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

[Pittauro]

And narratively reagents might come in handy.

Click to shrink...

this one seems unlikely. Reagents have no use on expeditions, that's what Artifacts are for.

Reagents are for rituals. We'll just have to use them on getting us more summons or doing other rituals instead.

We know what Mareinette wants for her friendship.
And we know she can choose to break free.

We must befriend Mareinette and bring her with us...
Or we must leave her behind. Near our home, with all the Names who would want to stop her with us. With all our allies on hand with us
Where she sees that we do not want to bring her along in our path to Glory.

Where we will leave her behind. At their home, with Velvet's heart. With Velvet's family
...with Silky

And if Velvet does not offer a hoof beforehand...
If Velvet does not extend her hoof in friendship when she is still reaching for Glory.
If Velvet does not offer company and companionships when she is the weaker party.
Why would she think it would change after Glory?

Click to shrink...

Interesting thought.

We MIGHT, I suppose, send Silky and/or Mareinette away to do other stuff though. It will at least help with your first worry.

I wonder... IF, and I know it's unlikely, the game continues after we reach Glory... or even just in the Epilogue. Might it be possible to lift the consequences of the Crime of the Sky from Mareinette by changing that Law?

 

[BritBiscuit]

I mean it'd be hard but trying to kill her is always an option before the final trek into The Darkest Dungeon I mean the final trek to the Outsider and consequently Glory.

 

[Shaper47]

The soonest I'd say we could go is turn 23 after gaining our Moth Sacrament, SH Sacrament, Knock Sacrament, Edge Sacrament, Lantern Sacrament and heart 4.

More realistically I'd prefer we prepare a lot more. We found this place pretty early so we're kinda underleveled.

Although, sigh, despite how obvious it was that the Bureau wouldn't help with this and how giving up the Noble is now kinda a waste. Please keep it in mind everyone to not repeat that mistake again.

 

[Alan975]

sooo... Time to kill Mareinette or to drink from her cup?

That whole point seemed to die down since she started being extra useful, but I've a feeling that it can't stay swept under the rug for much longer

 

[Venerable Ro]

Mareinette after all, has an agenda, one that is not served by us reaching Glory.

 

[Shaper47]

this one seems unlikely. Reagents have no use on expeditions, that's what Artifacts are for.

Reagents are for rituals. We'll just have to use them on getting us more summons or doing other rituals instead.

Click to shrink...

Or in narrative circumstances and have possible mechanical effects if there high level.

Going for the end goal seems like bait for narrative circumstances to me.

Besides if we're going all in, we'll might as well go all in and spend those bits.

or in very specific narrative circumstances

Click to shrink...

Higher level reagents may have unforeseen/unknown narrative or mechanical effects.

Click to shrink...

 

[Quaxotia]

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...

It seems we are still a ways to the end, but it is there on the horizon.

So in the end, for our killing edge we will primarily have to rely on our self, Selene, and the Daughter of Axes. Baldomare will be useful for the expedition no doubt but can't fight, and Mareinette doesn't have much edge in spite of her high health. Also no clue if we want to befriend Mareinette with all that entails.

Maybe some summoned minions and Comet Feet can tag along, though I doubt he will be willing to come along as a minion without some extremely questionable actions.

 

[LieutenantSpirit]

Befriended Names and Minions can go with us on this expedition, but Mareinette is not a Name and she will certainly never be a Minion, either.

Does that mean she cannot ever come with us on the final expedition, or am I reading into it too much and she is still the equivalent of a Name, and thus, can go? (EDIT: If we befriend her first, of course.)

 

[Sveta08]

Befriended Names and Minions can go with us on this expedition, but Mareinette is not a Name and she will certainly never be a Minion, either.

Does that mean she cannot ever come with us on the final expedition, or am I reading into it too much and she is still the equivalent of a Name, and thus, can go? (EDIT: If we befriend her first, of course.)

Click to shrink...

Eh. For purposes of most things, Mareinette is a Name.
She can be befriended, or at the least has the equivalent of a friendship quest, she can be talked to, she gives lessons and sacraments.

She's just, uh... not resummonable.

 

[Limabot]

On figuring out how to acquire the means to get an Outsider's Blood, that would take 2 turns at the minimum (one to find a hypothetical expedition, and one to complete it). However, I would be entirely unsurprised if that time in reality is actually double that, since there are a lot of things that could significantly delay it (such as a research requirement, possibly needing Sacraments, or even just bad luck).

Also, I think the Personal SH Sacrament would be useful for the final Expedition, what with the likely SH-aligned construction of the place, the harsh limits/requirements on bringing anyone who isn't either Velvet or Selene, and the somewhat greater chance to come up in combat than the Baldomare counterpart.

 

[Shaper47]

-Only characters who Velvet Covers considers a MINION may participate in this expedition.

Click to shrink...

You know we're probably not going to befriended the Winter and Edge Name anytime soon but they're not the only source of Winter and Edge.

Afterall Ash Ghouls count as minions to Velvet.

And it's not like we're going have to worry about suspicion if we do the "All In" straight after summoning them.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are…

By the heavens, can't you stay home for one more week? You really, really would like to stay with your family for a little more. Now that you are actually well, that is.

Because this last month wasn't really a vacation. It was more like a localized trip to Tartarus, or perhaps the less savory parts of the Mansus. But now that you are finally feeling a little better, do you really have to go back?

…

Fiiiine…

You are Commissioner Velvet Covers.

And right now, you are receiving your last report from your Deputy, before you return to Canterlot in person.

"… other than that, I am glad to see you looking this healthy, Velvet," Shining Armor says, as he puts down the report he has been reading from.

You give him a thankful nod. And to be honest, there isn't really much you can say other than just an agreement. You are just glad to be feeling better.

"Thank you, Shining. Now, regarding my return to the Bureau," you say, and the stallion immediately raises the writing pen he has on his hoof.

Because the first thing you told him, during his report, is that you will be going back to Canterlot, come next week. So, it is only natural for you two to discuss the details about that.

"First of all, I… appreciate your concern, and the care that everypony had towards me. But last week, when I finally managed to go for a walk, I realized there are way more constables here than I expected." You say that as you narrow your eyes.

And just for a moment, the stallion cringes. As if he had finally been caught in the act. But a heartbeat later, you can see him straightening his back as he prepares to stand by his decision.

"Like I said, I appreciate the Bureau's commitment to my and my family's protection. But that was a bit of an overcommitment. Have them return to their posts, in Canterlot. Or better yet, find something for all of that horsepower to do, rather than just escort a single mare around."

A glint of surprise flickers through Shining's eyes. Because, you can tell, he was expecting you to scold him a lot more than just that.

After all, you were telling the truth. And now that you can count up to ten without having a headache, you can see that the Bureau's constabulary was almost entirely dedicated to your safety. Which means, in turn, that they didn't do anything that was actually useful this month.

But still, what is done is done, and you will not be making a big deal out of it.

"So, have them return to Canterlot next week, with me. And bring me recommendations of things they can be assigned for that are actually useful."

Shining Armor begins to take notes, as you tell him that. But to be honest, the two of you already know what should be in your sights right now. You have the changelings on Tall Tale, and whatever comes out of the Manehattan investigation, to look into.

"We discussed assigning you a permanent retinue, Commissioner. Is that still on the table?" he asks, with a tone that is more than a little hopeful.

And you can't help but groan at that.

Because yes, having actual bodyguards will mean that you won't have as much privacy… but still, you know this will make several ponies feel safer. Your family included.

So, you give him a reluctant nod, and you ignore the small sigh of relief he lets out as he writes a few more notes.

"Yes, yes. Sure. Treat a noblemare like a noblemare. But I don't want too many ponies. And I don't want any unknown faces either. I have a few names in mind for who I'd like in that detail, and you can pick the rest. There were two mares, Drummer-something and her friend, that were vetted to pick up my daughters. Put them on the list. And also…"

You give him three more names that come to your mind, and then you tell him to pick the other candidates.

You also tacitly accept the fact that you will not be taking the train anymore, and that he can arrange for a flying carriage to pick you up a few days from now.

