New: Woah. It's over? That's almost like a chapter of the fandom ending! In the end, it was 4 years and 2 months in the making, with whopping 1.7 million words. Hope you all are in the mood for some Fallout!
[Grimdark][Crossover][Adventure]
Author: Somber
Description: Forced into the life of a security mare, Blackjack is far more
interested in eking out what fun she can in the dim halls of Stable
99. All that changes as she becomes enveloped in a plot that not only
endangers her stable but the remaining world as well.
Fallout Equestria: Project Horizons (New Chapter 77-Epilogue!)
Additional Tags: Blackjack, P-21, Rampage, Lacunae, Fallen Incomplete Fo:E spinoff, Post-apocalyptic, Long, OC ponies, adventure
Comment Thread #3
Here!
Original story that started it all
here!
Fan Art below!
 |
| Source: Wavemasterryx |
4,999 comments:
@ Somber:
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you keep stuff like this for side ponies, but if you do, could you post the SPECIALs for Charity and Priest?
@Somber
ReplyDeleteWoo! History!
Wait...
Dammit Somber, what have you done to my brain?
And yes, Blackjack will require much alcohol to sit through this. She couldn't sit still for a single newspaper article sober earlier...
@RainbowYoshi
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see the SPECIAL for the rest of the party, myself
(I would like to preemptively apologize for talking like Shmegol for most of this post, just sort of felt like it.)
ReplyDelete@Somber
Oooh, exposition, we likes us exposition... especially if it means Rampage and Psychoshy get to talk to each other. We also likes us sleep, but we likes Horizons more. So we will prepare for insomnia.
I would also like to apologize for not being on to offer my support, however meager it would be, on the job issue.
Finally, Arcane Scroll asked me to make this and it only seem right to post a link here.
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/post/view/73766
I hope I was relatively accurate with the crusaders (I couldn't find a color scheme for Charity).
@Somber
ReplyDeleteTalk about history huh? Sounds nice and peaceful...
I'd share this bottle of Berry Punch with you, Blackjack... but between ponibooru refusing to load images and FIMFiction being down it's gonna be empty right quick...
@Kashin
ReplyDeleteponibooru appears to be borked; I'll check it out later.
@WavemasterRyx
ReplyDeleteThere are 109 6-star stories on Equestria Daily. There are 455 5-star stories. You can't be that desperate for something to occupy your time.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteOh I know... the priority list of my reading queue is 35 stories (that's not counting the ones spread out through the entirety of my bookmarks, or rereading the stories on my "MVP" list)...
It's just a particular story I wanted to read to take my mind off things before I go to sleep.
(I don't really drink though, in case you were worried; but the little Ryx pony in my head does, like a fish.)
@Somber
ReplyDeleteThis... this made me giggle and smile so big.
this is why we love you.
So... I was reading a completely unrelated, non-foe pony story, when the protagonist and her companion mentioned they'd be stopping by the city of Hoofington. I made SUCH a big stupid grin when I read that.
ReplyDelete@Kashin
ReplyDeleteHey, that's pretty cool! (the site's up again, apparently, if it was down before)
@Umbra
ReplyDeleteYeah, but the rest of the party isn't in my story. :p
@Kashin
ReplyDeleteThat's really good. I think charity is an earth pony though...
Firstly Somber, as said: You're at least 20 % cooler then most other writers. Heck, you easily beat me with miles :P
ReplyDeleteAnd I can relate to the work thing. It's neigh impossible to get a work where I'm from either.
Also, her intelligence is 4? Outrageous! She's not that clever xP
And again, I have to thank you once more for writing this fic. It has enough of the few bright moments to make it bearable throughout all the grimdark (IC wise for BJ) I have to say I really loved how BJ almost killed herself. (if the safety wouldn't have been on) It just seemed like such a great way out, just end it all. In her current broken down state. It needs a bit of balance between the two, since to much of either would either have a character killing themselves or... well, being semi-happy.
I can relate to quite a few of BJ's traits tbh. And would likely have acted similarly in many of the conversations, althou with a bit more logic hehe. In either case, FoE-PH helped me get through many boring days of slave labour. (I'm getting paid ~2 $ an hour for constant work, they just call it a "program" to not have to pay the required amount and shit) Quite a few times it was close to making me cry as well. And that is good writing imo. Since it was far from as "forced" as it tends to be at times in many "sadfics". Oh, and I just randomly have to say I like how P21 is portrayed. First since he is the first male (likely) gay character I've in like, forever! that is well balance, and that struggles with a very harsh background. (althou, I'm a little surprised that he settled with strangling the overmare)
And finally, two last questions:
1: How come BJ have never hit a mare, only stallions in the nethers? She seems to not really mind fighting dirty, and judging by her backstory, she has mainly fought mares. Not to mention she is one. It would just seem sorta logical she'd go for low blows if she got the chance. I know I would.
2: You're ok with if I take some of your ideas and concepts and toss in my WiP: Fallout: Equestria, the tabletop RPG project right? (would really like some help with that, but I know you're way to busy with the fic, and irl already)
@kim
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of help? I'm curious/bored enough to lend a hand if you need it.
@Kim
ReplyDeleteThanks. Writing this has been the one thing that's kept me going along. The suicide scene was simple: she'd just had to do something horrible and couldn't live with it. She still has to pay for it though.
1) Mostly because she hasn't been with a mare in a fight while drunk. It takes a certain amount of inebriation and aggrivation for her to go after the reproductive organs of another.
2) Sure. If you have questions about Hoofington I'll try and answer them if its general knowledge and not spoilers.
@Kim
ReplyDeleteI've been working on similar, actually. So I'd probably be able to give a bit of help.
@Kim
ReplyDeleteWell, her intelligence is 5 now, since she took the perk to add a point.
Good stuff. Been following this as closely as the original Fallout Equestria. Blackjack drunk, singing and blowing away those hunters was pure pure gold. I haven't laughed so hard in awhile. Well, sept when Harmonie said what she was going to do to Little Pip over the radio. More pure gold. lol
ReplyDeleteBefore reading either of these stories I had no desire to play Fallout. Now I am out saving the wasteland. My characters name for New Vegas is Blackjack, and I find myself calling stealthboys stealthbucks when I am talking to people about Fallout 3. Which tends to get me an odd look.
Darn you pony writers. You drive me to write my own stuff. Speaking of, I was hoping to ask you a question about doing my own story. Whats the best way to get in touch with you Somber?
Sigh. 27 done. 13ish to go. Still seems horrible.
ReplyDeleteDavid13ushey@gmail is my email address. I'm really bad about checking it tho.
So somber says the chapter is horrible.
ReplyDeleteThats too bad. Do you think it's possible it might not be better than anything I have ever read like EVERY OTHER CHAPTER.
Really somber even your shit is golden to be blunt about it. It is impossible for your work to be bad given the effort and love you put into it.
@Somber
ReplyDeleteSo, is it as horrible as every other chapter? You keep on saying it's horrible, yet everything you write keeps on being anything but!
@Somber You're one of the great authors whose style makes exposition-dumps not only bearable, but unnoticeable and enjoyable. Breaking it up into chunks and not leaving walls-o'-text is probably a factor, along with the fact that you seem patently unable to write a scene in which a character doesn't do or say something interesting. :) I'm excited to see what comes up.
ReplyDeleteAlso: I'm very impressed by how organized you seem to be with this. Getting even a ballpark estimate of pages-left-to-go can be a serious challenge for me.
I'm needing a bit of info, if anyone here wouldn't mind. specifically i ask what "year" is it when this is all taking place (do ponies even track time like that..?)? and if they do, can somebody tell me when the war started? the fallout: equestria wikia is proving mighty unhelpful.
ReplyDelete@Somber
ReplyDeleteYou know what, you're right. It probably is horrible. After 24 chapters of the best goddamn writing on the internet, it's pretty much inevitable that the twenty-fifth will be horrendous to the point of unreadability. I probably won't even bother to look at it; save myself the horror and shame.
There are much better things I could be reading, like this, or this.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping one of the next couple chapters features perhaps my favorite weapon in Fallout: the power fist. There's just something endearing about punching a guy's head so hard it pops off like a cork or some kind of twisted rock-em sock-em robot.
ReplyDeleteI'm imagining a ravenger earth pony wielding a powerhoof on each leg, pulverizing with one hoof while nearly vaporizing if four make contact, punching the ground to rocket up and take out the most armored of pegasi, then coming down to form a small crater when he/she lands.
I wouldn't even imagine to take credit if one shows up, because it seems like such a logical re-imagining of such an awesome weapon. I just haven't seen it implemented yet and have been hoping for it for a while.
@swicked
ReplyDeletePsychoshy was using a pair on Blackjack at the close of chapter 24.
Btw, just to throw in my two cents on a matter, I think Goldblood long since came to the conclusion that everything would inevitably end in massive death unless one side unconditionally surrendered. He probably worked both sides in that regard, but the formation of the ministries and every project following only accomplished two things:
ReplyDelete1. held back the tide for just a little bit longer, however little it could be, while sustaining the war and preventing either side from getting the upper hand and
2. ensured enough ponies survived to rebuild equestria (and likely the zebra homelands, though we’ll never know) afterwards
When it came down to the end goal two finally surpassed goal one and he rushed the end of the war since bringing it about the end intentionally was the only way to ensure enough ponies would be in the stables at the appropriate time. Especially since it was directly after performing test runs and drills to ensure stable protocols were fresh in every pony's mind.
There was never any other best possible scenario in his mind, whether or not there could have been one in reality. He didn't want either culture or people destroyed, but he was willing to sacrifice more lives than necessary on both sides than have a single side hurt enough to essentially be wiped out (especially once the war devolved into a push for genocide, IE better wiped than striped, even if that condition came about before the slogan he likely came to endorsed in his efforts to maintain goal one). He definitely, definitely had mixed loyalties and his solution was merely what he saw as the best possible ending for BOTH sides, being the end of war with more than enough ponies surviving on both sides to eventually rebuild.
And, though he cared for them, he never had any true loyalty to the princesses or any other individual pony or ponies, but to the race as a whole, and it is only from that perspective that I feel I can justify his actions.
I think, however, in many ways he was just the one riding the bull, as it were. The corruption that arose in those dark times, the technology and their side effects beyond the capacity for massive death and the rise of heroes and their sacrifices constantly threw the war into flux and he can’t entirely be laid to blame for all the evil that came about in the end. I’d be willing to bet he didn’t even foresee it taking quite so long for ponies to recover, let alone the evil than now exists in the world post-balebomb (like enervation, taint, the raider virus and possibly the complete abandonment of Pegasus ponies lasting quite so long). I doubt any of these would have changed his mind about his final solution, but it would have given him a reason to be even more morose about it than he already was. He might have even been as disturbed as applebot was at how blackjack’s vault had turned out. He definitely wasn’t truly evil, but his sort of… lack of respect for individual lives, and his pursuit for a rather uncommon sense of moral duty, would have easily painted him as such in the eyes of, well, everyone. Thus the need to deal with truly evil ponies and plenty of secrecy.
I won’t pretend to know how his plans involved the creation of alicorns, though. They might have just been another weapon, they might have been a way to challenge Luna, or they may have just been seen as a durable enough pony to live through the bombs. I’d tend toward some form of that last one, in a way the creation of alicorns from the union of many pony minds being a way to create a sort of republic within a monarchy if they were to rise to the top in some future government. It’s all very iffy, though, since he still preferred ponies to govern themselves from the ground up like was done in the zebra lands. I really wouldn’t think he’d be for the creation of alicorns if he could avoid it, which makes me think he felt he couldn’t and it was either a way to achieve something that couldn’t otherwise be accomplished, or prevent something even worse from coming about. It definitely drew twilight in, preying on her reverence and sentimentality toward alicorns… there was NO WAY she wouldn’t go for the idea of making more if she could, any way she could. It was as predictable as getting Luna to call in the mane six as her advisors, or as their acceptance of their duties within the new government, or as their eager incorporation of his suggestions as they each realized they were in over their heads and had no idea how to structure or focus their individual ministries.
ReplyDelete@Sindri
ReplyDeleteAh. I missed that, somehow. Thanks for the catch :P
@swicked
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the alicorns were part of Golden's plans; everything else that he caused he nudged people towards, at least after they'd rejected the better options, in order to prevent something even worse. When Twilight asked him about Chimera, he never stopped objecting to it and only turned his info over when she practically threatened him. I got the distinct impression that the alicorns never factored into his plans, and the Goddess came close to ruining all of them. That whole mess is entirely Twilight and Trueblood's faults.
@ Umbra, Cured and Somber about 2: I've been working on a FoE Tabletop RPG the past few weeks. So far I'm about ~70 pages done (PDF style). It's a mix of quite a few RPG's, Mutant, Fallout and 40k being one of the core parts of it. But I turned out to be horrible at writing "information", or stuff in general that isn't about rules or the like. (althou I fear I might be tossing a tad bit to much of Fallout's silly manors (and roleplaying inside jokes) in the mix. Might have to re-do the module with more grimdark in it hehe. (especially noticeable in the talent tree section)
ReplyDeleteUnlike Fallout however, I've also planned to add a more social system to fit the "Equestria" part of it. Perform, Craft and Cultivation will be some of the new skills added. And the guns section has been broken down a bit more as well. Instead of just 3 types, they have been broken down further (pistols, smg's, shotguns, etc) Erh, anyhow. So yeah, the main thing I'd need help with is explaining skills more deeply, some description texts and the like. (Like, explaining in a "player knowledge" way who Watcher is and the like) Just send me a mail at kattlarv@hotmail.se (or @gmail.com) if any would be interested to help.
And regarding 1: Ah, I see. I know she's been both around mares when she's been in a fight, but it seems she only gets the chance to "hit the spot" on males hehe. Althou, I can see how it'd make her cringe if she actually did it. And on a side note, I'm actually surprised her own flank has avoided to get hit in that between by either bullets, shrapnel or blunt force. Since it seems like that'd just be the topping of her "the wasteland hates you" cake... actually, thinking of it... that would have made a veeery awkward surgery moment for Glory... (or even worse: P21) erh, anyhow. Gotta stop thinking about crazy shit like that haha ^^' (I'm really sound like such a mentally stable girl don't I? xD)
@ O. Hinds: Oh yeah, forgot about that. But then her int is 4 now actually, since as she did raise it by one, it was 3 at the start ;P
@Kim
ReplyDeleteI think BJs SPECIAL stats were originally -
S:5
P:5
E:6 (actually might have been 5 but that wouldn't add up to the 5 points you get to spend at the start. Actually it still doesn't since the baseline is 5 for everything and you get 5 more to spend.).
