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

[Talon Tiger Dino]

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.

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Cheerilee, Applejack, and Filthy Rich also happen to all be Velvet's friend, and she's probably really bored at any time she is conscious. And she definitely hates being alone with her thoughts. Severely so.

I think we should bring the Heart artefact on the Grave expedition. It's a grave~Winter (subverted by Heart) and a long way, feels like a decent chance that there'll be a Heart check, and we don't need it for healing this turn.

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We also should take the Heart Artifact on the expedition featuring a hostile Winter Name.

Mayor Mare is easy to justify given the spectacle the Bureau made and is making of our home, Cheerilee as a concerned teacher checking in on our daughters is pretty reasonable too.

Applejack really doesn't have a reason to visit and our [Nurse!] does not reccomend we venture clear over to the Acres seeking idle social activity.

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She is our friend, and we can send a request she visit us rather than have Velvet crawl out of her hospital bed in our current state.

 

[Shaper47]

+15 on a roll is +15 on a roll!

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We also should take the Heart Artifact on the expedition featuring a hostile Winter Name.

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Good point, adding the Heart Artifact.

[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.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You spend your nights with your dear Velvet Covers herself. The mare that you care for greatly, that you love.

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Salacious! Scandalous! Lewd!

I was afraid they were going to hold hoofs after talking. But thankfully, you barely kept is sfw

Mercilessly, unstoppably, deliciously, brutally -- one Pony's will is done.

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Ah, let's see how it goes.



Thank you two for sharing this with us!

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Aight, time for me own plan.

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
-[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] Edge 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
---[X] 1 Wrong Key (due to expire at end of turn)
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Neutralize Copper.
---[X] Neutralize Neighnia.
---[X] Remove any evidence tying us to the cult.
---[X] Loot their library, artifacts, bits, and so forth, should time allow.
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Minimize non-Cult casualties.
---[X] Leave as little trace or tracks as possible.
--[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] Heart 3 artifact
---[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.
-[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] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to…
--[X] Cheerilee
-[X] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to…
--[X] Applejack

I cast Summon Family and Friends! Because a Velvet alone with her thoughts is a Velvet who is either giving herself an aneurysm or chugging Mareinette's patented painkillers in a fashion strangely like a mother bird feeding her chick.

Now, for the Expeditions:

Grave on the Hill should be easy for Axe to handle, unless she has to talk to somebody about anything whatsoever. Like for directions. Or for poking around their field if it turns out this grave has been swallowed up by someone's property, or something. That's where Rarity comes in! She can talk pretty well. Artifacts are just to buff that little band because, well, why not? Bonuses are bonuses.

The Assault on Copper is more troublesome. Unlike every other plan, I remembered to specify to minimize innocent casualties, something that OurLadyofWires mentioned when it came to assault planning. And I'm not doing things by halves: we are bringing every Artifact we can muster so that our Names can bulldoze hurdles as efficiently as possible. For priorities, Copper is at the very top. She is the source of hostility, the one ordering our demise repeatedly, the one who knows our face and name and connection to the occult. She must be handled. And that means we also must handle Neighnia, for she also knows our face, our name, and our ties to the occult, and what's worse, will remember Copper and what Copper has ranted to her like none other, due to being a creature of the Elegiast. Manuscripts come in third because they'll simply be less troublesome to neutralize than a cult leader and a hostile Name. It's not like they can fight back. Looting is fourth, a purely opportunistic thing, really, but such opportunities must be listed in the off-chance they arise.

I do not bother assigning Wrong Keys because we have a metric ton of Edge to use for unsummoning things the direct way. Also because DoA has an entire keychain of the things on her.

 

[Greymere]

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
[X] Plan Leave No Trace

The Assault on Copper is more troublesome. Unlike every other plan, I remembered to specify to minimize innocent casualties, something that OurLadyofWires mentioned when it came to assault planning. And I'm not doing things by halves: we are bringing every Artifact we can muster so that our Names can bulldoze hurdles as efficiently as possible. For priorities, Copper is at the very top. She is the source of hostility, the one ordering our demise repeatedly, the one who knows our face and name and connection to the occult. She must be handled. And that means we also must handle Neighnia, for she also knows our face, our name, and our ties to the occult, and what's worse, will remember Copper and what Copper has ranted to her like none other, due to being a creature of the Elegiast. Manuscripts come in third because they'll simply be less troublesome to neutralize than a cult leader and a hostile Name. It's not like they can fight back. Looting is fourth, a purely opportunistic thing, really, but such opportunities must be listed in the off-chance they arise.

