Sintonir
Know what you're doing yet?
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Also, perma-killing Biedde is likely to perma-kill Smiles too.
They are a Dyad, this may not apply to Names, but...
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Esquestria: The House of the Sun - A pony cultist experience
- Thread starter OurLadyOfWires
- Start date
They are a Dyad, this may not apply to Names, but...
Talon Tiger Dino
From the best dinosaur fighting game
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One thing that does amuse me about the Lionsmith is that you can get the Lionsmith's blessing to betray the Lionsmith, because he is just that into rebelling against things. You cannot say the same thing about the Colonel.
spiderhellian
Araneae
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I feel to make the call on this, I really need to plan out next turn actions -- and more importantly, bits. Because if fitting a summon + its associated prices in is feasible, Name hotel-maximizing is quite tempting. But I'm not entirely sure it is, what with expeditions and keeping Biedde around...
And missing out on an Edge Sacrament for a while is a real shame.
And missing out on an Edge Sacrament for a while is a real shame.
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LieutenantSpirit
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I lean toward taking the Coward's Choice. I can't trust Smiles when he's a Name of the Hour most tied to Betrayal.
Also, looking at the description of Smile's offer:
Is this a trick? We aren't "aligning" ourselves with the Lionsmith's faction, but we are going against the Colonel's faction. That feels like the worst of both worlds. I trust that Bird isn't lying to us here; we aren't going to be suddenly forced to join the Lionsmith by going against the Colonel. However, to the follower(s) of the Colonel, we're either with them or against them due the nature of the Hour. After a betrayal like this, we'll likely be considered an enemy, but we won't be gaining the "benefit" of being tied to the Lionsmith's side.
If we do choose him, Smiles can at least Guard well since his traits will cause enemies to attack him instead of whatever/whoever we assign him to protect. However, I think it's worth eating the cost of neutrality and take the Coward's Choice just so we don't have to deal with the consequences of making an enemy out of Biedde.
Also, looking at the description of Smile's offer:
Is this a trick? We aren't "aligning" ourselves with the Lionsmith's faction, but we are going against the Colonel's faction. That feels like the worst of both worlds. I trust that Bird isn't lying to us here; we aren't going to be suddenly forced to join the Lionsmith by going against the Colonel. However, to the follower(s) of the Colonel, we're either with them or against them due the nature of the Hour. After a betrayal like this, we'll likely be considered an enemy, but we won't be gaining the "benefit" of being tied to the Lionsmith's side.
If we do choose him, Smiles can at least Guard well since his traits will cause enemies to attack him instead of whatever/whoever we assign him to protect. However, I think it's worth eating the cost of neutrality and take the Coward's Choice just so we don't have to deal with the consequences of making an enemy out of Biedde.
Rafuki22
Anti-nihilist (maybe)
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Hmm, was there a WoG about how unbefriended Names would act in All In?
Because if he would hinder us anyway...
ses
Experienced.
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We are given a safety assurance that unbefriended Names will not learn about All In until its too late to do anything about it: no Latin chanting boss music at the Summit
We can't say without knowing the two Name Befriending expeditions costs. We're set for approx 550 bits next turn, 600 if we steal from the prisoners. Smiles would cost 135 if we cheap out and roll the dice on an 86%, 180 for a 90.7%.
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Rafuki22
Anti-nihilist (maybe)
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Solace2117
Not too sore, are you?
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A few thoughts on the vote now that I have time. I'll probably vote or put a plan together later, a lot to vote on.
The map
This intrigues me, why do the changelings need a map to reach their hive. Destroying the stone had an effect on their nature, but why would it prevent them from knowing the location of the hive the cult invaded. If it's just that location it's interesting for potential loot and lore, but the idea it could be a different "true" hive is fascinating and very tempting.
Prisoner
It sounds interesting, but between the Moth Sacrament with Spoiled and potentially Mayor Mare to get her to close friend I think we need to pass
Loot
On one hand, it seems like a petty amount to steal personal items form, but still, more bits. Feels kind of like the embezzling choice from back when. A minor sin in the grand scheme, I say take them, but I'm not really passionate about it.
The husk
I say burn it, the risk of it Eclipse finding it isn't worth it to me. Unless we can subvert them, the potential gain isn't worth the risk. While maybe not a direct threat, they have some of the highest potential to set us back considering they're essentially Celestia's cult and she is our biggest doom clock.
Sacrament
Biedde was always going to be an obstacle, if not quite an enemy. He can't be befriended for a reason. Maybe if we accept the chains it would be different, but I don't think we would ever be willing to, just like I doubt we'll ever take the Wolf option unless we absolutely have to. Some may argue this, but I know I won't vote for it and I doubt the thread as a whole will.
That means it's either the Lionsmith Name or finding a worthy opponent we're willing to kill.
I don't trust him, but the fact he can be befriended and we don't have to swear to his Hour is a major plus. I could be wrong, but I doubt we'll ever have to, by its very nature the Lionsmith doesn't seem like type to demand loyalty. Also Smiles seems interesting, though the fact he's in the "change" camp with Mareinette has interesting implications. Maybe not relevant, but interesting. I also think he seems more useful than Biedde considering what our priorities are right now.
