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

Reader mode
Sveta08 said:
Plan: Down but Not Out, Artifact Edition
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I'd say that your plan is the best so far...
But why the Mayor?
Like, I could understand the teacher, parents are always to up in their business.

I could understand butting into the failing marriage, what with how insistent people are that it'll pay dividends.

But the mayor? Now? When we are in essence the highest honcho short of demi-gods?
 
My priority list is
1. Retrieve/Unsummon the Winter Name.
2. Kill Copper.

The Winter name is by far the most important, valuable, and powerful thing, Copper has access to. After that killing Copper is just a good thing. Overall we can get the rest of the important things from the our people raiding the cult later, but the Name takes all priority.
 
Limabot said:
  1. Break the Inner Circle
    1. While they are probably more reasonable than Copper currently is, any of their personal followings would likely be the first seeds for new cults without Copper (in the same way that Copper's operation in Manehattan was), and are probably more likely to know actually dangerous lore stuff.
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Inner circle would be seed for new cults, but they are also good things to let bureau do.
Gets the Bureau some successes, get the Bureau hooked on counter cult activity.
 
Alan975 said:
I'd say that your plan is the best so far...
But why the Mayor?
Like, I could understand the teacher, parents are always to up in their business.

I could understand butting into the failing marriage, what with how insistent people are that it'll pay dividends.

But the mayor? Now? When we are in essence the highest honcho short of demi-gods?
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Outside and inside perspectives.
Or, to put it plainly, how does it look and how will people react to Velvet reaching out to them, at this time.

Cheerilee is a pleasant teacher. But from her perspective,,why on earth would Velvet, who barely is alive right now, want to speak with her? My gut says it would be most likely that Cheerilee might expect Velvet to request a Guard follow Silky, for safety. And what can Cheerilee do about our current situation? When she enters Velvets bedchambers, what is she expecting she is there for?

The same questions follow for the rest of the people we know and could interact with. Applejack, Velvet hardly knows. Why on earth would Velvet reach out to them, now of all times? What would Applejack think? Maybe trying to organize a get together for Silky and Selene and Applebloom. Somewhere away from it all to try and breath and have a bit of normalcy. If it's just a social call... What is Applejack supposed to think?

Filthy Rich and Spoiled Milk.... Well, sending Marinette is one thing. Inviting some of the few wealthy not-nobles in town to your private estate after a only just failed assassination attempt, parents of a child that Silky at least gets along well with... I wouldn't doubt that the Rich's would think that they are coming over so Velvet can say "If they come after me and Stormy, take care of my children" kind of situation. We are more or less requesting people visit us as much as going to them. What assumptions will they make?

Mayor Mare, it's clear. It's obvious. It gives Mayor Mare, Velvet herself, and anyone and anyone else privy to it an excuse why Velvet wants to see them, now of all times. There was an assassination attempt in Mayor Mares town. There is business to discuss. That it can be social and getting a feeling for the tone of town itself are "coincidental" benefits.



Because, yes. We may be the highest honcho in town. But people heard that honcho was nearly killed. And like I mentioned before, Velvet became... Known in the town after the changling purge. They wanted to know her thoughts on the direction of town. Their... Hometown hero noble turned one of Celestia's Chosen, whom has hosted a Princess no less than twice...
She nearly died. In Ponyville. The town that was supposed to be safe.

There... It feels like the most pressing direction to reach out.
 
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Shaper47 said:
I strongly prefer not to underestimate a Name. Especially since I'm pretty sure people have plans for next turn which don't involve the pain of an expedition after an unbound Name.

Like, I want have Velvet free for fleeting opportunities with Cadence and to work on sacraments.

And we'd probably need Baldomare to scry for finding her and that would delay Outsider searching.
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to be fair expeditions (at least short ones) only really cost an action from the leader, so a follow-up to this turn's assault is relatively simple to organize and afford.

But yeah, next turn there's a LOT of stuff we can or might want to do.

1)Follow up on Copper
2)Finish Outsider if it's not done now
3)Forge ritual to remove scar
4)Axe Sacrament to hopefully also find the Frangiclave and extend her stay
5)Study the Lantern and Knock artifacts, to allow our followers to use them
6)Potentially Mansus exploration (church only if we have the heart influence from Mareinette up though), the Malleary, the remaining location of the Ashen Wastes
7)Teach Selene (and, with the free social, probably Rarity)
8)Possibly Scry for Windy, or do Canterlot part 3 / Changeling expeditions if we have the bits and followers for it.

