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Esquestria: The House of the Sun - A pony cultist experience
- Thread starter OurLadyOfWires
- Start date
jelloloaf
Theoheretical
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- Aug 17, 2024
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Anyone have any speculations on what these might be? My only guess so far is that Knock is somehow related to entering dreams, but I don't really have any ideas for the other two. Fighting Worms?
angelsadvocate666
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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CS has nothing to do with it. I've been at this kinda thing for a long time now, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that getting a solid answer out of a QM is about as easy as grabbing a cloud.
angelsadvocate666
I trust you know where the happy button is?
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2024
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- 3,131
I would assume it was because he wasn't certain that was meant to be a DoA reagent. It would be useful for Biedde summoning too, albeit not exactly optimal.
spiderhellian
Araneae
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- Aug 23, 2024
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(I realize I missed a much more important quote, where Bird specified the Gifts wont be obtained until this turn. Oops!)
Sveta08
Shinning Glimmering and Dangerous
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2023
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- 281
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- 1,404
Yes, but not in a useful way that tells us anything past where they will be useful.
They are... the tools for Celestia.
Winter to resolve despite the heat.
Edge to push through and reach despite the fortress
Knock to unlock the path forward.
What those are, and how they are used in a general sense, I couldn't tell you. But they are the... the key pieces. And the Increase in Lore proficiency when all the training is done is a wonderful mirror to the child Selene training, which means... it is the pieces. It just reflects too perfectly not to be.
Turn 19 - CHANGELOG - Follower's phase
OurLadyOfWires
Uh-oh, better hide those FOALS!
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2024
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CHANGELOG
"Of course there can be changes. This is partially a game, so of course some aspects of that experience can be enhanced."
"Of course there can be changes. This is partially a game, so of course some aspects of that experience can be enhanced."
Dear reader, the following "Spoiler" window relates to changes in the "mechanical" aspects of the quest. And it will cover changes in what characters are able to do, and how players can expect to vote for how the story proceeds.
Feel free to ignore this spoiler if you are not interested in any of that.
There will be three changes to the turn plan voting phase moving forward:
1 – Stormchaser's "Away/At Home" mechanic is no longer in effect.
Explanation: This just didn't feel interesting mechanically, and would require too many narrative loops to be interesting as a story. So, it's getting canned. Velvet lives and dies by attacks against either her person, a combat in an expedition, or an attack against her household where she will always be present. No need to separate your defenses, unless it is specifically noted that a certain character will be alone/exposed and needs individualized protection.
2 – Confidantes have learned a new action: "Cover your bases". This is an expensive action (it requires multiple confidantes to perform, with an increasing price) but it gives you more "Velvet Covers" actions.
Explanation: Velvet Covers is, currently, a powerhouse. Her actions are worth more than the actions of any of her followers, and more than once we have stumbled upon the problem of "Man, Fluttershy is nearly useless due to her lore level/low bonuses. What menial task can we give her?"
Now, to be clear, that is not a problem. I had initially planned for you to have several "pawn-like" followers, and for you to throw numbers at a problem until it got fixed, but the story brought us in the direction of "a small number of deep friendships". So, this mechanic will be put in place to balance this out, and give you more space to maneuver. This is a "tall build" quality-of-life patch, if you are used to that kind of jargon.
From now on, you will be able to ask your followers to "Cover your bases" (better puns involving the word "Covers" are welcome). This is a generic action with the following effect:
As you can see, the price starts at two followers, and increases by one per extra action.
This will allow you to simply get more things done, more reliably, and will also allow your followers to be more narratively useful. After all, I will be able to "include" your followers in your actions, narratively speaking, since you will have the time to do them thanks to their aid.
3 – Turn planning will now be divided into two phases: Followers phase and Velvet phase.
Explanation: Turn planning is becoming monolithic and overly complex, thanks to how many disparate followers we have, and the several Lore abilities that must be considered.
So, from now on, turn planning will follow this sequence:
-First, we will have a "Followers phase". This will be a plan vote.
-Then, we will have a "Velvet phase". Another, more important, plan vote.
During a followers phase, you will vote only for actions of your followers, and the Lunar Bureau.
And more importantly, we will simplify things for our followers by having "generic" actions that any follower can do.
To put it simply, you will not vote for "Fluttershy does X, Rarity does Y". You will vote for "I want X, Y and Z to happen", and I will organize the tasks according to who is the best follower to perform it.
Of course, you will have the opportunity to vote for actions that can only be performed by certain followers (called "exclusive actions"). If you vote for that, I will abide by your vote and assign that follower to that task.