On the other hand, I like Biedde even if I trust him even less and I'd rather not make him an enemy, though that may have always been inevitable. The coward's way is interesting because it gives us two Names and the dynamic sounds incredibly fun to read as they both interact separately with others. Also I don't know that I want to play into the old guards' games, even if Smiles' path is less commitment. It also could get expensive in time and money real quick, more so then it already will be if we don't befriend him quick. Just more time sinks, interesting ones, but still.
The map
This intrigues me, why do the changelings need a map to reach their hive. Destroying the stone had an effect on their nature, but why would it prevent them from knowing the location of the hive the cult invaded. If it's just that location it's interesting for potential loot and lore, but the idea it could be a different "true" hive is fascinating and very tempting.
Prisoner
It sounds interesting, but between the Moth Sacrament with Spoiled and potentially Mayor Mare to get her to close friend I think we need to pass
Loot
On one hand, it seems like a petty amount to steal personal items form, but still, more bits. Feels kind of like the embezzling choice from back when. A minor sin in the grand scheme, I say take them, but I'm not really passionate about it.
The husk
I say burn it, the risk of it Eclipse finding it isn't worth it to me. Unless we can subvert them, the potential gain isn't worth the risk. While maybe not a direct threat, they have some of the highest potential to set us back considering they're essentially Celestia's cult and she is our biggest doom clock.
Sacrament
Biedde was always going to be an obstacle, if not quite an enemy. He can't be befriended for a reason. Maybe if we accept the chains it would be different, but I don't think we would ever be willing to, just like I doubt we'll ever take the Wolf option unless we absolutely have to. Some may argue this, but I know I won't vote for it and I doubt the thread as a whole will.
That means it's either the Lionsmith Name or finding a worthy opponent we're willing to kill.
I don't trust him, but the fact he can be befriended and we don't have to swear to his Hour is a major plus. I could be wrong, but I doubt we'll ever have to, by its very nature the Lionsmith doesn't seem like type to demand loyalty. Also Smiles seems interesting, though the fact he's in the "change" camp with Mareinette has interesting implications. Maybe not relevant, but interesting. I also think he seems more useful than Biedde considering what our priorities are right now.
On the other hand, I like Biedde even if I trust him even less and I'd rather not make him an enemy, though that may have always been inevitable. The coward's way is interesting because it gives us two Names and the dynamic sounds incredibly fun to read as they both interact separately with others. Also I don't know that I want to play into the old guards' games, even if Smiles' path is less commitment. It also could get expensive in time and money real quick, more so then it already will be if we don't befriend him quick. Just more time sinks, interesting ones, but still.
Earth-Destroyer
Versed in the lewd.
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I will point out he won't accept an summons for 3 turns if we let him expire. And their no chance anybody could contests Velvet in the short time frame for the next summoning opportunity.
DelightedOne
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In Which A Monster Eats Another
You are Velvet Covers and you have made a decision.
The pony that was put into the prison built bellow Jade Whistle's old house will be visited by two creatures and a life will be lost when you are done.
The venue has been prepared, the table was set, the Honored Guest was invited.
You already made all preparations for the occasion and the Sacrament...
The power it could grant you is enticing, the ability to break that wall blocking your way to the higher levels of Grail.
But most importantly, a choice has been made. A choice you can't take back, a life that will soon be lost.
At least you know it won't be the life of somepony good, somepony that has a family that would miss them.
You wish it didn't have to be like this, but it is just not possible for you to not take this step.
Surprisingly, the idea of consuming flesh does not bother you, not as much as it should, when the alternative is...
There really isn't a good way to do this. If you deny Mareinette's offer she will eventually leave-and you are well aware of the things she will do if she regains her freedom-but you feel if you accept her offer, if you accept her(grail), you will lose.
Is surrendering the only answer to your problems? Could this be truly everything you can do?
You know you can't trust her, not with that voice that gets louder every month. The one that questions Mareinette, her motives and most importantly what would have happened to Silky had you not arrived in time or Soft Sweeps not been there to protect her sister.
But the pangs of hunger you feel when you made that decision have already taken hold. There is no going back.
Today, you will do something drastic.
Today, you will cross a line.
Because today...
Today...
"[GRAIL]?"
Your mind clears from the fog, Mareinette's question, her need to confirm your willingness to procceed.
"Yes, I am ready." You answer, with poorly hidden anticipation. The imitation of laughter that comes from her right after makes that clear.
She thinks you are eager for the tastes she can provide.
You can't exactly deny this assumption.
After all, you planned all of this and now you are accompanying her to where your prisoner has been kept for the last month, something you insisted on doing.
The newly built stairs to the underground prison are thread upon by your hooves. As you descend, your vision blurs, the hunger has already taken most of your capacity to reason.
The sole occupied "cell" is right there. Mareinette has your permission to open it, it would be very strange if she didn't.
She turns her back, cloak swaying gently with the motions her body makes as she walks and as soon as her back is turned, you say the words that will begin the true Feast.
"Stay still."
As soon as the order is expressed, the bindings tying her to you tighten across her body like the chains they are supposed to be. Now all pretense of cammaderie has been trown away.
But you do not care, for the hunger is at full force now, the need for her flesh is consuming all of your existence.
And of course, as you throw away her cloak and the pile of bones she takes with her everywhere she goes. She realizes something is very wrong.
