My Little Pony XXXIX: There is no Pegasus Mafia!

[Trixie]

http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ltolg_VBsY4/T1UXNNQ_TWI/AAAAAAAAB_w/PKs_vYE2tBY/mafia.png


Trixie's Great and Powerful Guide v1.96
Godfather Edition

Brief Introduction

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is a reboot of the MLP franchise by Powerpuff Girls artist Lauren Faust, currently viewed by (almost) the entire Internet, not only the intended audience. Here is a place where we discuss the joy of friendship.

> My Little Pony? Seriously?

It's a clever show. It has excellent writing, character dynamics, humor, animation, and generally treats kids seriously rather than condescending to them. It has every right to be a 20 minute corporate committee designed infomercial, but it's not.

> Isn't this a show for little girls?

Pixar technically makes shows for little boys, and produce some of the best animation in the world.

> Okay, fine. I'll give it a try. Where do I start?

No Brony could ask for more. I recommend watching the episodes in order. They're all up on Youtube. Unusually, Hasbro seems fine with having the entire series up in public because they've made no move to bring down any of the episodes. Search for "Friendship is Magic Episode 1" and you should find the series pretty easily... Or search for "Sharing is Magic" Google Doc. That is all.

> Okay, I'm going to watch it but this had better live up to the hype!

Whoa, calm down there. The show is light hearted, optimistic fun but it's not for everyone. It's good fun, the community is good fun, and everyone can do with a reminder that friendship is magic but if it doesn't gel for you we'll love and tolerate you anyway. Plus, you might hit the wrong episode. Ask first?

> Iron Hoof/Fan Theories/Shipping/Binding

All in good fun! If it's not your cup of tea, skim it, but this show has triggered a great creative outpouring from the Internet. Pony themed fan-art is abundant and often excellent. See below for some examples.

> Derpy Hooves/Doctor Whoof

Two minor background characters who were adopted as emblems of 4chan. Derpy Hooves is so named due to an animation error in the first episode that had her eyes facing in different directions; 4chan has assigned her the role of Ponyville's mailpony, and her only line so far has been "Muffins". The show's animators are aware of Derpy's popularity and she's shown up a few times recently with her eyes obviously derped. Currently made canon in Feeling Pinkie Keen and in Faust's picture showcased below, Derpy was deemed important enough to appear in storyboards for Season II.

Dr. Whoof is a pony with an hourglass cutie mark; he and his kin save time and space very quietly off camera.


***

Ponytar Artists

Alarra
Alterform
Crown of Thorns
Dirtytabs
Irbis
Kairaven
Khosan
Trixie
...and a lot more besides.

If you do/don't want to be here, please make a note in the thread.

New: Official PonyPic Request Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217442)!
Old Requests [Archived] (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10616651)

General Resources

Fan Fiction and News: Equestria Daily (http://www.equestriadaily.com/)
Discussion Image Forum: Ponychan (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/)
Pony Emotes: FiM Emotes (http://kefkafloyd.imgur.com/J8S59)
More Emotes: MC's Emotes (http://gitpmcerberus.imgur.com/ponymote)
Also Emotes: GD's Emotes (http://gadora.imgur.com/seekret_pony_projekt_1/1)
Pony Images: Ponibooru (http://ponibooru.413chan.net/post/list)
More Images: 20% Cooler (http://twentypercentcooler.net/)
Know Your Meme: Ponies! (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic)
Allspark MLP Discussion Thread (http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76678&st=0&start=0)

Art Resources


OC Pony Creation Guide:

>How to make OC Pony (http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/048648773b808749ecbcd93b7825d545/22629%20-%20original_character_tutorial%20tutorial.png)<
>How to clothe a Pony (http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/10448a8bf5139a93e47ee0ab2185d577/23650%20-%20Touhou%20artist%3Awhy485%20drawing_guide%20fash ion%20guide%20pony%20tutorial.png)<

Deviant Art Links:

Lauren Faust (http://fyre-flye.deviantart.com/)

14 Bis (http://14-bis.deviantart.com/)
ButterSS (http://buttersc0tchsundae.deviantart.com/)
Csimadmax (http://csimadmax.deviantart.com/)
DonKoRR (http://don-komandorr.deviantart.com/)
Irving Zero (http://irving-zero.deviantart.com/)
Johnjoseco (http://johnjoseco.deviantart.com/)
Kloudmutt (http://kloudmutt.deviantart.com/)
Palestorm (http://palestorm.deviantart.com/)
Shinepaw (http://shinepawpony.deviantart.com/)

>Awesome Great and Powerful Trixie (http://kp-shadowsquirrel.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d49ccgo)<

Tutorials:

How to Draw Luna (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1YoOgNwPp4)
MLP Art Guides (http://s1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc361/DJPon-3/)
MLP Colour Guides (http://kefkafloyd.deviantart.com/)

Kloud TV (http://www.livestream.com/kloudmutt)

Concepts:

On the Design of the Mane Cast (http://cdn0.knowyourmeme.com/i/000/107/092/original/122%20-%20applejack%20chart%20fluttershy%20pinkie_pie%20r ainbow_dash%20rarity%20twilight_sparkle.jpg)

Concept art by L. Faust:

AJ/AJ (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZtv1PUCI/AAAAAAAABPg/aTDHM_vJ3Ek/Applejack-08.jpg)
Pinkie/Surprise (http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZtjpEWrI/AAAAAAAABPc/vlcKpVmK1FY/Pinkie_08.jpg)
Rarity/Sparkler (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZuba65VI/AAAAAAAABPo/o7oJ1OI4bcE/Rarity_08.jpg)
Twilight/Twinkle (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZuS8XZtI/AAAAAAAABPs/9CPSE6Je1Y0/Twilight_08.jpg)
Derpy/Ditzy (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZtusFdII/AAAAAAAABPk/4VbhxajIt1o/Derpy_11.jpg)

Group Shot (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zPGxLKSxqsI/Tet-724kmrI/AAAAAAAABoc/74J43JjtvVc/mlplegroupruff.jpg)

5 Best Pictures [IMHO]:

TG&P Trixie 1 (http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYlPoSj31bI/AAAAAAAABKc/yhAESX1bWDU/129879022202-fim_thebestmagic2.png) 2a (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYevesc6Z3I/AAAAAAAABJE/wqYR1YU8-xM/129878791125-Magic_for_Friendship.png) 2b (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYlPoV0tFSI/AAAAAAAABKg/UIrpK2_XUDk/345%20-%20filly%20flower%20Magic%20noel%20Trixie.jpg) 3 (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYevn1UZNyI/AAAAAAAABJI/JQaTPZ7u9kk/1295392718493.png)
Twilight Sparkle 1 (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYlQKpEFW1I/AAAAAAAABKo/PJmzRBt_g0o/twilight-%28n1298746506900%29.jpg) 2 (http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYgEWabUv0I/AAAAAAAABJg/S1emWO9FjbE/1297919269027.png) 3 (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYlQAwKvFvI/AAAAAAAABKk/08Q9f1BaGa0/1298478186234.png)
Rainbow Dash 1 (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TY-tuXX0V5I/AAAAAAAABOE/vPLwNGpCsU8/rainbows_are_awesome_by_adamrbi-d3awtkv.jpg) 2 (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TY-tugAF4JI/AAAAAAAABOI/RYGrQCZySJo/1298478713223.jpg) 3 (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TY-tutzFrYI/AAAAAAAABOM/QP22FdlygtA/1299129766866.png) 3.6 (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TY-vxE-8GgI/AAAAAAAABOY/ktOwjPQ3eiI/130057856759.png)
Fluttershy 1 (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZiSMaDSI/AAAAAAAABPQ/FNLXj6WE0ss/yofluttershybyarborishd.png) 2 (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZiUXQlvI/AAAAAAAABPU/SCs7qzer-6E/129860262040.png) 3 (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZiWhyIWI/AAAAAAAABPY/r6ClIhygmw0/1297113141466.png)

Pony Games

The most recent one. (http://www.yoyogames.com/games/168448-mlp-fim-the-way-home#)
Pacderpy (http://www.derpyhooves.com/games/pacderpy.html)
Two very similar dash based (http://www.derpyhooves.com/games/dashattack.html) cloud gathering sidescrollers (http://www.derpyhooves.com/games/rainbowdashmini.html)
Pony generator I (http://www.derpyhooves.com/games/custompony.html)
Pony generator II (http://derpyhooves.com/games.php?id=3)
Pony generator III (http://generalzoi.deviantart.com/art/MLP-FiM-Pony-Creator-Beta-210228500)

New: Pinkie licks cupcakes. (http://yeaka.deviantart.com/art/MLP-FiM-Flash-Game-202202384?q=boost%3Apopular%20max_age%3A8h%20frien dship%20is%20magic&qo=22) And a playthrough for it, too. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUy1UtuNet0)
Collect Cupcakes, Lick Ponies! 2.0 (http://yeaka.deviantart.com/art/MLP-FiM-Flash-Game-TWO-202342576)

Nice Fanwork


5AMVs:5Always (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhgzpnTYCXQ)Communism is Magic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJHZ4E9tRHM)Derpy Cardcaptor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWG0KLSJi8g)[BR]Freeze Ray (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMXhEXQSXSw)[BR]I can go the distance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYonN9in668)[BR]Last Unicorn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwT7V_LsRQo)[BR]Lunasong (Not Your Night) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krcJa44GWq8)[BR]Muffins & Bubbles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR_y8uRYI8Y)[BR]Pinkie's Brew (EE) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=682pneYoP0c)[BR]PonyCraft 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJbAT1wzS8U)[BR]Still Alive (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za9f1c93FHY)[BR]The Stars Will Aid In Her Escape (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV_0n5gp1fE)[BR]The G&P Heretic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4szgPK9Rufw)1Ponies (That are British) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOi3StWmG7A)1[B]Equestria Girls EE! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTPqjKk_xCo)[BR]Hub Summer Promo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjBViIt-y8)[BR]Hop-Skip-Jump [original] (http://soundcloud.com/dannyimusic/mlp1-hop-skip-jump-song)[BR]Smile, Smile, Smile! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFf_rGavnFk)1Old Pony Songs 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHLqc8BSQMg) & 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCpBYLHIEuI)[BR]Ponies! (http://ponyvspony.com/)[BR]5[B]Comics:5The Damn Best Comic (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/359/5/9/pinkiedeadpool_by_csimadmax-d35ms08.jpg). Ever.And The Prequel (http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/107/1/f/pinkiedeadpool_origins_by_csimadmax-d3e936w.png).[BR]And part two (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/147/8/b/battle_for_equestria_02_by_csimadmax-d3hdr5c.png).[BR]And three (http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/154/2/1/battle_for_equestria_03_by_csimadmax-d3hz63e.png).[BR]And four (http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/160/a/f/battle_for_equestria_04_by_csimadmax-d3iighp.png).[BR]And five (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/168/4/0/battle_for_equestria_05_by_csimadmax-d3j5nlu.png).[BR]Six (http://www.deviantart.com/download/256435109/battle_for_equestria_06_by_csimadmax-d48oalh.png) / Seven (http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/252/7/6/battle_for_equestria_07_by_csimadmax-d49cgt7.png) / Eight (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/252/0/7/battle_for_equestria_08_by_csimadmax-d49dpsp.png).1Metaponies (http://gavalanche.deviantart.com/gallery/29877487).[BR]5[B]ED Fics:5Twilight Sky Over Canterlot (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-twilight-sky-over-canterlot.html)Sidelines / Midnight's Tale (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/conversion-bureau-compilation.html)[BR]World Without Rainbows (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-world-without-rainbows.html)[BR]Luxury Lotus Spa Follies (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-luxury-lotus-spa-follies.html)[BR]How Lyra Met Bon-Bon (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/02/story-how-lyra-met-bon-bon.html)[BR]Letters from Bubbly (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/01/story-letters-from-bubbly-1-10.html)[BR]Swayback Mountain (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/01/story-swayback-mountain.html)[BR]And Life Goes On (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/01/story-your-greatest-fan.html)[BR]The Three Notes (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-three-notes.html)[BR]TGaP Trixie (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-great-and-powerful-trixie.html)[BR]Antipodes (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-antipodes.html)[BR]Progress (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-progress-luna-versus-microwave.html)[BR]Bubbles (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-bubbles.html)1Pony Drinking Game (http://buttersc0tchsundae.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d3cng5n)[BR]|
5[B](Other) Songs:5At The Gala / FR (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQSmihuY5ms)Fluttershy's Lullaby / FR (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmDxuMvnehs)[BR]So Many Wonders / FR (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tbt-Z2RwfM)[BR][BR]The French and Powerful Trixie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcpeVg7yMv8)[BR][BR]At The Gala / PL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlVRN-qePmA)[BR]Art of the Dress / PL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clm3GjqncJs)[BR]Winter Wrap Up / PL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfqIEGb2s5w)5[B]GitP Fics:5AmishPirate (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20TheAmishPirate)1Darth BC (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20Bobcat)1Deadly (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20Adcoon):[BR][BR]Trollestia 1 (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/200/0/b/trickster_goddess_nr_1_by_adcoon-d40tt3d.png) 2 (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/201/a/4/trickster_goddess_nr_2_by_adcoon-d414fzw.png) 3 (http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/214/1/3/trickster_goddess_nr_3_by_adcoon-d42h2hx.png) 4 (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/229/0/d/trickster_goddess_nr_4_by_adcoon-d46vksj.png).1EsperDerek (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20EsperDerek)1Grif (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Grif)1PhantomFox (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20PhantomFox):[BR][BR]Pride Goes Before a Folly (http://phantomfox7.deviantart.com/art/Pride-Goes-Before-A-Folly-211724143)1PhoeKun (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20Phoe)1Raz Fox (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20Raz_Fox)1Thanqol (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20Thanqol)[BR]

Important GitP Links

Thread I - Because Friendship Is Magic
Thread II - Now About 20% Cooler
Thread III - The Great & Powerful Thread
Thread IV - Friendship is Sufficiently Advanced Technology
Thread V - Art of the Thread
Thread VI - MUFFINS!
Thread VII - The Grand Galloping Thread
Thread VIII - Friendship is Music
Thread IX - The Best Thread Ever
Thread X - We Trot 'til We Drop
Thread XI - "Mmph!"
Thread XII - No One Can Groove Like the Girls with the Hooves
Thread XIII - Fast/Fine/Fierce Thread
Thread XIV - Boots on Hooves / Bikinis on Top
Thread XV - The Greater and Powerful-er Thread
Thread XVI - There's a Pony for That!
Thread XVII - Call Upon the Thread Ponies!
Thread XVIII - Perfect Isn't Easy
Thread XIX - I Emptied Your Thread
Thread XX & Thread XX - Appletastic Treats
Thread XXI - A Very Minty Thread
Thread XXII - Surprise!
Thread XXIII - It. Is. ON!
Thread XXIV - Now About 200% Longer Than Firefly
Thread XXV - Au Contraire, Mon Ami!
Thread XXVI - Applebloom to Zecora!
Thread XXVII - Eternal Chaos comes with Chocolate Rain
Thread XXVIII - In the Crazy of 40.000 Posts, There is Only Pony!
Thread XXIX - The Spoilers have been DOUBLED!
Thread XXX - Trixie Treats!
Thread XXXI - The Great and Powerful XXXie!
Thread XXXII - Find a Ponythread, and Soarin' the heck out of it!
Thread XXXIII - Happy Birthday Pony(thread)!
Thread XXXIV - There is Pony of it, no exceptions!
Thread XXXV - The Thread Everypony Should Know
Thread XXXVI - Superponies Everywhere!
Thread XXXVII - We Should Have Learned [Something] By Now!
Thread XXXVIII - Nopony Expects Sponish Pinquisition!

Operation: Indiscriminate Friendship
Pony Week Discussion Thread
Pony Crime Pulp Fic/Game Thread


Want to Draw? Ponies will help!
Want to RP? My Little Pony: FiM RP Recruitment Thread.
Want to join the list of GitP Bronies (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApgaWduo83XldFhETWUtWm96b1BFS1dHOF84dTBGM lE&hl=en_US#gid=0)?
Want to join Steam GitP MLP Group (http://steamcommunity.com/groups/GitPony
)?

[HalfTangible]

...So it's an earth pony mafia then?

[erikun]

Huzzah, post time!


So off the current topic, what's everyone's favorite fan-insanity personality?

Trollestia?
Vinyl/Octavia odd couple?
Sweetie-bot?
Hand-wanting Lyra?
Stalker Lyra?
Geek Luna?
I like Octavia, but Vinyl is pretty meh to me. I guess their dynamic works well together, although I'm not a fan of the shipping.

Some of the various Lunas can be fun; awkward!Luna and composer!Luna are ones that I like, and I agree with Kairaven that Woona/big sis Celes are cute.

Sweetie-Bot is the best robot totally a pony.

Woona/Celes picture time, for the new thread!
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/280/7/1/butterfly_odyssey_by_flausch_katzerl-d4c2hwl.png (http://flausch-katzerl.deviantart.com/art/Butterfly-Odyssey-262136613)

http://th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2011/227/3/e/ninja_woona_by_egophiliac-d46l52z.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/ninja-woona-252928763)

http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/279/e/c/ninja_luna__failed_by_flausch_katzerl-d4c1tlw.png (http://flausch-katzerl.deviantart.com/art/Ninja-Luna-Failed-262105124)

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/358/2/a/2a57a7e00e76f5de93dbd762b469bf70-d4k44oz.png (http://flausch-katzerl.deviantart.com/art/I-really-like-her-mane-275649731)

http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2011/294/8/9/astrowoona_by_fongsaunder-d4dhcz1.png (http://fongsaunder.deviantart.com/art/ASTROWOONA-264509677)

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/220/e/3/bomf_by_egophiliac-d45tv1v.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/bomf-251656051)

http://th02.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2011/227/1/a/metal_gear_woona_by_egophiliac-d46q56h.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/metal-gear-woona-253162169)

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/bd0af228343ed8b25fd9fb79940d5459/28667

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/190/7/8/alfalfa_luna_is_best_luna_by_egophiliac-d3lkdok.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/alfalfa-luna-is-best-luna-217621316)

http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2012/029/b/e/_equestrius__by_jdan_s-d4o1nsg.jpg (http://jdan-s.deviantart.com/art/Equestrius-282252976)

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/031/1/8/celestia___luna_blank_by_egophiliac-d3il09v.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/Celestia-Luna-blank-212611747)

[Trixie]

What, never met Don Mac of the dreaded Apple Famiglia? http://i.imgur.com/N2nfK.jpg

[Titanium Fox]

And it's time for the official ponythread IRC information post!

Titanium Fox & Jade's IRC info:



Good News Everypony!

The #ponythread IRC channel is now online! Below is Jade's handy dandy guide to IRC! And for those who already know how IRC runs, the server and channel information is below the spoiler.


Jade Aurora's Handy Dandy Guide to IRC!
Hi everypony, and welcome! I'm Jade, and I'll be your lovely assistant for this lesson! Not too many ponies are familiar with the Internet Relay Chat protocol, and that's where I'm here to help! For those who don't know, IRC is a chat protocol similar to AIM and MSN, instant messengers we're all familiar with. There's a few things you need to get IRC working, so let's take a look at what they are.

1. IRC Chat Client
2. Server and Server Information
3. Channel Name
4. Brief List of Important Commands

1. IRC Chat Client
So, the first thing you need is a program that can handle IRC. These programs tend to be lightweight, and in some cases can be, or already are integrated into programs you already use every day. For example, do you use the web browser Opera (http://www.opera.com/) or the Instant Messaging Client Pidgin (http://www.pidgin.im)? Then you already have a program capable of supporting your server. If this is the case, you can skip on down to the next section. If not however, you're gonna need to download one.

Personally, I recommend one such as XChat 2 (http://www.silverex.org/news/) or mIRC (http://www.mirc.com/), but it's really not hard to find your own alternative. Just remember, don't be tricked into paying for an IRC client. There are tons upon tons of free options out there.

2. Server and Server Information
Okay, so you've got a program that can run IRC. Now what do you do? Well, first things first you need to do is figure out what server you're going to be connecting to. In our case, you will be connecting to:



This is usually pretty simple. It'll be a different process for each separate client, but they all tend to be pretty similar. There's generally a tools tab, followed by an options tab. There will be a field looking for the server to connect to. Type in what's in the quote box above, enter a username (you don't need to register it if you don't want to, that will be covered in section 4), and you're good to go! It should connect to the main page of the Sorcery IRC server. From there, you can go hunting for your channel.

3. Channel Name
This is a pretty simple one. In our case, the channel name is:



And you know how you join that? Just type into the text box at the bottom of your IRC client "/join #ponythread" and you're in! There's a bit more we can do with chanels though. Say you want to see if there are any other pony related channels in the server. Well, from any window on the Sorcery server, you can type in "/list" to get a list of all of the channels on the server. From there, you can use the "/join" command to join that channel too! Most channels have a # preceding their name, so remember that.

4. Brief List of Important Commands
/msg [NAME] This allows you to send a private message to [NAME].
/msg NickServ This allows you to send a message to the Nickname Server on the Sorcery IRC network. You can type "/msg NickServ HELP" from any window to get help with your nickname. This includes registering a floating nickname, changing the password on your nickname, and other different commands you can check out from there.
/list This allows you to see a list of all channels on the current server.

This list will be edited as time goes on, and more commands become pertinent.

IRC Server Information Standalone:




ATTENTION ONCE AGAIN EVERYPONY.

...Wow, I should probably stop doing that, huh? :smallredface:

We have a mibbit link for those ponies who don't want to download anything! Just click the mibbit link at the bottom of this post and you'll be brought to a web based IRC client, and dropped directly into the chat room.

#ponythread on IRC.Sorcery.net (http://mibbit.com/?channel=%23ponythread&server=irc.sorcery.net)

Also, Trixie, can I request that both this link and the prior post about IRC which includes the Guide and Server information go in the next OP?


It's really not that hard!
You know I hate you, right? I just want that on record.
...This can't be any more embarrassing than that picture Psycho drew of you in Midnight's Leather.
Point.

All you have to do is get a brand new client,
Download it, don't pay!
Next just figure out the server credentials,
So easy, child's play!

Just /join, and you're almost there,
Ponychat is in your future.
Make sure you've got the username you want,
And you'll be in the chat in seconds!

IRC! So quick and easy!
IRC! Don't get so queasy!
IRC! IRC! IRC!

I know where you sleep Titanium.





Hello, everypony! There have been a lot of questions about certain IRC features, and so I was convinced (by myself) to write up a list of FAQs to supplement Jade's guide. Hers includes everything you need just to connect, mine includes some slightly more advanced material. When this is reposted in the new thread, it can either be kept separate like this, or we could just combine them.


Inkblot's Answers to Common IRC Questions!

What does it mean to have a voice?

There are a number of different designations that can be assigned to IRC users, to determine what privileges they hold in a channel. The designation you'll see most frequently is +v, for voice. This is represented in the list of people in the channel by a + before someone's name in mIRC, or the image of a speaker after someone's name on mibbit. What having a voice means is that the user in question can continue to chat unhindered even if the channel is set to +m, for mute!

Setting a channel to mute prevents anyone without a voice from speaking. This is something that we might do if we were to ever be infested by spammy parasprites who were making it impossible to have real conversation, so that then only the ponies we know and recognize could talk.

You can be given a voice by anyone with OP (operator) or H-OP (half-operator) status, the former represented by a @ (or a star in Mibbit), and the latter by a % (or half of a star). These are the people who can kick or ban disruptive users, change channel modes, etc etc. Ops have more privileges in this regards than hops do.



How do I speak using colored font? Or in bold, or italics, or underlined?

This will vary depending on your choice of IRC client.

In Mibbit, it's simple! You just use the "colours" button down at the bottom of the screen, below the chat bar.

In mIRC, pressing ctrl+k will bring up a box showing a number of different colors. You can then choose one and it will automatically enter the appropriate color code. You can then type whatever it was you wanted colored. If you put a comma immediately after your color code, and then enter another color code, the first number will be the color of your text, and the second will be the color of your text's background. For example, ctrl+k - 4,1Testing would result in red font with a black background.

In mIRC, you can also use ctrl+b for bold text, ctrl+i for italics, ctrl+u to underline, and ctrl+o to make any text entered after that point default to normal. Alternatively, you can highlight whatever it is you want changed with your mouse, before entering it, and then use the ctrl+k/b/i/u commands to change just that part of what you had written.

If you use a different IRC client, please consult its documentation, or try Google. We can't help there!



How do I register my nickname?

Registering your nickname is a requirement for you to be auto-voiced or auto-oped upon joining (otherwise, a moderator needs to do so manually). It also allows you to protect yourself from anyone who might try and "steal" it, using your name for themselves. All you need is an e-mail address; just follow these easy steps!

First, type "/nickserv register *DESIRED PASSWORD* *your e-mail*". So, for example, "/nickserv register mypassword123 [email protected]"

Make sure that the e-mail address you entered was valid. Your IRC nickname will be tied to it.

Wait a few minutes, then go and check your e-mail. You should have one that looks something like this:


Hi,

You have requested to register the nickname "PoniesAreAwesome".

Please type " /msg NickServ confirm yLh5NhewS " into your IRC client to complete the registration.

If you don't know why this mail has been sent to you, please ignore it.

This mailbox is not monitored. Replies to this e-mail will NOT get responded to.

Thanks for using SorceryNet

It will be from [email protected], and the topic will be something following the format of "Nickname Registration (YourNameHere)." Just follow the instructions in the e-mail, and you're registered!

After registering, you'll need to confirm yourself each time you log in, by typing "/nickserv identify *insert password here*". You don't /need/ to, but features like auto-op won't function unless you do.



If anyone has more questions, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to answer.

[Tiki Snakes]

Artponies, we could do with a Pegasus Mafia picture or two.

Applemafia is Best Mafia though, because there is no Pegasus Mafia.
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRB0I14Snpo4NzF5a59KU9KZiYxYGh6-fB8zXb4xt3xPNJW2T5KQA

[Athaniar]

It's the Neighponese Yakuza we should really be worried about anyway.



Some of the various Lunas can be fun; awkward!Luna and composer!Luna are ones that I like, and I agree with Kairaven that Woona/big sis Celes are cute.

Sweetie-Bot is the best robot totally a pony.

Woona/Celes picture time, for the new thread!
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/280/7/1/butterfly_odyssey_by_flausch_katzerl-d4c2hwl.png (http://flausch-katzerl.deviantart.com/art/Butterfly-Odyssey-262136613)

http://th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2011/227/3/e/ninja_woona_by_egophiliac-d46l52z.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/ninja-woona-252928763)

http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/279/e/c/ninja_luna__failed_by_flausch_katzerl-d4c1tlw.png (http://flausch-katzerl.deviantart.com/art/Ninja-Luna-Failed-262105124)

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/358/2/a/2a57a7e00e76f5de93dbd762b469bf70-d4k44oz.png (http://flausch-katzerl.deviantart.com/art/I-really-like-her-mane-275649731)

http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2011/294/8/9/astrowoona_by_fongsaunder-d4dhcz1.png (http://fongsaunder.deviantart.com/art/ASTROWOONA-264509677)

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/220/e/3/bomf_by_egophiliac-d45tv1v.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/bomf-251656051)

http://th02.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2011/227/1/a/metal_gear_woona_by_egophiliac-d46q56h.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/metal-gear-woona-253162169)

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/bd0af228343ed8b25fd9fb79940d5459/28667

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/190/7/8/alfalfa_luna_is_best_luna_by_egophiliac-d3lkdok.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/alfalfa-luna-is-best-luna-217621316)

http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2012/029/b/e/_equestrius__by_jdan_s-d4o1nsg.jpg (http://jdan-s.deviantart.com/art/Equestrius-282252976)

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/031/1/8/celestia___luna_blank_by_egophiliac-d3il09v.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/Celestia-Luna-blank-212611747)
Celestia and Luna as true sisters is best interpretation.
http://th09.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2011/268/c/2/you__ll_never_trot_alone_by_equestria_prevails-d4avh1p.jpg

[Litewarior]

And since Soras has decided to part with us for a while...



New ponythread taste, same great ponymote filling:

Original Batch
http://i.imgur.com/0bxcP.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/0bxcP.png
http://i.imgur.com/0yCfw.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/0yCfw.png
http://i.imgur.com/1aYkh.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/1aYkh.png
http://i.imgur.com/2c0gc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/2c0gc.png
http://i.imgur.com/2E2Va.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/2E2Va.png
http://i.imgur.com/2lTPE.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/2lTPE.png
http://i.imgur.com/4sZHM.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/4sZHM.png
http://i.imgur.com/59s2M.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/59s2M.png
http://i.imgur.com/6ZURl.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/6ZURl.png
http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.png
http://i.imgur.com/aRDpW.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/aRDpW.png
http://i.imgur.com/BLHA3.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/BLHA3.png
http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.png
http://i.imgur.com/CXTge.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/CXTge.png
http://i.imgur.com/CYF9U.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/CYF9U.png
http://i.imgur.com/cUkh2.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/cUkh2.png
http://i.imgur.com/DrMmg.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/DrMmg.png
http://i.imgur.com/Dy4NS.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Dy4NS.png
http://i.imgur.com/d0kUL.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/d0kUL.png
http://i.imgur.com/dB204.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/dB204.png
http://i.imgur.com/dNltC.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/dNltC.png
http://i.imgur.com/EAqtS.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/EAqtS.png
http://i.imgur.com/EvxT1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/EvxT1.png
http://i.imgur.com/eO5lW.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/eO5lW.png
http://i.imgur.com/etKD7.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/etKD7.png
http://i.imgur.com/eYwWG.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/eYwWG.png
http://i.imgur.com/fhwi8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/fhwi8.png
http://i.imgur.com/gEfq6.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/gEfq6.png
http://i.imgur.com/gHCeL.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/gHCeL.png
http://i.imgur.com/gMCGS.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/gMCGS.png
http://i.imgur.com/JmPL5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/JmPL5.png
http://i.imgur.com/jaolo.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jaolo.png
http://i.imgur.com/jgqXQ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jgqXQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/KtAOH.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KtAOH.png
http://i.imgur.com/kdR94.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/kdR94.png
http://i.imgur.com/LWZja.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/LWZja.png
http://i.imgur.com/LxdwA.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/LxdwA.png
http://i.imgur.com/l00rv.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/l00rv.png
http://i.imgur.com/lI36x.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lI36x.png
http://i.imgur.com/N2nfK.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/N2nfK.png
http://i.imgur.com/NOiOY.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/NOiOY.png
http://i.imgur.com/Npxit.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Npxit.png
http://i.imgur.com/nKrHQ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/nKrHQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/OAaIA.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/OAaIA.png
http://i.imgur.com/o7rww.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/o7rww.png
http://i.imgur.com/pi5Ee.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/pi5Ee.png
http://i.imgur.com/pUT8r.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/pUT8r.png
http://i.imgur.com/RBgwp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/RBgwp.png
http://i.imgur.com/ROEne.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ROEne.png
http://i.imgur.com/RsI1d.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/RsI1d.png
http://i.imgur.com/RZwfo.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/RZwfo.png
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http://i.imgur.com/U1RF1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/U1RF1.png
http://i.imgur.com/UwGCn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/UwGCn.png
http://i.imgur.com/xJr4u.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xJr4u.png
http://i.imgur.com/xNUoP.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xNUoP.png

MCerberus
http://i.imgur.com/01zSq.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/01zSq.png
http://i.imgur.com/1Z2vG.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/1Z2vG.png
http://i.imgur.com/2X8Vx.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/2X8Vx.png
http://i.imgur.com/36YEA.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/36YEA.png
http://i.imgur.com/3jjwj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/3jjwj.png
http://i.imgur.com/5EqX7.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/5EqX7.png
http://i.imgur.com/CNGSZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/CNGSZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/DBY1G.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/DBY1G.png
http://i.imgur.com/Fgxws.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Fgxws.png
http://i.imgur.com/fLpgR.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/fLpgR.png
http://i.imgur.com/Hfg2x.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/Hfg2x.gif
http://i.imgur.com/HhIbn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/HhIbn.png
http://i.imgur.com/h4XfE.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/h4XfE.png
http://i.imgur.com/Jn3vj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Jn3vj.png
http://i.imgur.com/jNLDQ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jNLDQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/KwcDX.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KwcDX.png
http://i.imgur.com/kpJsp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/kpJsp.png
http://i.imgur.com/lJFOJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lJFOJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/lSNiD.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lSNiD.png
http://i.imgur.com/lytME.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lytME.png
http://i.imgur.com/O6p2H.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/O6p2H.png
http://i.imgur.com/OqjNV.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/OqjNV.png
http://i.imgur.com/oGJH8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/oGJH8.png
http://i.imgur.com/oRBHJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/oRBHJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/ptAf0.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ptAf0.png
http://i.imgur.com/vZNbC.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/vZNbC.png
http://i.imgur.com/w3dl4.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/w3dl4.png
http://i.imgur.com/XiHXp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/XiHXp.png
http://i.imgur.com/xk85S.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xk85S.png
http://i.imgur.com/Z2C9W.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Z2C9W.png
http://i.imgur.com/Z4XPE.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Z4XPE.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZLzTn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZLzTn.png
http://i.imgur.com/zFwEx.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/zFwEx.png

Crazy!Twi
http://i.imgur.com/r63WE.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/r63WE.png
http://i.imgur.com/PDKIo.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/PDKIo.png
http://i.imgur.com/viCkZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/viCkZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/tuSLw.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/tuSLw.png
http://i.imgur.com/U8SiV.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/U8SiV.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZiOZ1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZiOZ1.png
http://i.imgur.com/xrtxn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xrtxn.png
http://i.imgur.com/WcmCY.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/WcmCY.png
http://i.imgur.com/TzVou.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/TzVou.png
http://i.imgur.com/Sy0s7.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Sy0s7.png
http://i.imgur.com/uvyb4.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/uvyb4.png
http://i.imgur.com/tudfp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/tudfp.png
http://i.imgur.com/Siwuj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Siwuj.png
http://i.imgur.com/sp5Tb.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/sp5Tb.png
http://i.imgur.com/vlJi6.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/vlJi6.gif

Kyouhen Series feat. Ninja Pinkie!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/th_NinjaPinkie.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/th_NinjaPinkie.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/NinjaSurprise.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/NinjaSurprise.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/PinkieSwear.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/PinkieSwear.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia2.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia2.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/Gummicle.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/Gummicle.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/Gildicle.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/alfalficon1.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/alfalficon2.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/alfalficon2.png

Misc:

http://i.imgur.com/rs4hd.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/rs4hd.png
http://i.imgur.com/PBYX5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/PBYX5.png
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/272/4/b/liarjack_da_avatar_by_metalbeersolid-d4bc9sj.gifhttp://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/272/4/b/liarjack_da_avatar_by_metalbeersolid-d4bc9sj.gif

Seekrit Pony Projekt
1-20
http://i.imgur.com/03Pwr.png[noparse]http://i.imgur.com/03Pwr.png
http://i.imgur.com/0Mw2v.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/0Mw2v.png
http://i.imgur.com/2u0gC.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/2u0gC.png
http://i.imgur.com/3JXCg.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/3JXCg.png
http://i.imgur.com/3q7O2.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/3q7O2.png
http://i.imgur.com/459jt.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/459jt.png
http://i.imgur.com/4ii5U.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/4ii5U.png
http://i.imgur.com/4XyuH.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/4XyuH.png
http://i.imgur.com/4zrN3.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/4zrN3.png
http://i.imgur.com/6SgQp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/6SgQp.png
http://i.imgur.com/74j15.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/74j15.png
http://i.imgur.com/7Yvwk.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/7Yvwk.png
http://i.imgur.com/8u4Rl.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/8u4Rl.png
http://i.imgur.com/9SkHu.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/9SkHu.png
http://i.imgur.com/AKUeV.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/AKUeV.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ala5e.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Ala5e.png
http://i.imgur.com/AruGN.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/AruGN.png
http://i.imgur.com/BgqS5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/BgqS5.png
http://i.imgur.com/b5xPJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/b5xPJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/CEUYj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/CEUYj.png

21-40
http://i.imgur.com/D4C8X.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/D4C8X.png
http://i.imgur.com/DrSYq.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/DrSYq.png
http://i.imgur.com/dDGKR.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/dDGKR.png
http://i.imgur.com/eCLn3.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/eCLn3.png
http://i.imgur.com/ecXwG.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ecXwG.png
http://i.imgur.com/erYVj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/erYVj.png
http://i.imgur.com/ev5Dd.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ev5Dd.png
http://i.imgur.com/f2s0G.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/f2s0G.png
http://i.imgur.com/G1lsp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/G1lsp.png
http://i.imgur.com/G5T9W.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/G5T9W.png
http://i.imgur.com/G8QfD.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/G8QfD.png
http://i.imgur.com/GOn25.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/GOn25.png
http://i.imgur.com/g0EB2.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/g0EB2.png
http://i.imgur.com/HKmyu.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/HKmyu.png
http://i.imgur.com/h4OtT.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/h4OtT.png
http://i.imgur.com/hdG5a.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hdG5a.png
http://i.imgur.com/hdXfp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hdXfp.png
http://i.imgur.com/hfXmw.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hfXmw.png
http://i.imgur.com/hleys.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hleys.png
http://i.imgur.com/I0AiJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/I0AiJ.png
41-60
http://i.imgur.com/iSsYc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/iSsYc.png
http://i.imgur.com/JBZDO.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/JBZDO.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ji01D.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Ji01D.png
http://i.imgur.com/jDb4v.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jDb4v.png
http://i.imgur.com/jhfF7.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jhfF7.png
http://i.imgur.com/jq6VL.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jq6VL.png
http://i.imgur.com/KLXX3.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KLXX3.png
http://i.imgur.com/k7yr1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/k7yr1.png
http://i.imgur.com/kETPz.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/kETPz.png
http://i.imgur.com/LIUMV.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/LIUMV.png
http://i.imgur.com/LKAKZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/LKAKZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.png
http://i.imgur.com/l6Dif.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/l6Dif.png
http://i.imgur.com/ldfV9.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ldfV9.png
http://i.imgur.com/lPGoS.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lPGoS.png
http://i.imgur.com/lT2IO.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lT2IO.png
http://i.imgur.com/mssk8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/mssk8.png
http://i.imgur.com/NInKh.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/NInKh.png
http://i.imgur.com/O73if.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/O73if.png
http://i.imgur.com/OPCUO.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/OPCUO.png

61-80
http://i.imgur.com/o1ROT.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/o1ROT.png
http://i.imgur.com/o3OrQ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/o3OrQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/PgZ79.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/PgZ79.png
http://i.imgur.com/p0HjG.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/p0HjG.png
http://i.imgur.com/pKw2V.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/pKw2V.png
http://i.imgur.com/Qd0KM.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Qd0KM.png
http://i.imgur.com/QLOYp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/QLOYp.png
http://i.imgur.com/qxCE8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/qxCE8.png
http://i.imgur.com/rytqf.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/rytqf.png
http://i.imgur.com/SSEx1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/SSEx1.png
http://i.imgur.com/s1GzN.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/s1GzN.png
http://i.imgur.com/tFh1l.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/tFh1l.png
http://i.imgur.com/tVg4z.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/tVg4z.png
http://i.imgur.com/twJKI.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/twJKI.png
http://i.imgur.com/us0sn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/us0sn.png
http://i.imgur.com/uwvgS.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/uwvgS.png
http://i.imgur.com/VgP1Y.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VgP1Y.png
http://i.imgur.com/VlAck.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VlAck.png
http://i.imgur.com/VNjBL.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VNjBL.png
http://i.imgur.com/Vthb5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Vthb5.png

81-100
http://i.imgur.com/VYSqq.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VYSqq.png
http://i.imgur.com/vbM5o.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/vbM5o.png
http://i.imgur.com/W0vnZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/W0vnZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/w4Pts.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/w4Pts.png
http://i.imgur.com/RYTpi.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/RYTpi.png
http://i.imgur.com/wQyc8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/wQyc8.png
http://i.imgur.com/X0pML.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/X0pML.png
http://i.imgur.com/XCdKc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/XCdKc.png
http://i.imgur.com/XiHdB.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/XiHdB.png
http://i.imgur.com/XzZ1f.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/XzZ1f.png
http://i.imgur.com/xl9dK.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xl9dK.png
http://i.imgur.com/YecKj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/YecKj.png
http://i.imgur.com/YWDIv.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/YWDIv.png
http://i.imgur.com/y50oz.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/y50oz.png
http://i.imgur.com/yW4zF.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/yW4zF.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZHvPK.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZHvPK.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZOCXB.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZOCXB.png
http://i.imgur.com/zhFvk.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/zhFvk.png
http://i.imgur.com/zRC21.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/zRC21.png
http://i.imgur.com/zw5OF.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/zw5OF.png

101-112
http://i.imgur.com/Tqo43.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Tqo43.png
http://i.imgur.com/MPjbO.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/MPjbO.png
http://i.imgur.com/shj2N.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/shj2N.png
http://i.imgur.com/1h9Zx.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/1h9Zx.png
http://i.imgur.com/EK1lN.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/EK1lN.png
http://i.imgur.com/qW2jc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/qW2jc.png
http://i.imgur.com/NcSma.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/NcSma.png
http://i.imgur.com/JpnZc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/JpnZc.png
http://i.imgur.com/fsqkv.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/fsqkv.png
http://i.imgur.com/CgffQ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/CgffQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/VwCqN.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VwCqN.png
http://i.imgur.com/hwHGZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hwHGZ.png

113-124 (Luna Series)

http://i.imgur.com/Mm1dn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Mm1dn.png
http://i.imgur.com/gN9Ou.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/gN9Ou.png
http://i.imgur.com/rW0xK.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/rW0xK.png
http://i.imgur.com/rzrj5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/rzrj5.png
http://i.imgur.com/s8D5o.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/s8D5o.png
http://i.imgur.com/lEtTg.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lEtTg.png
http://i.imgur.com/KXIJq.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KXIJq.png
http://i.imgur.com/oRdYJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/oRdYJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/hNTy5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hNTy5.png
http://i.imgur.com/KyWk8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KyWk8.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZeYyu.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZeYyu.png
http://i.imgur.com/L3ZSw.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/L3ZSw.png

[Beacon of Chaos]

Artponies, we could do with a Pegasus Mafia picture or two.

Ask and ye shall receive:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/5dd61da7ff485d67808ab034ac05b69c/132037%20-%20cigar%20mafia%20rainbow_dash%20thompson_gun.jpg

EDIT: one more:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/ef3b3dbbf5521e1991643fd3f4c4db2e/35929%20-%20artist%3Atess%20chicago_typewriter%20derpy_hoov es%20gun%20mafia%20noir.png

[thubby]

my thread name got picked
winning! ^,^

[Titanium Fox]

Artponies, we could do with a Pegasus Mafia picture or two.

Applemafia is Best Mafia though, because there is no Pegasus Mafia.
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRB0I14Snpo4NzF5a59KU9KZiYxYGh6-fB8zXb4xt3xPNJW2T5KQA

Yes, clearly it is all simply a fictitious ruse, a pure play upon fantasy!

[Kairaven]

Almost makes me want to go back and finish the Pony pulp/noir crime thread.

Upon second viewing of the new ep, I...

have a slight better opinion. this episode is filled with background references and that makes it much better, however the main story is still not up to par.

That doesn't make it bad, frankly even a low tier episode like this inspires and causes so many art, story, music and theories to be made. and that's something even good episodes of other series can't quite achieve.