It might sound complicated, but it's not. Here is a short example for a Followers Phase:
So, a plan for the test-turn shown above could look something like this:
[] Plan plan
-[] [RARITY] Flirt
-[] Search for books
-[] 1 extra Velvet action (costs 2)
You had 4 follower actions. You spent 4 follower actions. And I, the QM, will go over the trouble of assigning whatever follower is best for a task.
Here, I would be "forced" to assign Rarity to the action you chose (since it is an "exclusive" action). But as I look at the other options, I would assign Baldomare to search for books, and the "less useful" Fluttershy and Servants to giving you an extra action.
After that, you would proceed to planning Velvet's month with the extra action you accumulated from your follower's phase.
Doing it in this order, first followers then Velvet, is also helpful because you can GAIN Velvet actions during the followers phase. But you can also (more rarely) spend Velvet actions here as well, if a follower action for some reason demands Velvet's attention.
Questions, concerns and suggestions are welcome. But I think this will help things to run more smoothly.
1 – Stormchaser's "Away/At Home" mechanic is no longer in effect.
Explanation: This just didn't feel interesting mechanically, and would require too many narrative loops to be interesting as a story. So, it's getting canned. Velvet lives and dies by attacks against either her person, a combat in an expedition, or an attack against her household where she will always be present. No need to separate your defenses, unless it is specifically noted that a certain character will be alone/exposed and needs individualized protection.
2 – Confidantes have learned a new action: "Cover your bases". This is an expensive action (it requires multiple confidantes to perform, with an increasing price) but it gives you more "Velvet Covers" actions.
Explanation: Velvet Covers is, currently, a powerhouse. Her actions are worth more than the actions of any of her followers, and more than once we have stumbled upon the problem of "Man, Fluttershy is nearly useless due to her lore level/low bonuses. What menial task can we give her?"
Now, to be clear, that is not a problem. I had initially planned for you to have several "pawn-like" followers, and for you to throw numbers at a problem until it got fixed, but the story brought us in the direction of "a small number of deep friendships". So, this mechanic will be put in place to balance this out, and give you more space to maneuver. This is a "tall build" quality-of-life patch, if you are used to that kind of jargon.
From now on, you will be able to ask your followers to "Cover your bases" (better puns involving the word "Covers" are welcome). This is a generic action with the following effect:
"Cover your bases" (You may only pick ONE option)
[] Velvet Covers gains 1 extra action (costs TWO followers actions)
[] Velvet Covers gains 2 extra action (costs FIVE followers actions)
[] Velvet Covers gains 3 extra action (costs NINE followers actions)
[] Etc
[] Velvet Covers gains 1 extra action (costs TWO followers actions)
[] Velvet Covers gains 2 extra action (costs FIVE followers actions)
[] Velvet Covers gains 3 extra action (costs NINE followers actions)
[] Etc
As you can see, the price starts at two followers, and increases by one per extra action.
This will allow you to simply get more things done, more reliably, and will also allow your followers to be more narratively useful. After all, I will be able to "include" your followers in your actions, narratively speaking, since you will have the time to do them thanks to their aid.
3 – Turn planning will now be divided into two phases: Followers phase and Velvet phase.
Explanation: Turn planning is becoming monolithic and overly complex, thanks to how many disparate followers we have, and the several Lore abilities that must be considered.
So, from now on, turn planning will follow this sequence:
-First, we will have a "Followers phase". This will be a plan vote.
-Then, we will have a "Velvet phase". Another, more important, plan vote.
During a followers phase, you will vote only for actions of your followers, and the Lunar Bureau.
And more importantly, we will simplify things for our followers by having "generic" actions that any follower can do.
To put it simply, you will not vote for "Fluttershy does X, Rarity does Y". You will vote for "I want X, Y and Z to happen", and I will organize the tasks according to who is the best follower to perform it.
Of course, you will have the opportunity to vote for actions that can only be performed by certain followers (called "exclusive actions"). If you vote for that, I will abide by your vote and assign that follower to that task.
