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

Reader mode
DelightedOne said:
I was more focused on the fact that it is implied Velvet would use her AP for that, when it will more likely be Biedde or DoA(stealing a painting seems like an Expedition for me).
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I seem to recall Bird doing a bit of "Lol. Lmao even" at the idea that one could simply pick up Neighnia and walk away with her. Color me doubtful that it would be as easy as sending the Names to steal a painting.
 
Pittauro said:
She's not Velvet. she's not necessarily restricted by our mechanics.
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Remember that Velvet is considered ridiculously talented in leaning the lores and even then she had years of getting prepared by a Name who was nearly an Hour and way more powerful lore knowledge wise then would normally have been allowed.

Celestia is going in blind here and higher sources of lore are kinda needed to rise higher. Which gets steadily more difficult the more one rises.

Pittauro said:
She seems to have an innate talent for Lantern. For all we know she can just bask in the light of the Mirror and climb the ranks that way.
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Hmm, I think I mentioned this before but we could just steal the Watchpony's Mirror.

Make it an expedition.

Just got to do it at the right time when Celestiais not around. Have a way to open the warded doors. Deal with the guards. Prevent a alarm from occurring. Then make clear getaway with the Mirror.

DelightedOne said:
She asked to keep doing it, she kept an eye on Celestia while doing it, she says she thinks she is doing something good, she said she will decide how to deal with Celestia.

It is not rocket science.
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She asked to do it yes, she keeping an eye on Celestia while doing it yes.

The combining the thinks it's doing something good to dealing with Celestia though is the equivalent of speak like a pirate day to stop global warming.
 
Shaper47 said:
The combining the thinks it's doing something good to dealing with Celestia though is the equivalent of speak like a pirate day to stop global warming.
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Seems like it is my turn to say this: "Anyways how about we leave as "don't know" and don't make any certain claims about what's going on until we get more information."

Just wait for the closing of this turn and we will find out.
 
I have no real issue with joining the raid on Tall Tale if it wins, even if I prefer the Uncle Steppes FO. We can't just assume it'll be super lucrative though. It's a Bureau one that we're joining in without being involved in the set up. Even with their loyalty it's still under more scrutiny because they're government sanctioned. I bet we'll be able to grab a couple things, but we probably won't be able to just loot at will like we normally do.
Honestly the potential silver key opportunity and the chance at a worthy opponent are more tempting, even if they're unlikely in this case.
 
DelightedOne said:
Which important things? Cause we are almost done scrying everything we immediately need from Baldomare.
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I imagine Baldomare's schedule for the next couple of turns is going to look something like T23 -> SH Sacrament, T24 -> Lantern lesson + Lantern Sacrament. Assuming we give her the Level 7 book at the end of T23.
 
Shaper47 said:
Remember that Velvet is considered ridiculously talented in leaning the lores and even then she had years of getting prepared by a Name who was nearly an Hour and way more powerful lore knowledge wise then would normally have been allowed.

Celestia is going in blind here and higher sources of lore are kinda needed to rise higher. Which gets steadily more difficult the more one rises.
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Celestia is an alicorn, with effectively unlimited servants and scientists and researchers at her disposal, infinite wealth, and an inherent affinity for multiple lores.

And she's half an outsider.

The Alicorns are MORE special than Velvet, really.

Shaper47 said:
Hmm, I think I mentioned this before but we could just steal the Watchpony's Mirror.

Make it an expedition.

Just got to do it at the right time when Celestiais not around. Have a way to open the warded doors. Deal with the guards. Prevent a alarm from occurring. Then make clear getaway with the Mirror.
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Do you want her to go full daybreaker? Because this could definitely achieve that.
 
Pittauro said:
Do you want her to go full daybreaker? Because this could definitely achieve that.
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Compared to failing her sister, being marenapped as food and watching Canterlot burn before her eyes. A little bit of theft is such a small thing.

Besides we can just blame it on the Changelings, I don't think it's possible for her to hate them more then she already does.
 
Assuming we don't find a Lantern scrap in the Mansus Baldomare needs to spend 4 AP total over the next few turns (1 AP on Beyond the Map's Edge, 1 AP on Baldomare Lantern Sacrament, 1 AP on Lantern Lesson, and 1 AP on SH Influence for us to finish up our Personal SH Sacrament). If we can find a Lantern scrap elsewhere that can be reduced to 3 AP over the next two turns.

We also have not one, but two important Expeditions to go on next turn: And despite Axe having 2 actions a turn now, it's likely that at least one of them will be a Long expedition and therefore eat both her AP anyway. I'm guessing that Axe will lead the Great Book Hunt and Mareinette will lead the Iotic Essence expedition.

We're kind of short on useful backup we can give either of them. We can add Biedde to the expedition most likely to contain dangerous combat I suppose, but there's actually not a lot of Lore levels to go around our faction due to Rarity likely being busy with Commission. And we're unlikely to take Jade off of studying an artifact for +4 Lantern/+2 Heart unless our scry tells us that those exact Lores are going to be needed. We also dont really have much in the way of duplicate artifacts for lores necessitating multiple wielders.

