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

[Limabot]

I think the point is to actually use his wife for it instead. While this still isn't great morally and would take longer, she is generally a worse person than Mr. Rich, and probably less useful for us.

 

[DelightedOne]

He also left the door wide open on purpose, which led us all to go WTF. Therefore he is capable of making decisions that make us go Biedde WTF.

Click to shrink...

Of course he can do stuff like that, he is the Colonel's slave, not ours.

 

[Shaper47]

I think the point is to actually use his wife for it instead. While this still isn't great morally and would take longer, she is generally a worse person than Mr. Rich, and probably less useful for us.

Click to shrink...

So we're send Grail Mareinette to an unsatisfied housewife to Grail her into being good friends.

You know for some reason I'm getting the impression Mareinette's going to run this as an ntr plot.

 

[DelightedOne]

So we're send Grail Mareinette to an unsatisfied housewife to Grail her into being good friends.

You know for some reason I'm getting the impression Mareinette's going to run this as an ntr plot.

Click to shrink...

Spoiled is unsatisfied with life, that is why she is so controlling with Diamond Tiara. She has a good husband, a wonderful daughter, money and prestige... But she's still missing something.

So no, low chance of that type of Grail coming out to play, it is much more likely Mareinette would just promise to satisfy the hunger Spoiled Rich has, only for us to drop the mask.

 

[Shaper47]

"Unsatisfied with life."

"She's still missing something."

"Likely Mareinette would just promise to satisfy the hunger Spoiled Rich has"

...

I don't know that's sounds like ntr bait to me.

 

[spiderhellian]

Can't forget that she also (probably) knows about the sketchiness of the Velvets (which is why she was so terrified when she learned our name).

Now I'm not sure if that'll help Mareinette or hurt her efrorts. Probably help.

 

[Sintonir]

"Unsatisfied with life."

"She's still missing something."

"Likely Mareinette would just promise to satisfy the hunger Spoiled Rich has"

...

I don't know that's sounds like ntr bait to me.

Click to shrink...

ntr won't even be the worst thing that could happen.
We are talking Mareinette here. You know, the child-eating monster?
On the plus side, if she manages to put these kind of ideas into Spoiled Rich's head that would make Spoiled Rich truly deserving to be Mothed. And maybe even Grailed or Lantern-ed later.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Vote closed.

Spoiler: Tally

Vote Tally : Esquestria: The House of the Sun - A pony cultist experience | Page 173 | Questionable Questing [Posts: 5284-5683]
##### NetTally 4.0.2

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)
No. of Votes: 12

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Time's Up - Rarity Searching
[X] Anjaxis
[X] Cochimetl
[X] Demilich
[X] Greymere
[X] LieutenantSpirit
[X] Maer
[X] Quaxotia
[X] Rafuki22
[X] Solace2117
[X] Steady Gaze
[X] Sveta08
[X] Waela

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Digging
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should… (Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
--[X] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 2)
No. of Votes: 11

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Time's Up - Rarity Digging
[X] AuthorTransient
[X] des-pair-2
[X] HellFire666
[X] LieutenantSpirit
[X] Nevermort
[X] Potdl
[X] Quaxotia
[X] Shaper47
[X] Sintonir
[X] Steady Gaze
[X] Talon Tiger Dino

[X] Plan More Heart
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Rarity) Focus on work
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Something else? (We intend to put on a performance in the near future, with Mareinette playing a central role. But we need a victim lead, would fair Mareinette be so kind as to seek out an ideal costar? For the Moth Sacrament we need a reprehensible pony to inflict a reprehensible fate upon without regret, Mareinette knows the sent of such all too well.)
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[X] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE)
-[X] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should…(Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
---[X] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies.
No. of Votes: 9

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: More Heart
[X] Alan975
[X] Bakkasama
[X] DelightedOne
[X] HellFire666
[X] Lorrie
[X] Nevermort
[X] Potdl
[X] Shaper47
[X] Talon Tiger Dino

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Working
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Rarity) Focus on work
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x2)
No. of Votes: 7

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Time's Up - Rarity Working
[X] Anjaxis
[X] Bakkasama
[X] Cochimetl
[X] Greymere
[X] Limabot
[X] Maer
[X] Solace2117

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.
No. of Votes: 5

Spoiler: Voters

[X] Greymere
[X] AuthorTransient
[X] Maer
[X] Solace2117
[X] Waela

[X] Plan Take them Alive
-[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[X][DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[X][CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Guard her mother.
-[X][MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (GRAIL)
-[X] (AXE) Craft Wrong Keys. (She will give you three Wrong Keys, which will expire after five turns. Only once per summoning.)
-[X] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should… (Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
--[X] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry.
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them.
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare.
-[X] Research "A Memory of Light".
-[X] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should… (Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
--[X] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.
-[X] Lead an expedition. (A Grave on a Hill)
-[X] Lead the assault on Copper.
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider.
-[X] (BALDOMARE) Prolong her stay by giving her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book.
No. of Votes: 5

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Take them Alive
[X] DelightedOne
[X] Lorrie
[X] Nevermort
[X] Pittauro
[X] Shaper47

[X] Plan Outshine v2
-[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[X][DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[X][CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[X][JADE] Research "A Memory of Light"
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (GRAIL)
-[X][AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book.
-[X] There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200, applies Intrigue and Secret Histories) 3 times.
-[X] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition.(The Grave on the Hill)
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry(Copper and her Cult)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to.
-[X][COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent.
No. of Votes: 4

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Outshine v2
[X] DelightedOne
[X] des-pair-2
[X] Limabot
[X] Pittauro