It might sound complicated, but it's not. Here is a short example for a Followers Phase:
Welcome to the Followers Phase of Turn X
You currently have 3 Velvet Actions (4 base, -1 from "You promised!" commitment)
(Those actions will be used on the next phase, but are here for reference)
You currently have 4 Follower actions:
-Rarity: 1
-Fluttershy: 1
-Baldomare: 1
-Noble Servants: 1
[EXCLUSIVE ACTIONS]
(Picking one from these lists will "specify" that this follower will perform this action)
[RARITY]
[] [RARITY] Focus on her career
[] [RARITY] Take a commission
[] [RARITY] Flirt
[] [RARITY] WRITE IN
[FLUTTERSHY]
[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet Feet to Guard
[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet Feet to participate in an expedition/assault
[] [FLUTTERSHY] WRITE IN
[BALDOMARE]
[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for Lore lesson (write in SH/Lantern)
[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for Influence (Write in SH/Lantern)
[] [BALDOMARE] Go have fun (write in how many bits)
[] [BALDOMARE] Pester
[] [BALDOMARE] WRITE IN
[GENERIC ACTIONS]
(Do not write in who will do what, instead, pick the actions, and how many times you want it to be done)
[] Search for books
[] Search for expedition sites
[] Perform a ritual
[] Acquire a dead body
[] Participate in an expedition/assault
[] Other stuff/write in
[COVER YOUR BASES]
[] 1 extra Velvet action (costs 2)
[] 2 extra Velvet actions (costs 5)
You currently have 3 Velvet Actions (4 base, -1 from "You promised!" commitment)
(Those actions will be used on the next phase, but are here for reference)
You currently have 4 Follower actions:
-Rarity: 1
-Fluttershy: 1
-Baldomare: 1
-Noble Servants: 1
[EXCLUSIVE ACTIONS]
(Picking one from these lists will "specify" that this follower will perform this action)
[RARITY]
[] [RARITY] Focus on her career
[] [RARITY] Take a commission
[] [RARITY] Flirt
[] [RARITY] WRITE IN
[FLUTTERSHY]
[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet Feet to Guard
[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet Feet to participate in an expedition/assault
[] [FLUTTERSHY] WRITE IN
[BALDOMARE]
[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for Lore lesson (write in SH/Lantern)
[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for Influence (Write in SH/Lantern)
[] [BALDOMARE] Go have fun (write in how many bits)
[] [BALDOMARE] Pester
[] [BALDOMARE] WRITE IN
[GENERIC ACTIONS]
(Do not write in who will do what, instead, pick the actions, and how many times you want it to be done)
[] Search for books
[] Search for expedition sites
[] Perform a ritual
[] Acquire a dead body
[] Participate in an expedition/assault
[] Other stuff/write in
[COVER YOUR BASES]
[] 1 extra Velvet action (costs 2)
[] 2 extra Velvet actions (costs 5)
So, a plan for the test-turn shown above could look something like this:
[] Plan plan
-[] [RARITY] Flirt
-[] Search for books
-[] 1 extra Velvet action (costs 2)
You had 4 follower actions. You spent 4 follower actions. And I, the QM, will go over the trouble of assigning whatever follower is best for a task.
Here, I would be "forced" to assign Rarity to the action you chose (since it is an "exclusive" action). But as I look at the other options, I would assign Baldomare to search for books, and the "less useful" Fluttershy and Servants to giving you an extra action.
After that, you would proceed to planning Velvet's month with the extra action you accumulated from your follower's phase.
Doing it in this order, first followers then Velvet, is also helpful because you can GAIN Velvet actions during the followers phase. But you can also (more rarely) spend Velvet actions here as well, if a follower action for some reason demands Velvet's attention.
Questions, concerns and suggestions are welcome. But I think this will help things to run more smoothly.
- - -
- - -
- - -
You are Commissioner Velvet Covers, and you are currently in a flying chariot on your way to Canterlot.
You don't like using resources like this for yourself. But this time, needs must. You have been absent from your job for several days now, so you want to return there as quickly as possible so you can keep things moving. After all, there are some decisions Shining Armor just doesn't have the authority to make, and those crucial things are slowly starting to pile up.
And more importantly, there is currently nothing you can do at home.
…
Well, that was kind of a grim way to word it, so you will try to think about it in another way.
You can't really do anything that matters in your home, right now.
Selene has asked for a few days of normalcy, so she can get a hold of her old filly routine and start figuring out how she can pursue her own goals during her "free" time. You and Stormchaser have suggested to her a cover story involving "etiquette lesson", so she can have an excuse to stay at home and away from her friends more frequently, but she has not yet decided how she will be doing this.
Your husband, also, left for his own work. And your other daughters will continue living their own lives as if nothing happened, despite the fact that Selene has not yet told Softy about her… change.
Still, the fact remains that the Wake is doing as the Wake usually does. It is marching towards the future without caring for the lives and problems of ponies. So, you have no choice but to keep up with its pace.
More importantly, you need to decide… several things.