Main problem is that the pacing of the story is rushed. And using the same joke/antics multiple times just dulls its impact. (as celestia is my witness, pinkie's rabbit/duck season bit) also certain jokes would have been just as good without the slightly mean spirited depiction. (nerdy pony seduction would have worked just fine with a normal stallion. And I would have depicted fluttshy's descent as a power seduction instead of a sudden personality flip. Though it might be time constrained). Iron Will carried the episode even though he's not even shown most of the time, and that goes to show how weak the main character presence is in this episode.

I should say that it is the best Merriwether Williams episode yet. but still needs improvement.

[SiuiS]

Wait, what is this about Derpy Day?

Derpy Hooves Day is march first! You send a letter to someone, you eat a muffin, and you give the DHD salute to a fellow (you hit Em with the Derp!face). And if you're Australian you are contractually obligated to have one I your number request a pony song in exchange for free muffins. YouTube video optional but recommended.


Hello ponythread.

I've been lurking here for some time and I thought it might *be a good idea to start posting.

So... I like ponies?

Oh man, what a coincidence! I like ponies!

We should totally hang out! :smallbiggrin:

Welcome to the thread mate. The above welcome spoiler is also for you!


Aha. Now, that's extremely useful help! In fact exactly the sort of help I needed - I should have known ponythread would have come up with someone who's actually looked at this sort of locomotion! (I was just taking an educated guess from working the out the joints...) And that's why ponythread is awesome! I'd not thought about rotating in the vertical axis, but that's that magic minor alteration that makes all the difference, isn't it?

Lke this?
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojwalker1_4-1.png
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojwalker1_5-1.png

It took me a couple of tries, because I realised legs one and three were clipping into the body, but there we go...!
I twisted four, and two ever so slightly.

That looks more right even to me, so it must be an improvement...!

Yeah, that is fabulous.



(was going to say something chaotic about freedom of expression)
(sees That Font)
(has flashbacks)
oh god not the fae

We have a fae font now? Why was I not informed?


Wow :smalleek: In less than five hours, my latest piece of art has rocketed right past my previously all-time most favorited piece. It is also the first piece I can definitively confirm has been on the front page of dA, because it's there right now as the 23rd most popular within the last 24 hours and number 11 within the last 8 hours. That's pretty awesome.

It's looking quite likely that I might finally breach the 1000 faves mark with this one. I'm hoping...

Good show, ol' bean!



I guess my internet can't handle IRC for too long without crashing. Will try to figure that out... I do so enjoy talking to you guys.

If you are using mibbit, that becomes a bit of an issue. Also, if you're idle for too long it just disconnects. No idea why...


Oh good, a kindred spirit!

Oh fie, thy aren't all that bad! Maybe no redeeming features sure, but some of the Gentry lack damning features too!


The worst part of being on the front page of dA, you ask? All the freakin' haters and spammers and trolls come out.

Apparently march 1 is also Self-Harm Awareness day and half my comments are filled with some hater thinking Derpy Day is offensive because in his mind it can't share that date with a serious awareness day. As if the message of friendship and love wasn't important too. Bah, humbug. I liked one of the responses he got, "Then go do something more productive and create something dedicated to this day." Right on.

Anyway, yay! 2000 faves in 15 hours, and used as the header image for the mini art event on EqD. I guess people really like happy Derpy :smallredface:

It was professionally done, friend. Don't sell yourself short; I saw the header on a site (wasn't eqD, think it was a blog) and had to double-take when I realized 'wait, I don't remember this being in the show...'.


Howdy everypony! Just popping my head in to say I'm still alive, don't worry. Work's been hectic and IRC has taken up a lot of my time (you ponies over there are crazy). I'm gonna try to be more active over here again though!

Yay!


Also, for those of you who are new, Hi! I'm Jade!

> read as "Hi, I'm a princess! Are you a princess too?"
> giggles


why do people get so excited over tax refunds?
*the government is not giving you money....they are returning the EXCESS money they took FROM you in the first place...the interest free loan you gave to them

The government IS giving you money. Literally, at least.

For at least the last half-century, there has been a phrase which carries the weight of fear and despair a nation over, buoyed by the frustration and bitterness of countless lives.

"the only sure things in life are Death and Taxes."

Taxes WILL be taken from you, by a system many feel is faceless, remorseless and alien. Sure, they are giving you back your own money, but it is superficially an acknowledgement that the system wants to make reparations, that you are important enough to reimburse. You are not forgotten.

And patriotism aside, they don't have to give the money back. it's a courtesy. There is really nothing anyone can do to make them if they decided to keep it.

Finally, applicable economics. I functionally make about $100 dollars a month, even thought technically make a lot more than that. After bills, requirements and staples, that's all that is left. Each bill, requirement and staple is written off as already gone, even if it's still in my account. It's a dead sum walkin'.

So getting it added back into my functional cash pool later? It is a variable added to my equation that "shouldn't" be there. Like finding a twenty in your pocket.


This sort of breaks my brain. http://i.imgur.com/TzVou.png

But uh, I'm glad you feel good about it. The mind control is working, apparently.

I'd hope so, seeing as they've have several hundred years to work on it!


Just fyi, if I ever showed this conversation to my Tax professor, he'd probably get up, do a little jig and then point at the whole class and shout "I told you so!"*

Or rather, he'd do that right after he got over the "wtf, why does everyone look like a pony?" moment.

Okay, but why? Enlighten me. Numbers aside, the emotive portion is drastically important. Numerical analysis can tell me that the surest and most logical method of success is to kill my mother and collect the insurance. But that doesn't make it the right answer at all. Numbers don't lie, but numbers are blind.


Yeah, it is! We've got somewhere around 30 regular users, and a massive dedicated RP continuity which has probably 150% divulged from the one over here, come to think of it. Crap. Somepony's gonna have to paste the logs over eventually. XD

The logs are a touch tedious. A detailed synopsis or an as-fiction-rewrite would be best, I think.*



You'll love the IRS till you get audited and lose money. My roomate however has been audited and given extra money. He loves them an extra special lot.

I've been audited every year except last year, for taxes. And I was audited every year I went to school to quintuple check that I qualified for the loans and scholarships I used.

I suppose I just have a dishonest face? o.O


It's a beautiful, diabolical little piece of social psychology. You're conditioned as a citizen to expect to have pay X in taxes. So when you pay that X in taxes, and you only theoretically had to pay Y in taxes in the first place, when you get .1(X-Y) back, you don't think of it as being reimbursed, you think of the government 'being nice' and helping you out with money.

It's more an understanding. The IRS functions like a parental figure for a lot of us. Sure, they aren't there when it really matters, but I'd they didn't hold on to that money for me I'd has frittered it away. It's a lot easier to spend 13.50 a month and not notice than I is to spend a check for 135 and not notice...

Reminds me of the five-dollar savings plan.
Give yourself a budget every day. $2000 works. When you buy something, like food, or a drink, you cannot spend anything smaller than a $500 bill. If you break that twenty on a meal, and get a fiver and some change, you only have that $500 bill to fall back on the rest of the day. All the hangs you get back, you put into a jar or something. Don't touch it for a while, pretend it doesn't exist. After a month, most folks have around $300 saved... That's not new money, it's just being more frugal, smarter about how you spend. It still feels like a Princess-gift.


You need to come to the IRC more often! I am so happy to see that ponysane is still a thing here *Squee*

Pfffffff like we could do regular sane anymore...



Also I am imagining some swashbuckling bewteen Capt and Pirate. Because.... you know... Captain and Pirate. my mind goes wierd places.

You heard the zen Pegasus Ido. You've got a draw thread Ido.
I expect results.

Or an excuse. I'm not Picky.


Roads are for scrubs. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hVBgmSY-dRM)

What did I just click?


...

...

...the frag.

Fifthed.


Hey Thanqol! *Just stopping in to let you know that I baked you an anime review!

http://fivepointpodcast.blogspot.com/2012/03/episode-10-fatestay-night.html

It's tangent flavored!

Also, hi everyone.

Tangent flavor is the best flavor! It's also predominantly what we do as a thread, so double cool!

Also, good seeing ya around mate :smallsmile:


No, I will never admit it! YOU FIEND!"
Never... NEVE- *Blargleflargle*
Confound you all!

*contributes to the Jade Huggings*



I forgot my pancreas was in constant danger in this thread OH GOD WHY U TRY TO KILL ME?

*Jade used Blame Game! ... It's not very effective.
*Starry Notions used Mirror Move!

O RLY? Y U NO BUILD IMMUNITY THRU EXPOSURE TO THREAD?!



Not sure if time change a good thing... I'm missing it right now cause I didn't get back in until 1:08 PM. >.>

Time change threw me off, aye. Though around 9:30 is when I would normally watch it, so...


AWESOME *throws tablet out window, starts listening*

EDIT: Less than five minutes in and you've dissed me like five times. XD

To be fair, Thanqol, you are a terrible person. I mean, there's three of you. Plurals fail at singularity on a regular basis.

*click*

ooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Technological singularity, sufficiently advanced is identical to magic making any sufficiently studied magic system indistinguishable from science which... Got it.


New Episode, initial (limited) thoughts
BonBon's latest voice is awful. Just awful! Worst one yet.

what? What? What?

You guys like the worst voice they give the poor lass, and now that she has a voice that doesn't sound like a snooty 55 year old you dislike the change?

I heartily disagree, and will engage in an art duel to defend well-voiced Bon-Bon's honor if need be! This was the best voice they've ever given to her! It was perfect for the scene, perfect for the pony... I love it. My favorite pony just got a decent voice, she did!


Feel free to punch my signature in the face, though I will not be held responsible for the resulting damage to your monitor.

I have a touch screen. Every time I try to bust the bunny's chops Jabar distracts me with his torso. It's maddening.


Anyway, my own new episode impressions:
[SPOILER]Hands free headsets in Equestria.

Hands free headsets.

Hands free.

[Tangent]I think I'll leave it to you to figure this one out, mate. :smallwink: :smalltongue:


Yeah I do agree that it wasn't necessary. What they were going for was a parody of real world self-help seminars and so forth, and part of that setup includes images of the presenter and staff coming across as dynamic and organized, which they did here with the goat ties and headsets. There were probably other ways to do it, but as it was done, essentially, for the sake of an overarching joke, I still think it's fine to pretend that they never existed as far as Equestrian tech goes.

pretty much this. The trouble we have from this stance is that we can then almost never be sure when something is canon or not, but for the one-and-done items I'm sure it works perfectly.


New Episode
[spoiler]Pipsqueak!*

[spoiler]http://i.imgur.com/fmmkc.jpg

Also, impatient Lyra waiting for Bonbon (they're seen sitting together at that table moments later)

Sweet.


New episode:
Rather disappointed with this one. Our only Fluttershy episode of the season so far, and it was quite weak in my opinion.

Simply put, the problem is that I don't believe the events. Fluttershy is entirely too nice to change completely into Discorded Fluttershy overnight just on the advice of some motivational speaker, whether she was trying to be more assertive or not. With Discord it made sense because he was using magic, which he appears to have to nigh-omnipotent levels. Heck, she was the one that he had to go for straight overpowering mind-control on, rather than gradually breaking her down. This is her changing willingly to a Gilda-esque bully without even realizing it. I'm not sure I would buy that even with a much longer setup.

Plus the whole story in general was rather bland and predictable. From the moment I saw what Iron Will was telling Fluttershy to do, the entire rest of the episode was pretty obvious. And there were no real standout moments from anyone either.

Still, not annoying the way some of the worse (mostly CMC) episodes are, but definitely not one I'm a fan of, and perhaps even one I won't be re-watching.
Zevox

Well, there is the old cartoon stand-by of more time passing than is explicitly laid out, as evinced by the morning scenes where Fluttershy is giving herself a pep-talk in the mirror and her friends seem more depressed and less fed in each shot. There is also the sudden 'leaves falling from trees and house being boarded up' thing which takes time, so... Yeah.

I also still fully believe Discord Mind/bent the lot of them, no coercion actually happened and his talk and games were for his amusement before he just magi-zapped his targets. But that's kind of irrelevant.

Originality is also not a virtue we expect from MLP, as such. Predictable stories are fine, so long as they are well executed. So that you could predict the entire sequences doesn't really detract from its value. I could see this altering how much other variables detract from its value however.


New episode first impressions:

That was an...okay episode, at best. I found that one a bit awkward actually, rather than funny - maybe because of the complete lack of manners showed by most involved in there. I just didn't find everypony bullying everypony else to be very amusing. That was kinda...eh. There were a few chuckles, but rather less than usual.

And when Fluttershy was making Pinkie and Rarity cry I was sitting there going... "no, that's not funny or entertaining at all"... it made me feel a bit sick, actually, which is a rather unusual response from me, but there you go.

I think this maybe my least favourite episode so far. Dragonshy was far better in that regard, as was Stare Master.

But Angel Bunny is clearly as much of a... jerkwad... as we have long suspected, and he totally deserved a Stare at the end there!

this is entirely agreeable to me. Even the awkward dislike of feelin like you're sitting in the room with folks who hate each other but you don't say anything for some reason, and... Ugh.

Angel, though. Man. Looked at symbolically, I can see how this all fits. Looked at literally... I'd have a couple lucky charms if he didn't shape up. Four of them in fact- a couple couple.

I can understand the Making Friends Cry bit as well. It's understandable. It's also condemnable, though.


Edit: Post-thread-read-thoughts:

[spoiler]I agree with Zevox, I wasn't very convinced by the events, and certainly not in the time frame or with the reasons provided. Fluttershy making her friends cry with apparently virtually no motivation aside from some moribund catch-phrases just didn't feel right. She felt, in some ways, worse than under Discord's influence at that moment, and that just felt wrong. And the more I reflect on that, the less I like where they went there; there wasn't nearly enough build-up before or after, and it just failed for me completely. I mean, I could see the bare basics of the idea - Fluttershy going over-board and upsetting her friends - but it would need a far more convincing build-up, and a much more convincing response, other than "Pinkie and Rarity get over that off-screen", and, actuallly, Fluttershy never strictly apologised, did she? No, they over-trivialised that, and it just failed on all the levels, as far as I can see.*

Probably doesn't help Fluttershy was one of my favourite characters early on (especially after Dragonshy), it is seems she's sort of falling from those vaunted heights, which doesn't improve my perceptions.

ah, see, as I said I understand this situation. It's easier for me to get, because I've been there.

Why Fluttershy did was pick out points of pride for the ponies in question, and deride them. Doesn't matter whether she thought any of it was true, or even if she had thought of it before. She picked a strength and made it into a weakness for the sole purpose of winning. She attacked and defeated her rivals (Pinkie and Rarity) by inflicting acute emotional pain.

But that's exactly what it is. It's not the truth, it's nt some world shattering, mind smashing revelation of how Fluttershy interacts with her friends. It is a series of hurtful words that lose all their power when you realize their purpose is to hurt you, regardless of how false they are. It wouldn't take Rarity and API lie long at all to think that Fluttershy didn't mean t and was just lashing out. It would take them a while to work up the nerve to confront her again, however.

It's understandable. Acceptable is a horse of a different color, though.


New episode:
[SPOILER]Liked a lot of the gags, and the goats were brilliant. Not sure the whole thing worked for me though.

The bit where the bridge was blocked by the carts. When did Fluttershy forget how to fly?

the goats. All I could think the whole time was a mix of "Tectonic Robot has won, there are goats." and "confound it, he's going to ask for a goat picture and I dot have a single reference picture!".

And uh, the problem began a while before the carts, which also shows the solution to your question. Fluttershy didn't take win when forced to the back of the seminar, either. She hopped and jumped and hope to catch an eyeful because she was t assertive enough to exercise her right to wings (plus she's dang near an earth pony really). It's not about whether or not her statblock lists a fly speed, it's about symbolism.


New episode:

[SPOILER]
Thought it was OK. Agree with everyone who said there were some pacing problems. Flutterjerk was generally amusing.

I didn't think Iron Will was that bad, or even that much of an antagonist. He even broke the fourth wall for a second at the end there.

I really liked [S]her mane the Rarity/Pinkie/Fluttershy dynamic, and I'm glad the episode didn't feel like it had to cram all of the Mane 6 in there. I was impressed at how specific Fluttershy's insults were when she turned on them, she really wasn't pulling any punches.

I didn't like Rarity's "use sex appeal to get what you want."

The Angel thing at the beginning was a little too mean to be funny. Sure, Angel's a jerk a lot of the time, but before this episode he was a jerk who also seemed to care a lot about Fluttershy, for example in Bird in the Hoof when he shoves her out the door because she's running late. This version of Angel veers a lot closer to domestic abuse, which isn't cool.


Agree about Angel and Rarity. Angel's character could be construed as being willfully disobedient to teach Fluttershy a lesson, akin to a drunken tattooed wizard bringing hookers to the sanctum and having drunken brawls on the lawn to teach his inferiors that tradition has its place but isn't The Law...

But more than likely he's just [LONG POORLY PUNCTUATED SENTENCE REDACTED] in the face.

Rarity troubled me, because this would be the first time we've seen her use her powers for petty ends. We could assume that the specific scenario let her feel helping Fluttershy Was a valid reason to put a colt's dignity on the line, but I'm against social manipulation in general. That she would indulge in so base an example makes me sad, though I'll get over it. They are just expanding off the bits of her character they already fleshed out.


[SPOILER]teleport to Canterlot and punch Celestia in the face so she sends me to the moon where i will be safe unless Pinkie Pie can warp there...

[hypothetical] [tangent]Fluttershy. Because the worst she could do is give me a good fight before I rightfully lost. Vicious, Aggressive verbal attacks are what kids from my school years called "sport". I think it would be a grand old time.

The Stare, however, is a wild card.


Cry Havoc! and let slip the ponies of war! (non-episode)
Experiencing Technical Derpyculties. Please stand by. (non-episode)
http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2012/063/e/e/technical_derpyculties_vector_by_inkwell_pony-d4rpq7d.png

episode spoiler
how long before we see this made in RL
though it would be forever unused...who could ever live with themselves if they wiped their feet on her?
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/063/d/e/fluttermat_by_flavinbagel-d4rq13t.png

1. This picture was made by our very own Inkwell! You may remember Inkwell as the draw friend who appeared with a picture of me and Kairaven stalking them from bushes, who we hired but as-of-yet have not actually paid to make a pony Major Arcana, and who has popped in to give us awesome art every now and again since.

[poor taste]2. I dunno. Put a gag on there and you could pretend she likes it. Though I always pictured Fluttershy as more of a Domme, it could be she had a bit of back-and-forth before settling into her current role.

Phoe, have you by chance had any time to work on Rainbows?


New Episode:
I'm going to go ahead and call this one my least favorite episode of the series. *The *examples of 'positive assertion' were more akin to manipulation, Angel goes beyond jerk territory in my book, and (like many have stated) the pacing seems way off, with Fluttershy getting her act together for no discernible reason.
Least favorite of all, though, was her rant against Pinkie and Rarity. *It's mostly personal for me, because it's exactly the sort of thing I say to myself in my worse moment (as I'm pursuing an art career), and moreover, she never really apologizes for it. *Rarity and Pinkie are completely over it off screen, and it's treated like no big deal, but that was some serious stuff she was laying down. *Words like that END friendships all the time; Heck, I stopped talking to a friend of mine for months because he said something similar. *
Anyway. *Everything felt off to me; like things went a bit to extreme all the way around, and far too quickly.

Long story short: it was the first episode that ended with me feeling worse than when I started.


First; I am sorry the episode ended and left you in a bad mood. That's no fun and I really feel bad for you. I'm sure you're over it by now, but I'd not; is there anything I can do to help?

Moving in, I don't think this could end their friendship. Not only here the insults not sincere, but the ponies in question would all be quick to apologize and accept apologies. It's the pride that prevents this last part that is usually the trouble with humans.

Third, I think you miss a vital part of close friendship interaction; words don't need to be spoken aloud. Sometimes actions and knowledge suffice. Fluttershy saw what she had done, and immediately knew that she had Crossed A Line. She knew. She would carry that with her for a long time, until she could make amends. "I'm sorry" is not making amends, and in fact, is often a cheap bandaid used to shirk responsibility. Fluttershy locked herself in her house as penance. I don't know about you, but to me, an Oubliette is penance enough.

For their parts, Rarity and Pinkie Pie understood this when thy saw the place. The actions a re in the past. The present consists of helping each other and the future consists of reaffirming the bonds of friendship, love and comeraderie. Why dredge up old wounds and artificially tamper with an otherwise functional organic process? Actions speak louder than words.


Wow. *Just popped in briefly, and ponythread is [SPOILER]really negative today. *I haven't seen this kind of hate since the Owl episode. *

External spoiler so I can address points as they come.


[QUOTE=darthbobcat;12835214]Hadn't watched it yet. *May as well now!

Stream of consciousness review:*

Fluttershy, don't you see that what Angel hungers for is STEAK? *Or possibly amour. *He is a bunny, after all.

I, too, thought that the Bruce Lee of Ponyverse wanted a manlier meal. I don't know if I got my wish or not when he wanted whipped cream and a cherry or not...



Okay, so far, a minute in, I see what people are responding negatively to. *That opening was kinda painful. *

... I don't know that I want to keep watching this. *It's making me feel sad inside. *I don't watch ponies, when I watch ponies, to feel sad inside. *

Rarity: I AM GOING TO BULLY YOU UNTIL YOU STOP PUTTING UP WITH BEING BULLIED. *

Rarity, stop playing with that poor nerd's heart! *

RARITY, I AM ASHAMED OF YOU. *IF YOU MAKE FLUTTERSHY ACT LIKE A FLOOZIE TOO, I WILL BE DISAPPOINTED.

Also, yay for Pinkie doing Loony Toons bits!

HATE. *HAAAAATE ANGEL. *HATE. *He'd been doing so WELL the last few appearances. *

So... Equestria DOES have Junk Mail. *I remember there being a debate about that a while back. *Problem solved. *

This is painful. *This is just painful. *

Yay Rocky Theme! *

... only Fluttershy should be here. *Ponyville is made up of jerks and selfish people. *They should be at Basic Courtesy's seminar. *

He pities the fool. *Heh. *All we need is a Chuck Norris reference and we'll have the 80s trifecta.

NO. *FLUTTERSHY. *NO. *YOU KNOW BETTER. *THIS IS NOT HOW ADULTS HANDLE THEIR PROBLEMS. *NO.

FLY, FLUTTERSHY. *JUST FLY. *JUST FLY. *YOU HAVE WINGS. *USE TEM. *YOU AREN'T SCOOTALOO. *YOUR WINGS AREN'T DEFORMED.

THIS IS NOT SOMETHING TO ENCOURAGE. *NO. *NO. *STOP IT RARITY AND PINKIE PIE. *NO. *THIS IS BEING A JERK. *SHE IS SCARING OFF YOUR CUSTOMERS. *DON'T GIVE HER FREE STUFF.

Third person talking is funny. *It's like Fluttershy can't act this way unless she convinces herself she's someone else.

Fluttershy, you enormous (EXPLETIVE DELETED). *Stop being mean to Pinkie and Rarity! *Stop it stop it stop it!

What the... we're already 17 minutes in? *What the (expletive deleted) have they been wasting their time on this episode? *Whaaaaaaa?

Why the hell is Iron Will there? *

The whole Monster-Minotaur joke wasn't funny. *At all. *Ever. *In the whole episode.

Pinkie is, once again, the saving grace in a bad episode.
*
Fluttershy, don't renege on your debts.

Good point, Fluttershy.

Shut up, Rarity and Pinkie Pie. *There was no moral this episode. *This was a series of events meant to be funny that weren't.

This is why I don't like season 2 overall. *It feels like the characters, which were pretty consistent through season 1, are regularly knocked out of character in stupid ways. *And I definitely feel the rushed complaint people had. *Like I said, I was at the end of the episode and I thought "what the heck had actually happened this whole time?"

And... yeah. *My feeling is now, Fluttershy's ruined. *She went a whole season practically with no activity, and this ruined her. *She was actually more of a jerk here than when Discord used magic to mind control her.

This... All of this. It pretty much sums up my feelings.

I've missed you, Bobcat. I've had to type out my own thoughts since you've been gone, and you've seen my writing. Nopony should have to deal with that.

The only bits I have actual comments for:
Third person dialogue is intentional, yes. I do believe she has to distance herself from the consequences in order to pull this off. She is not herself.

The monster/Minotaur thing wasn't a joke, it was a commentary. Why is he a monster? Because he's different? He's actually a pretty swell bloke, except for the whole overly assertive bit. But that could just be showmanship. It's a nod towards racism. Wish they had done more with it...

And yes, season two seems different. It's hard to place but it's there.


New ep:
Well, that was... pretty bad. And pretty much exemplifying all the bad things I have so often said were happening to the show since Season 2 started. When I feel the need to start scanning ahead on the first watchthrough of a new pony episode, something is going terribly wrong.*

All in all, I keep by my previous assessment. With the original creative core leaving the production team, the whole thing went haywire. At this rate, I will be hoping the series gets cancelled after Season 2, before such careless handling will completely ruin the universe. This episode, even moreso than the last, surprisingly, felt like a run-of-the-mill cartoon, detached from the show it was supposed to be taking place in. Fluttershy was flanderized into a doormat, and made a gag out of by flipping her all the way around into a b!tch. Pinkie Pie became the element of Cartoon Physics and Old And Overused Gags. Rarity... well, no idea, her depiction was rather foggy to me most of the time. And let's not speak of headset-equipped goats that don't speak, out-of-nowhere minotaurs that are actually half-satyrs (a minotaur is supposed to be all human save for the head), and the troubled and confused Equestrian economy. This episode falls firmly into the bounds identified as the trope called They Just Didn't Care (http://www.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheyJustDidntCare), and this makes me utterly sad. I'll laugh at the gags, but as a whole this episode is a disgrace to the show proper. They better pull something epic out of the rumpcracks for the finale, nothing short of that will redeem Season 2.

This is another instance of somepony else hitting the nail on the head. Season two of My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic feels like any ol' cartoon. That may be because familiarity breeds contempt. It may be because I find the fan universe a bit more compelling (though only just; mythic medieval Equestria has literally made me salivate for more world-building), it may be because the quality has actually shifted. But it's palpable, and that makes me sad.



New episode
[spoiler]Um... Fluttershy, because I'd totally be her doormat :smallredface:

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee468/WizardPony/efb2b2da.jpg

W-what are you talking to my mama about, mister?


On another note, because I don't think I was around at the time, what were the problems with Owl's Well? It seems to be on everypony's hate list, while I always thought it was fine (if not anywhere near the top)

I dislike that the entire second, important half looks like its supposed to be a dream sequence. But that's my only real gripe.

Oh wait, no. Early on everypony was all "Twilight, this may cause problems. You should speak to Spike because he is young and may be hurt" and her response is "Pfffffft nah he will be fine. Hey, wanna see me gush over his replacement for another couple hours?"


Episode
[SPOILER]I'm really not seeing how this is anything other than in-character for season 1 Fluttershy.*

http://www.decisive-media.net/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=600;preview
It's a key part of her character, Like the ever-confident Rainbow Dash secretly having crippling self-belief issues, the Party Pony never being entirely confident that her friends might not just abandon her if she stops being fun for a minute, rarity's struggle with her materialistic nature, etc etc

To be fair, I thought that scene was out of charscter for Fluttershy, too. There just doesn't seem to be enough exposition on it. At the Gala, it was a gag taken to extremes that did nothing by tarnish the poor lass' reputation. In this episode, it's just someone going "hey, she's gone psycho before! Let's use that again!". If it is a part of her character, that means that every representation of Flutterahy I've ever seen is wrong. Every. One.

That strikes me as a travesty that the design team would avoid; to create a deep and nuanced character and then not only never show it but provide a subtle mockery of the depth that is there only in the creator's notes.


All in all, this episode
[SPOILER]Was good. Being more assertive without losing your identity is a good lesson to learn at any age. I, myself, have *a friend who changed his personality completely after such "self-help" sessions, so this one kind of hits close.

Anyway, seeing doormat-Fluttershy trying to stand up for herself and failing was funny. And Pinkie stole the show with her "Rabbit Season" routine.

Is our favorite gray mailmare in this one? I must have missed her.

[SPOILERS!]Aye, a lot of self-help stuff goes way over the top, to the point o advocating abuse. I've seen a lot of "Be the Alpha Male" and "Score with All the Fillies" texts that may work, but make you a horrible human being.

And the Rabbit seasons / Duck Seasons thing was gold.


New episode:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/99ed29dd00c52bb04a9754dfa110bfc8/143123%20-%20Bonbon%20lyre%20plot%20saddle.jpg

YYYYYEEEEEESSSSSS~!


fluttershy apparently doesn't have a whole lot of money.*
if 2 bits are a fair price for cider, and it's 1-2 bits for tomatoes, i think that puts a bit at about 1-2 dollars.

ignoring the price gouging, that she doesn't have the equivalent of 20$ is troubling.

I still say two bits is a Quarter. Not that that makes it any better...

Hey, lost a Thanquote. Better go find it... Oh I lost two of 'Em... Hm.


Episode

I do not know what you people are on about. This was one of my favourite episodes :smallbiggrin:

The comedy just worked, every step of the way. Pinkie's showdown with Iron Will was excellent. Fluttershy tying herself up in her house was hysterical. The introduction was amazing - the entire thing had me laughing start to finish. Excellent episode, loved every minute.

I am only surprised, very mildly, that you enjoyed this episode but found Mare Do Well tedious. The both require the same level of filling in blanks.


[spoiler]Ponies have always been jerks

aye, this was a big thing back when you first started competing for fiction prominence.

Oddly enough, Nopony seems to have caught [i]why.
Iron Will has been giving this seminar for years and Nopony has EVER been dissatisfied. Which means all of Ponyville thinks this is a legitimate method of interaction! Blueblood could have been whispering "You dig for my gold, I'll call you old!" all night while hoping to snare the love of his life through hai obvious skill at assertiveness...

Wow this is a terrible theory why am I grinning so much? XD


Thoughts on Ep/Season 2:*

[SPOILER]
See, for me, a lot of the season 2 episodes were really really really weak. *Like, Over a Barrel would have been in the top 80th percentile in season 2, in my humble opinion. *So this episode was a typical example of it. *The problem I have, in my opinion, is that the writers spend more time trying to play to the internet fans than keeping the characters... in character. *People say they don't like the CMC episodes or Mare Do Well. *Those for me have been the highlights of the season for me, because none of them had moments that made me say "Who is this Pony who's impersonating Applejack" or the like. *The first 5 episodes or so of Season 2 were, for me, not worth watching. *Part of the reason I left was because I didn't feel like going back here to be negative all the time. *Only since about February has the season been batting better than a 50% average for me. *

And that was especially true here. *This felt like such a step back for the whole cast involved, except Pinkie. *When I said I felt Fluttershy was ruined, I wasn't kidding. *The previous times she'd gone into jerky territory, she was under immense stress or was under mind control. *Here, I didn't think she had an excuse. It just demonstrated what some of my friends had pointed out to me before: noone in real life is that shy and cute unless they're trying to get something. *And now I'll be thinking that about her in the back of my mind forever. *


Again, I agree. Not enough for it to impact my liking of the series or the episodes, but noticeable.


Yes, yes I do. *I should have been more careful with my wording there. *It just seemed like they went too extreme with it for it to be believable, and they went from "Fluttershy can stand up to a bear, so therefore she doesn't have shyness problems I can learn about this week" to "OH GOD STOP STOP HE'S ALREADY DEAD!"

The bear neck/snap was indeed a bit over the top. I felt the same way when Pinkie dropped the lantern on Cranky Doodle's photo album. I quite literally trough my hands above my head and stared at the results like watching a train wreck. That went from wacky and bothersome to seriously and detrimentally impacting somepony's life, nd that made me double take. The bear neck snap was almost as severe a shock.


Frankly, I kinda wish they'd dropped the main cast and done schooltime adventures with the CMC and the rest of Ms. Cherilee's class. *They haven't made a bad episode about them this season. *I don't know if it's because the new crop of writers get the kids better, or if it's a matter of who gets assigned what script, but those have been my favorites. *

Which I know is heresy for some people, but I calls 'em like I sees 'em. *I'd rather rage at the writers for sidelining my beloved main 6 than rage at them for misusing them.

I can see where you're coming from, but I disagree. I don't think thy are really ruining the mane cast, though the cartoony nature is a bit much at times. But I do think they could benefit from bringing the CMC into their own, instead of "those fillies we get while waiting for the real stars" which has been slowly happening.

Although I can blame my like of Sweetie Belle on Welf.


There's only been one new writer this season, and she hasn't done any Crusaders episodes (hers were Mare-do-Well, Hearth's Warming Eve, and Putting Your Hoof Down).

Zevox

Hm...


Interesting. If I recall reactions correctly, two unpopulars and a neutral.

Yeah. That's strange.


There's good speculation/rationalization and there's bad speculation/rationalization. *

Good speculation: Why does the train need ponies to pull it? *That resulted in some fun theories and discussion. *Little foundational thoughts about how the fantasy world works are fun and makes the show engaging. *

Bad speculation: Why is Character X acting so wildly out of keeping with their past behavior? *However that discussion goes, it's because someone messed up. *Either the viewer didn't understand, or the writer didn't care.

Hmmm. Now I have to wonder how I comport myself. Good words to ruminate on.


*GAAAAAASSSSPPPP*

We disagree? Well, I don't know where you think you are mister, but this is ponythread, and there is only one possible course of action given these circumstances ...

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmtyhwxGBz1qkm3xxo1_500.jpg

Hugs at 30 paces, pick your weapon ... I mean your pony!

DBC: "I pick... The cute one!"

DarthBobcat eventually dies peacefully in his sleep at the age of 247, while Blastech continues to try and figure out which one is the cute one. Blastech's descendants settle their blood cued by carving a troll face into DBC's tombstone.


So, not to take away from the season discussion (which, ah, I kinda have to strenuously disagree with a lot of the negativity about the season, to be completely frank, but that's not what I'm here to talk about), everypony should know the real life news at the moment:

I've moved. I've moved away from my old place, to a place that's actually in the city, just down the road from where I work. It's about a 15-30ish minute bus ride, rather than a 2 1/2 hour extravaganza of horribleness, and the buses run all night. So, life should be a /little/ easier for me. ^^

Hey, th-


Hey, that's excellent! I've been just waiting for your life to solidify enough for you to be able to move closer to your workplace, and I just know that's going to cut so much of the energy draining nonsense out of your day. I'm looking forward to getting to see more of your around the interwebs, and seeing you with more energy when I do.*

Congratulations, Esper! =D

Oh man. Thanqol, Phoe, Esper, DBC, and here I'm making a bunch of quotes. If Raz_Fox doesn't make a joke about harem pants in the next 24 hours I may explode. Twice.

PhoeKun has resumed her habit of saying more eloquently and quickly what I myself would like to. I am scarily pleased with this arrangement.


Also, my B-Day is actually March 11, so one week from today.

Eeeexcellent. Let the planning commence.


*Squee*

Hey that's *Phoe'd*

Oh man, even Thanqol is beating me to my points! XD



I'm not going to enter this S2 debate; people have pointed out that they hate things that I adore and like things that I detest regularly enough for me to realise that there is no common ground in taste between us. Suffice to say I've loved the vast majority of S2 and think that the ratio of bad to good is almost exactly the same as S1. I also think the statement that they're ruining their worldbuilding is madness but I'm not going to get into that either.

Oh, I think the ratio is the same as well. But a good fruit isn't a good vegetable, y'know? If there was a definite shift I could cope. If it was identical, I could cope. But as it is it rides the razor's edge, leaving me scared and confused. I give it a C+; won't burn it to the ground, but also not going to share my immortality serum.

Which is for the best. The serum is less an immortality drug, and more melted licorice and feta cheese. Terrible stuff.


Yes.

Yes.

Yeees.

And beside that, if you are apologizing for your behaviour here I think I should be too.
Sorry everypony, I do not intend to remain this negative.

You can't help it, you're undead! I can't be mad at you for that. Profiling is bad u.u


I am now the first author to get two entries (http://www.ponyfictionvault.net/2012/02/thanqols-yours-truly.html) in the Pony Fiction Vault. Go me!

Also, Esperderek (http://www.ponyfictionvault.net/2012/03/esperdereks-out-in-cold.html#more). Congrats Esper!

There's a pony fiction vault?


I'm glad I dropped out of our pony competition death match, or else I'd be jealous. *

... what's a pony fiction vault?

... I'm glad to see you dropped out of the arms race or I would be dead. There are levels of writing skill that man and pony weren't meant to know!

... Wait what? Like Hel I'll let self preservation stop decent folks from making excellent works! You can tell I'm tired when I mix up jokes and serious discussion >.<


Apropos of nothing, have we seen or heard from Cloudsdale since Discord maybe-destroyed it in the Season 2 pilot? Because I'm starting to get a little worried... :smalleek:

I laughed very hard at this. And then got slapped by a Braz and one of my cats for it. I hope you're happy! XD


Haven't we established by this point that our suggestions are useless? Let's continue discussion about Rainbow Soprano instead and save ourselves three pages of the thread.

Recognizing when a fight is worth picking should not be this much of a struggle.


*Dramatically throws his notes aside in the middle of class, begins planning pony fanfiction*

I... I have to ask. Did you actually do this?

Also, ponythread flimflam mafia song round robin?

I feel as though I've come home. :smallsmile:

[Eakin]

This one has my vote.

Also, if you guys haven't read this (http://www.fimfiction.net/story/13565/Naked-Singularity), I highly recommend you do so now.

I read it. It made me angry because it was better than the similar fic (https://docs.google.com/document/d/14_859Dg7ZFLJ0Cc-mLc9FKVlEFo6Rf1VWN3goY2wqbw/edit) I wrote a couple weeks ago. But I enjoyed it.

And Sweetie-bot is my favorite background pony meme. Don't especially care about Lyra, so I'd have to go with Trollestia as my second favorite.

[Welf]

Howdy everypony! Just popping my head in to say I'm still alive, don't worry. Work's been hectic and IRC has taken up a lot of my time (you ponies over there are crazy). I'm gonna try to be more active over here again though!

Also, for those of you who are new, Hi! I'm Jade!

That's a good idea, I'll do the same. Hello http://i.imgur.com/dB204.png

(and fortunately I can save time on catching up with SiuiS' Megaquotepost)

[Anarion]

Edit: Litewarrior beat me to it, didn't notice next to the SiuS quote wall. I'll leave this here anyway in case someone scrolls to the wrong part of the page.

Soras hasn't been posting here for a bit (sadly), so in the interest of being useful, here's all the ponymotes. No, I did not fix the typo.


