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

[Earth-Destroyer]

IF we find them.

Remember, it's random, even if Heart is more likely than other lores.


I'm just annoyed because I'm so SURE that there's a ritual site at the end of canterlot part 3... but of course the very earliest we can do it is next turn, and we might not even be ready depending on what else we have to do...

We'd probably have the beats, but possibly not the people to send...

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ritual site are not just isolated places they have to be place we can get to, while also bringing rare and exotic supplies. It has to be hidden, not down a ten mile hike thou tunnels. The only place to get a ritual site useable to us is the Everfree forest. AKA the low risk high reward expedition we have never gone for.

 

[Nevermort]

I'm fully aware, I'm saying it may be more efficient to switch them, and attempt SH first because as was pointed out, if we succeed it gives us SH 5 for Axe's action, plus 4 attempts. If we fail or use the reroll and don't want to risk further we can, but in that we should stop and just focus on Axe.

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But if we spend reroll on SH sacrament we would not be able to use it if it is needed in Axe sacrament. Reroll gives better odds than lvl 5 in Lore and while sacrament supposed to give us special ability it is far from guarantee that it would be directly useful for expedition.

 

[Greymere]

Or we go searching for our Outsider Juicer with our Mansus exploration. Unless we think we'll be running into the Lionsmith Name there, in which case we absolutely need three Wounds before we try and find that. Downsides of having Biedde in our employ.

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Well... I guess it depends on if you think that the Forge Name will be a Lionsmith Name? Because I am definitely 100% expecting the Forge Name to be in the Malleary.

 

[Shaper47]

But SH Sacrament by itself is not priority. Would be nice if we get it now, but if not then nothing terrible happens, unlike if we are too late with Moth sacrament.

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It's efficiency mainly.

Personally I would like to study Moth books if we finish our Sacraments with a spare AP because it take advantage of our free Aotl.

It can however be done next turn given how we got Grail Influence instead of prepping for Moth Sacrament this turn.

 

[Flaregamer82253]

*After so long of deliberation and struggling to make a decision...*

Velvet, collapsing into a chair: "What a month so far, huh?"
Baldomare, being neither kind nor cruel: "Velvet, dear, the turn hasn't started yet."

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Velvet: I've done it! I've cracked the code! I know what everyone is gonna do this month!

Baldomare: Wonderful! So what are you doing this month?

Velvet: ...

 

[Solace2117]

but CAN we just refuse to do the second SH attempt if we used the reroll?

Thus far we only got a chance to drop a risky action when we got to 1 Health.

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Maybe not, but you've talked about it before like we can. We're usually given options to abandon risky things like this if wounds happen or it becomes very risky.

But if we spend reroll on SH sacrament we would not be able to use it if it is needed in Axe sacrament. Reroll gives better odds than lvl 5 in Lore and while sacrament supposed to give us special ability it is far from guarantee that it would be directly useful for expedition.

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We are potentially tossing 4 actions at it. If we can't succeed without a re roll, we were probably never going to finish this turn.

 

[Shaper47]

I say FR is a must. Two Wounds is holding us back from doing Edge Sacrament, forces us to bail at the first bit of pain on any Expeditions, and holds Velvet back from understanding herself. With three Wounds we could have a profitable Turn 22 of studying things and engaging in mortal struggle with Biedde for a Sacrament, for example.

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Narratively if we have a free AP I agree. Doing while Cadance and Selene watch would be totally awesome.

Mechanically it's probably optimal to study our lantern artifact if we have a free AP however.

 

[Rafuki22]

If we can't succeed without a re roll, we were probably never going to finish this turn.

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The RNG doesn't really care about that, for all we know we could have a NAT 100 in the first roll.

 

[Shaper47]

We are potentially tossing 4 actions at it. If we can't succeed without a re roll, we were probably never going to finish this turn.

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If it's a process bar having SH 5 would be useful.

 

[Solace2117]

The RNG doesn't really care about that, for all we know we could have a NAT 100.

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So what, we could also get a Nat 1 and not be able to attempt it again that turn. I stand by 4 turns with an SH influence should be enough without a re roll. If it's not than it's much more difficult then expected and we wouldn't be able to finish it anyways.

 

[Pittauro]

ritual site are not just isolated places they have to be place we can get to, while also bringing rare and exotic supplies. It has to be hidden, not down a ten mile hike thou tunnels. The only place to get a ritual site useable to us is the Everfree forest. AKA the low risk high reward expedition we have never gone for.

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Thus far we got a shortcut to the next level of Canterlot expedition each time, AND the end of canterlot part 1 IS actually an expedition site (though only for 1-circle rituals).

So, assuming we get to make another shortcut after part 3, it WOULD fit those requirements.

 

[DelightedOne]

This is a thing I had in mind for a while now sooo... Here it is.




You are Velvet Covers and you have been given a Gift.

Something you wanted but never thought you would be given, something that almost seems impossible had you not received it personally.

The Gift itself is of course nothing physical, but it still shines in a way you can't help but think there is some kind of lantern illuminating the room. No, not that Lantern, because this light is Kind and shows mercy for those that need it.


As is the nature of such a Generous gift it is not meant for you or rather it's not just for you. The rest of the World should be allowed to benefit from what will happen when you open it.

And you will open it tonight. But you can't help but feel there is a certain... spark, missing from it.




- - -



There are many things you still don't know about Harmony, but you do know it is not malicious, that it protected the World for as long as ponykind remembers in its History and if properly assisted will continue to make the World a better place. So you can work with it.