"But other than that," you finish, "I want an all-hoofs meeting first thing in the morning. I want to see everypony, I want everypony to see me, and I want us all to start this month with the right hoof."

And after a few more words exchanged between the two of you, the stallion leaves. His trot way more confident than it was when he first entered.



- - -



You had forgotten how quiet it is inside a flying chariot.

Of course, the interior is insulated by all kinds of magic. But still, having nopony to speak with for the hours-long trip is… well, it is very quiet.

It doesn't really bother you. And if it did, you know you could stretch your mental hoofs in certain directions, that you have been avoiding for now. But still, being alone for so long after spending several days with your family is rather unfamiliar.

Although you realize this won't last much longer. In fact, as you look out through the window, you can see the rooftops of Canterlot far below.

You have already reached the mountain, it seems. And the carriage should land in a few minutes on the Royal Castle.

Or at least, that is what you think will happen. But much to your surprise, you hear a knock coming from the door on the chariot's ceiling.

Which is… extremely unusual? Well, there is a door on the top of the chariot, for ponies to climb up. But to be honest, you have never seen that door be used for anything.

Still, before you can figure out what is happening, the door opens from the outside. The knock, you can tell, was more out of courtesy than anything. Because nopony on the outside would be able to hear you telling them to come in, given how windy it must be out there.

Regardless, the door opens, and you watch as the familiar figure of one of your secretaries falls into the chariot. The pegasus stallion, Night Spark, is clearly out of breath. And what is even more unusual, he seems to be carrying a suitcase in his mouth.

"Commissioner!" he says, almost yells, as he tries to put his breath under control. And in truth, you can barely hear him thanks to the howling wind coming from the door.

But the stallion looks at you, his eyes wide-open almost in a panic, and he continues to speak before you can do anything else. In fact, he doesn't even seem to notice that you just lit up your horn to close the roof-door.

"Commissioner, I just spoke to the pilots!" he says, as he frantically opens the suitcase, revealing your full uniform inside of it. Badge and all. "You are going to land directly on the Bureau. Not on the Royal Castle."

"What? Why? I… I scheduled a full meeting, but it should be a bit closer to midday? What's the rush?" you ask, feeling a pang of concern at the stallion's own frantic mood.

"It's the Princess! Princess Celestia, that is. She came unannounced. She's in the underground right now!"

Your eyes go wide. And you almost feel the chariot lurching, even though the dampening magic, as the chariot screeches to a landing halt in the Bureau's hangar.

And you are almost galloping out of the chariot, in full uniform, the moment your constables open the door for you.



- - -



Princess Celestia is here.

In the Bureau.

On an unannounced visit.

And from what you heard, she went straight to the underground section.

Everypony who works at the Bureau knows what that means.

After all, she also probably keeps a tight hoof on Eclipse. She knows, or has ways to know, about any communication between the Bureau and them. Consequently, she is one of the few ponies who would know about whatever requests you make to the mysterious researchers.

Including… including any "freak-checks" you ask from them.

In hindsight, the only surprise you have is that something like this did not happen earlier.

"Down there, Commissioner," a constable says, as he stands guard on the entrance to the high-security prison.

You can tell from the constable's expression that he is… nervous. And you do not blame him.

You too would be nervous if you were here.

Especially given how…

"The… uh, the smell, Commissioner, we started feeling it some thirty minutes ago… And the Princess has not come up this entire time."

… especially given how there is a horrible stench, coming from the entrance to the prison-section.

"Thank you. I will go see the Princess. And… don't let anypony follow," you say.

The constable gives you a quick, hard nod.

And then, you begin to make your way down.

The high-security prison of the Bureau is, like all of its important facilities, deep underground. It is a section that was carved out of the mountain itself, and reinforced by means and methods that you only understand from an academic perspective.

Still, as you make your way down the solid-stone steps, you can't help but feel…

Disgusted.

There is a stench, coming from the depths. A horrid smell that reminds you of sulfur, or maybe charred meat, or perhaps something worse that you only ever felt in your dreams.

However, there is nothing you can do but soldier on. And when you finally reach the bottom of the stairs, and pass the heavy metal doors, you find the pony you are looking for.

You find the pony who is responsible for this.

"My Princess."

You find Princess Celestia.

…

The alicorn looks as regal as ever. Her coat is a spotless white, and her jewels are polished to a golden shine. Like always, she seems to be more than twice your height, and the added height of her horn makes her taller than even Mareinette.

She is the guiding sun of ponykind. The eternal leader of Equestria. The wise ruler holding the reins of your species.

Or rather, that is what you would normally think… until you looked at her face.

Princess Celestia is sitting down on the ground. Her posture is straight and proper, yes. But still, she is sitting on the ground, and she is not looking at you.

She is currently sitting down and facing a particular cell. She is facing a particular cell which, you know, has the most important prisoner that the Bureau ever captured. She is looking at the cell where you are keeping the first changeling you ever imprisoned.

And her face is… her expression is…

She is looking at that cell with an expression you can only describe as manic.

Princess Celestia's eyes, you can see from the sideways perspective you have, are wide open. Her mouth is shut tight, and her lips are a tight line, but you can still tell she is clenching down with her teeth.

You also swear that the mare isn't breathing. Or at least, you can't see her chest moving, even as the seconds stretch by.

And most worrying of all, her entire face bears the complexion of a pony who seems to be inches away from snapping.
"… you are right… does make me feel better and…"
You also think, you think she is mumbling something to herself. But by the life of you, you can't be sure.

After all, for all that there is a dangerously unstable alicorn in front of you, you also have the rest of the room calling your attention to it.

Because the cell that Princess Celestia is facing, the cell that is holding the imprisoned changeling… well, it is better to say that it was holding your changeling prisoner.

After all, the cell is currently in shambles.

The metal door on its front is completely melted, and is currently a half-formed pile of slag on the floor. The very stone of its walls look cracked, as if it was flash-heated by something and it crumbled under the speed of its own expansion. And finally the magical wards that should like the wall are completely gone. As if a spell of great intensity was used inside the jail cell, which overpowered the wards until they burned away.

Put all those things together, and you can understand why… why the changeling itself is nowhere to be seen. You don't even see a pile of ashes.

All that is left of it is the smell.
"… what they deserve… what they all deserve… yes… we should…"
"My… my Princess?" you try again, this time a little more loud.

You realize you are walking on very thin ice, and that the sun above this ice is very hot indeed. But still, you can't think of a better alternative.

Letting the Princess stay her by herself, alone with whatever is in her thoughts, feels like a horrible idea. And given how you are in charge of the Bureau, by her own orders, you are the one and only pony who she could possibly accept to meet right now.

Although you can feel your sweat dampening your fur, as the seconds stretch long.

Until finally, the Princess blinks, and her expression softens ever so slightly.

After that, she takes a long, deep breath, and turns to face you after standing up.

"Commissioner Velvet Covers," she says, her voice heavy and forceful, as if she is only half-paying attention to you. "I trust you did not need your prisoner anymore."

You suppress the urge to gulp. You don't think she would notice it, even if you did, given how unfocused her eyes seem. But still, you dare not risk it.

Still, you are not sure if she asked you a question or not. Because her tone definitely sounded more like a statement.

So, you can only nod your head at her. And hope that, whatever she interprets from it, will be to her liking.

"I also heard of your findings in Tall Tale. As well as the attempt against your life," she says.

And for a moment, you wait. You wait because you can see that she is thinking. You can tell that her focus, as fractured as it may be, is centering itself as she speaks those words.

You wait, because you hope she will say something else. You hope she will say something more. Some expression of what she would like the Bureau to do next. Some mention of what she thinks you should prioritize.

Because given how frayed she looks, you definitely would like to know what she thinks is more important. Anything to give you another month of productivity. Another month where she isn't more disappointed at yourself, or ponykind.

But unfortunately…

"… it seems you have quite a lot on your hoofs," she finishes.

And you are not sure if this means she just does not care, or if this is yet another test to see what you will do next.

She says that and, without another word, she moves to leave. You nearly jump to the side, to give her a wide berth, and you swear you can feel the air heating up, as she walks past you.