[Mareinette activates The Second Birth]
[Mareinette's Health suffers catastrophically]
[Mareinette's Health is now 4]
But you already made your move, body twisting itself into the correct shape for this task. Your jaw unhinges at an impossible angle, just enough to fit a mare of Mareinette's size with the proper motions.
You must be very careful to not scratch her skin, it would ruin everything if even a single drop of her precious blood was lost.
Even if your sharp fangs disagree with this fact.
First, the hindlegs, so she can't run away. It would not be good if she managed to leave after this blatant betrayal on your part.
Then, the torso. Now that is easier, but then you come across her forelegs and have to twist your jaw a bit to make them fit.
The end is the best part. When at last the head is the only part of her body still free.
You cannot see her expression and you can't bring yourself to care about it when there is still that final step your almost broken body needs to take.
*Gulp*
After, you can feel her writing inside of your body, hooves trying to break a path to the outside through your flesh.
But it is in vain, there is no loophole she can hide behind now, no other Hour to save her, either as a patron or sympathizer.
And even if there were, it is already too late. She is in the belly of the beast now.
And she will never make it out of there.
Although every instinct in your body tells you it should hurt, it doesn't. Not like the previous times.
It isn't comfortable, will never be comfortable but you can deal with it better now.
So your body once again twists itself, but instead of making space for something, it is now shrinking, forcing the foreign creature out of it.
The feeling of your own flesh tearing itself to return to its previous configuration is a novelty, not a welcome one, mind you. Still, the creature seems to understand it needs to leave and cooperates with your body.
The head feels the air of the Wake first, the front paws and torso follow, giving it some support as they touch the floor of the prison.
As the rest of the body leaves your mouth you can notice the glistening fur covering the figure in front of you as it drops towards the floor, disoriented by its newfound existence.
You also note a certain taste your tired mind can't proccess properly. Whatever it is, it is in no way pleasant.
After a few moments, when you remember you are allowed to breathe again, the thing that tore its way out of your body stands on its forelegs. Half graceful, half stumbling foal, with contradictory smooth and careful movements it makes its way to Mareinette's cloak and the pile of bones she used as a puppet.
It then dons the cloak as if it had belonged to itself its whole life and with perfect and unnatural poise it does something you can't help but be repulsed by.
It introduces itself. At the same time revealing what the confusing taste that coats your tongue really is.
"Greetings Mother, my name is Blood and it will be my pleasure to help you and my Father."
Your new Son is here.
You already knew what loyalty tastes like, now you have learned the taste of betrayal.
Velvet Covers has gained a further stain upon her soul, and the world will suffer for it.
"A Stain Upon the Soul" has reached level four.
CAPUT GERAT LUPINUM. The Sun was Divided, and this is its Wound. Gain one scrap of EDGE and WINTER Lores.
Velvet Covers has tasted something very ancient and powerful. Gain one scrap of GRAIL and HEART Lores.
Mareinette, the monster of Grail, has been killed.
You are Velvet Covers and you have made a decision.
The pony that was put into the prison built bellow Jade Whistle's old house will be visited by two creatures and a life will be lost when you are done.
The venue has been prepared, the table was set, the Honored Guest was invited.
You already made all preparations for the occasion and the Sacrament...
The power it could grant you is enticing, the ability to break that wall blocking your way to the higher levels of Grail.
But most importantly, a choice has been made. A choice you can't take back, a life that will soon be lost.
At least you know it won't be the life of somepony good, somepony that has a family that would miss them.
You wish it didn't have to be like this, but it is just not possible for you to not take this step.
Surprisingly, the idea of consuming flesh does not bother you, not as much as it should, when the alternative is...
There really isn't a good way to do this. If you deny Mareinette's offer she will eventually leave-and you are well aware of the things she will do if she regains her freedom-but you feel if you accept her offer, if you accept her(grail), you will lose.
Is surrendering the only answer to your problems? Could this be truly everything you can do?
You know you can't trust her, not with that voice that gets louder every month. The one that questions Mareinette, her motives and most importantly what would have happened to Silky had you not arrived in time or Soft Sweeps not been there to protect her sister.
But the pangs of hunger you feel when you made that decision have already taken hold. There is no going back.
Today, you will do something drastic.
Today, you will cross a line.
Because today...
Today...
"[GRAIL]?"
Your mind clears from the fog, Mareinette's question, her need to confirm your willingness to procceed.
"Yes, I am ready." You answer, with poorly hidden anticipation. The imitation of laughter that comes from her right after makes that clear.
She thinks you are eager for the tastes she can provide.
You can't exactly deny this assumption.
After all, you planned all of this and now you are accompanying her to where your prisoner has been kept for the last month, something you insisted on doing.
The newly built stairs to the underground prison are thread upon by your hooves. As you descend, your vision blurs, the hunger has already taken most of your capacity to reason.
The sole occupied "cell" is right there. Mareinette has your permission to open it, it would be very strange if she didn't.
She turns her back, cloak swaying gently with the motions her body makes as she walks and as soon as her back is turned, you say the words that will begin the true Feast.
"Stay still."
As soon as the order is expressed, the bindings tying her to you tighten across her body like the chains they are supposed to be. Now all pretense of cammaderie has been trown away.
But you do not care, for the hunger is at full force now, the need for her flesh is consuming all of your existence.