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While I am going to vote for it, I really have to insist that if the Name Hit Squad doesn't manage to recover the evidence (or confirm that none is in the cult's possession) we deal with that right away next turn instead of leaving it to languish as an impending problem considering that we're going to want to sic the Bureau on the remnants sometime in the next couple of turns.

 

[Shaper47]

Unlike every other plan, I remembered to specify to minimize innocent casualties, something that OurLadyofWires mentioned when it came to assault planning

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Eh, I'm just leaving it up to them. Selene is right there so we can leave things to her.

Besides it's a matter if priorities. I don't want Selene to have hold back if she get ambushed by Windigos. Her safety matter more.

For priorities, Copper is at the very top. She is the source of hostility, the one ordering our demise repeatedly, the one who knows our face and name and connection to the occult. She must be handled. And that means we also must handle Neighnia,

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I kinda consider them as intertwined. Get Copper and they can make her cough up the Name.

But priority of Copper over Neighnia feels dangerous to me.

 

[Bakkasama]

Cheerilee, Applejack, and Filthy Rich also happen to all be Velvet's friend, and she's probably really bored at any time she is conscious. And she definitely hates being alone with her thoughts. Severely so.

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Even if they weren't, we have had Applejack's sister and Filthy's daughter for sleepovers at our house. It is not that weird for them to check on us, that is just being neighbourly. Though whether they feel safe letting those fillies sleep at our house anytime soon is another matter.

 

[Shaper47]

You know thinking about our search for the Outsider. Our sadly departed Master would have been really pleased with Velvet working to sacrifice Discord for Glory.

I suppose that answers my old question when I suggested sacrificing Discord before it was cool.

I wonder how pleased Moth Master would be if we stole Discord to use him as a scarifce.

Velvet: "Nopony was paying attention what with that whole issue with the Celestia so I picked up this ugly statue from the gardens."

A hopeful blush appears on Velvet's face as she turns her head while her hoof messes with the floor.

Velvet: "I was thinking we could sacrifce him together."

Click to shrink...

 

[spiderhellian]

Careful not to lose them though.

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I missed this. Sorry, does anyone have any idea how this works?

We can lose artefacts using them in an expedition..? Like on a Nat 1, or is it in any bad roll..?

 

[LieutenantSpirit]

We can lose artefacts using them in an expedition..? Like on a Nat 1, or is it in any bad roll..?

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I think people are missing that we can lose Names on this expedition. Each one is limited by their health, and if we're faced by multiple Windigos, Neighna, or (unfortunately likely) Biedde's Edge Dyad opponent, members of the group can take wounds and will eventually be killed/desummoned. Also, every member of this expedition is going to be an important Name or Alicorn without any "minion" backup in the form of, say, a Risen or Mare. If a wound is dealt, that wound is guaranteed be dealt to an important character.

Being killed or desummoned likely means whatever they were carrying is lost.

 

[spiderhellian]

Biedde's Edge Dyad opponent,

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Man I don't necessarily want this to happen, but also it would be SO DAMN COOL I kind of do. Plus lots, sweet lore!

Oh, and there's a reason to not mention minimizing casualties. If it's the case, we might need Selene going no holds barred…

Being killed or desummoned likely means whatever they were carrying is lost.

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But we don't assign items to individual members?

@OurLadyOfWires can you explain items being lost, or is it an intended lacuna in our knowledge?

 

[Venerable Ro]

If I were to hypothesize, I'd say artifacts could be lost In the event of a total rout. Say we sent a pair of Mares in the Light after summat carrying the SH artifact, but they walked into a Forge/Knock trap and were both destroyed.

