neck.

And it is all you can do not to yell. It takes all of your willpower to bite down with your teeth, to stop yourself from saying anything.

However-

!​

-you immediately feel a twinge of pain coming from somewhere in your chest. As if you had just been prickled by the tip of a knife.

It is something very small. Almost like a warning. A reminder that you should not regret, not complain, not even think about turning back on this decision you just made.

Even though you already regr-

!!​

-donotregreteveraskinghimtodothisforyou.

Biedde nods to himself, as if he had just confirmed something. He is not looking at you, of course, but at the knife itself.

And naturally, the knife has not moved at all. It is still dangling from your neck, like a strange tribal artifact, and it has not moved an inch ever since he left it there.

Even though it has already stabbed you twice.

"And lest I forget, I should also warn you about something else," he finishes. "Naturally, this knife will not harm your body. It will only cut away the things you do not need."

He says that, and you immediately understand that… you immediately realize what he means by those words.

This pain you felt twice now, this sensation that a knife is being dug into your chest just a little deeper every time you feel-

!!!​

-every time you feel nothing, and definitely not when you regret anything… it is…

This knife, or this talisman he just gave you, it is stabbing at your soul. Following the ironclad belief of that stallion, that what is useless should be cut away and that scars are lessons, this knife is going to cut away little pieces of your soul. Trimming you like a tree, whenever it spots weakness or hesitation. Chiseling you like a statue, into a shape that is less weak and merciful.

And that terrifies you-

!!!!​

-although with each painful twinge, you can already tell that it terrifies you a little bit less.

"Now, if you excuse me," the stallion says, giving you one last short bow before he makes his way to the door. Bringing his cap out from another pocket of his uniform, and putting it on his head, just as he closes the door behind himself.

Leaving you alone.

With this thing around your neck.

As it finally dawns upon you that-

!!!!!​

-you may have made a mistake.

And also that, once this is over, there is a chance you will no longer be the kind of pony who regrets having done this.





The Colonel's lessons are always learned, even if they leave scars. Especially if they leave scars.

Velvet Covers is now under the effect of "A Resolution". It will fade at the end of the current turn.

Since this is the first time Velvet Covers has experienced the highest degree of an Edge Influence, she has gained two scraps of Edge. Velvet Covers will no longer be able to gain any scraps of Edge until she attains Sacrament.

 

[jelloloaf]

Cool, cool, cool. Big fan of getting a soul-haircut.

Also,

that eh Name of Edge

Click to shrink...