C:5
I:4
A:5
L:9
Somber posted them in the comments ages ago if you want to go trawl through them.
Personally if I was going to spend that extra point to make it match blackjack it would be in Charisma. Maybe strength.
ReplyDelete(I think my BJ I'm playing in FO3 had a luck 8, str 7... but close enough. Still haven't gone ahead and made her a lush. >.>).
ReplyDeleteRe: Goldenblood. He doesn't even willingly hand over Chimera. Twilight has her ministry take all the info on it and she's the one that comes up with the alicorns.
@Kim: Also, Somber might want to avoid following Littlepip's tribulations too closely -- and Pip has that happen to her in Fillydelphia's slave pits.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteNo. Goldenblood is fully capable of lying through his teeth and I have a hard time imagining he wouldn't have at least some kind of contingency plan to redirect or even cause the destruction of documents that were a serious detriment to him. Some way to do it that might get him in hot water but would not cause him to be more than vaguely suspected of real treason (much like the majority of his plans).
The fact that he both revealed this info to twilight AND didn't put anything into place immediately following it to destroy critical portions of the project means it served some purpose. The least he could have done was ensure the research was delayed until his end game strategy went into effect.
The only thing he objects to, then doesn't follow up with destroying/sabotaging, are things that he can find a role for as part of his greater strategy. Thus: unless it's shown that he did just that and Twilight was still intelligent enough to take the basic idea and practically re-invent the entire process despite his efforts, I'm not willing to believe he didn't, to some degree, want the project to go on.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteI personally refuse to believe anything he says, ever, though that's not to say he always lies. You just can't TELL.
His actions are the only way to really figure out what he's all about.
While I am about it here are SPECIAL stats I've made up for the other characters:
ReplyDeleteP-21
S:4
P:8
E:5
C:5
I:6
A:7 (with a -1 debuff from his injury for a total of 6)
L:5
Tag: Science, lockpick, Sneak. (Points later put into explosives.)
Glory
S:4
P:7
E:5
C:5
I:9
A:6
L:4
Tag: Science, Medicine, Repair (points later put into energy weapons.)
Rampage
S:10
P:5
E:6
C:4
I:5
A:5
L:5
Tag: Melee weapons, Unarmed, Medicine
Lacunae
S:6
P:6
E:7
C:5
I:6
A:5
L:5
Tag: Big guns, Science, Sneak.
Blackjack's tag skills would be: Small guns, Melee weapons, Speech.
Don't know enough about scotch tape yet to make one for her.
@Kim
ReplyDeleteIt was three at the start? Where did you read that?
@Kim
ReplyDeleteChucked you a message at your gmail account.
@Curebores
ReplyDeleteI saved them when Somber posted it. It was:
Blackjack: Str:4, Per: 6 End: 5 Cha:6 Int:4 Agi: 6 Luck:9 Traits: Fast shot, Kamakaze
Keep in mind that these would be the base stats.
Hey, you forgot to keep in mind that Earth, Pegasus, and Unicorn Ponies have inherently difrent stats! Your using the template for humans! Therefore everything, even Somber's head-cannon stats, are completely incorrect forever. Besides, IRL intelligence is such a complicated it can't really be completely defined, let alone accurately measured without missing lots of important stuff. Blackjack may not be a "smart pony," but she still makes tons of smart or clever decisions that "smarter" ponies wouldn't have. Intelligence is only a number in games and tests that only measure overy-specific definitions of cognative ability. Since this is a story, Blackjack's intelligence is much more complicated and has more characterization than any video-game stat could ever hope for.
ReplyDeleteSomber, I can tell you exactly what month you'll write a bad story. I can also tell you when MLP will end. December 2012. Or...maybe that's the day those guys got board and stopped making their calendar. Or maybe Pinkie Pie traveled back in time and told them what would happen...or would that be forward in time? Maybe she crossed universes? Curses, now I must watch Star Trek and edumaction myself.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I know I misspelled that.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChapter 25 is in the queue!
ReplyDeleteAlso, is there an "Edit Post" button here that I'm just missing?
@O. Hinds
ReplyDelete/)^3^(\
::begins spamming F5 at the main page::
@Curebores
ReplyDeleteBarring any other objections, I have to say no stats should really be ascribed to Lacunae. While her agility might be low due to her never dodging anything and her charisma might be moot because no one would listen to someone with a thousand voices in their head, the rest of her stats might as well be 10s because she can't be touched. She's on permanent godmode and if her shield is about to be broken she teleports away and disappears.
...actually, one other objection. Rampage doesn't seem any smarter than Blackjack, and she's a heck of a lot less lucky. I don't think anyone ever misses a shot on her. So possibly drop those two, and maybe perception as well (it's not like she needs it) and put it all into endurance, because the fact that the only thing that can stop her is the (temporary) complete removal of her limbs should amount to a perfect 10 endurance stat. You never see pain or dismemberment paralyze her with pain and I don't think her condition really helps her in that regard.
@O. Hinds
ReplyDeleteOkay, now it's in the queue. Sorry; just a few little hiccoughs over here.
@O. Hinds
ReplyDeleteDo you or Somber have an email I could contact you through? I have a couple samples for my proposed Audio rendition of Project Horizons, and was wanting to see what you thought.
I've also been in talks with Scorch238 (Guy who did audio for main story) and getting tips for this project =D
@Jordan
ReplyDelete::points up the page::
Moar PH? I am prepared to sacrifice sleep for that.
ReplyDelete@Curebores
ReplyDeleteAnd of course if 10 is the human maximum, Rampage should have at least a 15 strength, given some of the things we've seen her do.
I'd give P-21 a higher Endurance than that from all he's gone through. Heck, he had his leg shattered without a complaint and then ran for hours on it a few minutes later. And better Int too. But truly terrible Luck.
Glory seems about right... maybe a little lower End and higher Agi, but it's close.
Rampage's tag skills would probably vary by personality; the teddy bear definitely has speechcraft tagged, for example.
I'd bump up Lacunae's strength; she's swinging around a minigun effortlessly. Unless you want to make a separate stat for magical strength? Even then she's got about double the mass of a normal pony, so it should be higher than a 6. We can't really judge her Endurance... except that she's the only alicorn that can survive in the Hoof.
Overall I think you're trying too hard to make them fit the number of points of a starting character in the games, rather than reflecting the stats we've seen. It makes sense for P-21, Blackjack, and Glory, but Rampage and Lacunae are fighting on the monster tables. And you're ignoring traits; P-21 would probably have "tortured" or something that boosts his End in exchange for a permanent movement rate reduction and social penalties or something, Glory might have something reflecting her Enclave education (penalty to hacking but bonus to all other uses of Science? dunno)...
@Somber
ReplyDeleteThere, sent it to you. Hopefully it's not too abhorrent, I'm still new to recording in that fashion.
@O. Hinds
ReplyDeleteHWWAAAAAHH hyperventilate. The best weekend.
Oh, but I'm going to be in transit all of tomorrow, so I won't be able to read things for a while (worst possible thing, etc.). This may well make my comments on chapter 25 later than most, depending on when it gets through the queue... Apologies in advance on that front!
@Sindri
ReplyDeletebut Rampage and Lacunae are fighting on the monster tables
Or y'know, they joined the party at like, level 20.
@Umbra
ReplyDeleteNah, level 20 would give them really high skill levels but barely changed stats. Instead they seem to have about as much skill as Blackjack does at this point or maybe less, but superpowers. In the Fallout system that puts them closer to creatures than PCs, stat-wise.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteWho says they don't have high skill levels though? I'm pretty sure Rampage has maxed Unarmed and Melee skills, and probably some others, while Lacunae seems to have a pretty high Guns skill, judging by her ability with that minigun. I don't have a complete list on me, but "High skills" doesn't mean "75+ in everything", it just means a high number of total skill points, even if they're stacked toward certain things.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteOh, and there are perks to raise stats. Not to mention Quest Perks. It's not hard to imagine there's a quest perk for being an Alicorn that states Telekinetic Strength +2, etc etc.
I check at 1am, nothing.
ReplyDeleteI check at 1:30am, nothing.
2am. About to go to sleep. Decide to take one more glance.
Seth uploaded it at 1:35.
Every. Damn. Time.
I love this story, I love EqD, I love Seth, but this pattern does result in me being unable to sleep at least once a week, and in the long term it can't be good for my sanity.
Joy, new chapter. Sorrow, it may be a few days before I will be able to devote the appropriate amount of attention to read it.
ReplyDeleteGlory and Blackjack no longer together?
ReplyDeletedang, I liked that pairing :/
and the P-21 scene scared the shit outta me
Good chapter altogether
3:37am so a full commentary will have to wait, as usual (for which I'm very sorry, I just can't help it that they take me so long to write) - but I had to say, the scene with P-21 was utterly, utterly terrifying. I was so fixated on hoping he'd be okay that I didn't even realize how much I was crying and shaking until afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved the chapter, well done, Somber.
This chapter is making me think. There's a lot of hidden information here, I feel. I'll probably have to scan the chapter over again to get a better read on it.
ReplyDeleteA few things to comment on before I go to sleep:
Psychoshy -- It doesn't take a 10 in int to realize there's something going on here. It's almost certainly one of the OIA's pet projects at work. Which one, I can't be sure. Assuming PH is still canon-compliant, we're looking at a few possibilities. The first things to stand out in my mind would be: cloning/mind copying, artificial lifeform/mind construction, or (I was hesitant to suggest, but will because I'd have to carefully examine the chapter to refute it) some sort of AI/android.
Sanguine -- So now we know this is Trueblood, which wasn't a stretch. But BJ is treading on thin ice. I don't think Trueblood will take kindly to being duped. Not to mention his threat to find something that will beg her to make a deal. Didn't BJ copy stuff to that PipBuck? I'm going to need to look back over previous chapters to figure out if there's anything potentially dangerous Trueblood now has his hooves on.
Blackjack -- A few things. Firstly, confirmation on being star-touched. Second, that rainbow stuff -- something tells me that will come back to bite her, somehow. My first thought was, "BJ's gonna become more Reaper than she wants to". Last, this here caught my attention: ...the Dealer said calmly as he dealt me five cards. Celestia. Luna. Twilight Sparkle. Goldenblood. Myself. This is something key. Especially considering it's a set -- Blackjack is linked in some crucial way. The explanation that would fit best would probably be that Tarot is the child of Twilight and Goldenblood. I've just realized how fitting this would be. Who better to stop Trueblood from re-opening the abandoned projects than Goldenblood's own descendant? Who better to wield EC-1101 than Twilight's? It's far from certain, but it's looking more possible, and maybe even more likely.
Stadium/Chapel link -- This suggestion may seem kinda cliche, but the first thought that popped into my head when BJ made the connection between them was "It's the ponies working together, in harmony." This begs the questions: what exactly is enervation, if it seems to be kept at bay by groups of ponies working together? Something that comes to mind is that Flank practically inundated with enervation, and what do you know, most of what is found there is nothing but a sea of conflict, aggression, duplicity, self-indulgence. And the screams are... maybe not missing, but muted in both Chapel and the Stadium. This leads to the question of: what the hell happened in Hoofington to birth something so... I don't even think I have a word for it. Unnatural? Something is not right here.
Big Daddy -- He's an odd one. He seems like one of "the good guys", but more in a sort of "Lacunae" kind of way. He's working for his own goals, and it just so happens they're roughly the same as Blackjack's. The thing that worries me is that if Blackjack didn't escape Psychoshy's death grip, he most definitely would have simply let her die. He would most certainly be a powerful ally, and seems like a trustworthy one as well, but only with a bit of caution. I hope BJ remembers that he's almost certainly as dangerous as Sanguine, in his own way. Speaking of Sanguine, in my mind it's almost a certainty that Sanguine will become a focal point for future dealings between Big Daddy and BJ.
Aaaand I think that's it for now. A lot of important points. I'd definitely like to exchange some thoughts with people on these ideas.
This is going to be a long commentary, as most of what I write tends to be spec regarding histories and motivations and conspiracies and such. I'd apologize for writing this in the middle of the night, but since Seth's uploaded like the last half dozen chapters minutes before I was supposed to be asleep, I think that this low level of quality is probably what you've come to expect from me.
ReplyDeleteCompetition. Combined with that opening quote, I'm guessing that our nice historical exposition will be combined with gladitorial combat. This has the potentiall to be kinda painful or bloody hilarious, depending on whether they let Blackjack have whiskey.
Ah crap. You're dying of Hydra. And maybe Taint. On the plus side, you're right outside Bonesaw's place...
Hmm. Mallet is unusually friendly for somepony who's legs you just shattered. Eh, call it an upside.
Yay! Rampage has Mint-als again! If I'm right, we shouldn't be seeing the Angel of Death for a while. If I'm wrong, we get more information with which to formulate better theories. Being a scientist means that you always win :)
No offence Rampage, but you're hardly the pony to be talking anyone out of killing themself. I totally agree on the 'Blackjack's and idiot' point though. I vote that she never be allowed out of line of sight of Glory, or failing that a minimum of two of the rest of the party. NEVER.
Well, I suppose that you were going to have to meet with Big Daddy at some point, and while I'd have prefered to head back to the Museum with P-21 and some more context, I suppose now is as good a time as ever.
Hm. Gorgon was a Reaper after all. Does that mean all the Marauders went on to join? I suppose if you were an ageless killing machine living in the Hoof the laws of probability say that eventually one of them is going to try to kill you and after defending yourself it's less effort to join than to wipe out the organization... but I still think I smell a connection between Project Chimera and the Arena.
Weird squiggly feelings inside? That's very rarely a good sign. Let's hope that it's the Taint giving you some sort of mildly unpleasant superpower, rather than a detrimental mutation or some manner of chestburster.