When the night comes and your daughters and your husband are sleeping, you carry the Gift with you to the bed you will be using for the night, because you don't want to risk anything going wrong and harming(or even worrying) your family.

When you pull the covers over your coat and place your head on the pillows the Gift is right in front of you, ready for the short journey through the Crossroads that is needed to reach the Mansus.


When you can start to see what remains of the Woods in the horizon, the Gift seems to answer your guilt and revulsion with a comforting warmth. It doesn't help much but it is a good feeling, like being surrounded by your friends and family with no great worries about the end of the World.

The moment your hooves touch the ashes the meaning of what you're about to do becomes so much clearer, daunting even. Failure is not an option when the future of Equestria is at stake.

Now it's time to work.


[Unleashing the Light, breakpoints 60/80/100/120/150]

[Roll: 82 + 13 (Magic) + 10 (Love's Chosen, Friendship) + 10 (Mother of the Moon) + 10 (The trust of Generosity) + 10 (The trust of Kindness) - 10 (The loss of Magic) - 15 (Stained Soul, Level 3) = 110]
[Third breakpoint reached]

You did what you wanted, you did what you needed. But how much was that?


[] (Roll 60) "The bare minimum." (Your actions were reversed as much as you could or were willing to spend effort in)
-You will clean the remains of what you broke of the taint of the Wolf... and that shall be enough.
-Evil, Paranoia and Ash will cease to exist. The World will still bear the scars of their births, but at least the wounds are healed.
-Equestria will return to how it was before your first meeting with the Wolf.
-But is that enough to make up for what you did?



[] (Roll 80) "This is a good start." (You did a little more than what was needed and built the foundations of a future great work)
-The consequences listed previously will happen.
-After the powers of the Wolf were gone you noticed something glowing next to you, it was... a Seed and a Stone?
--The Seed will be planted in the ashes of the Woods. What will grow there? Only time will tell.
--The Stone will be placed in the place where the Tribal Door used to stand. What is it for? To build a Door, of course, what else would it be for?
-As long as Harmony exists what you started will grow and change and when it is time the Mansus will have the ??????? ????? and the ?????????? ????.
-The Dreamlands will start reaching for the Mansus in earnest, in such a way some observant ponies might take notice. Anything that strengthens Harmony's power will accelerate the subversion of the Mansus and the progress of the Seed and the Stone.
-You will not feel tired or receive any malus from this action.
-But will this suffice?



[] (Roll 100) "That is just enough" (You did not wish to leave before the work was really done, so you did more and more until you could barely believe what you had accomplished).
-The consequences listed previously will happen, in a much greater way.
-After the powers of the Wolf were gone you noticed something glowing, it was... you?
-The Seed and the Stone won't be needed, because you managed to harness their power by your own means.
--You will instead walk all across the Ashen Wastes, not even a single spot left untouched by the light emanating from you. And as you walk you notice the ashes are shifting like they are trying to form the base of a new landscape and after you are done you notice there is something growing, tiny blades of grass that seem like crystal and when you leave they will still be growing.
--The next step is obvious, but still important. You must climb until you reach the wound you made in the higher parts of the Mansus... and walk past it with your friends in mind. When you do, a new Door will appear, it's requirement for passage the existence of a deep bond with two other ponies from different tribes.
-The Crystal Woods and the Friendship Door will be grown and built, immediately.
-The Dreamlands will expand rapidly, reaching the edge of the Crystal Woods in a very short time. All creatures that visit/reside in the Mansus will notice, but no one will know who did this or how it happened.
-You will not feel tired or receive any malus from this action.
-What you created is wonderful...but how long will it last?



[] (Roll 120) You did not roll high enough to do this.
-Maybe it's better this way.


[] (Roll 150) You did not roll high enough to do this.
-Do you really think they could have changed?




You did all you could and maybe that was enough, but there is always more work to do. For now, rest knowing that no matter what you choose, the World will be glad for your help.


Regardless of the choice that was made the following will happen:
-The Sons will not haunt the World anymore.
--For Evil, that means Equestria will return to how it was before Velvet Covers had her first audience with the Wolf-Divided.
--For Paranoia, that means his "-5 (Paranoia)" malus won't be active anymore and ponies will instead become more individualistic.
--For Ash, that means ponies will once again be able to enter the Mansus without being threatened by him and the influence of the Wolf will be removed from the Ashen Wastes. Additionally, nopony will ever be afraid of the dark again.
-Soft Sweeps will live, but the Seed in her heart shall remain unless you find a way to remove it without causing her death... or maybe change it somehow?
-Velvet Covers will lose the ability to perform Regrettable Actions, consequently "The Mother of Wolves" ending will be LOCKED for the rest of the story(because He won't tolerate your betrayal to His End).
-Those may not be the only consequences of your actions, only the most obvious.

Spoiler: Notes

Phew, that was a lot. I shouldn't be surprised by that considering it's been years since I wrote anything and I never did it in english.

The roll was real by the way, I was very surprised when it was such a high number.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

The other reason I really want to do an FR is that Velvet is our most versatile asset - while also being our most fragile. We gotta change that.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are Velvet Covers and you have been given a Gift.

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This was awesome! Thank you for sharing this.

I can see the struggle involved in making the options well-paced and fair, and I think the final result was great! This really is a situation that I can see how we wish could happen.