We also need to remember to keep some bits aside to extend Biedde's stay in 2 turns, if Rarity succeeds her work roll we'll want her to do a commission, if Jade is free we might want to start Memory of Light...

and, of course, an unknown number of fleeting opportunity actions, among which we expect

1)Cadance one
2)Family one (to reassure them).

Alan975 said:
I'd say that your plan is the best so far...
But why the Mayor?
Like, I could understand the teacher, parents are always to up in their business.

I could understand butting into the failing marriage, what with how insistent people are that it'll pay dividends.

But the mayor? Now? When we are in essence the highest honcho short of demi-gods?
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the mayor still has considerable local soft power, and you know, we WERE nearly killed in "HER" city.

There's plenty of things we could talk about.
Earth-Destroyer said:
My priority list is
1. Retrieve/Unsummon the Winter Name.
2. Kill Copper.

The Winter name is by far the most important, valuable, and powerful thing, Copper has access to. After that killing Copper is just a good thing. Overall we can get the rest of the important things from the our people raiding the cult later, but the Name takes all priority.
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If we get Neighnia and somehow Copper survive I fully expect her to send literally ALL the Windigoes her cult has against us

then again, maybe she'll do that this turn as well.

We're guarding with Biedde (+80, best of two every 2 rolls, not counting edge influence), Selene (+35 right now, more if she stops worrying about collateral damage) and 6 Constables (we can assume they'll be around +15).

I
 
Sveta08 said:
When she enters Velvets bedchambers, what is expected?
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bow chicka wow wow


As always you prove to have a way with words.

Honestly, I completely forgot that we could (and should!) play by putting the narrative first, so you have my vote.

...Unles Shapers princess gambit gets approved, cuz that would be too fun to pass up on.
 
Sveta08 said:
Mayor Mare, it's clear. It's obvious. It gives Mayor Mare, Velvet herself, and anyone and anyone else privy to it an excuse why Velvet wants to see them, now of all times. There was an assassination attempt in Mayor Mares town. There is business to discuss. That it can be social and getting a feeling for the tone of town itself are "coincidental" benefits.



Because, yes. We may be the highest honcho in town. But people heard that honcho was nearly killed. And like I mentioned before, Velvet became... Known in the town after the changling purge. They wanted to know her thoughts on the direction of town. Their... Hometown hero noble turned one of Celestia's Chosen, whom has hosted a Princess no less than twice...
She nearly died. In Ponyville. The town that was supposed to be safe.

There... It feels like the most pressing direction to reach out.
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Pittauro said:
the mayor still has considerable local soft power, and you know, we WERE nearly killed in "HER" city.

There's plenty of things we could talk about.
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You make really good points and I'm not to attached to Velvet's personal actions.

Here's a variant plan we're Velvet talks to the Mayor and get a start on that ritual research.


Shaper47 said:
[X] Plan Ruthlessly Kicking Ass and Taking Names with Mayor time
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DelightedOne said:
Ponyville wasn't really safe, remember the "kidnappings"?

You actually gave a very good narrative argument for talking to the Mayor, but I still want to social Applejack(for nefarious purposes).
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Fair enough on the Applejack front.

But for Ponyville? Yes, it wasn't actually "safe" but people felt it was after the Calamity. And you don't have to take my word for it. Turn... Fifteen? Sixteen? The last time Velvet spoke with Mayor Mare. And when the decision of where people were housed with the Lunar Bureau. It was mentioned there.

Pardon, not at my computer, so I can't pull it up cleanly and easily.
 
Sveta08 said:
Pardon, not at my computer, so I can't pull it up cleanly and easily.
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Turn 16 - Results, part 5
OurLadyOfWires said:
"And I… I think I understand the reason for this. Or the reasons, plural, because I think there is more than one. But word spreads between cities, even if it takes a bit longer. And ponies have been talking about how Ponyville was less affected during the Catastrophe, and about how much free land we have, and… well, there's even idle gossip that ponies just feel safer here. More than they do in the larger towns, at least."
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I've advocated before for talking to Mayor Mare. Ponyville is expanding and the Mayor is the pony in charge. There's a reason the original cult had Starry get involved with the Mayor. It opens up information locally and to an extent nationally, at least from a different perspective. Velvet has never been very involved with Ponyville and really Equestria as a whole. It's lead to some information blindspots at times. This corrects that. Everyone is also always worried about bits. Knowing the direction the town is growing could lead to some opportunities.