Big Daddy, King Awesome, Elder Crunchy Carrots, Keeper, Professor Book or the Eggheads, and one unnamed wanderer who dropped out of the history books. Wander the wastes, make things better, and then go their seperate ways to establish/reinforce a variety of organizations across the wasteland. This sounds exactly like the epilogue of a Fallout game. Except with the rule of six that all the ponies tend towards. On an vaguely related note, we need to keep Scotch around to fill the party. Anyway, retired adventurers automatically go up a step in my respect levels, so I'm looking forward to meeting Big Daddy now.
ReplyDeleteTwitchy mane at the six friends. That implies the number is more significant than I thought. A set of corrupted elements, perhaps? Keeper sounds kinda like Generosity from what little we've heard... and I don't know any of the others even well enough for that much. Sigh.
Heh. Nope, phobias don't go away that easy. And your insides are probably especially squirmy right now.
Can't write. Crying now.
Back. Hm. Glory's still assuming the best about the Thunderhead Enclave. Is this a kneejerk reaction while she's not really thinking about it, is she still than naive, or are the majority of ponies up there really that good?
*snrk* Get the chains Glory. They're bound to come in handy sooner or later.
So Psychoshy is one of Sanguine's? All the more reason to shoot her a lot as soon as you're out of Gun's range. From what we've seen of the both of them, you'd be doing the Reapers a favor. Though after killing three of them, Big Daddy's going to need to do some recruiting. How does that work? Is there a pool of potential Reapers standing by in case one of them dies but can't be replaced by the killer, either because they refuse to join, they're already in, or it was an accident without a perpetrator?
Oh, and every time I see or hear the word 'cunt' I hear Deus shouting it 'Khaaaaan' style in my head. This makes inept insults in other contexts much more amusing. Thanks for that.
Gyaagh! I need a bucket of brain bleach now.
heh. "'Kids today.'"
Okay, Rampage with the three little Reapers here is far cuter than it should be. I think that it's the combination of this fandom screwing with my brain and sleep deprivation.
Okay, so we have a security mare, an exploratory scientist, P-21, an immortal killing machine, a psionic demigoddess, and now a sewage technician. The party is finally complete.
ReplyDeleteDamnit. You finally get P-21 to open up to you. Then after returning to 99 he's fragile, but holding it together. Leaning on you and being there in return. Then you run off to kill yourself, make him cry, and now... I really can't blame him for not wanting to see you right now, or for quite some time. You moved yourself from rapist to murderer to defender to companion and then finally to friend, and then just when he'd finally opened up to somepony, probably for the first time in his life, and he was at the most fragile, the most in need of a friend he'd ever been, and then you tear away his only support? I don't think you could have made that more painful if you'd tried at it for years.
Nose... only part of body... not... nigh-invulnerable...
Hmm. Corrugated metal sheets? Concealment maybe, but not cover against anything big enough to threaten a reaper in the first place. I'd have expected a Reaper wagon to either really well armored or designed purely for intimidation.
Ooh, not being a dashite is a tender point for Psychoshy... must remember to bring that up at every opportunity.
"Turn?"
Ah. In the wood chipper. Fun!
Yay! The Dealer can interrupt Blackjack's nightmares!
Hm. Younger? Healthier? More familiar? Hmm.
Discard Goldenblood, acquire Fluttershy. This is a metaphorical dream card game that I can get behind.
No Blackjack, you don't deserve them, and they haven't done anything nearly bad enough to deserve putting up with your stupidity, but life is less terrible for them with you in it than without, so pony up already.
You know, every time the Dealer appears I like him more. He's like the anti-Goldenblood; I used to hate him but he gets better with every appearance and the longer the story goes the less we know about him.
Dammit Blackjack, you really should be paranoid enough by now to not let your guns out of cotact with you while you're sleeping. At least keep Vigilance under your head or something.
Dude, fresh, clean grass? A reasonable facsimile of sunlight? If they've got baths too this counts as the lap of luxury. Stay here a while, you need the rest.
ReplyDeleteMelee weapons only? dammit, you should have gone back to the Museum. Another dragon claw, maybe a spare or two, that sword that was in a case that you couldn't open without P-21...
Okay, sure ponyhide armor is intimidating, but it's nowhere near the best protection. Or the best mobility. And it can't be comfortable. In fact, it's probably one of the worst armors you can get, practically speaking. I can tell why those who wear it aren't in the top ten.
Heh. Pecos. Guessing that anyone who's already fleeing from BJ isn't a serious contender for the new slots.
Huge muscular buck... not in charge. Real authorities aren't gleaming, spikey, and muscled, especially not years after they retired from adventuring. It'll be the old one, with the drinks.
Heh. Shiny...
Called it.
Oh Blackjack, you are not a clever pony...
Okay, yes. I like this old buck. Very much.
Aw crap. They did spark the war at the bridge. Glory's not going to take this well at all...
Mintals and candy canes are Twist. Police procedurals and training manuals would probably be Officer Softheart. The tribal masks are probably the proditor.
Pickled egg and Sparkle Cola smoothie? Either Glory is just picking ingredients and appliances at random, or she's specifically cooking for Blackjack and only Blackjack. Let's hope for the second option.
"'Great. You killed her.'"
So much for that theory.
Sanguine? Kill him here. Nothing he touches is anything but bad, and the longer he's out there the worse things will get. Just waste him. Deal with consequences later; they can't be as bad as what he's doing.
Heh. I almost want her to refuse the challenge and give Psychoshy the pipbuck. It's still not the one with EC-1101 in it, and if anypony here has tools for removing it without taking off BJ's leg...not to mention the look on her face...
ReplyDeleteRight. Unarmed Blackjack vs a pegasus with power-hooves. Should be fun. Also painful.
Oh, only hides for a challenge? In that case.. wait, no SATs. Even fight? We still don't know how good 'shy is without the element of suprise and the hooves.
P-21 left a key in your tail, didn't he?
Moonshine? For Blackjack? That is far more dangerous than anything else in here. Thanks, Pecos!
Ow.
Stampede? shit.
Oh dear. And now we get to see a clever Blackjack. May Luna have mercy on our souls.
Not clever enough to notice the bloody noose around her neck. *sigh*
I suppose it was too much to hope that we'd get answers to all Blackjack's questions...
Sanguine = Trueblood. Called it.
"'Goldenblood’s gift to Fluttershy. A project to take her mind off her broken heart.'"
So much spec...
Suspended animation. The Marauders aren't ageless, they're waking up. This changes some things.
Horizons does something when EC-1101 is destroyed? Do tell!
Dead and gone along with it's creator...
Sanguine didn't believe the voice in the box when they said "he" was coming. "He" is Goldenblood, creator of Project Horizons, returned from supposed death, and about to screw with Sangine's boss's plans in a big way. Maybe. Or maybe Goldy is the boss, and "he" is someone else. Mr. Horse, perhaps. Who else do we not know about from that time? Psalm? Eh, too much spec. Back to the story.
FUCK. P-21, you didn't. You are better than this.
ReplyDeleteRight. Not dead. Saved one. Why is screen blurry? Right, eyes dripping again. Twice in one chapter, huh...
Ah frell. More Taint! Fun!
The letter from Stonewing... I'm with BJ on the thinking my tear ducts were depleted. Not quite crying, but definitely damp.
Feels like Chapel. No screams. Civilization? Peace? Life? Harmony? Is Big Daddy an Element? Probably just stable, sustained life chasing away the echos of the dead.
Poor Scotch Tape. She's having a better first week than any other Stable pony though.
Blood and Stars. Pretty good summary of the story as a whole.
Love reading your posts Sindri.
ReplyDeleteSo much good speculation. I love it when you're right... and when you're wrong. It proves that I am tantilzing my readers without giving things away.
And I am sorry I made you cry... twice. Sorry. This was supposed to be a happy chapter! Why can't I just write happy?
Also, I'm looking to hit ch 1 and 2 with a heavy rewrite this week... since they're the weakest chapters by far. I wrote them when I had far less experience, direction, or editors. So if folks could give me direction for what they think 1 and 2 need I'd appreciate it.
This chapter was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love how well you can write emotion into the story. Especially with Gorgons letter and all the pictures.
Fight with psychoshy was good, you really made her a hateable character, my god she is such a bitch a really hope she meets some sort of grisly end (not right away of course, but eventually).
Big daddy is an interesting character. Blackjacks first meeting with him was hilarious "Who's your daddy!" haha.
Ending was good. I was actually hoping blackjack would become a reaper, but oh well.
As usual i cannot wait for more chapters, this is getting really interesting now. Keep up the great work Somber
Sweet Celestria that was awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'm not to good at this speculation thing like everyones else, I like reading it for the ride. I caught on to P-21's gift almost instantly. Great chapter as a whole (as usual). Scared me there with P-21. I mean, after Steelhooves, I keep feeling anypony is fair game.
ReplyDeleteI liked the scene with the Dealer. I like how he has become more of an adviser now than byproduct of insanity (he still is though).
Lol at BJ walking up to ponies who aren't the ones she is looking for.
Glory needs to be BJ's significant other. With her cooking skills and BJ's lack of tastebuds, they are perfect for each other.
And I realize that P-21 and BJ aren't going to happen. But by Celestia's trippy mane, they would make an excellent couple.
Keep doing what you are doing Somber! You have me (and many others, I'm sure) eagerly awaiting more.
@ O. Hinds: I was just making wild guesses. And tossing a slight point towards BJ's "not a clever pony" part. But tbh, it was a while since I last played fallout heh. But yeah, she doesn't seem to be as jaded as she might be portrayed as at times. She's not stupid, she just got bad luck when it comes to thinking.
ReplyDelete@ Cured: Well, whatever her stats might be, we can all agree she is awesome, and not as technically smart as either P21 nor Glory xP
And yeah, I got it
@ Mint: I don't think to many would notice if they got hit by the same weapon, in the same place. (between Pip and BJ) Unless it was done identically in fashion and response. If we are even talking about that... I'm actually only at chapter 21 on FoE, and I'll just assume the pit comes in some later chapter, like 30 or so. While I'm not entirely sure of what exactly you're referring to, I'll try to keep it a semi-secret to see if I can guess it out. You could mention what chapter it's in thou if you'd like.
@ Somber: I just have to pitch in: Don't apologize for writing sad. Sad can be a good thing. It's nice to cry a little at times, It can really make you feel better you know? If I weren't so stubborn, I'd have gone from tears in eyes to crying at quite a few parts in this story so far. You manage to keep it bittersweet, (a bit more bitter then sweet, but it's still there) it has all these horrible moments (content wise, not technically, since they are well written) BJ has to endure. But there are just enough of the good moments as well. (despite some backfiring and just turning sour anyhow. Like back at the stable or at Flank. When she discovered her intimate time with the "barmare" was just a ruse (it's called that right) to keep her off track.) Like I said before: To make a good fic, the main characters needs a bit of carrot from time to time to stay on the "want to live" side of the line. Without the few bright moments, (like when she did get to "save just one") they wouldn't have any logical reason why they'd even keep enduring it. Mostly.
Another good one.
ReplyDeleteLots of story stuff to chew over here, I will probably forget to cover some of it but here goes.
Firstly psychoshy breaks my brain. Not in a "she's a horrible character what were you thinking" way but with her connection to fluttershy she just does not compute. My brain will not let it. The grey matter started to spark around "sanggie", was having minor power cuts around "the kiss" and completely flat-lined at "Butterflanks". She has to be a clone or something. HAS to be.
Big daddy is a pretty cool guy. Definitely not the blood crazed overlord I was expecting. Those eyes too...
More taint. That along with radiation, enervation, drug side effects and the influence of the starts... What are you doing to yourself Blackjack? This is going to turn around and bite her very soon. P-21 might have got a bit of it as well.
Blackjack stops being self centred just in time to stop P-21 from doing something equally stupid. This is a good development.
Scotch tape and that toilet unblocker made me laugh like a drain. Pun very much intended.
Proper speculation can wait until I am less hungover. >_<
I'm gonna guess that Rampage is the one crawling into Brutus' bed.
ReplyDelete@Curebores
ReplyDelete"More taint. That along with radiation, enervation, drug side effects and the influence of the starts... "
I once commented over on the FO:E post. "Silly Pip. You're turning into an alicorn. Stop that."
I now repeat the sentiment. "Silly Blackjack. You're turning into an eldritch abomination from the stars. Stop that."
As for those SPECIAL stats - they are in no way official. I just made them up to reflect how I see the characters while still fitting into the structure of the game.
ReplyDeleteI suppose I should justify them.
P-21
S:4 (he is a bit of bookworm and not used to lifting heavy shit and punching folk.)
P:8 (perception governs lockpick and explosives. therefore it is high for him.)
E:5 (average endurance. He is mentally tough but he still takes the damage.)
C:5 (average charisma)
I:6 (he wanted to be a teacher but never had the opportunity of proper training. he tried though so above average Int.)
A:7 (with a -1 debuff from his injury for a total of 6. Governs sneak therefore also high.)
L:5 (average luck. Has equal amounts of good and bad.)
Tag: Science, lockpick, Sneak. (Points later put into explosives.)
Glory
S:4 (also a bookworm)
P:7 (perception governs energy weapons, something she got from being in the enclave. not quite as high as P-21 though.)
E:5 (average endurance)
C:5 (average charisma)
I:9 (She was a brilliant scientist back in thunderhead therefore very high intelligence.)
A:6 (being a pegasus on ground operations she needs to be light on her feet and in the air. also helped her hide in that vent.)
L:4 (if shit hits the fan chances are it is glory that get it. Not always though.)
Tag: Science, Medicine, Repair (points later put into energy weapons.)
Rampage
S:10 (nigh on god mode strength.)
P:5 (average perception)
E:6 (can take more abuse than the average pony but she still takes damage. She just doesn't die.
C:4 (quite antisocial and would rather solve a problem with a fight than trying to talk out of it.)
I:5 (average intelligence. not the sharpest knife in the drawer but definitely brighter than blackjack.)
A:5 (average agility)
L:5 (average luck)
Tag: Melee weapons, Unarmed, Medicine
(Since she is technically a monster her god mode abilities could be the result of a trait rather than base stats. in which case strength would be 8 with 8 endurance.
Lacunae
S:6 (above average strength from being physically bigger than everyone else. also a requirement for the minigun.)
