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

[spiderhellian]

I would bet Forge would be the most useful influence to receive for Axe's Sacrament.

Click to shrink...

You're thinking about Destroying the chains or curse?

It seems a little peculiar, because we've been told the Frangiclave is what would do that…

(Also not an Influence easily acquired!)

 

[Sveta08]

You're thinking about Destroying the chains or curse?

It seems a little peculiar, because we've been told the Frangiclave is what would do that…

(Also not an Influence easily acquired!)

Click to shrink...

Oh, no.
I think it would be useful in knowing how the chains and curse was made. What brought those forces together. What binds and what restricts in a way that isn't quite Knock.

But, yes. It is not easily acquired. So I've not much considered thinking or speculating on it.
... Though, I do wonder how Forge influence would shade Velvet's perspective?

 

[DelightedOne]

Even the Master had made note that their followers weren't really trying which is why they gave up on reaching Glory to pursue dimming the lights.

Click to shrink...

That was one of the reasons, the other two were:

The total disappearance of Luna- Velvet's fault.

The total lack of knowledge on the Moon- not Velvet's fault, but if she explored the Blank Plains sooner the Master could have known about the Tower earlier.

The Moon Princess is not here, so she is certainly dead. Harmony, then, is unachievable. The cult, also, only has a hooffull of Branded. Perhaps their species' eyes have grown dull to the Glory, for they seem uninterested in seeking it. And the Moon… we have no idea of how to reach it. Only one path remains, then."

"Huh. Regrettable."

"Yes. The very definition of it."

Click to shrink...

But curiously, the Master seemed to have given up on dousing the lights when we met her again. Crazy mothfucker.

"Equestria is in disarray. We have confirmed that one of their irreplaceable alicorns is no more, and ponies are on the edge of an abyss. I have no doubt that they will regroup and rebuild, even if they lose something along the way, and I have no intention of… pushing them, to their doom. However, they are lacking in cohesion, purpose and guidance. And we will deliver it to them."

Click to shrink...

Considering how she was possessing Shining Armor and what he stated in the last cult meeting we saw him I think the Will of the Woods was trying to either do a bootleg Harmony Path or trying to do a lore renaissance for the Glory Path to succeed, maybe both to be safe.

 

[Pittauro]

Frankly speaking, I would bet Forge would be the most useful influence to receive for Axe's Sacrament.

Click to shrink...

Oh, no.
I think it would be useful in knowing how the chains and curse was made. What brought those forces together. What binds and what restricts in a way that isn't quite Knock.

Click to shrink...

wouldn't that be Lantern? Forge is about making and unmaking/destroying, but LANTERN is about understanding and knowledge.

I'm personally expecting SH because we need to find Whatever Axe is sending us to find (maybe the Frangiclave, maybe something else while the frangiclave is something she's not aware is there...)

 

[spiderhellian]

What binds and what restricts in a way that isn't quite Knock.

Click to shrink...

For what it's worth, OOC we know this is Moth and Grail and Heart.

 

[Solace2117]

That was one of the reasons, the other two were:

The total disappearance of Luna- Velvet's fault.

The total lack of knowledge on the Moon- not Velvet's fault, but if she explored the Blank Plains sooner the Master could have known about the Tower earlier.

Click to shrink...

I know it wasn't the only reason, should have phrased it differently. It was one of the key reasons though. I was more commenting on what it says about how much Copper and potentially others had actually climbed in comparison to Velvet in light of Copper's words to Luna.

 

[Greymere]

I think it would be useful in knowing how the chains and curse was made. What brought those forces together. What binds and what restricts in a way that isn't quite Knock.

Click to shrink...

Just want to point out that, even if we didn't know OOC that they were made by the Twins (Grail/Heart/Moth), Knock is the principle of the exact opposite of binding

'tis the Lore of Opening and Revelation, not Closing and Limitations

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

I am so excited for next turn's Sacramenting. Velvet's daughters deserve another sister! We should stack an absurd number of Influences just to show that we can! And so that on the off-chance we steamroll said Sacrament we can immediately roll into the SH Sacrament from a position of great strength.

 

[DelightedOne]

So we got the Witch-and-Sister cursing a Name of the Horned Axe because they're enemies and would you look at that they are also enemies with the Mother of Ants, I'm sure that is not related in any way to DoA's current situation.

Umm, that makes me wonder if the reason why the Daughter of Axes is so nonchalant about the foggy mirror is because she thinks the Geminiad(book/tool about the Witch-and-Sister) is there instead of the Frangiclave.

 

[Sveta08]

Ah!
Seems I was mistake. My bad.

In that case, I shall just shrug. Either Secret Histories then, or Lantern. Or, shoot. Might be Grail. Goodness knows talking to people is something Axe is bad at.

But, I can only guess randomly at this point.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Which is why we should stack as many Influences as possible! Which currently is... 4. 4 Influences, since DoA needs to teach Knock for us to work to save her.

 

[Sveta08]

Which is why we should stack as many Influences as possible! Which currently is... 4. 4 Influences, since DoA needs to teach Knock for us to work to save her.