That would lose us the artifact, either permanently due to destruction or just until we could send someone out there to recover it.

On the other hand, say our assault team discovers that Copper has done nothing but summon Windigoes for three months, if Biedde orders a general retreat then they should be able to extract with the artifacts they're carrying.

 

[Greymere]

I kind of hope we get an interlude from Copper/the cult at large's POV when the Names come knocking.

I just really want to see Copper's reaction when she realizes that our response to four grunts and a Windigo was four Names and an alicorn (or Comet).

 

[Shaper47]

I kind of hope we get an interlude from Copper/the cult at large's POV when the Names come knocking.

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I prefer Selene because angry bloodthirsty daughter is cutest daughter.

 

[Potdl]

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name

 

[Rafuki22]

[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: Down but Not Out, Thrice Fouled
-[X] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (Baldomare, Mareinnete, Daughter of Axes, Biedde, Selene)
--[X] What are they Taking? (Two Wrong Keys, Winter 1 Artifact)
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Kill Copper. (Attack the Figurehead)
---[X] Steal what Bits, and Lore they have. Anything that would Implicate us. If it can't be stolen, destroy it (Raid Resources)
---[X] Find Neighina and talk/work/steal/negotiate with her. (Aquire or Neutralize Neighina)
--[X] Anything else? (Try to keep it quiet)
-[X] The Grave on the Hill
--[X] Who is going? (Comet, Baldomare)
--[X] What are they taking? (One Wrong Key, Secret History 3 Artifact, Heart 3 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. (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.
[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] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to…
--[X] Cheerilee
-[X] [LEARN] There is something about this… thing, and you must learn what it is
--[X] KNOCK Level 2 artifact

Reasonable points.

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Ah, pity, but not unexpected.

 

[jason1stlegion]

Didn't have a chance to look through the plans, but it seems we're going against a Name of the Elegiast with the primary purpose of making sure our dark past is forgotten.

Quite a delicious bit of irony. The histories repeat themselves, indeed.

 

[Nevermort]

Selene is too young to send on murder mission. What, you are saying, that she is already 1000 years old ? Still counts as filly in my book.

If we want to traumatize anyone, lets traumatize Rarity. Velvet will say to her that she is good girl and she would forget any concerns she may have.She is much easier to manage than Selene. Plus I think that heavy Grail team would approach things differently from stealth/infiltration team of Selene.

Imagine Rarity confidently walking into cult bar in her best clothes as if she owns the place, and paying for everyone drinks from the get go. Very distracting I think so while she keeps all attention on herself the rest of the team can do other tasks . Of course Copper will come down to check at some point and she would be less than happy that someone else stealing all her spotlight. But if she wants to maintain her authority, if she want to stay on the top she would need to answer challenge in kind. It will be a battle for ages, a true contests of Grail - a drinking challenge.

Under normal circumstances Rarity would not stand a chance, but this time she has ultimate advantage – a companion who can never be defeated in this. And when it almost looks as if Rarity will go under the table at any moment she suddenly gains a second wind. Don't mind that she now looks much bigger and a little more bony, if anything she is even more elegant now, but it makes sense after amount of beer ponies here consumed. And if anyone sees two Rarities at once then perhaps they already too drunk. And it is now Copper who can't keep up. She confesses all her secrets, pass on Neighina bindings to her new best friend then happily dies from intoxication.

Meanwhile the rest of the Names destroy all evidence and steal everything not bolted to floor, then pick up real Rarity from under the table and sail into sunset. No one from the cult can remember details of the bender, but everyone agrees that it was epic thing and Copper went out in true Grail cultist fashion.