New ponythread taste, same great ponymote filling:

Original Batch
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http://i.imgur.com/RBgwp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/RBgwp.png
http://i.imgur.com/ROEne.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ROEne.png
http://i.imgur.com/RsI1d.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/RsI1d.png
http://i.imgur.com/RZwfo.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/RZwfo.png
http://i.imgur.com/SUOfJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/SUOfJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/U1RF1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/U1RF1.png
http://i.imgur.com/UwGCn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/UwGCn.png
http://i.imgur.com/xJr4u.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xJr4u.png
http://i.imgur.com/xNUoP.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xNUoP.png

MCerberus
http://i.imgur.com/01zSq.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/01zSq.png
http://i.imgur.com/1Z2vG.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/1Z2vG.png
http://i.imgur.com/2X8Vx.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/2X8Vx.png
http://i.imgur.com/36YEA.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/36YEA.png
http://i.imgur.com/3jjwj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/3jjwj.png
http://i.imgur.com/5EqX7.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/5EqX7.png
http://i.imgur.com/CNGSZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/CNGSZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/DBY1G.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/DBY1G.png
http://i.imgur.com/Fgxws.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Fgxws.png
http://i.imgur.com/fLpgR.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/fLpgR.png
http://i.imgur.com/Hfg2x.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/Hfg2x.gif
http://i.imgur.com/HhIbn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/HhIbn.png
http://i.imgur.com/h4XfE.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/h4XfE.png
http://i.imgur.com/Jn3vj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Jn3vj.png
http://i.imgur.com/jNLDQ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jNLDQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/KwcDX.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KwcDX.png
http://i.imgur.com/kpJsp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/kpJsp.png
http://i.imgur.com/lJFOJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lJFOJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/lSNiD.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lSNiD.png
http://i.imgur.com/lytME.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lytME.png
http://i.imgur.com/O6p2H.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/O6p2H.png
http://i.imgur.com/OqjNV.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/OqjNV.png
http://i.imgur.com/oGJH8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/oGJH8.png
http://i.imgur.com/oRBHJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/oRBHJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/ptAf0.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ptAf0.png
http://i.imgur.com/vZNbC.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/vZNbC.png
http://i.imgur.com/w3dl4.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/w3dl4.png
http://i.imgur.com/XiHXp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/XiHXp.png
http://i.imgur.com/xk85S.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xk85S.png
http://i.imgur.com/Z2C9W.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Z2C9W.png
http://i.imgur.com/Z4XPE.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Z4XPE.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZLzTn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZLzTn.png
http://i.imgur.com/zFwEx.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/zFwEx.png

Crazy!Twi
http://i.imgur.com/r63WE.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/r63WE.png
http://i.imgur.com/PDKIo.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/PDKIo.png
http://i.imgur.com/viCkZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/viCkZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/tuSLw.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/tuSLw.png
http://i.imgur.com/U8SiV.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/U8SiV.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZiOZ1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZiOZ1.png
http://i.imgur.com/xrtxn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xrtxn.png
http://i.imgur.com/WcmCY.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/WcmCY.png
http://i.imgur.com/TzVou.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/TzVou.png
http://i.imgur.com/Sy0s7.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Sy0s7.png
http://i.imgur.com/uvyb4.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/uvyb4.png
http://i.imgur.com/tudfp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/tudfp.png
http://i.imgur.com/Siwuj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Siwuj.png
http://i.imgur.com/sp5Tb.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/sp5Tb.png
http://i.imgur.com/vlJi6.gifhttp://i.imgur.com/vlJi6.gif

Kyouhen Series feat. Ninja Pinkie!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/th_NinjaPinkie.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/th_NinjaPinkie.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/NinjaSurprise.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/NinjaSurprise.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/PinkieSwear.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/PinkieSwear.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia2.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia2.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/Gummicle.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/Gummicle.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/Gildicle.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/alfalficon1.png
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/alfalficon2.pnghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/alfalficon2.png

Misc:

http://i.imgur.com/rs4hd.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/rs4hd.png
http://i.imgur.com/PBYX5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/PBYX5.png
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/272/4/b/liarjack_da_avatar_by_metalbeersolid-d4bc9sj.gifhttp://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/272/4/b/liarjack_da_avatar_by_metalbeersolid-d4bc9sj.gif

Seekrit Pony Projekt
1-20
http://i.imgur.com/03Pwr.png[noparse]http://i.imgur.com/03Pwr.png
http://i.imgur.com/0Mw2v.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/0Mw2v.png
http://i.imgur.com/2u0gC.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/2u0gC.png
http://i.imgur.com/3JXCg.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/3JXCg.png
http://i.imgur.com/3q7O2.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/3q7O2.png
http://i.imgur.com/459jt.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/459jt.png
http://i.imgur.com/4ii5U.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/4ii5U.png
http://i.imgur.com/4XyuH.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/4XyuH.png
http://i.imgur.com/4zrN3.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/4zrN3.png
http://i.imgur.com/6SgQp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/6SgQp.png
http://i.imgur.com/74j15.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/74j15.png
http://i.imgur.com/7Yvwk.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/7Yvwk.png
http://i.imgur.com/8u4Rl.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/8u4Rl.png
http://i.imgur.com/9SkHu.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/9SkHu.png
http://i.imgur.com/AKUeV.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/AKUeV.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ala5e.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Ala5e.png
http://i.imgur.com/AruGN.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/AruGN.png
http://i.imgur.com/BgqS5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/BgqS5.png
http://i.imgur.com/b5xPJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/b5xPJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/CEUYj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/CEUYj.png

21-40
http://i.imgur.com/D4C8X.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/D4C8X.png
http://i.imgur.com/DrSYq.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/DrSYq.png
http://i.imgur.com/dDGKR.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/dDGKR.png
http://i.imgur.com/eCLn3.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/eCLn3.png
http://i.imgur.com/ecXwG.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ecXwG.png
http://i.imgur.com/erYVj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/erYVj.png
http://i.imgur.com/ev5Dd.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ev5Dd.png
http://i.imgur.com/f2s0G.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/f2s0G.png
http://i.imgur.com/G1lsp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/G1lsp.png
http://i.imgur.com/G5T9W.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/G5T9W.png
http://i.imgur.com/G8QfD.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/G8QfD.png
http://i.imgur.com/GOn25.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/GOn25.png
http://i.imgur.com/g0EB2.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/g0EB2.png
http://i.imgur.com/HKmyu.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/HKmyu.png
http://i.imgur.com/h4OtT.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/h4OtT.png
http://i.imgur.com/hdG5a.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hdG5a.png
http://i.imgur.com/hdXfp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hdXfp.png
http://i.imgur.com/hfXmw.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hfXmw.png
http://i.imgur.com/hleys.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hleys.png
http://i.imgur.com/I0AiJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/I0AiJ.png
41-60
http://i.imgur.com/iSsYc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/iSsYc.png
http://i.imgur.com/JBZDO.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/JBZDO.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ji01D.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Ji01D.png
http://i.imgur.com/jDb4v.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jDb4v.png
http://i.imgur.com/jhfF7.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jhfF7.png
http://i.imgur.com/jq6VL.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/jq6VL.png
http://i.imgur.com/KLXX3.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KLXX3.png
http://i.imgur.com/k7yr1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/k7yr1.png
http://i.imgur.com/kETPz.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/kETPz.png
http://i.imgur.com/LIUMV.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/LIUMV.png
http://i.imgur.com/LKAKZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/LKAKZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.png
http://i.imgur.com/l6Dif.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/l6Dif.png
http://i.imgur.com/ldfV9.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ldfV9.png
http://i.imgur.com/lPGoS.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lPGoS.png
http://i.imgur.com/lT2IO.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lT2IO.png
http://i.imgur.com/mssk8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/mssk8.png
http://i.imgur.com/NInKh.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/NInKh.png
http://i.imgur.com/O73if.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/O73if.png
http://i.imgur.com/OPCUO.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/OPCUO.png

61-80
http://i.imgur.com/o1ROT.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/o1ROT.png
http://i.imgur.com/o3OrQ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/o3OrQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/PgZ79.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/PgZ79.png
http://i.imgur.com/p0HjG.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/p0HjG.png
http://i.imgur.com/pKw2V.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/pKw2V.png
http://i.imgur.com/Qd0KM.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Qd0KM.png
http://i.imgur.com/QLOYp.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/QLOYp.png
http://i.imgur.com/qxCE8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/qxCE8.png
http://i.imgur.com/rytqf.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/rytqf.png
http://i.imgur.com/SSEx1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/SSEx1.png
http://i.imgur.com/s1GzN.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/s1GzN.png
http://i.imgur.com/tFh1l.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/tFh1l.png
http://i.imgur.com/tVg4z.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/tVg4z.png
http://i.imgur.com/twJKI.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/twJKI.png
http://i.imgur.com/us0sn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/us0sn.png
http://i.imgur.com/uwvgS.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/uwvgS.png
http://i.imgur.com/VgP1Y.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VgP1Y.png
http://i.imgur.com/VlAck.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VlAck.png
http://i.imgur.com/VNjBL.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VNjBL.png
http://i.imgur.com/Vthb5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Vthb5.png

81-100
http://i.imgur.com/VYSqq.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VYSqq.png
http://i.imgur.com/vbM5o.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/vbM5o.png
http://i.imgur.com/W0vnZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/W0vnZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/w4Pts.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/w4Pts.png
http://i.imgur.com/RYTpi.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/RYTpi.png
http://i.imgur.com/wQyc8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/wQyc8.png
http://i.imgur.com/X0pML.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/X0pML.png
http://i.imgur.com/XCdKc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/XCdKc.png
http://i.imgur.com/XiHdB.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/XiHdB.png
http://i.imgur.com/XzZ1f.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/XzZ1f.png
http://i.imgur.com/xl9dK.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/xl9dK.png
http://i.imgur.com/YecKj.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/YecKj.png
http://i.imgur.com/YWDIv.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/YWDIv.png
http://i.imgur.com/y50oz.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/y50oz.png
http://i.imgur.com/yW4zF.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/yW4zF.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZHvPK.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZHvPK.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZOCXB.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZOCXB.png
http://i.imgur.com/zhFvk.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/zhFvk.png
http://i.imgur.com/zRC21.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/zRC21.png
http://i.imgur.com/zw5OF.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/zw5OF.png

101-112
http://i.imgur.com/Tqo43.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Tqo43.png
http://i.imgur.com/MPjbO.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/MPjbO.png
http://i.imgur.com/shj2N.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/shj2N.png
http://i.imgur.com/1h9Zx.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/1h9Zx.png
http://i.imgur.com/EK1lN.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/EK1lN.png
http://i.imgur.com/qW2jc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/qW2jc.png
http://i.imgur.com/NcSma.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/NcSma.png
http://i.imgur.com/JpnZc.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/JpnZc.png
http://i.imgur.com/fsqkv.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/fsqkv.png
http://i.imgur.com/CgffQ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/CgffQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/VwCqN.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/VwCqN.png
http://i.imgur.com/hwHGZ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hwHGZ.png

113-124 (Luna Series)

http://i.imgur.com/Mm1dn.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Mm1dn.png
http://i.imgur.com/gN9Ou.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/gN9Ou.png
http://i.imgur.com/rW0xK.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/rW0xK.png
http://i.imgur.com/rzrj5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/rzrj5.png
http://i.imgur.com/s8D5o.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/s8D5o.png
http://i.imgur.com/lEtTg.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/lEtTg.png
http://i.imgur.com/KXIJq.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KXIJq.png
http://i.imgur.com/oRdYJ.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/oRdYJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/hNTy5.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/hNTy5.png
http://i.imgur.com/KyWk8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/KyWk8.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZeYyu.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/ZeYyu.png
http://i.imgur.com/L3ZSw.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/L3ZSw.png




Oh and @SiuS regarding taxes: The problem there is that if you realize what they're doing, it kind of ruins the emotional impact. The IRS has structured the system in order to take extra money and then give it back. Because money has value through time due to earning interest, the time that the IRS holds your money is costing you additional money. So, when I see a tax refund, I don't think "oh hey, unexpected cash," I think "Oh darn it, I messed up the calculation and lost a few dollars as a result."


Oh, also reposting this from pg 50 of the last thread, because showtunes are awesome, and I might do this for more songs.

"Luck be a Filly Tonight" (Can't think of a good way to ponify Frank Sinatra, help me out here thread)

They call you filly luck
But there is room for doubt
At times you have a very unfilly-like
waaay of trotting out

You're on this date with me
The Apples have been lush
And yet before the evening is over
your tail gives me the brush

You might forget your manner
You might refuse to stay
and so the best that a colt can do is pray

Luck be a filly tonight
Luck be a filly tonight
Luck if you've ever been a filly to begin with
Luck be a filly tonight

Luck, let a gentlecolt see
Just how a nice mare can be
I know the way you've treated other colts that you have been with
but luck be a filly with me

A filly never leaves her escort
It isn't loving, It isn't tolerant
A filly doesn't canter all over the town
and blow on some other pony's dice

Let's keep this party polite
Never get out of my sight
Stick with me filly, I'm the colt that you came in with
luck be a filly tonight

A lady never flirts with strange ponies
She'd have a heart, she'd be...nice
a filly doesn't canter all over the town
and blow on some other pony's dice

Let's keep this party polite
Never get out of my sight
Stick with me filly, I'm the colt that you came in with
luck be a filly tonight

[MCerberus]

Question: Is Woona a crazy fan personality or an entirely different pony at this point?

[SlyGuyMcFly]

I read it. It made me angry because it was better than the similar fic (https://docs.google.com/document/d/14_859Dg7ZFLJ0Cc-mLc9FKVlEFo6Rf1VWN3goY2wqbw/edit) I wrote a couple weeks ago. But I enjoyed it.

FWIW, I had more fun reading yours.

And that's the third fanfic I read in last 6 weeks. Which is 1 fanfic more than the preceding six years. I am not sure how I feel about this.

[Zevox]

SiuiS:

Well, there is the old cartoon stand-by of more time passing than is explicitly laid out, as evinced by the morning scenes where Fluttershy is giving herself a pep-talk in the mirror and her friends seem more depressed and less fed in each shot. There is also the sudden 'leaves falling from trees and house being boarded up' thing which takes time, so... Yeah.
Even assuming that to be so, they failed at communicating it effectively, and as I said I doubt I'd buy those events even with a much longer setup.


I also still fully believe Discord Mind/bent the lot of them, no coercion actually happened and his talk and games were for his amusement before he just magi-zapped his targets. But that's kind of irrelevant.
Oh, I have little doubt of that - that's pretty much exactly what Fluttershy's scene in that episode was there to show us I'd say. Still, she's the one that he completely failed to affect without his magic, which makes it all the harder for me to buy Fluttershy changing into that of her own volition and without even realizing it.


Originality is also not a virtue we expect from MLP, as such. Predictable stories are fine, so long as they are well executed. So that you could predict the entire sequences doesn't really detract from its value. I could see this altering how much other variables detract from its value however.
Key part there. This episode was not well-executed in my opinion. Just bland at its best, uncomfortable and unbelievable at its worst. I think the only part that got a smile out of me was Pinkie's looney toons bit, and that only first time (as others have said, re-using that later in the same episode was not a good idea).
Zevox

[Kairaven]

Question: Is Woona a crazy fan personality or an entirely different pony at this point?

Depends, Woobie Luna was a fan response to the lack of Luna presence in season 1. It shows her as a lonely pony that only had her sister there for her. Filly woona is usually depicted as silly and happy and slightly awkward while with Celestia, while mare Woona was remorseful and also socially awkward.

That fact is, Luna Eclipsed didn't really contradict the Woona depiction, it added to it. Now we have lonely, awkward, remorseful, hammy and proud Luna WITH CANTERLOT VOICE! As a result, Mare luna has become the canon Princess of the night that we love while filly luna has been relegated to the current woona depiction.

Both are awsome and while one may burst your eardrum, the other will melt your heart and destroy your pancreas.

[Raz_Fox]

Oh man. Thanqol, Phoe, Esper, DBC, and here I'm making a bunch of quotes. If Raz_Fox doesn't make a joke about harem pants in the next 24 hours I may explode. Twice.

PhoeKun has resumed her habit of saying more eloquently and quickly what I myself would like to. I am scarily pleased with this arrangement.

Are my sartorial proclivities truly that diaphanous?

[Welf]

my two cents on season two: Overall the season has been weaker than season 1. But it had very good ones, like Sweet and Elite, one of my favourites.

One thing I noted is the lack of good antagonists. Not villains, we had a good one with Disquord. I mean characters on the same level of power like the mane cast, like the Gilda, Blueblood or the notorious and famous Trixie. That neither of those, especially Trixie, showed up again so far is a big loss for the season. Neither the Flim Flam brothers or or someone else could really substitute them. Instead we have a series nice and cute side characters like Pipsqueak or the Baby Cakes.

[Pokonic]

Question: Is Woona a crazy fan personality or an entirely different pony at this point?

Yes. In all ways, Kairaven hit the mark.

[MCerberus]

Both are awsome and while one may burst your eardrum, the other will melt your heart and destroy your pancreas.

If you can hear the abacus, you're already dead?

[Pokonic]

If you can hear the abacus, you're already dead?

That just means that she want's you to run.

[Kyouhen]

Me too, I've loved the three he's done so far, just TS and AJ left to do (unless he decides to give Flutters her own one since she was kind of co-opted into Dashies)

I'm pretty sure he plans on giving Fluttershy her own comic. The note she left said she had things to do anyway. Did you see his journal entry about this comic (http://explosivegent.deviantart.com/journal/Time-to-Elaborate-288442909)? It's pretty interesting how much the fandom can skew our perspective of things that are meant to be innocent and touching in the show.



I don't think so, at least not on the surface of it. I did, however, spot one or two pony references in this (http://friendshipisdragons.thecomicseries.com/)comic. :smalltongue:


Really? I don't see it. :smallconfused:



On your point regarding Angel. New-ep (possibly mature topic overanalysis?):

It's not meant to be funny. At least that's what I'm starting to think after musing on that ep for a while. I mean are you aware the background of the slogan "No means No"? It's basically a catchcry for anti-violence/rape movements.

Stick that together with how Flutters is treated this whole episode, and it becomes more and more like a whole episode devoted to tackling the topic of domestic abuse or taking advantage of women and the consequences of that. (In this case, Flutters ended up thinking that abuse to be the norm and taking it to the outside world, in this case Pinkie and Rarity.)

Rarity and Pinkie try to blame Iron Will for it, but Flutters correctly identifies that it's not his fault, it's hers. (Not to say this is true in 100% of the above cases, of course, but I think it was in this one. IW is just a self-help seminar guy doing his job) Kudos to the writers for that.

In fact, the more I think on it, the more I can't help seeing this as a very difficult topic that the writers have decided to put into a kids show. And despite my issues with the pacing I cannot fault them for having the guts to do that and recognise the need for subtlety in that regard.


New Ep
Hmmm, that's an interesting way to look at it. And now I want to know what was going through Studio B's heads when they were working on this episode, because if that really was their goal that's quite an impressive bit of work.

And I liked Iron Will for that very reason. Does he even actually count as an antagonist? I swear my favourite part about him is when he's leaving Fluttershy's house and starts talking about adding "No means no" to his next seminar. He stops being the big tough guy and starts just being someone trying to give ponies advice.


Frankly, I kinda wish they'd dropped the main cast and done schooltime adventures with the CMC and the rest of Ms. Cherilee's class. They haven't made a bad episode about them this season. I don't know if it's because the new crop of writers get the kids better, or if it's a matter of who gets assigned what script, but those have been my favorites.

Which I know is heresy for some people, but I calls 'em like I sees 'em. I'd rather rage at the writers for sidelining my beloved main 6 than rage at them for misusing them.

Yeah, they've been doing great with the CMC this season. I'm still hoping Scootaloo gets an episode though. Poor little neglected pegasus. :smallfrown:


Non-spoiler image dump:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/9330f9563290af495fe7f84a0e524f17/135553%20-%20artist%3Aboneswolbach%20crossover%20derpy_hoove s%20portal%20vector.png

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/4eb7e36be689dc53739b562d0d350637/135552%20-%20artist%3Aboneswolbach%20crossover%20derpy_hoove s%20portal%20vector.png

http://i.imgur.com/pi5Ee.jpg
Well played sir. http://i.imgur.com/dNltC.jpg


And the Neutral one, they avoided the issue of OOCness because for most of the episode was about characters the main 6 were playing.

What? I liked Mare Do Well, but I know that nobody else in the known world did. CR on That Guy With The Glasses did a whole review talking about how much he didn't like that one episode.


I liked it... http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/pi5Ee.jpg
Wait, does that mean I live somewhere that isn't in the known world? AM I AN EXPLORER?!
...I need a Daring Do set of ponymotes. Maybe I'll try making some today.



Also, I did like Rarity's episodes this season. Rainbow Dash's... I had entirely subjective reasons for wanting the falcon to win that race. I felt like they foreshadowed the turtle too strongly, which for me was the kiss of death on it, and I didn't like the song, but I can't objectively say it was a bad episode. Reading Rainbow was alright too. Dash had some okay episodes this season, with the objectively strongest getting on my nerves for reasons that I am perfectly willing to admit are completely subjective.


A-HA! I was wondering what you thought of the falcon being in that episode. You just weren't around at the time and I didn't want to bother you with pony stuff when you were taking a break from it. Then I forgot. But now I know!


*GAAAAAASSSSPPPP*

We disagree? Well, I don't know where you think you are mister, but this is ponythread, and there is only one possible course of action given these circumstances ...

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmtyhwxGBz1qkm3xxo1_500.jpg

Hugs at 30 paces, pick your weapon ... I mean your pony!

Pssst, bobcat. Pick Pinkie Pie, she's actually capable of hugging at 30 paces. You can't lose!



I was surprised to see the two together, but they played off each other quite well, I think.


New Ep
I think they chose Pinkie Pie and Rarity because they're the least likely to take the type of treatment Fluttershy was getting and actually do something about it. If someone tried overcharging Applejack or Twilight they'd probably just take their business elsewhere. Not too sure how Rainbow would react, but it would either be heavy intimidation or outright rage and either way Fluttershy isn't likely to learn anything good from it.



More spoilers:

Up to the end I thought is was a brilliant pseudo-scam: If the pony hasn't learned assertiveness, they'd obviously pay up. And if they had learned assertiveness... they'd also pay. Then it turned out Iron Will was exactly as bright as he looked, and I was slightly sad.

Still think he's a really fun character.

New Ep
The key thing to note though is that it still is a good pseudo-scam. The key thing was he wasn't concerned about Fluttershy learning assertiveness, he was concerned about her being satisfied. It's just a given that anyone who goes to his seminars wants to be more assertive and as such will be satisfied when it works. Fluttershy took his advice to the extreme and ended up not being satisfied with it.


So, not to take away from the season discussion (which, ah, I kinda have to strenuously disagree with a lot of the negativity about the season, to be completely frank, but that's not what I'm here to talk about), everypony should know the real life news at the moment:

I've moved. I've moved away from my old place, to a place that's actually in the city, just down the road from where I work. It's about a 15-30ish minute bus ride, rather than a 2 1/2 hour extravaganza of horribleness, and the buses run all night. So, life should be a /little/ easier for me. ^^

Huzzah! Now it'll be easier to stalk you hunt you down and force you to hang out!


... so. First pony fanon creation of 2012: the Pegasus Mafia.

Why does every conversation in this thread end in a mafia? :smalltongue:


Haven't we established by this point that our suggestions are useless? Let's continue discussion about Rainbow Soprano instead and save ourselves three pages of the thread.

And on that note, Rainbow Soprano is such a catchy name I find myself wanting to write that story. How would the plot go?

Like this:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/28a12b166e3a65561e42eb17802baa1f/106758%20-%20artist%3Afetchbeer%20dat_plot%20plot%20rainbow_ dash.pngI REGRET NOTHING!



EDIT: LLLLLOOOOOOOWWW-KKEEEYYY!


I get the feeling I did a thing. I'm not sure which thing I did, but apparently it happened. I should probably stop doing things, or at least doing so many things so I can keep track of which thing people are cursing.
...
Nah.


See, I could give you this information. I really could. But I don't think anyone except maybe Lix or Kindablue want me to.


And me. You forgot me. I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know. :smalltongue:



It extends a cone of multicolored confetti amidst a spray of crepe paper streamers.


Just saying, the actual Streamers spell lasts several rounds and creates several magical streamers that cause 5d6 damage every time the target takes an action. Any action. Maybe we should name this one Pinkie's Streamer Spray or something. :smalltongue: No wait! Pinkie's Instant Party!



Oh wow you drew that? Fabulous!
Derpy Day for me consisted of covert joy spreading.

[Friendship Report]
Derpy day involved going to work, for me, so I had to get creative. The muffin was easy, but the rest? I'd dropped the ball on writing a note for Thanqol to print out (as spending that time wih my filly took precedence) so I still had Derp!face and note sending to do.

My pocket Derpy kept me happy, but only garnered approximately two questions, one of which was "is that from World of Warcraft or something?". Saying it was a pony clammed the querent up right quick sadly.


http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee468/WizardPony/2426f0a5.jpg


This helped satisfy some of the requirements, but not all. So I wrote a couple notes on sticky pad and slapped them on the counter. "Life is short; Have a muffin!", "Life is awesome because [u]you are awesome~" and "Sometimes you just have to smile, it's free and it makes the day better". The first was mine, the second written on behalf of other folks. When people asked about the notes, I told them it was an unofficial holiday; Derpy Day, where you enjoy a muffin and send a nice note to someone just because (I left out the Derp!face because my pitch had a time limit). And these notes were inspired by others who read my first note, would you like to write something to cheer up other folks? It stopped at three and Nopony else decided to write anything :smallfrown:
I had more muffin and began working on a plan.


http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee468/WizardPony/examples/e20a10b8.jpg
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee468/WizardPony/examples/b79bf7ae.jpg


Well, that wouldn't do. It soon became clear that most folks didn't even notice the notes. I needed something more, something better.

I settled on hugs.

Cobbling together the mental faculties necessary (all we had was decaf! Don't judge me!) I transformed the take a penny leave a penny tray into a hug inspiring machine - sort of.


http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee468/WizardPony/examples/b6e19e02.jpg


This got more attention, that drew eyes down to the rest of the notes. Still no additions, but! I got several folks to leave with a smile though they came with a scowl. That's what matters right?

The Derp!face happened but went Uncommented on. Seems pointing out someone has a Derp!face legitimate medical condition is taboo. *shrug*


Yeah, this is why I avoided mentioning Derpy Day was pony-based when I was passing around muffins. Saying that you're celebrating a holiday created for My Little Pony is a pretty quick way to get some strange looks unless people are aware of the fact that this is not the MLP they think it is. And in an environment where half the people there can hear anything you say it can very quickly scare everyone out of participating.

Still, sounds like at least you had some fun. Derpy definitely seems happy there, and awesome job with the hugs jar thing. :smalltongue:


I thought the character was hilarious. Enough to make an average episode into a fairly entertaining one. His voice, his moves, his use of the third person, his ability to break the forth wall (leaving even Pinkie confused, to boot!). Great lines, too.

Iron Will collects... now.

New Ep

You gave me an idea. That's a bad thing.

So in one of the D&D campaigns I'm in I've got a Goliath Warblade/Dungeoncrasher Fighter who's going into Hulking Hurler and Bloodstorm Blade. He isn't high enough level to get into either prestige class yet, so I've built him to specialize in bull rushing. His only weapon is his adamantine armour spikes, and he specializes in knocking enemies around the battlefield and breaking down walls. He actually escaped a difficult combat by plowing through the walls of a building that was clearly supposed to be a dungeon-like thing, leading to massive hilarity as every time he knocked down a wall he found himself standing in a room with progressively more terrifying monsters. When he finally broke back out of there he was being chased by a small army of fast, intelligent undead things.

His name is Boulder, and he refers to himself as The Boulder. Anyone who's seen Avatar: The Last Airbender should get the reference because that's exactly who I based him on. When that little mini-campaign is finished I'm going to transfer him over to one of the main campaigns, but he's going to be a Minotaur instead. :smalltongue:


Dictionary Belle?

Sweetie Dictionary?

Either way, she's a book! She's attained Twilight's dream!


Well I think we all know who Twilight's favourite is now. :smalltongue:


This is what I love about the fandom. So many different ways of spelling "Rarity".

Did I mention I love everyone in this thread? You guys are all awesome. Just thought I'd share that. :smalltongue:


"Season 2 Finally Ruined My Fanon".
Ha, I kid, I kid.
I'll throw a vote in for there is no Pegasus mafia, though.

I swear that's turned into the greatest running joke this thread's every had. I'm sure we'll get around to using that one sometime halfway through Season 3. :smalltongue:



Woona/Celes picture time, for the new thread!

http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2011/294/8/9/astrowoona_by_fongsaunder-d4dhcz1.png (http://fongsaunder.deviantart.com/art/ASTROWOONA-264509677)


You sure are Woona, you sure are. You can even be the first pony to go to the moon! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/trollestia2.png

...I regret everything. http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.jpg



EDIT: one more:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/ef3b3dbbf5521e1991643fd3f4c4db2e/35929%20-%20artist%3Atess%20chicago_typewriter%20derpy_hoov es%20gun%20mafia%20noir.png

I like her taste of weapons. Who needs to aim when you can just spray-and-pray? :smalltongue:



[SPOILERS!]This is another instance of somepony else hitting the nail on the head. Season two of My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic feels like any ol' cartoon. That may be because familiarity breeds contempt. It may be because I find the fan universe a bit more compelling (though only just; mythic medieval Equestria has literally made me salivate for more world-building), it may be because the quality has actually shifted. But it's palpable, and that makes me sad.


I think the main thing about Season 2 is that Season 1 was an experiment. Studio B had no idea what they were doing going into this. Making a My Little Pony show couldn't be too hard, it's been done a dozen times before. The problem is they wanted to break away from the MLP everyone was used to and make something different. Season 1 is the result of them not quite being sure what they could get away with and how things would be taken. Control over Season 1 was clearly much tighter, with very little experimentation so they could test the waters and see what people thought. Of course, because of how long it takes to make an episode, they couldn't really make much in the way of changes mid-season. The result is a season devoted to establishing who the characters were. After all, making a little episode showing a key point about a character's personality is relatively safe, if people don't like it it's either because they don't like the show as a whole or don't like the character. They don't have to worry about people disliking the show/episode because of [x].

This is what we're seeing in Season 2. They're experimenting more with what they can put in an episode. They've seen how popular the show is and now have a better idea of what they can get away with. You'll notice most of the complaints about any episode tends to end up being about an item that shouldn't be there (the dam), a topic that people don't like seeing (Putting Your Hoof Down), or them just having more fun with certain sequences (superpower baby scene). My personal gripe with it right now is almost entirely that Fluttershy is more animated and louder than she was in Season 1. Otherwise what I'm trying to say is that people don't complain about the characters themselves unless they're acting out of character, and the characters were all there really was in Season 1. They're still here in Season 2, but there's been more layers added on top of that. The show has changed, but it's more of a natural evolution thing. Some things have gotten worse, some have gotten better (so many songs). I don't find this season to be bad at all, just different. The real question is where are they going to go from here? Will they continue to add more layers and experiment more, or will they take what they've learned from Season 2 and bring it more in line with Season 1? If they took the best parts of both seasons then Season 3 could be truly amazing.

EDIT: Another complaint most people seem to have is with the pacing of the episodes. I'm marking that down as further support of them simply adding more to the episodes.

Also I'm totally not blaming any of these changes on Lauren leaving. I know her leaving has had an effect on the show, it's impossible for it not to have, but it's extremely rare that any show can go two seasons in a row without having the show change direction in some way. We're just seeing the natural evolution of a show. Happens all the time.



[SPOILERS!]To be fair, I thought that scene was out of charscter for Fluttershy, too. There just doesn't seem to be enough exposition on it. At the Gala, it was a gag taken to extremes that did nothing by tarnish the poor lass' reputation. In this episode, it's just someone going "hey, she's gone psycho before! Let's use that again!". If it is a part of her character, that means that every representation of Flutterahy I've ever seen is wrong. Every. One.

That strikes me as a travesty that the design team would avoid; to create a deep and nuanced character and then not only never show it but provide a subtle mockery of the depth that is there only in the creator's notes.


New Ep
Personally I see Fluttershy's rage as being part of her character. Even as early as Dragonshy we see her being pushed around a lot. Nopony listens to her and the few times they acknowledge her existence it's because they want her to do something and don't really care what her opinion on the matter is. Nobody can take the type of abuse she has to put up with and just shrug it off. That type of thing stays with a person, and we see it come out a bit in the episodes when she does stand up against someone. Normally this only comes out when it's her friends that are being abused, but she can only take so much herself.

The main problem with rage!Fluttershy is that they don't really hint at any of it. It tends to end up looking like Fluttershy's just bipolar or something, where she's either really quiet or completely insane. It would help if they gave her a scene or two like they gave Rainbow Dash, (specifically in Mare Do Well) where she has a moment or two alone to let us see what's inside before putting on her face and facing the day. Actually, they could have done this in the same episode at the start. Have Fluttershy see the gardener watering her flowers, have her go on a bit of a rant about how he keeps messing up her garden and how annoying it is, have her go out and confront him and have her promptly revert to her normal self and back off.

...Come to think of it that would probably have been a huge improvement to the episode. Replace Angel and the market scene with Fluttershy dealing with the mailpony and the gardener and failing. Then we have a little more context when she goes after them again later in the episode, and we see that she really does have a full range of emotions she just isn't confident enough to express them to others.



[SPOILERS!]aye, this was a big thing back when you first started competing for fiction prominence.

Oddly enough, Nopony seems to have caught why.
Iron Will has been giving this seminar for years and Nopony has EVER been dissatisfied. Which means all of Ponyville thinks this is a legitimate method of interaction! Blueblood could have been whispering "You dig for my gold, I'll call you old!" all night while hoping to snare the love of his life through hai obvious skill at assertiveness...

Wow this is a terrible theory why am I grinning so much? XD

New Ep
That is an amusing theory there. All the antagonists secretly went to one of Iron Will's seminars and just didn't quite go right. :smalltongue:

Really though it just looks to me that it's a case of everyone who ever became assertive from the seminar has been satisfied. He was aware of the fact that Fluttershy had grown a spine, and assumed that she'd be as happy as everyone else he's helped. I really doubt that 100% of the people who go to the first seminar (which is the only one we've actually seen) end up going to the rest.

[SiuiS]

Are my sartorial proclivities truly that diaphanous?

diaphanous

diaphonous

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3214515804_b9dca10631.jpg


? and this is when I regret not drawing more harem Raz. Or at least of being able to find it fast enough.
EDIT: CONFOUND YOU RAZ. I'm looking through a google image search of harem pants. I can't stop. whhaaaaat have you dooooonnne?

[Deadly]

It was professionally done, friend. Don't sell yourself short; I saw the header on a site (wasn't eqD, think it was a blog) and had to double-take when I realized 'wait, I don't remember this being in the show...'.

Thanks, I'm always pleased when people mistake my art for actual screenshots :smallbiggrin: Although I'm sure it's not as impressive as it might seem. I don't really consider myself that great of an artist, certainly nowhere near some of the people who tend to get that kind of recognition on a regular basis. But I am very happy when people enjoy what I do.


[SPOILERS!]what? What? What?

You guys like the worst voice they give the poor lass, and now that she has a voice that doesn't sound like a snooty 55 year old you dislike the change?

I heartily disagree, and will engage in an art duel to defend well-voiced Bon-Bon's honor if need be! This was the best voice they've ever given to her! It was perfect for the scene, perfect for the pony... I love it. My favorite pony just got a decent voice, she did!

It appears we must respectfully disagree, Sir.


[Image]http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee468/WizardPony/efb2b2da.jpg

W-what are you talking to my mama about, mister?

Just... you know, offering a little help around the house. Like greeting visitors and cleaning their boots. Yup, that's it.


I dislike that the entire second, important half looks like its supposed to be a dream sequence. But that's my only real gripe.

Oh wait, no. Early on everypony was all "Twilight, this may cause problems. You should speak to Spike because he is young and may be hurt" and her response is "Pfffffft nah he will be fine. Hey, wanna see me gush over his replacement for another couple hours?"

Dream sequence? Huh. I suppose I might watch it again.

[Kairaven]

my two cents on season two: Overall the season has been weaker than season 1. But it had very good ones, like Sweet and Elite, one of my favourites.

One thing I noted is the lack of good antagonists. Not villains, we had a good one with Disquord. I mean characters on the same level of power like the mane cast, like the Gilda, Blueblood or the notorious and famous Trixie. That neither of those, especially Trixie, showed up again so far is a big loss for the season. Neither the Flim Flam brothers or or someone else could really substitute them. Instead we have a series nice and cute side characters like Pipsqueak or the Baby Cakes.

If I had to differentiate between season 1 and 2 antagonist role, I'd have to say that the difference is between External antagonism and Internal antagonism. Season one had many external threats and challenges to overcome Starting with nightmare moon, dragons, trixie, guilda, competitions and parasprites.

Season two however, the threats comes from within, even Discord episodes is mostly about the discorded ponies themselves. The world is peaceful, the threats to friendship are now internal conflicts, a hurtful remark, a dismissed concern, distracting priorities, and ignored advices.

If we still think of the show as teaching friendship, then this is valuable lessons that show the dangers that even now plagues the brony communities themselves. It's easy to unite against an external threat but can you truely follow the ways of friendship when it's your friends themselves that caused the hurt? It's an uncomfortable subjects that many can't quite answer, how do your friendship stand when put to the test?

I think this uncomfortable question is souring somepony's perception, so much so that the minor new changes of the season becomes a scapegoat to channel the fraustration on. Sure some of the changes are not good, but it's not bad either. At least not bad enough to cause everything that was good to turn bad and cause one to quit. (I don't mean quit watching, but rather to quit socializing altogether. That means you are breaking what bonds you have forged over the span of ponydom.)

edit: feel free to ignore my rambling, the thought is genuine but it's not a scripture, and not to be taken seriously.

[Raz_Fox]

? and this is when I regret not drawing more harem Raz. Or at least of being able to find it fast enough.

There is a simple fix to this dilemma, as with most things you regret not doing: purging it from your mind forever and leaving it as a lost cause.

Or drawing it, that sometimes works, but it's more work than the mind-purging.

[Pokonic]

And I liked Iron Will for that very reason. Does he even actually count as an antagonist? I swear my favourite part about him is when he's leaving Fluttershy's house and starts talking about adding "No means no" to his next seminar. He stops being the big tough guy and starts just being someone trying to give ponies advice.



Not realy. I mean, Trixie was a show off, which made her fare game for a show for little girls. The Dragons both had a physical threat, and the Flim Flam's where that close to getting the apples farm vi buying them out. Along with Gilda and Discord, nearly every speaking antagonist was not only arrogent, but also a trickster of some kind. Yes, that even includes Gilda (after all, she was a friend of Dash. It comes with the territory). Also, they each opposed the Main Six in some way, it be in humiliating them, twisting around there personalities, being a general arse to one or more of the cast (This is the main reason Gilda is on this list, folks).

Iron Will honastly thought his methods worked, and he wanted the money that he thought belonged to him. After all, apperently no one has refused to pay before, and going from his shock from Flutters refusing to pay he thought that he was honastly doing something to help. It's like a man who has been selling "Extra Whiting Toothpaste" all his life being told by his newest model that the stuff has never worked and that the only reason people bought it was because they falsely thought they needed it. Going from what he says as he left, he is actualy going to try a bit harder of the whole "helping" part.

[Lix Lorn]

So off the current topic, what's everyone's favorite fan-insanity personality?

Trollestia?
Vinyl/Octavia odd couple?
Sweetie-bot?
Hand-wanting Lyra?
Stalker Lyra?
Geek Luna?
All of them.


Silly Brony, that's not how you spell "Jade-Is-Worstestestest-Pony"!
Silly Brony, (SNUGGLEKISSKISSKISS)


Or drawing it, that sometimes works, but it's more work than the mind-purging.
I approve of anything resulting in harem razpics.

[SiuiS]

There is a simple fix to this dilemma, as with most things you regret not doing: purging it from your mind forever and leaving it as a lost cause.

Or drawing it, that sometimes works, but it's more work than the mind-purging.

Hm.



I approve of anything resulting in harem razpics.

well, sounds like I have a plan then.

That plan is, of course, spend tomorrow and the resulting times playing a new video game, occasionally checking for PA updates and pony episodes and, apparently, drawing Arabian/turkish/ottoman/"I'm too American to know the proper cultural label" fashion.

[Aotrs Commander]

Yeah, that is fabulous.

Sadly, part of the original Secret Project plan - to do it in 25mm and 12mm, has somewhat fallen apart, as now I've had chance to experiment with the finalised model, the 25mm model is like $80 from Shapeways, and the other place I was hoping to get it done is a bit strange on their pricing. The wargames company that's using that 3D printing company is flogging off their models in 72nd at £16 a go, and their 144 at a £5 (which means the must be paying less); I'd expected my models, being about 1.5-3 times the size (i.e. volume), to be about the proportion more expensive; instead they quoted me at what worked out to £86 per tank. So I'm not quite sure how the wargames company is doing (because I find it hard to believe they're ordering hundreds of each model to spend thousands of pounds of orders or something, and havign huge stock-keeping costs); I don't think there's that much demand for wargames models... I suspect there must be a dirty deal somewhere, because what they're quoting me isn't even in the same order of magnitude.

So Secret Project is going to be regretfully shelved for the moment, while I work on a plan B.




I liked it... http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/pi5Ee.jpg
Wait, does that mean I live somewhere that isn't in the known world? AM I AN EXPLORER?!
...I need a Daring Do set of ponymotes. Maybe I'll try making some today.

I liked it too, if it wasn't one of the best episodes.

However, as I am, of course, located in space, Bobcat's statement is correct in regards to me...

And you too, come to that, you little station-hiding pain in my maintenance ducts..



And we've taken a break from me DMing, and we're playing a 4E game (while I'm not a huge fan of 4E, I din't mind so much when I'm playing, especially as it gives me a break). So we spent the first half of the session trying to remember what everything did after not playing for two years... And then, by the end of the session, my laser cleric was back on form, unable to hit fracking anything as usual, despite rolling the same dice as the wizard I'm also playing. That girl is cursed... (There's a reason she had Elven Inaccuracy on her character sheet, since all that ability invariable does is allow me to miss twice...)

[Tiki Snakes]

And we've taken a break from me DMing, and we're playing a 4E game (while I'm not a huge fan of 4E, I din't mind so much when I'm playing, especially as it gives me a break). So we spent the first half of the session trying to remember what everything did after not playing for two years... And then, by the end of the session, my laser cleric was back on form, unable to hit fracking anything as usual, despite rolling the same dice as the wizard I'm also playing. That girl is cursed... (There's a reason she had Elven Inaccuracy on her character sheet, since all that ability invariable does is allow me to miss twice...)

Ironically enough, I'm slowly working back up to the point where I'm willing to DM again, for the first time in a couple of years. Player demand is the tricky bit, making sure I can find my 4 willing participants. Theoretically the usual DM for the day I'm thinking of frequently claims he'd love a chance to sit back and play, rather than run for once. He rarely leaves a spot free for that to happen in, though so it's not entirely convincing.

I've still got to plan the details out, but it's either going to be a gritty, real-world-crime and foulness based mystery (Drugs, Murder and Kidnapping rings all likely) or a psuedo-lovecraftian cultist spin on that.
Starring Mystery Incorporated (http://youtu.be/H-_nDTv8XlM).
I'm also totally not telling the players that, either, just going to hand them their pre-generated (World of Darkness) character sheets.

[Anarion]

And we've taken a break from me DMing, and we're playing a 4E game (while I'm not a huge fan of 4E, I din't mind so much when I'm playing, especially as it gives me a break). So we spent the first half of the session trying to remember what everything did after not playing for two years... And then, by the end of the session, my laser cleric was back on form, unable to hit fracking anything as usual, despite rolling the same dice as the wizard I'm also playing. That girl is cursed... (There's a reason she had Elven Inaccuracy on her character sheet, since all that ability invariable does is allow me to miss twice...)

This, this is why orks are the best shooting race in Warhammer 40k. Everyone else has missile launchers, the orks have rocket launchers. And they have a lot of rocket launchers when they want them.

[Kyouhen]

Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png

[Pokonic]

Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png



.... Gah. I have heard of this before, but it was only applied to Lesson Zero. For everyone else? Jeepers Creepers.

[Lix Lorn]

Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png


...cool theory, but too dark to headcanon. ._.

[OracleofWuffing]

Sadly, part of the original Secret Project plan - to do it in 25mm and 12mm, has somewhat fallen apart, as now I've had chance to experiment with the finalised model, the 25mm model is like $80 from Shapeways, and the other place I was hoping to get it done is a bit strange on their pricing.
Hey, let's make a deal. I'll pay for one of your models, you pay for one of mine (http://youtu.be/e2lEWiJz6m4).:smallamused:

What material are you using for that, though? a 2.5x2.5x2.5cm solid block of material is like 15.625 cm3. In Frosted Ultra Detail, that'd go to about $60, and your model has plenty of space between to get near half of that. Barring, you know, using FCS or WSF, which would be much cheaper still. Sure you got your model scaled correctly?

Edit: Heck, my avatar is like under $10 in WSF and it's about the size you're aiming for.


The wargames company that's using that 3D printing company is flogging off their models in 72nd at £16 a go, and their 144 at a £5 (which means the must be paying less); I'd expected my models, being about 1.5-3 times the size (i.e. volume), to be about the proportion more expensive; instead they quoted me at what worked out to £86 per tank. So I'm not quite sure how the wargames company is doing (because I find it hard to believe they're ordering hundreds of each model to spend thousands of pounds of orders or something, and havign huge stock-keeping costs); I don't think there's that much demand for wargames models... I suspect there must be a dirty deal somewhere, because what they're quoting me isn't even in the same order of magnitude.
Well, if they don't have a bulk deal going on, only other thing I can think of is if they're hollowing parts out. Have you looked into that?

E: I guess since I don't know which wargames company you're talking about, there's also the possibility that they 3D print their master figure, and then make a mold out of that for extrusion as opposed to 3D printing every individual piece.


Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png


Wait, wasn't that a plot point in Full Metal Alchemist somewhere?

[SiuiS]

Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png



... Go Go Gadget Selective Memory!

[Bayonet Priest]

Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png



Ack! So do not want! :smallyuk:

The most horrible interpretation of the show I've seen. Even worse than that that comic where the whole show is just the fantasy of an autistic Pinkie Pie. :smallfrown:

[Geno9999]

Hey bronies, what's-


Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png



:smalleek:
That... explains it SO much.

[Aotrs Commander]

Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png



Creepy...




Hey, let's make a deal. I'll pay for one of your models, you pay for one of mine (http://youtu.be/e2lEWiJz6m4).:smallamused:

What material are you using for that, though? a 2.5x2.5x2.5cm solid block of material is like 15.625 cm3. In Frosted Ultra Detail, that'd go to about $60, and your model has plenty of space between to get near half of that. Barring, you know, using FCS or WSF, which would be much cheaper still. Sure you got your model scaled correctly?

Edit: Heck, my avatar is like under $10 in WSF and it's about the size you're aiming for.


Ah, there's a subtely there... That last model isn't the small infantry walker one that's only about an inch square at 25mm scale, which I've got already, which is fine:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/Aotrssecretproj.jpg

(Which is about $10 in 25mm scale for a squad of three with both ground and flying modes.)


The new one the tank-sized version (in 25mm scale it's about 100mm tall). For comparison, even a Workshop Space Marine would only come up to the bottom of the body. It's probably not far off the size of two Tau crisis suits (or whatever they're called, I just use the models) stood back to back.) The Secret Project model's fine in 144 size, being about the same price as the 144 tanks (plus 50% because it's got the turret-mode as well); but in 25mm scale, it's just too volumetrically big (it's about 46 cm3).

It is hollowed out - to a wall thickness of 1.5mm. Now, I might be able to hollow it out to 1mm wall thicknesses... but that won't reduce the volume - and thus the cost - by the, like 50%-66% it would need to to make buying them feasible for an army. (By comparison, a 25mm tank, which is basically indentical in size to a German Leopard tank, I looked at came in at about $50, with 1mm wall-thicknesses.)

3T, this place I was looking it, doesn't price by volume, and RPG Manufacutring is using them to make WW2 tanks in a varity of scales, including 144 and 72, which they are selling at about half what it would cost me to have them made in Shapeways. My 144 tanks - even hollowed out - come in around $12 each (so about £8-10) - which is still less than a lot of metal castings, and well within reasonable limits. I was hoping to be able to achieve something relatively close to the amount they are clearly paying (I wasn't expecting to match it, because I wouldn't be ordering as much - but I was expecting that I might at least match Shapeway's pricing, which 3T haven't even managed. An order that would have cost £500 quid from Shapeways, they were saying would cost nearly £900 - and as the former is about 2.5 times what I can scrape together in one go... They told me last time, when I got a quote for an order that would have been about £100, that it would be £200, but that if I'd had ten times as many, it would have been only four times as expensive. I suspect they were either Iron Will tolieting, or their economies of scale only start to cut in in thousands of pounds range. (Which is why RPG Manufacturing baffles me, since I'd be amazed if they were spending several thousand pounds (I had thought only one or two maybe) a go, of stock they might not shift that quick.))