Because although Selene just, uh… changed (and you should decide on a term to refer to that), she has not turned your entire life upside down. To your very great surprise, mind you.
In fact, your Princess daughter explicitly told you that she will be looking at you for guidance. After all, the two of you still need to have a deeper conversation about that, but she told you in no uncertain terms that she remembers about the Worms.
And, in her own words, she said that "you seem to have a better idea of what to do" right now.
So, it seems that a Princess will be asking you for directions, as time moves on.
And since she has not asked you for any great favor, or given you any royal tasks, you should continue pursuing your own objectives.
… it is just so weird to think of your adorable daughter giving you "royal tasks"…
Anyhow, you are sure Selene will be a gigantic help. But since she does not want to reveal her return to the public, you will not be able to leverage her authority anytime soon.
Still, she is not the only pony who has promised to help you.
With that in mind, and within the calm confines of the flying chariot, the gears of your mind begin to turn…
- - -
FOLLOWERS PHASE
Velvet Covers currently has 4 personal actions to use on her own phase. (4 base, none previously used).
The following notes are relevant for this turn, on top of Velvet's usual array of monthly choices:
-You will have a chance to confront Comet Feet about his "service" to the Master, involving Shining Armor. (THIS WILL BE A FLEETING OPPORTUNITY)
-Due to the social nature of that action, Mareinette may perform it in your stead. (That option has been added to her exclusive actions section)
-Velvet is currently focused on searching Canterlot for the Outsider Baldomare has sensed. That action can be performed by her, and it can also be performed by her followers as a generic action. (This is not a fleeting action, and can be performed by multiple ponies)
-Velvet will become interested in exploring the Mansus in order to find a place where she can extract an Outsider's blood. (This will be a notice/warning, but not an obligatory or fleeting option to be picked)
-Rarity will gift you 55 bits.
-There will be no incoming offensive rituals from an enemy, but you cannot predict physical attacks.
Non-contested summoning: Would you like to summon the Daughter-of-Axes before this turn begins?
-[] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[] Axe? No.
-[] Nothing brings a family together like SUMMONING ALIEN GODS (Selene will perform the Ritual instead of Velvet, costs one SELENE action)
(QM will assume either Velvet or Selene will succeed on your summoning, due to your current bonus. One Wrong Key, one Gift, and your latest Reagent will be used. Due to the nature of the sacrifices used, this will not cost any bits.)
You currently have NINE/EIGHT (depending on your decision to summon Axe) Follower actions.
Rarity: 1
Jade Whistle: 1
Fluttershy: 1
Baldomare: 1
Mareinette: 1
Velvet Axe: 1
Selene: 2
Household servants: 1
Jade Whistle: 1
Fluttershy: 1
Baldomare: 1
Mareinette: 1
Velvet Axe: 1
Selene: 2
Household servants: 1
The Lunar Bureau
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. None of these cost follower actions.
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) Your detectives need to start breaking some very tough doors before they can start asking some very tough questions. Have your constables do what needs to be done.
-[] [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 two 3/3 health, "+15 Personal Combat" ponies as bodyguards, to GUARD your home during this 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 figureheads. 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] 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)
-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. None of these cost follower actions.
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) Your detectives need to start breaking some very tough doors before they can start asking some very tough questions. Have your constables do what needs to be done.
-[] [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 two 3/3 health, "+15 Personal Combat" ponies as bodyguards, to GUARD your home during this 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 figureheads. 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] 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
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 3, HEART 1)
-[] [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)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to Guard your home.
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to go on an assault/expedition.
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (SECRET LIBRARY INSUFFICIENTLY LEVELED)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else? (WRITE IN)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else from your… mutual friend? (WRITE IN to ask Comet Feet for something)
Baldomare (2 health, LANTERN 6, SECRET HISTORIES 6)
(Baldomare will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[] [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 19)
-[] [MAREINETTE] Confront Comet Feet (FLEETING OPPORTUNITY, using her "Honored Guest" skill)
-[] [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)
(This is available ONLY if you choose to summon her this turn. QM is assuming you will succeed.)
-[] [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)
Selene (5 health, MOTH 3, EDGE 3, WINTER 3, KNOCK 3)
(As an alicorn, Selene has TWO actions per turn)
(Even if you do not pick any "Training actions", Selene will randomly pick one and auto-succeed on it during this turn. If you pick a "Training action", her random chance will not pick any actions you tell her to focus on.)