P:6 (magic allows her increased awareness.)
E:7 (Endurance governs big guns. increased hit points from her magic shield.)
C:5 (average charisma)
I:6 (above average intelligence from the hive mind and her knowledge of arcane science.)
A:5 (average agility)
L:5 (average luck)
Tag: Big guns, Science, Sneak.
Furthermore there would probably be a race trait on top of that with buffs and debuffs for each.
::mines away in EVE hitting refresh every 30 seconds like a caged rat with a toggle keyed to a morphine drip praying for comments...::
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dot, Cure,Twitchy and Kim for giving me my feedback fix!
Sorry for the brain blench moment that came with the spicy jerky stick...
And Sebale... does that sound like something Rampage would do? :3
Hope for more comments.
Sadly I didn't exactly write the others with game attributes in mind so whatever you come up with is probably accurate. :)
Sooo much to think about in this chapter.
ReplyDeleteI admittatly had to stop reading for about an hour when I thought you killed off P-21. I practacly CHEERED when he spoke.
You can make me care for your characters more than I care about some real people.
*frowns* Nobody has anything to say about my comment...? I guess my 'wild speculation' came too soon and was mistaken by everyone as a 'long feedback post for Somber' and skipped. <.< Or everyone is just as tired as I am. But damnit, what good is wild speculation if it's not discussed!?
ReplyDeleteI feel so invisible sometimes.
@Somber
ReplyDeleteEVE online? Ahh, EVE Online. That needs a good pony cross over on the scale of Fallout Equestria one day.
I was an odd one there. A Gallente-Intaki who just adoooored Amarr Tech. Lasers. >squee My boyfriend who got me to play was a Caldari through and through. It was.. /interesting/ to say the least.
One of my fondest memories was taking a little cheap ship that resembled a sprite bot, fitted purely for speed into a place I had no business being in.
"Oh SHIT, their ammo is bigger than my ship!" I survived. Barely. Boy was I good at running away.
I'm sorry Umbra. I'm such a douche. I got so wrapped up in Sindri's responce that I didn't comment on yours.
ReplyDeleteSome of your comments are predictions are spot on. Some not so much. Not everything is an OIA project and not every pony is some chimerical monster. There is definitely going to be fallout from 'duping' Sanguine, especially given that he doesn't get mad. He wins. The next few chapters will be more focused on other things, but will touch on your question of harmony. However, Megamart and Flank were both fairly orderly.
Anyway, sorry for missing you! You're not invisible. I just have bad eyes sometimes. ::hugs::
DUDE.
ReplyDeleteYOU HAD MY EYES WATERING UP.
I'm not one to get overly emotional to stories. hell, I've only ever cried once at books and that was to of mice and men.
you had me on the verge of crying with the BJ-P21 scene - worst of all is because I know the exact feeling... even down to coming back from the deep end by trying to hang yourself.
you have it spot on. and for gods sake if this spot on-ness is from personal experience, I WILL beat you like Glory did.
LOL
That's not REALLY Fluttershy I hope?
I really hope its just the old ghoul playing about and nicknaming her Fluttershy.
loved loved loved all the references to the show
(YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE ME!)
I honestly never can find any problems with your writing in any story telling sense, however I did find this typo:
" “I’m not sure. It’s just this place is a lot like Chapel, isn’t it? And it doesn’t have the same kind of enervation, does it?” If it had, the constant fighting and injuries would be slowly wearing them away. That also explained why the Reapers were so much better off here than gangs abroad. It was like ponies in a stable: iving away from the enervation, they became fit and healthy."
Living is missing the L.
apart from that, there was nothing at all that I could even go anywhere near negatively on this chapter.
I love how everyone reacts to BJ, I love how BJ learns more about herself and her friends, I LOVE the fact we get a real insight into P21's mind, the fight scene is amazing, the Reapers are a lot more fleshed out and its just all around amazing.
totally knew the diversion was going to lead to this, but then we all knew that was going to be fully confirmed didn't we?
I'm saddened by Glory and BJ no longer being lovers though :( I hope they mend things and get back together, because I honestly love the thought of them two being together!
@Somber
ReplyDeleteA miner in EVE. Awesome- I was a hardcore miner for a loong time, then started loving blowing stuff up more about the time I got my first carrier. Anyway, I digress...
That chapter was awesome! I'm suprised no-one has pointed out the enormous mad max thunderdome reference yet.
Its a good reminder to see that Blackjack still really isn't a clever pony. I don't think selfish is quite the word to use, I think its probably more of a lack of perception more than anything.
Blackjack's level of taint building up can't be a good thing, the political machinachions here were well played and P-21 was also really good, if heartbreaking.
The wasteland potentially becoming even more messed up is an exciting (terrifying) prospect.
I loved the humour scattered here and there, like Glory's cooking.
Psycoshy, another one of Sanguine's messed up cretions. When Blackjack was thinking about Psyco and Sanguine's relationship then they kiss my imagination went off and I had to use liberal amounts of brain bleach.
Speaking of Psycoshy, I'm calling the wood chipper for finishing her off.
Gorgon's note was very good, especially with the poor spelling. Very touching, especially that he is with Jetstream and big M now.
Ug I think Blogger ate my big commentary post
ReplyDelete@Somber
ReplyDeleteAw, I didn't mean you, Somber! I know you read all the big posts, and I can't expect you to join me in wild speculation! *feels sorry for making you feel bad* I was mostly talking about the people who usually jump at the chance to join in on the speculation train. *sheepish grin*
I guess highlights then...
ReplyDeleteI like that Glory and BJ don't just hop back into bed, just like Glory needed time to adjust after being branded, BJ needs some time as well, hopefully they can figure out what they mean to each other soon.
Scotch is adjusting well to the Wasteland and doesn't hurt that she is starting with well armed friends. Still don't know the situation between Scotch and P-21, is it a case of willful "don't think about it" or what? First father daughter pair from 99 in decades, gimme something here.
Reapers seem cool, all about respect less about smashing ponies. Big Daddy is a cool pony.
WHOA Sanguine... He is a smug bastard but refers to important ponies who need EC-1011, who is so awesome the genius and immortal Sanguine thinks is important?
Fight with Psychoshy was great, moonshine BJ was classic.
Rubbing smug Sanguine's face in the fact that Bj tricked him was nice but I doubt he will underestimate her again.
P-21's suicide attempt was very scary and surreal. I loved the way that section was formatted, I could see BJ stopping every time she noticed little things and then rushing forward again.
I did never really think P-21 was gonna die... there was too much unresolved stuff around him to feel like an author of Somber's caliber would kill him off. If P-21 had made up more with BJ I would have been worried more I think. I bad author might have killed him off to be super tragic and dramatic but I just never felt he was going to die.
Stonewing's letter was nice and touching. But one little thing bothers me. Stonewing tries to correct his spelling mistakes for Big Macintosh but is fine with "ranbow dash" It just seems odd that Somber points out that he has the sense left in him to try and make it legible but doesn't bother to spell his lifelong hero and unrequited loves name correctly. It's a little thing but those are what makes these stories great.
I'll look into Chapters 1 and 2 but I'm curious what you are worried about Somber. Is it the dialogue? Pacing? Just curious.
Curse you Somber, for playing with my head like that!
ReplyDeleteI seriously thought P21 was dead for a moment there, and that Blackjack was just imagining that he had survived. I was almost waiting for the "Ante up." from the Dealer. xD
On a sidenote; Psychoshy disturbs me slightly. xD
OH!
ReplyDeleteOf course, I forget the most important thing;
I am guessing that Blackjack is a descendant of Pinkie Pie :3
The only basis I have for this guess is that her mane twiches and itches when there is stuff happening, and that the mare who had the kid Maripony was a fostermother for is reasonably likely to be a Ministry Mare.
I might be a slowpoke to that info, but still. Also, what is this about P21 and Scotch being a father/daughter pair I read up in other comments? Yeah, it's somewhat likely, but how do they know for sure?
@The Jack
ReplyDeleteDuct Tape tells P-21 that he is the father of her filly in an audio recording BJ listens to way back in Ch 1. So we don't know for absolute 100% certain, it easy to infer that Duct Tape only put P-21 on her breeding schedule because of her feelings for him and that the father would be P-21.
Yes! Nothing makes my day like a new chapter! Now I have motivation to finish writing the essay I'm working on so I have time to read this.
ReplyDelete@Umbra
ReplyDeleteSorry, as soon as I finished my reading commentary I realized that I should have been asleep five hours ago. Spec time!
I didn't get the impression that Psychoshy was modified/cloned at all. Her coloration is an easy coincidence (how many gray pegasi with blond manes have we seen in ponyville, for example?). She kept talking about how Sanguine had promised to alter her, which heavily implies that she wasn't already. As for the name, I figure it's a combination of her psychosis (like Silver Bell in reverse) and Sanguine's flattery.
IIRC, they copied everything other than EC-1101 into that pipbuck. Meaning that Sanguine has, at a minimum, a precise record of where Blackjack has been and when since she left the Stable, her exact equipment list, every quest she's completed, all the logs and notes she's looked at...
I'm going to need to look back at what we've learned from electronic logs rather than memory orbs to figure out how bad that last one is. As for the records of her travels, combined with his promise to make her beg for a deal... ah shit. He's going to hit Chapel.
The Cards. First set, held by Blackjack: Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Goldenblood, and herself. Goldenblood is replaced by Fluttershy. Second set, held by the Dealer: P-21, Glory, Rampage, Lacunae, Scotch. Then Blackjack is transferred from the historical ponies who broke the world to the current party. My first thought is that the first group is the ponies she sees as responsible for causing the problems in the Hoof, and the second is the group she see's as needing to fix it. Discarding Goldy and replacing him with Fluttershy kinda makes sense in this context, since after Twi found out about Chimera he seems to have lost a lot of influence, and Fluttershy is at least indirectly responsible for Chimera and possibly other Projects.
As for Blackjack being descended from Golden and Twilight... I don't want to believe it, but the evidence seems to support you. There's a very good chance in my mind that she's descended from Goldenblood, and the other parent would have to be somepony who can use EC-1101, but it just doesn't quite fit for me that it was a Ministry Mare. I'll put that one in the maybe pile.
I agree with everything you said about the Stadium/Chapel link, Enervation, and Screams, and I can't think of anything to add at this time.
Big Daddy... He genuinely wants to make the wasteland better, and has to some extent, but he seems to have given up on moving forward; his first priority is the stability of what he's already built, and his second seems to be screwing with his old adventuring companions. He'd definitely make a good ally, and he seems honest (at least compared to any other major power in the Hoof), but it's impossible to tell what he's thinking or what his goals are, aside from the obvious. Watch him carefully.
@Somber
ReplyDeleteI like spec too. If I'm right, I'm right. If I'm wrong, I get to learn something new, and that's even better. You're very good at writing mysteries and plot twists and giving the audience just enough to figure them out before the reveal if they're really really smart about it. That's a rare talent, even among professional mystery writers, and most of those who have it can't do any decent action or emotion on the side. You do better mysteries than the people who've devoted their lives to it, and that's the sub-plot instead of the main focus!
This was a happy chapter. Really. Even the parts that made me break down (Reunion with Glory, P-21 still being alive, and (almost) the letter from Stonewing) are good, happy things. Never apologize for being able to write emotion so well that even a cold bastard like me feels it.
Unfortunately, I can't really tell you anything useful about rewriting 1+2. I agree that they aren't as good as the later ones; as I read them I think 'this is a good story, almost at Fo:E level' rather than 'this is the greatest story ever'. But if I could tell you how to go from the one to the other, I'd probably be using that talent for writing by own awesomeness rather than speculating on yours.
Another awesome chapter somber, really pulled out the old tear's in this one. As Sindri said, you have a rare talent for the mystery genre. I always look forward to your chapter updates. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteP.S. A quick update on the figure, wing's are a bitch. I really hate them. Got some WiP pictures up. Some more should be up by tomorrow and hopefully have Glory done by Tuesday, well that's what I'm aiming for.
http://mcmesser.deviantart.com/#/d4dmfja
@ImpendingPony
ReplyDeleteAah, I see. That reminds me, I have to reread chapter 1 and 2; haven't gotten to that yet.
^^
@Sindri
ReplyDeletePsychoshy -- I didn't really think of it being coincidence, to be honest. There's... something off about her in general, to be sure, but I never really thought of the possibility of Sanguine just playing her. The promise of alteration is a strong point for this, too. Wait. If Sanguine is playing her... BJ is going to end up feeling sorry for her, isn't she?
PipBuck -- Chapel seems like the most logical target if he decides to give BJ an example of what he's capable of. I hope dearly it doesn't come to that. As for notes/audio files... I'm not sure, but I have a feeling Sanguine might discover BJ's lineage before she does, if she can indeed wield EC-1101. I know there's at least the file she found about Tarot being taken to the stable (which ironically enough is now completely lost to BJ -- she picked it up on that PipBuck, so she no longer has a copy of it. Maybe it can be used as a bargaining chip.), but I'm not sure if any of the other lineage clues were on it. And... I had to check back and make sure, but Gardens is safe. The recording of Goldenblood and Twilight was played back on a separate recorder, not downloaded.
Cards -- Maybe you're right, in that it's more of a cause vs resolution thing going on there. That makes a lot of sense.
Lineage -- I was one of the ones saying it couldn't be a Ministry Mare as well, but the more info we get, the more likely it seems.
Big Daddy -- There's still something tugging at the back of my mind about him. I'm sure I noticed something while reading, but I'm not sure what. I'm definitely going to have to give the chapter a re-read sometime soon.
@Umbra
ReplyDeleteLet's see... Without a good look at Vigilance is't impossible to confirm that Blackjack is descended from Tarot, but he might make the leap anyway. It's obvious from the electronic logs that Tarot was born to Maripony and ended up in Stable 99. But I think that the operation where Mari became Tarot's surrogate mother was in an orb, so unless Trueblood already knew about it (highly unlikely, since everyone involved had their memories wiped) he'd assume that BJ was descended from Big Macintosh. Whether this is a good thing or bad is unknown; Big Mac wasn't a recipient for EC-1101, but Trueblood might have some interest in the Marauders beyond just as convenient experimental subjects.