I never use any materials aside from WSF, as a matter of course (I used a few in TD before October, and the handful of models I had in the frosted detail were of a far worse finish than the the WSF in the end, and I'm having to replace the only one I used, because it's far to fragile.)



On the other hand...er hoof, in this case...this makes the 144-scale Jalyrkieon ground army may have slightly moved up my production list...!

[Zevox]

Ack! So do not want! :smallyuk:

The most horrible interpretation of the show I've seen. Even worse than that that comic where the whole show is just the fantasy of an autistic Pinkie Pie. :smallfrown:
Yeah. Waaaay too dark. Especially since it's just to explain a couple of slightly off episodes. Yuck. :smallyuk:

Zevox

[Eakin]

Artponies, we could do with a Pegasus Mafia picture or two.

Applemafia is Best Mafia though, because there is no Pegasus Mafia.
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRB0I14Snpo4NzF5a59KU9KZiYxYGh6-fB8zXb4xt3xPNJW2T5KQA

Of course the Apple mafia is the only mafia. Don Derpy Hooves wouldn't have it any other way.


FWIW, I had more fun reading yours.

And that's the third fanfic I read in last 6 weeks. Which is 1 fanfic more than the preceding six years. I am not sure how I feel about this.

Flatterer :smallwink:




Yeah, they've been doing great with the CMC this season. I'm still hoping Scootaloo gets an episode though. Poor little neglected pegasus. :smallfrown:


I think the main thing about Season 2 is that Season 1 was an experiment. Studio B had no idea what they were doing going into this. Making a My Little Pony show couldn't be too hard, it's been done a dozen times before. The problem is they wanted to break away from the MLP everyone was used to and make something different. Season 1 is the result of them not quite being sure what they could get away with and how things would be taken. Control over Season 1 was clearly much tighter, with very little experimentation so they could test the waters and see what people thought. Of course, because of how long it takes to make an episode, they couldn't really make much in the way of changes mid-season. The result is a season devoted to establishing who the characters were. After all, making a little episode showing a key point about a character's personality is relatively safe, if people don't like it it's either because they don't like the show as a whole or don't like the character. They don't have to worry about people disliking the show/episode because of [x].

This is what we're seeing in Season 2. They're experimenting more with what they can put in an episode. They've seen how popular the show is and now have a better idea of what they can get away with. You'll notice most of the complaints about any episode tends to end up being about an item that shouldn't be there (the dam), a topic that people don't like seeing (Putting Your Hoof Down), or them just having more fun with certain sequences (superpower baby scene). My personal gripe with it right now is almost entirely that Fluttershy is more animated and louder than she was in Season 1. Otherwise what I'm trying to say is that people don't complain about the characters themselves unless they're acting out of character, and the characters were all there really was in Season 1. They're still here in Season 2, but there's been more layers added on top of that. The show has changed, but it's more of a natural evolution thing. Some things have gotten worse, some have gotten better (so many songs). I don't find this season to be bad at all, just different. The real question is where are they going to go from here? Will they continue to add more layers and experiment more, or will they take what they've learned from Season 2 and bring it more in line with Season 1? If they took the best parts of both seasons then Season 3 could be truly amazing.

EDIT: Another complaint most people seem to have is with the pacing of the episodes. I'm marking that down as further support of them simply adding more to the episodes.

Also I'm totally not blaming any of these changes on Lauren leaving. I know her leaving has had an effect on the show, it's impossible for it not to have, but it's extremely rare that any show can go two seasons in a row without having the show change direction in some way. We're just seeing the natural evolution of a show. Happens all the time.



I think you're right about the CMC. In season one they were just "The CMC" and more or less interchangeable, but now they've given Applebloom and Sweetie Belle a lot of independent characterization without really disrupting the dynamic when the three are together. Actually, I'd say one of the things I appreciate most about season two is their willingness to develop/focus on a secondary cast.

As for season two as a whole I think it's had at least as much good stuff as the first season. If "ponythread is really down on the last episode" means a lot of posters saying "eh, it was OK, but had a few problems" then maybe we're all just spoiled. Considering I loved the six episodes before this one I'm totally fine with a single episode that didn't blow me away


[color="#660066"]Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png



This happened... and then 10 minutes later they channeled the elements of harmony and that restored them totally to normal so EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY FINE.

[Aotrs Commander]

I guess since I don't know which wargames company you're talking about, there's also the possibility that they 3D print their master figure, and then make a mold out of that for extrusion as opposed to 3D printing every individual piece.


No, it's definately printed on the same machine as Shapeways use for their WSF; I've seen the models on sale at wargames conventions. One of my oppos bought one, just so we could have a gander and see whether it was better than mine. (They reckoned they had a few more rivits, but the detail of mine was sharper...) It was them that enabled me to track down 3T in the first place, and 3T even advertise it on their website.

Link to Minifig's appropriate section. (http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Catalogue.aspx?ScaleID=10&CategoryID=37&SubCategoryID=216)

[MCerberus]

I think someone made another drawing of The Pink One
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/2e6c4d1604f0f027902ebdd372e8c95b/143927%20-%20gummy%20pinkie_pie%20tagme%20what.jpg

[erikun]

Question: Is Woona a crazy fan personality or an entirely different pony at this point?
Woona is just young Luna, and so outside some fanfiction like My Little Alicorn there isn't anything contradictory. The scared, timid, technoincompetent Luna from something like Progress might be considered a completely different pony than ROYAL CANTERLOT Luna at this point, but young Woona is still as valid (or at least possible) now as ever.

Although I guess you could consider just about every well-defined, distinct fan personality as seperate from the original character.


On your point regarding Angel. New-ep (possibly mature topic overanalysis?):

It's not meant to be funny. At least that's what I'm starting to think after musing on that ep for a while. I mean are you aware the background of the slogan "No means No"? It's basically a catchcry for anti-violence/rape movements.

Stick that together with how Flutters is treated this whole episode, and it becomes more and more like a whole episode devoted to tackling the topic of domestic abuse or taking advantage of women and the consequences of that. (In this case, Flutters ended up thinking that abuse to be the norm and taking it to the outside world, in this case Pinkie and Rarity.)

Rarity and Pinkie try to blame Iron Will for it, but Flutters correctly identifies that it's not his fault, it's hers. (Not to say this is true in 100% of the above cases, of course, but I think it was in this one. IW is just a self-help seminar guy doing his job) Kudos to the writers for that.

In fact, the more I think on it, the more I can't help seeing this as a very difficult topic that the writers have decided to put into a kids show. And despite my issues with the pacing I cannot fault them for having the guts to do that and recognise the need for subtlety in that regard.
Season 2 Episode 19 (Putting Your Hoof Down)
possibly mature, overanalysis, off-topic
I've been thinking about this since the topic was brought up here, and I think the episode does a poor job of highlighting domestic violence, if that was the point. The problem is that Equestria is just too nice. If we're talking about Iron Hoof as the abusive one, then the problem is that he's just too nice and not really coercing Fluttershy into doing anything. If we're talking about Angel, then the problem is that it just doesn't portray an actual relationship, beyond someone and their pet. And if we're talking about Fluttershy herself... well, I don't know what to think.

The problem is that I can see how the story message related to anti-violence messages because I already know what the anti-violence message is, and can see the similarities. However, if I just had this episode to go off of, I'm not sure I would tie Fluttershy's position to somebody being abused by a specific person, nor the lesson learned to a way to deal with it.

I think the episode is better as pointing out how to handle yourself without getting walked on by others, both the good way and the bad way of going about it. Oh, and Iron Hoof being the best "antagonist" we've had yet. :smalltongue:

[Kyouhen]

...cool theory, but too dark to headcanon. ._.




... Go Go Gadget Selective Memory!


Ack! So do not want! :smallyuk:

The most horrible interpretation of the show I've seen. Even worse than that that comic where the whole show is just the fantasy of an autistic Pinkie Pie. :smallfrown:


Creepy...




This happened... and then 10 minutes later they channeled the elements of harmony and that restored them totally to normal so EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY FINE.

I don't remember most of the previous ones, but I'm just going to go ahead and count this as one of the most successful New Thread Dark Thought things. We were doing that still weren't we? I know it was a thing for a while there. :smalltongue:

[OracleofWuffing]

The new one the tank-sized version (in 25mm scale it's about 100mm tall). For comparison, even a Workshop Space Marine would only come up to the bottom of the body. It's probably not far off the size of two Tau crisis suits (or whatever they're called, I just use the models) stood back to back.) The Secret Project model's fine in 144 size, being about the same price as the 144 tanks (plus 50% because it's got the turret-mode as well); but in 25mm scale, it's just too volumetrically big (it's about 46 cm3).
Um... Okay, I don't play Warhammer, but I think the gist of that is that it's height is four times the size I was expecting. In which case, yeah, then the pricing makes sense. When you square the dimensions, you cube the volume or something, yeah. Doesn't look like the model would mold well, either... So I'm out of ideas. (That model of mine I linked to? Its bounding box is 30x27x25cm. Go ahead and take a guess how much it costs.)


I suspect they were either Iron Will tolieting, or their economies of scale only start to cut in in thousands of pounds range.
*Googles* Ah, looks like they pride themselves on being Industry applicable. Sounds like most of their customers do order in thousands, and every "Five tanks please" order that they print means that they can't fulfill those thousand-piece orders for that half-day. When I check on RPG Manufacturing's Ordering (http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Ordering.aspx) information (I... Think I'm on the right page? We're cross-ninja-ing each other here) it sounds like they actually do mold and cast their 3D prints, which, yeah, after the initial investment, makes it real cheap to make lots of figures.

[darthbobcat]

Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png



Oh man. Oh man.

Soooooo tempted to accept that as fanon.

[Pokonic]

This pick sums up my stance of the whole "Discord's plan kinda worked" deal.
http://www.deviantart.com/download/263397625/i_am_still_here_by_maxtaka-d4ctiwp.jpg

You see, why are you guys saying Discord ever left? Seems to me that there is plenty of chaos around, ehh?

[Aotrs Commander]

Um... Okay, I don't play Warhammer, but I think the gist of that is that it's height is four times the size I was expecting. In which case, yeah, then the pricing makes sense. When you square the dimensions, you cube the volume or something, yeah. Doesn't look like the model would mold well, either... So I'm out of ideas. (That model of mine I linked to? Its bounding box is 30x27x25cm. Go ahead and take a guess how much it costs.)

This experimentation with 144 and 72 models has lead me to find that Shapeways that, due to the fact I scale the wall thickness to be th same absolute value (1.5mm) that the effective volume is something around five times that of something half the size, as opposed to eight; but yes, it's quite a larger model comparitively!

I would hate to imagine. Heading into the thousands of dollars, perhaps?


*Googles* Ah, looks like they pride themselves on being Industry applicable. Sounds like most of their customers do order in thousands, and every "Five tanks please" order that they print means that they can't fulfill those thousand-piece orders for that half-day. When I check on RPG Manufacturing's Ordering (http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Ordering.aspx) information (I... Think I'm on the right page?) it sounds like they actually do mold and cast their 3D prints, which, yeah, after the initial investment, makes it real cheap to make lots of figures.

Minifigs, the parent company, does sell a lot of traditional metal casting, which is where they made their name (and presumably scraped up the capital). RPG Manufacturing is just a new branch that sells the WSF tanks (and I can assure you that those are definately WSF prints, having seen them on sale in person.)


This pick sums up my stance of the whole "Discord's plan kinda worked" deal.

[deadlink image]

Actually, I thought at first the dead link was symbolic of something. What I dunno, that's more Thanqol's line...

[Gamerlord]

Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png


...This makes an alarming amount of sense.

[OracleofWuffing]

I would hate to imagine. Heading into the thousands of dollars, perhaps?
Well, around $300, actually, but I'm going to see if I can get that down to $275 or something. I wouldn't normally consider getting one printed, but I need something for the next art show, and it's not like I have anything else to spend my tax refu- wait, no, we stopped talking about those last topic.


Minifigs, the parent company, does sell a lot of traditional metal casting, which is where they made their name (and presumably scraped up the capital). RPG Manufacturing is just a new branch that sells the WSF tanks (and I can assure you that those are definately WSF prints, having seen them on sale in person.)
Gaaaah why do companies and economies need to be soo hard to understand! :smalltongue:

[Kyouhen]

Oh man. Oh man.

Soooooo tempted to accept that as fanon.

Inorite? Dark as all nine hells, but it's an amusing little idea to entertain. And I swear if they actually decide to end the season/series this way Studio B deserves awards for how much guts it would take to pull a stunt like that in a kid's show.

[darthbobcat]

Inorite? Dark as all nine hells, but it's an amusing little idea to entertain. And I swear if they actually decide to end the season/series this way Studio B deserves awards for how much guts it would take to pull a stunt like that in a kid's show.

As someone who no longer identifies as a brony, this is VERY tempting to latch onto.

[Thanqol]

Actually, I thought at first the dead link was symbolic of something. What I dunno, that's more Thanqol's line...

It refers to the anxiety held by the citizens of 21st century United States of the ability of their technology to solve practical problems, the worry that we are soon to 'peak' and problems face us to which there are no answers. A failure to illustrate Discord through the medium of a broken, failed link shows that the internet cannot appropriately capture the extent of the chaos that threatens the world and it, at best, is a limited distraction from the true problems of the world.

It's a metaphor for how even speculation on the success of Discord's plan is evidence of the success of Discord's plan and is a challenge to the first world public, a subversion of modern techno-utopian fantasies by using the medium of failed technology.


I just got out of an English lecture, can you tell?

[darthbobcat]

It refers to the anxiety held by the citizens of 21st century United States of the ability of their technology to solve practical problems, the worry that we are soon to 'peak' and problems face us to which there are no answers. A failure to illustrate Discord through the medium of a broken, failed link shows that the internet cannot appropriately capture the extent of the chaos that threatens the world and it, at best, is a limited distraction from the true problems of the world.

It's a metaphor for how even speculation on the success of Discord's plan is evidence of the success of Discord's plan and is a challenge to the first world public, a subversion of modern techno-utopian fantasies by using the medium of failed technology.


I just got out of an English lecture, can you tell?

Amazing how you were able to rattle off analysis without a lot of deep thought! Spoken like a true English major!

[Thanqol]

Amazing how you were able to rattle off analysis without a lot of deep thought! Spoken like a true English major!

I try to use my power for good. Which means not using it at all.


Also, Pony Presidential Elections (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/discussion-pony-presidential-elections.html)! I voted Rainbow Dash because "Don't you just want to see what would happen?"

It's like the mystery bag of policy. Maybe she'll add herself to Mt. Rushmore. Maybe she'll invade Canada. Maybe she'll declare herself Princess. Anything could happen and, if we're going to go down anyway, shouldn't we go down with a bang?

[darthbobcat]

Why am I completely unsurprised that Twilight Sparkle is winning by leaps and bounds? Stupid popularity contest, no concept of what happens if she has a Lesson Zero freakout near The Button.

There there, AJ. You're the best pony. And you have a sound financial policy.

Huh. She's actually in second place. Either everyone at Equestria Daily has warmed up to her, or they know leadership when they see it.

[MCerberus]

Pinkie will win. You need to know your enemy before you can beat them, so she gets it by default.

[Zevox]

Also, Pony Presidential Elections (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/discussion-pony-presidential-elections.html)! I voted Rainbow Dash because "Don't you just want to see what would happen?"

It's like the mystery bag of policy. Maybe she'll add herself to Mt. Rushmore. Maybe she'll invade Canada. Maybe she'll declare herself Princess. Anything could happen and, if we're going to go down anyway, shouldn't we go down with a bang?
Heh, neat. I voted Twilight though, because I wanted to be practical - go with the one who might actually have the potential to do a decent job. Also, for Science!

Also, I'm pretty sure Rarity is the most likely one to declare herself Princess, not Dash. :smalltongue:

Zevox

[Eakin]

I try to use my power for good. Which means not using it at all.


Also, Pony Presidential Elections (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/discussion-pony-presidential-elections.html)! I voted Rainbow Dash because "Don't you just want to see what would happen?"

It's like the mystery bag of policy. Maybe she'll add herself to Mt. Rushmore. Maybe she'll invade Canada. Maybe she'll declare herself Princess. Anything could happen and, if we're going to go down anyway, shouldn't we go down with a bang?

Twilight/Pinkie Pie 2012! Let Twilight make all the decisions, leaving Pinkie to throw parties for the administration's supporters, and persuade congressponies to vote for the administration's policies.

Nopony knows more about party politics than the party pony

[darthbobcat]

... wait, people actually think Twilight would be a good president? Sure, she's organized, but she loses her manure for silly reasons all the time. She'd be a better cabinet member; let her be a chief adviser.

[Thanqol]

Why am I completely unsurprised that Twilight Sparkle is winning by leaps and bounds? Stupid popularity contest, no concept of what happens if she has a Lesson Zero freakout near The Button.

There there, AJ. You're the best pony. And you have a sound financial policy.

Huh. She's actually in second place. Either everyone at Equestria Daily has warmed up to her, or they know leadership when they see it.

I've actually warmed up a lot to Applejack since writing Yours Truly, and she'd be my non-comedy choice - just for the novelty of an honest politician if nothing else. I don't think Twilight's capable of handling pressure of any kind. You get the genius to crunch the numbers not set the policy.

[MCerberus]

I just realized something: If Pinkie wins she'll set up a strong cabinet to actually do stuff, then be a crazy figurehead that the public goes crazy over while others do the work. President Pie is Zaphod Beeblebrox.

[darthbobcat]

I just realized something: If Pinkie wins she'll set up a strong cabinet to actually do stuff, then be a crazy figurehead that the public goes crazy over while others do the work. President Pie is Zaphod Beeblebrox.

Well, she has six hooves... but where's the second head?

[Thanqol]

I just realized something: If Pinkie wins she'll set up a strong cabinet to actually do stuff, then be a crazy figurehead that the public goes crazy over while others do the work. President Pie is Zaphod Beeblebrox.

She stands a roughly equal chance of setting up a cabinet consisting of a bucket of turnips and a bag of flour.

Heh. I was going to make a Caligula's horse reference but I think the premise pre-empts me.

[MCerberus]

Well, she has six hooves... but where's the second head?

You're right, she works better as the Ford to Twilight's Arthur.


She stands a roughly equal chance of setting up a cabinet consisting of a bucket of turnips and a bag of flour.


Secretary of Defense LeFlour herself is a strong deterrent.

[erikun]

Also, Pony Presidential Elections (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/discussion-pony-presidential-elections.html)! I voted Rainbow Dash because "Don't you just want to see what would happen?"

It's like the mystery bag of policy. Maybe she'll add herself to Mt. Rushmore. Maybe she'll invade Canada. Maybe she'll declare herself Princess. Anything could happen and, if we're going to go down anyway, shouldn't we go down with a bang?

... wait, people actually think Twilight would be a good president? Sure, she's organized, but she loses her manure for silly reasons all the time. She'd be a better cabinet member; let her be a chief adviser.
I'm still a tossup between Twilight and Applejack. You make a convincing point about Twilight under stress, although are most of the others really that much better?

How about a Applejack/Twilight vote?

[RobD]

Soooo....
New Pony tumblr?
New Pony Tumblr. (http://moon-fall.tumblr.com/)

[Eakin]

... wait, people actually think Twilight would be a good president? Sure, she's organized, but she loses her manure for silly reasons all the time. She'd be a better cabinet member; let her be a chief adviser.

Ah, but she only goes crazy when she's afraid of the princess rejecting her. If she outranks the princess, she can't get rejected!


She stands a roughly equal chance of setting up a cabinet consisting of a bucket of turnips and a bag of flour.

I think it's more likely that she takes advice from an actual cabinet. As in that four paneled wooden thing that holds plates and teacups.

Somehow this leads to peace in the Middle East and economic prosperity anyway, because Pinkie Pie

[Zevox]

... wait, people actually think Twilight would be a good president? Sure, she's organized, but she loses her manure for silly reasons all the time. She'd be a better cabinet member; let her be a chief adviser.
Nah, she only cracks when Celestia's involved. She's not very good when she thinks she might do anything to disappoint her teacher. Shouldn't be an issue.

I'd put AJ as my #2 choice though, and think she'd make a good VP or cabinet member/adviser for Twi. I'd just rather have the smart one in charge than the stubborn one with a history of not accepting help.

Zevox

[Kyouhen]

Also, Pony Presidential Elections (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/discussion-pony-presidential-elections.html)! I voted Rainbow Dash because "Don't you just want to see what would happen?"

It's like the mystery bag of policy. Maybe she'll add herself to Mt. Rushmore. Maybe she'll invade Canada. Maybe she'll declare herself Princess. Anything could happen and, if we're going to go down anyway, shouldn't we go down with a bang?

I'd like to see her try. :smallamused:

Personally I'm voting Rarity for president. What? I'm not American, I don't care what ends up happening. It'll be amusing to watch too. :smallamused:

Fluttershy would be my choice for Prime Minister though. Super nice and polite? Able to stare down anyone who thinks they're a serious threat? Hordes of friends ready to defend you should anyone try attacking you? That sounds like the Canada I want and love.

As much fun as it would be to have Pinkie Pie in charge I'm putting her at the very bottom of the list. Twilight snapping would be terrifying, but the media would completely break Pinkie. A pony that wants everyone to be happy wouldn't last long as a national leader.

[MCerberus]

Soooo....
New Pony tumblr?
New Pony Tumblr. (http://moon-fall.tumblr.com/)

Sad Woona... not sure if want.
Wants hugs though.



As much fun as it would be to have Pinkie Pie in charge I'm putting her at the very bottom of the list. Twilight snapping would be terrifying, but the media would completely break Pinkie. A pony that wants everyone to be happy wouldn't last long as a national leader.

Wait you might be on to something. If Pinkie snaps this can only end with 'And he loved Big Sister.'

[Thanqol]

Secretary of Defense LeFlour herself is a strong deterrent.

"Commander, the Russians are parachuting into New York! What are your orders?"
Bag of flour: ...
"Commander!"
*Close up*: ...
"Commander, we're dying here! What do we do? WHAT DO WE DO?"
*Single tear trickles down the bag's face*


I'm still a tossup between Twilight and Applejack. You make a convincing point about Twilight under stress, although are most of the others really that much better?

How about a Applejack/Twilight vote?

I could support Twi as VP.


Ah, but she only goes crazy when she's afraid of the princess rejecting her. If she outranks the princess, she can't get rejected!

Any country with a monarchy will walk over us.

[MCerberus]

"Commander, the Russians are parachuting into New York! What are your orders?"
Bag of flour: ...
"Commander!"
*Close up*: ...
"Commander, we're dying here! What do we do? WHAT DO WE DO?"
*Single tear trickles down the bag's face*


Secretary! What are your orders?!
straighthair!Pinkie nudges her cabinet member
Ve show them! THEY WILL REGRET ZIS DAY! *twitch*
And that's how earth was unmade!

[Dexam]

Hello new Ponythread!

There's so much that I want to reply to, but rather than dig out quotes, I'll put my random "Putting Your Hoof Down" ramblings in here, so spoilers!

First off, overall rating from me is "could have done better". There was good stuff the episode, but there was also quite a few scenes that could have been improved with just the slightest bit of tweaking.

Highlight: Iron Will. Practically every scene with him was awesome, in my opinion. Mr T references? Johnny Bravo-style poses? Using the goats as a mobile platform? The goats themselves - nibbling Pinkie's tail and each other's ties. Seminar held at the center of the hedge maze? I see what you did there! All fantastic.

However, I don't understand what the kerfuffle is over the head-set mic he and the goats were wearing? The pegasus announcer and organiser at the Best Young Fliers competition in 'Sonic Rainboom' were both wearing headset mics, and I don't recall much fuss over that.

Lowlight: Angel Bunny. Okay, I get that the character of Angel Bunny is supposed to be a spoiled brat, but the violence against Fluttershy is going a bit too far. It would have been better portrayed as a childish tantrum, in my opinion.

Highlight: Pinkie Pie. Great cartoon antics from the pink party pony. Someone(s?) commented about the 'Rabbit season / Duck Season' being cliche or having seen it before, so it's not that funny? It gets a pass mark from me because the majority of the target audience wouldn't have seen it before, and for the parents of the target audience it's a nice nostalgia shout-out.

Lowlight: Rarity. It seems to me that the writer of this episode (Merriweather Williams?) just doesn't quite get how the character of Rarity is supposed to work. She's supposed to be a charming, fashion-conscious, social-climbing, details-obsessed pony without resorting to the horrible stereotypes of similar characters. The 'charming the nerdy pony' scene made me cringe. Yes, Rarity using her ponycharm in a confident manner makes sense for the scene, but it would have been so much better if it had been an ordinary stallion or mare rather than that hideous cliche. Writers: watch 'Dog & Pony Show', 'Sisterhooves Social', or even 'Sonic Rainbow' and learn how to write Rarity as she should be.

Mixed: Ponies are jerks. It seems the lesson here was not that Fluttershy needs to be more assertive, but that the residents of Ponyville need to learn some basic manners. Yes, we've seen if before, but it felt a bit like the writer was beating us over the head with it in this episode. I thought that Linky cutting in line at Sugarcube Corner and the teenager 'Valley Girl" fillies were handled well, but the rest? Needs improvement.

Mixed: Fluttershy. Some good bits, some not-so-good bits. It's hard to say what hasn't already been said. What I felt was missing was a scene linking 'Old Fluttershy' to 'New Fluttershy'. In my opinion, a short training montage of Iron Will shouting catch-phrases at Fluttershy, and Fluttershy staring down some goats, all to the background music of 'Eye of the Tiger Minotaur' would have worked nicely and smoothed out the pacing a little. Someone commented on the 'He's not monster, he's a minotaur' joke not being funny? I didn't interpret that as a joke, but as a lead-in to Fluttershy's 'I'm the monster' comment, so that gets a tick from me.

Other random stuff: I'm more convinced than ever that Bon-bon is one of twins or even triplets. In the Ponyville market scenes I'm sure we see Bon-bon shopping, with Lyra, then shopping again, then with Lyra again. There's got to be more than one of them.


In other news, my Derpy Day muffins for the anti-Bronies were well received. I handed out the muffins as soon as I got to the game, and everyone fell on them like ponies on free muffins. I waited until everyone was chowing down to announce "Congratulations! You've all taken part in Brony holiday. Happy (belated) Derpy Day everypony!". I got a few joking comments along the lines of getting infected and asking if it was too late to give them back, but it was all in good humour. The DM applauded me and agreed that it was well trolled (he's a fence-sitter when it comes to ponies... I'll convert him yet :smallbiggrin:). As our party of adventurers were fighting aberrations from beyond the stars (a Mind Flayer and later a Beholder), I pulled out a Dr Whooves pocket pony cut-out to serve as our mascot for the game, which the DM thought was rather amusing.

All in all, a pretty good Derpy Day - though I did later learn that some of the Perth bronies were handing out free muffins in the city centre that day. I wish I'd known in advance, so I could have met some of them. I'll make it to a meet-up one of these days.

[darthbobcat]

Oh no? What happens when Twilight wants to make a decision Celestia wouldn't approve of.

Hm. Celestia always had a 14.3% capital gains tax... but I need to fund our schools... dare I do a 14.4% tax? If I make this massive change and I stifle investment, the whole economy will suffer, and Celestia will demote me from President to janitor! Oh no, oh no, gotta do something to distract her from this. QUICK! ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS! YOU NEED TO REBUILD EQUESTRIA A HUNDRED MILES THAT WAY! WE HAVE LESS THAN A MINUTE!

And that's how Twilight Sparkle caused a war with Griffondonia, when she sent in an army with express orders to extend the borders of Equestria 100 miles.

Because after all, as Prime Minster of Equestria, she rules at the whim of the princess.

[Zevox]

Oh no? What happens when Twilight wants to make a decision Celestia wouldn't approve of.
Nothing, because once she has a job like that, Celestia's no longer her teacher. No need to worry about getting punished when, as Eakin pointed, she outranks the Princess. :smallwink:

Besides, you could just as easily construct equally-or-more plausible scenarios where AJ's stubbornness and unwillingness to accept that she can't do everything herself leads to catastrophe.

Zevox

[darthbobcat]

Nothing, because once she has a job like that, Celestia's no longer her teacher. No need to worry about getting punished when, as Eakin pointed, she outranks the Princess. :smallwink:

Besides, you could just as easily construct equally-or-more plausible scenarios where AJ's stubbornness and unwillingness to accept that she can't do everything herself leads to catastrophe.

Zevox

Okay fine. Be reasonable.

I'll just lay it out. I don't want Twilight and she's no president of mine. I'm moving to Griffondonia until the party I like gets back into power. All like minded people can join me.

[Thanqol]

Nothing, because once she has a job like that, Celestia's no longer her teacher. No need to worry about getting punished when, as Eakin pointed, she outranks the Princess. :smallwink:

Besides, you could just as easily construct equally-or-more plausible scenarios where AJ's stubbornness and unwillingness to accept that she can't do everything herself leads to catastrophe.

Zevox

Which is why I voted for Rainbow Dash. Because that way we can accept that catastrophe is going to happen and prepare accordingly/take bets on which one. The others may or may not cause disaster, Rainbow definitely will and, moreover, it'll definitely be awesome.

Rainbow Dash: The Most Reliable Candidate

[darthbobcat]

Which is why I voted for Rainbow Dash. Because that way we can accept that catastrophe is going to happen and prepare accordingly/take bets on which one. The others may or may not cause disaster, Rainbow definitely will and, moreover, it'll definitely be awesome.

Rainbow Dash: The Most Reliable Candidate

I suspect the worst she'd do is sleep all day and let paperwork pile up.

[Mewtarthio]

Twilight is by far the best-educated, but... well, there is the whole "Her response to stress is to cast horrible forbidden black magic to control the minds and bodies of those around her" issue. That's not just a Princess thing, by the way: She did the same thing in "Green Isn't Your Color," though she did a much better job of looking calm*. The Presidency's a stressful job, and she just can't handle the stress. Besides, she's terrible at dealing with people. No way would she get a single bill through Congress, to say nothing of foreign relations. She goes into the cabinet.

*It's possible I'm misinterpreting her actions there. It's possible she honestly thought that was a good idea--which it was, in the sociopathic, emotionless literal genie sense, I suppose. It's also possible she is secretly a closet sadist, seizing an opportunity to do unspeakable things with Fluttershy while being able to avoid all negative repercussions. I'm just giving her the benefit of the doubt here.

I'm going with Applejack, personally. Her one major flaw is that she refuses to back down, and that's going to be a major advantage when she comes up for re-election.

In case you're wondering about the others: Rarity would dump all her duties on the VP and spend her term living like puppet royalty, Rainbow Dash would decide to fix everything by kicking foreign heads of state and uppity Senators in the face, Fluttershy would be too terrified to take the Oath of Office, and Pinkie Pie would plunge the nation into a permanent Depression by declaring every day a national holiday.

[MCerberus]

Twilight WOULD work, however, if she were to go with her instincts and set up a Wilson administration. First among equals with the cabinet, she seems to be good at attracting oddly specific talent, after all.

For different Scenarios:

Parliamentary system: Fluttershy. Usually out of the way and with the group but when stuff needs to get done, THE STARE gets activated and stuff gets done.

Strong-executive power presidency: Applejack with VP Pie. Steady behind the helm with a wacky public figure behind her. Plus Pinkie has some remarkable insight that she can work with if she needs to take over.

Weak-executive power presidency: Twilight with VP Rarity. An organized taskmaster setting up what she can while having checks against her whims. Rarity in this case you must realize that she's worldly and adaptable to more social situations than one might expect. She'd be an excellent diplomatic asset in the administration if you keep her away from the treasury.

[Eakin]

Twilight is by far the best-educated, but... well, there is the whole "Her response to stress is to cast horrible forbidden black magic to control the minds and bodies of those around her" issue.

In B4 cheap shot at the Bush administration and the Patriot act!


Pinkie Pie would plunge the nation into a permanent Depression by declaring every day a national holiday.

Irony! not really, but the cheap Alanis Morriset type at least


Which is why I voted for Rainbow Dash. Because that way we can accept that catastrophe is going to happen and prepare accordingly/take bets on which one. The others may or may not cause disaster, Rainbow definitely will and, moreover, it'll definitely be awesome.

Rainbow Dash: The Most Reliable Candidate

So she starts some kind of international incident, her approval rating drops to 20%, and she's defeated in 2016 by President Fluttershy who hands over Equestrian sovereignty to the first world power to request it with "pretty please with sugar on top?"

EDIT:

Twilight WOULD work, however, if she were to go with her instincts and set up a Wilson administration. First among equals with the cabinet, she seems to be good at attracting oddly specific talent, after all.

I actually see her as an awesome crisis-era president, putting together a ragtag group of misfits team that somehow functions way better than it has any right to, a la Lincoln.

Sure, she'd get bogged down in the swampy, divisive domestic policy issues. But the girl's a born leader when the horse apples hit the fan. And she'd organize the labyrinthine government bureaucracy in two shakes of her tail.

[MCerberus]

And she'd organize the labyrinthine government bureaucracy in two shakes of her tail. After a touching musical number

Had to add in a little something because we're losing track of real pony-politics here.

[thubby]

rarity has the force of personality and general levelheadedness to influence the upper class movers and shakers of equestria, and can handle herself in a crisis.

my concern with AJ is that she lacks a good understanding of the forces at work outside her farm.

and twilight, as mentioned, tends to crack under certain kinds of pressure.

edit: also, rarity's musical numbers are awesome.

[the_druid_droid]

*A wild Droid has appeared!*

*battle music*

Anyway, I'm back again...sorry I've been so fuzzy on Ponythread lately...


Oh fie, thy aren't all that bad! Maybe no redeeming features sure, but some of the Gentry lack damning features too!


Show me one.

...Actually don't, last time I crossed paths with one of the Others, it didn't go so well...


I don't remember most of the previous ones, but I'm just going to go ahead and count this as one of the most successful New Thread Dark Thought things. We were doing that still weren't we? I know it was a thing for a while there. :smalltongue:

Darkest Post! Darkest Post!


... wait, people actually think Twilight would be a good president? Sure, she's organized, but she loses her manure for silly reasons all the time. She'd be a better cabinet member; let her be a chief adviser.

Hey, I didn't completely miss Bobcat! Alright!

*waves*

Hiya Bobcat! We should watch some more synchtube sometime!


I'd like to see her try. :smallamused:

Personally I'm voting Rarity for president. What? I'm not American, I don't care what ends up happening. It'll be amusing to watch too. :smallamused:


At the very least, I could see Rarity having a persuasive campaign. She's keen on gaining some sort of status or political power, as we know, and she's got the sense of image and social graces to be a dangerous player in the political game. I'll agree with other posters though that she has some lessons to learn before I'd actually want her in office...

[SiuiS]

Yeah. Waaaay too dark. Especially since it's just to explain a couple of slightly off episodes. Yuck. :smallyuk:

Zevox

Luckily, it didn't happen. Twilight held them down and read reports to them, jogging their memory. No magic involved.


This pick sums up my stance of the whole "Discord's plan kinda worked" deal.
http://www.deviantart.com/download/263397625/i_am_still_here_by_maxtaka-d4ctiwp.jpg

You see, why are you guys saying Discord ever left? Seems to me that there is plenty of chaos around, ehh?

Chaos is not Discord, if Discord is understood to be a discrete creature with a specific name.

Celestia would also be a better candidate for Discord harboring. The threat of Discord returning have us a god figure who was the closest to swearing outright of anyone in the show so far.

... I'll admit, it would have been neat to hear Celestia say something like "I will %*$!ing kill you" though.


I try to use my power for good. Which means not using it at all.


Also, Pony Presidential Elections (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/discussion-pony-presidential-elections.html)! I voted Rainbow Dash because "Don't you just want to see what would happen?"

It's like the mystery bag of policy. Maybe she'll add herself to Mt. Rushmore. Maybe she'll invade Canada. Maybe she'll declare herself Princess. Anything could happen and, if we're going to go down anyway, shouldn't we go down with a bang?

Oh yeah, easy for you to say. It's not your country you're signing away.

Applejack is the best candidate, period.
So I am naturally voting for Rainbow Dash. She is our country's nuclear attack policy. "I'll get rid of all of my nukes if you get rid of all of yours."

-Two years later-

Rusia is getting Malky, *Rainboom* problem solved.


... wait, people actually think Twilight would be a good president? Sure, she's organized, but she loses her manure for silly reasons all the time. She'd be a better cabinet member; let her be a chief adviser.

Yeah, Twilight is terrible with any group of ponies bigger than five.


Okay fine. Be reasonable.

I'll just lay it out. I don't want Twilight and she's no president of mine. I'm moving to Griffondonia until the party I like gets back into power. All like minded people can join me.

hm. Griffons are pretty cute... Sure.

Unless RD makes it to power, because ex-girlfriend plus rain-nuke

[Eakin]

And she'd organize the labyrinthine government bureaucracy in two shakes of her tail. After a touching musical number

Had to add in a little something because we're losing track of real pony-politics here.

I'd watch that on C-SPAN!

Rarity would be a great behind-the-scenes power broker type, but Celestia help us all if she ever gets access to the treasury.

The important thing is: Somepony needs to whip up some campaign ads, STAT!

[darthbobcat]

RAINBOW DASH.

She SAYS she cares about the common pony... but DOES SHE?

She has an enormous castle in the sky!

He has the best health insurance available!

And she can sleep around all day without doing an honest day's work.

Yes, vote for Rainbow Dash... OR, if you want somepony with the common touch, vote for Fluttershy.

"M-my name's Fluttershy, a-and Slinger Mudd says I should approve this message, but it seems awfully mean and..." (CUT OFF)

Supported by SQUEAK, The Pro-Fluttershy Super-PAC

[Dexam]

I'm throwing my support behind Rarity for Pres, but only if Applejack runs as her VP. Rarity is hard working, has an eye for the fine details, is an excellent foreign relations diplomat, has had past experience dealing with the nobility (which apparently are the powerbase of Equestria), and as the owner of successful small business must have a certain amount of knowledge of the market economy. Also, she would have the best, most incredibly hammy, Presidential press conferences ever. (Well, maybe second best behind Princess Luna).

Applejack as her VP running partner will help remind her that every now and then she needs to get her hooves dirty to get the job done right.

Vote Rarity for a fabulous Equestria, darlings! http://i.imgur.com/l00rv.png

[Eakin]

APPLEJACK:

She says she's the loyalist and most dependable of ponies, but can she be trusted?

50 ponies hospitalized by the "baked bads" incident.

Opposed Equestria's public education system, and thinks they shouldn't be corrupting young foals with fancy mathematics.

Opposes health care reform, saying that the elderly should pay for needed hip replacements out of their own pockets!

Remember ponies: An apple a day... drives our future away.

*Paid for by Fashion Ponies for a More Glamorous Tomorrow*

[darthbobcat]

Rarity- she's a hard working businesspony with a good heart...

OR IS SHE?

Nerdy Pony: She came on to me... (cut) and before I knew what had happened, my asparagus was gone!

Diamond Dog: Stole diamonds from us! All of them!

Dragon: She got one look at my hoard and tried to make off with the whole thing.

Remember, Equestria. This November, choose a Pony... with an HONEST heart.

"Mah Name's Applejack, and everything in this ad is factually accurate, even if it is a bit out of context... ah hush, ah'm doin' that full disclosure stuff ah promised!"

[MCerberus]

Rarity says that she will make the entire country fabulous, but did you know that cookies coated in white chocolate are really yummy?

I mean really really yummy.
I mean imagine if you put a chimmy-cherry-changa between two of those.
That would be our new national food.

Also Pinkie can predict major trends politically and economically with 100% accuracy and can bend reality.



This message brought to you by Pinkie Pie PAC for Pony Politics, Parties, and Other Stuff.

[darthbobcat]

Rarity says that she will make the entire country fabulous, but did you know that cookies coated in white chocolate are really yummy?

I mean really really yummy.
I mean imagine if you put a chimmy-cherry-changa between two of those.
That would be our new national food.

Also Pinkie can predict major trends politically and economically with 100% accuracy and can bend reality.



This message brought to you by Pinkie Pie PAC for Pony Politics, Parties, and Other Stuff.

Which leads to a series of ads from "Nutritionists and Diabetics against Pinkie Pie."

[Eakin]

Pinkie Pie: First she says Chimmy Cherries, then she says Cherry Changas. what does she really believe in? Can we trust this flip flopper?

"You sure can! What are we talking about?"

"Pinkie? How'd you get in here? We're trying to record a commercial!"

"I dunno! I wasn't here, and then I was like 'you know what sounds like a fun place to hang out? Here!' So now I am here!"

"Well, we're doing an ad for the party primary right now so if you could just-"

"Ooooh, a party primary? Who's throwing it? Can I throw the party secondary? That's like an after party, right? I'm really good at throwing after parties! In fact, all my parties are after parties since they were after my first party. Have I ever told you about that? Well I was growing up on this rock farm..."

Paid for by... well, probably nopony. Wow, we are all so fired

[MCerberus]

Which leads to a series of ads from "Nutritionists and Diabetics against Pinkie Pie."

I'd imagine Pinkie would have sugar-free recipes for EVERYTHING as a matter of sharing and caring. As for the former, just have a montage of her active lifestyle with a lot of laughing youngsters. Combine with the above invasion of other adds...

Pinkie is an unstoppable campaigner.

[darthbobcat]

Twilight Sparkle loses votes for refusing to buy short ads in print or TV. She mails out "electionpedias," thousand page books with long, rambling arguments about why she should be president.

[Eakin]

Pinkie is an unstoppable campaigner.

Attends rallies in all 50 states... simultaneously

Pranks other candidates at joint photo ops.

Unbeatable in debates thanks to her impregnable "I know you are, but what am I?" defense. Or by getting her opponents to agree to indefensible positions using the "Rabbit season/duck season" gambit.

The others should just give up now and spare themselves the humiliation.


Twilight Sparkle loses votes for refusing to buy short ads in print or TV. She mails out "electionpedias," thousand page books with long, rambling arguments about why she should be president.

Plus her sound bites are all 45 minutes long and incredibly technical. Although this means her opponents can never get a damaging quote to take out of context since nopony understands what she's saying in the first place

[darthbobcat]

Attends rallies in all 50 states... simultaneously

Pranks other candidates at joint photo ops.

Unbeatable in debates thanks to her impregnable "I know you are, but what am I?" defense. Or by getting her opponents to agree to indefensible positions using the "Rabbit season/duck season" gambit.

The others should just give up now and spare themselves the humiliation.

Until Pinkie's campaign is derailed by a statement that she just "likes to be able to fire ponies," which Rainbow Dash's campaign successfully takes out of its context, "out of the party cannon into piles of cake and ice cream!"

Y'know, at this rate, it's going to turn into the Republican race, where the candidates hurt each other more than help themselves. Which will lead to a dark horse candidate swooping in to claim the race.

Derpy: I'm not a dark horse. I'm more of a light grey.

[Eakin]

Until Pinkie's campaign is derailed by a statement that she just "likes to be able to fire ponies," which Rainbow Dash's campaign successfully takes out of its context, "out of the party cannon into piles of cake and ice cream!"

She only makes it worse for herself when she tries to clarify. Remembering her adventure with Fluttershy, Twilight, and the hydra, she accidentally tells everypony that she likes it when other ponies are on fire.



Y'know, at this rate, it's going to turn into the Republican race, where the candidates hurt each other more than help themselves. Which will lead to a dark horse candidate swooping in to claim the race.