And of course, as you throw away her cloak and the pile of bones she takes with her everywhere she goes. She realizes something is very wrong.
[Mareinette activates The Second Birth]
[Mareinette's Health suffers catastrophically]
[Mareinette's Health is now 4]
But you already made your move, body twisting itself into the correct shape for this task. Your jaw unhinges at an impossible angle, just enough to fit a mare of Mareinette's size with the proper motions.
You must be very careful to not scratch her skin, it would ruin everything if even a single drop of her precious blood was lost.
Even if your sharp fangs disagree with this fact.
First, the hindlegs, so she can't run away. It would not be good if she managed to leave after this blatant betrayal on your part.
Then, the torso. Now that is easier, but then you come across her forelegs and have to twist your jaw a bit to make them fit.
The end is the best part. When at last the head is the only part of her body still free.
You cannot see her expression and you can't bring yourself to care about it when there is still that final step your almost broken body needs to take.
*Gulp*
After, you can feel her writing inside of your body, hooves trying to break a path to the outside through your flesh.
But it is in vain, there is no loophole she can hide behind now, no other Hour to save her, either as a patron or sympathizer.
And even if there were, it is already too late. She is in the belly of the beast now.
And she will never make it out of there.
This should not be happening.
Mareinette did not expect this. How could she? She followed every step perfectly, she was polite and the best guest anypony could ask for.
Now look where that got her, stuck inside a mortal in a rather unpleasant way. Even if there is more space than there should be.
And by her not so small amount of experience, she feels things will only get worse. So she decides to start making her way to the outside world again and if it kills her ungrateful host so be it, this whole situation is already grounds for death, in her opinion.
Her body turns to a more appropriate position, focused on creating an exit. However, no matter how much she kicks, bites or otherwise tries to rip through the flesh of her ungrateful summoner, she remains stuck.
She thinks about how her puppet did not come with her or her cloak. That realization is followed by the sensation of being exposed, seen, endangered.
A scent rises, not pony, not mortal, something else, something wicked.
With renewed urgency she restarts her effort to escape. Breaking her bindings already took a lot out of her, it would not be wise to fight whatever this is in her condition.
The already tight space constricts her movements even further, some liquid she can't quite recognize dripping on her skin and...
Ah.
So that is why her body was swallowed whole. Velvet Covers did not try to eat her, no.
The hunger she felt did not belong to her summoner.
It belonged to something else.
She was being given to something else.
She was the sweet sacrifice.
Her blood blessed by the Red Grail herself to still be able to sustain life even after her Crime will be drained.
And then she will die for good.
Her final death is staring right at her back.
All she can do in her last cognizant moments is mourn the fact that the last sensation she will ever experience... is that of Agony.
!!!
A howl echoes as she finishes organizing her thoughts, affirming that what she deduced was the answer to her doubts.
And then the monster, with its ethereal fangs, it... it...
IT BITES.
And it keeps biting and tearing and devouring. His intention to not leave a single piece left to tell the tale of the monster that once walked the Mansus and the Wake.
And it keeps on and on and on andonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandon...
Every last piece of consumed flesh shifts, while the Son builds his body in the Wake, the shell that will allow him to fullfil his purpose.
But then, he pauses for a second for the heart is not to be eaten. Instead, it must be put in its proper place..
The stolen blood needs to flow through his veins, after all. And his Father's nature does not allow such frivolities, so he will have to improvise.
Mareinette did not expect this. How could she? She followed every step perfectly, she was polite and the best guest anypony could ask for.
Now look where that got her, stuck inside a mortal in a rather unpleasant way. Even if there is more space than there should be.
And by her not so small amount of experience, she feels things will only get worse. So she decides to start making her way to the outside world again and if it kills her ungrateful host so be it, this whole situation is already grounds for death, in her opinion.
Her body turns to a more appropriate position, focused on creating an exit. However, no matter how much she kicks, bites or otherwise tries to rip through the flesh of her ungrateful summoner, she remains stuck.
She thinks about how her puppet did not come with her or her cloak. That realization is followed by the sensation of being exposed, seen, endangered.
A scent rises, not pony, not mortal, something else, something wicked.
With renewed urgency she restarts her effort to escape. Breaking her bindings already took a lot out of her, it would not be wise to fight whatever this is in her condition.
The already tight space constricts her movements even further, some liquid she can't quite recognize dripping on her skin and...
Ah.
So that is why her body was swallowed whole. Velvet Covers did not try to eat her, no.
The hunger she felt did not belong to her summoner.
It belonged to something else.
She was being given to something else.
She was the sweet sacrifice.
Her blood blessed by the Red Grail herself to still be able to sustain life even after her Crime will be drained.
And then she will die for good.
Her final death is staring right at her back.
All she can do in her last cognizant moments is mourn the fact that the last sensation she will ever experience... is that of Agony.
!!!
A howl echoes as she finishes organizing her thoughts, affirming that what she deduced was the answer to her doubts.
And then the monster, with its ethereal fangs, it... it...
IT BITES.
And it keeps biting and tearing and devouring. His intention to not leave a single piece left to tell the tale of the monster that once walked the Mansus and the Wake.
And it keeps on and on and on andonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandonandon...
Until...
Every last piece of consumed flesh shifts, while the Son builds his body in the Wake, the shell that will allow him to fullfil his purpose.