-[] [SELENE] This body is new to her, but it is old to the world. She must learn of its abilities and privileges. (Grain +5 to her General Bonus) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] This body is old to her, but it is new to the world. She must learn of its restrictions and limitations. (Gain +1 total health) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Something else? (WRITE IN)
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] Something else? (WRITE IN)
Jade Whistle (3 health, LANTERN 3, HEART 1)
-[] [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)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to Guard your home.
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to go on an assault/expedition.
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else? (WRITE IN)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else from your… mutual friend? (WRITE IN to ask Comet Feet for something)
Baldomare (2 health, LANTERN 6, SECRET HISTORIES 6)
(Baldomare will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[] [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 19)
-[] [MAREINETTE] Confront Comet Feet (FLEETING OPPORTUNITY, using her "Honored Guest" skill)
-[] [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)
(This is available ONLY if you choose to summon her this turn. QM is assuming you will succeed.)
-[] [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)
Selene (5 health, MOTH 3, EDGE 3, WINTER 3, KNOCK 3)
(As an alicorn, Selene has TWO actions per turn)
(Even if you do not pick any "Training actions", Selene will randomly pick one and auto-succeed on it during this turn. If you pick a "Training action", her random chance will not pick any actions you tell her to focus on.)
-[] [SELENE] This body is new to her, but it is old to the world. She must learn of its abilities and privileges. (Grain +5 to her General Bonus) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] This body is old to her, but it is new to the world. She must learn of its restrictions and limitations. (Gain +1 total health) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Something else? (WRITE IN)
General actions
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.
-[] There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200, applies Intrigue and Secret Histories)
-[] 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 on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
Any action may be picked several times. Write in a note specifying if you want that to happen.
-[] There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200, applies Intrigue and Secret Histories)
-[] 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 on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
"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.)
Copper Secateur (possible location suspected)
--[] [COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent
--[] [COPPER] Send somepony to locate, or spy on, this opponent
--[] [COPPER] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN what ritual)
--[] [COPPER] Attempt to contact this opponent (WRITE IN what to discuss if successful)
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)
(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.)
Copper Secateur (possible location suspected)
--[] [COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent
--[] [COPPER] Send somepony to locate, or spy on, this opponent
--[] [COPPER] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN what ritual)
--[] [COPPER] Attempt to contact this opponent (WRITE IN what to discuss if successful)
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 action! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[] [GENERAL] Something else entirely? (WRITE IN)
This is, QM knows, extremely new and experimental. So, voting is NOT open, and we will all give ourselves time to understand what is going on and discuss options.
Feel free to suggest any actions, that can be performed by followers, that I may have forgotten.
And remember, after this plan, we will have the more important plan voting where we decide VELVET'S actions for this month. And we will add/subtract however many actions you picked that might influence her own pool of actions.
Feel free to ask, or suggest, anything!
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angelsadvocate666
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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Also, can I just say, Selene casually calling Velvet and Stormchaser mom and dad like it's the most natural thing in the world is both hilarious, painful, and absolutely heartwarming.
It's just so weird to see, especially when she's in Luna form, because I'm imagining this big-ass Alicorn Princess just sitting in a relatively normal house calling these perfectly normal ponies mom and dad and it's both incredibly natural, and incredibly unnatural at the same time.
It's just so weird to see, especially when she's in Luna form, because I'm imagining this big-ass Alicorn Princess just sitting in a relatively normal house calling these perfectly normal ponies mom and dad and it's both incredibly natural, and incredibly unnatural at the same time.
spiderhellian
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Oh, cool update! I can see that this will definitely make turn planning less involved (there were a sprawling amount of options). I also quite like that it'll let us get some narrative integration of followers in other actions. And it's great that the poor, poor, Servants may finally be freed from Jade's house.
One oddity, though @OurLadyOfWires -- is it possible to also get a sense of the fleeting opportunities? (Even just a sketch?) I'm thinking it's a tricky to get a sense of the value of a Velvet action when there's one specific variable that might effect that we're missing.
Hm. There's also the dilemma that making a decision about whether we'll need the 100 bits from Rarity is quite dependent on what actions we want Velvet to perform. E.g. it might be necessary if we're trying to double-summon, but we won't make that decision yet. Maybe we can also get the number of bits Rarity earned..?
(At some level I realize this just becomes "Plan everything anyways". Shoot. Not sure what to do about that.)
One oddity, though @OurLadyOfWires -- is it possible to also get a sense of the fleeting opportunities? (Even just a sketch?) I'm thinking it's a tricky to get a sense of the value of a Velvet action when there's one specific variable that might effect that we're missing.