Luna/Ron Paul makes a brief surge in the polls until the clip showing that Paul is pro-sending political opponents to the moon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZZlbRufI6w) surfaces and causes their alliance to disintegrate

[Dexam]

Rarity- she's a hard working businesspony with a good heart...

OR IS SHE?

Nerdy Pony: She came on to me... (cut) and before I knew what had happened, my asparagus was gone!
"Exchanged for one bit, out of the kindness of his heart and completely of his own free will. I'm the kind of pony who brings out the generous side of everypony!"


Diamond Dog: Stole diamonds from us! All of them!
"Darling! Those diamonds were merely suitable recompense for my being ponynapped, enslaved, and the extreme physical and mental anguish endured under those conditions! I'm a pony who believes in justice for everypony!"


Dragon: She got one look at my hoard and tried to make off with the whole thing.
"I'm a pony who wants a more equitable distribution of wealth across Equestria. Vote for a pony who believes that your resources can be put to better use than bedding."

*whisperwhisperwhisper*

"Why, darling! Of course gracing my noble self is a far better use for those diamonds!"


Remember, Equestria. This November, choose a Pony... with an HONEST heart.

"Mah Name's Applejack, and everything in this ad is factually accurate, even if it is a bit out of context... ah hush, ah'm doin' that full disclosure stuff ah promised!"

Vote Rarity: the only mud that she slings is the kind that will refresh and rejuvenate your complexion!

[darthbobcat]

Wait, did she actually get that asparagus for money? I was in such misery watching that scene that I looked away for part of it.

Still demonstrates a degree of moral turpitude, manipulating him like that.

[Dexam]

Wait, did she actually get that asparagus for money? I was in such misery watching that scene that I looked away for part of it.

Still demonstrates a degree of moral turpitude, manipulating him like that.

Indeed she did. Rarity levitated the asparagus out of Nerdy pony's saddlebags while levitating Fluttershy's one bit coin onto his nose, while he stood there with a goofy expression on his face.

I agree about the manipulation. In my ramblings about the episode back on the previous page, I mentioned that that was one scene that made me cringe, and with some minor changes could have easily been improved to show Rarity as confident and charming rather than manipulative.

[RobD]

Um...quick technical question for anybody else who runs a pony blog/tumblr page. When answering questions, I'd like the format to look more like this http://askdiscordwhooves.tumblr.com/ and not so much like this: http://moon-fall.tumblr.com/

Is there a certain button I'm not pushing, or is this a case wher I need to grab a screen shot of the question and then paste it into the picture I'm drawing?
Sorry to be a bother, but I'd be grateful for any help.

[Thanqol]

Rainbow Dash would decide to fix everything by kicking foreign heads of state and uppity Senators in the face,

Feature, not a bug.


So she starts some kind of international incident, her approval rating drops to 20%, and she's defeated in 2016 by President Fluttershy who hands over Equestrian sovereignty to the first world power to request it with "pretty please with sugar on top?"

International incidents have historically been good for approval ratings.


RAINBOW DASH.

She SAYS she cares about the common pony... but DOES SHE?

She has an enormous castle in the sky!

He has the best health insurance available!

And she can sleep around all day without doing an honest day's work.

Yes, vote for Rainbow Dash... OR, if you want somepony with the common touch, vote for Fluttershy.

"M-my name's Fluttershy, a-and Slinger Mudd says I should approve this message, but it seems awfully mean and..." (CUT OFF)

Supported by SQUEAK, The Pro-Fluttershy Super-PAC

"Rainbow Dash works hard and she plays hard. Fluttershy takes ten hours to clean a cloudy sky; Rainbow Dash can do it in ten seconds flat.

Rainbow Dash has always maintained that she is by far the most capable candidate. If this means she has the talent to do all her work in a matter of minutes and has spare time to nap, create works of art, or work a second job to pay for her health insurance then that just proves how capable she is. If you want a candidate who can handle the most important job in the country, vote Rainbow Dash."

[darthbobcat]

However, in the end, there could only one winner.

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1771321692/avatar_reasonably_small.png

Voting for anyone but me is naughty and you shouldn't do it.

Those eyes won her the election with a 118% of the vote.

[RdMarquis]

However, in the end, there could only one winner.

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1771321692/avatar_reasonably_small.png

Voting for anyone but me is naughty and you shouldn't do it.

Those eyes won her the election with a 118% of the vote.

Ironically, at least one of the other candidates made a campaign promise to outlaw the practice of cuteing your way to office.

[Aotrs Commander]

It refers to the anxiety held by the citizens of 21st century United States of the ability of their technology to solve practical problems, the worry that we are soon to 'peak' and problems face us to which there are no answers. A failure to illustrate Discord through the medium of a broken, failed link shows that the internet cannot appropriately capture the extent of the chaos that threatens the world and it, at best, is a limited distraction from the true problems of the world.

It's a metaphor for how even speculation on the success of Discord's plan is evidence of the success of Discord's plan and is a challenge to the first world public, a subversion of modern techno-utopian fantasies by using the medium of failed technology.


I just got out of an English lecture, can you tell?

Yeah, that's what I thought, anxity of the internet or whatever Thanqol said. Totally. Yeah.


Personally I'm voting Rarity for president. What? I'm not American, I don't care what ends up happening. It'll be amusing to watch too. :smallamused:

You know what; I wasn't even going to care, either, but then you said that and I suddely thought, what the hey!

So I'm voting for Derpy.

And she's going to win.

[Dexam]

WOONA FOR PRESIDENT!

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/065/b/9/woona_disapproves__but_still_loves_you_by_shadawg-d4rzdmt.jpg

... Cuteness Overload! x_x

[Gamerlord]

I'd probably pick Twilight with 'Jack as her VP, or vice versa. That, or Rainbow Dash with Rarity as the VP, purely to see how long until the country implodes.

[Tiki Snakes]

Twilight is the perfect VP. Great at organising stuff, incredibly knowledgable, and offering advice when things get tough.

But I'd always pair her with another Pony as President. Preferably Applejack, who has the right kind of mix of grit, determination and down to earth genuine-ness. I figure she has the right kind of mental strength to handle the childish and frustratingly confrontational world of international politics (at least, with a good team headed by Twilight Sparkle behind her to handle the fancy mathmatics).

Rarity would make for a very different type of leader, but I think she'd be my second choice. She can be a bit easily distracted perhaps, but she's very strongly principled and should be able to handle herself quite well on the diplomacy front, both in debates and international conferences.

(Also, let's keep the Real World analogies out of it. This is about brightly coloured Ponies running to be the first President of Equestria. Nothing else. )

Question is, how and why has Equestria moved to a presidential model? The returned Luna pushing for constitutional reform perhaps?

[DigoDragon]

My personal gripe with it right now is almost entirely that Fluttershy is more animated and louder than she was in Season 1.

I assume that characters are developing as the timeline continues on. Fluttershy becomes more assertive, Twilight becomes more extroverted, Pinkie Pie becomes more responsible, etc. I love to see characters develop and change over time, but even then we see them occasionally backpeddle a bit with their vices.
And that seems pretty "human" to me. :smallsmile:

New Ep Thought:
I grew up on the old Bugs Bunny cartoons of the 70s and 80s, so watching Pinkie Pie retell the classic "Duck Season/Wabbit Season" skit was a hoot from the past.
Also, Iron Will's best part in my opinion was his posing/posturing. I found it really fun and the timing is good.

[Forum Explorer]

Well one Megapost by SiuS and 4 pages later and I've caught up. Seriously thanks SiuS. Those megaposts can be a godsend if you've fallen behind and don't want to skip everything.

Now New episode
I liked it but thought it was weak in some places. Mainly because it was full of awkward and hurtful moments. I wish Applejack and Twilight/Rainbow Dash were there to show Fluttershy actual assertiveness rather then manipulation. Also Pinkie was laughing with you not at you, silly filly. Her whole acting normally afterwards is kinda telling in that Fluttershy really doesn't understand assertiveness still.

Fluttershy yelling at Pinkie and Rarity was actually very very sad. Though I do like how she immediately realizes she's crossed the line. Now she should have gone and apologized. Afterwards the meet up with Iron Will and Rarity and Pinkie try and manipulate him and fail as before, Fluttershy stands up to him as before with the same results. As is I like to think that if Fluttershy hadn't boarded up her house Rarity and Pinkie would have demanded an apology. As it was they saw that Fluttershy felt sorry and had jumped to another extreme. Dealing with Fluttershy's overreaction had priority over getting an apology.

Iron Will isn't really a bad guy. He is just doing his job and expects fair payment for services rendered. He isn't even tricking his customers. His advice did make Fluttershy more assertive. But then she took it too far.

As for Angel he is a prime example of a spoiled brat. My mother is an elementary teacher and I get stories of that sort of behavior all of the time. I consider Angel in this episode to be a hidden message for parents. Disipline your children, its good for them. (Unless you go overboard, but that's the same for everything. I mean only feeding your children carrots is a bad idea too but I doubt many would argue that children shouldn't eat carrots)

Overall; a weak episode. Its flawed but redeemable without really changing the story at all. Fluttershy jumping to an extreme of being a jerk doesn't seem out of character. Its more of she still didn't understand assertiveness and only overcompensating in trying to be a new pony. She tried to remake herself compleatly and coming off as compleatly different is the logical result. She was trying to not be Fluttershy basically. Still while the message was good it was kinda a hurtful episode and I can see where those who say they felt bad about the episode are coming from.

As for Pony Prime Minister I don't know who to vote for. Spoiler for length

Applejack seems to have trouble keeping her farm afloat and makes bad deals, and then keeps them! She seems like she would destroy the country through sheer stubbornness to uphold her end of the bargain. She also doesn't value education that much from what we can see. On the other hand she would be honest and try to keep every promise she made at her own expense if necessary.

Twilight is organized enough to keep on top of the government confusion and smart enough to understand all of the issues brought up by the scientists in things like Global Warming which would be a refreshing change. She also supports education for everyone which I strongly believe in. However she would feel entirely too obligated to the crown and does poorly in the social circuit.

Pinkie Pie is a disaster. You want something that will end in glorious flames vote for her not Rainbow Dash. Might be worth it though.

Rarity will try and institute a monarchy of a sort. She would do very well manipulating people to her ends but really would be too focused on the politics to set a good policy. Basically what does Rarity want to do when in charge?

Rainbow Dash would actually do a pretty good job. Contrary to common opinion she would take the job very seriously and would do what she would think was best for the country. She would be more assertive on the world stage and wouldn't accept a lot of the bull**** for an answer. She's a radical radical with a plan to change things for the better. She will use every dirty trick to succeed and stand in her way and you will be trampled. This is both the good things and the bad things.

Fluttershy as of this episode would do a good job. She's got the ability to stand up to those who would push her around but wouldn't be confrontational about things. Ok she might do badly in control of a nation like the USA or she could do well by easing a lot of tensions around the world from a position of power. Either way she would do a great job in a nation like Canada. As long as this latest lesson stuck at least. On the other hand she favors environmentalism a little too much, (as in no new resource development at all). Has no economic background and thus policy and I get the feeling she would have trouble with the hard decisions.

Wow I'm talkative today. Must be my Birthday or something. :smallwink:

[Lix Lorn]

Also, Pony Presidential Elections (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/discussion-pony-presidential-elections.html)! I voted Rainbow Dash because "Don't you just want to see what would happen?"

It's like the mystery bag of policy. Maybe she'll add herself to Mt. Rushmore. Maybe she'll invade Canada. Maybe she'll declare herself Princess. Anything could happen and, if we're going to go down anyway, shouldn't we go down with a bang?
Win. xD
But I just have to vote for Pinkie.


Heh. I was going to make a Caligula's horse reference but I think the premise pre-empts me.
Win no. 2


Pinkie Pie: First she says Chimmy Cherries, then she says Cherry Changas. what does she really believe in? Can we trust this flip flopper?

"You sure can! What are we talking about?"

"Pinkie? How'd you get in here? We're trying to record a commercial!"

"I dunno! I wasn't here, and then I was like 'you know what sounds like a fun place to hang out? Here!' So now I am here!"

"Well, we're doing an ad for the party primary right now so if you could just-"

"Ooooh, a party primary? Who's throwing it? Can I throw the party secondary? That's like an after party, right? I'm really good at throwing after parties! In fact, all my parties are after parties since they were after my first party. Have I ever told you about that? Well I was growing up on this rock farm..."

Paid for by... well, probably nopony. Wow, we are all so fired
MORE win!


Derpy: I'm not a dark horse. I'm more of a light grey.
I would have voted for her.


However, in the end, there could only one winner.

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1771321692/avatar_reasonably_small.png

Voting for anyone but me is naughty and you shouldn't do it.

Those eyes won her the election with a 118% of the vote.
(votes for anyone other than Fluttershy)

[Grif]

Obligatory post in new thread to mark my presence in ponythread.

Also, Twilight for President.

[otakuryoga]

Mayor Mare, the only candidate with a record of leadership
A proven leader in times of peace & plenty.
A proven leader in times of crisis.



Derpy has a pet too..
http://th02.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2012/065/3/9/derpy__s_new_pet_by_voodoo_tiki-d4rw0hg.jpg

[Titanium Fox]

That's a good idea, I'll do the same. Hello http://i.imgur.com/dB204.png

(and fortunately I can save time on catching up with SiuiS' Megaquotepost)

Yay, Sweetie Welf, Hi!


Question: Is Woona a crazy fan personality or an entirely different pony at this point?

I'd honestly say both at this point.


my two cents on season two: Overall the season has been weaker than season 1. But it had very good ones, like Sweet and Elite, one of my favourites.

One thing I noted is the lack of good antagonists. Not villains, we had a good one with Disquord. I mean characters on the same level of power like the mane cast, like the Gilda, Blueblood or the notorious and famous Trixie. That neither of those, especially Trixie, showed up again so far is a big loss for the season. Neither the Flim Flam brothers or or someone else could really substitute them. Instead we have a series nice and cute side characters like Pipsqueak or the Baby Cakes.

I tend to agree. While they have ramped up the little "high" points to even more dizzying heights (Sonic Rainnuke, Rainbow Fire, Twilight losing her ****, etc, etc), the baseline of the episodes has gone to a lower point, if that makes any sense whatsoever.






http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3214515804_b9dca10631.jpg


? and this is when I regret not drawing more harem Raz. Or at least of being able to find it fast enough.
EDIT: CONFOUND YOU RAZ. I'm looking through a google image search of harem pants. I can't stop. whhaaaaat have you dooooonnne?

It's Raz's special talent of course!


Silly Brony, (SNUGGLEKISSKISSKISS)

OH GOD I'M DROWNING IN LIXIE HELP


Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png



...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! !!!!!!!


... wait, people actually think Twilight would be a good president? Sure, she's organized, but she loses her manure for silly reasons all the time. She'd be a better cabinet member; let her be a chief adviser.

Overall she tends to be one of the more stable ponies. She's lost her mind a grand total of once, due to perceived disappointment of her mentor and essentially mother figure. She was a sheltered child obviously who never had to deal with academic failure. I know from experience that the longer you go sheltered from that, the harder it hits the first time it happens.

Personally I feel that if she became president of a country, as long as she wasn't directly under Celestia (Ergo: Celestia -> Twilight -> Cabinet of Canterlot) she would be fine, as she has no reason to percieve that she's disappointing her mentor.


Well, she has six hooves... but where's the second head?

She's Slepnir, of course!


Which is why I voted for Rainbow Dash. Because that way we can accept that catastrophe is going to happen and prepare accordingly/take bets on which one. The others may or may not cause disaster, Rainbow definitely will and, moreover, it'll definitely be awesome.

Rainbow Dash: The Most Reliable Candidate

Yeah, because due process and planning are totally things that can go by the wayside in the current political climate. Toooootally.


WOONA FOR PRESIDENT!

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/065/b/9/woona_disapproves__but_still_loves_you_by_shadawg-d4rzdmt.jpg

... Cuteness Overload! x_x

AAAAAAAAAAFHJKSHKLJAHLKJSHKLJSHFLKAH HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGH-


Twilight is the perfect VP. Great at organising stuff, incredibly knowledgable, and offering advice when things get tough.

But I'd always pair her with another Pony as President. Preferably Applejack, who has the right kind of mix of grit, determination and down to earth genuine-ness. I figure she has the right kind of mental strength to handle the childish and frustratingly confrontational world of international politics (at least, with a good team headed by Twilight Sparkle behind her to handle the fancy mathmatics).

Rarity would make for a very different type of leader, but I think she'd be my second choice. She can be a bit easily distracted perhaps, but she's very strongly principled and should be able to handle herself quite well on the diplomacy front, both in debates and international conferences.

(Also, let's keep the Real World analogies out of it. This is about brightly coloured Ponies running to be the first President of Equestria. Nothing else. )

Question is, how and why has Equestria moved to a presidential model? The returned Luna pushing for constitutional reform perhaps?

In all honesty, I'd say this, but vice-versa. Twilight is very organized and can be charismatic and a good leader; we all saw it in Winter Wrap Up. Applejack on other hoof is one who much prefers to stay behind the scenes. She focuses on the work, not on how it gets done, and she's not one for flash speeches or entrances. I feel she'd make a better Vice President in title as she has no responsibility to be a public face, but at the same time her and Twilight sharing an equal amount of the decision making. They are also a fantastic pair of check and balance to each other.

[Kyouhen]

You know what; I wasn't even going to care, either, but then you said that and I suddely thought, what the hey!

So I'm voting for Derpy.

And she's going to win.

Well she is promising a muffin in every oven. You really can't argue with that.


I assume that characters are developing as the timeline continues on. Fluttershy becomes more assertive, Twilight becomes more extroverted, Pinkie Pie becomes more responsible, etc. I love to see characters develop and change over time, but even then we see them occasionally backpeddle a bit with their vices.
And that seems pretty "human" to me. :smallsmile:


Actually her being louder isn't really that bad. It's mostly just her being more animated. I noticed it in Return of Harmony when she jumps in the bush to hide from the butterflies. She's just moving faster and her actions are more exaggerated. More of a complaint about the shift in animation style really, though it only applies to her. I know we can say that she's just growing as a character, but it's still a little off after seeing her act one way for a full season then completely change for the next.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Any country with a monarchy will walk over us.

Now I kinda want to see queen Liz sitting down to tea with Twilight & co.



Wait, did she actually get that asparagus for money? I was in such misery watching that scene that I looked away for part of it.

Still demonstrates a degree of moral turpitude, manipulating him like that.

I think what's bothering people is the fact that the manipulate-ee was a caricaturesquely stereotyped nerd. Which hits a little too close to home (I'm no exception). If she'd seduced a regular looking stallion it'd be less bothersome on the 'perpetuating negative stereotypes' front.

But yeah, Rarity has been known to manipulate by flattery and it is a little bit morally dubious. It's an interesting character trait, I think.

[the_druid_droid]

I agree about the manipulation. In my ramblings about the episode back on the previous page, I mentioned that that was one scene that made me cringe, and with some minor changes could have easily been improved to show Rarity as confident and charming rather than manipulative.

So much this.


However, in the end, there could only one winner.

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1771321692/avatar_reasonably_small.png

Voting for anyone but me is naughty and you shouldn't do it.

Those eyes won her the election with a 118% of the vote.

Vote early, and vote often for Fluttershy!


But I'd always pair her with another Pony as President. Preferably Applejack, who has the right kind of mix of grit, determination and down to earth genuine-ness. I figure she has the right kind of mental strength to handle the childish and frustratingly confrontational world of international politics (at least, with a good team headed by Twilight Sparkle behind her to handle the fancy mathmatics).


Somehow, in conjunction with AJ, all I can think of reading this is "I can do nothin' for ye, son."


Well one Megapost by SiuS and 4 pages later and I've caught up. Seriously thanks SiuS. Those megaposts can be a godsend if you've fallen behind and don't want to skip everything.

Now New episode
I liked it but thought it was weak in some places. Mainly because it was full of awkward and hurtful moments. I wish Applejack and Twilight/Rainbow Dash were there to show Fluttershy actual assertiveness rather then manipulation. Also Pinkie was laughing with you not at you, silly filly. Her whole acting normally afterwards is kinda telling in that Fluttershy really doesn't understand assertiveness still.

Fluttershy yelling at Pinkie and Rarity was actually very very sad. Though I do like how she immediately realizes she's crossed the line. Now she should have gone and apologized. Afterwards the meet up with Iron Will and Rarity and Pinkie try and manipulate him and fail as before, Fluttershy stands up to him as before with the same results. As is I like to think that if Fluttershy hadn't boarded up her house Rarity and Pinkie would have demanded an apology. As it was they saw that Fluttershy felt sorry and had jumped to another extreme. Dealing with Fluttershy's overreaction had priority over getting an apology.

Iron Will isn't really a bad guy. He is just doing his job and expects fair payment for services rendered. He isn't even tricking his customers. His advice did make Fluttershy more assertive. But then she took it too far.

As for Angel he is a prime example of a spoiled brat. My mother is an elementary teacher and I get stories of that sort of behavior all of the time. I consider Angel in this episode to be a hidden message for parents. Disipline your children, its good for them. (Unless you go overboard, but that's the same for everything. I mean only feeding your children carrots is a bad idea too but I doubt many would argue that children shouldn't eat carrots)

Overall; a weak episode. Its flawed but redeemable without really changing the story at all. Fluttershy jumping to an extreme of being a jerk doesn't seem out of character. Its more of she still didn't understand assertiveness and only overcompensating in trying to be a new pony. She tried to remake herself compleatly and coming off as compleatly different is the logical result. She was trying to not be Fluttershy basically. Still while the message was good it was kinda a hurtful episode and I can see where those who say they felt bad about the episode are coming from.

As for Pony Prime Minister I don't know who to vote for. Spoiler for length

Applejack seems to have trouble keeping her farm afloat and makes bad deals, and then keeps them! She seems like she would destroy the country through sheer stubbornness to uphold her end of the bargain. She also doesn't value education that much from what we can see. On the other hand she would be honest and try to keep every promise she made at her own expense if necessary.

Twilight is organized enough to keep on top of the government confusion and smart enough to understand all of the issues brought up by the scientists in things like Global Warming which would be a refreshing change. She also supports education for everyone which I strongly believe in. However she would feel entirely too obligated to the crown and does poorly in the social circuit.

Pinkie Pie is a disaster. You want something that will end in glorious flames vote for her not Rainbow Dash. Might be worth it though.

Rarity will try and institute a monarchy of a sort. She would do very well manipulating people to her ends but really would be too focused on the politics to set a good policy. Basically what does Rarity want to do when in charge?

Rainbow Dash would actually do a pretty good job. Contrary to common opinion she would take the job very seriously and would do what she would think was best for the country. She would be more assertive on the world stage and wouldn't accept a lot of the bull**** for an answer. She's a radical radical with a plan to change things for the better. She will use every dirty trick to succeed and stand in her way and you will be trampled. This is both the good things and the bad things.

Fluttershy as of this episode would do a good job. She's got the ability to stand up to those who would push her around but wouldn't be confrontational about things. Ok she might do badly in control of a nation like the USA or she could do well by easing a lot of tensions around the world from a position of power. Either way she would do a great job in a nation like Canada. As long as this latest lesson stuck at least. On the other hand she favors environmentalism a little too much, (as in no new resource development at all). Has no economic background and thus policy and I get the feeling she would have trouble with the hard decisions.

Wow I'm talkative today. Must be my Birthday or something. :smallwink:

Happy birthday! May it be filled with ponies and delicious food!

[Mewtarthio]

In all honesty, I'd say this, but vice-versa. Twilight is very organized and can be charismatic and a good leader; we all saw it in Winter Wrap Up. Applejack on other hoof is one who much prefers to stay behind the scenes. She focuses on the work, not on how it gets done, and she's not one for flash speeches or entrances. I feel she'd make a better Vice President in title as she has no responsibility to be a public face, but at the same time her and Twilight sharing an equal amount of the decision making. They are also a fantastic pair of check and balance to each other.

Given the nature of the show, it's no suprise that a team-up works best. :smalltongue: Okay, so if we're going with a Dream Team: I'd say go with the Rarity/AJ ticket. That gets us Rarity's diplomatic skills and AJ's dependability. I'd think Rarity would be the better public face, but you could still make it work with AJ as President.

Twilight probably shouldn't get elected at all. Instead, she should earn a permanent job as a high-ranking civil servant or government contractor. Pinkie can run the Super PAC. Fluttershy wouldn't want to get in the spotlight in the first place, and Dash needs to be kept as far away from the Big Red Button as possible.


But yeah, Rarity has been known to manipulate by flattery and it is a little bit morally dubious. It's an interesting character trait, I think.

After her treatment of Spike in S1, I'm a little surprised people still find this behavior surprising.

[Kairaven]

I was watching Rocky again due to the eye of the tiger reference and find amazing parallel between Fluttershy and Adrian, (shy pet store worker) and My mind can't help but start casting a Rocky story starring Big Mac as Rocky and Fluttershy as Adrian.

[Raz_Fox]

I approve of anything resulting in harem razpics.

Well, of course you would. You'd approve of Raz if he was bundled up for a blizzard.


EDIT: CONFOUND YOU RAZ. I'm looking through a google image search of harem pants. I can't stop. whhaaaaat have you dooooonnne?

I deny using voodoo rituals.

Also, I deny tipping Braz off about this and telling her you were going to draw pictures of sexy vixens.


That plan is, of course, spend tomorrow and the resulting times playing a new video game, occasionally checking for PA updates and pony episodes and, apparently, drawing Arabian/turkish/ottoman/"I'm too American to know the proper cultural label" fashion.

I just say Purrsian.

Which has, somehow, crippled my ability to write Persia right, first-try. I always write Pursia now.

[Kyouhen]

Given the nature of the show, it's no suprise that a team-up works best. :smalltongue: Okay, so if we're going with a Dream Team: I'd say go with the Rarity/AJ ticket. That gets us Rarity's diplomatic skills and AJ's dependability. I'd think Rarity would be the better public face, but you could still make it work with AJ as President.

Twilight probably shouldn't get elected at all. Instead, she should earn a permanent job as a high-ranking civil servant or government contractor. Pinkie can run the Super PAC. Fluttershy wouldn't want to get in the spotlight in the first place, and Dash needs to be kept as far away from the Big Red Button as possible.


We're going dream team now? Great. I vote for all of them. Twilight could be the president, Rarity could be in charge of public/foreign relations, Applejack as minister of labour/agriculture, Fluttershy as environmental minister, Pinkie Pie can be the minister of entertainment and Rainbow Dash gets to be in charge of the military.

...Come to think of it, I'm voting for Twilight. She goes to her friends when she has a problem, and there's no doubt in my mind that she'd put the rest of the ponies in important positions as advisers to help her out. By voting for Twilight we'd be voting for everypony.

[Tiki Snakes]

...Come to think of it, I'm voting for Twilight. She goes to her friends when she has a problem, and there's no doubt in my mind that she'd put the rest of the ponies in important positions as advisers to help her out. By voting for Twilight we'd be voting for everypony.

Mad Theory of the Day
This is exactly what Celestia planned when she sent her to ponyville. She is grooming Twilight to take over the running of Equestria.This is partly why she expanded the friendship letters to the other ponies. They are clearly Twilights closest allies, so if she's going to hand over the reins to the Kingdom, she's got to be sure of Twilights administration as well as her protoge herself.

Freed from her duty of ruling and protecting Equestria, she will take to the road as an enigmatic wanderer.

[RobD]

Um...quick technical question for anybody else who runs a pony blog/tumblr page. When answering questions, I'd like the format to look more like this http://askdiscordwhooves.tumblr.com/ and not so much like this: http://moon-fall.tumblr.com/

Is there a certain button I'm not pushing, or is this a case wher I need to grab a screen shot of the question and then paste it into the picture I'm drawing?
Sorry to be a bother, but I'd be grateful for any help.

Never mind; issue solved.

[Forum Explorer]

Mad Theory of the Day
This is exactly what Celestia planned when she sent her to ponyville. She is grooming Twilight to take over the running of Equestria.This is partly why she expanded the friendship letters to the other ponies. They are clearly Twilights closest allies, so if she's going to hand over the reins to the Kingdom, she's got to be sure of Twilights administration as well as her protoge herself.

Freed from her duty of ruling and protecting Equestria, she will take to the road as an enigmatic wanderer.

I really like this idea but instead of enigmatic wanderer she just goes around and has a good time before taking back the reins of government when Twi and company are too old to run the government. Sort of a generation vacation.

Also I agree that the dream team for elective ruling would be all of them. They do tend to keep each other in check. More so now then ever.

[Athaniar]

Wow I'm talkative today. Must be my Birthday or something. :smallwink:
Happy Birthday!


Mad Theory of the Day
This is exactly what Celestia planned when she sent her to ponyville. She is grooming Twilight to take over the running of Equestria.This is partly why she expanded the friendship letters to the other ponies. They are clearly Twilights closest allies, so if she's going to hand over the reins to the Kingdom, she's got to be sure of Twilights administration as well as her protoge herself.

Freed from her duty of ruling and protecting Equestria, she will take to the road as an enigmatic wanderer.
Interesting. I could definitely see Celestia doing something like that.

[Deadly]

I voted for Rainbow Dash! Cause who could be awesomer as president? Also, I actually think she'd do quite well if just given the chance. She's loyal and awesome and gets things done, and she CAN take things seriously when it's called for.

Also, I apparently have a way of being in the smallest minority around here, so it fits.



Anyway, Chapter 16 of Mare in the Mirror (http://adcoon.deviantart.com/art/Mare-in-the-Mirror-16-288918801), nearing the grand conclusion at last.

[Mando Knight]

I voted for Rainbow Dash! Cause who could be awesomer as president? Also, I actually think she'd do quite well if just given the chance. She's loyal and awesome and gets things done, and she CAN take things seriously when it's called for.

She's not as "qualified" for presidency as Twilight, but no one else is as awesome as the position requires.

[Litewarior]

We're going dream team now? Great. I vote for all of them. Twilight could be the president, Rarity could be in charge of public/foreign relations, Applejack as minister of labour/agriculture, Fluttershy as environmental minister, Pinkie Pie can be the minister of entertainment and Rainbow Dash gets to be in charge of the military.


That sounds familiar, I wonder why? (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-duties.html)

[Anarion]

... wait, people actually think Twilight would be a good president? Sure, she's organized, but she loses her manure for silly reasons all the time. She'd be a better cabinet member; let her be a chief adviser.

I voted for Twilight, but this comment is probably right. The issue is that I don't think there's anyone else (no, not even Fluttershy) who would actually listen to Twilight and implement her policies adequately. Applejack would be too conservative (in it's original, non-political meaning), Rainbow would be too brash, Fluttershy would be too indecisive, Rarity too egotistical, and Pinkie Pie too random.

So, I voted Twilight, knowing there would be a slight possibility of her breaking down completely, but also noting that she's actually incredibly capable at responding to external threats, so as long as she had a good support system around her, I would expect her to perform excellently.

[Kairaven]

man, I am in a funk today....

As always when I am down, I inevitably start to contemplate the direction of humanity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_condition) and fate of the universe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_fate_of_the_universe) and drawing to the conclusion of horrible and logical solution of Transhumanism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism) and the equally horrible thought of cyclical universal existence as partially alluded to by this story. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Question)

Such heavy thoughts saps my will and happiness.

happy ponies serves as an escape. I don't ask for it much, if at all, but I think I need some more ponies and the magic of friendship in my life right now.

[erikun]

Twilight Sparkle loses votes for refusing to buy short ads in print or TV. She mails out "electionpedias," thousand page books with long, rambling arguments about why she should be president.
I wouldn't mind a comprehensive guide on recent political issues and a candidate's stance on them, for once.


Um...quick technical question for anybody else who runs a pony blog/tumblr page. When answering questions, I'd like the format to look more like this http://askdiscordwhooves.tumblr.com/ and not so much like this: http://moon-fall.tumblr.com/
Ah, so you're the one running Moonfall? It looks nice; I just gave you another question. (I hope I'm not the only one doing so, though.)

It's good to hear you have it set up as you'd like now (I think).


WOONA FOR PRESIDENT!

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/065/b/9/woona_disapproves__but_still_loves_you_by_shadawg-d4rzdmt.jpg

... Cuteness Overload! x_x
That's it, Luna has all of my votes.


Wow I'm talkative today. Must be my Birthday or something. :smallwink:
Happy Birthday! I'm going to steal the idea from someone else, and get you some cake.

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/034/5/f/mlp_baby_pumpkin_cake_cellphone_charm_for_sale_by_ amyannie14-d4ojzra.jpg (http://amyannie14.deviantart.com/art/MLP-Baby-Pumpkin-Cake-Cellphone-Charm-FOR-SALE-283108294)
Pumpkin Cake is the best Cake.

[Sadistic Seraph]

Oh god. I did it. I finally caught back up on both the thread and EQD. SO MUCH PONY. O_o


Regarding the Pondering of Potential Presidential Ponies, I'd have to go with Twilight. Intelligence is always the first thing I look for in a potential leader and she has proven herself to be an effective leader in the past. And she doesn't go crazy that often.

My second choice would be Rarity. She also seems pretty clever and she thrives in the spotlight. Her interpersonal skills would be invaluable in diplomacy and foreign relations as well as running for office.


...and drawing to the conclusion of horrible and logical solution of Transhumanism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism)...

I'm curious. What do you find horrible about Transhumanism?

[Thanqol]

Never mind; issue solved.

Sorry, if I knew anything about Tumblr, even to the point of having an account I would have said something. I'm watching you the old fashioned way; with bookmarks and F5.


Anyway, Chapter 16 of Mare in the Mirror (http://adcoon.deviantart.com/art/Mare-in-the-Mirror-16-288918801), nearing the grand conclusion at last.

I'll get caught up on this as when it's finished and I hopefully have more time :smallsmile:


man, I am in a funk today....

As always when I am down, I inevitably start to contemplate the direction of humanity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_condition) and fate of the universe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_fate_of_the_universe) and drawing to the conclusion of horrible and logical solution of Transhumanism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism) and the equally horrible thought of cyclical universal existence as partially alluded to by this story. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Question)

Such heavy thoughts saps my will and happiness.

happy ponies serves as an escape. I don't ask for it much, if at all, but I think I need some more ponies and the magic of friendship in my life right now.

Kai, the world is a pretty awesome place. Ponies are a symptom of that to embrace and enjoy, not a way to escape. Speculation of the future, especially cosmological issues like transhumanism or the end of the universe, are so vague and distant that you can pick and chose what foundational assumptions go into them and produce whatever outcomes you feel like. I can assume, for instance, that a generation which has grown up on transhumanist fiction and ideas, when faced by the ultimate choices is able to make coherent ethical responses.

And if the world isn't a great place for everyone, there are folk who work to make it so.

If you need some relaxation and peace, check out the DA gallery of FiM composer Will Anderson (http://willheim.deviantart.com/). It's beautifully relaxing watching this guy. He's wonderfully centred.

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/049/d/9/connect_the_dots_by_willheim-d4prub6.jpg

And for friendship, well, I'm always here. :smallsmile:

[Beacon of Chaos]

I think I'll leave it to you to figure this one out, mate. :smallwink: :smalltongue:
Iron Will has hands, therefore it's hands-free. The fact that it is also hooves-free, claws-free, and tentacles-free is irrelevant. :smalltongue:


Semi-new Ep, Mostly Season 2

So I think I found out why Season 2 is really so different.

http://i.imgur.com/TfhJU.png


http://images.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw1237_Twilight_Sparkle_nope_nope_nope.gif


Wow I'm talkative today. Must be my Birthday or something. :smallwink:


~HAPPY BIRTHDAY!~

May you continue exploring forums for many years to come! Have some ponies and cake!
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/d0d2080fbe6083d3c5a1fb6e9ce89c04/143111%20-%20best_friends_ever%20birthday_cake%20cake%20cant _remember_these_names.jpg

Re: Presidential ponies: Rainbow Dash for me. I want to see her add rainbows to the american flag and cahnge the air force uniform to wonderbolts outfits.

[Aotrs Commander]

I'm curious. What do you find horrible about Transhumanism?

Can't see what the fuss is about, myself. Nothing special about humans. Certainly not about human biology at all, even by animal standards. Human spirit - which has really nothing to do with flesh and bone - you could maybe very dubiously and more than a bit humanocentrically make an arguement for; but still not much different to the spirit of many, many races out there. (Are humans more "special" than, say, ponies? I think not1.)

I mean, I upgraded to Lich like a shot, and would have to a robot body with lots of lasers, given even half a chance before the Aotrs came calling...



1Excepting that certain definition of "special" said in that particular, slightly condesending sarcastic tone which clearly indicates verbally that double quotes are being pronounced...

[Kairaven]

I'm curious. What do you find horrible about Transhumanism?

Nothing, I actually support Transhumanism whole heartedly, but from an individual standpoint it is pretty horrible, mostly in the "Trivialization of human identity" point and the possible Eugenics aspect of implementation. Also the inevitable moral and existential conflict that is likely to result from such implementation. Plus as with any end form of evolution I can't help but feel like it promotes stagnation. (Yes I subscribe to the idea that too much order is equally harmful as too much chaos.)

anyway, those thoughts are the end point of my train of thought. The usual beginning point is mostly triggered by the alien feeling of not quite belonging to a group. A feeling that I've actually felt quite strongly last time I went to Bronycon, and something I am strongly trying to fend off before the next Bronycon.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

man, I am in a funk today....

[snippety-snip]

happy ponies serves as an escape. I don't ask for it much, if at all, but I think I need some more ponies and the magic of friendship in my life right now.

:smallfrown: Sorry to hear that. *hugs*

[OracleofWuffing]

However, in the end, there could only one winner.

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1771321692/avatar_reasonably_small.png

Voting for anyone but me is naughty and you shouldn't do it.

Those eyes won her the election with a 118% of the vote.
Don't forget about the other eyes she has, which won her election with 322% of the vote.

So, outside of voting Fluttershy, I vote Princess Celestia, so we can colonize the moon.

[Sadistic Seraph]

I mean, I upgraded to Lich like a shot, and would have to a robot body with lots of lasers, given even half a chance before the Aotrs came calling...

Mmmm….lasers. Come to think of it; my current body has a startling lack of lasers or other integrated weapon systems. This must be rectified with all possible haste.




Nothing, I actually support Transhumanism whole heartedly…

Good to hear.



…but from an individual standpoint it is pretty horrible, mostly in the "Trivialization of human identity"

I always found this to be a fairly bizarre idea. Why would ceasing to become technically human change anything? Why would it be bad?

Like the good evil lich said: What makes humanity, specifically, something to be valued?



…and the possible Eugenics aspect of implementation.

Yeah, that has potential for abuse. But it’s all about the implementation; it could go either way. I guess we’ll see.



Plus as with any end form of evolution I can't help but feel like it promotes stagnation. (Yes I subscribe to the idea that too much order is equally harmful as too much chaos.)

End form? What do you mean? I wouldn’t think that there would be any kind of final form of humanity but rather a vast array of individually customized forms which change as style, circumstances and needs change.

I’m totally on board with stagnation being just as potentially disastrous as chaos.



I have a question (well technically several questions) for both Kairaven and the thread at large: What do you think of (potential) human enhancement/alteration? Is there anything you’d have done? Mind upload? Functional immortality? Laser cannon grafted to your chest?

[Kairaven]

I believe this nation should commit itself, to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a pony on the moon and returning her safely to Equestria. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to ponykind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.

We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy - but because they are hard! Because that challenge is one we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone and one we intend to win!

Therefore I, as your eternal ruler, volunteers my very own sister, on a mission of historical importance. An expedition lasting 1000 years. Why? Because it is there, space is there, and we're going to reach it, and the moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there.

TO THE MOOOOOOOON!

- Celestia, addressing the Equestria Parliment

[Siosilvar]

I have a question (well technically several questions) for both Kairaven and the thread at large: What do you think of (potential) human enhancement/alteration? Is there anything you’d have done? Mind upload? Functional immortality? Laser cannon grafted to your chest?

Having known quite a few humans in my time, I'd say they're too arrogant and impulsive to be trusted with the ability. *shapeshifts back into dinosaur form and escapes in time machine*

[Thanqol]

I have a question (well technically several questions) for both Kairaven and the thread at large: What do you think of (potential) human enhancement/alteration?

Embrace it wholeheartedly.


Is there anything you’d have done?

Cybernetic ears. Super hearing/ability to tune in to music without headphones/maintain passive aural scanning while listening to music at the same time. Cybernetic eyes and mental enhancers are secondary points; essentially I would like to be able to function normally while browsing the internet, drawing, and writing inside my own head.


Mind upload?

I'm dubious about this. I don't consider this a form of immortality; plus there's a bunch of ethical issues I'd rather not get into.


Functional immortality?

Definitely yes, with the caveat that I am able to choose to end my own life. If I, say, get banished to the moon by myself I don't think I'd come out of it as well adjusted as Luna.


Laser cannon grafted to your chest?

Pass. Being perpetually armed is likely to cause more problems than it solves.

[Pokonic]

I have a question (well technically several questions) for both Kairaven and the thread at large: What do you think of (potential) human enhancement/alteration? Is there anything you’d have done? Mind upload? Functional immortality? Laser cannon grafted to your chest?

Rather than go with full upload, give me cyberlimbs and some organs that can function forever and you got yourself a deal. Not sure how much I would like being a code in a computer, because I have seen GiTS:SAC, and I have never considered it a nice thing after a few episodes of that. :smalltongue:
Robo-limbs, on the other hand, sound nice as long as there the sleek, lightweight type.

[Anarion]

I have a question (well technically several questions) for both Kairaven and the thread at large: What do you think of (potential) human enhancement/alteration? Is there anything you’d have done? Mind upload? Functional immortality? Laser cannon grafted to your chest?

Increased health, strength, decreased risk of significant and painful diseases (e.g. if they could technologically/genetically reduce a risk of cancer or heart attacks I'd go for that). I wouldn't be especially interested in technologically replacing or modifying limbs or other body parts. The uses might be great, but I expect the process would be painful and the feeling of incompleteness in the body might lead to unanticipated psychological problems.

Though, if it were possible to get something like a HUD in my glasses (map, compass, basic info on things I was looking at in a way that wasn't intrusive to normal vision) I would be all over that.


And now, have some ponies

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceDvbUALz-Y/T1QBpkStKqI/AAAAAAAAhcM/oYdUcZ-qcEo/s320/142988+-+artist+sketchride+derpy_hooves+lauren_faust+ponif ied+princess+princess_lauren.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MbJSr2u6xTg/T1QBvXVmqJI/AAAAAAAAhc8/A7WEZXshuR0/s320/143125+-+artist+john_joseco+banana+derpy_hooves+fluttershy +Hugh_Jelly+iron_will+shopping.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zyy7AkY_rw/T1QBxK6LiRI/AAAAAAAAhdc/-1Mulby_eXU/s320/___hi_mum_by_goddess_ofthe_night-d4gh464.jpg
https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDRQ_6-hbbQb56HI4xkN5cwJFxghKeor5yc799-ckPqE7pEdEFfA
https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTuoaqRc0mN6tW9hggfbS0yF0y3KrGq7 6lxi6u6prBR6tvPQLv7

[Selpharia]

For augmentations. I'd pretty much take anything, but then, I'm not very attached to the human form as in any way morally or ethically significant compared to a from that would be objectiively better in every way. And I'm very confident that we could hold on to some kind of marality while losing "humanity." It might look very different, but I'm sure it will work out at least as well as what we have now.

[RdMarquis]

Though, if it were possible to get something like a HUD in my glasses (map, compass, basic info on things I was looking at in a way that wasn't intrusive to normal vision) I would be all over that.

Probably just this. And a way to type and use the internet on the go. Yay for portable ponies. As for uploading my mind (you mean into a computer, right)? Well, if Shadowrun is any indication, it will give me mastery over cyberspace and all technology. So...I'll have to get back to you on that.