[X] Plan: Talon-Ro Wartime Surveillance
-[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[X][DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[X][CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Let Luna guard us)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… ("The Reflection of the Tapestry" seeking Copper Secateur's specific whereabouts)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… ("The Reflection of the Tapestry" seeking information on Windy Flake's current activities and whereabouts)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X][COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent
-[X][FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to go on an assault/expedition.
-[X] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition. (The Grave)
-[X][BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (Gifting her the level six book found in the Grave expedition, if the book is unavailable then her choice of level five books.)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][AXE] Make Keys.
-[X][MAREINETTE] Something else? (We intend to put on a performance in the near future, with Mareinette playing a central role. But we need a lead, would fair Mareinette be so kind as to seek out an ideal costar? For the Moth Sacrament we need a reprehensible pony to inflict a reprehensible fate upon without regret, Mareinette knows the sent of such all too well.)
-[X] There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200, applies Intrigue and Secret Histories) X2
No. of Votes: 3

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Talon-Ro Wartime Surveillance
[X] Cochimetl
[X] Shaper47
[X] Venerable Ro

[X] Plan Eliminate Threats. Setup for befriending 2 Names
-[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[X][DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[X][CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[X][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)
-[X][SELENE] Something else? (Expeditions Grave on the Hill)
-[X][BALDOMARE] Scry Copper and her forces.
-[X][MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (Heart)
-[X][AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X][Biedde] Lead the assault on Copper.
--[X] Priority 1 Unsummon/Flip the Winter Name, and retrieve the means of summoning ritual/Painting
--[X] Priority 2 Kill Copper
--[X] Priority 3 Retrieve all the valuables.
-[X][RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[X][FLUTTERSHY] Search for the Outsider
-[X][Jade] Search for the Outsider
-[X][Servants] Equestria is full of undiscovered places. You must learn their secrets…
--[X] 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)
No. of Votes: 2

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Eliminate Threats. Setup for befriending 2 Names
[X] des-pair-2
[x] Earth-Destroyer

[X] Plan Let's Get That Outsider:
-[X] A tighter security detail
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual…(Reflection of the Tapestry, aimed at COPPER)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent
-[X][MAREINETTE] Social Filthy/Spoiled.
-[X] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition.
-[X][AXE] Make Keys.
-[X][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)
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book from Hill Expedition
-[X] Explore for the Outsider x4
-[X][DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[X][CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
No. of Votes: 2

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Let's Get That Outsider:
[x] spiderhellian
[x] Steady Gaze

[X] Plan Relative calm before the Assault
-[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[X][DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[X][CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[X][RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[X][JADE] Research "A Memory of Light".
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Guard her mother.
-[X][MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Twilight Sparkle, if vetoed then search Canterlot for the Outsider.
-[X] (AXE) Craft Wrong Keys. (She will give you three Wrong Keys, which will expire after five turns. Only once per summoning.)
-[X] (BALDOMARE) Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry.
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them.
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare.
-[X] (BALDOMARE) Prolong her stay by giving her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Moth 5 book.
-[X] Lead an expedition. (A Grave on a Hill)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider. (x 2)
No. of Votes: 2

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Relative calm before the Assault
[X] Cochimetl
[X] Rafuki22

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching, Selene Spying
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) You need her to talk to somepony about…
--[X] Spy on Windy Flakes's dreams
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)
No. of Votes: 2

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Time's Up - Rarity Searching, Selene Spying
[X] Limabot
[X] spiderhellian

[X] A tighter security detail
No. of Votes: 1

Spoiler: Voters

[x] Steady Gaze

[X] Plan Relative calm during the Assault
-[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.
-[X][DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[X][CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)
-[X][RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[X][JADE] Research "A Memory of Light".
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Guard her mother.
-[X][MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to Twilight Sparkle, if vetoed then search Canterlot for the Outsider.
-[X] (BALDOMARE) Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry.
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them.
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare.
-[X] (BALDOMARE) Prolong her stay by giving her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Moth 5 book.
-[X] Lead an expedition. (A Grave on a Hill)
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider. (x 2)
No. of Votes: 1

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Relative calm during the Assault
[X] Rafuki22

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching, Selene Spying, and Venerable Mareinette
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) You need her to talk to somepony about…
--[X] Spy on Windy Flakes's dreams
-[X][MAREINETTE] Something else? (We intend to put on a performance in the near future, with Mareinette playing a central role. But we need a lead, would fair Mareinette be so kind as to seek out an ideal costar? For the Moth Sacrament we need a reprehensible pony to inflict a reprehensible fate upon without regret, Mareinette knows the sent of such all too well.)
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)
No. of Votes: 1

Spoiler: Voters

[◈] Plan: Time's Up - Rarity Searching, Selene Spying, and Venerable Mareinette
[X] Alan975

Total No. of Voters: 29

EDIT: There was only a single voting post after my last tally, but the results changed a little bit (and almost changed the winner). I am assuming this was not a problem with the tally, but was instead people editing their previous posts.

And a question, why is the winning plan called "Rarity" digging EDIT:searching, if the mare doesn't have any specific actions in this turn?

Next update will be posted imminently, as soon as I finish editing it.

 

[Rafuki22]

And a question, why is the winning plan called "Rarity" digging, if the mare doesn't have any specific actions in this turn?

Click to shrink...

Rarity Searching: Rarity searching the outsider.

Rarity Digging: Rarity making a prison.

Or atleast that's what i think it was.

 

[Sintonir]

And a question, why is the winning plan called "Rarity" digging, if the mare doesn't have any specific actions in this turn?

Click to shrink...

Because she is the best pony for the task of making a prison, as the only one who actually has some Forge, I presume.

 

[Greymere]

And a question, why is the winning plan called "Rarity" digging, if the mare doesn't have any specific actions in this turn?

Click to shrink...

Tally shows "Digging" as 2nd place?

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

Tally

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

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

You are Deputy Shining Armor.

And right now, you are in a rather gloomy place.

Is it unprofessional to think that about the place where your own commanding officer lives? Absolutely. But she is also your friend, so you will not let your professional respect for her cloud your honesty.

You are currently in the Velvet estate. And to be entirely honest, it is hard to believe that something as innocent as a cute-ceñeara took place here just a few days ago.