Until...
But then, he pauses for a second for the heart is not to be eaten. Instead, it must be put in its proper place..
Until...
The stolen blood needs to flow through his veins, after all. And his Father's nature does not allow such frivolities, so he will have to improvise.
Until Mareinette is no more...
...
And another monster takes her place
...
And another monster takes her place
Although every instinct in your body tells you it should hurt, it doesn't. Not like the previous times.
It isn't comfortable, will never be comfortable but you can deal with it better now.
So your body once again twists itself, but instead of making space for something, it is now shrinking, forcing the foreign creature out of it.
The feeling of your own flesh tearing itself to return to its previous configuration is a novelty, not a welcome one, mind you. Still, the creature seems to understand it needs to leave and cooperates with your body.
The head feels the air of the Wake first, the front paws and torso follow, giving it some support as they touch the floor of the prison.
As the rest of the body leaves your mouth you can notice the glistening fur covering the figure in front of you as it drops towards the floor, disoriented by its newfound existence.
You also note a certain taste your tired mind can't proccess properly. Whatever it is, it is in no way pleasant.
After a few moments, when you remember you are allowed to breathe again, the thing that tore its way out of your body stands on its forelegs. Half graceful, half stumbling foal, with contradictory smooth and careful movements it makes its way to Mareinette's cloak and the pile of bones she used as a puppet.
It then dons the cloak as if it had belonged to itself its whole life and with perfect and unnatural poise it does something you can't help but be repulsed by.
It introduces itself. At the same time revealing what the confusing taste that coats your tongue really is.
"Greetings Mother, my name is Blood and it will be my pleasure to help you and my Father."
Your new Son is here.
You already knew what loyalty tastes like, now you have learned the taste of betrayal.
Velvet Covers has gained a further stain upon her soul, and the world will suffer for it.
"A Stain Upon the Soul" has reached level four.
CAPUT GERAT LUPINUM. The Sun was Divided, and this is its Wound. Gain one scrap of EDGE and WINTER Lores.
Velvet Covers has tasted something very ancient and powerful. Gain one scrap of GRAIL and HEART Lores.
Mareinette, the monster of Grail, has been killed.
[DO] Kill Mareinette[This is a Regrettable Action]
Current Level: 4/7
Should this counter ever reach 7/7, Velvet Covers will immediately reach the ending "The Mother of Wolves".
-[Wolf, thy name is Blood]: "So revolting upon the ear. One could never listen to it again. These are the words that make sacrifice agonizing."
(The voices of Grail have been muffled, fainter than ever before, now the World will hear the call of Blood instead of birth or desire.)
-Forbidden Knowledge: "If Despair is the wolf that devours thought, one must wonder what will please Blood's palate?"
The whispers of Blood will influence ponies to take drastic actions to achieve their own desires, it is not like it is any easier, mind you, but if that risky idea works then shouldn't you at least try? What is so wrong with a little competition?
Sacrifice will be more common, necessary or not, betrayal will be significantly more present among ponies.
And lastly, while it may not sound as relevant as other issues, there will be less foals born in the World.
At least he has not visited the Church yet, but it is only a matter of time.
-[The Benefits of the Mother]: "It would be delightful to serve you, Mother. I will do my utter best to make sure your wishes are granted."
(Narratively, Blood will take Mareinette's place and act as she would have, using her puppet as efficiently and elegantly as she once did. He will work mechanically as if he was a befriended Name with most of Mareinette's stats, for her rank blood fills his body and gives it its profane imitation of life. Some, like Baldomare, will notice the ruse, most others won't.)
His character sheet will follow.
Should this counter ever reach 7/7, Velvet Covers will immediately reach the ending "The Mother of Wolves".
The Fourth Son
"The line has been crossed, filth overflows and gets closer to consuming what remains. But coming this far has given knowledge to this soul, knowledge of the truth behind the corruption of a once pure pony and its consequences to the World."-[Wolf, thy name is Blood]: "So revolting upon the ear. One could never listen to it again. These are the words that make sacrifice agonizing."
(The voices of Grail have been muffled, fainter than ever before, now the World will hear the call of Blood instead of birth or desire.)
-Forbidden Knowledge: "If Despair is the wolf that devours thought, one must wonder what will please Blood's palate?"
The whispers of Blood will influence ponies to take drastic actions to achieve their own desires, it is not like it is any easier, mind you, but if that risky idea works then shouldn't you at least try? What is so wrong with a little competition?
Sacrifice will be more common, necessary or not, betrayal will be significantly more present among ponies.
And lastly, while it may not sound as relevant as other issues, there will be less foals born in the World.
At least he has not visited the Church yet, but it is only a matter of time.
-[The Benefits of the Mother]: "It would be delightful to serve you, Mother. I will do my utter best to make sure your wishes are granted."
(Narratively, Blood will take Mareinette's place and act as she would have, using her puppet as efficiently and elegantly as she once did. He will work mechanically as if he was a befriended Name with most of Mareinette's stats, for her rank blood fills his body and gives it its profane imitation of life. Some, like Baldomare, will notice the ruse, most others won't.)
His character sheet will follow.
"You are well aware of what he is."