[X] Plan The most fashionable revenge v2
-[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
---[X] Daughter of Axes
---[X] Mareinette
---[X] Baldomare
---[X] Rarity(as planner)
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] One wrong key
---[X] Edge 3 artifact (Rarity)
---[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] Acquire Neighnia's bindings, reach agreement with Neighina, or at least get a promise of neutrality.
---[X] Neutralize Copper as a threat to you and yours by any means necessary.
---[X] Remove any evidence tying us to the cult.
---[X] Loot their library, artifacts, bits, and so forth, should time allow.
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Try to minimize civilian casualities
---[X] Leave as little trace as possible or at least cover your tracks
-[X] The Grave on the Hill
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (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] 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] Ask if there is any places with unusual activity in Manehatten recently and information about any abandoned, hard to find locations around it. Recommend him to keep away from such places for the time being.
[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] Of course you love your family very much, but you could always spend a bit more time with them...
--[X] Selene. Talk about any legends or notable places known to her, near Ponyville or elsewhere.
-[X] [LEARN] There is something about this… thing, and you must learn what it is
--[X] KNOCK Level 2 artifact

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name

 

[spiderhellian]

If we want to traumatize anyone, lets traumatize Rarity. Velvet will say to her that she is good girl and she would forget any concerns she may have.She is much easier to manage than Selene. Plus I think that heavy Grail team would approach things differently from stealth/infiltration team of Selene.

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We can traumatize no one -- why not send Comet? Who is skilled at combat? And then Rarity + DoA on expedition means we at least have a chance at social rolls?

 

[Nevermort]

We can traumatize no one -- why not send Comet? Who is skilled at combat? And then Rarity + DoA on expedition means we at least have a chance at social rolls?

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We have plenty of combat and Rarity has Edge artifact, she honestly adds more to the team.And perhaps highest lore after combat will help to determinate approach,and Grail and Heart being highest seems suitable for dealing with Neighina. Actually with criminals too, cause if I am not mistaken dealing with criminals challenge was Edge/Grail hurdle in original game.

And second expedition is called Grave on the Hill. Graves not the most lively of places.Social challenges, especially singular ones are not likely. Perhaps not ideal, but we have what we have.

Edit: Actually if the task is to design most optimal team for Grave expedition then choice should go to Bieddie+Axe team as Bieddie general bonus bigger than Rarity's Grail. Or even Baldomare+Axe with Edge artifact if we don't care about outsider search.

 

[Rafuki22]

Not many people are voting are they? We have what? Like 12, 13 votes?

Feels slow.

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

Optimal for the Grave is Ax, Baldamoare, and Marionette. Apart from Winter and Forge it the best you can get. But a simple expedition and Ax can easily solo those.

 

[Limabot]

Not many people are voting are they? We have what? Like 12, 13 votes?

Feels slow.

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I am still waiting for a proper comparison for all the plans before I make my decision.

 

[Venerable Ro]

Not many people are voting are they? We have what? Like 12, 13 votes?

Feels slow.

Click to shrink...

They're probably busy.

 

[Pittauro]

Three reasons!

The simplest, is because the main struggle with this expedition is going to be finding the right place. Probably Secret Histories or Lantern focused, so Baldomare is good for that.
The more complicated reason, is because Baldomare is a good listener. Comet is very... conflicted. Uncertain in his place right now. He has freedom to do what he will, but is uncertain what to do with that freedom. Him being forced to be near and talking with, or around Baldomare might do him good.
And the least specific reason... Comet knows Baldomare. Ax or Mareinette would be the best options for the mission if not for Baldomare. Ax is... unsociable at best, and Mareinette has the opposite problem.

Baldomare is a hypocrite. That's useful here.

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I'd be VERY surprised if Comet listened to Baldomare. As in, to him she's a Name, a monster in pony form.

Keep in mind that his main experience with Names was The Master, and the last time they met he was bargaining for his own life, trading Shining Armor in exchange.

To US Baldomare is the most approachable of the Names, but I doubt Comet would be much inclined to listen... or Baldomare that much inclined to comment on his life choices, really.

If we want to maximize our chances of success, I'd send him with Mareinette. If we don't want to leave him alone with her, Axe.

1 - You can only have one Summoned influence at a time. You can "stack" as many Name-given influences as you want.

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Side note, it could be INTERESTING if we got ALL/MOST of the influences in a single turn at some point, and just... spent all of our Velvet Actions in the Mansus.

Explore the Tower, the Church, and all remaining locations together.

3 - No. Any sacrament sacrifices require a living pony as a rule. But feel free to ask for exceptions in other sacrifice-cases.