[Roll: 82 + 13 (Magic) + 10 (Love's Chosen, Friendship) + 10 (Mother of the Moon) + 10 (The trust of Generosity) + 10 (The trust of Kindness) - 10 (The loss of Magic) - 15 (Stained Soul, Level 3) = 110]
[Third breakpoint reached]

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And just a small note. The mechanics (bonuses/maluses) of this roll in particular are something I have honestly already considered. Seeing them here was really nice!

-Velvet Covers will lose the ability to perform Regrettable Actions, consequently "The Mother of Wolves" ending will be LOCKED for the rest of the story(because He won't tolerate your betrayal to His End).

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(Insert sad image here)



In other news, I'll be posting Velvet's phase soon. Hopefully within the hour. But I'll only run through the thread pings much later.

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend!

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

Well... I guess it depends on if you think that the Forge Name will be a Lionsmith Name? Because I am definitely 100% expecting the Forge Name to be in the Malleary.

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Well someone has to be on the other end of the Dyad. And since Biedde is still marking Pawns and pieces for the conflict, it's clear his adversary still lives. So if we continue to hold to the One Name Per Lore Theory, that means the Forge Name is gonna be the Lionsmith's. Especially since King Crucible is confirmed to be out of the running in favor of an exciting career of being a literal lock-and-wall.

Velvet's phase soon. Hopefully within the hour.

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YES. SOON THE MOST CONTENTIOUS ARGUMENT OVER MINUTIAE SHALL BEGIN.

 

[spiderhellian]

You are Velvet Covers and you have been given a Gift

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Great apocrypha! A fun if very different path to imagine.

[] (Roll 120) You did not roll high enough to do this.
-Maybe it's better this way.

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Hmmm… would this have been Harmony eating most of the Mansus, not just remaking what was lost and beginning to devour it?

[] (Roll 150) You did not roll high enough to do this.
-Do you really think they could have changed?

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And this would be tearing down the house, and leaving just Harmony behind?

One Name Per Lore Theory, that means the Forge Name is gonna be the Lionsmith's

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Just as likely that there are two Edge names. Kinda fits.

 

[Rafuki22]

And this would be tearing down the house, and leaving just Harmony behind?

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I think that this would have been reedeming the Sons and the seed.

 

[DelightedOne]

Hmmm… would this have been Harmony eating most of the Mansus, not just remaking what was lost and beginning to devour it?

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Dude, that's dark.

That is the roll to try to reform the Sons, by depowering them but keeping them as spirits. The idea was that they could become part of Velvet's family if she managed to convince each one of them(meaning separate rolls) to follow her to the Wake with Harmony's help and approval.

And also, depending on who Velvet managed to convince(or if she managed to get all of them) further options would be available for them to become agents of Harmony. I confess I didn't flesh this out much when I saw what the roll(and saw that it wouldn't happen) so this is mostly my mad rambling.
(But yeah, that would have made the Crystal Woods an official part of the Dreamlands instead of just vibes and the Friendship Door would... Just vibe for now.)

And this would be tearing down the house, and leaving just Harmony behind?

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No, that would be the get 3 Colts+having them help change the seed in Softy option.

(It also allows Harmony to become a permanent part of the Mansus and a natural part of the World according to the previous roll, making it possible for the Alicorns to climb as ponies and other narrative stuff... I really liked that option)

I think that this would have been reedeming the Sons and the seed.

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Nah, the seed would be the 150 DC, I don't underestimate the Daughter-to-be.

Whoops, misread what you meant, you are right.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

Tally

[X] Plan Spreading Ourselves Thin Always Gets Us Punished
-[X] Do not leash anypony.
-[X][DETECTIVES] Follow Up: Changelings
-[X][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.
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Lunar Bureau is not the only recently-minted institution in Equestria. Try to contact the others.
--[X] Eclipse(?), and Midday Dew.
-[X][JADE] Research "A Memory of Light" (Current progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)
-[X] (Baldomare-Gift) Edge 6 book
-[X][BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence. (Secret Histories)
-[X][AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X][MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (Grail)
-[X][SELENE] Soothe the night. (Her Winter realization. Unknown effects, if any.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a Commission.
-[X] Needs must. Ask somepony to procure you a dead body from the local cemetery.
-[X] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[X] Something Else (lend Heartifact to Comet)

Baldomare did… something, once again. You remember sitting down to have tea with her, and you vaguely remember the conversation that followed. But by the life of you, you can't remember when it happened. And even when you sat down with a calendar, to retrace your steps and solve that mystery, you could not find a suitable date where that could have happened.

Except for… tomorrow.



You are now under the effect of "I Have Been Here Before", until the end of the turn.



- - -



Mareinette came to you, with her wiles and her whispers and her marinations. That could not have been a dream, for you do not dream anymore. And yet, you woke up right after. And she came to you… with a gift.

Upon your awakening, you found around your neck the most perfect of necklaces, made out of gold and encrusted with red gems. Nopony who speaks to you can take their eyes out of it, and yet nopony acknowledges its existence. And you, yourself, cannot… take it off.

It is leashed to your neck, you see. Or you just cannot muster the will to remove it. Or perhaps, it does not make a difference what explanation is truer.

However, whenever you think about the necklace or remember that it exists, one particular memory comes to your mind. Of the night she gifted it to you. Because you think you saw something, when Mareinette came to you.

You think you saw something, under her cloak, and under her bones, and under the sins that she covers herself with. Some… thing, that may have been a pony long, long ago.

You think that thing was smiling.

You think this "gift" of hers has a deeper meaning, to her or perhaps to the world, that you cannot quite grasp.



You are now under the effect of "An Incarnadescence", until the end of the turn.