You do not dare to go after her. You do not dare to speak. Because you are sure that a single misstep could be… bad. Very bad.

Perhaps as bad as it was to your former prisoner.
"… ah… yes, you are right… we should…"
But the Princess mumbles something, under her breath, and then she turns to face you once again.

And on the next moment, you FREEZE.

Because when Princess Celestia turns towards you, she doesn't just look at you. She stares at you. The alicorn of the sun turns her eyes towards you, and in them you can see the unmistakable light of Lantern.

It is a small light. Candle-strong and maybe not even that. But still, it is there, present and unmistakable.

And in that single, horror-filled moment, you can see that she is searching. You cannot tell what she is looking for, but you can feel the attempt.

But thankfully, thankfully, the overlapping folds you have over your soul means that she doesn't find anything.

The only thing Princess Celestia's gaze can see is… a mare. One who is loyal to her family, and to ponykind, and to everything else that is good and proper.

"… nothing there…" you hear her mumble, this time a little louder than before.

And after that, she is gone. Leaving you alone, with the charred smell of carbonized bug-flesh, and the painful pounding of your own heart.

Because you can tell that, had she seen something inside of you… anything that shouldn't be there, anything at all… the last thing you would see would have been the burning glare of the sun.





Princess Celestia is right now, at the beginning of turn 21, Lantern 1.

Velvet Covers is now aware that she must not allow Celestia's Lantern to reach her own Moth level.



- - -



You… delayed your meeting, with the Bureau. You considered pushing it off to the next day. But ultimately, you had everypony gather in the meeting room in the afternoon.

Because you needed a few… minutes, after that.

But ultimately, you were able to catch up to speed with the Bureau.

Specifically, your investigators were able to brief you on everything they have discovered to far, in Manehattan, as they followed the trail of your attackers.

First of all, they discovered that your attackers were hired by a criminal organization known as the "Gardeners". A gang-slash-crime-syndicate that started flourishing in the Manehattan underworld a few months ago.

The dossier your detective give you, a summarized copy of what Iron Button had on display during his presentation, was impressive, to say the least. And they already had the name and cutie mark of several ponies-of-interest, including some pictures.

Furthermore, they even confirmed who the gang's leader was. And they presented you with a preliminary profile of one Copper Secateur, as well as a written description of what her cutie mark should look like.

All of that was frighteningly accurate. And not for the first time you remember the pedigree of the ponies who work for the Bureau.

However, their investigation made an interesting turn when they located the gang's headaquarters. Which turned out to be the building that suffered a magical explosion one day before the detectives tracked your assailants to Manehattan.

"We suspect this was the result of infighting, Commissioner," Iron Buton said, both to you and to the other team-leaders gathered there. "Once they realized their hit against you failed, and that we would come for them, we suspect they staged a coup against this Copper mare. Although we haven't yet discarded other reasons, such as an attempt to cover their tracks."

Following that, they run you through everything they have found. Lists of items, addresses, and trails they could try to follow. A detailed inventory of all the relevant that was gathered.

You make a show of reading through all the lists, but you already knew what was on it the moment you touched it.

You notice that they did not find anything that resembles a Windigo jar. However, you also see an item that reads "a safe, now unlocked, with documents", as well as the writings Selene had planted. It's all there.

A few questions reveal to you that those items are currently being analyzed by the Bureau's forensics department. And your mention that you will want a report on any of their findings is met with a quick set of nods, and a few notes being taken.

Whatever might come from these items, or however you decide to dispose of some of them, will have to be decided… later, over the course of this month.

"And finally, we have compiled a list of all perps, suspects, and collaterals that were involved with the Gardeners, or the attempt against you. The constables should be able to round them up at your discretion, Commissioner, although we advise that you do it sooner rather than later," Iron Button finishes his presentation.

"An investigation can only be too subtle, before we need to start flashing badges," Beyond Reproach chimes in, driving Button's point home. "The cockroaches know we were sifting around Manehattan, and they will start running if we don't come for them soon."

You give them all a long, slow nod, as you think about all your options.

"Thank you all," you say, "I will take that under advisement."

The moment you stand up, everypony else follows suit. The entire room waiting in silence as yourself, and then Shining Armor and your secretary, file out of the room.

And your orders begin to trickle down to the Bureau at large before the end of the day.



- - -

FOLLOWERS PHASE​

Velvet Covers currently has 4 personal actions to use on her own phase. (4 base, none previously used).

The following options must be included in your plan, and they are "preliminary" to this turn:

Would you like to Leash somepony? (This option will also be available on Velvet's Phase)
-[] Leash Filthy Rich (gain one follower action)
-[] Do not leash anypony.


Would you like to keep Baldomare's summons?
-[] Gift Baldomare your Level 6 book.
-[] Gift Baldomare a Level 5 book (write-in which)
-[] Do not gift Baldomare any books, and allow her to leave. (This is the wrong option)


You currently have FIFTEEN/SIXTEEN (depending on your decision to Leash Filthy Rich) Follower actions.

Spoiler: Follower breakdown

Rarity: 1
Jade Whistle: 1
Fluttershy: 1
Filthy Rich: 1 (UNCERTAIN)
Baldomare: 1
Mareinette: 1
Velvet Axe: 1
Biedde: 1
Selene: 2
Household servants: 1
One-time use servants: 5

Spoiler: Things to keep in mind

Additional notes:
-It is important to understand that you are still "under the weather" this turn. Mechanically, you are at maximum health with no debuffs. But narratively, you will still be a bit beaten, and slowly improving, to the point that you will be perfectly healthy at the end of this month.
-Which is another reason of why your Fleeting Opportunities are so "personal", and more ambitious Fleeting Opportunities are not being offered.
-Certain Bureau-specific actions (such as the result of your blackmail option, and a chance to address your lost Manuscripts) will take place during the turn. No actions need to be invested in them. For now, plan this turn with the information you currently have.
-The following Fleeting Opportunities will be available this turn:
--Your family is still rattled. Address that. (May be done with your "free" social action. May NOT be done by Mareinette, as Velvet herself would not allow it) (Not picking this action will risk NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES)
--Your friends are still worried about you. Reach out to them. (May be done with your "free" social action. May be performed by Mareinette. May ALSO be performed by your "Commissioner" action, but if so it will ONLY address Cadance)
--Your uncle appears to be shaken. Talk to him. (May be done with your "free" social action. May be done by Mareinette)
-Finally, a reminder that "Training Selene" costs NO actions for Selene herself (her "Diligent" trait will cover it), and can be done with Velvet's own "free" social action.

Current bits: 409 (196 from previous turn, 160 from monthly salary, 53 from Rarity's dividends)


The Lunar Bureau

Spoiler: Orders, Commissioner?

General notes:
-Velvet Covers may NOT "tamper with evidence" of anything the Lunar Bureau captures.
-The Lunar Bureau has no knowledge of the Lores. They might miss Lore-related things, or might not know how to react to them, if Velvet Covers is not personally involved.
-Velvet Covers MAY "plant evidence" in advance, in an already-explored expedition site or somewhere you direct the Bureau to go. Consult with QM for details, to write-in a Velvet action aimed at that.


Pick ONE of each.