As to the debate on actions. Kill Copper, target resources, especially connected to Velvet, and Neighnia. I don't care at all about the Inner or Outer Circle. We're far enough along to where they don't really matter. We can't be dumb about it, but realistically it will take them too long to rebuild to the point of being a threat, especially with Bureau coming in after. I also doubt even the inner circle has too much real information. Copper strikes me as the type to not trust others with real information. Focus on the few things that really matter. We're potentially sending enough force that we may actually accomplish it as long as we don't get distracted by anything else.
 
Moratorium is over. Open fire!

@Greymere "Plan Leave No Trace" is your variant exactly. (Let me know if you want any edits to it.) To summarize, we try to eliminate Copper as stealthily and leaving as little evidence as possible, whether through making it look like she tucked tail and ran, or just vanished without a trace. We also do social actions three times to improve existing relationships.

"Plan Leave No Trace - Random Contact" is identical, but swaps Cheerilee for gaining a random contact. My main motivation is hoping to get lucky and get another Mane 6 pony as a contact. As Our Lady of Wires said…
OurLadyOfWires said:
I'll bend over backwards to try and find a way for your actions to STILL take place inside your home, preferably with Velvet staying in her bed. So you can take any actions "In Ponyville" and expect it to only be inneficient or roll with a small malus.
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…narratively, this will probably result in them coming to us somehow (e.g. Pinkie Pie trying to throw us a party, Ditzy Doo crashing through our window while trying to deliver the mail, Rainbow Dash trying to get Stormchaser to come back to work or being impressed by the Bureau pegasi agents, etc.).

(@OurLadyOfWires understandable if you'd deny this request, but if we could restrict the "meet a new random contact" action to target a new random Mane 6 pony for "balance reasons" since we will pretty much never pick the "meet a new random contact" action ever again, that would be amazing… pretty please with a cherry on top. :V)

[x] Plan Leave No Trace
-[x] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[x] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[x] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[x] Baldomare
---[x] Biedde (as planner)
---[x] Daughter of Axes
---[x] Mareinette
---[x] Selene
--[x] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[x] One wrong key
---[x] SH3 artifact
---[x] Winter 1 artifact
--[x] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[x] Eliminate Copper. (Attempt to do so in a way that minimizes the window of alarm to give more time to complete other goals without the cult being alerted of an ongoing assault. The team may interrogate Copper at their discretion, but only if they can minimize the risk and the information for the rest of the plan is unable to be collected through other means.)
---[x] Find and neutralize anything that would compromise us. (Steal or destroy evidence that implicates us as part of the Master's cult, or an associate of Copper's, or having knowledge of the Lores before their official rediscovery.)
---[x] Neutralize Neighnia somehow. (Get her bindings, desummon her, negotiate with her, steal the painting she's in, or confirm that she gets desummoned when Copper dies.)
---[x] Loot Copper's other resources. (As long as it doesn't jeopardize any other objectives. Looting exceptions: destroy and desummon any Windigo Jars; leave enough non-Velvet-compromising manuscripts for the Bureau to find later.)
--[x] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[x] Leave as little trace as possible. (Leave no evidence of the assault, for example, by employing stealth, eating the bodies, Grailing witnesses actively or passively into believing they saw nothing notable, etc.)
-[x] The Grave on the Hill
--[x] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[x] Rarity (as planner)
---[x] Daughter of Axes
--[x] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[x] SH 3 artifact
---[x] Winter 1 artifact
-[x] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[x] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[x] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[x] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[x] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence. (Convince Steppes to stay out of Manehattan and out of the way of your assault and the Bureau for a month through a clever ruse.)
-[x] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[x] Applejack
-[x] Talk to somepony? (WRITE IN who)
--[x] Mayor Mare
--[x] Cherilee