- - -



At old Biedde's instruction, you take a short walk to the nearby hill, that overlooks your family's estate. The one that is close enough to be part of the scenery, but just far enough for nopony to really bother with it.

There, you find a body, freshly desecrated from Ponyville's own cemetery. Somepony who was once loved and who, by the freshness of their coat, is still remembered.

You hope their family never finds out about this. You hope you can be forgiven for this.



Biedde has dug up a dead body for you.

Due to the nature of your Follower's Phase plan, you will be FORCED to turn it into a Shattered Risen.



- - -



You are Velvet Covers.

And you feel like you have… a lot to do. And precious little time to do it.

Granted, you have been able to solve several major problems. You can now sleep peacefully, knowing that Copper cannot harm your family anymore. And despite the continuing existence of the changelings, you feel that you will get this under control if you have just a little more time.

But that the thing, isn't it? Time.

You can't push away this sensation that you just won't have the luxury of time for much longer.

Not after your… encounter, with Princess Celestia.

Because the candle-glow in her eyes tells you that she is learning about the Lores. And no matter how hard you think about it, you can't envision a situation where that ends well for you. Because what if one day she manages to shine a light through your defenses? Or what if one day Midday Dew looks at you, and you both realize that you are both Branded? What then?

You do not know. And for all that you don't think that will happen today or tomorrow, you can't help but feel that this future you dread is just beyond the horizon, and that its appearance in the sky is as inevitable as the morning sun.

Still, you will not be found wanting.

Yes, you will not sit idly while the world spins around you.

You will try to learn a little more about Midday Dew. You will ensure the Lunar Bureau finds anypony who could possibly leak the existence of the Lores without your direction. And most importantly… Baldomare told you, just last week, about the place that holds the key, your key, to Glory.

Fate might be closing its invisible jaws around you, but you are not defenseless. And you might have just enough time to see this through.

You will reach Glory. And you will not die trying.

…

Time to get things done.



- - -

VELVET'S PHASE​

This turn's available bits: 516 (196 from previous turn, 160 from monthly salary, 53 from Rarity, 107 from this turn's Rarity's commission)


You have SEVEN personal actions, ONE (free) social action, and ONE free Mansus Exploration action. (Four personal actions, plus three from "Cover your bases").

Spoiler: Things to keep in mind

Additional notes:
-All your Fleeting Opportunities this turn may be performed with your free social action.
-Training Selene may be done with your free social action.
-Uncle Steppes is not available to help you this turn, since he is staying at your home.
-During this turn, you will have the opportunity to address the evidence you planted with the Lunar Bureau, as well as the evidence they found that could be traced to you. You do not need to plan actions directed at those things.
-IF (and only if) there are "unused" actions left from DoA's Sacrament attempt, they will be open for a "re-assignment" vote later this turn. (But said unused actions are in no way guaranteed)
-The Daughter-of-Axes will give you a lesson imminently. You may attempt her Sacrament this turn even if your character sheet currently claims you have 3/4 Knock scraps.

-[] Do something about your opponents

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)

Windy Flakes (possible location unknown)
--[] [WINDY] Participate in an assault against this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Try to locate or spy on this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN which)
--[] [WINDY] Attempt to contact or parlay with this opponent this opponent (WRITE IN what to talk about, if you locate them and they are willing to talk)

-[] There is no use in finding an Outsider if you do not have the means to extract its blood. But you suspect there is a place, at the summit of the Mansus, where things that should not perish have already died. (Costs one Mansus exploration action)


You also have the free time to…

Spoiler: This won't take long

These personal, non-Mansus actions are free.

-[] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [SPECIFY LORE] (This is a free action to summon "The Attention of the Laws")

-[] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about… (WRITE IN)

-[] The delights of subservience (Leash currently targeting: NO TARGET)
--[] Change Leash to another target. (Write-in who)
--[] Un-Leash the current target.

Pick ONE social/teaching action, for your free time at home.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Cheerilee, your daughter's schoolteacher.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Mayor Mare, the de-factor ruler of Ponyville.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Filthy Rich, a well-to-do and wealthy businesspony.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Spoiled Rich, who seems awfully interested in spending time with you.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Applejack, daughter of the Apple Clan and older sister to your daughter's friend.
-[] [SOCIAL] Go into town and try to meet somepony interesting.

-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Rarity, and make her a Seeker.
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Jade. (Already a Seeker)
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Fluttershy, and make her a Disciple. (Forbidden)
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Selene, and make her something more.
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach your family the Lores. (Requires "all Lores" to be Level 4 or higher, affects your entire family)

No more running, no more hesitation. If you don't do this, somepony else will, and that thought sometimes terrifies you.

Spoiler: The Dreams come, whether you like it or not

You must pick a single action. You will suffer a malus if there are no new locations to explore.
Using this action to change Ash's focus risks aforementioned malus.

-[] [KNOCK] Focus your hatred. Give Ash new instructions.

-[] [KNOCK] The Ashen Wastes
--[] [KNOCK] Tarrying in the Wastes is always a poor idea… but there is no other way to discover what this place holds.

--[] The Blank Plains (Blank Plains fully explored)

-[] [KNOCK] The Shattered Stairways
--[] [KNOCK] A labyrinth of stairs. A monument of a gone age. A sprawling ruin. See where the many paths might lead you.

-[] [KNOCK] The Ruined Church
--[] [KNOCK] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church (Mansus Expedition)

-[] [KNOCK] The Summit
--[] [KNOCK] The place where the Mansus was struck. You must explore it.