Click to shrink...

I see! Inverting the last turn then.
From no Lores to all the lores.

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

Which is why we should stack as many Influences as possible! Which currently is... 4. 4 Influences, since DoA needs to teach Knock for us to work to save her.

Click to shrink...

Only 1 influence can be active at a time

 

[Arrkhon]

Ah yes, stacking like dozen(four actually) mystical equivalents of doping hard that alone can make you look significantly unhinged, nothing wrong can go with that
I doubt it would have any mechanical effects without doing it for good few turns in a row but still

 

[Greymere]

Only 1 influence can be active at a time

Click to shrink...

Name-granted Influences can stack without limit. 3 Name Influences + a Called Influence would be a total of four.

Not that I'm recommended doing so. I'm definitely not. Mareinette needs to keep working on Spoiled Rich for our Moth Sacrament, I still think Baldomare's AP is better served elsewhere (like granting us Sacrament), and we are definitely not going to have the AP to do a CoI ritual.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Ah yes, stacking like dozen(four actually) mystical equivalents of doping hard that alone can make you look significantly unhinged, nothing wrong can go with that
I doubt it would have any mechanical effects without doing it for good few turns in a row but still

Click to shrink...

Name Influences are tailored to be less overwhelming than Called Influences, so there should only be a little hard doping side effect.

Name-granted Influences can stack without limit. 3 Name Influences + a Called Influence would be a total of four.

Not that I'm recommended doing so. I'm definitely not. Mareinette needs to keep working on Spoiled Rich for our Moth Sacrament, I still think Baldomare's AP is better served elsewhere (like granting us Sacrament), and we are definitely not going to have the AP to do a CoI ritual.

Click to shrink...

There is no need to turbo rush the Moth Sacrament, and I'm pretty sure one of the obstacles DoA could not overcome on the other side of that mirror was a social one. Because her social is pure garbage. Finding a Frangiclave or whatever it is we need will require SH because you just know whatever it is will be warded. Also because Baldomare's attempts to scry it were distorted a bit. I will admit that an Edge Influence from Biedde would be arguably unneeded and that it's just part of wanting to see a turn where we pack a silly amount of Influences. As for calling one on ourselves, Forge or Lantern would be handy. Probably Forge, to help our chances of clinching the Forge's Redemption as well as any sudden walls we face past the Mirror.

 

[spiderhellian]

I'm pretty sure one of the obstacles DoA could not overcome on the other side of that mirror was a social one. Because her social is pure garbage

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Nah, the issue is that she can't get there, because of the curse. See what Baldomare said:

She tells you that, as these curses usually go, the snakemare already has access to a place where her coveted item may be found. But, as is the case with curses, she cannot go there herself.

Click to shrink...

 

[Greymere]

There is no need to turbo rush the Moth Sacrament, and I'm pretty sure one of the obstacles DoA could not overcome on the other side of that mirror was a social one. Because her social is pure garbage. Finding a Frangiclave or whatever it is we need will require SH because you just know whatever it is will be warded. Also because Baldomare's attempts to scry it were distorted a bit. I will admit that an Edge Influence from Biedde would be arguably unneeded and that it's just part of wanting to see a turn where we pack a silly amount of Influences. As for calling one on ourselves, Forge or Lantern would be handy. Probably Forge, to help our chances of clinching the Forge's Redemption as well as any sudden walls we face past the Mirror.

Click to shrink...

This is a lot of certainty for something we know literally nothing about besides "doesn't use Knock" and "probably not super dangerous".

Also, as a reminder, Influences don't apply to rituals.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Also, as a reminder, Influences don't apply to rituals.

Click to shrink...

I keep thinking that it's only AotLs that aren't applied. Thank you for the reminder.

Still think we should hit that Sacrament loaded for bear in case DoA is wrong about how dangerous or difficult things might be.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning 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). Daughter of Axes, Mareinette, Baldomare, Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Edge 3 artifact, SH 3 artifact, Heart 3 artifact, Winter 1 artifact, 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] Cheerilee
--[X] Applejack

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.

Mareinette has left a bag at the base of your bed, for you to find when you woke up. That bag had a small pile of bits in it, as well as a splotch of blood. A note, tied to the bag, had the words "Willingly Given" written on it. You are not sure what the note was referring to. You are not sure which alternative is the worst.

100 bits have been added to your inventory.

During the follower's phase of Turn 21, you will have five additional "servant actions" at your disposal.

60 bits have been removed from your inventory.

You have recovered two points of health, and are no longer Dancing With Death.



- - -



You are Velvet Covers.

And for the first time in a very, very long time, you feel fine.

More than just that, you feel great!

For the last several days, you were able to walk around more, you were able to see more ponies, and you even managed to go through a whole day with only one nap, right after lunch.

Tomorrow, you will walk your daughters to school. Which is both a great way to convince your family to let you leave the house, as well as an opportunity to take a look around Ponyville together with Softy and Stormchaser, after having a pre-class chat with Cheerilee.