[Deadly]

Transhumanism? I'm for it. I always liked the Last Question, by the way. Great story, really struck a chord for me.

I'm really hoping to live to see the day when I can actually be a pony of Equestria, or whatever the heck I fancy here and now. Like one day a tree in Middle Earth, the next a pony in Canterlot, then back to being just me in the real world (or an enhanced me, I suppose, maybe with more than one body to choose from). Mind uploading offers that prospect.

The thing about mind uploading (and many other things), I think, is that it won't happen suddenly. Like, you won't go from human directly to uploaded mind. I wouldn't want that, it squicks me the hell out thinking of it. Instead there will be hundreds, thousands of little steps in between. Enhancements, replacements, and then over time it'll all come together seemlessly and without you really noticing and you'll be able to switch between the real and the imagined world at will. It'd be like dreaming whenever you liked, but with total control of the dream.

Aww yeah, I'd love that. Romping about Equestria, soaring throught the skies, studying magic, partying with friends and fighting dragons.

Or maybe it'll be totally different from anything we imagine, and we'll all be surprised and standing around dumbfounded in disbelief at what just happened. Only time will tell :smalltongue:

A little more seriously, yeah there are plenty of moral and ethical issues, lots of serious issues that need serious answers, and we'd better get to work on those fast, but that doesn't devalue the dream itself.

[Aotrs Commander]

Well, I'm already pre-upgraded, with a self-reinforcing system. But hey, I wouldn't say no to any further upgrades.

Technically, as I suppose you can spirit-bind someone into something that's not a corpse (well, a necromancer of my skill can, anyway), so you could be bound into a robot body or something. But there's a bit of a difference between spirit-binding and spirit-binding effectively (i.e. with optimal and faster accumulation of spirit vessel will-reinforcement). There's a lot of technical explanation, but the lies-to-children version of it is it's easier to bind something effectively, into something that's already attuned to it (e.g. it's own body etc). If I bind a soul into a pebble, it's not a pebble-shaped Lich, it's a pebble with a soul bound into it, even if I'm not contraining it. If you bound something into a random robot your found, you might get something only barely better than an animated zombie.

We do have a process whereby a Lich is fused with what amounts of War Droid, which forms our Desolation Commandos. But you have to be a special sort of person to be able to undergo the trauma that bestows... Put it this way, the Desolation Commandos freak ME out.

Me too! They're... They just feel wrong, even to a Lich.



Still, if there was a way to do it sensibly and optimally, I'd be first in line...

[Pokonic]

Well, I'm already pre-upgraded, with a self-reinforcing system. But hey, I wouldn't say no to any further upgrades.

Technically, as I suppose you can spirit-bind someone into something that's not a corpse (well, a necromancer of my skill can, anyway), so you could be bound into a robot body or something. But there's a bit of a difference between spirit-binding and spirit-binding effectively (i.e. with optimal and faster accumulation of spirit vessel will-reinforcement). There's a lot of technical explanation, but the lies-to-children version of it is it's easier to bind something effectively, into something that's already attuned to it (e.g. it's own body etc). If I bind a soul into a pebble, it's not a pebble-shaped Lich, it's a pebble with a soul bound into it, even if I'm not contraining it. If you bound something into a random robot your found, you might get something only barely better than an animated zombie.

We do have a process whereby a Lich is fused with what amounts of War Droid, which forms our Desolation Commandos. But you have to be a special sort of person to be able to undergo the trauma that bestows... Put it this way, the Desolation Commandos freak ME out.

Me too! They're... They just feel wrong, even to a Lich.



Still, if there was a way to do it sensibly and optimally, I'd be first in line...

A question: is it not within means to have a soul-jar thingi (seen more than a few varients to make the word "phylactery" useless as a base term , and I know that the traditinal little bauble is kind of out of style. Weapons and books are all the rage now a days.) to make there suits there storing-place? If thats so, is it not within means for a wearer of such a suit to enchant the living crap out of it to be almost impossible to damage, let alown truly destroy? After all, the soul-holder jar in most situations can have magical effects "hanged" on it, so who knows what a powerful lich can come up with?

[OracleofWuffing]

Well, I watched a lot of Ghost in the Shell but stopped paying attention to the boring parts, so, um, I guess the next guy up would be Freakazoid. So, yeah, sure, depending on how it looks like on my checking account, what it looks like on me, and how many towers I can break and repair and break again, sign me up.

[Anarion]

This is a terrible terrible thing to do with Twilight Sparkle, and yet, it is so amazing. Video needs more Fus-Ro-Dah
http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/beat-crap-out-of-things-with-twilight.html

[Pokonic]

This is a terrible terrible thing to do with Twilight Sparkle, and yet, it is so amazing. Video needs more Fus-Ro-Dah
http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/beat-crap-out-of-things-with-twilight.html

Dude, someone simply must replace the Trolls with Dimond dogs, with the correct sound bites. I can see it now:


" Stop Whining!"

Fus Ro Dah

Falls off the range while spewing angrish.

[Litewarior]

Virtual self?

Hello! I am Technus, Manipulator of machines, Lord of all gadgetry, Wizard of integrated circuitry!
http://www.disclose.tv/files/photos/2952351097998acL.gif

[Aotrs Commander]

A question: is it not within means to have a soul-jar thingi (seen more than a few varients to make the word "phylactery" useless as a base term , and I know that the traditinal little bauble is kind of out of style. Weapons and books are all the rage now a days.) to make there suits there storing-place? If thats so, is it not within means for a wearer of such a suit to enchant the living crap out of it to be almost impossible to damage, let alown truly destroy? After all, the soul-holder jar in most situations can have magical effects "hanged" on it, so who knows what a powerful lich can come up with?

Spoiled for long and not-very-pony...
Phylactery-bound Liches, by their very nature, don't get nearly so many abilities, nor spirit-vessel will reinforcement, because their soul is ultimately bound in a thingy, and not basically haunting their body, which they are at best "projecting" into. Spirit-binding is just overall better, with phylactery-bindings only advantages are that you can suffer destruction of your puppet-body and survive - but the trade off it that you're completely vulnerable while you regenerate a new body - and that it is something that you can do to yourself.

Spirit-binding is not something you can cast on yourself, unless you can actually cast spells while dead (and I mean "dead" not Undead, it's as hard as casting Resurrection on yourself.) However, it's faster, infinitely cheaper, and gives you a lot better chance out of the gate of not having your body destroyed in the first place.



Also, what magic is proof against destruction in a low-tech fantasy environment rapidly becomes not so when you reach our level of technology. And magic has levels of advancement as well, and a low-magic-advancement anti-scrying spell might stop most magic detection - but it won't stop sensors, or someone whose effectively using WW2 radar jamming against your 21st century top-of-the-line radar systems, as it were. Because high-"tech"-magic will naturally include the counters to lower stuff, for example, imagine an illusion spell that would fool True Seeing, because they were designed to specifically spoof True Seeing , like Shield foils Magic Missile as part of it's spell description. (Though like high-tech, you have to understand the science of magic in ways you just can't do with low tech, in the same way you can't understand micro-biology (properly) without a microcsrope, and you can't do finite element analysis without a computer.)

And more to the point, the baleful level of energies most vehicular weapons - let alone fighter or starship weapons - put out match and exceed what, not only most mortal magic, but a fair chunk immortal magic can tolerate.



Long story short, Xykon can Epic-protect his phylactery up the wazoo, but if, due to the thaumaic technology disparity, he's essentially painting it really convincing horizon pink camoflage and I'm looking for it with millimetric radar, it's not going to help. And I doubt even the One Ring could withstand the full force of a capital starship energy beam.

(Remember, a 20th century nuke is hotter than the sun. A typical-yield starship missiles are much often better than that - and a capital energy beam will have a power output greater than several of them combined.)

I use a Rocket Launcher because the amount of damage it's capable of dealing is far more efficient than what I can output with magic. I mean, I can do some fairly awesome crap, but even I can't take on a whole platoon of Cybertanks (at once) single-handedly. Because hammering away at their shields takes some effort - and they pretty much only have to hit me once, even if fully buffed up with defences. (And, outside of D&D, the whole save-or-die thing tends to only be as effective as blasting is in D&D; i.e. viable, but often not as efficient as the alternative.)

[Thanqol]

Hey AotRS, could you tell me more about the Cybertanks? In particular, visual appearance? They're the most fascinating members of your rogue's gallery from what I've heard so far.

[Aotrs Commander]

Hey AotRS, could you tell me more about the Cybertanks? In particular, visual appearance? They're the most fascinating members of your rogue's gallery from what I've heard so far.

Oh, Thanqol, Thanqol, Thanqol, you know not what you do...

I just want everypony to know, Thanqol asked for this.

Brace yourselves...

(Oh and Lix, those configurations I missed out due to the character limit are below, so even you have something new to read...)

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/CybertankArmytext.png

For size, the Resistor is almost exactly the same size as a modern German Leopard 2 MBT.

--- Taken from “A Spacer’s Guide to the Galaxy”, by Rear Admiral William Sandsborough (Ret) ---

The Cybertanks are perhaps the most infamous and ubiquitous of all our enemies among the stars. They are persistent, vicious and utterly committed to the destruction of everyone aside from their own kind. We have been fighting them for almost as long as mankind has been among the stars, and others for still longer.

Yet how much do we really know about our intractable metallic foes? The answer is, surprisingly, very little.

We know their technology and their tactics, certainly. But beyond that, everything is shrouded in mystery. Much of what we think we know is purely speculation or based on misconception.

So, what do we know?

The Cybertank’s homeworld is Metalyka, in the system of the same name; indeed, to the Cybertanks, they are synonymous. Even here, errors creep in, as the name is often incorrectly spelt ‘Metallica’ of ‘Metallika’ (even in many official documents); though the pronunciation is the same: “Met-AL-EE-Ka.”

The Metalyka system is arguably the most heavily fortified in known space. The entire system consists of a single G-type star, with four planets and two planetoids.

What it is most noted for, however, is that the entire system is protected by a sphere of weapons platforms. These platforms, an average of eighty thousand kilometres apart, form a veritable dispersed Dyson’s sphere around the Metalyka system. This sphere is about 400 000km thick, and extends an astonishing 6 AU from the system’s sun. The weapons platforms are diverse designs. Most are small missile racks or station particle lazer batteries, but larger installations are not uncommon in the vastness. It is estimated that, from the given measurements, that there are roughly fifteen billion of these weapons platforms. A ship, passing the barrier, could be in range of over two thousand of these platforms at once. Indeed, the overall density of the platforms, combined with their own mass-net fields and displacer screens, actually prevents FTL transit through the net, as it registers as a diffuse nebula to sensors.

The sheer magnitude of the defence screen is staggering. To be maintained, it requires a mind-bogglingly large array of maintenance ships, stations and replication and manufacturing facilities. In fact, simply to maintain this screen, well over 99% of the entire Cybertank infrastructure is dedicated to this task. By comparison, even the most massive fleets that attack the outside galaxy are dwarfed in comparison to the amount of firepower within. It is most frightening to realise, that, if they would merely choose to do so, that infrastructure could be re-dedicated to wiping us out; and there is very little we could do to stop it.

The Neu Swabian League made a serious investigation several years ago into actually invading Metalyka and ending this threat once and for all. Their plan was to force a breech in the perimeter at one of the “entrance points” where the field is least dense. Then, they would hold this gap long enough to send a task force in to do the job. However, they quickly came to the conclusion such an attempt would be futile. Studies indicated that the weapons platforms are capable of moving under their own power to cover any breech made. Further, they made the sobering revelation that the Cybertank’s home defence fleet – which spends it’s time patrolling the inside of the sphere – is greater in number than the total number of starships built between the major Earth powers since the construction of military starships began. By several orders of magnitude.

This explains, perhaps in part, why the Cybertanks are so content to send out fleet after fleet and lose them all. In reality, they are losing a negligible portion of the population’s military power.

We cannot fathom how long it took to develop this inordinately large defence system. To date, it has only been breached on seventeen occasions across the entire of our recorded Cybertank history, and all of those strikes were precision attacks directed at something very close to the border. It is sufficiently dangerous not even the Lazerblasters dare cross it lightly.

So, quite literally, the Cybertanks are a major power, the bulk of which is in their own solar system. But they are not totally consigned to their system; a few outlying systems are under Cybertank control, though they fluctuate as the Incursions come and go .

It is theorised that the Metalyka system once had much more than the six planets than it does now, but the others and any asteroid belts it might once have had were cannibalised to start the defence grid. Even so, the Cybertanks must have developed their current energy-to-matter replication long before it was finished.

Metalyka proper is the third planet in the system, and is approximately one AU from the primary. It is about the same size as a typical M class planet, and has an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere at approximately 1.05g. All of what we know of it comes from long-range scans. As yet, no-one in recorded history as actually landed on the planet, aside from the Cybertanks themselves. The entire land surface is covered by metal. In places where the Cybertanks have or have had habitation, there are cities of metal, or just a metal-panelled surface. Elsewhere, the surface is just smooth metal of varying sorts. The surface is mostly, but not totally, flat, with the occasional mountains range arising smoothly from the surface. The most common sort is a non-corrosive alloy, rendering the planet a pale matt silver.

In some places, there are what appear to be massive forests of tall poles. What purpose – if any – these serve is a mystery. They may be artificial, they may be some strange form of natural metallic growth or something else entirely.

The seas of Metalyka are not one you would wish to swim in. They consist almost entirely of mercury, tainted by its contaminants a darker grey than the land. There is virtually no water vapour in the atmosphere at all (and little to no cloud), making the surface like a desert.

No-one knows why Metalyka is not untenably hot. It is guessed that perhaps the metal surface reflects away a lot of the heat, but it would be by no means all. Some have suggested that the forests of poles are some sort of heat baffle, perhaps cooled by the strong winds caused by the planet’s relatively rapid rotation. (A day on Metalyka lasts only sixteen hours.)

There is no apparent volcanicity on the planet, nor any evidence of it, though what this means, no-one is sure. It does explain the surface, however, as the land, without plate movement, will steadily be sand-blasted by the winds and metal particles blown within it.

There are six huge cityscapes on the surface, large enough to be seen by the naked eye, and many more smaller ones. The largest, tentatively designated as Gamma Seven by the Neu Swabian League, may be the capital.

Perhaps the most perplexing mystery, however, is that of the Cybertank’s origin. Of this we know nothing. The Cybertanks claim to have evolved naturally on Metalyka into their current state and all records we have managed to procure over the years give no other explanation.

Many detractors of this idea point out the numerous flaws in this belief, however. Many pieces of evidence suggest that the Cybertanks are instead an artificial race, created by some hitherto unknown power. Why would a lifeform evolve into something as recognisable as a grav-tank in the first place? And why would a supposedly alien race use English as it’s language?

This last is a particular mystery. In fact, for years, it was assumed that the Cybertanks were simply using a translator into what they thought was the dominant human language. But it was in the end revealed that the reason the Cybertanks always communicated in English was because they were speaking in English. This discovery was significantly delayed by the fact that Cybertank computer technology is run under a different language altogether. The Cybertanks thus have a ‘digital’ language they use when interfacing with their technology as opposed to communicating amongst themselves.

A great deal of evidence – including the structure and nature of Metalyka itself, apparently devoid of other life, supports the artificial constructs theory.

So it is greatly surprising, then, to find that there is evidence that equally contradicts this. The first and foremost is the massive difference between the technology the Cybertanks use and that in their own bodies. The two are as different as that between the technology of two alien races – or the difference between that of human biology and technology.

While their technology is advanced, it is mainly conventional in structure. Their own racial physiology is vastly different. Inside a Cybertank it a complex network of systems, technological, but as intricate in form and structure as the cellular structure of organics. It appears, internally, to be grown, not built. It is totally divergent with that of known technological races. Indeed, the only race with something even close to this kind of physiology are the naturally occurring metallic and techno-organic creatures found on Kethrain, the homeworld of the Shardan.

This Cybertank internal technology is also dissimilar to any other race’s technology, and lacks the signatures of extinct races, like the Sianetic Harbingers.

So, was the life on the planet truly technological in nature, or were the Cybertanks modified at some point? Perhaps they modified themselves and removed all history of it. Many theories for both sides have been put forward, from the sublime to the ridiculous. From the proponents of the belief they are naturally-developed creatures who simply adopted English as a language (perhaps from early transmissions from Earth) to those that suggest the Cybertanks are in fact humans from the far future, who brought a solar system backwards in time, no-one can make a conclusive argument.

Even time-travel is unlikely to be able to help; the entire Metalyka system seems to be contained in a temporally-resistant field, the nature of which is elusive but that makes time travel extraordinarily dangerous. It may be natural, or created by the Cybertanks themselves – or perhaps their creators. Further, all investigation has shown that the system is time-locked and not in an area of mutable time, so even if one could journey safely into the past, it could be just as dangerous to arrive.

And one is not likely to be forthcoming. As the Cybertanks themselves believe utterly in their own natural origin, the only possible answers may lie buried beneath the unreachable metal surface of Metalyka – if they exist at all.

* * * * * *

Cybertank Technology is advanced, but generally conventional. They utilise hyperdrive, engine, standard sensor, communication and shielding technology, albeit slightly improved over the standard. They do have energy-to-matter replication, though not to the point they can afford to utterly ignore local resources.

They have significantly better structural technology, as evidenced by the use of some of the manufacturing facilities, and the widely-feared ten-mile long Effluvium class supercruiser.

Weapons technology is primarily based on Particle Lasers, which fire blasts of photonic energy (typically orange) with dense micro-particles suspended within. The effect is somewhere between that of an energy lazer and a particle accelerator weapon. This weaponry is also found in the Cybertanks themselves, and it would appear that the ship-borne weaponry was developed from their internal weapons and not the other way around.

In addition to conventional Particle Laser weapon arrays, at starship level, the Cybertanks can fire highly coherent and mobile beam version, capable of slicing ships apart.

The Cybertanks also make heavy use of Matter-flux Torpedoes, which upon impact, set up a resonating field that puts the electron bonds of matter into a state of flux, with highly destructive results.

They use more conventional anti-matter weapons in their advanced missile technology; though occasionally, matter-flux warheads have been used by missiles in the past.

The Cybertanks have also developed cloaking and footprint magnification to a high level and this has lead to one of their defining technologies, the Displacer Screen. This literally takes all the emissions and readings from the vessel and shunts it to a different spot, usually no more than one or two ship lengths or widths away. The location on the image relative to the ship is constantly in motion, further confused by the ship’s manoeuvring. Because this is a comparatively minor shift, it is just enough to blur sensor technology, making it somewhat harder to hit. Much further distance than that used, and the system would break down.

This results in the strange sight at visual ranges, where a shot will pass right through an apparent ship, or when a shot does land, the blast will strike and stop in empty space and the resultant explosion will happen hundreds of meters away.

Fortunately, the Displacer’s power requirements are sufficiently high that smaller vessel simply cannot power them, though they are surprisingly compact.

Cybertank starship technology is all completely modular. Indeed, the familiar delta-cruisers used by so many races come from the Assimilator class Cybertank cruiser that was adapted by the Herosine Empire (and by several other races independently). This means a Cybertank fleet can, if close to a repair and supply ship like a Colloidal, completely repair and change it’s entire weapon output in a short period of time. Most starships have a base design, which requires more extensive modifications to alter and a weapons load. The weapons load is not solely weapons, but often cloaks, additional armour or shielding or sensors.

Cybertank ships are typically specialised for one job, and poor at others. Most notably, most Cybertank ships have poor point-defence and rely on anti-fighter variants to provide them with protection.

* * * * * *


Common Cybertank Configurations
Resistor I Grav Tank

The most common Cybertank configuration encountered, the Resistor I configuration is the archetypal Cybertank. Like all Cybertanks, it is not a vehicle per se, but rather a grav-tank-shaped technological sentient creature. Albeit one that is evil and without any redeeming traits. The Cybertanks do not seek conquest, but the simple extermination of all life that is not themselves; be they organic, technolgical or otherwise. (Or even Undead...) It is possible to reason with a Cybertank, as they are intelligent , for a given value of "reason". The Cybertanks have occasionally allied with other evil forces, but these alliances break down before long, as the Cybertanks simply revert to their natural state, which is to "ELIMINATE ALL ORGANIC LIFEFORMS!" (Sic).

The Cybertanks are, in theory, quite intelligent, and have a certain cunning. They certainly possess entirely understandable emotions, being far from emotionless machines. While they have a certain preference for logic, even that is only a tendancy. What they do seem to lack is any form of empathy or compassion of any kind. They hate though, and hate well, though the second most common emotion seem in them from outsiders is their noted tendancy to panic if things go wrong, and shout a lot.

It should, of course, be noted in passing with their computer minds, energy weapons and advanced targeting systems, the accuracy of the Cybertanks is legendary, in that no other race can miss so badly or so often. It is perhaps unfortunate that the larger targetting computers of their starships actually manage to migitate their own utter incompetance. But on the ground, it is often said - only half in jest - that the safest place to be when a Cybertank is shooting is the spot they are aiming at.

If it were not that their home system is easily the most heavily defended in the known galaxy, they would have been wiped out long ago by the collected efforts of everyone in the galaxy. As it is, given it is estimated that within that veritable Dyson's Sphere of defences, there are more Cybertank ships than have ever been built by all the human powers combined since the invention of space travel, even attempting such and endeavour would be literal suicide. Those maruading fleets that form the Cybertank Incursions are literally nothing more than a drop in the ocean, excess waste. (It has even been suggested that the Incursion are just excess population, embarking on lemming-like attacks on the rest of the galaxy.) Fortunately, the Cybertank's natural paranoia keeps them from exploiting this fact and wiping us all out. As has been said so many times before, they are "tactically clever, strategically dumb." A fact for which we should all be profoundly grateful.

Resistor II Grav Tank

The Resistor II is almost as common a configuration of the Cybertanks as the Resistor I, and both are the iconic configurations whose image is conjured up when the Cybertanks are referred to. Resistor IIs have a smaller particle laser than the Is, but this is supplemented by a mass driver gating. The pyramidal structure at the top emits a smaller particle laser, serving both missile defence and anti-infantry. Two turret smoke dischargers are mounted on the turret, one either side.

Like all Cybertanks, the Resistors share their omnicidal nature and staggering racial arrogance; and mercifully for the rest of us, their utter inability to hit anything, despite their advanced targeting systems and use of energy weapons. Because of their abundance, we know more about the Resistors than any other configuration. Internally, their technological phyisology is as different from that found in their starships and buildings (i.e their constructed technolgy) as ours is from our own, and is highly complex, and seems more "grown" than "built". And the re are further mysteries. For example, the Cybertank's particle laser technology found on board their starships seems derived from their own bodily weapons, but are subtly different in a way that a conventional tank and shipboard weapon are not; i.e. they are not quite simply different sized versions of each other.

This all lends credence to the Cybertank's claim they evolved into these vehicular forms naturally. Despite the extreme improbability of these claims, no-one has yet found any evidence to prove otherwise. The truth - if it still exists - lies buried under the surface of the Cybertank's homeworld of Metalyka, where none but Cybertanks have ever stood.

Capacitor Missile Tank

The Capacitor provides the cybertanks with missile support. They are generally regarded as the most dangerous in their weight class. Armed with a turreted rapid-fire matter-flux rocket launcher, backed with quad heavy missile launcher with eight reloads, the Capacitor can fight both in the front line or from safety, using Dispersions or Eradicators as target designators. They have their own sensors too, allowing A platoon mates to concentrate a deadly salvo of fire. A Point-Defence particle laser array rounds out their weapons.

Unlike many such simiLAr vehicles in the armies of other races, Capacitors are not lightly armoured, but have nearly the same shielding and armour as a Resistor, only being slightly lighter in the side and rear arcs. Despite the limited number of matter-flux missiles, Capacitors replenish their matter-flux rockets at an astonishing rate, meaning it is almost impossible for them to run out.

Cohesion Suppression Tank

The Cohesion configuration is designated as a "Suppression" tank. For the Cybertanks, this qualifies as a dedicated anti-infantry vehicle. As the Cybertanks are simply too big to fit inside buildings (and rarely feel the need to try and capture anything anyway), the Cybertanks solution to the problem of infantry is the most basic - obliterate the place the infantry are standing in.

The Cohesion's primary weapon is a cannon that fires a minaturised matterflux shell. This is capable of inflicting vast amounts of damage to structures, plant-life and any vehicle unfortunate enough to be hit by it.

Interestingly, dead Cohesions have revealed that the design of these shells indicates they have been replicated from the starship technology principles, as opposed to the Cybertank's natural technology. Indeed, old records from early encounters indicate that the shells were a high-explosive weapon, whose design was entirely consist with the internal workings of the Cybertanks.

Dispersion Ultra Light Grav Tank

The Dispersion configuration typically operates in the scouting role, often supplemented by Radicals. The Dispersion configuration is slower and much more durable then the latter. The Dispersions have better sensors, but are lighter armed. They carry only a single light particle laser turret, whcih serves double duty and anti-armour and anti-infantry/anti-aircraft. Their offensive punch comes mainly from the four fixed missile tubes on its flanks. Missile warheads and loads vary, but when the Dispersion is carrying a typical load of missiles, it carries about four reloads for each tube. Like all Cybertanks, the Dispersion does not "reload" a magazine, but literally grows new missiles to replace expended ones as part of it's physiology; again time varies, but can be as little as a few hours.

The four emitters found at the corner of each hull, are like all Cybertanks, proximity-range tractor beam emitters, allowing the Cybertanks to manipulate objects. Their fine control is merely passable (it might be better were it not compounded by Cybertank ineptitude), and their strength, while considerable by human standards, is not in the superhuman range. They might be able to lift a weight such as a typical car, but not throw one. Still, they are capable of tossing around lighter objects (such as squishy hominoids) if they get too close (though their proficiency depends on the individual Cybertank.)

Eradicator Heavy Tank

The Eradictor Heavy Grav Tank is often seen as the command unit for large number of Cybertank ground units. It is far more rarely operating as a unit. Eradicators are cunning and canny leaders, though, like most Cybertanks, they are not averse to casualties if required. This is another point often raised that size correllates to age and experience. This is by no means certain, as others have pointed - the larger size may come from the function, and not the other way around.

Regardless, Eradicators are extremely dangerous on the battle field. With very heavy shields, considerable armour and a powerful sensor array, they are both hard to surprise, let alone destroy. They are armed with a massive double-barreled particle laser cannon turret, supplemented by two matterflux missile launchers (typically carrying 48 missiles in total). These weapons can fire up to six missiles each at once, but then require a brief break with they are reloaded. The Eradicator's weapons are further rounded out by four magnetic linear accelerator gatlings covering each direction and four heavy point-defence particle laser arrays. Combined with the Eradicator's excellent ECM system, these last render it virtually impregable to individual missiles; a large or sustained salvo is required to even have a chance

Radical Recon Tank

The smallest and lightest of the Cybertank configurations ever seen, the Radical performs function as a scout. A Radical has the highest speed of all gravitic Cybertanks. They are lightly armed and shielded, but their primary particle laser turret is extremely powerful, matching that of some lighter main battle tanks. It also has a considerable arc of fire, allowing the Radical to perform in anti-infantry, anti-drone and anti-aircraft roles, supplement by the small particle laser emitter on the top of the turret.

Radicals have a noted tendancy for over-confidence and rashness, and are prone to making poor descisions and displaying an arrogance which is high even by Cybertank standards. Some attribute this to their particular speciality, i.e. not disimilar to a "fighter jockey" effect. Others suggest that this lends credance to the theory that Cybertanks "evolve" into larger forms as they age and this attitude is the folly of youth. As always with the Cybertanks, the truth is a mystery.

Vaporiser Light Tank

The unusual Vaporiser is less a tank and more a mobile pill box. With a fixed manetic linear accelerator gatling, and very heavy front armour (approaching that of the Eradicator), it is often seen functioning as a latter-day inpromptu fixed-line machine gun. It’s main weapon, however, is the omnidirectional partical laser beam array mounted on the back, often confused for a sensor array. This has considerable range and is equally capable at anti-air or anti-armour roles. Their side armour is considerably less, and their shields are not stronger than the Radical’s.

However, these are not the reasons the Vaporisers are most notorious. They six double-sized sized tractor emitters, four at the front and two at the rear, provided them with enormous strength and manipulative ability. They can lift about 80 tons, and can throw around eight - more than enough to uproot and hurl a tree. There are few vehicles that can traverse woods or other difficult terrain so easily – the Vaporisers simply shove the trees out of their path like a man would brush aside undergrowth. They are sufficiently skilled at this, they can do at nearly full speed. The resulting clear trail allows the following Cybertanks to launch an expected strike from an unexpected direction.

[Litewarior]

Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.

[Lix Lorn]

Oh, Thanqol, Thanqol, Thanqol, you know not what you do...

I just want everypony to know, Thanqol asked for this.

Brace yourselves...

(Oh and Lix, those configurations I missed out due to the character limit are below, so even you have something new to read...)

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/CybertankArmytext.png

For size, the Resistor is almost exactly the same size as a modern German Leopard 2 MBT.

--- Taken from “A Spacer’s Guide to the Galaxy”, by Rear Admiral William Sandsborough (Ret) ---

The Cybertanks are perhaps the most infamous and ubiquitous of all our enemies among the stars. They are persistent, vicious and utterly committed to the destruction of everyone aside from their own kind. We have been fighting them for almost as long as mankind has been among the stars, and others for still longer.

Yet how much do we really know about our intractable metallic foes? The answer is, surprisingly, very little.

We know their technology and their tactics, certainly. But beyond that, everything is shrouded in mystery. Much of what we think we know is purely speculation or based on misconception.

So, what do we know?

The Cybertank’s homeworld is Metalyka, in the system of the same name; indeed, to the Cybertanks, they are synonymous. Even here, errors creep in, as the name is often incorrectly spelt ‘Metallica’ of ‘Metallika’ (even in many official documents); though the pronunciation is the same: “Met-AL-EE-Ka.”

The Metalyka system is arguably the most heavily fortified in known space. The entire system consists of a single G-type star, with four planets and two planetoids.

What it is most noted for, however, is that the entire system is protected by a sphere of weapons platforms. These platforms, an average of eighty thousand kilometres apart, form a veritable dispersed Dyson’s sphere around the Metalyka system. This sphere is about 400 000km thick, and extends an astonishing 6 AU from the system’s sun. The weapons platforms are diverse designs. Most are small missile racks or station particle lazer batteries, but larger installations are not uncommon in the vastness. It is estimated that, from the given measurements, that there are roughly fifteen billion of these weapons platforms. A ship, passing the barrier, could be in range of over two thousand of these platforms at once. Indeed, the overall density of the platforms, combined with their own mass-net fields and displacer screens, actually prevents FTL transit through the net, as it registers as a diffuse nebula to sensors.

The sheer magnitude of the defence screen is staggering. To be maintained, it requires a mind-bogglingly large array of maintenance ships, stations and replication and manufacturing facilities. In fact, simply to maintain this screen, well over 99% of the entire Cybertank infrastructure is dedicated to this task. By comparison, even the most massive fleets that attack the outside galaxy are dwarfed in comparison to the amount of firepower within. It is most frightening to realise, that, if they would merely choose to do so, that infrastructure could be re-dedicated to wiping us out; and there is very little we could do to stop it.

The Neu Swabian League made a serious investigation several years ago into actually invading Metalyka and ending this threat once and for all. Their plan was to force a breech in the perimeter at one of the “entrance points” where the field is least dense. Then, they would hold this gap long enough to send a task force in to do the job. However, they quickly came to the conclusion such an attempt would be futile. Studies indicated that the weapons platforms are capable of moving under their own power to cover any breech made. Further, they made the sobering revelation that the Cybertank’s home defence fleet – which spends it’s time patrolling the inside of the sphere – is greater in number than the total number of starships built between the major Earth powers since the construction of military starships began. By several orders of magnitude.

This explains, perhaps in part, why the Cybertanks are so content to send out fleet after fleet and lose them all. In reality, they are losing a negligible portion of the population’s military power.

We cannot fathom how long it took to develop this inordinately large defence system. To date, it has only been breached on seventeen occasions across the entire of our recorded Cybertank history, and all of those strikes were precision attacks directed at something very close to the border. It is sufficiently dangerous not even the Lazerblasters dare cross it lightly.

So, quite literally, the Cybertanks are a major power, the bulk of which is in their own solar system. But they are not totally consigned to their system; a few outlying systems are under Cybertank control, though they fluctuate as the Incursions come and go .

It is theorised that the Metalyka system once had much more than the six planets than it does now, but the others and any asteroid belts it might once have had were cannibalised to start the defence grid. Even so, the Cybertanks must have developed their current energy-to-matter replication long before it was finished.

Metalyka proper is the third planet in the system, and is approximately one AU from the primary. It is about the same size as a typical M class planet, and has an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere at approximately 1.05g. All of what we know of it comes from long-range scans. As yet, no-one in recorded history as actually landed on the planet, aside from the Cybertanks themselves. The entire land surface is covered by metal. In places where the Cybertanks have or have had habitation, there are cities of metal, or just a metal-panelled surface. Elsewhere, the surface is just smooth metal of varying sorts. The surface is mostly, but not totally, flat, with the occasional mountains range arising smoothly from the surface. The most common sort is a non-corrosive alloy, rendering the planet a pale matt silver.

In some places, there are what appear to be massive forests of tall poles. What purpose – if any – these serve is a mystery. They may be artificial, they may be some strange form of natural metallic growth or something else entirely.

The seas of Metalyka are not one you would wish to swim in. They consist almost entirely of mercury, tainted by its contaminants a darker grey than the land. There is virtually no water vapour in the atmosphere at all (and little to no cloud), making the surface like a desert.

No-one knows why Metalyka is not untenably hot. It is guessed that perhaps the metal surface reflects away a lot of the heat, but it would be by no means all. Some have suggested that the forests of poles are some sort of heat baffle, perhaps cooled by the strong winds caused by the planet’s relatively rapid rotation. (A day on Metalyka lasts only sixteen hours.)

There is no apparent volcanicity on the planet, nor any evidence of it, though what this means, no-one is sure. It does explain the surface, however, as the land, without plate movement, will steadily be sand-blasted by the winds and metal particles blown within it.

There are six huge cityscapes on the surface, large enough to be seen by the naked eye, and many more smaller ones. The largest, tentatively designated as Gamma Seven by the Neu Swabian League, may be the capital.

Perhaps the most perplexing mystery, however, is that of the Cybertank’s origin. Of this we know nothing. The Cybertanks claim to have evolved naturally on Metalyka into their current state and all records we have managed to procure over the years give no other explanation.

Many detractors of this idea point out the numerous flaws in this belief, however. Many pieces of evidence suggest that the Cybertanks are instead an artificial race, created by some hitherto unknown power. Why would a lifeform evolve into something as recognisable as a grav-tank in the first place? And why would a supposedly alien race use English as it’s language?

This last is a particular mystery. In fact, for years, it was assumed that the Cybertanks were simply using a translator into what they thought was the dominant human language. But it was in the end revealed that the reason the Cybertanks always communicated in English was because they were speaking in English. This discovery was significantly delayed by the fact that Cybertank computer technology is run under a different language altogether. The Cybertanks thus have a ‘digital’ language they use when interfacing with their technology as opposed to communicating amongst themselves.

A great deal of evidence – including the structure and nature of Metalyka itself, apparently devoid of other life, supports the artificial constructs theory.

So it is greatly surprising, then, to find that there is evidence that equally contradicts this. The first and foremost is the massive difference between the technology the Cybertanks use and that in their own bodies. The two are as different as that between the technology of two alien races – or the difference between that of human biology and technology.

While their technology is advanced, it is mainly conventional in structure. Their own racial physiology is vastly different. Inside a Cybertank it a complex network of systems, technological, but as intricate in form and structure as the cellular structure of organics. It appears, internally, to be grown, not built. It is totally divergent with that of known technological races. Indeed, the only race with something even close to this kind of physiology are the naturally occurring metallic and techno-organic creatures found on Kethrain, the homeworld of the Shardan.

This Cybertank internal technology is also dissimilar to any other race’s technology, and lacks the signatures of extinct races, like the Sianetic Harbingers.

So, was the life on the planet truly technological in nature, or were the Cybertanks modified at some point? Perhaps they modified themselves and removed all history of it. Many theories for both sides have been put forward, from the sublime to the ridiculous. From the proponents of the belief they are naturally-developed creatures who simply adopted English as a language (perhaps from early transmissions from Earth) to those that suggest the Cybertanks are in fact humans from the far future, who brought a solar system backwards in time, no-one can make a conclusive argument.

Even time-travel is unlikely to be able to help; the entire Metalyka system seems to be contained in a temporally-resistant field, the nature of which is elusive but that makes time travel extraordinarily dangerous. It may be natural, or created by the Cybertanks themselves – or perhaps their creators. Further, all investigation has shown that the system is time-locked and not in an area of mutable time, so even if one could journey safely into the past, it could be just as dangerous to arrive.

And one is not likely to be forthcoming. As the Cybertanks themselves believe utterly in their own natural origin, the only possible answers may lie buried beneath the unreachable metal surface of Metalyka – if they exist at all.

* * * * * *

Cybertank Technology is advanced, but generally conventional. They utilise hyperdrive, engine, standard sensor, communication and shielding technology, albeit slightly improved over the standard. They do have energy-to-matter replication, though not to the point they can afford to utterly ignore local resources.

They have significantly better structural technology, as evidenced by the use of some of the manufacturing facilities, and the widely-feared ten-mile long Effluvium class supercruiser.

Weapons technology is primarily based on Particle Lasers, which fire blasts of photonic energy (typically orange) with dense micro-particles suspended within. The effect is somewhere between that of an energy lazer and a particle accelerator weapon. This weaponry is also found in the Cybertanks themselves, and it would appear that the ship-borne weaponry was developed from their internal weapons and not the other way around.

In addition to conventional Particle Laser weapon arrays, at starship level, the Cybertanks can fire highly coherent and mobile beam version, capable of slicing ships apart.

The Cybertanks also make heavy use of Matter-flux Torpedoes, which upon impact, set up a resonating field that puts the electron bonds of matter into a state of flux, with highly destructive results.

They use more conventional anti-matter weapons in their advanced missile technology; though occasionally, matter-flux warheads have been used by missiles in the past.

The Cybertanks have also developed cloaking and footprint magnification to a high level and this has lead to one of their defining technologies, the Displacer Screen. This literally takes all the emissions and readings from the vessel and shunts it to a different spot, usually no more than one or two ship lengths or widths away. The location on the image relative to the ship is constantly in motion, further confused by the ship’s manoeuvring. Because this is a comparatively minor shift, it is just enough to blur sensor technology, making it somewhat harder to hit. Much further distance than that used, and the system would break down.

This results in the strange sight at visual ranges, where a shot will pass right through an apparent ship, or when a shot does land, the blast will strike and stop in empty space and the resultant explosion will happen hundreds of meters away.

Fortunately, the Displacer’s power requirements are sufficiently high that smaller vessel simply cannot power them, though they are surprisingly compact.

Cybertank starship technology is all completely modular. Indeed, the familiar delta-cruisers used by so many races come from the Assimilator class Cybertank cruiser that was adapted by the Herosine Empire (and by several other races independently). This means a Cybertank fleet can, if close to a repair and supply ship like a Colloidal, completely repair and change it’s entire weapon output in a short period of time. Most starships have a base design, which requires more extensive modifications to alter and a weapons load. The weapons load is not solely weapons, but often cloaks, additional armour or shielding or sensors.

Cybertank ships are typically specialised for one job, and poor at others. Most notably, most Cybertank ships have poor point-defence and rely on anti-fighter variants to provide them with protection.

* * * * * *


Common Cybertank Configurations
Resistor I Grav Tank

The most common Cybertank configuration encountered, the Resistor I configuration is the archetypal Cybertank. Like all Cybertanks, it is not a vehicle per se, but rather a grav-tank-shaped technological sentient creature. Albeit one that is evil and without any redeeming traits. The Cybertanks do not seek conquest, but the simple extermination of all life that is not themselves; be they organic, technolgical or otherwise. (Or even Undead...) It is possible to reason with a Cybertank, as they are intelligent , for a given value of "reason". The Cybertanks have occasionally allied with other evil forces, but these alliances break down before long, as the Cybertanks simply revert to their natural state, which is to "ELIMINATE ALL ORGANIC LIFEFORMS!" (Sic).

The Cybertanks are, in theory, quite intelligent, and have a certain cunning. They certainly possess entirely understandable emotions, being far from emotionless machines. While they have a certain preference for logic, even that is only a tendancy. What they do seem to lack is any form of empathy or compassion of any kind. They hate though, and hate well, though the second most common emotion seem in them from outsiders is their noted tendancy to panic if things go wrong, and shout a lot.

It should, of course, be noted in passing with their computer minds, energy weapons and advanced targeting systems, the accuracy of the Cybertanks is legendary, in that no other race can miss so badly or so often. It is perhaps unfortunate that the larger targetting computers of their starships actually manage to migitate their own utter incompetance. But on the ground, it is often said - only half in jest - that the safest place to be when a Cybertank is shooting is the spot they are aiming at.

If it were not that their home system is easily the most heavily defended in the known galaxy, they would have been wiped out long ago by the collected efforts of everyone in the galaxy. As it is, given it is estimated that within that veritable Dyson's Sphere of defences, there are more Cybertank ships than have ever been built by all the human powers combined since the invention of space travel, even attempting such and endeavour would be literal suicide. Those maruading fleets that form the Cybertank Incursions are literally nothing more than a drop in the ocean, excess waste. (It has even been suggested that the Incursion are just excess population, embarking on lemming-like attacks on the rest of the galaxy.) Fortunately, the Cybertank's natural paranoia keeps them from exploiting this fact and wiping us all out. As has been said so many times before, they are "tactically clever, strategically dumb." A fact for which we should all be profoundly grateful.

Resistor II Grav Tank

The Resistor II is almost as common a configuration of the Cybertanks as the Resistor I, and both are the iconic configurations whose image is conjured up when the Cybertanks are referred to. Resistor IIs have a smaller particle laser than the Is, but this is supplemented by a mass driver gating. The pyramidal structure at the top emits a smaller particle laser, serving both missile defence and anti-infantry. Two turret smoke dischargers are mounted on the turret, one either side.

Like all Cybertanks, the Resistors share their omnicidal nature and staggering racial arrogance; and mercifully for the rest of us, their utter inability to hit anything, despite their advanced targeting systems and use of energy weapons. Because of their abundance, we know more about the Resistors than any other configuration. Internally, their technological phyisology is as different from that found in their starships and buildings (i.e their constructed technolgy) as ours is from our own, and is highly complex, and seems more "grown" than "built". And the re are further mysteries. For example, the Cybertank's particle laser technology found on board their starships seems derived from their own bodily weapons, but are subtly different in a way that a conventional tank and shipboard weapon are not; i.e. they are not quite simply different sized versions of each other.

This all lends credence to the Cybertank's claim they evolved into these vehicular forms naturally. Despite the extreme improbability of these claims, no-one has yet found any evidence to prove otherwise. The truth - if it still exists - lies buried under the surface of the Cybertank's homeworld of Metalyka, where none but Cybertanks have ever stood.

Capacitor Missile Tank

The Capacitor provides the cybertanks with missile support. They are generally regarded as the most dangerous in their weight class. Armed with a turreted rapid-fire matter-flux rocket launcher, backed with quad heavy missile launcher with eight reloads, the Capacitor can fight both in the front line or from safety, using Dispersions or Eradicators as target designators. They have their own sensors too, allowing A platoon mates to concentrate a deadly salvo of fire. A Point-Defence particle laser array rounds out their weapons.