-[] These are the skills that allow you to climb the Mansus. (Actions towards your possible Sacraments)

Spoiler: Sacramentum means a Solemn Oath

--[] Towards that cold Winter that awaits us all
---[] Investigating the End (Costs 30 bits. May be done multiple times per turn. Somepony, somewhere, will die.)
---[] Beg for knowledge of the End, so that you may learn of its necessity. (Will also provide you with an Edge Sacrament) [THIS IS A REGRETTABLE ACTION]
---[] Invitation? No Winter Names summoned

--[] Knock, and ye shall open
---[] Offer to go beyond the foggy mirror, to perform an errant for the Daughter-of-Axes

--[] Attempt, even if foolishly, to untangle the webs of the Secret Histories
---[] Investigate your current skills. To try to understand them, if nothing else. (Current progress 1/3) (THIS IS A DANGEROUS ACTION)
---[] Follow Baldomare, towards a place Beyond the Map's Edge (This is an Expedition action) (this requires Baldomare to be set "to participate in an expedition", ONE Velvet action, and 40 bits)

--[] Take that terrifying leap, into the abyss we call change
---[] Don the mask, shear your mane, pick the only pony who will notice it. Snip snip snip (WRITE IN a CONFIDANT to be permanently lost) Requires Moth 4/4
---[] Invitation? No Moth Names available

--[] But what might we learn, when we fulfill out desires?
---[] "The Act" (WRITE IN three minion-equivalent ponies) Requires Grail 4/4
---[] "An invitation to dinner" (WRITE IN a minion-equivalent pony, or a prisoner, to be destroyed)

--[] You must learn more. Always, always more. The higher you rise, the more you see!
---[] "The Conversation" (WRITE IN a minion-equivalent pony, or a prisoner, to be destroyed) Requires Lantern 4/4
---[] Pay Baldomare her fee. (WRITE IN FOUR followers, or equivalents, for Baldomare's expedition) Requires Lantern 4/4

--[] Learn of that bright Edge, that lives within us all
---[] "I see you my enemy" (WRITE IN who you will challenge)
---[] Be blessed by that Wound, which never ceases to grow. (Will also provide you with a Winter Sacrament) [THIS IS A REGRETTABLE ACTION]
---[] Challenge Biedde to a spar… this will surely hurt.

--[] Reach for the skills that permits one to enact change
---[] Experiment, Craft, Create (Costs 50 bits per action, current progress 0/300) (WRITE IN if any reagents or sacrifices will be used) Requires Forge 2/4
---[] Invitation? No Forge Names available

-[] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions might never be available again)

Spoiler: Another moment, and they will be gone

-[] They are the ponies who are most precious to you, and they were shaken by what happened to you. You should spend more time with them than usual. (Not taking this action risks negative consequences)

-[] Your friends were probably… affected, by your recent problems. Maybe you should make sure they are alright?

-[] Uncle Steppes has come to visit! But every time you speak to him, you get the impression he is… unwell. Even though he hides it well from the fillies. Spend some more time with him, and see if you can help him.

-[] On the treasures that bits may buy (actions where you search for things to purchase)

Spoiler: Bits and Buyings

--[] There are books that could be of use. You should start looking for them.
---[] 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)
(Due to SECRET HISTORIES 3, now you have a better idea of what you are more likely to find in each city)

--[] Although you are personally judicious about such habits, you are still a noble. Searching for "peculiar items" to "add to your collection" is certainly not out of place… right? (Search for an artifact to buy)

--[] You have ingratiated yourself with the merchants of Ponyville. Tap into your sources and procure an artifact. (Specify LORE and LEVEL, up to Level 3. It will be added to your available list, but will be more expensive than normal)

--[] You haven't forgotten about it, you just put it on hold until a more convenient time. (Purchases done here will arrive/be completed at the end of this turn.) (Does NOT cost an action)
---[] NO ARTIFACTS AVAILABLE

On furthering your interests

Spoiler: In Ponyville

-[] 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.

On planning an Expedition.

Spoiler: Out into the World

(All options involve a test, and can fail, Secret-Histories aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
-[] [EXPEDITION] Equestria is full of undiscovered places. You must learn their secrets…
--[] [EXPEDITION] 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)
--[] [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)
--[] [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)

-[] [EXPEDITION] Sally out and lead an expedition (will open an "Expedition planning" vote later this turn, with you as the leader)
-[] [EXPEDITION] Scout out a known expedition yourself. (Write in which)

On furthering knowledge. Yours, or somepony else's.

Spoiler: The allures of Power

-[] [TEACH] Write a Manifest. It will not benefit you directly, but it will certainly benefit anypony else with whoever you allow into your library. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [TEACH] Teach Rarity, and make her a Seeker.
-[] [TEACH] Teach Jade. (Already a Seeker)
-[] [TEACH] Teach Fluttershy, and make her a Disciple. (Forbidden)
-[] [TEACH] Teach Selene, and make her something more.
-[] [TEACH] Teach your family the Lores. (Requires "all Lores" to be Level 4 or higher, affects your entire family)

(You may study three books, OR two artifacts, OR one book and one artifact. Studying/developing a ritual costs an entire action.)