I just realized what was bothering me about Big Daddy when I was reading. He feels like Goldenblood; I see him and I think 'what a magnificent bastard' and feel like trusting him despite all reason. I'll need to remember to be more suspicious of him in the future.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteWait, even Mari and Big Mac's relationship was largely secret,and I think BJ learned about it through orbs. All Sanguine would know, without a lot of digging at least, is that she's descended from the only (non-alicorn) mare to walk on the moon. Interesting, but not tactically significant.
And if the big bad chessmaster is taken down because of a detail that he knew about and ignored as irrelevant, that would be beautiful.
Ooh, new theory for the Stars' interest in Blackjack; she's the only living descendant of the only known pony who went to space.
Heh. Sanguine's whole shtick is putting people in such a horrible situation that it's easier to just give in to his demands than to keep fighting and lose more, right? I know that in the real story this means that he'll probably go after Chapel, maybe Bottlecap, that scavver/diamond dog town on the river, and anywhere else that Blackjack has made things better or acquired friends.
ReplyDeleteBut I really want to see an omake type thing where at the end of this chapter it cuts to the villains' sanctum, he goes through her pipbuck records to find a hometown to threaten or whatever, sees that she killed over four hundred of her closest friends and family in cold blood, and just says 'Fuck it' and gives up.
@Sindri
ReplyDelete"And that day, Sanguine's undead dusty cold abomination of a heart, grew three sizes that day."
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteI just looked over it again, just to be sure, and from what I could tell, only the mother herself had her memory wiped. Is there something I'm missing? If there was no mass memory wipe, then it's not a stretch to imagine that Trueblood could have found out.
@DotRook
ReplyDeleteI was thinking less pitying her and more 'how the hell do I pull off something worse than that?'
@Umbra
ReplyDeleteI had the impression that Fluttershy also got wiped, but apparently that was never stated. And we know that Fluttershy was working closely with Trueblood, on Chimera if nothing else. You're right, there's a good chance he know more about her ancestry than she does.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteSo, Blackjack's ancestor could have been touched by the stars in the womb.
Up until now, that star touched child and her descendants were kept hidden from view by the Stable and then the clouds, until Blackjack said hello to her estranged Great Great Fairy Step-Cosmic horror by blowing a hole in the sky.
Ooo.
OMM NOM NOM NEW CHAPTER. And you know what that means! Useless comment time!
ReplyDelete"See you later, Wahhhpage." Hurk. My mind is so full of laughs right now.
And, oh dear. Is that a heart attack? Sure looks like it. I'm guessing taint and massive doses of combat drugs really don't mix.
So that's the reason for the "you kill it you bought it" policy the Reapers have? That actually makes a lot of sense.
"Six friends?" Oh my. That's some delicious backstory. I demand moar. And I'm finding Rampage's version of therapy deeply amusing. "I'll squeeze you in half." Indeed.
Glory's reaction to Blackjack... I'm laughing a bit at her rant, but really it's just painful to watch. Poor Glory. I really hadn't realized just how shitty her situation is right now. And Blackjack almost went and left her. Yeah, I'd say it's a good thing they're getting all this out right now and not letting it fester.
“No. Glory, you weren’t ‘not enough’. You were too much. Too much good and wonderful that I didn’t deserve. That I still don’t deserve,” *Sniff* ;_;
"Think of it as spanking with bullets." Oh god. My neck hurts from all the mood whiplash, and my sides hurt from all the laughing.
"Smoky" wields a fire axe. I'm not sure whether to laugh or facepalm. But is it "Smoky" or "Smokey"? I noticed both spellings.
"That had to be like getting fucked by a jerky stick!" o_o Oh god. Make the images go away! Bleach! I need bleach!
Okay, I really don't like Psychoshy, but her and Rampage go really, really well together. "She put me through a wood chipper." Lulz.
I've got to say, I'm really liking the Reapers. They're something that fits perfectly in the Fallout 'verse, but I've never seen anything quite like them before. And I'm definitely liking Big Daddy. Sort of like Ceaser if he weren't a complete and total asshole.
Glory is best cook. I'm thinking that, with Blackjack's ability to eat damn near anything, she HAS to be a descendant of Pinkie Pie. Hot-sauce on muffins, anyone?
So. We know who Sanguine is now. And we know that 21 isn't handling things nearly as well as he pretends to. Damn. For a while there I was sure he had actually pulled it off. Something about the way you write has me convinced that major characters can and will die at the drop of a hat.
And Stonewing's letter. Oh man. All my sads.
"Enervation" is under "E". And Scotch Tape is from the same stable Blackjack is... Huh. What are the odds? Or is that just me reading too much into a joke?
And what are the odds that two ponies with glowing eyes would meet up like that? Blood and stars indeed.
So. Chapter 24 was... not bad, but a bit of an... intermediary, I guess? It wasn't quite as good as your usual, so I'm super glad that 25 was awesome.
And thanks, Somber. Seriously. I always look forward to new chapters. I won't say they're a "joy" to read. Too much grimdark. But Project Horizons is always the high point of my week.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteAnd every time I look at that "You kept my secret. I'll keep yours" it sounds more and more like a reference to the show, and Fluttershy's talking to Twilight. I don't like this theory, but it gets more solid all the time.
Other notes from my quick scan through previous chapters: Trueblood has an unhealthy fascination with Fluttershy; her name is also the password for his lab in Hippocratic research, according to Deus. (and that was an orb, so he doesn't know she knows. Next stop?)
There's a definite resemblance between Mr. Horse and the Dealer. This is supported by Blackjack thinking the younger version of him in her dreams this chapter looked familiar, but being unable to quite place him (she only saw him once, and it was weeks ago). It remains to be seen if this is anywhere close to truth.
Aw hell. Sanguine knows about Spike. Location and that he's communicating through sprite-bots at least.
Sanguine's reluctance to mix anypony with a dragon after what happened last time might indicate that Jetstream and her flock of manticores aren't working for him. Dunno.
@Quotidian Torture
ReplyDeleteNah, Blackjack has a much stranger digestive system than Pinkie. After all, Pinkie was hospitalized like everyone else in the baked bads incident. The only pony who ate those and wasn't in the hospital was... Derpy...
O_O
umm first reply to this (FANTASTIC) story so here goes!
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading chapter 25 and I am floored by the emotion that you were able to put into this writing Somber :) I know its generally easy to empathize with character and create pictures through imagery, but when my chest actually strains when Blackjack rescues P-21, I was Blackjack... I mean... holy crap! :D I am also excited to see where Blackjack will be placing her heart, she needs somepony to help her aside from just friends and with her detachment from Glory and this rebuilding between P-21 I can only dance around the room in anticipation of what might happen next, so Somber among the many things you have achieved through your writings, suspense is certainly one of them ;) I'm certainly no English teacher or critic but I can say your writing flows very well, and the level of emotion that each character brings is truly extraordinary. Can't wait for the next Chapter! Keep it up!
(Useless comment! Yay!)
ReplyDeleteI had actually forgotten the link between Blackjacks ability to eat anything and Pinkies ability to do the same.
I call that a point towards the Pinkie->Blackjack theory. =D
@The Jack
ReplyDeletePinkie has strange tastes sometimes, but I'm pretty sure a normal pony could eat a cupcake covered in hot sauce (they just wouldn't enjoy it). She didn't have any resistance to actually harmful foods, like the baked bads. Blackjack eats things that make Rampage vomit and Scotch Tape (who regularly got squirted with raw sewage in her old job) curl up and hallucinate. The only pony who ate the baked bads and wasn't in the hospital later was Derpy, so either Blackjack's descended from Ditzy Doo or her digestive system is mutated on its own (as evidenced by the squirmy feelings she gets, especially after drugs or Taint).
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteHmm. Mutated digestive system... could that be turned into a Reaper-esque superpower?
@Umbra
ReplyDeleteMaybe, but it'd be gross. And she could barely make it through half of Rampage's heart, so I don't think weaponizing it is an option. Very useful for life with Glory though. Seriously, pickled egg and sparkle cola smoothies?
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteI joked about it before, but I'm starting to think its possible that Blackjack may have become part dragon from her scuffle with those mutant dragons and taint exposure in prior chapters. Other small things, like her ability to eat anything, and Sanguine mentioning crossing with a dragon being a bad idea.. make me wonder.
Of course, this is just speculation, and I have a fondness for heroes having crises of identity, specially if they suddenly find themselves a little more monstrous.So I could just be projecting.
@DotRook
ReplyDeleteI suppose it kinda makes sense, her first Taint exposure was probably from inside the dragon, and since mixing things seems to have been its original purpose before Twilight started making alicorns... It would definitely explain a lot.
That also explains why the Goddess doesn't want her for Unity. No Unity for non-ponies.
But I doubt that discovering this will cause any sort of identity crisis on her part. Blackjack's gone from a wannabee hero to an apathetic drone to a beacon of hope in the Hoofington Wasteland. She's caused death by apathy and stupidity, wiped out countless dozens of raiders and slavers, euthanized forty tortured foals, and exterminated four hundred monsters who used to be her friends and family. She's been shaped by torture, drugs, the blood of whoever she ends up descended from, and the Stars themselves. I doubt that discovering that there's a little dragon in the mix will change things all that much.
@DotRook
ReplyDeleteThis is entirely plausible if taint messes with the stableness of DNA. I'm thinking it's entirely possible for two tainted beings to have their DNA... mingle?
I'm thinking if there's something going on with her insides, she may start resisting the negitive side-effects of some chems. Or possibly her body might start producing similar, less potent substances for itself.
Oh Blackjack, stop taking Hydra, or you might turn INTO one!
Scratch all the previous theories, Blackjack is clearly descended from Luna. If you don't believe me, look here: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaWrmnxyKig/TqSYt-sspYI/AAAAAAAAPXs/NjXMVP72QXU/s1600/75335+-+apple_bobbing+apples+artist+KP-ShadowSquirrel+luna+tub.jpg
ReplyDelete@Sindri
ReplyDelete::Taps hooves together:: Well... that is an interesting idea...
@ Everypony: I'm glad I came back. Comments are what inspire me and keep me motivated to keep writing bit by bit. I was feeling a little bummed but reading your thoughts and ideas really helps to keep my head on straight.
I also love some of the questions about taint and what it's doing to Blackjack. I'll give you a hint. She only became tainted after leaving Chapel for the first time. As to what's happening on her insides, recall that Scalpel pointed out Taint is rarely so spectacular at that. You get sick, you get tumors, your body falls apart more and more, and then you die or mutate, then die. But she gave Blackjack a while to live... if she stopped doing what she was doing. It's gonna catch up eventually.
Anywho, time to get writing. I'm going to try and finish 26 AND revise ch1.. we'll see if I pull it off.
@Sindri
ReplyDeletePffft. Bahahaha.
It's all so clear now.
Oh no, this means the stars must want to make her the next Nightmare Moon!
>trying to not laugh too hard
@Somber
ReplyDeleteThat she was tainted after leaving Chapel, makes me think that the source of taint was the silver bullet. It was mentioned there is a price to be paid for using them.
Gosh, guessing and predicting and speculating is fun. >squee
@Somber
ReplyDeleteWell, I've had half a dozen interesting ideas since you last spoke, so for the sake of my sanity I'll try not to think too much about which one you're talking about and what this hints about it. I'll assume it's the Luna-in-a-tub joke and you're just laughing.
Okay, so she was first infected with Taint between chapter 11 (first visit to Chapel) and 15 (meeting with Scalpel), which rules out the dragons as a possible source (chapter 8). And it's probably just killing her slowly, but between the Goddess and the Stars and everything else going on, I very much doubt that this will end with Blackjack dying of cancer.
Anyway, time to reread chapters 11 through 15 to try to pinpoint the source.
@Somber
ReplyDeleteOkay, that leaves the dragon out.
*gives a wide grin and consults his timeline*
That leaves 4 days in the time window for becoming tainted. The major events to take place during that time are:
Museum drunken fight, encounter with Virgo, the entire Miramare incident, along with interaction with the contaminated food, first use of Folly, taking a rediculous amount of chems, overnight stay in stable 90, encounter with Leo (and subsequently first encounter with Rampage).
This limits the possible causes to a number somewhere in the single-digits.
Two top guesses I think are:
A: Raider virus is a form of taint.
B: Some of the chems are made from taint/something tainted.
@DotRook
ReplyDeleteOh crap. OH CRAP. I never thought about it like that. Part dragon. Really, the only response I can imagine Blackjack having is just "Meh. OMM NOM GEMS."
@Somber
Glad to help, however I can. And glad to see you're still an immortal word making machine. Two chapters at once? Good luck.
Oh, and speaking of writing, I had a question for you. I'm working on a side-fic based, at least in part, on "Honest Hearts", set around the pony version of Mount Zion and the ruins of Salt Lick City. (I'm so, so sorry for that pun.) But, I've noticed a lot of similarities between Project Horizons and New Vegas, from Blackjack's initial PipBuck color to inner Hoofington as an expy of the Big MT, so I wanted to check and make sure you weren't planning anything like that for Horizons before I really got to work. Don't want to tread on any toes, after all.
So... just my theories (SPOILERS), but I'm pretty sure some of them have already been stated here and are blatantly obvious...
ReplyDeleteBlackjack, descended from the "scandalous" child that would have caused an uproar. Initially I was thinking the mother would have been Rarity or maybe Twilight - but now, what with all the "stars behind, beneath, within", I seriously think the mother-to-be was Luna, as Sindri's new theory states.
Also, the blatantly obvious. Rampage is Twist, right? I mean the mint-als, the candy canes in her room, that one cutie mark with the candy canes and barbed wire... The fact that most Marauders (other than Big M) have been projects and eventual Reapers...
Aw hell. I just love this stuff. Unfortunately is makes me sad, being so grimdark and all.. But personally, I think it's just edging ahead of Kkat's story, by being more grimdark, the characters being more messed up, and the fact that Fallout: Equestria seems to be running a bit low on steam as late.