But for now, you will accept your existence in this "limbo" of sorts. Because you are well enough to have a normal day within the controlled environment that is your home, but you still agree with your husband that you don't have enough energy to go back to your usual routine.

Still, if everything goes well, you will be able to go back to the Bureau next week, and return to work. Hopefully, this week will be the last one poor Shining has to come all the way here just to give you a report. Although you did hear he has been staying for a few hours more, after speaking to you. You wonder what he has been doing during that time…

"Well, I'm sure it's either something important, or none of my business," you say to yourself. "Or maybe it's both. Shining is already a grown stallion, after all."

With that in mind, you sit down in your "hobby room", which is still a sorry work in progress, and you try to catch up to a few things you have understandably neglected these last few weeks.

Although, as you look at the intimidating pile of letters you will have to read through, you can't help but diverge your attention to other matters.

Yes, you will definitely go through your mail later. And you certainly won't push it off for Softy to read for you.

Definitely.

Certainly.

…

Hopefully.

Well, time to see what everypony else has been up to.



- - -

Spoiler: The Grave on the Hill

[Expedition: The Grave on the Hill]

[Participants: Rarity, Daughter-of-Axes]

[Artifacts taken: Heart 3, SH 3, Winter 1]



"My fair Lady Velvet Covers, here I shall inscribe the memoirs of this great adventure I have undertaken in your behalf. Do not be alarmed, my beloved! I have no intention of failing you, and you will find me more than sufficiently equipped for whatever dangers might lie ahead."


[Day 1 – Finding the grave, cd 80]

[Roll: 68 45 + 50 (Expedition bonus) + 30 (Knock total 6) = 148]

[Success]


"Reaching this place was dreadful. And the company only made it worse. That unsightly Axe mare just up and said that 'We should get off about now' during our train ride… WHILE THE TRAIN WAS STILL MOVING. And then we had to walk for more than half a day to reach this uninhabitable place. How I longed to have your company here, instead of hers, where not a pony can be seen all the way to the horizon. But ultimately, she confidently declared that a certain hill was the one we had been looking for. So this is where our work will happen."


[Day 2 – Reaching the grave, cd 90]

[Roll: 36 + 50 (Expedition bonus) + 15 (Heart total 3) = 101]

[Success]


"The work was thankless, and almost backbreaking. Never before had I ever felt the difference between an earth pony and my own unicorn self. We toiled for hours with the digging tools we had. But again and again, my magic failed me out of exhaustion, then my body, then my magic again. How I wish you were here, so we could both sweat under the sun together. So I could watch your coat glistening with the heat, as not even the dirt managed to sully your beauty. So that we could, once we reached the cool and covered destination that we had been looking for, finally-"
"We reached the place."
"And by Celestia, how did I write ten PAGES of this? I will never pick up a pen again."


[Expedition successfully completed]

Spoiler: Results

[The Grave on the Hill, results]

"Darling, you wouldn't believe how HORRID my work conditions were. That snakemare wouldn't stop cursing at me, and all I asked was why she couldn't open a path for us! I mean, isn't she good at opening things? Still, the grave itself was… old. Ancient, even. I don't know much about architecture, but even I could tell that… You know that feeling you have, that you just know a certain kind of fashion is old just by looking at it? Well, we found what were looking for, carved on the walls… Axe said she recognized it, and that it was a story of sorts. We copied the writings on the walls with clay tablets, and we brought them back. We broke the originals, mind you. Axe said that… the dead wouldn't mind. And that it would be safer, that way."


-Gained one book (Edge, Level 6. Requires deciphering. Progress 0/160. From Two Eras Ago, "-40" to deciphering rolls.)

When you asked her for more details, she sounded unusually evasive. You think she mentioned having written something, perhaps a diary of sorts, while on the expedition. But she almost immediately said she shredded it into pieces, and then burned it, after re-reading what she had penned.

A pity, you think. But ultimately, you are sure she would have told you if something truly relevant had happened.

Twenty bits have been removed from your inventory for this expedition.



- - -



There is a house, in Ponyville, that is larger than the others. In fact, it is the largest house that exists within the confines of the growing town. A house so big that it could even be described as a mansion.

However, nopony in Ponyville really thinks of that place as a mansion. For two reasons.

The first reason is that, by this point, most ponies in Ponyville have already seen what a "true" mansion looks like. Several ponies have already, at one point or the other, visited the Velvet estate, outside of town and to the east. And that, they all agree, must be what a real mansion looks like.

And second, because everypony knows that house isn't a "true" noble household. It is a very large house, yes, but it was built and maintained by bits rather than birthrights. And for all that the nobility of Equestria is a fading breed of sorts, everypony alive was still born and raised in a world where that difference matters.

But still, even though that manor-like house does not belong to a noble, today it is entertaining a noble visitor, of sorts.

She may not be noble in blood. Or at least, not a noble by Princess Celestia's grace. But she is still noble in bearing, and noble in breeding, and perhaps even noble in older and greater ways.

Still regardless of what one might think about that visitor, it would be impossible to treat her as anything but an honored guest.