Blood, the Fourth Son
Health: 4/16
General bonus: +40 ("Young and Terrible")
"Social action" bonus: +60
Aspects: GRAIL 6,HEART 6, EDGE 6, WINTER 6
As a Son , Blood has TWO actions per turn.
Special details:
- Blood is capable of CHANNELING the highest intensity of Influence in his lores, and gifting it to you for a full month.
-Blood's true nature as a Son means his presence in the Wake is not as easy to purge, so even if his current body reaches 0 Health his presence will not leave this World but he may be restored to physical form with the proper resources. For more information see "The Fourth Birth".
- Blood is considered to be a Minion, and does not mind being sacrificed for Rituals.
-His Sister has a special place in his heart and she truly appreciates his presence. For more information see "Dearest Sister".
[ONE WHO IS VERY GREAT]: Blood is willing to offer you Sacraments in the Lores of Grail, Edge and Winter.
[THE MONSTER of GRAIL]: Blood is immune to the effects of "Monstrous Appearance".
[HONORED SON]: Blood can "step in" on Velvet's horseshoes, and perform social actions in her stead even if only Velvet should have been able to perform them. (HOWEVER, see "Shared Custody")
[WEIGHT OF PRESENCE]: Blood grants a full level up to the Secret Library for his preferred Lores.
[LOYAL]: Is loyal to Velvet Covers' faction. Will not act against her or her followers and will avoid influencing them negatively. He is also willing to use Influences on himself, as needed, and to lend aid to Velvet Covers' faction when narratively relevant.
[SHARED CUSTODY]: If Blood is alone while performing a social action, and a vote is offered, he will follow what Velvet would have done(A vote will open), however his Father will have influence over the result. Velvet's faction and family will not be affected by the implied consequences.
[MONSTROUS APPEARANCE]:Cannot be used for Social Actions. (Immune)
[A FATHER'S TEACHINGS]: Will refuse to cast any rituals that involve Heart. Any other Lore is allowed.
[THE FOURTH BIRTH]: Blood's body is not capable of healing itself but it may be restored using living ponies as a sacrifice if he is "killed" or hurt. A single pony is the minimum required to bring him back and he can be ordered to discreetely seek "sustenance" by his own methods(His own AP) to restore his remaining health. This won't remove Mareinette's "characteristics", it also won't add more.
[DEAREST SISTER]: Blood is specialized to social actions, so it would make sense for him to help his Sister wouldn't it?
Soft Sweeps' cult will expand its influence with Blood's full cooperation. Mechanically, every social roll taken by Soft Sweeps or her cult to extend their influence will apply Blood's stats where it would be appropriate, Blood will also give his boost to lore levels on their Library equivalent.
Narratively Soft Sweeps will become quite close with "Mareinette", she will even invite her to the meetings of the burgeoning Wolf cult and "Mareinette" will feel like family to her. She won't be aware of his true nature. Additionally if Blood is somehow killed and Velvet Covers does not take action to restore him Soft Sweeps will bring him back as stated on "The Fourth Birth".
Blood, the Fourth Son
Health: 4/16
General bonus: +40 ("Young and Terrible")
"Social action" bonus: +60
Aspects: GRAIL 6,
As a Son , Blood has TWO actions per turn.
Special details:
- Blood is capable of CHANNELING the highest intensity of Influence in his lores, and gifting it to you for a full month.
-Blood's true nature as a Son means his presence in the Wake is not as easy to purge, so even if his current body reaches 0 Health his presence will not leave this World but he may be restored to physical form with the proper resources. For more information see "The Fourth Birth".
- Blood is considered to be a Minion, and does not mind being sacrificed for Rituals.
-His Sister has a special place in his heart and she truly appreciates his presence. For more information see "Dearest Sister".
[ONE WHO IS VERY GREAT]: Blood is willing to offer you Sacraments in the Lores of Grail, Edge and Winter.
[THE MONSTER of GRAIL]: Blood is immune to the effects of "Monstrous Appearance".
[HONORED SON]: Blood can "step in" on Velvet's horseshoes, and perform social actions in her stead even if only Velvet should have been able to perform them. (HOWEVER, see "Shared Custody")
[WEIGHT OF PRESENCE]: Blood grants a full level up to the Secret Library for his preferred Lores.
[LOYAL]: Is loyal to Velvet Covers' faction. Will not act against her or her followers and will avoid influencing them negatively. He is also willing to use Influences on himself, as needed, and to lend aid to Velvet Covers' faction when narratively relevant.
[SHARED CUSTODY]: If Blood is alone while performing a social action, and a vote is offered, he will follow what Velvet would have done(A vote will open), however his Father will have influence over the result. Velvet's faction and family will not be affected by the implied consequences.
[MONSTROUS APPEARANCE]:
[A FATHER'S TEACHINGS]: Will refuse to cast any rituals that involve Heart. Any other Lore is allowed.
[THE FOURTH BIRTH]: Blood's body is not capable of healing itself but it may be restored using living ponies as a sacrifice if he is "killed" or hurt. A single pony is the minimum required to bring him back and he can be ordered to discreetely seek "sustenance" by his own methods(His own AP) to restore his remaining health. This won't remove Mareinette's "characteristics", it also won't add more.
[DEAREST SISTER]: Blood is specialized to social actions, so it would make sense for him to help his Sister wouldn't it?