Hm. There's also the dilemma that making a decision about whether we'll need the 100 bits from Rarity is quite dependent on what actions we want Velvet to perform. E.g. it might be necessary if we're trying to double-summon, but we won't make that decision yet. Maybe we can also get the number of bits Rarity earned..?
(At some level I realize this just becomes "Plan everything anyways". Shoot. Not sure what to do about that.)
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Shaper47
Experienced.
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Two words...
Grail Sacrament!!!
Yeah, definitely need a Grail Sacrament here.
We really don't want a great secret of betrayal on our watch especially given the hints regarding the Edge Name.
OurLadyOfWires
Uh-oh, better hide those FOALS!
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I expect questions, and that is completely fine! Please let me know how I can make this more simple or understandable.
Still, if anyone needs a "base", this is how I expect a plan to be presented, when voting is opened:
And again, ask me anything, and I hope you are all doing well! I'll hang around for a little while, but I have to go to sleep soon. But don't worry, voting will NOT be open before we have enough time to understands what is going on.
Still, if anyone needs a "base", this is how I expect a plan to be presented, when voting is opened:
[Y] Plan Find me that book!
-[Y] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[Y] [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)
-[Y] [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)
-[Y] [COMMISSIONER] Some of the ponies in the Bureau are figureheads. Get to know them better.
--[Y] Shining Armor, your Deputy.
-[Y] [RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[Y] [BALDOMARE] "Go have fun." (Give her whatever Rarity gains from commission)
-[Y] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[Y] In the great libraries of Canterlot… the ones that are open to public access, that is (LANTERN, GRAIL, SECRET HISTORIES)
--[Y] In the many small bookshops that dot the side streets of Manehattan (MOTH, EDGE, KNOCK)
-[Y] Two extra Velvet actions! (Costs 5 follower actions)
"Okay, so, I picked the two extra actions, which costs five followers. One Baldomare exclusive, one Rarity exclusive, and whoever is left can search for books in Canterlot and Manehattan. That's nine total. And I really want to find Baldomare a book!
Of course, I also wanna summon Axe, so in she goes. We did promise our little brother!
Also I do not care about hunting changelings. So the detectives can do whatever, and the constables can give us that juicy extra action.
In total, that's all our followers accounted for, and Velvet will have SIX actions on her phase. Because she had 4, used one for axe, gained one from Constables, and gained two from followers. (4 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 6)
What do you mean this is a terrible plan?!"
-[Y] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[Y] [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)
-[Y] [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)
-[Y] [COMMISSIONER] Some of the ponies in the Bureau are figureheads. Get to know them better.
--[Y] Shining Armor, your Deputy.
-[Y] [RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[Y] [BALDOMARE] "Go have fun." (Give her whatever Rarity gains from commission)
-[Y] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[Y] In the great libraries of Canterlot… the ones that are open to public access, that is (LANTERN, GRAIL, SECRET HISTORIES)
--[Y] In the many small bookshops that dot the side streets of Manehattan (MOTH, EDGE, KNOCK)
-[Y] Two extra Velvet actions! (Costs 5 follower actions)
"Okay, so, I picked the two extra actions, which costs five followers. One Baldomare exclusive, one Rarity exclusive, and whoever is left can search for books in Canterlot and Manehattan. That's nine total. And I really want to find Baldomare a book!
Of course, I also wanna summon Axe, so in she goes. We did promise our little brother!
Also I do not care about hunting changelings. So the detectives can do whatever, and the constables can give us that juicy extra action.
In total, that's all our followers accounted for, and Velvet will have SIX actions on her phase. Because she had 4, used one for axe, gained one from Constables, and gained two from followers. (4 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 6)
What do you mean this is a terrible plan?!"
And again, ask me anything, and I hope you are all doing well! I'll hang around for a little while, but I have to go to sleep soon. But don't worry, voting will NOT be open before we have enough time to understands what is going on.
Greymere
In hell we live, lament
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Right, so. Before I start thinking, @OurLadyOfWires, if there's an incoming death ritual, would we know it during the followers phase so that we can have DoA emergency-craft Wrong Keys for us?
Also, can we know of any Fleeting Opportunities that will be coming up for T19 (and in the Follower Phase in general, going forward)? Since sometimes our followers can actually do those for us, depending on what they are (or Mareinette can act in our stead for Velvet-specific ones).
Edit: Hey, I just realized. Our servants might finally be able to be (indirectly) useful again!
Edit 2: Also uh, are transport costs still a thing? Because they're not mentioned in the book search options.