"Oh, my Lady, it is so delightful to have you here today. You truly honor us!"

Spoiled Rich says that, her words coated with adoration and interest, as she entertains the latest (and perhaps most important) guest of her household.

Because truly, this is the opportunity she had been waiting for. The opportunity she always knew that she deserved. Ever since her daughter became best friends with Lady Velvet's filly, she had been trying to ingratiate herself with the noblemare. But time and again, for reasons none of which were her fault, she was frustrated again and again.

But to think that the Lady would come here? Right after she suffered the most dreadful of accidents against her health? Just to speak to Spoiled herself?

On one hoof, this was the most pleasant of surprises. But on the other hoof, this is only natural!

After all, Spoiled knows this well, precious things are attracted to precious things. And the same way a diamond necklace would become uglier if a lesser gem was added to it, so to does it make sense for high-society ponies to prefer each other's company.

It is the reason why her daughter became friends with such high-pedigree fillies. And it is obviously the reason why the Lady, who has gained the favor of alicorns, is now bringing Spoiled into her own grace.

"Still, is there anything else you want? My house, humble as it is, is your house, my Lady."

Still, despite her correct view of the world, Spoiled herself also understands her own position. She realizes that, the same way the Lady is beneath the alicorns who elevated her, that the Lady herself is above her.

So, it is only natural for her to make her dear visitor as comfortable as possible.

"M-mom… I d-don't like… please…" Diamond Tiara, her foolish daughter, speaks out of turn.

"Hush, Diamond. Our visitor asked for you to be here, so you will be a good little filly and you will stay quiet."

Still, by the life of her, Spoiled Rich cannot understand why her daughter is so uncomfortable.

Because just a few minutes into her visit, the Lady asked if she could see Spoiled Rich's daughter. So, of course she complied. And in her matronly kindness, the Lady is currently sitting in the best seat of the house, with her little Diamond Tiara neatly within the embrace of her forelegs.

And that, Spoiled knows, is a show of favor even greater than the one the Lady is extending to her!

So, no matter how hard she tries to understand, she cannot comprehend why her daughter is shivering. And she better not start crying again!

"I am so sorry for my daughter, my Lady. But as you were saying, how are things going in fair Canterlot?" she asks the Lady.

And, magnanimous as ever, her visitor gives her a regal nod, saying that all is well.



"[GRAIL]!"



Truly, Spoiled Rich is being blessed by this visit.

Although, she can't help but suppress a frown as her fool of a husband finally comes back into the living room.

And what is more, Spoiled Rich almost bristles as Filthy Rich makes to approach their guest.

"Excuse me, I am… very sorry, my Lady. But please, could I at least, you know…" he says, motioning towards the towel he is carrying on his hoof.

And sure enough, the magnanimous lady allows him to nearly touch her, as he moves to cover their daughter with the towel.

But why… how dare he do that, even?

If the Lady has chosen to drool over their daughter, as she keeps her between her forelegs, isn't that yet another show of favor towards their little Diamond?

This is just yet another thing her husband simply doesn't understand. But still, it makes her so… so…!

"[GRAIL]."

Still, just like always, the Lady deftly moves the conversation in another direction, and Spoiled Rich finds herself smiling once again.

And what is more, she is so enchanted by the ideas inside her head, that she doesn't even realize what is really happening.

In fact, nopony realizes it. Not herself, not her husband, and not even her quivering daughter.

Because yes, they are being visited by their fair Lady, but… what was her name again? Who is it again that is visiting them? What pony will they think about, whenever they remember this impossibly pleasant afternoon?

Lady…

Lady.

Lady!

Yes, of course.

Whenever they think back to this day, they will only remember what was good about it. They will only remember what was pleasant. And as the fair Lady inflates their hopes, and string them along in their dreams, they will only be able to think back to the visit itself, and will barely remember the visitor at all.

Whatever good things that happen, they will attribute it to that Lady. Of course, that being "Lady" Velvet Covers. Because what other Lady have they ever met in their lives?

And whatever bad things happen that day, they… won't really think about it. In fact, they might not even remember it at all!

Because this was such a pleasant visit that it feels more like a dream than a waking day. It is the pleasant memory of an evening spent drinking, with no following hangover to mar it. It is a blur of laughs, and mirth, and pleasant sensations that are easy to feel, but hard to truly recollect.

It is, in the end, just a visit, from an Honored Guest.

And by the end of that day, everypony feels a little better about themselves.


"What… dear Celestia, Diamond. What did you do? Go take a shower at once! No daughter of mine is going to look like… like THAT!"


Well, almost everypony.



During your visit to the Rich household, you noticed something. You realized there is a noticeable tension between the husband and the wife. You saw there is a crack between the mother and the father.

And more importantly, you had a few moments alone with Spoiled Rich herself. A small window of opportunity, where you had her full and adoring attention, during which you could say a few choice words that would impact her deeply.

What did you tell her?