Great work Somber (and Kkat for making this possible while doing their own splendid work)!! Keep it up, I can't wait for the next installment! :D
Awesome another new chapter hot off the press!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely with BJ on Psychoshy being the pony to go from “stranger” to “CUUUUUUUUUUUUUNT!” faster than any pony she’s previously met, and that’s saying something. Still the story sure doesn’t hide the fact that there’s definitely some sort of connection “Fluttercunt” here and the original Fluttershy. I have to say this is one case where I REALLY hope Somber is following Kkat’s continuity and that Psychoshy is some sort of scientific doppelganger, perhaps some sort of vessel where Goldenblood dumped Fluttershy’s negative emotions? That seems to be what Sanguine was hinting at.
Contrary wise I found myself liking Big Daddy the moment he introduced himself. Definitely a consummate ex-Wasterlander; older and wiser, yet still just as badass, and with some sort of “Truth Sight” that lets him perceive an individual’s real character to boot. Here I was thinking he just got exposed to a little too much magical radiation like BJ.
Seriously Somber, this talent of yours where you can make a character almost immediately likable or dislikable is kind of freaky. O.o
Anyway, I’m sure there wasn’t a person here who didn’t want to see BJ kick Psychoshy’s flank, though the odds were definitely not in her favor, even when BJ managed to get boozed up again. At least the fight wasn’t as one sided as I was worried it might be. . All I can say is I REALLY look forward to a rematch outside the ring where there’s nothing stopping BJ from just blasting PS with her shotgun, though I have a sinking feeling PS’s going to have received some upgrades courtesy Sanguine by then, and she still needs to worry about Manticore Pony (who I’m pretty well convinced is Jetstream) too.
I suppose if BJ were a clever pony she would have said nothing about the Pipbuck, and just let Sanguine find out on his own that it didn’t have the file on it thus buying them more time, but alas she is not in fact a clever pony.
The more we hear about what’s been going on in Hoofington, the more disturbing the picture gets. From the ancient zebra settlement it was built on, to the special attention it received by the zebra armies even before it was a major R&D hub, it’s clear there was something about that place that really freaked the zebras about (perhaps it was the location of the mythical city destroyed by the Stars? That’s my current pet theory.) The fact that it’s now one of the most inhospitable places in the wasteland, complete with automated deathtraps, enervation fields, and telepathic screams sure doesn’t help
Anyway, keep up the good work Somber! I would certainly like to see what improvements you make to the first couple chapters!
@Jeremy
ReplyDeleteWait.. so...
Ancient zebra burial ground?
Oie!
If the whole of the Hoof' doesn't implode in a violent vortex of pink necromantic light by the end of the story, they should consider themselves lucky!
*snicker*
Stable 90.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it was stable 90.
Unnamed wanderer that was part of the 6 is Priest.
ReplyDeleteI don't care what he said about his past, I don't care who might try and back it up. Five years or so ago he found some reason to leave, some reason he needed to, and used his skills as a healer to a group of warriors. And I'm going to believe that 'till it's absolutely, positively proven false :P
@Somber
ReplyDeleteProbably just repeating people here, but this is a HAPPY, chapter!? You have Blackjack having just betrayed her friends, and drafted by the Reapers from the start, and you threw in P-21's attempted suicide. This was not going to be happy anyway and you threw more sadness in.
@swicked
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty good theory. I can see it.
Thanks for another great chapter Somber. I always felt the Goldenblood exposition last chapter was more of a necessary evil. A manifestation for wanting to find the reason for it all. I just had to hope it was worth it all and this one does not dissapoint. Love Psychoshy. Blackjack becoming a "reaper" etc. Doof`s letter, gorgons pad. Great stuff though fairly short. I just love P21 all the more now.
ReplyDeleteI am representing a collection of the FO:E “Side Stories” that have been largely neglected by Equestria daily. We are trying to build somewhat of a community around Kkat`s universe in similar fashion to The Conversion Bureau.
We are still working out the kinks but it is mostly done. It is a volunteer effort and I am a busy man so stuff like the universe guide takes time.
Anyhow because you are or where initially at least one of us would you care to be featured in our Google doc? We can easily give you editor rights and you being present or at least represented would greatly add to our cause sort of speaking.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KaoFWVlFlMjYR2KmTWxwCYnvTZQcjEULO9YHSaqqk9U/edit?hl=en_US
"'Goldenblood’s gift to Fluttershy. A project to take her mind off her broken heart.'"
ReplyDeleteLies and deception. Or Trueblood is just too much of an egotist to believe other people can have ulterior motives.
I again say project chimera was inevitably going to turn into an alicorn-making project once Twilight was aware of it. There was never any chance of truly sealing it up... Fluttershy was in on it. There was never any way to guarantee she would never bring it up within earshot of Twilight. I'm not saying the opposite is what occurred, simply that the project couldn't disappear without a trace. All the more given he had to be aware Trueblood was not the type to happily disappear forever. If Goldenblood was capable of reading people AT ALL (and he was) he would have known that after spending ten seconds with the guy.
...so why did Goldenblood want alicorns o_O
@Quotidian Torture
ReplyDeleteI think Somber Jossed the dragon theory; she was tainted at least three chapters after her encounter with the mutant dragons. As for the fic, looking forward to reading it.
@MichaelJAW
Huh. I hadn't intended that to be a serious theory, but now evidence is piling up. Not to mention Somber's reaction to it...
I'm pretty sure that Twist is the main part of Rampage, but she also includes the Angel of Death, Officer Softheart, at least one Proditor, whoever the barbed wire came from (presumably a close friend of Twist's), and probably some manner of eldrich abomination (tentacles).
@Jeremy
Well, in the Museum it was revealed that the Hoofington region was occupied by zebra tribes in ancient times, at least one major settlement of theirs was entirely buried by a volcanic eruption, and during the 'Hoofington Rises' construction there were a lot of ancient zebra artifacts dug up and often destroyed. And one of Goldy's lines from the speech was about unlocking the secrets of the stars themselves to defeat the zebras.
@swicked
Priest was definitely an adventurer before settling Chapel, but he was with Arloste. And he's too young to be one of Big Daddy's old group. And the unnamed member of that six was female. Not absolutely proven false, but I don't think it's particularly likely.
@deimon
Welcome to the Hoof. This is what we call 'happy'.
I think it's about time I said this...
ReplyDeleteThus far, there have been three times in the story, that have really hit me hard.
The first one, was the death of Scoodle. I didn't see it coming. Then when it came, the little pony in my head decided to play a very bad joke on me. I didn't see Scoodle being torn apart by feral ghouls. I saw Scootaloo. I saw the Scootaloo of the Wasteland's Cutie Mark Crusader trio being torn in two. The scene played over and over, in perfect cinematography - Scoodle's dark red silhouette, against a bright backdrop, being torn in... I had to stop reading - I came back a week later. I'm glad I kept reading.
The second, was much more recent. It was when Blackjack found the remains of Maripony. Her adoptive ancestor. As the pieces fell into place, of whose skeleton this was... as Blackjack was oblivious to her... as Blackjack planned to end her life. I don't know why. In my mind, I screamed over and over. A rising crescendo of desperation.
"Blackjack! Its her! She's family! She's your family! She's your mother! Your MOTHER! She gave everything up for you!"
And now... P-21's suicide. I was not a clever pony. It hit me about the same time it hit Blackjack. I was terrified.
"Please find him.. PLEASE."
Not finding him, would almost have been as terrible as -
"FUCK! Oh, by Celestia, he hung himself. Wire.. "
I saw barbed wire, sinking into his neck. I felt it. I saw the pink against his blue, and the slow bulge of blood around the wound. I felt ill.
"Did he snap his neck? That's how hanging kills, by snapping your neck. Did he suffocate. How long ago? Is his trachea severed? "
I kept reasoning, rationalizing, mechanically going all all the reasons he could be dead. All the reasons he could still be alive. All the reasons he could be saved. All the reasons he couldn't. Meticulously so.
"-No - No -Yes - No.. I know, I'll skip ahead, I'll read if he's ok. No!.. I'll be strong, I'll read. He deserves that much."
I read, and read. Then -
"... did he move? He's alive? No. He... hung himself, this is the wasteland, this is Project Horizons."
I went back, I had to read it three more times before the tension passed and I let myself give them a sad smile.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteI really, really, really don't think so. There's something off about Priest. I have a feeling all six of these warriors have a connection, or disconnection, to the taint. Priest could easily be older than he looks. He could also just have been younger than the rest, much like how scotch tape is now a member of a group of much older ponies. I don't care, he was the one.
Btw, I almost envy you ponies who feel emotions when reading a story. I kinda just zone out and get so engrossed in the story I forget to so much as blink till I get to the end. At which point the spell breaks and I'm not capable of feeling the emotion of the moment anymore, though I'll occasionally remember a joke I read and laugh about it later.
ReplyDeleteIt's still awesome, though :P
Nice job, Somber!
@swicked
ReplyDeleteWith some stories - especially this - I find myself unable to read it all in one go. Often something will happen when I just can't read anymore and I need to take a break and either think about it for a bit, or just not think at all and distract myself with something else.
@deimon
ReplyDeleteUm... ::Taps hooves together nervously:: It was supposed to be...
@ Damhoof: Between working on PH, looking for a job, and keeping my head away from firearms I'm afraid I don't have much time left.
I just hope that when Kkat is finished with FoE she enjoys Horizons. FoE meant so much to me. She means so much to me for helping me though my rough patches. I just want this to be a great story for her.
I know it isn't, but at least it seems to be worth the read. I never would have been able to get as far as I have without your feedback, speculation, ideas, and support. And, of course, Hinds and Bronode making my crappy prose shine.
So... in light of that... while I'll never ever ever lie outright... ::Smiles sheepishly and then hides.:: Imightoccasionallymesswithyoualittleingoodfunokaybye! ::Zips out the door::
Hiya!
ReplyDeleteDropped in to find an update. SQueeeee!
Well, loved it. can't wait for the nextstory bro, hang in there! Opal's in a tree!
@MichaelJAW
ReplyDeleteStories like this?
Grimdark? Emotional? Dealing with serious, heavy topics like suicide? Or just how good it all is?
In all honesty I'm not feeling this difficulty... let alone feel the need to either obsess or distract myself from it.
You know that odd feeling when you just know you're gonna log on and find a certain update? Yeah?
ReplyDeleteGot that when I had to come home for a mere half hour to know I'd find Project Horizons or FO:E sitting waiting for me...and then have to leave it for a rehersal. Cuuuuurses!
Gonna dive right into the main big thing I spotted here, and it involves one of the last big items in the story.
Note: Currently badly ill. May not type as much as usual. May come back and add more once I feel better. We'll see.
-----------
High Points
-----------
-P21's Suicide Attempt-
I say attempt there, but you had me convinced for a while. I was reading, genuinelly shocked and almost cold sweating the moment that note was found..the moment they thought "bathroom" and the moment we saw him strung up. I knew you'de actually done it. Such a long time to get him back, I genuinelly thought you were just twisting the knife, rubbing it in and forcing it to last. A horrible, depressing end to a character to act as the catalyst for Blackjack to want to improve.
Then he -just- pulls back.
Not gonna lie, I actually stopped and damn near shouted "FUCK YOU SOMBER!" for toying with my emotions so much in one scene in such an intensely scary way the moment you twisted it and had him live. I assure you I say that out of love. :3
But really, it's remarkable that you have managed to build P-21 up to this so subtely. Blackjack's attempt almost feels like a diversion for us under the guise of apparent "selfishness" (on which I disagree with her highly. And I will get to that.) to keep P-21's more of a sudden shock and horrifying image. The thought of him strung up like that...I seriously shiver.
But how did he come to this? Well, the answer again lies in being hidden in plain site. P-21 bottles things. That's a textbook symptom for people about to perhaps start considering stuff like this. Why did I not click on to this sooner? No idea. Perhaps I thought it'd never come to that. Perhaps I am too optimistic for Hoofington. But, well, as Blackjack herself said.
"Welcome to Hoofington."
His significant breakdown afterwards was pretty much how I'd seen his problems. But with P-21 the issue isn't what the problem is. It's whether or not he'll let it out. In this case, it went in bad direction. But really, the point of his development that stands out as interesting to me is his helping Blackjack and leaving with a "good luck." It lets us into his head briefly in that we see he truly wanted better things for them all, even if he seemed to have broken off his friendship. He did seen to have an element (!) of friendship and care for her and the others. I am quite glad to see this really, and I dearly hope for his future that he and Blackjack learn to share their problems.
ReplyDeleteGenuinelly chilling sequence.
-Making Up With Glory-
Oh boy...Glory. I was anticipating this all the time it took to arrive. I didn't expect her to not love Blackjack any more. But man, this scene hit hard and in a few differing ways.
Calling back to the oven with her curled up was a great writing move in particular. Just gotta point that one little comparison out. Helps sell how vulnerable and scared she is at this moment. I was dearly hoping they would forgive one another, goodness knows the Wasteland needs more forgiveness. However I cannot fault the way it turned out...for good and bad. I have always said I liked Glory's more assertive side, but seeing it twisted into effectively "beating the stupid out of Blackjack" was as drainingly sad as it was curiously entertaining and somewhat cute. Somewhat cathartic too, actually. I'm sure some of us readers just wanted to grab hold of Blackjack and shake the bad thoughts from her head sometimes. Thank you Glory, for being the awesome pegasus you are and doing it for us.
However then it landed,
Glory trembled as she looked away. “And… I wasn’t enough.”
Freaking BURN, man. Not sure if "Good on you, Glory" or "Too harsh, Glory" but frankly, her little heart was just broken with the thought that her newly found love and best friend had just abandoned her to leave her with nothing. No wonder she might want to lash out with words as well as her hooves. It is truly heartbreaking though to see that their relationship is "on hold" after less than a day or two though. They were such a lovely little item in the Wasteland, not to mention a ray of hope for Glory herself. Seeing those dreaded words to "need some time" is very sad to see.
I do so hope they get back together. But this scene made me giggle nervously, get out some cathartic feelings, reel in shock and almost tear up a little. Excellent miniature rollercoaster of emotion on the greater rollercoaster that is Project Horizons overall.
-The Arena Fight-
ReplyDeleteI originally was giong to specifically point out that it was the humour and craziness of Psychoshy that I found the true high point here. But really, on second thoughts none of it works without the rest of it. So I'm just gonna include it all here.
First up. THUNDERDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!!!