Edit 3: Also also, are the Changeling follow-up options mutually exclusive?
Also, can we know of any Fleeting Opportunities that will be coming up for T19 (and in the Follower Phase in general, going forward)? Since sometimes our followers can actually do those for us, depending on what they are (or Mareinette can act in our stead for Velvet-specific ones).
Edit: Hey, I just realized. Our servants might finally be able to be (indirectly) useful again!
Edit 2: Also uh, are transport costs still a thing? Because they're not mentioned in the book search options.
Edit 3: Also also, are the Changeling follow-up options mutually exclusive?
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angelsadvocate666
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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Well this is going to be complicated. And I like the assumed success, though assumed isn't guaranteed. It can still fail, this is just Bird acknowledging that it probably won't, and that he doesn't want to have to open a new vote for it later.
Anyways, I'll probably advise, but I tend to avoid making plans if possible these days.
Anyways, I'll probably advise, but I tend to avoid making plans if possible these days.
Sveta08
Shinning Glimmering and Dangerous
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I quite like this new system. It helps.
I am presuming too that given if we select Mareinette acting in Velvet's steps, that will provide a soft equivilant "Not Velvet Action" taken.
Also, not sure how this system will interact with Fleeting Opportunities.
I am presuming too that given if we select Mareinette acting in Velvet's steps, that will provide a soft equivilant "Not Velvet Action" taken.
Also, not sure how this system will interact with Fleeting Opportunities.
Shaper47
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Can we get them to steal stuff or get us some bits?
For example Mareinette would probably be good at getting us bits (don't ask any questions on how she got them). While Velvet Axe would be good at stealing things like books (just imagine us sending her to raid the public library for a book).
Also can we get them to create rituals for us?
It is kinda Jade and Baldomare's thing.
OurLadyOfWires
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Great questions.
I plan on telling you all Fleeting Opportunities of a turn ahead of time, when something like this happens. Because this kind of knowledge is indeed important to plan how many Velvet Actions you want to hoard.
However, for this turn, assume there will be no Fleeting Opportunities for you to pick from.
To put it simply, Luna just returned. So there will be some extra things happening this turn, but they will happen regardless of your options. Luna is quite literally "settling in" on this first month of hers, so although unusual things will take place, you don't need to vote for them.
Or rather, there would be no point in presenting the FleetOps I had in mind, because they would be picked so quickly it wouldn't even make sense. Also, because I could hear Velvet herself yelling at me that "she's gonna do it and screw the votes!"
She kinda gets like that when it involves her family, yknow.
So, about your own actions available, keep focusing on winning, try not to lose, and reach for Glory, as every cultist should.
Velvet has never picked any options like that, so they were quietly phased away as the turns went on. If you really want it, suggest it as a "write in" no problems.
Jade can't yet, as she is focused on the Memory of Light. And Baldomare is not interested enough, you should bribe her with more books.
angelsadvocate666
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One base covering should be nice, unless we need Fluttershy for something. We could even get two, if we… use Rarity and Selene's actions, I guess? maybe Jade's? That's a lot though, unless people just really want a lot of AP for some reason. They're not super useful, but who knows.
spiderhellian
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That would simplify things -- but what about the Comet Fleeting action?
(Well, we do know about that ahead of time, so if that's the only one it's moot.)
Greymere
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Comet Feet guarding action? It'll let us bring Selene back up to speed more quickly, since she's really the other option for a guard action that we would trust with our family
OurLadyOfWires
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I forgot to answer this in particular. No death rituals.
No nightmare rituals either.
2 - Didn't I abolish transport costs? Or was that only for Velvet? I actually don't remember.
3 - Not mutually exclusive. In fact, having your detectives follow up investigations WHILE constables go for ponies-of-interest would be ideal, if you are going for that.
I had completely and utterly forgotten about it
I'll go add it to the threadmark right now.
Thank you! Lots of spinning plates so thank you for this reminder. I appreciate it.
Greymere
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It was supposed to be just for Velvet, iirc, but if you want to abolish them entirely, I won't complain
angelsadvocate666
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I mean, if you're cool with poking that bear twice in a row. From what I remember the general consensus was to be careful with how often we ask him for shit, and after nothing happened last turn—and no ritual attack this turn either it seems—it might be a bit more irritating.Comet Feet guarding action? It'll let us bring Selene back up to speed more quickly, since she's really the other option for a guard action that we would trust with our family
Plus maybe that AP is something people really want? Four is pretty constraining. Can someone make a list of major preferences for Velvet AP, just so people can have an idea of how much they need for their preferences?