You don't have many detectives, but the ones you do are the best of the best. What should they focus on this month?
-[] [DETECTIVES] Despite their friendly nature, ponies are capable of crimes just like any other intelligent creature. Have them investigate crimes at large, in the several cities of Equestria. (Less impactful in the grand scheme of things. But helps the Bureau keep a good image, and decreases the "tension" of the population at large, as the world becomes a worse place)
-[] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[] [DETECTIVES] The dangers in the dark come from outside of Ponykind as well. Listen to the rumors. Study the myths. Look for the threats from without. (Search for Expedition Sites for your later consideration. Additionally, keep an ear on the ground for other "foreign" threats)
-[] [DETECTIVES] Nudge them in the… "correct" direction. Put them on the trail of one of your Opponents. (WRITE IN which Opponent. Sets the Bureau to investigate a pony you have a personal problem with)


Former constables, ex-Guards, defenders, one and all. They are not perfectly suited for investigations, but the Bureau needs muscles. And these ponies provide.
-[] [CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
-[] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Your detectives have given you a very long list, of ponies and places involved in the attempt against your life. Round them up and put them all in jail, before this trail goes cold.
-[] [CONSTABLES] Plan and execute a raid. Within Equestria, or anywhere else that is needed. (WRITE IN an Expedition, OR an Opponent the Bureau has investigated. The Bureau will attempt to perform the Expedition, or will assault an Opponent)
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Adds four additional ponies as bodyguards to your retinue, for this turn only)


Of course, now that you have a better handle of this, you can find the time to pursue other endeavors while in Canterlot.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] Some of the ponies in the Bureau are more important than the others. Get to know them better.
--[] Shining Armor, your Deputy.
--[] Beyond Reproach, your finest detective.
--[] Spend time with somepony else. (Discover, and talk to, another key figure)
-[] [COMMISSIONER] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Princess Cadance is in Canterlot. You are in Canterlot. Oh, and you nearly died, just a few weeks ago. Use your free time here to meet her.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[] [COMMISSIONER] The Lunar Bureau is not the only recently-minted institution in Equestria. Try to contact the others.
--[] The Solar Court, and Fair Trial.
--[] Eclipse(?), and Midday Dew.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] Get your hoofs dirty. (Participate in the "Investigators" actions. And join the "Constables" in a raid/Expedition, if they are ordered to do a raid/Expedition)

Exclusive actions

Spoiler: You are the only one I can trust with this

Picking an action from any of these lists will "ensure/lock" that pony to that action, and that follower will not be available for the pool of "general actions".


Rarity (3 health, GRAIL 3, FORGE 1)
-[] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[] [RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[] [RARITY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (SECRET LIBRARY INSUFFICIENTLY LEVELED)
-[] [RARITY] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Jade Whistle (3 health, LANTERN 4, HEART 2)
-[] [JADE] "You do you." (Let her do what she wants, and hopefully rest)
-[] [JADE] Research "A Memory of Light" (Current progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)
-[] [JADE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Fluttershy (3 health, WINTER 1, UNKNOWN nonexistent)
Comet Feet (2/4 health, EDGE 4)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to Guard your home.
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (No longer allowed, as per your deal with Comet)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else? (WRITE IN)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else from your… mutual frient? (WRITE IN to ask Comet Feet for something)


Baldomare (2 health, LANTERN 6, SECRET HISTORIES 6)
(Baldomare will expire at the end of turn 23)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [BALDOMARE] "Go have fun." (WRITE IN how many bits, at least 100, that she is allowed to spend to find something interesting)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (WRITE IN an unread book, of level 5 or higher, to gift her. This is a FREE ACTION and will "reset" her summoning period to the beginning of next turn.)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Mareinette (??? Health, GRAIL 6, HEART 6)
(Mareinette's bindings will expire at the end of turn 22)
-[] [MAREINETTE] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Have her speak with your friends, in your stead.
-[] [MAREINETTE] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Have her meet your uncle, in your stead.
-[] [MAREINETTE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lores)
-[] [MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to… (WRITE IN a pony for her to speak with in, "stepping into" your horseshoes).
-[] [MAREINETTE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


The Daughter-of-Axes (5 health, KNOCK 6, EDGE 3)
(The Daughter-of-Axes' bindings will expire at the end of turn 21)
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock Influence.
-[] [AXE] Craft Wrong Keys. (She will give you three Wrong Keys, which will expire after five turns. Only once per summoning.)
-[] [AXE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Biedde (5 health, EDGE 6, MOTH 3)
(Biedde's bindings will expire at the end of turn 21)
(Biedde will automatically "Guard" you as a free action)
-[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge lesson.
-[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge Influence.
-[] [BIEDDE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Selene (6 health, MOTH 3, EDGE 3, WINTER 3, KNOCK 3)
(As an alicorn, Selene has TWO actions per turn)
(Choosing to further train Selene will not cost any actions from Selene herself, only from Velvet Covers)
-[] [SELENE] You need her to talk to somepony about… (WRITE IN whose dreams she will enter)
-[] [SELENE] Soothe the night. (Her Winter realization. Unknown effects, if any.)
-[] [SELENE] Something else? (WRITE IN)

General actions

Spoiler: Could anypony please…?

Do NOT specify what follower will perform which actions. Followers who are not busy performing "exclusive actions" will perform whatever you choose here, based on who is best suited for it.
Any action may be picked several times. Write in a note specifying if you want that to happen.


-[] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE)
--[] In the great libraries of Canterlot… the ones that are open to public access, that is (LANTERN, GRAIL, SECRET HISTORIES)
--[] In the many small bookshops that dot the side streets of Manehattan (MOTH, EDGE, KNOCK)


-[] You need somepony to search for a more "peculiar" artifact. (Search for a random artifact to buy)


-[] You have contacts in Ponyville, that can find you exactly what you need. Reach out to them. (Write in LORE and LEVEL, up to Level 3. A suitable matching artifact will be available for purchase, but will be more expensive than normal)


-[] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should… (Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
--[] You need a place where you can safely, and discreetly, store items. Use the upper level of her house for it.
--[] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.


-[] Equestria is full of undiscovered places. You must learn their secrets…
--[] Search for a place that is recent in its ruin, whose History is decided. Mundane as it might be, it might still bear treasures. (Search for an "easy" expedition)
--[] Search for a place that is old in its History. Where the influence of the Mansus is but an echo, but that can still be heard in the wind. (Search for an intermediary expedition)
--[] Search for a place that should be better left forgotten. According to the powers of this Era, at least. Finding it will be hard, though, and uncovering its secrets even harder. (Search for a very hard expedition)


-[] You need to learn more about this. Send a pony to better scout a known expedition site. (WRITE IN which expedition to scout)


-[] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition. (Will cause an "Expedition planning" vote to occur, later this turn. If the expedition is not a "short" one, you must pick this action as many times as you want followers to participate in it.)


-[] Needs must. Ask somepony to procure you a dead body from the local cemetery.


-[] There really is no other way. Ask somepony to get you a live prisoner. (You have no place to keep live prisoners)


-[] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (WRITE IN ritual, and its target)
--[] To be performed in Jade's house (up to two-circle rituals)
--[] To be performed... somewhere, where you hope nopony will catch wind of it.


-[] You would like somepony to help you with a small ritual (WRITE IN what Lore, VELVET gains one Attention of the Laws in the Lore. May be picked multiple times.)

-[] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.

Spoiler: Opponents

"They might not be your enemies, but they are definitely not your friends."
(Knowing, or at least suspecting, an opponent's location is vital for a non-ritual action to succeed. Otherwise, the pony sent will spend their action investigating an opponent's whereabouts)


Defend your home. Because you can't keep fighting if you are dead.
--[] [GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe.
(Followers ordered to GUARD will always participate in combat if a foe, or some other faction, tries to attack you during this turn)
(Followers ordered to GUARD will NOT magically teleport to Velvet if she decides to start a combat of her own accord, in another narrative/mechanic situation, and they will not be present during combats that occur during expeditions.)
(If you are not attacked during this turn, any GUARD action taken will have no effect.)


Windy Flakes (possible location unknown)
--[] [WINDY] Send somepony to attack this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Send somepony to locate, or spy on, this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN what ritual)
--[] [WINDY] Attempt to contact this opponent (WRITE IN what to discuss if successful)

"Cover your bases"
(You may only pick ONE of the following options)
-[] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[] Two extra Velvet actions! (Costs 5 follower actions)
-[] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[] Four extra Velvet actions! (Costs 14 follower actions)


-[] Something else? (WRITE IN)





It is very unlikely this post is perfect. Kindly point out any mistakes you notice.

And as always, ask whatever you wish to ask, and suggest whatever needs suggesting.

Twenty-four hours of moratorium. Extendable, if requested.

I hope you are all doing well!