-[] [LEARN] There is something about this… thing, and you must learn what it is
--[](Write in which Artifacts

-[] [LEARN] It doesn't have to be just during a leisure weekend evening, you can fit a few minutes of reading even when walking between rooms if you really get into it!
--[] Write in which books

-[] [LEARN] It all fits together, somehow… or so you hope.
--[] [LEARN] "Unknown Ritual – A Memory of Light" Step one (Progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)

On scaling the Mansus (Pick TWO options for every action spent)

Spoiler: The House without walls

-[] [MANSUS] The Wastes

--[] [MANSUS] You hate him, and he loves you so. Visit Ash, and tell him who else you wish to suffer. (Give Ash new orders)

--[] [MANSUS] Stalk the Ashen Wastes. The alternative is to be stalked.
--[] [MANSUS] Visit the Hunting Grounds, and pray that tonight you are the huntress rather than the hunted.
--[] [MANSUS] Tarrying in the Wastes is always a poor idea… but there is no other way to discover what this place holds. (Search for a new area)

-[] [MANSUS] The Blank Door
--[] [MANSUS] Explore the Blank Plains, the first afterlife of ponykind.
--[] [MANSUS] Visit the Lodge of the Sage Pony. You may not be able to talk to Baldomare, but you surely can listen very well.
--[] [MANSUS] Visit the Garden of Mirrors, where the Mares attend the glassy flowers.
--[] [MANSUS] Explore what lies beyond the Garden of Mirrors, behind that pale veil of fog Requires a Winter Sacrament
--[] [MANSUS] Reach for The Tower, at the impossible edge of the Blank Plains, and meditate on what you are lacking. (Gain one scrap of Secret Histories Lore) This option will not net you any gain.

-[] [MANSUS] The Shattered Stairways
--[] [MANSUS] Wander through the maze of broken stairs. Perhaps you will stumble upon something.
--[] [MANSUS] Reach for the Valley of Keys, where the snakemare of the Mansus toils for her freedom.
--[] [MANSUS] Seek audience with the Wolf-Divided (you will be given a useful gift. Gifts will always be increasingly more precious and useful. There is no risk of receiving any maluses or wounds) [This is a Regrettable Action]
--[] [MANSUS] There are other markings to be followed within this maddening labyrinth of stairs. Follow them. (Search for a new area)

-[] [MANSUS] Beyond the Tribal Door
--[] [MANSUS] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church (Mansus Expedition)
--[] [MANSUS] Visit Biedde on his post, and gaze upon the Worm Museum
--[] [MANSUS] What remains of the heart of the Mansus is but a tortured maze of glass and dead ends. Wander through its corridors.

-[] [MANSUS] The Summit
--[] [MANSUS] The place where the Mansus was struck. You must explore it.

On more personal matters

Spoiler: Home and heart

-[] Of course you love your family very much, but you could always spend a bit more time with them.
--[] Just another pleasant day that you will spend with them. Perfect for cooling your head off.
--[] WRITE IN (other ways to spend time with your family, or anything else)

-[] Go into town and try to meet somepony interesting.

-[] Much to your own satisfaction, you now have a personal life outside of your maids, immediate family and business related meetings. You could choose to spend some time with…
--[] Cheerilee, your daughter's schoolteacher
--[] Mayor Mare, the de-facto ruler of Ponyville
--[] Filthy Rich, a well-to-do and wealthy bussinespony.
--[] Spoiled Rich, who is so very glad you are here today.
--[] Applejack, daughter of the Apple Clan and older sister to your daughter's friend
--[] WRITE IN (arrange to take your daughter to meet some of your younger acquaintances, or plan something else entirely)

On invoking the Lores (see RITUALS for more information, as well as CD and cost. SPECIFY if you will offer SACRIFICE)

Spoiler: The old ways

Write-in any sacrifices you plan to use.

-[] [FORGE] It's actually a lot simpler than it sounds, now that you know what you are doing (produce a reagent, write in which Lore/combination of Lores.
(You cannot produce a reagent with a Lore level superior to your own.) (Producing a single reagent is a FREE ACTION, producing 3 costs 1 action, 5 costs 2 actions, so on.)
--[] [FORGE] Level 1 reagent (5 bits)
--[] [FORGE Level 2 reagent (20 bits)
--[] [FORGE] Level 3 reagent (45 bits)
--[] [FORGE] Level 4 reagent (80 bits)

-[] It's grim work, but needs must.
--[] Acquire a dead body from the local cemetery.
--[] Acquire a live pony. (You have no place to keep live prisoners)

-[] "The proper things, in the proper manner, in the proper order. God help us all." (Perform a Ritual)
--[] "The Attention of the Laws" (specify Aspect)
--[] "The Forge's Redemption"
--[] "The Incision of the Heart"
--[] "The Path Through Nightmares" (specify target)
--[] "The End is Beautiful" (specify target)
--[] "The calling of Influence" (specify Aspect)
--[] "The Reflection of the Tapestry" (specify subject)
--[] Invoke a Risen (SPECIFY dead body used as source. ONE Risen is a FREE ACTION)
--[] Create an Ash-Ghoul (Write in how many sacrifices)
--[] Invoke a Windigo
--[] Invoke a Mare-in-the-Light
--[] Invoke Baldomare Already summoned
--[] Invoke the Daugher-of-Axes Already summoned
--[] Invoke Mareinette, Our Lady of Wires
--[] Invoke Biedde Already summoned

--[] To be performed at your own home, where you will... hopefully not leave many trails
--[] To be performed in Jade's old house (only up to Two-Circle rituals)
--[] To be performed on another location (you do not yet know or own any such location)

-[] Something else? (WRITE IN. Anything, but I will have to consider it, and it might make the voting period a bit longer)





Remember that write-ins for anything may be suggested. I'll do my best to answer if they are reasonable in a timely manner.