Soft Sweeps' cult will expand its influence with Blood's full cooperation. Mechanically, every social roll taken by Soft Sweeps or her cult to extend their influence will apply Blood's stats where it would be appropriate, Blood will also give his boost to lore levels on their Library equivalent.
Narratively Soft Sweeps will become quite close with "Mareinette", she will even invite her to the meetings of the burgeoning Wolf cult and "Mareinette" will feel like family to her. She won't be aware of his true nature. Additionally if Blood is somehow killed and Velvet Covers does not take action to restore him Soft Sweeps will bring him back as stated on "The Fourth Birth".
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Pittauro
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already mentioned by others, but the normal understanding of a Dyad is that they're both immortal (except from being killed by the other) as long as they both live, not that one's death means the other immediately dies too.
Actually this is a good point. Coward's way out is interesting and offers us two names... but it also means we need to pay for both.
It's not cheap.
We first need to summon Smiles, which means paying 100 bits + reagents.
Then we need to continue paying for Biedde each turn / every two turns.
And then we need to also start paying Smiles' extension cost in follower actions starting from 3 turns after the summon.
Also also... I imagine it will be more difficult, if not impossible, to befriend Smiles while also keeping Biedde present.
Uh. I didn't think she'd betray her in this omake.
Also I thought Gluttony fits better than Blood. Or, well, Betrayal.
That said, this is quite fitting. a truly awesome and horrifying reward for a Stain.
Though... with it being born from betrayal, I like the idea of a Son that will do exactly everything we want until one day he'll inevitably betray us. we'd know it, he'd know it, we'd still use him until then because it's too useful not to.
Talon Tiger Dino
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Just let Biedde time out naturally; without him being our Enemy, we can just bring him back after three turns.
Earth-Destroyer
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I do find the thought of Biedde and Smiles getting into a increasingly ridicules game of outdoing each other over Sikly funny.
spiderhellian
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This was a fascinating idea and really well explored. The Stain description, in particular, felt both accurate and chilling. Great omake!
Talon Tiger Dino
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You understand my vision, then.
DelightedOne
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That was by design. The title itself is misleading and I put a lot of effort in hiding it till the moment.
I just thought "Evil, Paranoia, Ash and Blood" sounded cooler as evil beings. I also think that using the remains of Names to make Sons should be canon.
Betrayal and Gluttony felt too obvious so I didn't use them.
I know right? Killing a Name as the 4th Stain should be special and considering she is fully in the Wake, I decided a Confidante was a good benefit.
I actually considered this but then I realized it would be a bit too much, RA's are supposed to fuck other ponies over, not Velvet.
Besides, the plot with Softy was too good to not do and it needed to be true for it to work.
Pittauro
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if we're not keeping both Names all the time, then I'd rather just go for Smiles.
Though I think there's being a bit too much alarmism about picking Biedde.
To be clear, it IS a risk. But this setting is not exactly the same as canon CS, and even in CS the Colonel is not ALL bad.
It's very possible that Velvet could even find happiness in his service. But of course it means giving up a measure of agency, which is hard to do when we know little to nothing about him.
It's not that different an argument from when the Master tried to... give birth to himself through rape, basically. Though there it was arguably the opposite, in that the action itself was disgusting, but the potential end result (child master alicorn) was not NECESSARILY a negative result for us, because by the time he came back and grew up we would have won, and with the Wake safeguarded it's very possible he would have been mostly satisfied.
He might even have changed enough to accept Harmony. Indeed, the Master's great misunderstanding there was underestimating just how much we'd take offense to him effectively wanting to rape Cadance, because if you can ignore that fact the end result was actually mostly in our favour too.
Make it a betrayal of our ideals but not of our desired end result then?
Something like, He'd betray our orders in a way that wouldn't hurt our dear people, AND would benefit us, but that would still go against our wishes...
...and I just realized that Shared Custody BASICALLY does the same, so nevermind that.
Talon Tiger Dino
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Resummoning Biedde when needed is cheaper than keeping him active.
Pittauro
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maybe in terms of bits (MAYBE), but you need to add the cost of reagents and the AP for the ritual. And the ritual can always fail.
DelightedOne
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[X] Plan: Delighted Wants These
-[X] (MAP) Destroy it.
-[X] (PRISONER) Take him.
-[X] (LOOT) I will do the right thing, and not steal.
-[X] (THING) Capture it.
[X] Plan: Open Source Lores
Don't mind me, just adding the Edge vote since I'm pretty sure it is also open now.
[X] You will take Smiles' offer.
-[X] (MAP) Destroy it.
-[X] (PRISONER) Take him.
-[X] (LOOT) I will do the right thing, and not steal.
-[X] (THING) Capture it.
[X] Plan: Open Source Lores
Don't mind me, just adding the Edge vote since I'm pretty sure it is also open now.
[X] You will take Smiles' offer.
Arrkhon
Know what you're doing yet?
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Indirectly my ass, the only way it could be more direct if we used our literal flesh to make them rather than our soul
Nice
Rafuki22
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Did someone try to contest Biedde summoning?
Because if they did...
True, the first one was indirect then.
Pittauro
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-[] (MAP) Take it for yourself.
I see no reason to give it up. We still have a roll this turn, and depending on how close we get we might finish next turn or later. And if we change our mind we can maybe smuggle it in some future changeling investigation instead.