 

[Shaper47]

[] Plan: Knock, SH and Edge Sacrament with extra Aotl (Jade on light)
-[X] Leash Filthy Rich (gain one follower action)
-[X] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[X] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
-[X] [COMMISSIONER] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Princess Cadance is in Canterlot. You are in Canterlot. Oh, and you nearly died, just a few weeks ago. Use your free time here to meet her.
-[X] [JADE] Research "A Memory of Light" (Current progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)
-[X] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence in Secret Histories
-[X] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Spoiled Rich
-[X] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge Influence.
-[X] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[X] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE)
-[X] You would like somepony to help you with a small ritual. Edge Aotl × 1

[] Plan: Knock and SH Sacraments with Friendship
-[X] Leash Filthy Rich (gain one follower action)
-[X] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[X] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
-[X] [COMMISSIONER] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Princess Cadance is in Canterlot. You are in Canterlot. Oh, and you nearly died, just a few weeks ago. Use your free time here to meet her.
-[X] [JADE] Research "A Memory of Light" (Current progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)
-[X] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence in Secret Histories
-[X] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Spoiled Rich
-[X] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X] [SELENE] Comfort Jade
-[X] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[X] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE)
-[X] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should… (Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
---[X] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.


[] Plan: Knock, SH and Edge Sacrament
-[X] Leash Filthy Rich (gain one follower action)
-[X] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[X] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
-[X] [COMMISSIONER] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Princess Cadance is in Canterlot. You are in Canterlot. Oh, and you nearly died, just a few weeks ago. Use your free time here to meet her.
-[X] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[X] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence in Secret Histories
-[X] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Spoiled Rich
-[X] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge Influence.
-[X] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[X] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE) × 2

[] Plan: Knock, SH and Edge Sacrament with extra Aotl
-[X] Leash Filthy Rich (gain one follower action)
-[X] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[X] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
-[X] [COMMISSIONER] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Princess Cadance is in Canterlot. You are in Canterlot. Oh, and you nearly died, just a few weeks ago. Use your free time here to meet her.
-[X] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[X] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence in Secret Histories
-[X] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Spoiled Rich
-[X] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge Influence.
-[X] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[X] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE)
-[X] You would like somepony to help you with a small ritual. Edge Aotl × 1

[] Plan: Knock, SH and Wolf Sacrament
-[X] Leash Filthy Rich (gain one follower action)
-[X] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[X] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
-[X] [COMMISSIONER] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Princess Cadance is in Canterlot. You are in Canterlot. Oh, and you nearly died, just a few weeks ago. Use your free time here to meet her.
-[X] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[X] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence in Secret Histories
-[X] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Spoiled Rich
-[X] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[X] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE) × 2
-[X] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should… (Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
---[X] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.

[] Plan: Knock, SH and Edge Sacrament with extra Aotl (Jade on light)
[] Plan: Knock and SH Sacraments with Friendship
[] Plan: Knock, SH and Edge Sacrament with extra Aotl
[] Plan: Knock, SH and Edge Sacrament
[] Plan: Knock, SH and Wolf Sacrament

 

[jelloloaf]

Furthermore, they even confirmed who the gang's leader was. And they presented you with a preliminary profile of one Copper Secateur, as well as a written description of what her cutie mark should look like.

Click to shrink...

Copper lore Copper lore Copper lore give it to me.

 

[Pittauro]

The soonest I'd say we could go is turn 23 after gaining our Moth Sacrament, SH Sacrament, Knock Sacrament, Edge Sacrament, Lantern Sacrament and heart 4.

More realistically I'd prefer we prepare a lot more. We found this place pretty early so we're kinda underleveled.

Although, sigh, despite how obvious it was that the Bureau wouldn't help with this and how giving up the Noble is now kinda a waste. Please keep it in mind everyone to not repeat that mistake again.

Click to shrink...

that's a fair list of sacraments. Maybe we can add Winter too, who knows. The main obstacle are the moral one (a majority of us needs to decide we're fine killing 3 ponies) AND the Winter Scraps.

Though if we got Neighnia it would be fairly easy, actually. we're at 1/4, so 1 from the artifact and 2 from her influence.

As for when... earliest would be between turns 22 and 23, but all things considered we CAN afford to delay a bit. I disagree on us being underleveled though. I did the math, if we can study the artifacts and befriend both Axe and Baldomare I'd say we're ready.

Especially if we can get a few more artifacts and summons like the Mares.

as for bureau, let's wait to see what happens before calling it a bad choice. We still have at least 2 full turns, maybe more, and for all we know it could still come in handy.

Of course the MOMENT Celestia reaches Lantern 3 we need to rush any remaining feasible preparation, and the moment she reaches 4 it's do or die... though even in the very worst case we likely have another 3 turns (1 lvl up per turn), and at least lvl 3 and 4s are likely to take more than that.

Or in narrative circumstances and have possible mechanical effects if there high level.

Going for the end goal seems like bait for narrative circumstances to me.

Besides if we're going all in, we'll might as well go all in and spend those bits.

Click to shrink...

If a reagent had mechanical or narrative effects, we'd be told. closest has been the Wrong Key, basically.

and really, if we had the bits to waste then an extra expedition or a ritual for more minions makes more sense than a single lvl 5 reagent (for which we'd need Forge 5 anyway). Anything lower than lvl 5 is unlikely to have those kind of effects I think, at least not anything made by Velvet. And even if it did, we could not predict it.

We at least know Velvet-made lvl 3 reagents (45 bits) don't have such effects, and lvl 4s are unlikely to in my opinion. So... maybe after Forge Sacrament, if we get there in time.

I also don't think it's bait. Bird has expressed his frustration with our slow progress on Glory multiple time, it seems obvious he just wants us to just go on and do it.

In three turns it should be fine. possibly more, unlikely to be less.

Afterall Ash Ghouls count as minions to Velvet.

Click to shrink...

Shaper, PLEASE be realistic.

Ash Ghouls require living sacrifices. a maxed out one requires 7 pony sacrifices, and then 7 more each turn to maintain him.

can you SERIOUSLY imagine us going to get 7 such sacrifices?


aaaand update, going to read!

 

[Sveta08]

Fascination.
I should have remembered that.

Preliminary planning things will come along shortly.

 

[Shaper47]

Of course the MOMENT Celestia reaches Lantern 3 we need to rush any remaining feasible preparation, and the moment she reaches 4 it's do or die... though even in the very worst case we likely have another 3 turns (1 lvl up per turn), and at least lvl 3 and 4s are likely to take more than that

Click to shrink...

It's gets harder the higher the lore level is. Especially the jump from 4 to 5.

But yeah that's very reasonable.

Celestia at level 4 lantern is the deadline.

Shaper, PLEASE be realistic.

Ash Ghouls require living sacrifices. a maxed out one requires 7 pony sacrifices, and then 7 more each turn to maintain him.

can you SERIOUSLY imagine us going to get 7 such sacrifices?

Click to shrink...

Maintenance isn't a problem as we'd be doing it straight away. (also it's corpses not living for maintenance)

Realistically it would probably be something like a short expedition attacking a criminal gang. Beat them up and do the summoning at their base.

Would leave a shit ton of suspicious evidence behind but in this situation we wouldn't really care about suspicion anymore.

 

[Steady Gaze]

Spoiler: Copyedits for Turn 21 - Followers' Phase

@OurLadyOfWires Copyedits! I assure you I've been reading along and checking, but I haven't seen any issues since turn 20 part 3! Do you have a different process now? Hehe.

And finally, we have compiled a list of all perps, suspects, and collaterals that were involved with the Gardeners, or the attempt against you.

Click to shrink...

I think by "collaterals" you mean "incidental ponies". You could say "collateral" (as a collective noun) but it's still not very clear.

"… ah… yes, you are right… we should…"

Click to shrink...

"we" should? I wonder who Celestia is imagining talking to. Maybe Luna ? Starswirl? I hope Selene figures something out soon…

Now the key decision is whether to go for Tall Tale first or the Gardeners. Maybe this is narrative causality speaking but I don't think Celestia will burn us to death next turn for not going after the Changelings right away because she already showed up recently. I guess it's in the public interest if the remains of Copper's cult are cleaned up, and it could potentially get the Bureau more lore knowledge. That said, what if somepony in the dragnet knows some dirt on us? We have a legit cover (fear of getting toasted) for delaying it and making the investigation harder. And getting a lore-equipped Bureau feels quite distant. And it's clear that Celestia may be paying attention to what we find.