Like, Selene could go on one but that's really expensive in AP unless it's a short expedition.
 
Ah fuck it, why not.
I like Steppes and wanted to see more of him. But using our Edge appropiately, and totally not getting Wounded, looks fun too.

[X] Plan: IM FROM PONYVILLE AND I SAY KILL EM ALL
 
ses said:
If we can find a Lantern scrap elsewhere that can be reduced to 3 AP over the next two turns.
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There's a reason I've been suggesting taking advantage off our lantern influence to increase the odds of getting lantern scrap from the Mansus.

It's in the plans, Folllow the Plan, and, Killing Changelings in the Name of the Moon.

ses said:
Baldomare needs to spend 4 AP total over the next few turns (1 AP on Beyond the Map's Edge, 1 AP on Baldomare Lantern Sacrament, 1 AP on Lantern Lesson, and 1 AP on SH Influence for us to finish up our Personal SH Sacrament).
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Also lantern influence for studying Moth books to reach level 6 Moth (which would probably be a good time for our personal lantern sacrament).
 
Notice how the thug buffed by an Edge influence was stronger than Shining Armor? Changelings who don't have access to the Lores will be weaker than Shining Armor, and therefore will be far far less than the 10% chance to wound that the thug managed to get lucky on. Not to mention the fact that we'll have an entire bureau worth of Constables at our backs as well.
 
Pittauro said:
I admit I got careless there, but we were also pretty unlucky in falling both expedition and combat (and getting attacked by enough people to reach Velvet in the first place)
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I admit there was bad luck involved, but the same setup is happening again and people are just... cool with it?

Those that want to show off are not thinking of any consequences and those that want an alternative for the Edge Sacrament are not acknowledging a fight with a Worthy Opponent may lead to Velvet's death... again.
 
Look, unless the Changelings have been power leveling Edge in the aftermath of their apocalypse, they won't be that much of a major threat to Velvet during an all-out Bureau Assault. As we saw from the Comet Feet vs Shining fight, a Worthy Opponent by no means has to present an actual danger to you if you stacked the deck beforehand.
 
Voting is still open. This is just for our information.

And good day everyone.