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you know, on this note what's the narrative justification? Is it because WE are pony so we need to eat/read another pony?

and I know it's technically a bit of a spoiler, but as it's not going to come up anytime soon if ever... I don't suppose you'd be willing to comment how the Mansus would have worked if we were not a pony? Would we still be getting a Brand from Branding door, would we have to kill a member of all 3 tribes to pass through the Tribal door..?

4 - No. Dancing With Death means you effectively lost the game, but were barred from a game over due to a Lore technicality. You will not be rewarded for it, other than through the fact the quest did not end then and there.

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Kind of a shame, surviving THAT kind of wound SHOULD narratively justify an heart scrap... but I suppose Velvet was too busy surviving to learn from it.

1 - Yes. Things might be different if you ever start gearing for medium or long expeditions. But Short expeditions are intentionally simple.

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what about the outsider search? Presumably SH Artifact would help there, but I imagine we can't give it to everyone (except Baldomare, obviously) not involved in the search. Especially if it's ALSO being used in the expeditions.

So long as Baldamare is around she'll find the top priority. She has what, Search action +50, SH 6 so +30 and can call a level 4 SH influence at will so another +40. So a 120 bonus for searching if she actually tries before bringing in lantern.

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as a general rule we should assume the Names won't call an Influence. We've seen only AXE do it ONCE, and that was when she was wounded in a fight and decided to be a bit more serious about it out of pride and outrage.

I don't think anything in this expedition could lead Baldomare or Mareinette to use influences. Axe and MAYBE Biedde might use them out of pride, but it would take quite a bit to push them THAT much.

 

[Sveta08]

I'd be VERY surprised if Comet listened to Baldomare. As in, to him she's a Name, a monster in pony form.

Keep in mind that his main experience with Names was The Master, and the last time they met he was bargaining for his own life, trading Shining Armor in exchange.

To US Baldomare is the most approachable of the Names, but I doubt Comet would be much inclined to listen... or Baldomare that much inclined to comment on his life choices, really.

If we want to maximize our chances of success, I'd send him with Mareinette. If we don't want to leave him alone with her, Axe.

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You are correct!
I very much doubt Comet will really listen, or trust Baldomare enough to speak earnestly and honestly.
But it is a step in the right direction. A step I see that he won't take with Axe, and shouldn't take with Mareinette.

 

[Venerable Ro]

I don't think anything in this expedition could lead Baldomare or Mareinette to use influences. Axe and MAYBE Biedde might use them out of pride, but it would take quite a bit to push them THAT much.

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I'd be funny to see Copper try to Grail her way out of the conversation only for Mareinette to casually drop a maximal influence to establish dominance and then dispell it again.

 

[Zxzx24]

Not many people are voting are they? We have what? Like 12, 13 votes?

Feels slow.

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Personally I just haven't had tone to go over the intricacies.

Although

[X] Pittauro

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Optimal for the Grave is Ax, Baldamoare, and Marionette. Apart from Winter and Forge it the best you can get. But a simple expedition and Ax can easily solo those.

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Sadly Axe cannot lead an Expedition due to making Wrong Keys with her AP this turn, so she needs one warm body to donate the AP she needs to crush that expedition. And Mareinette can't lead because she is using her AP on Filthy and Spoiled Rich. And we'd rather have Baldomare on the Outsider Search with her AP. So we should pair her with Rarity for it on the off-chance they need to chat someone up.

Like in my plan,

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name

Not many people are voting are they? We have what? Like 12, 13 votes?

Feels slow.

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U.S. Presidential Election today probably is schlorping up prodigious amounts of attention and energy.

 

[Alan975]

U.S. Presidential Election today probably is schlorping up prodigious amounts of attention and energy.

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Like nothing else, and I'm not even American!


Now, so many options to pick from, what is one to do?

[X] Plan Ruthlessly Kicking Ass and Taking Names
[X] Plan Ruthlessly Kicking Ass and Taking Names with Mayor time
[X] Plan: Down but Not Out, Thrice Fouled
[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
[X] Plan Paranoia

I am still not so fond of everyone wanting to attack before the Bureau gets our Names more info to work with.