After all, it is still early in the afternoon, but there isn't a single ray of sunlight touching the estate. The entire perimeter of the mansion, and then some more, is covered with lightning clouds. And a gloomy wind is blowing through the garden. Your pegasi said the wind is caused by the difference in temperature between the sun-blocked ground and the surrounding farmlands, but you didn't really catch the technical nuance of what they were saying.

Still, the fact remains that you are looking at a mansion that seems to have come out of a horror story. Everypony you look at, whether they be your agents or the estate's servants, seem to be on edge. Everypony, without exception, seems to be concerned, scared, serious, or a combination of all those three things. And everywhere you look, your eyes need to strain to pierce through the shadows.

You are honestly glad Cadance decided not to stay, and that she left several days ago as soon as she was able to talk to Velvet.

Although, you are also about to leave yourself. Today marks the sixth day that you have been here in the Velvet estate, but right now you are in the process of supervising the packing up of your material and horsepower, so the Bureau can focus on its other duties.

Well, most of you are leaving. But a respectable chunk of your constables will be staying behind, for obvious reasons.

"Sir, we finished loading up the carriages with the gear we won't need. It's standing by to make another round trip, as soon as you give us the go-ahead."

Just as you think about that, a familiar voice comes from behind you. And you turn around to see the gruff stallion that is one of your team-leaders. The earth pony is slightly shorter than you are, but he has a solid feeling to him that not even the discreet uniform of the Bureau can detract from.

"Good, and thank you. You can tell them they are cleared to go," you answer. "And by the way, what did you decide not to send? What are we going to keep here for the garrison?"

You ask that question because, thankfully, you managed to convince the Commissioner to do the sensible thing, and finally assign herself a security detail.

Naturally, you interpreted her vague acceptance of a "security detail" liberally. Which means you arranged with the constables to keep three breach teams here in the estate, on rotating shifts, with whatever material they would need.

You are sure the Commissioner will roll that decision back as soon as she regains her bearings. But until then, you will all have the peace of mind that the Commissioner will be safe for the time being.

"That's a small problem I wanted to talk about, sir," the constable says, with a slightly annoyed expression. "We are keeping some of the tents that we used to lodge everypony during this last week. And the mansion carpenters already started building an annex for us to stay, after you spoke to the Lord. But still, these aren't barracks, and we definitely don't have a secured armory."

The stallion shrugs, as if to say there was no helping it.

"So, we are only keeping the basic stuff. Armor, lights, portable weapons. Stuff we can carry around at all times."

You give him a slow, understanding nod. Yes, you think you would have reached the same conclusion if you had thought this over yourself. This is a bit of a reminder of how you have taken the infrastructure of the Royal Castle for granted. After all, it is much easier to guard a place when said place was designed with security in mind.

But still, it is what it is. And your constables will be no less dedicated just because they won't have access to their more dangerous equipment.

"That makes sense. And it is still too soon to talk with the Commissioner about making more changes to her home. Or better yet, moving to Canterlot," you say, although you are sure that last wish of yours will never really come true. "But for now, a solid roof over our heads beats the tents. And we'll make sure to send a daily runner to check in on you."

The stallion nods, giving you a small salute before taking his leave.

And you…

"Oh, and can you tell the team-leaders to meet me in an hour?" you say to the retreating stallion, "we will have our last meeting before wrapping this up."

The stallion answers you with a wave of his hoof. And the two of you go back to your own duties.



- - -



Under normal circumstances, it would be very rude to enter the room of a married mare. Especially given how you are a married stallion.

And it would be even more rude for so many ponies, the small crowd of Bureau ponies that you are, to be here.

However, these are not normal circumstances. So, yourself, your team-leaders, and your top investigators are currently in the Commissioner's room. Having your last meeting with her before most of you depart. After all, none of you would expect the Commissioner to move to another room just to speak to you. In fact, given her state, most of you did not expect for this meeting to happen at all.

But still, despite the clearly professional setting of this meeting, you are all… uncomfortable.

No, you are not just uncomfortable. You can see, from the expression of everypony around you, that none of you are "just" uncomfortable.

You are also…



"I want every last mare, stallion, and resource at our disposal tracking them down. Do I make myself clear?"



The Commissioner is on her bed. There is a single lit candle, on the opposite side of the room, that is giving you all just enough light to see the contour of her face.

It is enough for you to see the white of her bandages, and the darker spots where the bandages are not so white. It is enough for you to barely recognize the Commissioner.

And more importantly, it is enough for you all to see just how angry she is.

This is maybe the fourth time you have seen her, ever since the attempt. But to everypony else, this is the first time they meet the Commissioner ever since they were rushed to Ponyville. And you can tell, from everypony else's expression, that they are as appalled as you were when you first saw her.

Because it is clear, from the way she is speaking, that she needs to make an effort even to breathe.

She sounds like she is about to fall asleep at any moment, and the way she needs to close her eyes between phrases makes it clear that she is having trouble to even form her thoughts.

The mare seems to be operating on anger alone.

And despite her delicate state, a part of you can't shake the thought that… that maybe she is doing this on purpose. You think that she called for this meeting, with yourself and all the figurehead agents, precisely so they can see her in this state. Maybe because she wants to incense you all into acting. Maybe because she wants you all to see the fruit of your failure, and the price she had to pay for it.

Whatever her reason is, you think it is working.

"The changelings can wait. Keep the observers in place, on Tall Tale. But focus on these attackers," she says, although she needs several seconds to regain her strength before she can continue. "Today it was me. Tomorrow it might be Fair Trial, or somepony else. I want you all to find them. Now."

Nopony disagrees with her. And, in a sense, you suppose it is good to hear it directly from her.

"Before we leave, Commissioner, I would like to report how we will operate this month," you say, pointing at the two stallions and one mare standing next to you. "These are three of our breach-team leaders who will be staying behind to run security. They are already acquainted with your staff, and we already dealt with the smaller details. I will also be returning here weekly to deliver you a report."

The Commissioner doesn't answer you. In fact, she doesn't give you any sign that she is listening at all. And if it wasn't for her labored breath, and the calm demeanor of the nurse by her side, you wouldn't even know if she was awake or not.