After all, she also probably keeps a tight hoof on Eclipse. She knows, or has ways to know, about any communication between the Bureau and them. Consequently, she is one of the few ponies who would know about whatever requests you make to the mysterious researchers.

Including… including any "freak-checks" you ask from them.

Click to shrink...

Overall, I feel kind of split.

 

[Alan975]

I wonder who Celestia is imagining talking to

Click to shrink...

... not living up to your name I see.

Read that and her first line again

 

[Light_Seeker]

"we" should? I wonder who Celestia is imagining talking to. Maybe Luna ? Starswirl? I hope Selene figures something out soon…

Click to shrink...

It's Daybreaker, most likely. It's also out greatest potential problem.

Before we go All In, two big things we gotta do is to deal with Mareinette, and to deal with Celestia. That's optional quests, but they secure things for our family, so optionality is closer to formality than objective truth.

Given the extent of prep we need, we probabl have time for both if we finish training Luna. We'll need her for both tasks.

 

[Steady Gaze]

Before we go All In, two big things we gotta do is to deal with Mareinette, and to deal with Celestia. That's optional quests, but they secure things for our family

Click to shrink...

I guess we don't really know what will happen after the expedition, so we can't rule out "disappear from the Wake and become an Hour immediately" as an outcome. But I was kind of counting on being able to continue our existing life in some form. I don't know if we would willingly leave the Wake, since the price would be leaving Silky to grow up without us. (But weighed against fixing Equestria, maybe?)

(It would be cool if everypony we bring with us also ascends to help round out the new Pantheon. Hmm.)

 

[K4lepo]

"It's just that… when I wake up, and he isn't there, I just feel…"

Click to shrink...

DO THEY SHARE THE SAME BED???

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

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

Click to shrink...

With those injuries, not like he's going to be leaving the bed anytime soon anyway.

 

[Limabot]

It's Daybreaker, most likely. It's also out greatest potential problem.

Before we go All In, two big things we gotta do is to deal with Mareinette, and to deal with Celestia. That's optional quests, but they secure things for our family, so optionality is closer to formality than objective truth.

Given the extent of prep we need, we probabl have time for both if we finish training Luna. We'll need her for both tasks.

Click to shrink...

I don't think getting rid of Mareinette is technically necessary, since her modus operandi seems to be fairly low-key and subtle (if ghoulish) and she in my opinion is more a symptom of the greater issues that are the Crime of the Sky and the Key system.

However, I do agree that we should probably find a way to bring Celestia back to reason. Even in a best case non-cure scenario where she leaves Equestria for its own good, it would both put a lot of pressure on Cadence and leave a ticking time bomb of an Alicorn out in the world with little to no way to contain or stop them.

 

[Shaper47]

[] Plan: Knock, SH and Edge Sacrament

Click to shrink...

[] Plan: Knock, SH and Wolf Sacrament

Click to shrink...

As one can guess I want our Edge Sacrament done with because I'm sick of the arguments and it's kinda needed.

"we" should? I wonder who Celestia is imagining talking to. Maybe Luna ? Starswirl? I hope Selene figures something out soon…

Click to shrink...

I'm pretty sure it's Daybreaker.

We have a legit cover (fear of getting toasted) for delaying it and making the investigation harder.

Click to shrink...

Also they think a coup happened so it's not really as much a danger.

 

[Sveta08]

Well. Unfortunate information not withstanding, let's cover the basics. I will not be stating how to use all actions just yet, just making sure we are all on the same page. Things are not in any particular order, just in order of things that I think of and realize.


The things that WILL Happen:
-Baldomare is extended with Lv6 Book
-We Leash Filthy Rich
-Those 5 one time use servants get converted to 2 Velvet Actions
-Axe will give a Knock Lesson
-Detectives follow up on the Changelings

This much both previously and with a little bit of guesswork, people seem to be okay with. I'm guessing no real problem with those.
Now...


The things I would RECOMMEND Happen:
-Selene uses 1 Action on her Winter Realization
-Velvet will use an action to Train Selene when it comes around to it
-Constables follow up on "Gardeners"/ Copper Cult
-Commissioner should go and speak with Cadence

I feel the Constables should just strike while the iron is hot, and as for the Friends thing.... The friends Velvet has are Cadence, The Filthies, Mayor Mare, Jade, Rarity, Applejack, Cheerilee, and Fluttershy. Aside from Jade and Cadence, she spoke to them all this last turn. Maybe not in best order, but she did. And as much as I want to offer Jade the comfort by taking that action, we simply do not have the time to handle that. Cadence though is still (somehow) unknown what aid they can provide. Figure that out.

Then as for Selene? Easy. We need Winter things there. It's the tool that Velvet used to snuff out Twilight's Facination, and if it does some to help diminish the fire in the eyes of Celestia and the world at large due to the Innovaters Curse? All the better. As for the Training action, Selene is the one who is capable of... maybe pumping the breaks on the sun lasers. Let's get her up in a position that she might be able to.

Past those, I still need to think more. Gegh.

 

[Steady Gaze]

Would you like to keep Baldomare's summons?
-[] Gift Baldomare your Level 6 book.
-[] Gift Baldomare a Level 5 book (write-in which)
-[] Do not gift Baldomare any books, and allow her to leave. (This is the wrong option)

Click to shrink...

As others have speculated, I'm kind of hoping giving her the Level 6 book to advance our "friendship level" with Baldomare and give us an extra Baldomare action. But there are no contingencies here for it anywhere? I suppose we're not supposed to know exactly what will happen beforehand… but either that's not how it works, or we'll all have to awkwardly modify all the follower phase plans.

 

[Pittauro]

Because this last month wasn't really a vacation. It was more like a localized trip to Tartarus, or perhaps the less savory parts of the Mansus.

Click to shrink...

appropriate, considering we had wolf thoughts for the worst of it.

Because yes, having actual bodyguards will mean that you won't have as much privacy… but still, you know this will make several ponies feel safer. Your family included.

Click to shrink...

uh.

@OurLadyOfWires will this be a problem for when Velvet goes on expeditions personally? I suppose she can have Mareinette replace her...

You also tacitly accept the fact that you will not be taking the train anymore, and that he can arrange for a flying carriage to pick you up a few days from now.

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I see no problem with that. Really, it's just many hours saved for Velvet's extremely busy days.

Of course, the interior is insulated by all kinds of magic. But still, having nopony to speak with for the hours-long trip is… well, it is very quiet.

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hours?

I'm a bit disappointed. I expected it to be faster. Canterlot is not THAT far away, and pegasi can fly very fast...

"It's the Princess! Princess Celestia, that is. She came unannounced. She's in the underground right now!"

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...hopefully not bad news? Maybe she'll tell us more about the Mirror and this "Lantern" thing they discovered, and the Mansus...

or maybe it's about the lore 0 books we left, and what she wants done with those...

"The… uh, the smell, Commissioner, we started feeling it some thirty minutes ago… And the Princess has not come up this entire time."

… especially given how there is a horrible stench, coming from the entrance to the prison-section.

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...is she burning the one changeling prisoner we have alive?

She is looking at that cell with an expression you can only describe as manic.

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...danger...

And most worrying of all, her entire face bears the complexion of a pony who seems to be inches away from snapping.
"… you are right… does make me feel better and…"
You also think, you think she is mumbling something to herself. But by the life of you, you can't be sure.

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...she's talking with Daybreaker...

Damn, she's getting WORSE!

You realize you are walking on very thin ice, and that the sun above this ice is very hot indeed. But still, you can't think of a better alternative.

Letting the Princess stay her by herself, alone with whatever is in her thoughts, feels like a horrible idea. And given how you are in charge of the Bureau, by her own orders, you are the one and only pony who she could possibly accept to meet right now.

Although you can feel your sweat dampening your fur, as the seconds stretch long.