[x] Plan Leave No Trace - Random Contact
-[x] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[x] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[x] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[x] Baldomare
---[x] Biedde (as planner)
---[x] Daughter of Axes
---[x] Mareinette
---[x] Selene
--[x] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[x] One wrong key
---[x] SH3 artifact
---[x] Winter 1 artifact
--[x] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[x] Eliminate Copper. (Attempt to do so in a way that minimizes the window of alarm to give more time to complete other goals without the cult being alerted of an ongoing assault. The team may interrogate Copper at their discretion, but only if they can minimize the risk and the information for the rest of the plan is unable to be collected through other means.)
---[x] Find and neutralize anything that would compromise us. (Steal or destroy evidence that implicates us as part of the Master's cult, or an associate of Copper's, or having knowledge of the Lores before their official rediscovery.)
---[x] Neutralize Neighnia somehow. (Get her bindings, desummon her, negotiate with her, steal the painting she's in, or confirm that she gets desummoned when Copper dies.)
---[x] Loot Copper's other resources. (As long as it doesn't jeopardize any other objectives. Looting exceptions: destroy and desummon any Windigo Jars; leave enough non-Velvet-compromising manuscripts for the Bureau to find later.)
--[x] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[x] Leave as little trace as possible. (Leave no evidence of the assault, for example, by employing stealth, eating the bodies, Grailing witnesses actively or passively into believing they saw nothing notable, etc.)
-[x] The Grave on the Hill
--[x] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[x] Rarity (as planner)
---[x] Daughter of Axes
--[x] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[x] SH 3 artifact
---[x] Winter 1 artifact
-[x] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[x] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[x] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[x] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[x] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence. (Convince Steppes to stay out of Manehattan and out of the way of your assault and the Bureau for a month through a clever ruse.)
-[x] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[x] Applejack
-[x] Talk to somepony? (WRITE IN who)
--[x] Mayor Mare
--[x] Try to meet somepony interesting; there are at least two more very interesting ones who exorcised a demigoddess.
 
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[X] Plan Ruthlessly Kicking Ass and Taking Names
-[X] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
---[X] Mareinette
---[X] Baldomare
---[X] Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] One wrong key
---[X] Edge 3 artifact (Selene)
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Get Neighnia's binding above all, kidnap Copper and force her to hand over the bindings for the Name or at least any information she has on the Name. Have Mareinette drink her Grail lore from her before putting her in Steppes prison.
---[X] Find and neutralize anything that would compromise us. (Steal or destroy evidence that implicates us as part of the Master's cult, or an associate of Copper's, or having knowledge of the lores before their official rediscovery.)
---[X] Steal anything valuable and easy to steal. (As long as it doesn't jeopardize any other objectives! For example, books that strike Baldomare's fancy, artifacts, bits or things that can be sold for bits.)
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Focus on your own safety (Selene is free to go all out "No holds barred" and also summon Ash-Ghouls if necessary)
---[X] For loot focus on Artifacts level 3 or higher over bits
---[X] Leave as little trace as possible or at least cover your tracks (Leave no evidence of the assault, for example, by employing stealth, eating the bodies, grailing witnesses actively or passively into believing they saw nothing notable, making them believe it was changelings or rival gangs, etc.)
---[X] Good luck. Should the mission be a huge success, do let Velvet know if there are any particular rewards you seek. Velvet gives out headpats to everyone when they come back.
-[X] The Grave on the Hill
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Comet (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
---[X] One wrong key
-[X] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[X] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[X] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[X] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[X] You have a favour to ask him... in person
-[X] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Steppes, with Selene reveal Luna to him and ask him for a prison for Copper. Your princess commands it.
-[X] Something else?
--[X] Visit your daughters grief session and morn Starry Dancer.
-[X] Talk to somepony? (WRITE IN who)
--[X] Talk to your sons


[X] Plan Ruthlessly Kicking Ass and Taking Names with Mayor time
-[X] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
---[X] Mareinette
---[X] Baldomare
---[X] Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] One wrong key
---[X] Edge 3 artifact (Selene)
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Get Neighnia's binding above all, kidnap Copper and force her to hand over the bindings for the Name or at least any information she has on the Name. Have Mareinette drink her Grail lore from her before putting her in Steppes prison.
---[X] Find and neutralize anything that would compromise us. (Steal or destroy evidence that implicates us as part of the Master's cult, or an associate of Copper's, or having knowledge of the lores before their official rediscovery.)
---[X] Steal anything valuable and easy to steal. (As long as it doesn't jeopardize any other objectives! For example, books that strike Baldomare's fancy, artifacts, bits or things that can be sold for bits.)
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Focus on your own safety (Selene is free to go all out "No holds barred" and also summon Ash-Ghouls if necessary)
---[X] For loot focus on Artifacts level 3 or higher over bits
---[X] Leave as little trace as possible or at least cover your tracks (Leave no evidence of the assault, for example, by employing stealth, eating the bodies, grailing witnesses actively or passively into believing they saw nothing notable, making them believe it was changelings or rival gangs, etc.)
---[X] Good luck. Should the mission be a huge success, do let Velvet know if there are any particular rewards you seek. Velvet gives out headpats to everyone when they come back.
-[X] The Grave on the Hill
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Comet (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
---[X] One wrong key
-[X] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[X] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[X] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[X] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[X] You have a favour to ask him... in person
-[X] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Steppes, with Selene reveal Luna to him and ask him for a prison for Copper. Your princess commands it.
[X] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Mayor Mare
-[X] Something else?
--[X] Visit your daughters grief session and morn Starry Dancer.
 