I vaguely remember it being handwaved at least once I think, and maybe you just removing them after we got the Bureau position? Can't remember for sure though.
spiderhellian
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@OurLadyOfWires
(I had a delayed thought and edited it in, so copying from above in case you missed it).
Hm. There's also the dilemma that making a decision about whether we'll need the 100 bits from Rarity is quite dependent on what actions we want Velvet to perform. E.g. it might be necessary if we're trying to double-summon, but we won't make that decision yet. Maybe we can also get the number of bits Rarity earned..?
(I had a delayed thought and edited it in, so copying from above in case you missed it).
Hm. There's also the dilemma that making a decision about whether we'll need the 100 bits from Rarity is quite dependent on what actions we want Velvet to perform. E.g. it might be necessary if we're trying to double-summon, but we won't make that decision yet. Maybe we can also get the number of bits Rarity earned..?
I think you did, yeah. Hmm, I'll do some digging.
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OurLadyOfWires
Uh-oh, better hide those FOALS!
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It's 1AM where I am, and I just wrote like a man possessed the entire day. I won't make any rulings I might regret later, so keep this question canned for laterIt was supposed to be just for Velvet, iirc, but if you want to abolish them entirely, I won't complain
She has been getting around 40 I think? Assume you'll get 40. If the planning gets to the point where we really need to nitpick exactly how many bits I can roll it earlier.
EDIT: Aaaaand that's enough for tonight. Good night everyone!
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Greymere
In hell we live, lament
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Fair enough.
Actually a thought @OurLadyOfWires, if we put a general guard action into the follower phase plan, and it turns out the mechanically/narratively optimal way is still for it to end up with Fluttershy via her asking Comet Feet, will that happen even if we don't specify that in her exclusive actions?
Shaper47
Experienced.
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Given Selene's dream powers could we have her contact or spy on people from their dreams?
For example could we sent Selene to visit Cooper and get her wake location from her dream.
Or send Selene to make contact with Windy to bring him into the fold.
Good to know.
Egh, she has a ritualist trait and still needs to be bribed to shine the light on new knowledge. What kind of lantern Name is she.
Suddenly I don't feel guilty at all for the thought on sticking her on creating the rituals of "The Arrogance of Mother and Son", "Hatred" and "Wolf-Form".
jelloloaf
Theoheretical
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Big fan of the changes, I agree that plans were starting to get a bit unwieldy.
10k over three updates in a single day, with another 5k the day before is a crazy amount of output. Hope you're doing alright.
angelsadvocate666
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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I mean… it's not like it'll be the first time.
Hmm. Right. @OurLadyOfWires a question I asked earlier—or at least it was a thought in contention—is Selene always "around" in case of household attacks? Being our kid and all. Or would we have to purposefully ask her to protect the household if we want her there to guard the rest of the family should they be under attack now that she's a Confidante and has her own stuff going on?
spiderhellian
Araneae
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@OurLadyOfWires There was some thought it would increase with the Wedding, and I think you indicated it would increase with the Lore level-up? But makes sense -- have a good night!
Sveta08
Shinning Glimmering and Dangerous
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Well, change to system aside...
One thing I would and will recommend, is we perform the "Search" action for the Detectives. The "Search for Expeditions" choice.
Simply put, the detectives aren't at a useful state for what we want from them. Either Lore information, or actually doing their job hunting down changelings and the like.
Either way, we can continue to throw them helplessly at the problem, but they themselves said that "They don't know how to approach a problem like this."
This has the detectives quite literally research into the rumors and myths they hear. Finding out about places and spaces known and unknown. That's the best route I currently see for them to learn more, without Velvet just dropping a book of Secret Lore on them.
Either way, if we want them to be able to have a chance of doing... much, I feel that's the best route.
Past that, I am too tired to think harder on the rest of the options.
One thing I would and will recommend, is we perform the "Search" action for the Detectives. The "Search for Expeditions" choice.
Simply put, the detectives aren't at a useful state for what we want from them. Either Lore information, or actually doing their job hunting down changelings and the like.
Either way, we can continue to throw them helplessly at the problem, but they themselves said that "They don't know how to approach a problem like this."
This has the detectives quite literally research into the rumors and myths they hear. Finding out about places and spaces known and unknown. That's the best route I currently see for them to learn more, without Velvet just dropping a book of Secret Lore on them.
Either way, if we want them to be able to have a chance of doing... much, I feel that's the best route.
Past that, I am too tired to think harder on the rest of the options.