[-] You told her that relationships are a commitment. And that even if she is going through a rough spot right now, that she should double down and make amends with he pony she swore to love.
-You will become Acquaintances with Spoiled Rich.
-You will encourage her to fix whatever problems she has with her husband. And she will listen to you, even if she needs a few nudges (or maybe some help) here and there.
-You would like her to become her best self. And perhaps, the two of you will grow closer as she reaches for that.
-This is, without a doubt, the healthiest option for everypony involved, in the long term.


[-] You told her that relationships are a pleasure… and an investment. And that she should not squander all the years she invested in her marriage over whatever growing problems they are currently going through.
-You will become Friends with Spoiled rich.
-You will encourage her to maintain her relationship with her husband. She might not love him anymore, but they need not hate each other. And besides, she has a daughter to raise.
-You will slowly, but surely, carve her into a sycophant. She will listen to your every word, eventually, but reaching that point will require a certain degree of care. (Spoiled Rich will more easily become a "Confidante", but will not provide any action points unless she becomes a Minion).
-This is, without a doubt, the most manipulative option.


[-] You told her that her relationships are holding her back. She can't expect to climb the social ladder with weights dragging her down, can she?
-You will become Close Friends with Spoiled Rich.
-You will encourage her to look after herself, first and foremost. And your words will be more than enough to turn whatever ideas she has in her mind into actions.
-Her relationship with her husband will deteriorate, very quickly, and you can predict you will be asked to pick a side when it inevitably falls apart. You will "play both sides" until that happens, but you should act on whatever plans you have for them before you are asked which pony you will stand with.
-This is, without a doubt, the worst option for everypony involved. Everypony, except yourself.


[Mareinette invokes "OLD INTELLIGENCE"]


Option picked:
[X] You told her that relationships are a pleasure… and an investment. And that she should not squander all the years she invested in her marriage over whatever growing problems they are currently going through.





You are now Friends with Spoiled Rich. She will be treated, narratively and mechanically, like any other regular contact. But she will not provide you with any action points unless she becomes a Minion.

You were so pleasant, and so smooth, that even your divided attention was more than enough to fill the cup of their needs. You are now Close Friends with Filthy Rich.



- - -



It is very rare for Baldomare to come to you.

Usually, you are the one hounding her. Asking her questions that she refuses to answer, or looking for the Lantern-mare for some rare non-eldritch reason. So, given your recent predicament, it is fair to say you haven't seen her much this past month. You didn't really have the energy to hound other ponies, while you were nearly dead, and the Name did not have any reason to look for you either.

However, every now and then, she reaches out to you. This kind of thing happens infrequently. Often enough for you to say it is not "rare", but not often enough for you to say it is something you are used to.

Still, as Baldomare sits opposite to you on the garden, under the shade of a parasol, you can't help but perk up your ears in interest as the she prepares herself a cup of tea.

"I just came back from Canterlot," she says without looking up from her cup, "and I think I found what we… what you are looking for."

She says that, with words that are vague enough for the nearby servants to disregard, but with a level of confidence that immediately grabs your full attention.

In fact, you can even feel your back hurt a little bit, as your body unconsciously straightens itself on your seat.

However, for all that you would like her to tell you everything as quickly as possible, you are also acutely aware of the gardener who is tending the nearby flowers. And of the nearby maid who is waiting on you. So, you bite down your tongue and hold back the several questions that are boiling inside your mind.

And if the Name of Lantern can have a subtle conversation about an important topic, you are sure that you can also keep your excitement in check.

"That is great news, Baldomare," you say, trying to sound as casual as possible. "Did you have a pleasant trip?"

Baldomare answers you with a nod, but it is the dismissive nod of a noblemare who thinks her trip was only pleasant "enough". Not great, not terrible, but pleasant enough to not call it a waste.

"The train was terribly shaky," she says. "I hope they make some improvements on the Ponyville-Canterlot line, if this town really starts growing. But the capital itself was nice enough. There were a few issues here and there, though."

You let out a low hum, for her to continue, and you patiently wait as she sips from her tea.

"For starters, the place was dreadfully crowded. But thankfully, the entourage you lent me managed to do more than just carry my luggage. So thank you for that, Lady Velvet."

She mentions a few names, of the two maids you sent with her, as well as the several ponyservants you put at her disposal. And she even tells you how she encouraged them to "take some time off" and "visit some museums" while she didn't have need for them. As long as they promised to bring her back pictures of the current displays.

"I was planning to visit several places, you see. But the pictures and the stories from your servants helped me cross a few places off my list."

"I am glad you agreed with their company, Baldomare. But you mentioned there were some… issues?"

"Yes, yes. The colt you asked to come with me? As a bodyguard?" she says, idly mentioning Comet Feet. "Well, we happened to be visiting the Royal Zoo, one day, and… let's just say that manticores seem to have a particular dislike of him. One of them even managed to break free out of its cage, mind you."

Your breath gets stuck in your throat as she so casually tells you… well, that. But the mare herself seems entirely undisturbed as she continues.

"But he's a strong colt. He will live. And he could have been quite the hero, even, given how he managed to wrestle the thing down. But unfortunately, he made his leave before anypony could talk to him, let alone before any reporters arrived at the scene. The problems of having a dark past, I suppose. He isn't the kind of colt who would like to have his picture on the papers."