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Solace2117 said:
As to the debate on actions. Kill Copper, target resources, especially connected to Velvet, and Neighnia. I don't care at all about the Inner or Outer Circle. We're far enough along to where they don't really matter. We can't be dumb about it, but realistically it will take them too long to rebuild to the point of being a threat, especially with Bureau coming in after. I also doubt even the inner circle has too much real information. Copper strikes me as the type to not trust others with real information. Focus on the few things that really matter. We're potentially sending enough force that we may actually accomplish it as long as we don't get distracted by anything else.
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We got a glimpse of Copper's modus operandi with the Hulking Fellow who came after us, she seems to play things pretty close to the chest and that influence he was carrying was presumedly the best she could do considering she was aiming at us. If we take her out in a particularly sudden manner the abrupt confusion will almost certainly cause fractures, since I somewhat doubt Copper trusted anyone enough to have a real successor. The Bureau ought to be able to blitz them, especially since the chaos will make them easier for the Investigators to scout.

Steady Gaze said:
[x] Plan Leave No Trace
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I think I can get behind this, I don't see any obvious problems, though I might recommend interrogating Copper before killing her to try and get useful information for the rest of the plan.
 
Steady Gaze said:
[x] Plan Leave No Trace
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Not a fan of leaving Neighnia as the third priority.

Steady Gaze said:
--[x] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[x] Leave as little trace as possible. (Leave no evidence of the assault, for example, by employing stealth, eating the bodies, Grailing witnesses actively or passively into believing they saw nothing notable, etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

Definitely not a fan of putting secrecy above our daughter being hurt.
 
[] Plan: Down but Not Out, Artifact Edition
-[] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[] Who is going? (Baldomare, Mareinnete, Daughter of Axes, Biedde, Selene)
--[] What are they Taking? (Two Wrong Keys, Winter 1 Artifact)
--[] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[] Kill Copper. (Attack the Figurehead)
---[] Steal what Bits, and Lore they have. Anything that would Implicate us. If it can't be stolen, destroy it (Raid Resources)
---[] Find Neighina and talk/work/steal/negotiate with her. (Aquire or Neutralize Neighina)
--[] Anything else? (Try to keep it quiet)
-[] The Grave on the Hill
--[] Who is going? (Comet, Baldomare)
--[] What are they taking? (One Wrong Key, Secret History 3 Artifact)
-[] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence.
[] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[] Mayor Mare
-[] [LEARN] It all fits together, somehow… or so you hope.
--[] "Unknown Ritual – A Memory of Light" Step one (Progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)
--[] "Unknown Ritual – A Memory of Light" Step one (Progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)


Edit: Illegal Plan: A Memory of Light is deemed Lore Activity
 
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Taking down Copper AND securing our Main Quest? Don't mind if I do. The rest is based on Leave No Trace.