But still, you say all of that, and then you… hesitate for a moment. Because you are not entirely sure if you should bring up another subject, that your investigators asked you about.

Because on the one hoof, you really don't think you should disturb the Commissioner with something like this right now. But on the other hoof, it could help the investigations to…

"One more thing, Commissioner," you say, deciding to go for it. "Beyond Reproach and Iron Button would like to ask you a few more questions, if that is alright with you? About the night when you were attacked. Because we have already spread the official story, that there was a single attacker who escaped. But we would like to-"

You are suddenly interrupted by a wet cough, coming from the Commissioner. And something tells you that you have made the wrong decision in asking that question.

"There was a single attacker. He escaped. And there are no indications that something like this will happen again," the Commissioner says. Laboring to form every word, but practically spitting them at you. "And if a single pony in this house hears anything different from that, there will be problems."

She says that, and you immediately understand what she means by that. Everypony immediately understands that, as far as the Commissioner is concerned, discussing any other version of events within one hundred paces of her family would be a very quick road to some form of retribution.

And as if to hammer the point home, the Commissioner… painfully makes a point of sitting up. The smell of medicine and sweat filling the air even with that small of a movement.

But she sits up, and you swear she is looking at everypony's eyes at the same time, from the dark.

"Is that clear? Or do I need to hold the hoof of the greatest investigators of Equestria, to take them to whatever evidence is sitting right in front of their faces?"

You hear Iron Button give her a quick, nervous nod. And you think you hear Reproach swallow something dry. A soft, clacking chuckle comes from the nurse waiting next to the Commissioner, but none of you pay her any mind.

Because yes, she is being abundantly clear right now. Your investigators know about the bodies. Your agents know the stories are not lining up. And now, to the Commissioner's annoyance, she has just confirmed to you all that this is intentional.

"Understood, Commissioner," you answer for everypony else.

And with a slow, painful wave of the hoof, she dismisses you all.

You think she is fast asleep, after crashing back on her pillow, before the last pony leaves the bedroom.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Lady Velvet Covers.

And you are awake.

It has been ten days since you were attacked. And throughout all of that period, you have been awake for… maybe thirty hours. And you have been properly aware for even less than that.

You have seen your family every day, being visited by your daughters when they come back from school. You have seen your close friends every now and then, whenever one of their visits align with one of your rare periods of consciousness. And you have seen Shining Armor once, yesterday, when he came to deliver his weekly report.

Other than that, you… you don't really remember much.

Softy told you that Cadance was here, on the night after the attack, and that she spoke to you. But you honestly have no memory of that.

Mareinette also told you that you gave orders to your agents while they were here, but you… well, you don't even remember the Bureau coming to your home. And you have yet to confirm if the "guards" they placed in your house are real or not.

And then, of course, you have been seeing Mareinette a lot. In fact, she is there with you almost every waking moment. She leaves, unnoticed, right before your daughters come to visit, and she seems to be next to you a few seconds after they are gone.

But still, she has been… keeping you company.

She has been keeping your heart beating. She has been changing your bandages, although you have never seen her throw them in the trash. And she has been… talking to you.

But you are not nearly well enough to remember what you two speak about, and you know you will remain on your bed for several more weeks.

So, you are sure you will spend more time with her before the month is over.

However, right now, you are awake. You are awake, and you are aware, and you are focused enough to do this.

"Thank you all for coming here," you say to the room at large. "I am here to ask you all to do a few things for me."

You say that to the several Names who are currently in your bedroom.

You say that to Baldomare, who is calmly sitting on a nearby chair. To Mareinette, who is standing on a distant corner of the room. To the Daughter-of-Axes, who has a hoof over the hilt of her namesake weapon, and is on the opposite corner that Mareinette is.

And you say that to Biedde, who answers you with a knowing smile.

"What is the name of the pony you want us to kill?" the old stallion asks.

And then, you begin to tell them what you want to see happen.





- - -

- - -

- - -





VELVET'S PHASE AND EXPEDITION PLANNING

Spoiler: Relevant notes

Relevant notes:
-Jade Whistle will perform a scrying ritual before your assault against your opponent departs, and they will act based on that information.
-Unfortunately, since both actions are happening on the same turn, you are not able to plan the expeditions "after" Jade's scrying attempt. You must make your plans now, and whatever she learns will be used by your assault team.
-The "leader" of an expedition is irrelevant, as their action point is spent gathering resources and making preparations, rather than being given "authority" over the assault. If your assault team needs to make an important decision, you (the players) will be offered a vote instead, even if Velvet is not physically present. (And Mareinette's trait only allows her to "vote" in your stead if she is performing an action by herself. Expeditions such as these do not apply.)
-However, you will not micromanage all aspects of the assault (you wouldn't do that even if Velvet was going herself). So, make your decisions, and QM will decide the finer details, including character agency.
-You must also vote for the "timing" with the Bureau's investigation.

Before you vote on how to assault your opponent, you must decide on the TIMING with the Lunar Bureau's investigation.

"They are the best detectives in Equestria, and they are all Tartarus-bent on finding who did this. It is inevitable that the Bureau will pick your attacker's trail. You can only decide if you will strike before or after that happens."

-[] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-Your assault team will not benefit from anything the Lunar Burau discovers, since you will not have a preliminary report on your attacker before you assault them.
-Your assault team will not be seen by the Lunar Bureau, since they will not yet be in place when the assault takes place.
-HOWEVER, it is possible the Lunar Bureau will find evidence of your assault team's actions. It is impossible to predict what ramifications that might incur, if that happens.


-[] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper AFTER the Bureau picks her trail.
-Your assault team will benefit from whatever preliminary information the Bureau discovers.
-Your assault team MIGHT be detected by the Bureau, before, during, or after the assault happens. It is impossible to predict what ramifications that might incur, if that happens.
-You will try your best to inform your assault team, so as to avoid this, but your investigators are not to be underestimated.



You have voted for one follower to ASSAULT AN OPPONENT, and for one follower to GO ON AN EXPEDITION.