You have several questions. Most of them involve the details she seems to be glossing over. And quite a few of them are queries of how angry Fluttershy will be at you.

But ultimately, Baldomare is so nonchalant about all this that you assume no permanent issues will arise from this.

Eh, what the hay. Given how lovestruck Fluttershy is, the idea of Comet getting hurt will only make her situation more dramatic and…

… and what kind of friend are you, if the first thing you think is that? Good heavens, you must be spending too much time with Rarity, and not enough time with Jade.

"But ultimately, I noticed something very… peculiar," Baldomare continues, and you immediately push away your stray thoughts as you once again focus on her words. "A place that is nearby, but also far away. A place that is old, but that has been touched by something younger. A place… that a very important pony took great pains to erase from a lot of maps."

She tells you that.

And then, she explains to you where you can find a bound and chained Outsider.

Spoiler: Rolls

[The Search, progress 0/200]

[Baldomare's Roll: 51 73 + 50 (Baldomare, searching) + 30 (Secret Histories 6) = 153]

[Comet's Roll: 1 + 10 (Intrigue) = 11]

[CRITICAL FAILURE, rolling malus… Comet Feet suffers 2 wounds]

[Servant's Roll: 79 + 10 (Velvet's unmodified intrigue) = 89]

[Total progress: 153 + 11 + 89 = 253]

[Success]

When she is done speaking, you can barely hold your teacup anymore. Even when you try to pick it up with your horn, the cup seems to shake and tremble in your grasp.

You can barely contain your excitement.

Because this… this is it.

This is the next step, for you to reach the very top of the Mansus.

This is the way towards GL-



"Mooooooom!!!"



-but suddenly, the entirety of your Glory-seeking and ambition-driven flame is snuffed out, like a candle on the wind, as you hear Silky Stream's voice coming from nearby.

"Mom! Mom! Mom! Mommy! Mooom!!!"

You blink once, twice, and you shake your head in confusion as you hear something you haven't heard in a very long time.

Because you are currently in the garden, and it is almost midday, so your daughters should be returning from school just about now. Well, given that you can hear Silky, you figure they quite literally just returned from school.

But more importantly, a smile comes to your face as you realize that Silky is… excited. She sounds happy.

And that is something you haven't heard in several weeks. A period of time that, as far as you are concerned, is way too long.

So, you immediately look towards the front gate, and sure enough there they are.

You can see Silky Stream, hopping in place as she walks towards you. Next to her is Selene, who also seems to have a complicated smile on her face. Right behind them is Soft Sweeps, who went to pick them up. And next to Softy is…

"Wha-… uncle Steppes?" you say out loud, as you get up from your seat.

"It's uncle Steppes! Uncle Steppes is here! He came to pick us up at school!!!" Silky says, speaking so quickly that she almost trips on her own words.

And you can't help but mirror your daughter's expression as you make your way towards them.

"Uncle Steppes! I am so glad you are here!"

"Of course I am, kiddo. I got your letter, and how could I say no to an invitation like that?" he says, moving to give you a heartfelt hug. "And what's this happy business about Selene calling you mom? She let that slip out, while we were on our way here. You gotta tell me your secret, kiddo," your uncle whispers in your ear during his hug.

However, he definitely "whispered" that loud enough for everypony else to hear, and you can only watch as Selene's complicated smile turns into a full blush.

"Ah, and is that Baldomare? Good Sun, it has been so long! How have you been?" your uncle says, looking at the mare who followed after you as soon as he lets go of your hug. And moments later, he is planting a kiss on Baldomare's hoof, mentioning how she looks so beautiful that she is almost dazzling to look at.

However, you can't help but feel a little confused, because the two ponies seem to be treating each other so casually that… no, it's not just that. How did your uncle already know her name to begin with?

"Hold on, have you two met before?" you ask, watching as the two ponies clearly treat each other like ponies who need not be introduced to each other.

Because it would make sense for your uncle to know her name if, say, Silky mentioned it while they were coming back home. And sure, you realize how suave your uncle usually is. But still, the way he is treating her right now feels like…

"Why, don't you remember?" Steppes answers, "Baldomare was there on your wedding ceremony! That's where we met. And I was glad to meet one of the friends you made in college. But I must say, you look even younger than on that day. It's almost as if you are made out of magic!"

"Oh, Steppes, you old charmer. You are going to make me blush," Baldomare says, holding back her laugher as your uncle continues to woo her.

But you…

… you…

How did she… she couldn't possibly…

Luckily for you, there are so many excited ponies around you that nopony really notices how stunned you are. And for several seconds, you can only look at Baldomare, wide-eyed in surprise, as your uncle casually recounts the first time he met her, all those years ago.

Well, nopony notices your shock, except for Baldamare herself.

And the Name answers your unspoken question not with words, but with a rare and knowing smile.





Your uncle Velvet Steppes will be staying at your home, during this coming month. He will not be available to "help you" as usual. And despite his pleasant demeanor, after the initial joy of his arrival passes you can see that he looks shaken. You might want to talk to him, if you have the time.