-[] (PRISONER) Take him.
I forget, can we still do Moth Sacrament next turn if we pick this with Spoiled Rich?
if yes, let's take him. If not, I'd probably give it up.
-[] (LOOT) I will steal from the poor, innocent pony prisoners.
Look, it's a bit embarassing and demeaning, but we DO need bits for so many things, and we just saved their lives. I feel no real guilt over this, think of it as compensation for, again, saving their lives.
-[] (THING) Capture it.
[x] Plan Full Greed
-[x] (MAP) Take it for yourself.
-[x] (PRISONER) Take him.
-[x] (LOOT) I will steal from the poor, innocent pony prisoners.
-[x] (THING) Capture it.
You know what, I want to bet on this. Let's take it, let us TRY to keep it. If we fail and Eclipse takes it, well, Maybe we can still use it as an excuse as for how quickly we're learning the lores... I don't want to give it to Eclipse, but I don't think it would be the end of the world if they got it.
[x] You will take Smiles' offer.
I'm amenable to consider the coward's way out, but that comes with the intention to keep both Names permanently, and it's adding more complications.
I'm admittedly a tiny bit curious if there's some secret way to bring peace to the Corrivalry, but that's probably a fool's hope. If anyone could do it, it would be Silky though.
I'm still against the Wolf, though I'll admit that Coward's Way Out + Wolf is at least a tiny bit tempting, giving us 2 names and 2 sacraments as a combo...
EDIT:
I'm also voting for
[X] Plan The Rich Path Forward
-[X] (THING) Kill it.
-[X] (LOOT) I will steal from the poor, innocent pony prisoners.
-[X] (PRISONER) Take him.
-[X] (MAP) Take it for yourself.
Basically the same as my own plan, except that we kill the changeling. I'm not too tied up to either option, the main thing to me is taking the bits and the maps, and (if we can afford it and not lose the chance of doing Moth Sacrament because the Leash is "busy") the prisoner-minion.
I see no reason to give it up. We still have a roll this turn, and depending on how close we get we might finish next turn or later. And if we change our mind we can maybe smuggle it in some future changeling investigation instead.
-[] (PRISONER) Take him.
I forget, can we still do Moth Sacrament next turn if we pick this with Spoiled Rich?
if yes, let's take him. If not, I'd probably give it up.
-[] (LOOT) I will steal from the poor, innocent pony prisoners.
Look, it's a bit embarassing and demeaning, but we DO need bits for so many things, and we just saved their lives. I feel no real guilt over this, think of it as compensation for, again, saving their lives.
-[] (THING) Capture it.
[x] Plan Full Greed
-[x] (MAP) Take it for yourself.
-[x] (PRISONER) Take him.
-[x] (LOOT) I will steal from the poor, innocent pony prisoners.
-[x] (THING) Capture it.
You know what, I want to bet on this. Let's take it, let us TRY to keep it. If we fail and Eclipse takes it, well, Maybe we can still use it as an excuse as for how quickly we're learning the lores... I don't want to give it to Eclipse, but I don't think it would be the end of the world if they got it.
[x] You will take Smiles' offer.
I'm amenable to consider the coward's way out, but that comes with the intention to keep both Names permanently, and it's adding more complications.
I'm admittedly a tiny bit curious if there's some secret way to bring peace to the Corrivalry, but that's probably a fool's hope. If anyone could do it, it would be Silky though.
I'm still against the Wolf, though I'll admit that Coward's Way Out + Wolf is at least a tiny bit tempting, giving us 2 names and 2 sacraments as a combo...
EDIT:
I'm also voting for
[X] Plan The Rich Path Forward
-[X] (THING) Kill it.
-[X] (LOOT) I will steal from the poor, innocent pony prisoners.
-[X] (PRISONER) Take him.
-[X] (MAP) Take it for yourself.
Basically the same as my own plan, except that we kill the changeling. I'm not too tied up to either option, the main thing to me is taking the bits and the maps, and (if we can afford it and not lose the chance of doing Moth Sacrament because the Leash is "busy") the prisoner-minion.
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DelightedOne
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Only if we can make a father and a son who have hated each other for millenia realize they are both being dumb by involving the world in their family problems.
Or convince Biedde to rebel and Smiles to chill.
spiderhellian
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I really think this is taking on needless risk for not much benefit. We set up a conflict with Eclipse for... what, exactly? Some acceleration to a Bureau that is already well on its way? And that acceleration will be limited by said conflict with Eclipse?
I'd strongly suggest The Rich Path Forward, which is the same but with killing the Thing.
Pittauro
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I'll add that too then. I'm not that strongly tied to capturing it, it's just something I'm tempted to try.
EDIT: but you kinda need to vote for it as a plan. the "plan" line doesn't have the [] brackets
Rafuki22
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[X] Plan: Compromising more than only a little
[X] Plan: Don't Bother With the Small Stuff
[X] You will take Smiles' offer.
[X] Plan: Don't Bother With the Small Stuff
[X] You will take Smiles' offer.
Should also use X instead of x
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Earth-Destroyer
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I highly doubt either Smiles, or Biedde. Expect anything but Velvet passing them by. They know Velvet is close to seizing the Glory entire. In the end they are both little more then beggars.