There will be at least 48 hours of voting, and TWELVE hours of moratorium.

And kindly point out any mistakes you see.

 

[Shaper47]

And this would be tearing down the house, and leaving just Harmony behind?

Click to shrink...

Probably having the Worms immediately turn up and Worm everything.

 

[Rafuki22]

Probably having the Worms immediately turn up and Worm everything.

Click to shrink...

That's just being pessimistic, you don't believe that Harmony can do anything good do you?

 

[spiderhellian]

Dude, that's dark.

Click to shrink...

Hahahahaha I am definitely miscalibrated to a Harmony-dominant quest! Thanks for your explanation.

 

[Shaper47]

[] Plan KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) + Wastes and SH Sacrament
-[] (AotL) Secret Histories (Ashen Wastes)
-[] (Forge) Forge 3 reagent
-[] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[] (Winter) Summon a Risen
-[] FO Family
-[] (Social) FO Friends
-[] personal SH Sacrament
-[] DoA Sacrament x5


[] Plan: Daughter of Velvet, SH Sacrament and hope
-[] Aotl (lantern)
-[] (Winter) Summon a Risen
-[] [FORGE] Level 3 reagent (45 bits)
-[] [KNOCK] Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[] free social, fleeting opportunity family
-[] fleeting opportunity friends
-[] personal SH Sacrament
-[] personal SH Sacrament
-[] foggy mirror Knock Sacrament
-[] foggy mirror Knock Sacrament
-[] foggy mirror Knock Sacrament
-[] foggy mirror Knock Sacrament

[] Plan: Daughter of Velvet, SH Sacrament and Ash Aotl
-[] Aotl (Secret Histories)- Ashen Wastes
-[] (Winter) Summon a Risen
-[] [FORGE] Level 3 reagent (45 bits)
-[] [KNOCK] Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[] free social, fleeting opportunity family
-[] fleeting opportunity friends
-[] personal SH Sacrament
-[] personal SH Sacrament
-[] foggy mirror Knock Sacrament
-[] foggy mirror Knock Sacrament
-[] foggy mirror Knock Sacrament
-[] foggy mirror Knock Sacrament

[] Plan KISS (Keep it Snake, Stupid) + Wastes
-[] (AotL) Secret Histories (Ashen Wastes)
-[] (Forge) Forge 3 reagent
-[] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[] (Winter) Summon a Risen
-[] FO Family
-[] (Social) FO Friends
-[] DoA Sacrament x6

Basically try and finish the Sacrament first and see if we get them done early.

 

[spiderhellian]

If we're doing two Sacraments we need the second conditional on still having the re-roll available.

 

[Rafuki22]

If we're doing two Sacraments we need the second conditional on still having the re-roll available.

Click to shrink...

Again, we shouldn't do conditionals.

 

[Shaper47]

If we're doing two Sacraments we need the second conditional on still having the re-roll available.

Click to shrink...

Sure, editing that in.

You think this "gift" of hers has a deeper meaning, to her or perhaps to the world, that you cannot quite grasp.

Click to shrink...

I wonder what Baldomare can say about it.

 

[DelightedOne]

[]Plan: Moonlit foggy nights, Uncle version
-[] AotL (Grail)
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Selene, and make her something more.
-[] [FORGE] Level 3 reagent (45 bits)
-[] [KNOCK] The Ashen Wastes
-[] DoA's Sacrament 3x
-[] Family FO.
-[] Friends FO.
-[] "The Forge's Redemption"
--[] To be performed in Jade's old house (only up to Two-Circle rituals)
-[] Uncle Steppes FO.


[]Plan: Moonlit foggy nights, Spoiled version
-[] AotL (Grail)
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Selene, and make her something more.
-[] [FORGE] Level 3 reagent (45 bits)
-[] [KNOCK] The Ashen Wastes
-[] DoA's Sacrament 3x
-[] Family FO.
-[] Friends FO.
-[] "The Forge's Redemption"
--[] To be performed in Jade's old house (only up to Two-Circle rituals)
-[] Social Spoiled Rich.

[]Plan: Moonlit foggy nights, Book version
-[] AotL (Lantern)
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Selene, and make her something more.
-[] [FORGE] Level 3 reagent (45 bits)
-[] [KNOCK] The Ashen Wastes
-[] DoA's Sacrament 3x
-[] Family FO.
-[] Friends FO.
-[] "The Forge's Redemption"
--[] To be performed in Jade's old house (only up to Two-Circle rituals)
[] Study: Moth 5 book and Lantern 4 Artifact.

So here is what I have now. Don't really like any of them but needed to do something.

And please everyone, don't let this:

-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Selene, and make her something more.

Click to shrink...

Be too late to help us.

 

[Greymere]

So, I think most of us are in agreement in regards to (at least) 3x DoA Sacrament actions? Which means... it's time for the knife fight over not-so-minor details!