You must now plan for TWO expeditions.

Available bits: 251 (281 at the start of the turn, with -30 being promised for a scrying ritual)



EXPEDITIONS



(You do NOT need to specify who is "organizing" an expedition. QM will select the best pony who you are sending to spend an action with that, so that the other follower actions of this turn may happen as efficiently as possible.)
(However, naturally, at least one pony who is going on a short expedition must have enough action points to organize it)


Assaulting Copper Secateur
Duration: SHORT (costs one action from one follower, additional followers can go without spending action points)
Base cost: 5 bits/day (you must have 25 bits per follower sent)
-[] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
--[] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
--[] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
--[] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)

Spoiler: About assaulting your opponent

While assaulting your opponent, your followers will have limited time to fulfill as many objectives as possible. They will try to prepare ahead of time, but as soon as they begin the attack your enemy will be alerted and will scramble. Important enemies might try to escape, important items might be evacuated, and so on. So, it is best to tell them the PRIORITY of what you want to be done.

Your followers will try their best to fulfill those objectives, and they will follow the priority you specify. But you shouldn't expect more than your FIRST priority to be fulfilled, if at all.

Examples of objectives:
-"Reach" your opponent (and decide whether to kill or capture that pony after immobilizing them)
-Steal items and resources
-Destroy infrastructure
-Kill as many followers as possible
-Planting evidence/Lore knowledge for the Bureau to find later
-Other things besides (consult with QM)

An example of an assault looks like this:

[Y] Plan "Kill the bitch"
-[Y] Other Velvet actions
-[Y] [BUREAU] Bureau decision
-[Y] Assault an Opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[Y] Who is going? (Biedde, Mareinette and Comet Feet)
--[Y] What are they taking? (Edge 3 Artifact, SH 3 Artifact)
--[Y] What is their objective? (First, Kill Copper Secateur. Second, kill high-ranking cultists. Third, scout Neighnia.)
--[Y] Anything else? (Tell them you would like them to minimize innocent casualties)

The Grave on the Hill
Duration: SHORT (costs one action from one follower, additional followers can go without spending action points)
Base cost: 5 bits/day (you must have 25 bits per follower sent)
-[] The Grave on the Hill
--[] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
--[] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)


-[] Another expedition? (WRITE IN which)



VELVET'S PHASE



You have a total of THREE actions available, ONE (free) social action, and ZERO (free) Mansus exploration actions. (Four personal actions, minus one given to Mareinette for her rebinding).

You may read books and study artifacts, but other than that you may NOT perform any Lore-related activities.



-[] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)

Spoiler: Wounds

-For every single dice you roll, a success will only heal a single wound.
-All rolls are against a DC 70.
-You currently have an Artifact in your possession. It shall grant you a +30 bonus for your roll.
-Your current Heart application bonus is +0 (zeroed due to Dancing With Death. Since this is a long-term process, you cannot apply Attention of the Laws to it).

Rest, and time, are the only true remedies for a sick body. (You must pick one)
--[] You don't have time for this. (Costs 0 actions. You will only roll ONE healing dice.)
--[] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[] You only have one body. Better take the time to care for it… (Costs 2 actions. Rolls THREE dice. 0/-15/-30)
--[] Your wounds are deep and numerous. You can't play around while you are like this. (Costs 3 actions. Rolls FOUR dice. 0/-15/-30/-45)
--[] You are almost broken. So, you will act accordingly. You need only your mind to plan vengeance. (Costs 4 actions. Rolls FIVE dice. 0/-15/-30/-45/-60)

The body will do its part. But science, and magic, may also provide. As long as you provide the proper "encouragement", of course. (The dices that auto-succeed will always be the ones that have the greatest penalty, and NOT the dices who roll the lowest results.) (You must pick one)
--[] You either don't care, or you don't have enough bits to care. Either way, your body will have to mend itself on its own terms. (Costs nothing.)
--[] The medicine taste is worse than its appearance. But it is exactly what you need, if they are to be believed… (Costs 30 bits. One dice will auto-succeed)
--[] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
--[] It costs extra to have a nurse follow you back from the hospital. But everything is a service, and everything is for sale, if you have the bits for it. (Costs 90 bits. Three dice will auto-succeed)
--[] These are not illegal, they are just extremely hard to find. The fact that they are so hard to find that no regulation agency cared to declare them illegal, on the other hoof, is just a small detail. (Costs 120 bits. Four dice will auto-succeed)
--[] Most of the bits are to pay for his silence. His skills, however, are not to be disregarded. The doctor is so quiet that you sometimes forget he is even there, but he is never more than ten hoofsteps away from you. (Costs 150 bits. Five dice will auto-succeed)

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

-[] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
-[] [SOCIAL] Perhaps you should just rest (no social calls, but no debuffs will be applied to your healing, free action)

-[] Read or study something? (WRITE IN what, either 2 books or 1 artifact)

-[] Talk to somepony? (WRITE IN who)

-[] Something else? (WRITE IN what)





Author's Note:

Spoiler: Author's Note

Velvet Covers is beaten, battered, and barely alive. And since you have also promised one action to Mareinette, and will probably use another action to heal two health points, it is very likely you will have at most two actions available to use. Furthermore, Velvet Covers can't do anything eldritch or Lore related this turn, because she can't even access the Mansus (no Knock for that).

So, her options have been severely simplified, for the sake of an easier planning. Specifically:

I have assumed you will want to heal two health points, which will cost an action, so I redacted the majority of the other options.

I have also assumed you are interested in going on the two Short Expeditions you have available to you, so I redacted the other options.

This is a reminder that you are free to pick other options, or to plan other expeditions, such as a preliminary assault on Tall Tale or a foray into the underground of Canterlot. This is still a game, and making a post that is convenient for your planning and discussion is still important. So, if there is interest in making plans that go in another direction, kindly let me know so I can flesh out your options more.

Finally, as promised, here is an update on the studying mechanics. Your "Grimoire" threadmark has been updated to reflect this:

Spoiler: Study mechanics

This is a small change in how books and artifacts are read or studied, which will take effect immediately.