Thanks to Baldomare's efforts, you have discovered the expedition "All in."

Spoiler: Author's Note

The next update should come out today. It will include any actions remaining, including the Bureau's report, so you can have all the information that is available for you to decide your Follower's actions.

 

[Skitzyfrenic]

'Oly Chit.

Are we... are we really closing in on GLORY?

 

[Greymere]

[Day 2 – Reaching the grave, cd 90]

[Roll: 36 + 50 (Expedition bonus) + 15 (Heart total 3) = 101]

[Success]

Click to shrink...

Oh hey, the Heartifact actually came in handy! Nice.

[-] You told her that relationships are a pleasure… and an investment. And that she should not squander all the years she invested in her marriage over whatever growing problems they are currently going through.
-You will become Friends with Spoiled rich.
-You will encourage her to maintain her relationship with her husband. She might not love him anymore, but they need not hate each other. And besides, she has a daughter to raise.
-You will slowly, but surely, carve her into a sycophant. She will listen to your every word, eventually, but reaching that point will require a certain degree of care. (Spoiled Rich will more easily become a "Confidante", but will not provide any action points unless she becomes a Minion).
-This is, without a doubt, the most manipulative option.

Click to shrink...

Not the option we'd have wanted if we genuinely wanted her as our friend, but it is the option that gets us to what we want most quickly without ruining our other (actual) prospective friend's life. Mareinette may receive one (1) headpat for her choice.

(also thank the Hours that the Riches will only remember the pleasant parts; it'd be really awkward to deal with why 'we' were literally drooling on poor Tiara)

[The Search, progress 0/200]

[Baldomare's Roll: 51 73 + 50 (Baldomare, searching) + 30 (Secret Histories 6) = 153]

[Comet's Roll: 1 + 10 (Intrigue) = 11]

[CRITICAL FAILURE, rolling malus… Comet Feet suffers 2 wounds]

[Servant's Roll: 79 + 10 (Velvet's unmodified intrigue) = 89]

[Total progress: 153 + 11 + 89 = 253]

[Success]

Click to shrink...

Poor, poor Comet. At least Baldomare and (surprisingly) our servants managed to pick up the slack.

We've got to scout that expedition next turn, Baldomare-granted Sacraments or Influences be damned.

Edit:

Your uncle Velvet Steppes will be staying at your home, during this coming month. He will not be available to "help you" as usual. And despite his pleasant demeanor, after the initial joy of his arrival passes you can see that he looks shaken. You might want to talk to him, if you have the time.

Click to shrink...

Also, I smell an impending Fleeting Opportunity

 

[spiderhellian]

All in.
Location: There is a reason Princess Celestia pays so much attention to Canterlot's growth. And this is it. She did not build this vault, that rests on the higher peak of Mount Canterlot, but she certainly improved it. Baldomare told you about walls that are not walls, and of things that are ancient to this world... but familiar to her. You have no idea how deep it goes, or how the Princess herself enters it. But now, the roundabout and confusing routes that the train-tunnels take through the mountain make a lot more sense. As does the Princess' edict that Canterlot may only carve out sections of the mountain with her permission. But still, this... is where you will found your Outsider.

Expected duration: IRRELEVANT (This expedition will always happen "between turns", and will not cost any action points from any characters.)

Base cost: FIXED, at 100 bits (this expedition will not cost more, or less, regardless of how long it takes, or how many creatures participate)

Special considerations:
-This expedition may not be picked during a Turn Planning vote. Instead, QM will ask if you wish to "commit" during the gap between turns, if Velvet Covers fulfills the requirements to perform this expedition.
-Scrying this expedition, or otherwise scouting it, will either be hard, perilous, or both.
-Velvet Covers and Selene MUST participate in this expedition.
-Only Names who have been BEFRIENDED may participate in this expedition.
-Only characters who Velvet Covers considers a MINION may participate in this expedition.
-You may only attempt this expedition AFTER discovering a way to extract an Outsider's "Blood".
-You should only attempt this expedition when you are ready to reach one of the Quest's possible Endings.

Click to shrink...

Holy. Shit.

The Glory is RIGHT. THERE.

 

[Greymere]

Location: There is a reason Princess Celestia pays so much attention to Canterlot's growth. And this is it. She did not build this vault, that rests on the higher peak of Mount Canterlot, but she certainly improved it. Baldomare told you about walls that are not walls, and of things that are ancient to this world... but familiar to her. You have no idea how deep it goes, or how the Princess herself enters it. But now, the roundabout and confusing routes that the train-tunnels take through the mountain make a lot more sense. As does the Princess' edict that Canterlot may only carve out sections of the mountain with her permission. But still, this... is where you will found your Outsider.

Expected duration: IRRELEVANT (This expedition will always happen "between turns", and will not cost any action points from any characters.)