*Ahem* Just to get that out of my system.
Loved that you didn't try to hide the obvious inspiration for this fight design though, best to be open and honest and fun. Loved how over dramatic it all was though, with Psychoshy's entrance being wonderfully over the top. Not to mention THAT line being used for great effect. Truly we will love her. Love to hate, that is. And trust me, I already do.
Her interactions remind me of a pretty big WWE style atmosphere, which suits very well. It's hammy, over acted and utterly fun. Seeing Blackjack add in as well with her big Security Mare rant was hilarious.
The moment she got moonshine, though. I got the feeling of "Oh boy...heeeere we go." As I always do when she hits the hard stuff. Psychoshy I believed was done for. But...then she takes Mint-Als. I am absolutely convinced they are the only reason Psychoshy won. Nopony can defeat True Drunken Blackjack style. I will, however, savour the image of her chugging a moonshine urn and slamming it off Psychoshy's face.
Quite glad to see it provided a slightly more light hearted foil to Red Eye's brutally horrifying Pit. I had hoped it'd be unique, but it was. On a weapon note though...a pony using four "power fists?" Whoooa boy that's a scary thought.
The fact that Blackjack lost was a bit of a surprise, really. But I can see the reasoning and effect. She has never cared for ego, so "tapping out" I doubt will affect her personality wise. However it has a nice writing bonus in that we, as readers, wanted to see her win and not "give up." To this extent, I think many people now cannot wait for Psychoshy to get her comeuppance.
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ReplyDeleteGeneral Likes/Laughs
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(Sorry, have to condense this into one slot, feeling very sick, need beeeed)
Blackjack's comment on what she did to Rampage is oddly casual and yet refreshing. Better to have a smaller one here and save the bigger one for Glory later on. Intriguing to see Rampage caring...even now, around her own kind. Or maybe because of? She does say they are closest to a family she has these days.
Makes sense Rampage would understand. Good warning though, made me chuckle.
The reapers designs and environment are pretty awesome, the idea of them being evolved from a sports team just makes sense really. They seek the best and brightest sports ponies during Equestria's main days, now they hunt the best fighters. It's a natural evolution showing a surprising amount of honour to their foes and each other. Well..."honour" in inverted commas is more appropriate, they are still Reapers. But still, it's cool to see they aren't just big thugs. Not all of them, anyway. The visual concept of the arena was intriguing, especially given the hints at the end.
6 Ponies tried to clean up the wasteland, huh? Thiiiis is going somewhere Friendship wise. Itchy mane indeed. Interesting that they're all still around though, it's clearly an analogy on the idea of how the wasteland eats heroes and if anything, strengthens our resolve to both Blackjack and LittlePip.
(From notes) "Oh gods Psychoshy. I CAN HEAR THE VOICE." She really is Flutterbitch turned up a gear. I've mentioned above the eventual result, but damn, I really want to start hating this character. Comeuppance, please. Furthermore, loving Glory's varient on spanking. Shoot them. Spanking with bullets. I absolutely love her little sharper side when it comes out. So adorably cute in every way.
And then she hints at chains for Blackjack. Oh my, getting a little Homage in you, Glory?
"I might not be the smartest pony, but I could be taught. A little. Slowly."
I got a good giggle at that line there for sure, humour wise it may have been moreso if it had uses breaks between it? Like:
"I might not be the smartest pony, but I could be taught.
A little.
Slowly."
Just my opinion on how humour is delivered, or perhaps how I read it. But hey, I laughed anyway, so no harm done. Just sharing some open thoughts. :p
Very good character work instantly on P-21 on his first appearance. The subtle reaction fits like a glove for him. Very in tune and always a mix of annoying and hurtful to see. The way Blackjack introduced herself to him again, oh gods Blackjack...even for you that was utterly crazy. Although the running theme with licking P-21 is becoming rather hilarious. I swear she seeks to make him get rid of pent up hate by insisting he hate her for all the things she does. She even pretty much states it this chapter. I'm really intrigued to see more of that, of how Blackjack aims to help cure him by offering herself as a scratching post, effectively.
ReplyDeleteScotch is adjusting fairly well, almost a little Moira about him. I wonder if he's sticking to his known life to keep sanity in this big new world...a little hint in that he doesn't want to leave those he knows. I mean, I sense he won't fall over quite as much emotionally as the others. But then, I thought that about Glory until Chapter 13...
Rampage 1 - Psychoshy 0. Woodchipper story is great. Rampage's crazy stories always crack me up. However it makes me wonder how much Rampage wants to get to grips with Psychoshy. I wonder how that might go down. Naturally, my money is on Rampage. Fun fact. Me saying "woodchipper" above was originally typoed as "Woodshipper." I swear I'm not thinking anything. >.>
Intriguing to see Glory letting out a little emotion about her brand though. She hasn't often done that since it happened. Hell, even right after it she just clammed up completely. We've yet to see her truly get into how she regards that brand. In fact, I don't recall her mentioning it much at all. Poor dear must hate it so much to just want to ignore it...I really miss that cutie mark of the morning sun. Morning Glory. How we'll miss that name.
Sorry, I'm getting all dreary again over an event over ten chapters ago. Does this say something about how I feel about Glory's character arc? I think it should speak for itself on how I consider it. I just really, really, hope...of all characters, she gets a happy ending. Blackjack has been through hell. P-21 lived IN hell. Rampage is wallowing in it. They all have their reasons to deserve some good. But Glory's innocence is what sells me on her character so much. BJ, P-21 or Rampage I could see taking hurt and pain and stoically pushing through or allowing themselves to drift away if the worst happens and know that it had happened. But Glory I always get this feeling like she's the only character that actively has a fear of dying and pain. P-21...maybe. It's often hard to tell with him. But whenever Glory goes into battle, I genuinelly get really tense over any damage coming her way at all.
As I said, she's the one that seems to feel the most fear of injury and the consequences. (Look at her reaction to knowing she may have started a small war, nice job breaking it hero) In that case, it makes her very relatable. Because I think most of us here would be more like her. Afraid of being hurt or killed. It's relatable to everyone.
Moving on. I had to read the dream sequence that repeated a couple times to get it. Very clever. :p
ReplyDeleteDealer has taken one hell of a creepy turn. Very infuriating too, messing with Blackjack's mind like that. (Well, more than usual) I don't think she's truly selfish. I just think she's had so much crap thrown at her that in order to survive she's had to concentrate and think things through. She didn't meaningly do it, that is certain. But I question whether she truly was being selfish as the Dealer claims...or if she simply just did not spot it and he is tricking her. After all...is LittlePip truly corrupted Kindness? Hell no. Same concept.
Also, I think I like Big Daddy. Sorry, Blackjack. But he's an old man who doesn't afraid of anything. He reminds me of the guy who heads up my martial arts club. He may be older and slightly eccentric and crazy. But don't screw with him. I was laughing out loud about "Who's the Daddy!" Utterly mental but brilliantly funny. I'll admit, I had sort of being predicting that he'd not be a big nasty guy. But it's lovely to see that he still has a level in badass when he needs it.
Loving the moral ambiguity here with the Reapers and their history and methods. Lets us decide for ourselves if it's right or not. Reminds me of Red Eye a bit, actually.
I love those moments when you can look back and go "Oh yeah..." In this case, explaining why they could travel so much. It just makes sense, after all. Aside from her rep. Who in the living hell would shoot at bloody RAMPAGE?! It'd be like wandering up to Steelhooves and insulting Applejack. It will not. End. Well.
Oh Glory cooking again. Pity she cooks for Blackjack's stomach alone, it seems. That surely has to be a special talent, to be able to make something edible for the mare who cannot stand tea and takes eggs in her hangover cure drinks. Gotta love Scotch's reaction and the adorkable comment from Glory.
Sanguine! Well that was unexpected. A meeting of the minds, only Blackjack has all the cards...this time. Surprised this happened as suddenly as it did, but it certainly draws an interesting outlook on Sanguine as not a hugely elaborate character. He's just another (albeit Canterlot ghoul) pony wandering the wastes who may be bumped into. ...or kissed. Ew...Psychoshy.
"Win this war." This one line seemed to hit a real "shit just got real" moment. This may be because "This is War" by 30 Seconds to Mars just started playing...
So...Trueblood. Red herring last chapter to point Sanguine as being Goldenblood due to his location as Canterlot during the pink cloud.But of course. "True" blood is red. Sanguine. Red. Derp. How did I not ever spot this? And I like to consider myself fairly intelligent. (Although my critiques may not show it compared to some of the real deep though folks here)
ReplyDeleteHorizons eh? Would have...what? A counter-logic to EC-1101? I could theorise on this all day, but I like my facts. So the most I will hazard a guess at was some sort of deliberately created and significantly powerful project that can activate in a VERY noticable way. I'm thinking near Gardens of Equestria level scale here...or perhaps centred entirely on Hoofington. To clear the enervation? Possibly related to the cause in a test "firing?" A specific pony we haven't seen yet? Goldenblood?! Who knows. I'm in "wild mass guess" mode now. So I'll cease.
And I'll end this here on...swearing I love Big Daddy'O. That magical sight is just brilliant. Especially Blackjack's assertion as to why things must be prophetic. Just why. Old people are goits. And yet I love that side of him so much. Pay attention. *WHAP*
And now my cursor has disappeared so I am typing by trial and error to see where I am. Wonderful.
A very fun chapter around the middle, but began and ended with some very heavy material about forgiveness and about depression's real and true dangers. Lots of times for me to laugh loudly or want to cry...or perhaps want to reel in shock. Project Horizons. Laughter. Tears. Shock. It's like the tag skills of your writing!
See you next chapter, or if I decide to write more once I am feeling better. Bluuuurgh.
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"but… you and P-21… you the most normal ponies I know now" - you are
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"Besides it were smaller rings fenced in and surrounded by seats." - Beside
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"“Sanggie, you promised you make me better. I’m supposed to be better,” " - you'd
"It was like ponies in a stable: iving away from the enervation" - living
@swicked
ReplyDeleteYeah, the girmdark stuff. The moral and emotional stress, the big questions of oneself, the universe.
I just really empathise with characters, so I often need a bit of breathing space.
I wonder if anyone else had this thought, or if I'm just a naughty naughty pony. Give it time...
ReplyDelete>grin
"I gave a glance at the old buck mixing some sort of drink, but, unless he had a gun behind the counter, I didn’t think he’d be a problem."
Annnd, that makes it twice now that Blackjack doesn't realize the bar pony is more than just the bar pony. In her credit, it doesn't take her a whole chapter for her to figure it out, and she acted reasonably. Yes, there is a point to this!
"Standing in front of the window was the largest buck I’d ever laid eyes on ... His jet black hide was oiled, gleaming in the synthetic sunlight coming through the window, and his fiery red mane was styled in a fierce narrow fan of hair running down his neck"
Hello Handsome!
“Ah… hi! You’re not Big Daddy, are you?” I felt myself bending under that glare as I smiled and stroked a hoof over his oiled chest. “Heh… heh… shiny…”
Heh… heh… shiny…
“Hope you forgive Brutus his manners. He’s having issues with a mare who don’t understand that no means ‘stop-crawling-in-my-bed.’ I swear, sometimes I feel more like a schoolmarm than the head of a gang.”
...shiny. Oh, Hi Big Dadd-
“Who’s your daddy?” He cried out. ... “I’m your daddy! Say it!” ... “You’re my daddy!” I wailed. “And your daddy is a young, healthy, handsome son of a mare, ain’t he?” He demanded.
“Yes, he is!” I cried out. “And strong! Tough too!”
-ie... Blackjack, I didn't know you were into that! Then again, all the talk of Glory and chains and bondage...Uhh, Where was I? Oh right.
With Brutus there and that previous performance, anyone else get the impression that.. Big Daddy is.. also a bit of a Daddy?
Haha.. context lacking. Take me completely seriously at your own peril!
*Looks over his own typos in his posts.*
ReplyDelete...
*Hangs head in shame.*
And I call myself a writer. I hate being sick. >.<
@swicked: I'm willing to bet you're right about Priest. Especially if a lack of enervation is found around any of the other 6.
ReplyDelete@DotRook
ReplyDeleteSee now I thought Blackjack not getting the "Who's your daddy" right the first time was clever as well as funny. I'm pretty sure a buck talking dirty and dominate to a mare in 99 was a great way to get a beating.
So of course when Big Daddy asks the only thing she can think of is to answer literally.
And then she just goes with flattery because that what she thinks he wants.
@MichaelJAW
ReplyDeleteSame. With both FoE and this one, I've had points where I need to just back off and take a breather. Arbu was one point in FoE. I haven't actually backed off of Horizons. Just wallowed in the bad feelings I get when I empathize too closely with BJ. Poor gel.
@Somber: Hey, now. No more of that firearms talk. No more notes, remember? (And damn, that was a heavy scene.)
@Fuzzy
ReplyDeleteNobody's infallible. There are bound to be mistakes, especially when you're writing any decent length of text. That's why you get others to proofread and edit - to pick up whatever you might have missed.
You're a writer yourself? What sort/genre?
Heh. Blackjack really is descended from Luna. We all know that Littlepip (somehow) has a bit of Celestia in her, but this is a step further. The only possible real hint towards Twilight being the important ancestor is the striped hair, but I think that's just misdirection. Look at this quote from ch.20: “I know you’re willing to face terrible risks. This is no less a risk; perhaps even more dangerous than going to the moon. But I can tell you that the mother needs this. Fluttershy needs it. And I think a great many ponies will need it too, even if they never realize it. This is your chance to save one pony.” The other big, important clue is from chapter 22. When EC-1101 has it's status list, it reports "Descendant protocol> N/A. Error. Error." This could be because EC-1101 isn't designed to detect any descendents of the Princesses because almost no-one knew that Luna had a child. There's other (possible) little hints, especially in Fluttershy's conversation with Luna, but it would take forever to list all of that and I would almost certainly miss plenty unless I went over everything.