Regarding all study action:
-Regardless of any other rules, you will ONLY gain scraps of Lore if the source material has a Lore level that is equal or superior to your equivalent Lore.
-You gain an additional scrap of Lore for every two levels a source is above your current corresponding Lore level.


Reading a normal book:
-You roll against a fixed CD 50 test, using Learning and Lantern Application.
-If you succeed, you gain a scrap of the corresponding Lore, and transform the book into a corresponding Manuscript.


Reading an ancient book:
-You must finish the "progress bar" of the book, which varies for each book, using Learning and Lantern Application.
-Once you finish the translation progress, the book is immediately read, and becomes a corresponding Manuscript. You will gain at least one scrap of the corresponding Lore, but further effects (positive or negative) may vary.


Studying an artifact:
-You roll against a CD of (50 + 10 times artifact Lore level), using Learning and Lantern Application.
-Your main objective is to discover if the artifact has any special properties, discover how to properly use it, and to ensure it is not cursed or dangerous to use.
-Upon success, you gain one scrap of the corresponding Lore, but you do not produce a corresponding Manuscript.

Twenty-four hours of moratorium. ALL options must go on a single plan. The Bureau timing, Expedition options, AND Velvet options. I believe they are all sufficiently connected to warrant a unified plan.

As always, feel free to ask anything, or to point out any problems.

 

[Rafuki22]

VELVET'S PHASE

Click to shrink...

Interesting.

I can't plan now, i need to go to bed, but i will be looking at this in the morning alongside the plans other have proposed.

(You currently have 1 wound.

Click to shrink...

Only 1?

Thanks to Mareinette i guess?

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Yeah, it's getting pretty late here as well. That's why I put the 24h moratorium, and I won't have any problems extending it if people ask for it.

Just to be clear, under normal circumstances I would put an expedition planning in the middle of the turn. However, you spent the last ten days sleeping, so it is technically the middle of the month already.
(And to be honest, if we start making more expeditions I might change a few things on how the planning and voting works. But this is an as-of-yet untested mechanism, so who knows).

Furthermore, about Bureau timing.
I don't want to make anyone paranoid, so take this with a grain of salt. However, the same way I was worried about the "what-ifs" of how Twilight COULD react to you, and asked you all for a cover story, I also need to mention this.

There is a possibility that, if you attack before the Bureau gets there, that they find evidence of your attack.

There is a possibility that, if you attack before the Bureau gets there, the Bureau might MIX UP the evidence. Meaning that they might think YOUR assault team was behind the attack on the Commissioner.

There is a possibility that, if you attack AFTER the Bureau gets there, your entire assault is witnessed by detectives who are doing a stakeout.

And finally, there is the possibility none of those things happen, and your assault team comes and goes like a ghost.



Again, this is not a threat, and this is not meant to incur paranoia. I am just saying that these things are possible, and that I will not make two mechanical decisions (the Bureau and the assault) cross each other like "two ships in the night", when the narrative aspect tells us that the best detectives in Equestria will be in the vicinity of a Name-fuelled assault.

But there is a simple solution to this. Plan the best you can, make your decision, and go with it.



I hope you are all doing well, and I might pop up later to answer short questions. But other than that, see you all later. Ping me for the inevitable mistakes that sneaked in through the cracks, and we will go from there.

Only 1?

Thanks to Mareinette i guess?

Click to shrink...

Fixed. Thank you!

 

[BritBiscuit]

Clearly the best plan is no actions to heal, no bits for medicine and strenous physical activity outside the relative safety of the mansion
With such clever plans as these surely this quest will keep Velvet as the protagonist and not Soft Sweeps!

But in all seriousness great chapter, the pov of Shining where people can see how when Velvet breaks her Heart song even to speak she ends up shutting down, even if in his uninformed eyes, the lack of blood flow and oxygen from her heart stopping making her brain shut down just appeared to be her being out of breath and dazed/half asleep.
It's also neat to see how casual Biedde is about his business, Velvet says 'I have a few things I need you to do' he responds really coldly like it's the same as any other jobs 'What is the name of the pony you want us to kill', I mean it is obvious considering who it is but it's really good characterisation and a good show don't tell worldbuilding here.

EDIT: Clearly all we need to do is make the assault team appear to be a A-Team of ponies hired by our protective Uncle Steppes to protect his frail Niece and her family

 

[spiderhellian]

Clearly the best plan is no actions to heal, no bits for medicine and strenous physical activity outside the relative safety of the mansion

Click to shrink...

Aye aye, we should go on the Grave expedition -- we've severely underinvested in infrastructure so we have no place to put our corpse, and it's obvious this expedition will provide a suspicion-free grave site. What, are you telling you want Silky to have look at our decaying body? Ew. No.

 

[angelsadvocate666]

"Thank you all for coming here," you say to the room at large. "I am here to ask you all to do a few things for me."

You say that to the several Names who are currently in your bedroom.

You say that to Baldomare, who is calmly sitting on a nearby chair. To Mareinette, who is standing on a distant corner of the room. To the Daughter-of-Axes, who has a hoof over the hilt of her namesake weapon, and is on the opposite corner that Mareinette is.

And you say that to Biedde, who answers you with a knowing smile.

"What is the name of the pony you want us to kill?" the old stallion asks.

And then, you begin to tell them what you want to see happen.

Click to shrink...

Four Names and a broken but still breathing Mare in one room. It's presented so simply, but still feels like one of the most epic moments in the quest for some reason.

 

[Steady Gaze]

"One more thing, Commissioner," you say, deciding to go for it. "Beyond Reproach and Iron Button would like to ask you a few more questions, if that is alright with you? About the night when you were attacked. Because we have already spread the official story, that there was a single attacker who escaped. But we would like to-"

You are suddenly interrupted by a wet cough, coming from the Commissioner. And something tells you that you have made the wrong decision in asking that question.

"There was a single attacker. He escaped. And there are no indications that something like this will happen again," the Commissioner says. Laboring to form every word, but practically spitting them at you. "And if a single pony in this house hears anything different from that, there will be problems."