Until finally, the Princess blinks, and her expression softens ever so slightly.

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well, if we wanted more confirmation of how her discovering our secrets is GAME OVER...

She's definitely not in a forgiving mood. Unless Selene comes out with a wonder solution (my best guess would be a custom ritual, either that or somehow having Twilight recover to use the Elements) that countdown is even more pressing than it was before.

"I also heard of your findings in Tall Tale. As well as the attempt against your life," she says.

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...well, she heard.

Now what?

"… it seems you have quite a lot on your hoofs," she finishes.

And you are not sure if this means she just does not care, or if this is yet another test to see what you will do next.

She says that and, without another word, she moves to leave. You nearly jump to the side, to give her a wide berth, and you swear you can feel the air heating up, as she walks past you.

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...I'll take it!

better than many other things she could tell us.

"… ah… yes, you are right… we should…"
But the Princess mumbles something, under her breath, and then she turns to face you once again.

And on the next moment, you FREEZE.

Because when Princess Celestia turns towards you, she doesn't just look at you. She stares at you. The alicorn of the sun turns her eyes towards you, and in them you can see the unmistakable light of Lantern.

It is a small light. Candle-strong and maybe not even that. But still, it is there, present and unmistakable.

And in that single, horror-filled moment, you can see that she is searching. You cannot tell what she is looking for, but you can feel the attempt.

But thankfully, thankfully, the overlapping folds you have over your soul means that she doesn't find anything.

The only thing Princess Celestia's gaze can see is… a mare. One who is loyal to her family, and to ponykind, and to everything else that is good and proper.

"… nothing there…" you hear her mumble, this time a little louder than before.

And after that, she is gone. Leaving you alone, with the charred smell of carbonized bug-flesh, and the painful pounding of your own heart.

Because you can tell that, had she seen something inside of you… anything that shouldn't be there, anything at all… the last thing you would see would have been the burning glare of the sun.





Princess Celestia is right now, at the beginning of turn 21, Lantern 1.

Velvet Covers is now aware that she must not allow Celestia's Lantern to reach her own Moth level.

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...this is bad, but currently manageable.

Turn 21 beginning: Celestia at Lantern 1.


So, very worst case, She'd Get to Lantern 4 at the beginning of turn 24.

So the VERY WORST CASE for when we'll need the Moth Sacrament done is by the end of turn 23, so after two full turns and during the third one.

I could see Lantern 2 taking just one turn to be reached. Lantern 3 and 4 will HOPEFULLY take longer, but we can't be sure.

Still, if all goes well we'll be doing the All In expedition with time to spare.

First of all, they discovered that your attackers were hired by a criminal organization known as the "Gardeners". A gang-slash-crime-syndicate that started flourishing in the Manehattan underworld a few months ago.

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uh. I'm reminded of Legend of Heroes. There's an evil group just referred to as "The Garden" there, specialized in assassinations (and training child assassins).

Furthermore, they even confirmed who the gang's leader was. And they presented you with a preliminary profile of one Copper Secateur, as well as a written description of what her cutie mark should look like.

All of that was frighteningly accurate. And not for the first time you remember the pedigree of the ponies who work for the Bureau.

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uh. They really do good work.

"We suspect this was the result of infighting, Commissioner," Iron Buton said, both to you and to the other team-leaders gathered there. "Once they realized their hit against you failed, and that we would come for them, we suspect they staged a coup against this Copper mare. Although we haven't yet discarded other reasons, such as an attempt to cover their tracks."

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Reasonable guess.

You notice that they did not find anything that resembles a Windigo jar. However, you also see an item that reads "a safe, now unlocked, with documents", as well as the writings Selene had planted. It's all there.

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...the safe...

well, on the good side they're lore manuscripts, so if researched they're basically a near full Occult Library.

of course, there's the OTHER problem... but we JUST got more loyalty from the bureau thanks to Mareinette, so maybe THAT could be used to make investigators dismiss any "it looks like her hornwriting" musings.

"An investigation can only be too subtle

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I think you meant "so subtle", not "too subtle".

Would you like to Leash somepony? (This option will also be available on Velvet's Phase)
-[] Leash Filthy Rich (gain one follower action)
-[] Do not leash anypony.

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I'm kinda tempted. we DO need more actions...

Would you like to keep Baldomare's summons?
-[] Gift Baldomare your Level 6 book.

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DEFINITELY.

-Certain Bureau-specific actions (such as the result of your blackmail option, and a chance to address your lost Manuscripts) will take place during the turn. No actions need to be invested in them. For now, plan this turn with the information you currently have.

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ok, I won't worry about them. and really, we have many ways to deal with the manuscripts anyway.

-The following Fleeting Opportunities will be available this turn:
--Your family is still rattled. Address that. (May be done with your "free" social action. May NOT be done by Mareinette, as Velvet herself would not allow it) (Not picking this action will risk NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES)
--Your friends are still worried about you. Reach out to them. (May be done with your "free" social action. May be performed by Mareinette. May ALSO be performed by your "Commissioner" action, but if so it will ONLY address Cadance)
--Your uncle appears to be shaken. Talk to him. (May be done with your "free" social action. May be done by Mareinette)
-Finally, a reminder that "Training Selene" costs NO actions for Selene herself (her "Diligent" trait will cover it), and can be done with Velvet's own "free" social action.

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free social on family, ok.

Cadance with Commissioner action... I'd rather use a full social here, I think.

Uncle... I probably want to do this too...

and Selene training...

I kinda want to do all 3 Fleeting Opportunities, but we'll see if we can afford them. We definitely should go for +3 actions from Cover Your Bases, so that's 7 actions + 1 Social (effectively 8).

3 Axe
3 FO
1 Study artifacts
1 Selene lesson.

...am I forgetting anything? This sounds acceptable.

You don't have many detectives, but the ones you do are the best of the best. What should they focus on this month?
-[] [DETECTIVES] Despite their friendly nature, ponies are capable of crimes just like any other intelligent creature. Have them investigate crimes at large, in the several cities of Equestria. (Less impactful in the grand scheme of things. But helps the Bureau keep a good image, and decreases the "tension" of the population at large, as the world becomes a worse place)
-[] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[] [DETECTIVES] The dangers in the dark come from outside of Ponykind as well. Listen to the rumors. Study the myths. Look for the threats from without. (Search for Expedition Sites for your later consideration. Additionally, keep an ear on the ground for other "foreign" threats)
-[] [DETECTIVES] Nudge them in the… "correct" direction. Put them on the trail of one of your Opponents. (WRITE IN which Opponent. Sets the Bureau to investigate a pony you have a personal problem with)

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I might go with foreign threats or normal crime, personally. We'll see

Former constables, ex-Guards, defenders, one and all. They are not perfectly suited for investigations, but the Bureau needs muscles. And these ponies provide.
-[] [CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
-[] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Your detectives have given you a very long list, of ponies and places involved in the attempt against your life. Round them up and put them all in jail, before this trail goes cold.
-[] [CONSTABLES] Plan and execute a raid. Within Equestria, or anywhere else that is needed. (WRITE IN an Expedition, OR an Opponent the Bureau has investigated. The Bureau will attempt to perform the Expedition, or will assault an Opponent)
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Adds four additional ponies as bodyguards to your retinue, for this turn only)

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I'd say Gardeners/Cult, and Velvet can do Changelings on her own before having the Bureau do it next turn.

Of course, now that you have a better handle of this, you can find the time to pursue other endeavors while in Canterlot.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] Some of the ponies in the Bureau are more important than the others. Get to know them better.
--[] Shining Armor, your Deputy.
--[] Beyond Reproach, your finest detective.
--[] Spend time with somepony else. (Discover, and talk to, another key figure)
-[] [COMMISSIONER] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Princess Cadance is in Canterlot. You are in Canterlot. Oh, and you nearly died, just a few weeks ago. Use your free time here to meet her.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[] [COMMISSIONER] The Lunar Bureau is not the only recently-minted institution in Equestria. Try to contact the others.
--[] The Solar Court, and Fair Trial.
--[] Eclipse(?), and Midday Dew.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] Get your hoofs dirty. (Participate in the "Investigators" actions. And join the "Constables" in a raid/Expedition, if they are ordered to do a raid/Expedition)

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mh... This might be a good moment to approach Midday Dew, honestly.