Unlike many such simiLAr vehicles in the armies of other races, Capacitors are not lightly armoured, but have nearly the same shielding and armour as a Resistor, only being slightly lighter in the side and rear arcs. Despite the limited number of matter-flux missiles, Capacitors replenish their matter-flux rockets at an astonishing rate, meaning it is almost impossible for them to run out.

Cohesion Suppression Tank

The Cohesion configuration is designated as a "Suppression" tank. For the Cybertanks, this qualifies as a dedicated anti-infantry vehicle. As the Cybertanks are simply too big to fit inside buildings (and rarely feel the need to try and capture anything anyway), the Cybertanks solution to the problem of infantry is the most basic - obliterate the place the infantry are standing in.

The Cohesion's primary weapon is a cannon that fires a minaturised matterflux shell. This is capable of inflicting vast amounts of damage to structures, plant-life and any vehicle unfortunate enough to be hit by it.

Interestingly, dead Cohesions have revealed that the design of these shells indicates they have been replicated from the starship technology principles, as opposed to the Cybertank's natural technology. Indeed, old records from early encounters indicate that the shells were a high-explosive weapon, whose design was entirely consist with the internal workings of the Cybertanks.

Dispersion Ultra Light Grav Tank

The Dispersion configuration typically operates in the scouting role, often supplemented by Radicals. The Dispersion configuration is slower and much more durable then the latter. The Dispersions have better sensors, but are lighter armed. They carry only a single light particle laser turret, whcih serves double duty and anti-armour and anti-infantry/anti-aircraft. Their offensive punch comes mainly from the four fixed missile tubes on its flanks. Missile warheads and loads vary, but when the Dispersion is carrying a typical load of missiles, it carries about four reloads for each tube. Like all Cybertanks, the Dispersion does not "reload" a magazine, but literally grows new missiles to replace expended ones as part of it's physiology; again time varies, but can be as little as a few hours.

The four emitters found at the corner of each hull, are like all Cybertanks, proximity-range tractor beam emitters, allowing the Cybertanks to manipulate objects. Their fine control is merely passable (it might be better were it not compounded by Cybertank ineptitude), and their strength, while considerable by human standards, is not in the superhuman range. They might be able to lift a weight such as a typical car, but not throw one. Still, they are capable of tossing around lighter objects (such as squishy hominoids) if they get too close (though their proficiency depends on the individual Cybertank.)

Eradicator Heavy Tank

The Eradictor Heavy Grav Tank is often seen as the command unit for large number of Cybertank ground units. It is far more rarely operating as a unit. Eradicators are cunning and canny leaders, though, like most Cybertanks, they are not averse to casualties if required. This is another point often raised that size correllates to age and experience. This is by no means certain, as others have pointed - the larger size may come from the function, and not the other way around.

Regardless, Eradicators are extremely dangerous on the battle field. With very heavy shields, considerable armour and a powerful sensor array, they are both hard to surprise, let alone destroy. They are armed with a massive double-barreled particle laser cannon turret, supplemented by two matterflux missile launchers (typically carrying 48 missiles in total). These weapons can fire up to six missiles each at once, but then require a brief break with they are reloaded. The Eradicator's weapons are further rounded out by four magnetic linear accelerator gatlings covering each direction and four heavy point-defence particle laser arrays. Combined with the Eradicator's excellent ECM system, these last render it virtually impregable to individual missiles; a large or sustained salvo is required to even have a chance

Radical Recon Tank

The smallest and lightest of the Cybertank configurations ever seen, the Radical performs function as a scout. A Radical has the highest speed of all gravitic Cybertanks. They are lightly armed and shielded, but their primary particle laser turret is extremely powerful, matching that of some lighter main battle tanks. It also has a considerable arc of fire, allowing the Radical to perform in anti-infantry, anti-drone and anti-aircraft roles, supplement by the small particle laser emitter on the top of the turret.

Radicals have a noted tendancy for over-confidence and rashness, and are prone to making poor descisions and displaying an arrogance which is high even by Cybertank standards. Some attribute this to their particular speciality, i.e. not disimilar to a "fighter jockey" effect. Others suggest that this lends credance to the theory that Cybertanks "evolve" into larger forms as they age and this attitude is the folly of youth. As always with the Cybertanks, the truth is a mystery.

Vaporiser Light Tank

The unusual Vaporiser is less a tank and more a mobile pill box. With a fixed manetic linear accelerator gatling, and very heavy front armour (approaching that of the Eradicator), it is often seen functioning as a latter-day inpromptu fixed-line machine gun. It’s main weapon, however, is the omnidirectional partical laser beam array mounted on the back, often confused for a sensor array. This has considerable range and is equally capable at anti-air or anti-armour roles. Their side armour is considerably less, and their shields are not stronger than the Radical’s.

However, these are not the reasons the Vaporisers are most notorious. They six double-sized sized tractor emitters, four at the front and two at the rear, provided them with enormous strength and manipulative ability. They can lift about 80 tons, and can throw around eight - more than enough to uproot and hurl a tree. There are few vehicles that can traverse woods or other difficult terrain so easily – the Vaporisers simply shove the trees out of their path like a man would brush aside undergrowth. They are sufficiently skilled at this, they can do at nearly full speed. The resulting clear trail allows the following Cybertanks to launch an expected strike from an unexpected direction.



The single most important thing I got from this is the bit about them upgrading their missiles since the first encounters.
They're not frozen. They're getting stronger.
Meep.

[Thanqol]

"Don't know what I do, I just asked a simple que -" *FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED WORDS*

Comprehensive! That was good reading, I'll get back to you on this.

[Athaniar]

Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.
Iiinteresting. Come to think of it, Shining Armor does share colors with Twilight's parents.

[Pokonic]

Spoiled for long and not-very-pony...
Phylactery-bound Liches, by their very nature, don't get nearly so many abilities, nor spirit-vessel will reinforcement, because their soul is ultimately bound in a thingy, and not basically haunting their body, which they are at best "projecting" into. Spirit-binding is just overall better, with phylactery-bindings only advantages are that you can suffer destruction of your puppet-body and survive - but the trade off it that you're completely vulnerable while you regenerate a new body - and that it is something that you can do to yourself.

Spirit-binding is not something you can cast on yourself, unless you can actually cast spells while dead (and I mean "dead" not Undead, it's as hard as casting Resurrection on yourself.) However, it's faster, infinitely cheaper, and gives you a lot better chance out of the gate of not having your body destroyed in the first place.



Also, what magic is proof against destruction in a low-tech fantasy environment rapidly becomes not so when you reach our level of technology. And magic has levels of advancement as well, and a low-magic-advancement anti-scrying spell might stop most magic detection - but it won't stop sensors, or someone whose effectively using WW2 radar jamming against your 21st century top-of-the-line radar systems, as it were. Because high-"tech"-magic will naturally include the counters to lower stuff, for example, imagine an illusion spell that would fool True Seeing, because they were designed to specifically spoof True Seeing , like Shield foils Magic Missile as part of it's spell description. (Though like high-tech, you have to understand the science of magic in ways you just can't do with low tech, in the same way you can't understand micro-biology (properly) without a microcsrope, and you can't do finite element analysis without a computer.)

And more to the point, the baleful level of energies most vehicular weapons - let alone fighter or starship weapons - put out match and exceed what, not only most mortal magic, but a fair chunk immortal magic can tolerate.



Long story short, Xykon can Epic-protect his phylactery up the wazoo, but if, due to the thaumaic technology disparity, he's essentially painting it really convincing horizon pink camoflage and I'm looking for it with millimetric radar, it's not going to help. And I doubt even the One Ring could withstand the full force of a capital starship energy beam.

(Remember, a 20th century nuke is hotter than the sun. A typical-yield starship missiles are much often better than that - and a capital energy beam will have a power output greater than several of them combined.)

I use a Rocket Launcher because the amount of damage it's capable of dealing is far more efficient than what I can output with magic. I mean, I can do some fairly awesome crap, but even I can't take on a whole platoon of Cybertanks (at once) single-handedly. Because hammering away at their shields takes some effort - and they pretty much only have to hit me once, even if fully buffed up with defences. (And, outside of D&D, the whole save-or-die thing tends to only be as effective as blasting is in D&D; i.e. viable, but often not as efficient as the alternative.)

Hmm, true. I suppose I cannot argue with the bit about tech, but I must say my peice about spirit-binding: thing is, a spirit-bound creature is more like a mummy than anything like a Death Knight or a Lich proper. Yes, the advantages of having a more robust skill set is undeniable, but the underlieing fact is something you said yourself: you don't have much options about the matter.

First off, the whole point of a lich is to be immortal and to feel fine about the whole deal. A soul-jar using lichiform (honastly, it fits the topic) can shove there soul into any little object they can find, hide it real good, and even if the worst comes to worst and the thing is broken, the lich can make a brand-new one with time and effort. Second chances: something that only so many varities of the unliving dead can have.

As for spirit-bound liches, the body is less a meat puppet so much as the soul-jar proper. You get a single chance at it, and once your puppet-body is gone, your gone. Not only that, but you are most likely not going to have much choice in your first body unless your part of some sort of cult with some magical supplies and a orginised group of casters.

..... Actualy, if you would not mind, I think we all would like to know a bit on how you became a lich, exactly. Think of it like your cuti-mark story, exept that it involves the blackest energies of the nether realms and potent magical effort.


Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.

Wut. I mean, I was not expecting some sort of epic opponent to drop in (thats for season premiers) but wut. If this is true, season two has broken everyones fanon.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

I have a question (well technically several questions) for both Kairaven and the thread at large: What do you think of (potential) human enhancement/alteration? Is there anything you’d have done? Mind upload? Functional immortality? Laser cannon grafted to your chest?

All for it. Main thing? Cybernetic eye connected to a computer. Make a database of every single person I meet, and never again have that awkward moment when I know I know someone but have no idea who they are. Admittedly, I could also get that fixed with an eidietic memory implant, but whatevs. I like the cyber-eye setup more. Acrobatic capabilities on the level of your average anime ninja would be another one I'd sign up for. And if we're getting reallyfancy, a personal short-range teleportation device (I hate waiting for the lights to cross a street).

I know, I know. I think small. Functional Immortality, mind upload, internet-in-your-head, those are all things I'm in favour of too. Don't really understand the "losing humanity" thingy. Concerns re:Eugenics and uneven implementation are very legitimate concerns, though.

[Thanqol]

All for it. Main thing? Cybernetic eye connected to a computer. Make a database of every single person I meet, and never again have that awkward moment when I know I know someone but have no idea who they are. Admittedly, I could also get that fixed with an eidietic memory implant, but whatevs. I like the cyber-eye setup more.

I foresee a world where everyone's facebook accounts is connected to the cybernetics internet; just by looking at someone you can see their status, if they're looking for relationship or a conversation, or even if they just want to be left alone.

You could eat at a shopping mall and put up a digital sign saying 'Bored. Talk to me?' and thus silently invite passerby to sit down and have a conversation. Your cybernetics would also import contact lists, music tastes, friends - "Oh, you know Robert? I was in high school with him!". Filters could similarly be put up; members of a brony group for example would see other bronies clearly while keeping it hidden from others.

There are privacy issues, naturally, and having this kind of information freely available about everyone would redefine human social conduct. I also see it as the most logical and inevitable conclusion of the advances made in facial recognition/photography, portable computing, facebook and social media, and biotech advances.

I think it'd be fascinating. Privacy issues, identity theft, all problems as usual, but it seems the logical conclusion of the direction our technology is heading in.

[Pokonic]

I foresee a world where everyone's facebook accounts is connected to the cybernetics internet; just by looking at someone you can see their status, if they're looking for relationship or a conversation, or even if they just want to be left alone.

You could eat at a shopping mall and put up a digital sign saying 'Bored. Talk to me?' and thus silently invite passerby to sit down and have a conversation. Your cybernetics would also import contact lists, music tastes, friends - "Oh, you know Robert? I was in high school with him!". Filters could similarly be put up; members of a brony group for example would see other bronies clearly while keeping it hidden from others.

There are privacy issues, naturally, and having this kind of information freely available about everyone would redefine human social conduct. I also see it as the most logical and inevitable conclusion of the advances made in facial recognition/photography, portable computing, facebook and social media, and biotech advances.

I think it'd be fascinating. Privacy issues, identity theft, all problems as usual, but it seems the logical conclusion of the direction our technology is heading in.

So, it would be like WoW, a chat room, and a social media website? Huh. What happens if someone drops some bad IRL's and such?

[Thanqol]

So, it would be like WoW, a chat room, and a social media website? Huh. What happens if someone drops some bad IRL's and such?

Then people add him to their ignore list, and recommend all their friends do the same. You can get blacklisted by hundreds of people just by being a jerk once.

There's also going to be a high amount of social sculpting and image cultivation; people will have different private and professional accounts, for instance. Hacking and privacy protection will naturally be issues in this environment.

[erikun]

I return from the internet, bearing gifts.

http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/063/e/9/further_beyond__by_dreatos-d4rqlum.png (http://dreatos.deviantart.com/art/Further-beyond-288455710)


Also, this. (http://dreatos.deviantart.com/art/The-grand-scheme-288456134)

And now, off to food.

[Siosilvar]

Then people add him to their ignore list, and recommend all their friends do the same. You can get blacklisted by hundreds of people just by being a jerk once.

There's also going to be a high amount of social sculpting and image cultivation; people will have different private and professional accounts, for instance. Hacking and privacy protection will naturally be issues in this environment.

Forgive me if I'm not optimistic, then. I'd rather not have to live my life knowing that every little-

*ahem*

Apologies for my previous comment. We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile; we will add your cultural and societal distinctiveness to our own.

[darthbobcat]

Yeah, pretty much my thinking about this whole conversation.

[Gadora]

Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.

"Aieeeeeeee! Panic, panic, panic!" *runs around in circles*


I mean...

Hm... I guess I'm vaguely nervous about that, but that certainly could be interesting. Can't wait to see where how they do this.

[Thanqol]

Forgive me if I'm not optimistic, then. I'd rather not have to live my life knowing that every little-

*ahem*

Apologies for my previous comment. We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile; we will add your cultural and societal distinctiveness to our own.

Presumably there'd be privacy and filter settings on your end, too - you wouldn't have to know the tragic backstory of every other person in the food court. You could, for instance, set it to only show the names and data of single young men. Or, if you're Pinkie Pie, filter out everyone except people who are having a bad day.

We already have incredible access to information through the internet; I expect us to simply become less and less reliant on external technology to access that information.

EDIT: I'm not even saying this is ideal or desirable; my own thought is just that the impact would be fascinating. I'm just saying that this is probable given a basic extrapolation of existing technological tends.

[Gamerlord]

Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.
You hear that? It is the sound of a thousand fanons imploding. Though it isn't like this came out of absolutely nowhere, it makes a surprising amount of sense when you think about it. This looks like it could be either amazing or horrible, no in between.

[Pokonic]

You hear that? It is the sound of a thousand fanons imploding. This looks like it could be either amazing or horrible, no in between.

To be fair, when we got our first look at Discord, who would have thought he would be so epic? Certantly not the majority. I have faith that Studio B can pull it off.

[RdMarquis]

I foresee a world where everyone's facebook accounts is connected to the cybernetics internet; just by looking at someone you can see their status, if they're looking for relationship or a conversation, or even if they just want to be left alone.

You could eat at a shopping mall and put up a digital sign saying 'Bored. Talk to me?' and thus silently invite passerby to sit down and have a conversation. Your cybernetics would also import contact lists, music tastes, friends - "Oh, you know Robert? I was in high school with him!". Filters could similarly be put up; members of a brony group for example would see other bronies clearly while keeping it hidden from others.

There are privacy issues, naturally, and having this kind of information freely available about everyone would redefine human social conduct. I also see it as the most logical and inevitable conclusion of the advances made in facial recognition/photography, portable computing, facebook and social media, and biotech advances.

I think it'd be fascinating. Privacy issues, identity theft, all problems as usual, but it seems the logical conclusion of the direction our technology is heading in.

That would be kind of awesome, if only to see how this will be implemented, and the consequences. It's also a major part of the campaign setting in the tabletop game I mentioned earlier, which is just another reason for me to geek out.


Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.

...Huh. That would explain why his cutie mark is a sparkle with 3 stars. Does this mean that Twilight will become a noblewoman after the wedding?

[darthbobcat]

... RE Season finale.

Given their track record this season... I am highly highly highly HIGHLY highly skeptical. In my opinion, they didn't pull off their LAST two parter well. Sure, discord is a cool character, but all season, they've been trying to shove too much into too little time, and this is the sort of plot where there's a huge risk of it.

[Siosilvar]

We already have incredible access to information through the internet; I expect us to simply become less and less reliant on external technology to access that information.

EDIT: I'm not even saying this is ideal or desirable; my own thought is just that the impact would be fascinating. I'm just saying that this is probable given a basic extrapolation of existing technological tends.

I'm aware. I'm just exceedingly uncomfortable with the logical conclusion of present-day tech.

<.< Oh look a distraction I ponified myself.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/siosilvar/remixed/pony/ohjoy_sm.png
Wow, that didn't scale down well.

[AlterForm]

I foresee a world where everyone's facebook accounts is connected to the cybernetics internet; just by looking at someone you can see their status, if they're looking for relationship or a conversation, or even if they just want to be left alone.

You could eat at a shopping mall and put up a digital sign saying 'Bored. Talk to me?' and thus silently invite passerby to sit down and have a conversation. Your cybernetics would also import contact lists, music tastes, friends - "Oh, you know Robert? I was in high school with him!". Filters could similarly be put up; members of a brony group for example would see other bronies clearly while keeping it hidden from others.

There are privacy issues, naturally, and having this kind of information freely available about everyone would redefine human social conduct. I also see it as the most logical and inevitable conclusion of the advances made in facial recognition/photography, portable computing, facebook and social media, and biotech advances.

I think it'd be fascinating. Privacy issues, identity theft, all problems as usual, but it seems the logical conclusion of the direction our technology is heading in.

If I might promote a game somewhat related to this line of thinking?

dont take it personally, babe, it just aint your story (http://scoutshonour.com/donttakeitpersonallybabeitjustaintyourstory/) Yes, that is exactly how it is spelled

It's a visual novel, but there's only one major branch point and the whole game probably takes 2-3 hours to get through, tops. I can't comfortably judge the value of the teenagers/sexuality plots (they seemed well done to me, at least), but the technological angle of the story offered me an incredible moment of pause at the ending.



And the requisite addition of pony:
http://dl.dropbox.com/s/1pr7snaui2d1yrb/ScratchonRecord-1.gif

[Thanqol]

<.< Oh look a distraction I ponified myself.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/siosilvar/remixed/pony/ohjoy_sm.png
Wow, that didn't scale down well.

I'm not sure about the colour scheme, but there's real attitude there ^^


If I might promote a game somewhat related to this line of thinking?

Ooo, research material. I'll give this a spin once I have time!


And the requisite addition of pony:
http://dl.dropbox.com/s/1pr7snaui2d1yrb/ScratchonRecord-1.gif

This too. Best cutie mark story.

[Pokonic]

...Huh. That would explain why his cutie mark is a sparkle with 3 stars. Does this mean that Twilight will become a noblewoman after the wedding?

Pretty sure that Twilight is some sort of noble, even if it never realy crosses her mind. I mean, both her and her parents share the same astrological motifs as every other unicorn in Canterlot with some importance (besides Blueblood, but that's debatable about the whole "noble" thing) for there Cutie Marks, and the two of them where moderatly loaded to send there little filly to Celestia's private school.


Also, if her brother is so bloody high up that he can marry a Alicorn, than I can only assume that she has at least some sort of title back home. I would assume that the Princess would refrain from calling her "Grand Ducal Sparkle", or somesuch in public, or cares so little about it that she does not even bother with the whole topic. Both of them, I mean.

[Siosilvar]

I'm not sure about the colour scheme, but there's real attitude there ^^

Yeah, I think the yellow is a bit off (a bit? more like a lot), especially on the eye. I'll see what I can do. More orange?

Also, the atom is Be2+. In case you were wondering.

[Thanqol]

Yeah, I think the yellow is a bit off (a bit? more like a lot), especially on the eye. I'll see what I can do. More orange?

Also, the atom is Be2+. In case you were wondering.

I think the worry is more the deep, royal blue. It's a very difficult colour to work with and very few colours compliment it. Orange and yellow definitively do not. If you're using blue as your primary, good secondaries are white, purple, and silver. Trixie and Poky Pierce are two examples of good deep blue colour schemes.

If you use a more pale shade of blue, like Rainbow Dash, you've got more scope in what you can get away with. A lot of ponies have really pale primary colours for this reason. The shade of yellow/dark yellow you've got on the mane and tail would go better with orange or green; the colours adjacent to it on the colour wheel.

[Eakin]

Nothing, I actually support Transhumanism whole heartedly, but from an individual standpoint it is pretty horrible, mostly in the "Trivialization of human identity" point and the possible Eugenics aspect of implementation. Also the inevitable moral and existential conflict that is likely to result from such implementation. Plus as with any end form of evolution I can't help but feel like it promotes stagnation. (Yes I subscribe to the idea that too much order is equally harmful as too much chaos.)

anyway, those thoughts are the end point of my train of thought. The usual beginning point is mostly triggered by the alien feeling of not quite belonging to a group. A feeling that I've actually felt quite strongly last time I went to Bronycon, and something I am strongly trying to fend off before the next Bronycon.

I'm totally pro trans-humanism, and I'm not surprised to find that most people in a geeky forum would be too (no offense intended, fellow geeks :smallsmile:) I think, like every major social change, the older generation would be freaked out by cybernetic body or brain modifications. Then 40 years after it happens everyone who grew up with it will look back and laugh at laugh at the old folks who were so creeped out by something they grew up with and seems so natural to them.

As for the upgrades I'd want, they're pretty modest. I'd settle for perfect implant-assisted memory and some kind of wireless computer-interfacing HUD in my eye. I don't care if I can lift a car with one arm, as long as I can check what that text message I got says without having to walk all the way across the room to my phone.


Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.

OMGWTFBBQ?

They're certainly swinging for the fences, I'll be curious to see if they can pull it off. I'm going to go with cautious optimism, which is generally my go-to reaction to any future pony episode related news. But I definately think there's very little ground here between "phenomenal episode" and "total flop" in most bronies' reactions.

At least it'll give us lots to talk about over the summer!

[Thanqol]

I think, like every major social change, the older generation would be freaked out by cybernetic body or brain modifications. Then 40 years after it happens everyone who grew up with it will look back and laugh at laugh at the old folks who were so creeped out by something they grew up with and seems so natural to them.

My daughter ain't marrying no robot!

[Sadistic Seraph]

words

That was fascinating. Can you tell me more? Or at least point me somewhere where I can find more?

Things I'd like to know:
What is this setting called?
What game system do you use with it? (assuming it's tied to gaming)
Who came up with it? You?
What other races/nations/faction are there? (In as much detail as possible, like with the Cybertanks)
The political relationships between the above groups
The magic system of the universe and how it relates to and interacts with technology and technological development.
Everything about your own character(s)
Everything else.



If I might promote a game somewhat related to this line of thinking?

dont take it personally, babe, it just aint your story (http://scoutshonour.com/donttakeitpersonallybabeitjustaintyourstory/)

That actually looks pretty interesting. I'll give it a try.



Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

Oh no. :smalleek: This is either going to be totally awesome or horrible and show destroying. Probably horrible.

[Siosilvar]

I think the worry is more the deep, royal blue. It's a very difficult colour to work with and very few colours compliment it. Orange and yellow definitively do not. If you're using blue as your primary, good secondaries are white, purple, and silver. Trixie and Poky Pierce are two examples of good deep blue colour schemes.

If you use a more pale shade of blue, like Rainbow Dash, you've got more scope in what you can get away with. A lot of ponies have really pale primary colours for this reason. The shade of yellow/dark yellow you've got on the mane and tail would go better with orange or green; the colours adjacent to it on the colour wheel.

I didn't like the mane color anyway, so I made it less... dismal and more vibrant. Two ponies in the spoiler, one with original coat color and one a little bit brighter (but not more pale):
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/siosilvar/remixed/pony/newcompare.png
Ooookay, green eyes definitely don't work there... I'm going to have to keep messing around with this. I definitely want to keep the blue/yellow contrast, though.

EDIT: Lighter still. Mane color definitely doesn't fit.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/siosilvar/remixed/pony/attempt4.png

[Eakin]

My daughter ain't marrying no robot!

I'm OK with a nice boy robot, but if she tries to marry a girl robot, well, that's where I draw the line! No homorobosexual marriage!

EDIT:

Pretty sure that Twilight is some sort of noble, even if it never realy crosses her mind. I mean, both her and her parents share the same astrological motifs as every other unicorn in Canterlot with some importance (besides Blueblood, but that's debatable about the whole "noble" thing) for there Cutie Marks, and the two of them where moderatly loaded to send there little filly to Celestia's private school.


Also, if her brother is so bloody high up that he can marry a Alicorn, than I can only assume that she has at least some sort of title back home. I would assume that the Princess would refrain from calling her "Grand Ducal Sparkle", or somesuch in public, or cares so little about it that she does not even bother with the whole topic. Both of them, I mean.

I'm sure even if Twilight's family were dirt poor, she'd have scored some kind of royal scholarship after her performance on the entrance exam.

But I'm not sure I like the idea that Twilight is actually a Duchess or something and she just never mentioned it. She had no fancy dress for the gala before Rarity made one for her. Speaking of Rarity, since she knows how socially obsessed she is you'd think she would have mentioned it to her, or offered to introduce Rarity to some of her fellow upper-class ponies

[Thanqol]

I didn't like the mane color anyway, so I made it less... dismal and more vibrant. Two ponies in the spoiler, one with original coat color and one a little bit brighter (but not more pale):
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj165/siosilvar/remixed/pony/newcompare.png
Ooookay, green eyes definitely don't work there... I'm going to have to keep messing around with this. I definitely want to keep the blue/yellow contrast, though.

The second one's better, but remember that you've got other colour options than primary/secondary. You can do primary blue, secondary white and the yellow as a tertiary or highlight; i.e. a yellow stripe, piece of clothing, or eye colour. And because deep blue is such a very tricky colour to blend I'd suggest making it not the primary in the first place. Brown/yellow/blue ribbons, for example, would make an excellent colour scheme.

I mean, right now the second one is passable/not hideous, but it's still not a good colour scheme.


I'm OK with a nice boy robot, but if she tries to marry a girl robot, well, that's where I draw the line! No homorobosexual marriage!

My robot daughter ain't marrying no disembodied energy matrix! Marriage is between beings with mass!

[Pokonic]

I'm sure even if Twilight's family were dirt poor, she'd have scored some kind of royal scholarship after her performance on the entrance exam.

But I'm not sure I like the idea that Twilight is actually a Duchess or something and she just never mentioned it. She had no fancy dress for the gala before Rarity made one for her. Speaking of Rarity, since she knows how socially obsessed she is you'd think she would have mentioned it to her, or offered to introduce Rarity to some of her fellow upper-class ponies

However, for her even having the chance to take the test means that she has some sort of fund to put her into such a place, or at least some sort of prep-thing. I mean, if she was going to go into what is presumably the best schooling in the country, there must be some plans for her anyhow. And besides, they live in Canterlot. There is no way that within such a bloody idealistic realm that the snobby star-butted unicorns living in the capital city have anything short of fantastic wealth. Even if you take into account the fact that she is the princesses student, you cannot help but notice that the others in her general circle of friends have.... jobs. That tree-house of hers is mostly her living space, because who can realy tell the differance between where that girl reads and studies and where her supposed income comes from?

And besides, its not like she would be the sort who would rub a title up others noses. Considering that she considers herself Celestias student more than anything else, and that she has likely lived in the castle for the majorty of her "teenaged" years, it's entirely possible that she barely thinks about it at all. She probably (falsly) thinks Rarity would care about her connection to the princess than a silly old title and a nice house, but oh, how wrong she is. Than again, it could be that her brother is generaly taking care of the whole "royal title" responsibilities and stuff, but that opens a whole new, freshly opened, can of worms...

[darthbobcat]

The brother's name makes me think he's in the military. Military service is a GREAT tool for social advancement. No need for Twilight to be nobility.

[Eakin]

My robot daughter ain't marrying no disembodied energy matrix! Marriage is between beings with mass!

You better have mass if you're tapping that... plot.


However, for her even having the chance to take the test means that she has some sort of fund to put her into such a place, or at least some sort of prep-thing. I mean, if she was going to go into what is presumably the best schooling in the country, there must be some plans for her anyhow. And besides, they live in Canterlot. There is no way that within such a bloody idealistic realm that the snobby star-butted unicorns living in the capital city have anything short of fantastic wealth. Even if you take into account the fact that she is the princesses student, you cannot help but notice that the others in her general circle of friends have.... jobs. That tree-house of hers is mostly her living space, because who can realy tell the differance between where that girl reads and studies and where her supposed income comes from?

And besides, its not like she would be the sort who would rub a title up others noses. Considering that she considers herself Celestias student more than anything else, and that she has likely lived in the castle for the majorty of her "teenaged" years, it's entirely possible that she barely thinks about it at all. She probably (falsly) thinks Rarity would care about her connection to the princess than a silly old title and a nice house, but oh, how wrong she is. Than again, it could be that her brother is generaly taking care of the whole "royal title" responsibilities and stuff, but that opens a whole new, freshly opened, can of worms...

Maybe. I've just never liked the "oh, we never mentioned it but our protagonist is secretly from a royal bloodline!" trope. I'd prefer to see Twilight's brother is some kind of knight/hero who won a princess' hoof in marriage through some quest or courageous deed. It's just a total ass pull if it's never been mentioned in the show itself.

[maximus25]

And I fell behind in the thread.

[Pokonic]

The brother's name makes me think he's in the military. Military service is a GREAT tool for social advancement. No need for Twilight to be nobility.

Sounds as royal-guardish as Iron Will was, actualy. But I doubt they would actualy throw in a military pony as the brother of a main caste member, let alown into the show as a whole. The mane thing you have to think about is the fact her/there parents share the same sort of patterns seen only on rich Unicorns. Nearly every one at the Galla had one, for example. That little butt-mark is a sign of greatness!

And money, lots and lots of money.

EDIT: To be fair, it would be more like "Wait, I never told you guys that I was a noblemare? Realy, it's not a big deal." cue hyperventilating marshmellow, possibly accompanied by frothing of the mouth "Wait, Rarity, are you....okay?"

[thubby]

And I fell behind in the thread.

you and me both.
so much pony fic @,@

[Zevox]

Been a little busy with something else today...
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/049324ae466f6e698707fc2bb04f2473/144296%20-%20artist%3Ajohn_joseco%20gamer_luna%20luna%20mass _effect%20mass_effect_3%20n7_armor%20SPAAAAAAAAAAA AACE.jpg
...yeah, that. So the thread has produced numerous pages that I don't have time to catch up on, sorry. But I've spent some time on Ponibooru today too, and wanted to share a couple of pictures, so here, have some cute:

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/4e67e031d724f0e6ec3b39f476ec0799/144350%20-%20caption%20DJ-P0N3%20filly%20if_dupe_give_link%20i_love_you%20I_ wub_you%20macro%20vinyl_scratch.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/a780b95027d9ffc88ba82f2185762694/144444%20-%20artist%3Amickeymonster%20check_em%20comic%20coo kie%20Cookie_Monster%20crossover%20derpy_hooves%20 muffin%20Sesame_Street.jpg
Zevox

[Mewtarthio]

Even if you take into account the fact that she is the princesses student, you cannot help but notice that the others in her general circle of friends have.... jobs. That tree-house of hers is mostly her living space, because who can realy tell the differance between where that girl reads and studies and where her supposed income comes from?

And besides, its not like she would be the sort who would rub a title up others noses. Considering that she considers herself Celestias student more than anything else, and that she has likely lived in the castle for the majorty of her "teenaged" years, it's entirely possible that she barely thinks about it at all. She probably (falsly) thinks Rarity would care about her connection to the princess than a silly old title and a nice house, but oh, how wrong she is. Than again, it could be that her brother is generaly taking care of the whole "royal title" responsibilities and stuff, but that opens a whole new, freshly opened, can of worms...

Finale synopsis:
I'd say that "personal student of Undying Sun Goddess Celestia" trumps whatever noble title she used to have. Particularly since Twilight spent all her formative years cloistered in her ivory tower rather than hobnobbing with the other nobles. Basically, she has no reason to flaunt her title because her title really is meaningless to her. Her only upper-class social connection is with the Princess, and she doesn't get any favors from her pedigree that she couldn't already get from the Princess.

That's assuming she even is from a noble family. It's entirely possible that Twilight's apprenticeship gave her family the social clout to get her brother married to a freaking alicorn. Celestia does strike me as the sort of Princess who'd enjoy upsetting the usual hierarchy by taking on a commoner as an apprentice. I'll have to re-watch that part of "Chronicles."

[AlterForm]

My robot daughter ain't marrying no disembodied energy matrix! Marriage is between beings with mass!

My disembodied energy matrix daughter ain't marrying no platonic ideal! Marriage is between beings with ontological provability!

[Anarion]

My robot daughter ain't marrying no disembodied energy matrix! Marriage is between beings with mass!

I don't see your position gaining much... momentum. :smallbiggrin:


The brother's name makes me think he's in the military. Military service is a GREAT tool for social advancement. No need for Twilight to be nobility.

Yeah I agree with this. Twilight may be from Canterlot, but she's never acted in a way indicative of having nobility or connections. Moreover, her brother has been shown in armor and clearly is taking on the role of a the noble knight.

Also, since Twilight has already been knighted herself, perhaps the whole family should found a new knightly order? How about, harmonia contego?

[the_druid_droid]

Mad Theory of the Day
This is exactly what Celestia planned when she sent her to ponyville. She is grooming Twilight to take over the running of Equestria.This is partly why she expanded the friendship letters to the other ponies. They are clearly Twilights closest allies, so if she's going to hand over the reins to the Kingdom, she's got to be sure of Twilights administration as well as her protoge herself.

Freed from her duty of ruling and protecting Equestria, she will take to the road as an enigmatic wanderer.

Celestia: Basically I'm just gonna wander the earth.
Luna: Whatcha mean walk the earth?
Celestia: You know, like Kane from Kung Fu.
Luna: So you decided to be a bum?


man, I am in a funk today....

As always when I am down, I inevitably start to contemplate the direction of humanity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_condition) and fate of the universe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_fate_of_the_universe) and drawing to the conclusion of horrible and logical solution of Transhumanism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism) and the equally horrible thought of cyclical universal existence as partially alluded to by this story. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Question)

Such heavy thoughts saps my will and happiness.

happy ponies serves as an escape. I don't ask for it much, if at all, but I think I need some more ponies and the magic of friendship in my life right now.

*hugs lots*


My daughter ain't marrying no robot!

:smallfrown:

[Pokonic]

Celestia: Basically I'm just gonna wander the earth.
Luna: Whatcha mean walk the earth?
Celestia: You know, like Kane from Kung Fu.
Luna: So you decided to be a bum?


Celestia: Hmm, perhapes more like the guy from Pulp Fiction. You know, the one with the briefcase.

[Thanqol]

My disembodied energy matrix daughter ain't marrying no platonic ideal! Marriage is between beings with ontological provability!

My platonic ideal daughter ain't marrying no mortal man! Marriages are metaphors for the merging, conflict and propagation of ideas, not vectors for biological reproduction!


I don't see your position gaining much... momentum. :smallbiggrin:

*Rimshot* :smallbiggrin:


:smallfrown:

Son, the real reason my daughters ain't marrying no robots is 'cause my daughters are crazy and more often than not have freaky lightning powers.

[RdMarquis]

Son, the real reason my daughters ain't marrying no robots is 'cause my daughters are crazy and more often than not have freaky lightning powers.

And suddenly this debate took an awesome new direction.


Celestia: Basically I'm just gonna wander the earth.
Luna: Whatcha mean walk the earth?
Celestia: You know, like Kane from Kung Fu.
Luna: So you decided to be a bum?

This is going to be a spinoff, right? Like, after season 3? Celestia finds some part of the world full of bad guys for her to beat up. Maybe she picks up a sidekick or two along the way (new apprentices?). The whole thing ends with her pacifying this lawless land, and then it turns out she was a one mare invasion force. Celestia claims this land full of guys not as tough as her in the name of Equestria. Roll credits. :smalltongue:

Finale synopsis
Something just occurred to me. Maybe this is just the psychology student in me, but I'm finding it hard to believe that a kid who grew up with at least an older sibling with would be so darned, if adorably, awkward. Eh, maybe he's Twilight's long lost brother or something. By the way, I'm finding it really tough not to make a Metal Gear Solid reference (BROOOOTHEEERRRR!!!).

[Anarion]

Finale synopsis
Something just occurred to me. Maybe this is just the psychology student in me, but I'm finding it hard to believe that a kid who grew up with at least an older sibling with would be so darned, if adorably, awkward. Eh, maybe he's Twilight's long lost brother or something. By the way, I'm finding it really tough not to make a Metal Gear Solid reference (BROOOOTHEEERRRR!!!).

Well, we've never actually seen him in the show before, and he wasn't visible in any scenes with filly Twilight. She even had to go to the summer sun celebration all on her own that time when she first saw Celestia raise the sun.

My bet is that her brother is significantly older than her. The equivalent of a 10+ year age gap in human years, and therefore by the time she was old enough to really remember anything, he was already out of the house and off serving in the army or doing whatever it is that he does.

[Rebelhero]

Virtual self?

Hello! I am Technus, Manipulator of machines, Lord of all gadgetry, Wizard of integrated circuitry!
http://www.disclose.tv/files/photos/2952351097998acL.gif

i read this in his voice...damn it.

----------------------------------------

*stumbles into thread*
So once again i am several days without out sleep. Luckily this time im in a good mood.

Bleakbane, hows the study of the Jalkerions(?)....that pony like race. havent heard anything about them in a long time.

Heres a question for the masses. What would warfare look like in equestria? Would it be old fashioned medieval style of honor on the battle field? 2 armies meeting to engage, sending their commanders to negotiate before battle?

Or would it follow the WW1, WW2 urban fighting, trench warfare, artillery

Or prehaps the route of the league of legends, each faction selects champions to fight in an arena.

Possibly some elaborate game of magical horse?


Another topic: If we were to pit our OCs against each other in various comeptions, what would they be and how do you think it will all pan out?

[Thanqol]

Hey AotRS: I deliver... fanart!

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7882/day294.jpg


And suddenly this debate took an awesome new direction.

Jayden: You sayin' I'm crazy?


Another topic: If we were to pit our OCs against each other in various comeptions, what would they be and how do you think it will all pan out?

That's vague to the point of being a non-question.

Though mine would win, obviously.

[Pendulous]

Two things, hope they haven't been mentioned:

Chris Rager is NOT the voice of Iron Will https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=283127665092532&id=118287581518198
Now I really wonder who it was

Second, March 15 a South Park episode will air called "My Little Brony". I can definitely see Randy becoming a brony, not sure about the kids.

[Deadly]

Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.

In which Deadly is pessimistic
Wut indeed!

If true (still kinda rumorish, I guess, but seems legit enough to me) that comes out of nowhere, which kinda bugs me. But I'll be fair and not pass judgment on Twilight's supposed brother yet. But they damn well not just drop him in without a good explanation.

Which is really what I'm worried about, this sudden feeling that we're not going to get any explanation for Cadence (or Twi's brother, for that matter), that it'll just be all "now there are three alicorns and a brother, magic! Ain't gotta explain sh**"

Hearth's Warming Eve all over with it's more-questions-than-it-answers, but worse

[Grif]

Heres a question for the masses. What would warfare look like in equestria? Would it be old fashioned medieval style of honor on the battle field? 2 armies meeting to engage, sending their commanders to negotiate before battle?

Or would it follow the WW1, WW2 urban fighting, trench warfare, artillery

Or prehaps the route of the league of legends, each faction selects champions to fight in an arena.

Possibly some elaborate game of magical horse?


Based on the current apparent tech levels? I suppose Napoleonic style wars would be prevalent, if firearms are present. As I see it, ponies have no way of accurately aiming weapons mounted on their backs/shoulders, and thus massed fire would be favoured. Cavalry charge will take a whole new meaning too. :smalltongue:

This is of course, assuming we're not talking about strange ritual of honours to settle dispute and talking about all out warfare.

Though, Equestria being Equestria, it would probably be settled by diplomacy and the magic of friendship long before any sort of nasty fighting occurred.

[Thanqol]

In which Deadly is pessimistic

Before everypony gets pessimistic over a synopsis, remember that this team made the 'Surprise Party' plotline, which is one of the worst plotlines of all time, work and work amazingly.

Take each episode on it's merits, not on the merits of the fanfiction we generate based on the synopsis :smallwink:

[Deadly]

Before everypony gets pessimistic over a synopsis, remember that this team made the 'Surprise Party' plotline, which is one of the worst plotlines of all time, work and work amazingly.

Take each episode on it's merits, not on the merits of the fanfiction we generate based on the synopsis :smallwink:

I have plenty faith in the writers, that they could make something good of the premise here. My concern is that they won't explain things not because they can't, but because they don't want to.

I think we've gotten it into our heads somehow that they're interested in world building, continuity and explaining background stuff. But they're not. They're interested primarily in telling stand-alone stories and jokes, and a lot of world building can limit their options in that regard. Explain too much now and you limit what you can do later without breaking that previously established background. Better to be vague so that you can do just about anything you like later on.

That's why Hearth's Warming Eve was vague, and why this one will be too, in all likelihood.

[Thanqol]

I have plenty faith in the writers, that they could make something good of the premise here. My concern is that they won't explain things not because they can't, but because they don't want to.

I think we've gotten it into our heads somehow that they're interested in world building, continuity and explaining background stuff. But they're not. They're interested primarily in telling stand-alone stories and jokes, and a lot of world building can limit their options in that regard. Explain too much now and you limit what you can do later without breaking that previously established background. Better to be vague so that you can do just about anything you like later on.

That's why Hearth's Warming Eve was vague, and why this one will be too, in all likelihood.

Honestly, I prefer it that way. I like worldbuilding too much to share it with the writers of the show. I enjoy being able to build a dynamic myth, ignoring some parts and accepting others as I need them.


Oh, and A Study In Rainbows (http://onemansponyramblings.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/6-star-reviews-part-43-study-in.html) got reviewed! And it's a good review! I don't know why I'm still giddily surprised every time someone says something remotely nice about something I've written, but I am, and I hope it never goes away~

[Sean Mirrsen]

Before everypony gets pessimistic over a synopsis, remember that this team made the 'Surprise Party' plotline, which is one of the worst plotlines of all time, work and work amazingly.

Take each episode on it's merits, not on the merits of the fanfiction we generate based on the synopsis :smallwink:I'm rather pessimistic about most changes that appear out of nowhere, especially major additions like that one. It could be handled well, in which case the finale could well be on par with last season's Best Night Ever (as in, fairly good). If it's not handled well enough, which I'm considering to be more probable (given my current opinion that the writers don't care about the universe much anymore), the whole thing is going to crash and burn, at least figuratively speaking. Right now, I'll hold my judgement until I see what they do with the next three episodes, which seem to promise at least some kind of interesting happenings.

And while I too enjoy my own worldbuilding, Thanqol, it becomes pretty hard for someone without serious language/writing skills to talk about the show with others when they're not talking about the same version of the show. When headcanons collide, heads usually hurt. :P

[Thanqol]

And while I too enjoy my own worldbuilding, Thanqol, it becomes pretty hard for someone without serious language/writing skills to talk about the show with others when they're not talking about the same version of the show. When headcanons collide, heads usually hurt. :P

Tshhh, accept instead that the entire world is an Arcadian dream; that is, it operates on mutable time and narrative laws. Rainbow Dash wants to be a hero, so the entire town retcons itself into a disaster zone to support that desire. The hero wins because that's what heroes do. Ponies run faster when they're pulling carts because that invokes the narrative power of vehicles. It's all nonsense, but it's narratively consistent nonsense.