Adhoc vote count started by OurLadyOfWires on Nov 21, 2025 at 4:22 PM, finished with 244 posts and 27 votes.
  • [X] Plan: IM FROM PONYVILLE AND I SAY KILL EM ALL
    -[X] (AotL) Edge
    -[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
    -[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
    -[X] Study (2x), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Manehatten book
    -[X] Join the Assault on Tall Tale
    -[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde
    [X] Plan: Goodbye Uncle Steppes
    -[X] (AotL) Edge
    -[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
    -[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
    -[X] Study (2x), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Manehatten book
    -[X] Uncle Steppes has been... distant, this month. But now, he asked for a moment of your time. "Just making sure everything is in order" he said, saying he has a gift for you. (Not picking this option will still net you his gift, but without your imput)
    -[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde
    [X] Plan: The Blade and the Crimson Quill
    -[X] (AotL) Edge
    -[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
    -[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
    -[X] Study (x2), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Moth 3 artifact, Manehattan book
    -[X] Level up Rarity
    -[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde
    [X] Killing Changelings in the Name of the Moon
    [X] Follow the Plan
    [X] Plan Reminder, Uncle is gone
    -[X] [AOTL] Edge
    -[X] [KNOCK] Ashen Wastes
    -[X] [SOCIAL] Soft Sweeps FO
    -[X] [STUDY] Moth 5 book Lantern 4 artifact
    -[X] [STUDY] A Memory of the Path
    -[X] [ACTION] Biedde Sacrament
    -[X] Uncle Steppes FO
    [X] Promises are Painful
    [X] Plan: An Assassin, an Occultist, and a Teacher Walk Into a Bar...
    -[X] (AotL) Edge
    -[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
    -[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
    -[X] Study (x2), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Moth 3 artifact, Manehattan book
    -[X] Talk to Cheerilee
    -[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde
    [X] Plan: A Conspiracy of Shouts
    -[X] (AotL) Edge
    -[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
    -[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
    -[X] Study (x2), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Moth 3 artifact, Manehattan book
    -[X] Sacrament: Investigate the End
    -[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde
    [X] Plan Reminder, Light and Cold
    -[X] [AOTL] Edge
    -[X] [KNOCK] Ashen Wastes
    -[X] [SOCIAL] Soft Sweeps FO
    -[X] [STUDY] (x2), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Manehattan book
    -[X] [STUDY] A Memory of the Path
    -[X] [ACTION] Biedde Sacrament
    [X] Plan Reminder, Moth Superior
    -[X] [AOTL] Edge
    -[X] [KNOCK] Ashen Wastes
    -[X] [SOCIAL] Soft Sweeps FO
    -[X] [STUDY] Moth 5 book
    -[X] [STUDY] Lantern 4 artifact and Winter 4 artifact
    -[X] [STUDY] A Memory of the Path
    -[X] [ACTION] Biedde Sacrament
    [X] Promises are Painful
    -[X] [AOTL] Edge
    -[X] [KNOCK] Ashen Wastes
    -[X] [SOCIAL] Soft Sweeps
    -[X] [STUDY] Moth 5 book and Manehattan book
    -[X] [STUDY] Lantern 4 artifact and Winter 4 artifact
    -[X] [STUDY] A Memory of the Path
    -[X] Learn of that bright Edge, that lives within us all
    ---[X] Be blessed by that Wound, which never ceases to grow. (Will also provide you with a Winter Sacrament)
    -[X] [MANSUS] The Summit
    --[X] [MANSUS] Ponder upon the Final Gate.
    [X] Follow the Plan
    -[X] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [Edge]
    -[X] The delights of subservience (Leash currently targeting: NO TARGET)
    --[X] Spoiled Milk
    -[X] [SOCIAL] Soft Sweeps Fleeting Action
    -[X] Invoke a Risen
    -[X] [KNOCK] The Ashen Wastes
    --[X] [KNOCK] Tarrying in the Wastes is always a poor idea… but there is no other way to discover what this place holds.
    -[X] Learn of that bright Edge, that lives within us all
    --[X] Challenge Biedde to a spar… this will surely hurt.
    -[X] [LEARN] There is something about this… thing, and you must learn what it is
    --[X] Level 4 Lantern artifact then level 4 Winter artifact
    -[X] [LEARN] It doesn't have to be just during a leisure weekend evening, you can fit a few minutes of reading even when walking between rooms if you really get into it!
    --[X] Level 5 Moth Book x 3 (Manehatten book of finished early)
    -[X] [MANSUS] The Blank Door
    --[X] [MANSUS] Visit the Lodge of the Sage Pony. You may not be able to talk to Baldomare, but you surely can listen very well.
    --[X] [MANSUS] Visit Baldomare's Beacon
    ---[X] Study the Beacon
    [X] Killing Changelings in the Name of the Moon
    -[X] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [Edge]
    -[X] The delights of subservience (Leash currently targeting: NO TARGET)
    --[X] Spoiled Milk
    -[X] [SOCIAL] Soft Sweeps Fleeting Action
    -[X] Invoke a Risen
    -[X] Learn of that bright Edge, that lives within us all
    --[X] Be blessed by that Wound, which never ceases to grow (REGRETTABLE ACTION)
    -[X] [LEARN] There is something about this… thing, and you must learn what it is
    --[X] Level 4 Lantern artifact then level 4 Winter artifact
    -[X] [LEARN] It doesn't have to be just during a leisure weekend evening, you can fit a few minutes of reading even when walking between rooms if you really get into it!
    --[X] Level 5 Moth Book x 3 (Manehatten book of finished early)
    -[X] [MANSUS] The Blank Door
    --[X] [MANSUS] Visit the Lodge of the Sage Pony. You may not be able to talk to Baldomare, but you surely can listen very well.
    --[X] [MANSUS] Visit Baldomare's Beacon
    ---[X] Study the Beacon
    -[X] [EXPEDITION] Sally out and lead an expedition the proto-hive of Tall Tale by yourself
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Tbh, I think a not insignificant benefit of going to Tall Tale is the simple fact that Velvet is an omni-Lore specialist whose currently supercharged on the two most relevant Lores when talking about changelings, and she can make sure that the Bureau's first real strike against the changelings goes well.

Or well, ensure it can go about as well as it can without getting the Name Brigade involved.
 
Yeah let's not oscillate wildly between "comparing two situations that are completely un-alike to be terrified of any concept of risk" and "being completely out of this world hubristic"

Slamming ourselves into Ruined Church 2 was hubris. Slamming ourselves into the Summit to search for the Malleary was hubris. We knew perfectly well going in that Ruined Church was DC 100 checks and that the Summit would involve DC 120 checks with severe consequences for failures. We had the rules behind Mansus obstacles explained to us back when we were first crossing the Blank Door.

A near-All4 Velvet with the two most relevant Lores having a max influence is something that could easily have soloed the Tall Tale expedition safely. Going with the full force of the Constables, which specifically have a power level of "You dont need to worry about them succeeding in whatever action they focus on" in exchange for the fact that they have insanely limited 1 action per turn... is not a material risk. Wake expeditions with relevant max influences are a danger that Velvet crushes. That's very different from High Mansus expeditions with no influences and 2 Health. Equivocating between those is massively overestimating Wake expeditions and massively underselling the danger of the High Mansus.
 
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I still think we should make an effort in the near future to get Cheerilee to Confidant. I mean, she's a teacher! Surely her Confidant benefit will have something to do with teaching? If Jade can research things for us, then maybe Cheerilee can write manuscripts for us!
 
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