I'd rather use a full social for friends that includes Cadance instead of her action here.

I'm potentially willing to go for Shining though.

-[] [RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)

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Definitely this!

I'm only sorry we can't afford to teach her and bring her to Grail 4 Forge 2.

oh, @OurLadyOfWires I asked you before I think and you didn't answer, but has Rarity ever considered using Forge Influence to craft, or Grail influence for social events?

-[] [JADE] Research "A Memory of Light" (Current progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)

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this, unless we have her scry something.

Baldomare (2 health, LANTERN 6, SECRET HISTORIES 6)
(Baldomare will expire at the end of turn 23)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [BALDOMARE] "Go have fun." (WRITE IN how many bits, at least 100, that she is allowed to spend to find something interesting)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (WRITE IN an unread book, of level 5 or higher, to gift her. This is a FREE ACTION and will "reset" her summoning period to the beginning of next turn.)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Something else? (WRITE IN)

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mh... maybe we should go for a Lantern lesson?

Turn 21: Lantern artifact and lesson. +2 scraps.
Turn 22: Lantern Influence, we could go for her Sacrament then and there!

Something to seriously consider.

or we could do Lantern influence now, with the hope it might help with Axe's sacrament AND to help study artifacts...

We could also ask again for a location to summon in, though I'd rather complete Canterlot Part 3 and hope that gives us one.

Mareinette (??? Health, GRAIL 6, HEART 6)
(Mareinette's bindings will expire at the end of turn 22)
-[] [MAREINETTE] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Have her speak with your friends, in your stead.
-[] [MAREINETTE] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Have her meet your uncle, in your stead.
-[] [MAREINETTE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lores)
-[] [MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to… (WRITE IN a pony for her to speak with in, "stepping into" your horseshoes).
-[] [MAREINETTE] Something else? (WRITE IN)

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nope, not willing to have her go for friends and uncle. I'd say do an action focused on Spoiled Rich at this point, unless we want an Heart lesson as we try to reach Heart 4.

unless we're sending her on an expedition, of course, but the same applies to all Names.

-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.

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Lesson followed by Sacrament.



For Biedde, probably expedition or cover your bases...

-[] [SELENE] Soothe the night. (Her Winter realization. Unknown effects, if any.)

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I'd try it. The other one will probably be Cover Your Bases or expedition.

...unless... do we want her to contact someone? I can't think of a good use right now that's not too risky.

Windy Flakes (possible location unknown)
--[] [WINDY] Send somepony to attack this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Send somepony to locate, or spy on, this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN what ritual)
--[] [WINDY] Attempt to contact this opponent (WRITE IN what to discuss if successful)

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@OurLadyOfWires would Selene use her Knock Realization to search for Windy through his dreams? Would it help her?

Of course we could also just scry him...

-[] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)

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DEFINITELY THIS.

---

EXPEDITIONS AVAILABLE:

@OurLadyOfWires you need to tell us how many bits we have by the way.

Spoiler: The proto-hive of Tall Tale

Location: Tall Tale is a growing city, surrounded on one side by a quickly-disappearing forest, and by tall mountains on the other. Those mountains, according to your agents, are currently infested by changelings. You could sneak in there, to either strike at the changelings yourself, steal from them, or maybe even PLANT something you would like your constables to find later. But unfortunately, this endeavor will not be without dangers.

(NOTE: This expedition will DISAPPEAR if the Lunar Bureau raids it before you do. But an expedition sent here will arrive before the Bureau raids it, if both actions are taken on the same turn.)

Expected duration: MEDIUM

Base cost: 7 bits (you must have at least 70 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: Sneaking past your own agents shouldn't be hard, since you know their every move. And there are changelings in the mountains themselves. Other than that, anything else is UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Spoiler: Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 3

Location: Within the depths of Mount Canterlot, there is a warded door. Rank with the authority of a solemn threshold. It would be foolish to open it before being prepared, and there is only one way to find out what lies behind it.

Expected duration: LONG

Base cost: 8 bits (you must have at least 120 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Spoiler: 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.

Spoiler: Beyond the Map's Edge

Location: According to Baldomare, you won't be able to find it on any map. "By its very definition", is how she said it. Still, she mentioned the two of you will be heading east. (You may only go to this expedition if you take Baldomare with you. And as a rule, you two must go alone. This will grant you Baldomare's Sacrament for the Lore of Secret Histories.)

Expected duration Action cost: 1 Baldomare action, 1 Velvet Covers action.

Base cost: The whole round trip, and the list of equipment she told you to buy for both of you (but mostly for you), costs a grand total of 40 bits.

Expected dangers: "Of course there will be dangers. Living is dangerous! And you are not telling me that you have been walking around the Mansus every now and then but that you're scared of a little hike, are you?"

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I'm not interested in Beyond the Map's Edge, I'd rather scout Windy than attack him (or we could just ignore him, really, we have other problems to deal with), and it's too soon for All In.



We probably don't have enough bits for Canterlot Part 3... but we COULD try for Tall Tale.

Something to consider. Best Party there would likely be Biedde, Axe and Baldomare, which we COULD potentially afford (210 bits, we're likely to get a decent amount of them back).

 

[Potdl]

You know Comet is injured at the moment we should let Fluttershy know so she can nurse him back to health. Comet will probably hate Valet for interfering with his life again but that nothing new and hopefully the two of them can have a sweet moment together.

 

[Sveta08]

@OurLadyOfWires
The answer is probably yes unfortunately, but just a check.

Mares in Light can be sacrificed to reduce Fascination by 1 on a target.
Does that target have to be nearby?

 

[Pittauro]

Fascination.
I should have remembered that.

Preliminary planning things will come along shortly.

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I think it's more Daybreaker than Fascination if you're talking about Celestia.

It's gets harder the higher the lore level is. Especially the jump from 4 to 5.

But yeah that's very reasonable.

Celestia at level 4 lantern is the deadline.

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sure, but we don't know how Bird is managing the level ups.

I imagine there's rolls involved, in which case we could always be unlucky and she rolls high.

So yeah, worst case scenario is 1 lvl up per turn.

If we see her at 3, we need to rush Moth Sacrament if we don't have it already.

If we see her at 4, we HAVE to rush All In and hope we did enough to prepare.

I guess we don't really know what will happen after the expedition, so we can't rule out "disappear from the Wake and become an Hour immediately" as an outcome. But I was kind of counting on being able to continue our existing life in some form. I don't know if we would willingly leave the Wake, since the price would be leaving Silky to grow up without us. (But weighed against fixing Equestria, maybe?)

(It would be cool if everypony we bring with us also ascends to help round out the new Pantheon. Hmm.)

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I can't imagine Velvet would be willing to abandon her family like that, so in any scenario I can imagine she WILL continue to live with them.

DO THEY SHARE THE SAME BED???

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HOW DID I MISS THIS?!

then again, maybe she just means he goes to his room and he's not there... or separate beds in same room.

With those injuries, not like he's going to be leaving the bed anytime soon anyway.

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Of course he will, he has to cover our bases!

He's a big stallion, he can take it!

As one can guess I want our Edge Sacrament done with because I'm sick of the arguments and it's kinda needed.

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there's no arguments, beside if doing it now or next turn. Nobody has seriously considered Wolf Sacrament except you, we're most likely going to do it next turn after doing Knock this one.

or maaaaybe this turn after forge ritual, I suppose.

In any case it's going to happen either this turn or the next at this point.

-We Leash Filthy Rich

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this will probably happen, but I don't think it's quite on the level of your other certainties.

We're also likely getting 3 velvet actions, not 2. We need them too much to go for 2 only.

-Commissioner should go and speak with Cadence

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keep in mind social FO for friends would include Cadance. Commissioner is in case we DON'T plan to take that one I think.

@OurLadyOfWires Would there be extra benefits from doing both friends FO AND Cadance with commissioner?