[] Plan Of Rituals and Keys
-[] (AotL) Secret Histories
-[] (Forge) Forge 3 reagent
-[] (Knock) Explore the Summit
-[] (Winter) Invoke a Risen (Biedde's acquisition)
-[] (Social) Teach Selene
-[] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[] Perform the Forge's Redemption
--[] Sacrifice Forge 3 reagent
--[] At Jade's old house
-[] Search for a nonsuspicious three-circle ritual site (or an expedition that can become one) that our entire faction can use
-[] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (3x)

[] Plan Of Rituals and Keys (Ashen Ver.)
-[] (AotL) Secret Histories
-[] (Forge) Forge 3 reagent
-[] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[] (Winter) Invoke a Risen (Biedde's acquisition)
-[] (Social) Teach Selene
-[] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[] Perform the Forge's Redemption
--[] Sacrifice Forge 3 reagent
--[] At Jade's old house
-[] Search for a nonsuspicious three-circle ritual site (or an expedition that can become one) that our entire faction can use
-[] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (3x)

I mentioned before that I did like the idea of using the SH Influence to try and locate a ritual site, since even if Pittauro is correct about BtRC having a three-circle site (and he might not be), I think we will want a three-circle and not-Jade's-house ritual site before we're ready to do BtRC Part 3, especially since we're starting the Sacrament-a-palooza. And also having to do whatever expedition that the Level 7 book is likely locked behind (though it would admittedly be hilarious if the RotT just went "go do BtRC Part 3 dumbass").

[] Plan Glass and Steel
-[] (AotL) Lantern
-[] (Forge) Forge 3 reagent
-[] (Knock) Explore the Summit
-[] (Winter) Invoke a Risen (Biedde's acquisition)
-[] (Social) Teach Selene
-[] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[] Perform the Forge's Redemption
--[] Sacrifice Forge 3 reagent
--[] At Jade's old house
-[] Study, by priority: Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact
-[] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (3x)

[] Plan Glass and Steel (Ashen Ver.)
-[] (AotL) Lantern
-[] (Forge) Forge 3 reagent
-[] (Knock) Explore the Summit
-[] (Winter) Invoke a Risen (Biedde's acquisition)
-[] (Social) Teach Selene
-[] Fleeting Opportunity: Family
-[] Fleeting Opportunity: Friends
-[] Perform the Forge's Redemption
--[] Sacrifice Forge 3 reagent
--[] At Jade's old house
-[] Study, by priority: Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact
-[] Sacrament: Through the Foggy Mirror (3x)

Aaand one that has us studying the Lantern 4 artifact (~85% chance or something to succeed w/ Lantern reroll and Lantern AotL), because the Lantern artifact being usable means that we get a very powerful scryer in the form of Selene, who has the triple benefit of a) having a +30 base modifier after this turn, b) having two AP, meaning her being capable of scrying doubles/triples our scrying capacity, and c) actually being able to do rituals in Jade's old house. The Winter artifact is also there I guess, but I'd be ameanable to changing it to the Manehattan book or even the Moth book just to make some small progress on it, since we'd be literally incapable of finishing it even if we got super lucky with a Nat100.

You may also notice that both of these plans have "Ashen Versions", which are identical except the Summit exploration is swapped out for Ashen Wastes exploration. This entirely comes because we don't exactly know how hazardous the Summit will be, and some may prefer doing it not on the same turn we're trying to speedrun a Sacrament with unknown hazards. Also because we have a really good chance of hitting the two-explorations-in-one threshold (first and so far only seen during our Blank Plains exploration a while ago), which should clear out the Wastes, give us a full picture of what's now available on the lowest floor and maybe, just maybe, might give us the last Moth scrap we need without having to read the -50 penalty book.

Edit; Added the Risen action, forgot about that.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

[] Plan Forging For a Key
-[] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [LANTERN] (This is a free action to summon "The Attention of the Laws")
-[] There is no use in finding an Outsider if you do not have the means to extract its blood. But you suspect there is a place, at the summit of the Mansus, where things that should not perish have already died. (Costs one Mansus exploration action)
-[] These are the skills that allow you to climb the Mansus. (Actions towards your possible Sacraments)
--[] Knock, and ye shall open
---[] Offer to go beyond the foggy mirror, to perform an errant for the Daughter-of-Axes
---[] Offer to go beyond the foggy mirror, to perform an errant for the Daughter-of-Axes
---[] Offer to go beyond the foggy mirror, to perform an errant for the Daughter-of-Axes
---[] Offer to go beyond the foggy mirror, to perform an errant for the Daughter-of-Axes
---[] Offer to go beyond the foggy mirror, to perform an errant for the Daughter-of-Axes
-[] They are the ponies who are most precious to you, and they were shaken by what happened to you. You should spend more time with them than usual. (Not taking this action risks negative consequences)
-[] [SOCIAL] Your friends were probably… affected, by your recent problems. Maybe you should make sure they are alright?
-[] [FORGE] It's actually a lot simpler than it sounds, now that you know what you are doing (produce a reagent, write in which Lore/combination of Lores.
(You cannot produce a reagent with a Lore level superior to your own.) (Producing a single reagent is a FREE ACTION, producing 3 costs 1 action, 5 costs 2 actions, so on.)
--[] [FORGE] Level 4 reagent (80 bits)
-[] "The proper things, in the proper manner, in the proper order. God help us all." (Perform a Ritual)
--[] "The Forge's Redemption"
---[] Sacrifice a Forge 4 Reagent
--[] Invoke a Risen (SPECIFY dead body used as source. ONE Risen is a FREE ACTION)
---[] Biedde's Acquisition

Five Foggy Mirror Actions. Both FOs. An additional Wound, because poking around the Mansus is never ever truly safe, especially at the summit. If we end up with leftover actions we can discuss what to do with them then.

 

[Shaper47]

Remember

-IF (and only if) there are "unused" actions left from DoA's Sacrament attempt, they will be open for a "re-assignment" vote later this turn. (But said unused actions are in no way guaranteed)

Click to shrink...

So putting more AP on DoA's Sacrament is very prudent.

Also we have an SH influence it's time for our SH Sacrament.