Base cost: FIXED, at 100 bits (this expedition will not cost more, or less, regardless of how long it takes, or how many creatures participate)

Special considerations:
-This expedition may not be picked during a Turn Planning vote. Instead, QM will ask if you wish to "commit" during the gap between turns, if Velvet Covers fulfills the requirements to perform this expedition.
-Scrying this expedition, or otherwise scouting it, will either be hard, perilous, or both.
-Velvet Covers and Selene MUST participate in this expedition.
-Only Names who have been BEFRIENDED may participate in this expedition.
-Only characters who Velvet Covers considers a MINION may participate in this expedition.
-You may only attempt this expedition AFTER discovering a way to extract an Outsider's "Blood".
-You should only attempt this expedition when you are ready to reach one of the Quest's possible Endings.

Click to shrink...

Oooooh details! Details!

And a very BIG reason to double down on Name Befriending! Though I suppose this means that Biedde is categorically barred from participating here, @OurLadyOfWires?

Though I guess if we want to wait on getting at least Baldomare and DoA befriended and we can't attempt it until we found the Outsider Juicer anyway, scouting it immediately isn't strictly important actually

 

[Solace2117]

Interesting, definitely moving towards the end game, but we are not ready to even scout the location. Don't want to risk tipping off Celestia. Considering this is a location she didn't build, I wonder if the third Canterlot Expedition is connected in someway.
Don't know if this changes much for next turn. We need to prepare, "Level up", gather resources and allies, and get everything for the ritual set up. It does kind of put it all in focus though.

 

[Random Anon]

Damn it Rarity, you have it bad. You're drooling almost as bad as Mareinette.

 

[Earth-Destroyer]

So close to victory. Just 3 or so things to arrange, and we win.

 

[spiderhellian]

[Expedition: The Grave on the Hill]

Click to shrink...

Glad this went smoothly -- it definitely could have not! I'm surprised there wasn't a SH check somewhere, but really glad we sent DoA and the Heartifact!

When you asked her for more details, she sounded unusually evasive. You think she mentioned having written something, perhaps a diary of sorts, while on the expedition. But she almost immediately said she shredded it into pieces, and then burned it, after re-reading what she had penned.

Click to shrink...

Oh Rarity... what a glorious and terrible thing we have done to you. Five pages?!

And in her matronly kindness, the Lady is currently sitting in the best seat of the house, with her little Diamond Tiara neatly within the embrace of her forelegs.

If the Lady has chosen to drool over their daughter, as she keeps her between her forelegs, isn't that yet another show of favor towards their little Diamond?

Click to shrink...

Oh lord, Mareinette. I love how we usually see her from other's perspectives, where the juxtaposition of "she is a monster" and "she is an honoured guest" is so stark and so salient. Well, let it not be said we did not know what we were doing!

You are now Friends with Spoiled Rich. She will be treated, narratively and mechanically, like any other regular contact. But she will not provide you with any action points unless she becomes a Minion.

You were so pleasant, and so smooth, that even your divided attention was more than enough to fill the cup of their needs. You are now Close Friends with Filthy Rich.

Click to shrink...

Sweet, that went well. And tbh I think the choice Mareinette made was the same one we would have. @OurLadyOfWires Can we use the leash on Filthy Rich to make him a Confidant for this turn..?

This is the way towards GL-

"Mooooooom!!!"

-but suddenly, the entirety of your Glory-seeking and ambition-driven flame is snuffed out, like a candle on the wind, as you hear Silky Stream's voice coming from nearby.

Click to shrink...

Man. If this isn't the perfect encapsulation of Velvet in a nutshell, I don't know what is.

 

[Rafuki22]

You were so pleasant, and so smooth, that even your divided attention was more than enough to fill the cup of their needs. You are now Close Friends with Filthy Rich.

Click to shrink...

Sooo...Leash + Moth Sacrament next turn?

The Glory is RIGHT. THERE.

Click to shrink...

Not...exactly right there, there is still work to be done.

Edit: Also, maybe not in turn 21, but in turn 22 with a Forge Attention of the Laws could we remove Velvet scar?

 

[DelightedOne]

Yay, the Expedition was a success!

Well, I was right in thinking Mareinette was capable of getting us a Close Friend in one turn... shame she didn't. Or maybe I'm just being selfish(considering the whole "breaking up a family" thing).
Now all we need is to get the final scrap, 1 Spoiled Social next turn, a leash and voilà: Moth 5 is ours.


So, we finally meet.

Location: There is a reason Princess Celestia pays so much attention to Canterlot's growth. And this is it. She did not build this vault, that rests on the higher peak of Mount Canterlot, but she certainly improved it. Baldomare told you about walls that are not walls, and of things that are ancient to this world... but familiar to her. You have no idea how deep it goes, or how the Princess herself enters it. But now, the roundabout and confusing routes that the train-tunnels take through the mountain make a lot more sense. As does the Princess' edict that Canterlot may only carve out sections of the mountain with her permission. But still, this... is where you will found your Outsider

Click to shrink...

I just want you to know that I hate you. That you are the Path where the hope of a better future will die, because Hours don't share the power they have.

My last hope is that Discord will manage to free himself before Velvet can find him.