[x] Plan One-two Punch
-[x] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[x] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[x] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[x] Baldomare
---[x] Biedde
---[x] Daughter of Axes
---[x] Mareinette
---[x] Comet (planner)
--[x] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[x] One wrong key
---[x] SH3 artifact
---[x] Winter 1 artifact
---[x] Heart 3 artefact
--[x] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[x] Eliminate Copper. (Attempt to do so in a way that minimizes the window of alarm to give more time to complete other goals without the cult being alerted of an ongoing assault.)
---[x] Find and neutralize anything that would compromise us. (Steal or destroy evidence that implicates us as part of the Master's cult, or an associate of Copper's, or having knowledge of the Lores before their official rediscovery.)
---[x] Neutralize Neighnia somehow. (Get her bindings, desummon her, negotiate with her, steal the painting she's in, or confirm that she gets desummoned when Copper dies.)
---[x] Loot Copper's other resources. (As long as it doesn't jeopardize any other objectives. Looting exceptions: destroy and desummon any Windigo Jars; leave enough non-Velvet-compromising manuscripts for the Bureau to find later.)
--[x] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[x] Leave as little trace as possible. (Leave no evidence of the assault, for example, by employing stealth, eating the bodies, Grailing witnesses actively or passively into believing they saw nothing notable, etc.)
-[x] The Grave on the Hill
--[x] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[x] Rarity (as planner)
---[x] Daughter of Axes
--[x] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[x] SH 3 artifact
---[x] Winter 1 artifact
---[x] Heart 3 artefact
-[x] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[x] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[x] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[x] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[x] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence. (Convince Steppes to stay out of Manehattan and out of the way of your assault and the Bureau for a month through a clever ruse.)
-[x] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[x] Applejack
-[x] Talk to somepony? (WRITE IN who)
--[x] Mayor Mare
--[x] Cherilee

Also, Neighnia is a NAME. That's pretty important.

[x] Plan One-two Punch (Neighnia Priority)
-[x] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[x] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[x] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[x] Baldomare
---[x] Biedde
---[x] Daughter of Axes
---[x] Mareinette
---[x] Comet (planner)
--[x] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[x] One wrong key
---[x] SH3 artifact
---[x] Winter 1 artifact
--[x] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[x] Eliminate Copper. (Attempt to do so in a way that minimizes the window of alarm to give more time to complete other goals without the cult being alerted of an ongoing assault.)
---[x] Neutralize Neighnia somehow. (Get her bindings, desummon her, negotiate with her, steal the painting she's in, or confirm that she gets desummoned when Copper dies.)
---[x] Find and neutralize anything that would compromise us. (Steal or destroy evidence that implicates us as part of the Master's cult, or an associate of Copper's, or having knowledge of the Lores before their official rediscovery.)
---[x] Loot Copper's other resources. (As long as it doesn't jeopardize any other objectives. Looting exceptions: destroy and desummon any Windigo Jars; leave enough non-Velvet-compromising manuscripts for the Bureau to find later.)
--[x] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[x] Leave as little trace as possible. (Leave no evidence of the assault, for example, by employing stealth, eating the bodies, Grailing witnesses actively or passively into believing they saw nothing notable, etc.)
-[x] The Grave on the Hill
--[x] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[x] Rarity (as planner)
---[x] Daughter of Axes
--[x] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[x] SH 3 artifact
---[x] Winter 1 artifact
---[x] Heart 3 artefact
-[x] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[x] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[x] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[x] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[x] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence. (Convince Steppes to stay out of Manehattan and out of the way of your assault and the Bureau for a month through a clever ruse.)
-[x] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[x] Applejack
-[x] Talk to somepony? (WRITE IN who)
--[x] Mayor Mare
--[x] Cherilee
 
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Venerable Ro said:
I think I can get behind this, I don't see any obvious problems, though I might recommend interrogating Copper before killing her to try and get useful information for the rest of the plan.
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I feel pretty confident in Jade's scrying + Baldomare Lantern + Mareinette Grail to find everything we need. I don't know if interrogating Copper is too risky. We could potentially throw in a sentence "Only attempt to interrogate Copper if the risks are minimal and we are unable to locate the evidence through other means" (not sure how you feel about the subject @Greymere).
 
[X] Plan Leave No Trace
[X] Plan Leave No Trace - Random Contact

I'm in complete agreement with these plans, and I appreciate the well-defined objectives. I have no preference for the Velvet actions since no matter what, they won't be too useful.

I will also vote for these since they're so similar:
[X] Plan One-two Punch
[X] Plan One-two Punch (Neighnia Priority)
 
Tbh, I still think we should consider going after the Bureau. Having a lot better information might mean skipping a day of info-gathering which then allows us more time to achieve our goals. We might have some messiness later on, but it makes us need to do less work following up on the assault.
 
Steady Gaze said:
I feel pretty confident in Jade's scrying + Baldomare Lantern + Mareinette Grail to find everything we need. I don't know if interrogating Copper is too risky. We could potentially throw in a sentence "Only attempt to interrogate Copper if the risks are minimal and we are unable to locate the evidence through other means" (not sure how you feel about the subject @Greymere).
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Indifferent? I think it's fine as-is, but I don't think adding in something like that would hurt either, as long as being sneaky is still the priority.
 
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