She says that, and you immediately understand what she means by that. Everypony immediately understands that, as far as the Commissioner is concerned, discussing any other version of events within one hundred paces of her family would be a very quick road to some form of retribution.

And as if to hammer the point home, the Commissioner… painfully makes a point of sitting up. The smell of medicine and sweat filling the air even with that small of a movement.

But she sits up, and you swear she is looking at everypony's eyes at the same time, from the dark.

"Is that clear? Or do I need to hold the hoof of the greatest investigators of Equestria, to take them to whatever evidence is sitting right in front of their faces?"

You hear Iron Button give her a quick, nervous nod. And you think you hear Reproach swallow something dry. A soft, clacking chuckle comes from the nurse waiting next to the Commissioner, but none of you pay her any mind.

Because yes, she is being abundantly clear right now. Your investigators know about the bodies. Your agents know the stories are not lining up. And now, to the Commissioner's annoyance, she has just confirmed to you all that this is intentional.

Click to shrink...

This approach, of saying "this is the story, stop asking me questions " worries me a little bit. Is Velvet just talking about the official story that should be spread "in this house", or actually trying to gaslight the Bureau? I kind of wish Velvet had gone with something like "my memory is super foggy due to my brain injury lol, you can investigate but just don't change the official story". From the Bureau's perspective, it can be understandable that Velvet is worried about the optics, to avoid spreading fear in Equestria, so in my view she really doesn't have to go with this heavy-hoofed approach. I can kind of rationalize it as Velvet not being at her best with her dancing with death and being without grail.

I hope Mareinette's rising star (all the time she's spending with us and now being in our house) doesn't have any persistent effects given our weakened state.

 

[Shaper47]

I'm thinking something like

[Y] Plan "Ruthlessness"
-[Y] Other Velvet actions (Heal, grief group, sons)
-[Y] [STEPPES] Ask for a favor, you need a place to imprison your assassin Copper off the books.
-[Y] [BUREAU] Bureau decision - before
-[Y] Assault an Opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[Y] Who is going? (Biedde, Mareinette and Comet Feet)
--[Y] What are they taking? (Edge 3 Artifact, SH 3 Artifact)
--[Y] What is their objective? (First, Capture Copper Secateur and force her to hand over Neighnia's bindings. Second, abscond with Neighnia. Third get rid of primary evidence (Velvet's lore notes), Forth loot for bits)
--[Y] Anything else? Get Mareinette to drunk Copper's grail lore before handing her over to Steppes

 

[BritBiscuit]

This approach, of saying "this is the story, stop asking me questions " worries me a little bit. Is Velvet just talking about the official story that should be spread "in this house", or actually trying to gaslight the Bureau? I kind of wish Velvet had gone with something like "my memory is super foggy due to my brain injury lol, you can investigate but just don't change the official story". From the Bureau's perspective, it can be understandable that Velvet is worried about the optics, to avoid spreading fear in Equestria, so in my view she really doesn't have to go with this heavy-hoofed approach. I can kind of rationalize it as Velvet not being at her best with her dancing with death and being without grail.

I hope Mareinette's rising star (all the time she's spending with us and now being in our house) doesn't have any persistent effects given our weakened state.

Click to shrink...

I mean I kind of read it as an extension of the Help Mareinette offered us, Velvet in her POV said she didn't even remember the Bureau being there and wanting to check if her guards were real, with Mareinette as Velvets nurse in the meeting with them, it might be the case that Mareinette gave us the help of a convinient cover story to get them off our back while we heal, I mean Shining seemed to not see it as malicious hiding of the truth and more as a Mother trying to hide from her daughters that 4 ponies tried to kill everyone but she killed them instead, they seem to see it as us confirming the detectives findings but wanting all talk of death away from family.
Also if our cover was going to make them suspicous Mareinette as a being who tastes desires and emotions on the air as one so strong in Grail would know and defuse the situation.

Edit: to be clear i am saying Mareinette basically did her standing in for Velvet trait with a half conscious Velvet as a form of Ventriloquist puppet.

 

[Demilich]

This approach, of saying "this is the story, stop asking me questions " worries me a little bit. Is Velvet just talking about the official story that should be spread "in this house", or actually trying to gaslight the Bureau?

Click to shrink...

She is quite exact in her words - nopony in this house is to hear anything against the official story.
The truth is self evident, so go and see it - quietly.

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

I'm thinking something like

[Y] Plan "Ruthlessness"
-[Y] Other Velvet actions (Heal, grief group, sons)
-[Y] [STEPPES] Ask for a favor, you need a place to imprison your assassin Copper off the books.
-[Y] [BUREAU] Bureau decision - before
-[Y] Assault an Opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[Y] Who is going? (Biedde, Mareinette and Comet Feet)
--[Y] What are they taking? (Edge 3 Artifact, SH 3 Artifact)
--[Y] What is their objective? (First, Capture Copper Secateur and force her to hand over Neighnia's bindings. Second, abscond with Neighnia. Third get rid of primary evidence (Velvet's lore notes), Forth loot for bits)
--[Y] Anything else? Get Mareinette to drunk Copper's grail lore before handing her over to Steppes

Click to shrink...

There is no reason for them to take the SH3 and E3 Artifacts when Baldomare, Biedde, and Axe are present. Those Artifacts will do nothing for them because their Lore Scores are so much higher.

 

[spiderhellian]

I really think we should have Comet lead the Attack, and Rarity + DoA go on the Grave expedition. It's almost as good as Comet + Mareinette on the expedition (worse at Heart/Grail/Combat checks, better at the rest, and I don't think those three are likely to be prominent).

And getting a Biedde action to search for the Outsider gets us to ~88% chance of success, rather than ~77% without him.

 

[Shaper47]

I'm not sure on our personal actions though given the updated studying mechanics.

Studying an artifact:
-You roll against a CD of (50 + 10 times artifact Lore level), using Learning and Lantern Application.

Click to shrink...