It's not a world, it's a beautiful, insane dream filled with lovely ponies and their fascinating minds.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

I think we've gotten it into our heads somehow that they're interested in world building, continuity and explaining background stuff. But they're not. They're interested primarily in telling stand-alone stories and jokes, and a lot of world building can limit their options in that regard. Explain too much now and you limit what you can do later without breaking that previously established background. Better to be vague so that you can do just about anything you like later on.



You don't say.

Snark aside, yes. I can see why people would have thought that though. Going off the first episodes it did kinda look like we would get a more adventure-y show with world-building and continuity. More Avatar:TLA and less Lucky Star.



It's not a world, it's a beautiful, insane dream filled with lovely ponies and their fascinating minds.

I've taken this stance for a while now too. Maybe Equestria is a pocket in the Wyld. Maybe everything is actually made of Narrativium. It doesn't really matter. Reality in MLP is whatever it needs to be to tell a good story, causality and consistency be damned.

[Sean Mirrsen]

Tshhh, accept instead that the entire world is an Arcadian dream; that is, it operates on mutable time and narrative laws. Rainbow Dash wants to be a hero, so the entire town retcons itself into a disaster zone to support that desire. The hero wins because that's what heroes do. Ponies run faster when they're pulling carts because that invokes the narrative power of vehicles. It's all nonsense, but it's narratively consistent nonsense.

It's not a world, it's a beautiful, insane dream filled with lovely ponies and their fascinating minds.



You don't say.

I've taken this stance for a while now too. Maybe Equestria is a pocket in the Wyld. Maybe everything is actually made of Narrativium. It doesn't really matter. Reality in MLP is whatever it needs to be to tell a good story, causality and consistency be damned.Well, see, this just makes for the exact kind of metaverse I hate with the burning intensity of a thousand thermonuclear fireballs. Trying to navigate one is an exercise in frustration of such magnitude that it's easier to forget it existed in the first place and "accidentally" pay no attention when some intermultiverse monstrosity decides to make a snack out of it. Figuratively speaking. When a universe literally runs on the whims of the authors, without any regard for internal consistency or common sense, it becomes impossible to associate with. I've brought up a few examples earlier, where the nature, lore, and logic of the FiM 'verse were uprooted and thrown into the shredder for the sake of a quick gag. They Just Don't Care (http://www.tvtropes.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheyJustDidntCare). And that makes me very sad. So much wasted potential...

I've been seriously considering using what little standing I have here to get permission (somehow, still not sure what that actually entails) and collapse the whole thing into a physical 'verse. It'd kill the entirety of the canon and fanon, retroactively, which is why I've only been considering it, but it'd mean a good universe would get to exist on its own, without some "higher" intelligence dictating every twist and turn. None of you would remember it existed anyway...

[Deadly]

I would like to see some world building and continuity myself, I think that's what the show really needs by now to keep it and the fan fiction fresh and engaging in the long run. If it's all random and inconsistent it loses its meaning and power over time.

Having consistent world building won't limit anything for fan fiction or headcanons, quite the opposite. We can still do whatever we like, we can have alternate histories, alternate realities, alternate everythings and we'll have lots of fun with that just as now. But it'd be nice to know that the show itself is more than disconnected pieces, and know what the people behind it themselves think of the world.

It'd be like having the writers among us as fans, just another "fan" fiction. Except not made by fans.

[Tiki Snakes]

Tshhh, accept instead that the entire world is an Arcadian dream; that is, it operates on mutable time and narrative laws. Rainbow Dash wants to be a hero, so the entire town retcons itself into a disaster zone to support that desire. The hero wins because that's what heroes do. Ponies run faster when they're pulling carts because that invokes the narrative power of vehicles. It's all nonsense, but it's narratively consistent nonsense.

It's not a world, it's a beautiful, insane dream filled with lovely ponies and their fascinating minds.

On some levels, I find this unconvincing. Not only does it seem unnecessary, because quite frankly I've not noticed any serious problem, but it also is phrased a little more meta than I would like.

HOWEVER even though it is essentially unnecessary and rather like hunting rabbits with a fully automatic rocket launcher, something about the particular turn of phrase there really wins me over.

(Oh, and Pulp-Fiction Luna and Celestia works far better than it should, apparently. Good stuff.)

[Aotrs Commander]

Hmm, true. I suppose I cannot argue with the bit about tech, but I must say my peice about spirit-binding: thing is, a spirit-bound creature is more like a mummy than anything like a Death Knight or a Lich proper. Yes, the advantages of having a more robust skill set is undeniable, but the underlieing fact is something you said yourself: you don't have much options about the matter.

First off, the whole point of a lich is to be immortal and to feel fine about the whole deal.

See that, right there? That is why there are no star-spanning organisations of phylactery-bound liches. There is no SAFE. There is no garentee. Relying on the deceptive security of a phyactery is like relying on armour for protection. It's a last-ditch defence commonly confused with the first. Even wearing armour, you still endeavour not to get hit.

It's also one more thing you have to devote resources to hiding and protecting.

And with opponents who know what they're doing, it's easy enough to trace a soul right back to the phylactery (leaving aside the fact that even planar distances are only thousands of miles, not light-years and that transit from destroyed body to soul is not instantenous over that kind of distance).

And even then, with modern necromancy, a phylactery is no garentee of safety, because there is enough of you outside in your body that a good necromancer can use it; not too mention the even rarer but even more terrible magic attacks that can track right back down the link and kill you IN your phylactery AT THE SAME TIME as destroying your body.

No, it's a very dangerous universe out there, and the conceits around in low-tech fantasy just don't apply. The only relative security is power, technological, magic and personal, power enough to just flat-out not be killed in the first place; which is where spirit-binding has the significant advantage, because only some energy damage is permenant (in the sense that it heals at "natural" rates"). Crush me to literal powder under ten thousand tons of weight, and I'll rejuvenate within a few hours. Crush Xykon under the same weight, and he'd be growing back out of his phylactery.

This is, of course, leaving out the fact that it is impractical for anything other than a lone individual. Phylactery-binding can't be done to you, so it precludes any non-spell-caster or casters of below considerable strength, as well as anyone already dead (a lot of commission for the Aotrs are posthumous ones). It's extremely expensive - aside from time and effort, Spirit-Binding has not material cost; when I said earlier it was infinitely cheaper I wasn't actually exaggerating. ([Number] divided by zero is infinity...) Hiding and protecting one phylactery is one thing. What do you do about ten? Or a hundred? Or thousands, or millions? (Even a comparitively numerically small organisation like the Aotrs has (with our only twenty-six worlds, plus numerous out-posts) probably high tens of millions, if not low hundreds of millions in our ranks.)

It provides something else you have to guard, because it'd be worth launching attacks against - and it's not something you could hide, because even a cloaked facility in deep space need supplies, ships to transport the Liches back out etc etc... (and if you have that much of a technological advantage, you shouldn't be losing in the first place). And even if you replaced the phylacteries when they were destroyed, you'd be hemoharging resources. For the Aotrs to be composed of phylactery-bound Liches, you'd be looking at the sort of cost that buys you not starships, starfleets. (I don't know what the population of the Aotrs is overall, but let's assume it as "small" as the population of Britain, so about 60 million. Taking D&D's estimate of 120k gold per phylactery (as I've no idea what a real one is), and equating a GP to an equivilent currency, dollars, pounds, elmonits, whatever you want, that's 7 200 000 000 000 GP equivilents. Now, I could be way out either way on the population count, but the fagpacket calculation is still illustrative.) Not too mention, if again we follow D&D's implications, it may takes months to make a single one, so you're talking about not about time in lichhours, you're talking about lich-millenia.




..... Actualy, if you would not mind, I think we all would like to know a bit on how you became a lich, exactly. Think of it like your cuti-mark story, exept that it involves the blackest energies of the nether realms and potent magical effort.

Not much to tell. After attracting the attention of the Aotrs, they offered me a commission, I accepted and became a Lich.

As to what I did to attract the attention of the Aotrs...sorry, I'm afraid that's one of the very few times, I have to metaphorically smile politely, and say "that's classified."

Yeah, it's above even my pay-grade, that.




*qustions*

Let us just say that I have been collating data on the universe for not much shy of three decades, in one form or another. There are literally knocking on to close to three Lich-decades of information in one form or another. Ponythread is not really the place to addend all of it, considering the sheer amount of it. (A google search should turn up the write-up on the Jalyrkieons, and there is also "History of the Dark Wars Part I (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160127), which pertains to my current fantasy campaign world. (Which itself ties into real-world events, due to casual events way back in the galaxy-spanning Xakkath Demon Wars ten thousand years ago.)

If enough people were interested, I have idly toyed with starting a thread in Arts & Crafts for the purpose of show-casing some of it on occasion.



To answer some specific questions:

What system? All of them. Everything I run, whether it's D&D on some time-and-tech-locked backwater (where, like the real world, the Aotrs often have a suitable garrison somewhere) or a regular evening wargame, it all ties in. Currently, for the business end, we use Manouvre Group for the ground combat, my own Accelerate & Attack for the starship combat, and for the non-D&D roleplaying, Rolemaster (which actually better models the magic better).

Magic can be vary variable in how it is utilised; the most common version (and the one the Aotrs use) is based on mana, from which spells are cast. Like most magic system with the exception of D&D, in fact (or to D&D's psionics). (Life mirrors art and all that.) Despite my (now much-more infrequent) humourous references, and the occasional name in homage to D&D, my magic is in fact nothing like it. Spells are generally used, since they are a) safer, and b) much more efficient. Direct mana-molding, i.e. the manipulation of mana to effective achive the effect of a spell you don't know from first principles, is extremely difficult and only very powerful casters even have the reserves to attempt it.

At last count, there are at least forty major powers - currently - active in the galaxy, of which I have written up data on perhaps half to a third, in greater or lesser detail. (There's not as much to say about the Herosine Empire, for example, give that they are a human power.) Nor is that and exhaustive list, as there are countless smaller minor powers and races, as well as major races not currently active in the community at large. The largest amount of data, is of course, on the Aotrs, because they are the ones I know best.

(The Cybertanks have been around so long and so prevalently that it is was years before I bothered to give them a right-up, and mainly then because I was doing a new ground army, and I like to add the flavour text to the Shipyards model descriptions, for a bit more of a professional touch.)




Bleakbane, hows the study of the Jalkerions(?)....that pony like race. havent heard anything about them in a long time.

Nothing new there, at the moment, I'm afraid.




Hey AotRS: I deliver... fanart!

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7882/day294.jpg

That is awesome.

(Though if I met a real Cybertank capable of stretching it's turret up like that I wouldn't know whether to laugh or be worried.)




Tshhh, accept instead that the entire world is an Arcadian dream; that is, it operates on mutable time and narrative laws. Rainbow Dash wants to be a hero, so the entire town retcons itself into a disaster zone to support that desire. The hero wins because that's what heroes do. Ponies run faster when they're pulling carts because that invokes the narrative power of vehicles. It's all nonsense, but it's narratively consistent nonsense.

It's not a world, it's a beautiful, insane dream filled with lovely ponies and their fascinating minds.

If it comes to that being the only viable interpretation, in the end, I fear MLP may slip from it's pedastal in my view. I don't find there is ever an excuse not to be internally consistent, and personally I find the whole MST3K mantra idea something faintly risable. And I don't really care if you're writing for children1, adults or small furry creatures from Alpha Centauri, "because plot says so" makes me as angry at authorial laziness as "it's magic, I don't have to explain it." I don't care if you're not even very good at it, if you show me you're at least trying.

Given what is said in above, though, I imagine I don't have to explain why I feel this way...!


Well, see, this just makes for the exact kind of metaverse I hate with the burning intensity of a thousand thermonuclear fireballs. Trying to navigate one is an exercise in frustration of such magnitude that it's easier to forget it existed in the first place and "accidentally" pay no attention when some intermultiverse monstrosity decides to make a snack out of it. Figuratively speaking. When a universe literally runs on the whims of the authors, without any regard for internal consistency or common sense, it becomes impossible to associate with. I've brought up a few examples earlier, where the nature, lore, and logic of the FiM 'verse were uprooted and thrown into the shredder for the sake of a quick gag. They Just Don't Care (http://www.tvtropes.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheyJustDidntCare). And that makes me very sad. So much wasted potential...

So, yeah, what he said.



1For crying out loud, if Rev Awdry did it with Thomas the freaking Tank Engine in the books, everyone else had better at least make an effort.

And you know what? KIDS DO NOTICE. They may just assume the person involved is an idiot and got it wrong (as I assumed as a child in Starfleet when the dialogue in the clip shows was different to the original, and in which they spliced the story of two episodes together - I just assumed Shiro Hagen was a complete moron), but they DO notice inconsistencies. So the statement "it's for kids" holds no weight with me. It's an excuse, not a reason.

[Thanqol]

That is awesome.

(Though if I met a real Cybertank capable of stretching it's turret up like that I wouldn't know whether to laugh or be worried.)

Glad you like it! I'll get around to doing a full paints picture about something of yours one of these days. Just keep posting awesome stuff, the more you talk the more likely it'll happen. I'm still intending to do full coloured uniform designs for the AotRS troopers, got the uniform post bookmarked for that reason.


Cybertank: NOPE *Raises turret*

[SlyGuyMcFly]

I've brought up a few examples earlier, where the nature, lore, and logic of the FiM 'verse were uprooted and thrown into the shredder for the sake of a quick gag. They Just Don't Care (http://www.tvtropes.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheyJustDidntCare). And that makes me very sad. So much wasted potential...

Yeah, see that's the thing. I'm not that sure there actually was any nature, lore, consistency and/or logic to begin with. Superficially, it may have looked like it. But actually? I'm not sure there actually was any, outside of the Pilot two-parter.

But then again, I may be projecting my lack of interest in consistency/lore/logic/what have you. I don't dislike it, mind. But in the context of the MLP show, I really don't care if it's there or not. A matter of taste, to be sure. I blame it on being a Wonderland creature.

[Anarion]

[spoiler]
If it comes to that being the only viable interpretation, in the end, I fear MLP may slip from it's pedastal in my view. I don't find there is ever an excuse not to be internally consistent, and personally I find the whole MST3K mantra idea something faintly risable. And I don't really care if you're writing for children1, adults or small furry creatures from Alpha Centauri, "because plot says so" makes me as angry at authorial laziness as "it's magic, I don't have to explain it." I don't care if you're not even very good at it, if you show me you're at least trying.

Given what is said in above, though, I imagine I don't have to explain why I feel this way...!



So, yeah, what he said.



1For crying out loud, if Rev Awdry did it with Thomas the freaking Tank Engine in the books, everyone else had better at least make an effort.

And you know what? KIDS DO NOTICE. They may just assume the person involved is an idiot and got it wrong (as I assumed as a child in Starfleet when the dialogue in the clip shows was different to the original, and in which they spliced the story of two episodes together - I just assumed Shiro Hagen was a complete moron), but they DO notice inconsistencies. So the statement "it's for kids" holds no weight with me. It's an excuse, not a reason.

I'll throw out my opinion on this one in a moment, but first, you used "risible" in a sentence. That's the first time I've ever seen anyone actually use it naturally. *Squee!*

*ahem* Right, the world-building. I hope I haven't contributed to this problem. Although I complained earlier that the writers have made some errors in world-building, I don't think they've done a terrible job. Actually, I think season 2 has done a good job of being relatively restrained. Season 1 established Ponyville, Canterlot, Cloudsdale, Appleloosa, Manehattan, the Everfree forest, froggy-bottom bog and probably more that I'm forgetting. Those were all new locations and, frankly, if season 2 had kept throwing out locales at that rate, it would have become too large and unwieldy. Instead, season 2 has spent its time fleshing out these various locales, mostly done well, but with a few mistakes.

The other thing to keep in mind is that we don't have a fight between two extremes here. The choice is not Thanqol's dream world idea vs. a perfectly consistent 100% accurate physical location that always obeys its own rules. Rather, the setting exists on a continuum somewhere in the middle. If I had to place it, I think it's actually pretty close to Simpsons version of Springfield right now. That is, there is a basic layout of consistent areas such as Twilight's home, Sugarcube corner, and Sweet Apple Acres. Then laid over this consistent setting are new areas as the plot demands, which can fade out of existence just as easily as the Springfield monorail or burlesque house.

Finally, I want to point out that complaints about character personality don't go in the same category as world-building. If you want to point out that during Season 1, the window of Twilight's library moved into 3+ different locations, that's an example of inconsistent architecture (that apparently bothers nopony). But if you want to say Applejack or Fluttershy acted out of character at some point, that's much more subjective. Especially since real people act out of character all the time. Sometimes we don't really know someone's character, or we know her character, but her mind classifies activities in a way that differs from ours so that consistent for her is not consistent for us.

In sum, if you catch a mistake or don't like how something was done, you can certainly point that out. But I think we're premature to argue that all consistency, continuity and world-building have been thrown out of the series for some variation of the plane of Limbo.

[Thanqol]

In sum, if you catch a mistake or don't like how something was done, you can certainly point that out. But I think we're premature to argue that all consistency, continuity and world-building have been thrown out of the series for some variation of the plane of Limbo.

But I like Limbo :smallfrown:. When nothing's true no one can tell when I'm lying.

[otakuryoga]

Magic can be vary variable in how it is utilised; the most common version (and the one the Aotrs use) is based on mana, from which spells are cast. Like most magic system with the exception of D&D, in fact (or to D&D's psionics). (Life mirrors art and all that.) Despite my (now much-more infrequent) humourous references, and the occasional name in homage to D&D, my magic is in fact nothing like it. Spells are generally used, since they are a) safer, and b) much more efficient. Direct mana-molding, i.e. the manipulation of mana to effective achive the effect of a spell you don't know from first principles, is extremely difficult and only very powerful casters even have the reserves to attempt it.


and of course mishaps while mana-moulding are usually much more Dramatic...as you can see by the current avatar for the Commodore

[Titanium Fox]

Given the nature of the show, it's no suprise that a team-up works best. :smalltongue: Okay, so if we're going with a Dream Team: I'd say go with the Rarity/AJ ticket. That gets us Rarity's diplomatic skills and AJ's dependability. I'd think Rarity would be the better public face, but you could still make it work with AJ as President.

Twilight probably shouldn't get elected at all. Instead, she should earn a permanent job as a high-ranking civil servant or government contractor. Pinkie can run the Super PAC. Fluttershy wouldn't want to get in the spotlight in the first place, and Dash needs to be kept as far away from the Big Red Button as possible.

After her treatment of Spike in S1, I'm a little surprised people still find this behavior surprising.

You could put Dashie 200,000 miles away from the big red button, and she'd still be able to get to it in ten seconds flat if she felt so inclined.


We're going dream team now? Great. I vote for all of them. Twilight could be the president, Rarity could be in charge of public/foreign relations, Applejack as minister of labour/agriculture, Fluttershy as environmental minister, Pinkie Pie can be the minister of entertainment and Rainbow Dash gets to be in charge of the military.

...Come to think of it, I'm voting for Twilight. She goes to her friends when she has a problem, and there's no doubt in my mind that she'd put the rest of the ponies in important positions as advisers to help her out. By voting for Twilight we'd be voting for everypony.

Given the nature of the show, it's really not surprising this works. Each and every pony of the mane six works well to cover the other's flaws, it's like they were designed to be a team. Maybe something like fate has brought them together, through some sort of mystical element, each pony representing one...

...Wait.


Anyway, Chapter 16 of Mare in the Mirror (http://adcoon.deviantart.com/art/Mare-in-the-Mirror-16-288918801), nearing the grand conclusion at last.

I fell off the boat with this back at like chapter 2. I really need to catch back up.


Don't forget about the other eyes she has, which won her election with 322% of the vote.

So, outside of voting Fluttershy, I vote Princess Celestia, so we can colonize the moon.

Wouldn't the pony to go to for that be Luna, since she lived there for 1000 years? I mean, hell, she probably already has. I know I would if I had an infinite supply of magic and a millennium to kill.


Well, I'm already pre-upgraded, with a self-reinforcing system. But hey, I wouldn't say no to any further upgrades.

Technically, as I suppose you can spirit-bind someone into something that's not a corpse (well, a necromancer of my skill can, anyway), so you could be bound into a robot body or something. But there's a bit of a difference between spirit-binding and spirit-binding effectively (i.e. with optimal and faster accumulation of spirit vessel will-reinforcement). There's a lot of technical explanation, but the lies-to-children version of it is it's easier to bind something effectively, into something that's already attuned to it (e.g. it's own body etc). If I bind a soul into a pebble, it's not a pebble-shaped Lich, it's a pebble with a soul bound into it, even if I'm not contraining it. If you bound something into a random robot your found, you might get something only barely better than an animated zombie.

We do have a process whereby a Lich is fused with what amounts of War Droid, which forms our Desolation Commandos. But you have to be a special sort of person to be able to undergo the trauma that bestows... Put it this way, the Desolation Commandos freak ME out.

Me too! They're... They just feel wrong, even to a Lich.



Still, if there was a way to do it sensibly and optimally, I'd be first in line...

Isn't robotic necromancy how The Druid Droid was created? Or is he still just an enigma we're not meant to understand?


Well, I watched a lot of Ghost in the Shell but stopped paying attention to the boring parts, so, um, I guess the next guy up would be Freakazoid. So, yeah, sure, depending on how it looks like on my checking account, what it looks like on me, and how many towers I can break and repair and break again, sign me up.

I really need to catch up on that series... Jeez, I fell off the boat with a lot of things.


Virtual self?

Hello! I am Technus, Manipulator of machines, Lord of all gadgetry, Wizard of integrated circuitry!
http://www.disclose.tv/files/photos/2952351097998acL.gif

I miss that show so much. Now I want to go watch it... CONFOUND YOU PONIES, YOU DRIVE ME TO NOSTALGIA.


Synopsis for Season 2 finale. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/rumor-season-finale-synopsis-twilight.html#more)

I believe the comments accurately describe my reaction. Wat.

Season 2 Finale Synopsis
I... will admit I'm not looking forward to this episode. They will have to do this very well, and with their current track record of iffiness in Season 2, I'm not sure how confident I will be that they will actually pull it off right.


I foresee a world where everyone's facebook accounts is connected to the cybernetics internet; just by looking at someone you can see their status, if they're looking for relationship or a conversation, or even if they just want to be left alone.

You could eat at a shopping mall and put up a digital sign saying 'Bored. Talk to me?' and thus silently invite passerby to sit down and have a conversation. Your cybernetics would also import contact lists, music tastes, friends - "Oh, you know Robert? I was in high school with him!". Filters could similarly be put up; members of a brony group for example would see other bronies clearly while keeping it hidden from others.

There are privacy issues, naturally, and having this kind of information freely available about everyone would redefine human social conduct. I also see it as the most logical and inevitable conclusion of the advances made in facial recognition/photography, portable computing, facebook and social media, and biotech advances.

I think it'd be fascinating. Privacy issues, identity theft, all problems as usual, but it seems the logical conclusion of the direction our technology is heading in.

Umm... Thanqol? I just want to point you towards this. It's already began, Facebook is integrating heavily into real life already.

KLM Meet & Seat. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL2lWn7oup4)


Presumably there'd be privacy and filter settings on your end, too - you wouldn't have to know the tragic backstory of every other person in the food court. You could, for instance, set it to only show the names and data of single young men. Or, if you're Pinkie Pie, filter out everyone except people who are having a bad day.

We already have incredible access to information through the internet; I expect us to simply become less and less reliant on external technology to access that information.

EDIT: I'm not even saying this is ideal or desirable; my own thought is just that the impact would be fascinating. I'm just saying that this is probable given a basic extrapolation of existing technological tends.

You know, I hate Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and every other example of Social Media that we have today. I use Twitter and Facebook specifically for what they were designed for. Mass updates about my life in the form of status updates. I do not use Facebook for Birthday Wishes, Events, Games, anything of the sort; and I certainly do not use Facebook for anything that integrates it with another site. Their lack of regard for privacy and the user as a whole is abhorent; and it's a sad day in society where I can have to have a Facebook account to function online.


... RE Season finale.

Given their track record this season... I am highly highly highly HIGHLY highly skeptical. In my opinion, they didn't pull off their LAST two parter well. Sure, discord is a cool character, but all season, they've been trying to shove too much into too little time, and this is the sort of plot where there's a huge risk of it.

Hey, I think the first two parter this season was absolutely fantastic. They used the "I like Chaos" gag a grand total of one times too many; the only time it felt old was when Discord was sitting in the throne. Other than that, those are probably my favorite two episodes of the season.



And I fell behind in the thread.

Eh, it happens, don't worry too much about it. I fell behind five threads, and eventually I went "The heck with this, letting these posts rack up is keeping me from my friends" and skipped it.


Been a little busy with something else today...
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/049324ae466f6e698707fc2bb04f2473/144296%20-%20artist%3Ajohn_joseco%20gamer_luna%20luna%20mass _effect%20mass_effect_3%20n7_armor%20SPAAAAAAAAAAA AACE.jpg
...yeah, that. So the thread has produced numerous pages that I don't have time to catch up on, sorry. But I've spent some time on Ponibooru today too, and wanted to share a couple of pictures, so here, have some cute:

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/4e67e031d724f0e6ec3b39f476ec0799/144350%20-%20caption%20DJ-P0N3%20filly%20if_dupe_give_link%20i_love_you%20I_ wub_you%20macro%20vinyl_scratch.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/a780b95027d9ffc88ba82f2185762694/144444%20-%20artist%3Amickeymonster%20check_em%20comic%20coo kie%20Cookie_Monster%20crossover%20derpy_hooves%20 muffin%20Sesame_Street.jpg
Zevox

I still need to beat Mass Effect 2 Aaaaaargh. I only finally finished Mass Effect 1 two days ago finally, and now I'm trying to sprint through 2 in between work and D&D sessions over the next month.


Two things, hope they haven't been mentioned:

Chris Rager is NOT the voice of Iron Will https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=283127665092532&id=118287581518198
Now I really wonder who it was

Second, March 15 a South Park episode will air called "My Little Brony". I can definitely see Randy becoming a brony, not sure about the kids.

I really think the South Park Episode is a hoax personally.


Before everypony gets pessimistic over a synopsis, remember that this team made the 'Surprise Party' plotline, which is one of the worst plotlines of all time, work and work amazingly.

Take each episode on it's merits, not on the merits of the fanfiction we generate based on the synopsis :smallwink:

This actually raises an interesting point. Hey, if they're gonna actually do that and it's not a fake there's nothing we can do, so we'll just have to wait and see, and have faith they'll pull it out of the fire.

[Anarion]

But I like Limbo :smallfrown:. When nothing's true no one can tell when I'm lying.

Yeah about that. Since you're powerful enough to reshape reality wherever you go anyway, you kind of have the pocket version of Limbo on your person.

Also, you got press coverage (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/letters-to-the-editor/south-wales-echo-letters/2012/03/05/random-acts-of-muffin-kindness-for-derpy-day-shine-like-a-beacon-for-all-91466-30459583/), so you're temporarily prohibited from complaining about any topic whatsoever.

[Aotrs Commander]

I'll throw out my opinion on this one in a moment, but first, you used "risible" in a sentence. That's the first time I've ever seen anyone actually use it naturally. *Squee!*

It's funny how sometimes words just come to me.

Mind you, I have been known to read the dictionary, so.

(Okay, yes, it was the "I" section and was mainly for funny adjectives starting with "in" for naming my NAC fleet but that's still reading the dictionary, isn't it?)


In sum, if you catch a mistake or don't like how something was done, you can certainly point that out. But I think we're premature to argue that all consistency, continuity and world-building have been thrown out of the series for some variation of the plane of Limbo.

I did say "if."

I don't think it's there yet - maybe even fairly far from there - but the potential for it to do that seems closer than it did.

Time, as always, will tell.


and of course mishaps while mana-moulding are usually much more Dramatic...as you can see by the current avatar for the Commodore

Quite.

[Thanqol]

Yeah about that. Since you're powerful enough to reshape reality wherever you go anyway, you kind of have the pocket version of Limbo on your person.

I'll have you know that I reshape no realities other than the ones in people's heads.

(Which are the only ones that matter)


Also, you got press coverage (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/letters-to-the-editor/south-wales-echo-letters/2012/03/05/random-acts-of-muffin-kindness-for-derpy-day-shine-like-a-beacon-for-all-91466-30459583/), so you're temporarily prohibited from complaining about any topic whatsoever.

Third time in my life I've made the news. Aw yea.

[OracleofWuffing]

Wouldn't the pony to go to for that be Luna, since she lived there for 1000 years? I mean, hell, she probably already has. I know I would if I had an infinite supply of magic and a millennium to kill.
She lived there for 1000 years, but considering the duality between the two sisters and how Celestia was unseen until the sun rose in episode 2, it is implied that Luna would have the power to send someone to the sun. Don't get me wrong, the sun's awesome, I mean, free solar energy and all, but it was colonized ages ago, and the rent's outrageous.

[Sean Mirrsen]

Tshhh, accept instead that the entire world is an Arcadian dream; that is, it operates on mutable time and narrative laws. Rainbow Dash wants to be a hero, so the entire town retcons itself into a disaster zone to support that desire. The hero wins because that's what heroes do. Ponies run faster when they're pulling carts because that invokes the narrative power of vehicles. It's all nonsense, but it's narratively consistent nonsense.

It's not a world, it's a beautiful, insane dream filled with lovely ponies and their fascinating minds.*snaps fingers* I remember what this reminded me of. Justice League, episodes 18/19, "Legends". A parallel universe where the entire world was destroyed in a war, and one mutant child among the few survivors develops reality warping powers of such magnitude that he is able to literally simulate the entire world as it was before the war, following superhero tropes and cliches, trapping the other survivors in his imagination/reality. Of course, he's more than a little twisted, both mentally and physically, but Thanqol's description evokes images of a world where there is a similar child, making the universe run on the power of imagination and trapping the inhabitants within.


Yeah, see that's the thing. I'm not that sure there actually was any nature, lore, consistency and/or logic to begin with. Superficially, it may have looked like it. But actually? I'm not sure there actually was any, outside of the Pilot two-parter.One of these days I'll actually sit down and analyze every S1 episode to see for sure. But as far as I can remember, we've had far less "randomness" in the first season. From the establishing episodes onward, we have had events and happenings that were consistent with what one could expect of a magical, fantastic land at an unspecified point in time equivalent to 18th-19th century of the real US of A. A swarm of all-devouring flying furballs of the forest, ponies pulling a train into the "wild west" populated by native buffalo, a cockatrice, a hydra, a dragon - even interspersed by simple things like an apple harvest season or a fashion show, the universe remained true to its own general premise. It also kept to conventions it had itself established in regards to pony capabilities, or at the very least tried to, limiting instances of marshmallow golem stunt doubles to dramatically appropriate scenes. Landmarks, if new ones needed to be introduced, were at the very least explained and stylistically appropriate, and did not stray far from what one could expect to see in the given setting. In other words, for the entirety of Season 1 I never once felt like I was looking at a pony version of Springfield, this kind of generic town where you can set a scene anywhere just because "it's a town, a [needed location] probably exists in it, so we don't need to explain it". A lot of things combine here, and together they create this indescribable feeling that when I'm watching, for instance, Putting Your Hoof Down, Friend In Deed or Mare-Do-Well, I'm not actually watching an episode of the same show that I've watched the first season of.

But, like I said, this requires further unbiased analysis. Once I carve out a decent chunk of time, I think I'll go through the S1 episodes in succession again and see what my analytic routines can pick up this time.

[AlterForm]

Pardon me while I take this to its logical conclusion and/or get the last word.


My platonic ideal daughter ain't marrying no mortal man! Marriages are metaphors for the merging, conflict and propagation of ideas, not vectors for biological reproduction!

∴ No mortal shall marry a joke which has gone on too long. (MeP)
∴ My daughter is mortal. (SiM)
∴ My daughter ain't marrying no joke that's gone on too long! (SiP)

[Thanqol]

*snaps fingers* I remember what this reminded me of. Justice League, episodes 18/19, "Legends". A parallel universe where the entire world was destroyed in a war, and one mutant child among the few survivors develops reality warping powers of such magnitude that he is able to literally simulate the entire world as it was before the war, following superhero tropes and cliches, trapping the other survivors in his imagination/reality. Of course, he's more than a little twisted, both mentally and physically, but Thanqol's description evokes images of a world where there is a similar child, making the universe run on the power of imagination and trapping the inhabitants within.

I run Changeling: The Lost. That's pretty much the premise of the game.

(also, a great series/episode)


Pardon me while I take this to its logical conclusion and/or get the last word.

∴ No mortal shall marry a joke which has gone on too long. (MeP)
∴ My daughter is mortal. (SiM)
∴ My daughter ain't marrying no joke that's gone on too long! (SiP)

I concede the point, if only to save my daughter for somepony who'll pay a better dowry.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Rather, the setting exists on a continuum somewhere in the middle. If I had to place it, I think it's actually pretty close to Simpsons version of Springfield right now. That is, there is a basic layout of consistent areas such as Twilight's home, Sugarcube corner, and Sweet Apple Acres. Then laid over this consistent setting are new areas as the plot demands, which can fade out of existence just as easily as the Springfield monorail or burlesque house.

The comparison to the Simpson's Springfield is a very good one. I agreed earlier with Thanqol, thinking he was being humorously hyperbolic rather than literal. I'm less sure now, so I'll elaborate on my own opinion:

If anything is mutable, you can't even be sure you're looking the same series from one episode to the next. It's something that can be made to work, but it pretty much has to be stated explicitly (Excel Saga sorta does this, for instance). When saying that reality is whatever it needs to be to tell a good story, I forget to mention the assumption that some degree of consistency and functioning internal logic is required to tell a good story.

And I do think MLP does maintain sufficient consistency in it's locales that each is recognisable as the same place from one visit to the next. And the overall flavour of the world is quite consistent as well. But that's all the consistency that's strictly required to tell the sorts of stories MLP has been telling. Indeed, a world with stricter internal consistency would actually be stifling to some of the stories, especially as the series goes on.

Somewhat like Burn's Casino, the Ponyville Dam might as well no longer exist... Until it's needed again, in which case it will have always been there. Even though wasn't always there last episode.


But, like I said, this requires further unbiased analysis. Once I carve out a decent chunk of time, I think I'll go through the S1 episodes in succession again and see what my analytic routines can pick up this time.

It most certainly does. And I'd be delighted to read your analisis. My own impression regarding the lack of consistency is similarly unfounded, after all. I suspect you'll have an easier time if you set the assumed tech level at very late 19th, early 20th, though. We have microphones as early as Fall Weather Friends, and this pic (http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120103040029/mlp/images/thumb/a/a1/Manehattan1.png/830px-Manehattan1.png) from the Cutie Mark Chronicles shows what appears to be a radio antenna on top of the Empire State Building.

[Kd7sov]

Y'all are insane, you know that? Thirty-nine threads...

('Course, I'm even more insane, what with trying to catch up through all of them.)

Anyway, hey there, Playground Ponythread! Feel free to call me KD; lots of people do. Fluttershy's my favorite, Tom and Iron Will are duking it out for the Best Pony title.

As far as what appears to be the current topic, yeah, it's really not as S1 established it. Which bugs me, but apart from MMDW it's not enough to really make me uncomfortable.

[Thanqol]

The comparison to the Simpson's Springfield is a very good one. I agreed earlier with Thanqol, thinking he was being humorously hyperbolic rather than literal. I'm less sure now, so I'll elaborate on my own opinion:

Ahahahah!

No, I was being predominately hyperbolic. Your point is closer to the reality I truly believe in. I'm too tired to type out anything coherent beyond that. I've tried, and believe me, it's not working.


Anyway, hey there, Playground Ponythread!

Hey hey! Good luck on your archive binge! I'd love to hear your thoughts on what we've made of ourselves over these threads :smallsmile:

[Titanium Fox]

She lived there for 1000 years, but considering the duality between the two sisters and how Celestia was unseen until the sun rose in episode 2, it is implied that Luna would have the power to send someone to the sun. Don't get me wrong, the sun's awesome, I mean, free solar energy and all, but it was colonized ages ago, and the rent's outrageous.

Wait, the sun was colonized... Wait, what? O_o


Y'all are insane, you know that? Thirty-nine threads...

('Course, I'm even more insane, what with trying to catch up through all of them.)

Anyway, hey there, Playground Ponythread! Feel free to call me KD; lots of people do. Fluttershy's my favorite, Tom and Iron Will are duking it out for the Best Pony title.

As far as what appears to be the current topic, yeah, it's really not as S1 established it. Which bugs me, but apart from MMDW it's not enough to really make me uncomfortable.

Ooh, I haven't gotten to use this in forever!

http://gamesprays.com/files/resource_media/preview/welcome-to-the-herd-5135_preview.png

You'll never escape us now...

One of us... One of us... One of us!

[Deadly]

She lived there for 1000 years, but considering the duality between the two sisters and how Celestia was unseen until the sun rose in episode 2, it is implied that Luna would have the power to send someone to the sun. Don't get me wrong, the sun's awesome, I mean, free solar energy and all, but it was colonized ages ago, and the rent's outrageous.

Or, as I always liked to believe, Celestia just went into hiding somewhere. A hidden fortress somewhere in the wilds, plotting out Plan B with her commanders in case Twilight and her friends failed at Plan A.


Y'all are insane, you know that? Thirty-nine threads...

Welcome to ponythread! :smallbiggrin:

[Anarion]

One of these days I'll actually sit down and analyze every S1 episode to see for sure.

Here's a basic run through for episodes that introduced a new location or a piece of tech. Spoiled for length, but I'm just noting here that there's a hands-free headset in season 1 and nobody has ever complained about it, although I had totally forgotten.


Premiere: Canterlot, Ponyville (including Sweet Apple Acres, Sugar Cube Corner, Carousel Boutique, and town hall)

Premiere 2: Everfree forest

Applebuck Season: 1950s style ovens

Griffon the brush-off: exploding snakes in a can thing (20th century invention), arguably Pinkie's helicopter.

Boast Busters: Bendy straws

Dragonshy: Large mountain near Ponyville

Look Before you Sleep: Ponyville park (next seen in Lesson Zero)

Call of the Cutie: Hanglider and cliff, Karate Dojo, roller derby park, record player

Fall Weather Friends: Forest and cliff area. Microphone (so uh, why were we surprised by Iron Will's hand's free piece, when Spike has been shown doing Mic work from a blimp already?)

Suited for Success: Disk jockey, electric lighting system

Feeling Pinkie Keen: Froggie bottom bog, assorted trenches, wheelchair with supports

Sonic Rainboom: Jackhammer, chordless headset!!!! (yes I just realized this one, but these things are just canon).

Stare Master: First view of Fluttershy's house and chicken coop

Show Stoppers: Electric fan, reference to power tools, electric stage lighting, 1980s style rock costumes.

Green isn't your color: Fashion runway complete with various styles of camera, blow-up magazines and rapidly-produced Fluttershy prints.

Over a Barrel: Train, Appleloosa

Bird in the Hoof: Medicinal pills, humidifier

Cutie mark Chronicles: Manehattan, wherever that cliff is Rarity visited, rock farm, Celstia's school

Party of One: more electric lighting

Grand Galloping Gala: elastic trampoline, electric hairstyling machines, yet another mic setup. Also the first look at Canterlot castle and ballroom.

[OracleofWuffing]

Wait, the sun was colonized... Wait, what? O_o
Well, the only other reason why the rent would be so high is that it's all beachfront property, which is just absurd because it's too hot to have oceans.


Here's a basic run through for episodes that introduced a new location or a piece of tech. Spoiled for length, but I'm just noting here that there's a hands-free headset in season 1 and nobody has ever complained about it, although I had totally forgotten.
http://i.imgur.com/59s2M.pngYou forgot the donut shop!

[Anarion]

Well, the only other reason why the rent would be so high is that it's all beachfront property, which is just absurd because it's too hot to have oceans.


http://i.imgur.com/59s2M.pngYou forgot the donut shop!

I, um, I didn't think that counted. I mean, doughnut shops aren't really that modern anyway, right? right guys? I mean, it's not like you'd do anything to me for forgetting the doughnut shot, right? Why is everyone looking at me like that? Guys?
...Hey, look over there! A pony! *Escapes*

[OracleofWuffing]

I, um, I didn't think that counted. I mean, doughnut shops aren't really that modern anyway, right? right guys? I mean, it's not like you'd do anything to me for forgetting the doughnut shot, right? Why is everyone looking at me like that? Guys?
...Hey, look over there! A pony! *Escapes*
Run wherever you want to, you can't escape from the Pegasus Mafia.

...

Because there is no Pegasus Mafia, of course.

[Gamerlord]

Run wherever you want to, you can't escape from the Pegasus Mafia.

...

Because there is no Pegasus Mafia, of course.
What about the Unicorn mafia? Or the Alicorn mafia for that matter? Do they exist? :smalltongue:

[Kd7sov]

What about the Unicorn mafia? Or the Alicorn mafia for that matter?

What about them? He didn't say anything about Unicorn Mafias or Alicorn Mafias.

[PhantomFox]

Huh, apparently Thanqol made the newspaper (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/letters-to-the-editor/south-wales-echo-letters/2012/03/05/random-acts-of-muffin-kindness-for-derpy-day-shine-like-a-beacon-for-all-91466-30459583/).

[Titanium Fox]

Or, as I always liked to believe, Celestia just went into hiding somewhere. A hidden fortress somewhere in the wilds, plotting out Plan B with her commanders in case Twilight and her friends failed at Plan A.

Those commanders being Trixie, Big Mac, Spike, and Derpy, of course.


Here's a basic run through for episodes that introduced a new location or a piece of tech. Spoiled for length, but I'm just noting here that there's a hands-free headset in season 1 and nobody has ever complained about it, although I had totally forgotten.


Premiere: Canterlot, Ponyville (including Sweet Apple Acres, Sugar Cube Corner, Carousel Boutique, and town hall)

Premiere 2: Everfree forest

Applebuck Season: 1950s style ovens

Griffon the brush-off: exploding snakes in a can thing (20th century invention), arguably Pinkie's helicopter.

Boast Busters: Bendy straws

Dragonshy: Large mountain near Ponyville

Look Before you Sleep: Ponyville park (next seen in Lesson Zero)

Call of the Cutie: Hanglider and cliff, Karate Dojo, roller derby park, record player

Fall Weather Friends: Forest and cliff area. Microphone (so uh, why were we surprised by Iron Will's hand's free piece, when Spike has been shown doing Mic work from a blimp already?)

Suited for Success: Disk jockey, electric lighting system

Feeling Pinkie Keen: Froggie bottom bog, assorted trenches, wheelchair with supports

Sonic Rainboom: Jackhammer, chordless headset!!!! (yes I just realized this one, but these things are just canon).

Stare Master: First view of Fluttershy's house and chicken coop

Show Stoppers: Electric fan, reference to power tools, electric stage lighting, 1980s style rock costumes.

Green isn't your color: Fashion runway complete with various styles of camera, blow-up magazines and rapidly-produced Fluttershy prints.

Over a Barrel: Train, Appleloosa

Bird in the Hoof: Medicinal pills, humidifier

Cutie mark Chronicles: Manehattan, wherever that cliff is Rarity visited, rock farm, Celstia's school

Party of One: more electric lighting

Grand Galloping Gala: elastic trampoline, electric hairstyling machines, yet another mic setup. Also the first look at Canterlot castle and ballroom.


I don't know why these things got overlooked where the exact same things are getting a very critical eye turned on them now. I guess it's because we're pushing a more discerning eye on the new season with Faust and Renzetti gone, but still.


What about them? He didn't say anything about Unicorn Mafias or Alicorn Mafias.

Or the Earth Pony mafia which totally doesn't exist.