DC of 90 for our level 4 lantern without our own lantern is a bit high for me.

There is no reason for them to take the SH3 and E3 Artifacts when Baldomare, Biedde, and Axe are present. Those Artifacts will do nothing for them because their Lore Scores are so much higher.

Click to shrink...

But Baldomare and Axe are not present only Biedde, Mareinette and Comet Feet are.

Baldomare's probably going to be on Outsider duty and Axe is with Rarity going for the Grave book.

You have a point about the E3 Artifact but that's not really useful for either expedition for Lore Application. So really it's more of life saving treasure for Comet.

Edit: wait I completely misread the expedition rule.

 

[spiderhellian]

There is no reason for them to take the SH3 and E3 Artifacts when Baldomare, Biedde, and Axe are present. Those Artifacts will do nothing for them because their Lore Scores are so much higher.

Click to shrink...

It's still +15 on relevant rolls. The ideal Name would lead the roll, then the follower would use the artefact to contribute its scores.

Now maybe we don't need it when we're rolling pretty high already, but it does make a difference.

 

[LieutenantSpirit]

We have 281 bits at our disposal and two expeditions to complete. I would be genuinely surprised if the Grave on the Hill expedition takes longer than the expected five days, but then again, we learned about it via an unclear scry that resulted in an ancient and unreliable map. A single member on the Grave expedition will likely cost 25 bits, and sending two will bring the total up to 50. That leaves us with either 256 or 231 bits, further reduced to 226 or 201 if we spend money to heal our last wound (thank you Mareinette).

So, with either 226 or 201 bits left, we can support 9 or 8 members of an expedition IF it lasts only five days and we're willing to spend everything we have. I'd personally like to send as many members as possible to maximize our chances, with the team looking something like Biedde, DoA, Selene, Mareinette, and Baldomare (to help with planning and searching, but she would not fight).

This five member expedition would cost 125 bits over the course of five days. Each additional day would cost an additional 25 bits, as well. While Comet would be nice, including him is too close to his background. Four Names + an Alicorn should give us odds enough.

(I'm also hoping that we can loot Copper to help recoup costs, but nothing is guaranteed. My perspective on this situation is that every bit we spend here is several bits we won't need to spend to recover from whatever Copper sends in the future.)

(Also all of this assumes a five day expedition time, which is provided as an "expected" length. Times may vary, which also changes the cost.)

EDIT: I'm actually willing to make Comet the leader of this expedition if it means a greater chance of completing the Outsider search this turn, but he will NOT be happy. Probably. In a way, it would be him "betraying" Copper, a past ally, but he seemed willing enough to attack us.

EDIT2: We have two wounds, not one. Expect 196 or 171 bits left, meaning there's actually 7 or 6 maximum participants on this raid.

 

[DelightedOne]

So we all agree on 1 action for healing(2 left) and paying 60 bits to get the auto success to healing, right?

I kinda wanted to write to Uncle Steppes, just for him to know we are recovering.

Social for Applejack(remember if we pay bits the -15 doesn't matter, since the roll will succeed anyway)

The only things that benefits us in studying are:
Moth 5 book
Knock 5 book
Lantern 4 artifact

I had a theory about the Knock 2 Artifact being some kind of key to the BtRC part 3 door, but it's not worth it to study that this turn.

I'll leave expedition stuff for tomorrow, together with a tentative plan if I can think of something.

 

[spiderhellian]

Oof -- Artefact DC rework, though it totally makes sense, kinda wrecks our chance at deciphering either one this turn. Damn.

Maybe we social, ineffective as it will be? Mayor Mare, Applejack?

 

[Shaper47]

[Y] Plan "Ruthlessness v2"
-[Y] Other Velvet actions (Heal, grief group, sons)
-[Y] [STEPPES] Ask for a favor, you need a place to imprison your assassin Copper off the books.
-[Y] [BUREAU] Bureau decision - before
-[Y] The Grave on the Hill
--[Y] Who is going? (Rarity and DoA)
--[Y] What are they taking? (SH 3 Artifact)
-[Y] Assault an Opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[Y] Who is going? (Biedde, DoA, Selene, Baldomare, Mareinette and Comet Feet)
--[Y] What are they taking? (Edge 3 Artifact, SH 3 Artifact)
--[Y] What is their objective? (First, Capture Copper Secateur and force her to hand over Neighnia's bindings. Second, abscond with Neighnia. Third get rid of primary evidence (Velvet's lore notes), Forth loot for bits)
--[Y] Anything else? Get Mareinette to drunk Copper's grail lore before handing her over to Steppes

Maybe we social, ineffective as it will be? Mayor Mare, Applejack?

Click to shrink...

I'm think take the free social call or just normal social to Steppes given the favor she asking for. Thoughts?

 

[Talon Tiger Dino]

It's still +15 on relevant rolls. The ideal Name would lead the roll, then the follower would use the artefact to contribute its scores.

Now maybe we don't need it when we're rolling pretty high already, but it does make a difference.

Click to shrink...

I reread the expedition rules and you are completely right, thank you for correcting my mistaken notions.

So we all agree on 1 action for healing(2 left) and paying 60 bits to get the auto success to healing, right?

I kinda wanted to write to Uncle Steppes, just for him to know we are recovering.

Social for Applejack(remember if we pay bits the -15 doesn't matter, since the roll will succeed anyway)

The only things that benefits us in studying are:
Moth 5 book
Knock 5 book
Lantern 4 artifact

I had a theory about the Knock 2 Artifact being some kind of key to the BtRC part 3 door, but it's not worth it to study that this turn.

Click to shrink...

Healing is good. I agree on succeeding on healing. It would also let us give away the Heartifact for Expedition purposes, although doing so probably sucks Narratively.

Also, given the DCs for studying artifacts, this turn is probably the best turn for poking the tuning fork to see what it does. The L4 Artifact is just going to leave us scratching our heads, and the books will also be perplexing, though progress is progress. Also Artifacts are really useful for Expeditions, so we really should figure them all out during our forced sabbatical.