ReplyDeleteI'm just always so extremely impressed by you and your story Somber. Your premise seems simple: A side-story taking place in a sectioned off location from the rest of Equestria. You take that and literally compress as much condensed Awesome in this super-city as the rest of the Wasteland combined. You're beyond daring, you're recklessly cranking out a...sibling story. You just don't back down on anything, riding the edge of Kkat's work to masterfully... ok, words fail me yet again. Basically, you're a Badass writer on top of everything-else-awesome writer. Wait, now I've got an image of Blackjack joking that she's Littlepip's sister (because they're both Princesses) and it's not getting out of my head and it's hilarious. So no more rational discussion of anything right now because I'm laughing at the jokes in my head. And now there's an epic noogie fight too.
@Somber
Hah! I knew it! Your snark level is over 9000, inside and outside the story. :D
@Derpmind
ReplyDeleteWait, what is that about Littlepip? I feel like I've managed to miss something VERY important...
@Fuzzy
ReplyDelete'Sanguine' literally means either 'cheerful, confident, and/or optimistic' or 'bloody'. by the second definition it could be any of the family (Blueblood, Trueblood, Goldenblood, etc.) except for Blue, 'cause he's dead. But I doubt that Goldy would ever count as cheerful or optimistic.
@swicked
Priest is still male. The missing member of the old six was a mare. I'm going to bet that ponies settled where there was less Enervation, rather than the other way around, and the screams are repelled by the Harmony of a large group working together, rather than anything special about the leaders. Places like Megamart and Flank would still have the screams because they aren't a group working together, they're just a bundle of individuals looking for personal profit and kept peaceful by physical threat.
@Derpmind
There are a few other indicators that Twilight might be Tarot's mother. Fluttershy referred to how she kept her secret. She was strangely close to Goldy after those two years where they worked together in secret (after which he wiped her memory). A couple other details that could be interpreted either way. The fact is that there's not much in support of any of the lineage theories yet.
As for the EC-1101 descendant protocol error, it could be a simple error, it could be the result of some hacker's elaborate schemes, etc. One of my theories (I think it was during a 'who is the Dealer' debate a couple weeks ago) was that EC-1101 was sentient (since so many elaborate programs are in the Fallout verse), and in addition to following it's protocols to determine who's authorized to use it, it was also looking for somepony it judged to be a good and capable ruler. If Blackjack is authorized (and I think we can assume she is until Somber says otherwise), it may very well have held off on allowing her access of its own accord until she was worthy. And I think we can safely say that she's not yet ready to be all-powerful ruler of the Hoof, but she's a lot closer than she was as she first left the Stable. If the Dealer isn't some ghost or psychic projection, this explains why she's the only one to see him (he's hooked into her EFS), why he was gone when her pipbuck was fried, and why he keeps tricking/taunting/pushing her to become a better pony.
Okay, I started rereading chapters 11-14 looking for possible Taint sources, and I ran across a lot of little hints that I'd forgotten, missed, or just not had context for earlier. What I'm saying is "Warning: incoming specstorm."
ReplyDeletePinkie called the Angel of Death a pony, in case anyone was still thinking they were a zebra. And Softheart was critically injured, her condition was never disclosed, and she was never head from again? Pretty much confirmation that she's the police part of Rampage.
They really need to go back for that sword. It's right outside Chapel! and even if P-21 can't open the case, Rampage ought to be able to break it open! C'mon, Blackjack needs a melee weapon, and that one is awesome!
"'To dedicate ourselves to unlocking the secrets of the stars themselves and make our enemies pay for their crimes'"-Goldenblood, Hoofington Rises
New theories are forming about the Screams, and what's really inside the Core.
There was a full dragon skeleton in that museum. That means that there should have been at least a dozen or so claws. Each of which in ridiculously sharp, and tough enough to be used to plug the barrel of a shotgun without damage. Everyone in the party should be carrying one of those, as a tool if nothing else. Blackjack should learn to use at least two of them effectively.
Sorry, I'm a gamer. I hate seeing useful items left behind, especially when you have both a need for them and the ability to get them easily.
I really, really want to see the radboom from Chapel. Watching ponies who'd waited ans kept the faith for so long finally looking at the sun...
Really hoping we get to see Virgo again. Not only is she hilarious and kinda adorable, but her pipbuck research sets off my Chekhov's weapon detector.
ReplyDeleteWe still know nothing about Echo or Psalm; it makes my mane itch.
Wow, I just noticed that this last one was the third time that Blackjack's found herself restrained by an enemy faction, greeted by the party member that's working with them at the moment, and then the chapter cuts out on a cliffhanger. It's as much a theme as all her friends shooting her int he face, at least.
Ah, Lighthooves. I'd almost forgotten just how much I want to tear you into little bloody giblets with my bare hands.
Somber, you have a real talent for making villains that are believable but still cause the audience to absolutley despise them.
I just noticed how Lighthooves always talked about the security of Thunderhead. Not the Enclave, just Thunderhead. Somber was planning the divide between this group and the rest of the Enclave for at least a month before they swooped down in the main continuity.
Nothing burns well around Hoofington. Is that just the rain, or does Enervation or the Screams prevent flame somehow?
Okay, Silver Bullets. BBP-001s, I suppose. At least 5 were made, one used by Trottenheimer, the rest confiscated and scattered in an attempt to figure out what they were. Detect as quite radioactive even when just sitting there.
When fired, after a confirmation sequence that implies that only unicorns with pipbucks and the right genetic markers can use it, locks a 20ft cunk of ground around the wielder in place while completely removing everything in a narrow cone in front.
I think that this is the most likely source of Blackjack's Taint exposure. Between the level and variety of magics wrapping around her...
It also almost certainly caught the attention of the stars.
ReplyDeleteThe magic bullets... they're labelled as quest perks. But she didn't train in them. She wasn't taught. She never sought out some ancient spellbook to learn them. There was, in short, no quest for these perks to be the result of. Instead, she figures out that she's capable of using them when she needs to in order to survive. So where do they come from? So I started thinking. Where have we seen something like this, using sheer telekinetic power as a weapon? The blades of blood from the Black Book. An offering from the stars. And looking back, every time she's gotten one of those 'quest perks' it's been a chapter than featured the stars prominently, whether she's escaping to another pony's memories of their beauty, blowing a hole in the clouds to look at them directly, or being described as made of blood and stars right after staring up at them and backing away from suicide.
Stable 90 was scheduled for a tour and inspection the week after the bombs fell. Whoever announced that knew when they would fall. And the headquarters, with the applebot, listed it as complete. Whoever it was that was screwing around in Hoofington just before they knew the bombs would fall is responsible for Stable 90. And they probably diverted all the high-tech gear slotted for the Stable to their own projects. Or Projects. Now, what connects the Museum of natural history, the Cakes' shop, and Stable 90? The Cakes were probably taken down so they couldn't reveal what was happening; they'd been investigating at Pinkie's request. The best explanation I can think of for the Stable is that they wanted the tech; it was claimed as having all the latest pipbucks and terminals. The museum... zebra artifacts? There was a note that somepony was trying to appropriate exhibits for the war effort but was refused.
I really need to reread the whole story and start actually solving some of these mysteries, but real life keeps interfering.
ReplyDelete@Sindri
ReplyDeleteYou silly thing. I posted as soon as Somber mentioned the window for taint, here
It's probably for the best that you went to all the trouble of re-reading, but I already outlined the major points of what happened between that time. <.<
@Umbra
ReplyDeleteYeah, but when you posted that I'd already started, and then it was too fun to stop. Besides, I got a lot of good material out of it to make into more spec!
Chapter 25:
ReplyDeleteI don't really like going out of order, but I don't know a better way to address this - I absolutely hate Psychoshy with every fiber of my being. But in the good way, I guess... as opposed to say, hating her because she was "portrayed poorly" or something, I hate her because of how she treats Blackjack and Glory, and what she nearly caused to happed with P-21. I'm fairly certain she's not really Fluttershy, no matter how much Sanguine insists (also, interesting to get confirmation that Sangine was the creepy-ass Dr. Trueblood so easily, though he certainly strikes me as being egotistical enough to not care that someone knows who he really is). I'm going to cast my lot in with the "engineered memories" route, but honestly I'm much rather hoping Psychoshy gets her long-due reunion with the wood chipper before we ever find out.
Mallet crushing on Blackjack after breaking her arms, or just respect? (yeah just respect). I agree with what others have said (or maybe I already agreed last time) these "normal" Reapers seem like interesting characters so far.
So, finding the pony who killed Gorgon was why Rampage was sent to keep an eye on Blackjack after all. Rampage being comforting was really nice (here and later on), especially since she does understand what Blackjack went through.
Feeling something inside you squirming definitely needs to be on the list of "things that are never good"
Somehow, starting out with Lacunae saying, "You broke her heart, Blackjack." makes everything so much more painful. Just thinking about this scene with Blackjack and Glory in the rain drives me to tears, it's so powerfully emotional, actually reading it is simply heart-breaking beyond words.
I really hope that somehow Blackjack and Glory can be as close as they were, some day.
"Think of it as a spanking with bullets." - Definitely not the type of humor I was expecting from Glory, but it was really sweet that they could laugh together (I laughed at it a little, and then started crying again when Blackjack thought, "but at least I knew I still had her as a friend." )
Rampage being creepy with the 3 Reapers is kinda cute, in its own way.
"I don't want to leave Rampage. I snuck out on my friends once. I'm not going to do it again." - Making me cry again, Blackjack.
Lick approach didn't work this time... originally I just thought P-21 had gone back to being the more normal bitter P-21, but looking back on this makes it so much more sad.
I was really surprised by how well Scotch Tape is handling things so far. But she can't possibly join the party on a permanent basis, she doesn't have enough deep psychological damage!
I did laugh a little at her victory over the toilet clog, and her and Blackjack's closing exchange, though now I feel bad for having so easily passed off P-21's reaction.
Yes, Psychoshy definitely needs to go through the wood chipper, no one makes fun of Glory like that and gets away with it.
The nightmare with Blackjack going through the different perspectives in 99, and constantly killing herself and being killed is really well done, quite powerful imagery.
The dream after that with the Dealer is likewise incredibly powerful, and I think the most straightforward and helpful he's ever been. The Dealer really does have a winning hand though... nothing could possibly beat those 6 cards.
"Fights to the death mean we lose a good fighter either way." - An incredibly practical way to look at things, really do think I like Mallet and her friends. You're really good at making these minor characters, Somber.
ReplyDeletePoor Blackjack, I cracked up laughing when she stroked Brutus' oiled chest "Heh... heh... shiny..." - the mistaking the henchman for the boss is such a classic scene, and it never gets old.
"Who's your daddy?" "I don't know! I think we retired him when I was nine or ten!" - I laughed a little at this too, despite everything.
Rampage torn between the Reapers and Blackjack is a sad eventuality I had thought of back when she first joined the party. As Blackjack said, Rampage referring to herself not as a Reaper but in association with Blackjack's team is so sweet.
"Oh, come on. It can't be that bad. I've had poo water in my mouth." - Oh brave foolish Scotch.
"He was quite keen to be crossed with a dragon. As if we would replicate that little monstrosity." - Oh good, so there's most likely a dragon-pony out there somewhere, well that's good to file away for future we're going to die.
The fight between Blackjack and Psychoshy is so sad... Really well written, as all your fights tend to be, but so horribly sad. The Pecos doing their little piece to help Blackjack is incredibly moving, as is P-21 slipping her the bobbypin. Her friends stepping in at the end too, especially Lacunae - was also very touching.
After P-21's note... I have to skip ahead until after he's safe. I've really lost track of exactly which chapter of PH is the most painful, but for me 25 has got to be near the top... I was crying so much... every time I closed my eyes I could see the wire wrapping around his neck...
I'm still crying from it, which just goes to show how absolutely much I love and care about these characters you've created.
Their discussion after that is still very sad, but the fact that they're together again makes me so happy. "The world was full of pain, but we didn't have to suffer alone." As long as they're all together, everything seems like it could be okay.
The fact that the Arena is like Chapel is very interesting - and I'm sure it's incredibly important, somehow.
And Blackjack is made of "bloody stars" that sounds both completely awesome and terrifying.
(And poor Blackjack, getting smacked and thrown across the field, though I laughed just the tiniest bit at the second.)
Well, I haven't read the other comments yet, but I thought I saw you were already working on 26, Somber? I hope it goes well, and your revisions to 1 and 2.
@Umbra
ReplyDeleteBut yeah, I'm calling Folly as the source of her Taint. The drugs will screw you up, but there's never been any indication that they result in mutations or that they have the long-term build up that Taint does in your system, and I'm pretty sure that the Raider plague is an ordinary disease with a few modifications by Enclave scientists. I might be wrong on either point, but if the drugs were Tainted I think we'd know, and the virus is too fast and predictable for a small dose of Taint and too subtle for a large one.
The BGP though? It was emitting very high levels of unknown magic on both ends, and the Bullets were seriously radioactive just sitting in their cases. I think it's a more likely source than anything else that we saw during that window.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteBesides, anything that powerful can't be used without a cost. There needs to be something aside from ammo limitations preventing Blackjack from just disintegrating everything that's wrong with the wasteland.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteThe main problem I see with this is that taint isn't just a normal byproduct of anything that happens in FO:E. It's an engineered compound specifically designed to mutate. Just enough and you get an alicorn, too much and you get a monster. Why would Folly or the Silver Bullets have anything to do with taint? Folly seems more like a star weapon than anything else.
The question I'm asking then is: Where's the reason for building a gun by utilizing a mutagenic substance?
@Somber
ReplyDeleteI still think chapters 1 and 2 are fine just the way they are, aside from technical corrections (like making sure you have Stables instead of Vaults). So I'm afraid I won't be any help in that regard, my deepest apologies.
@DotRook
Hah, I thought it was just me - Caldari obsessed with Amarr here (oh how I dreamed of having my own Abaddon some day...) Unfortunately, I only ever got to play alone, because my few associates were all high-up in their own guild... So I never really got a chance to have much of the real fun... Not to mention they all scoffed at my lasers...
So many more comments to catch up on still, tomorrow...
Holy infodump, Batman!
ReplyDeleteWe just had the Society, the Eggheads, the Keepers, the Rangers, and soon to be something else explained. Oh,a nd the Reapers too. Wow. Crazy that they all started out as vigilante friends.
Mane is now "twitchy" instead of "itchy".
Let it out, Glory.
Ok, that exchange between Glory and Blackjack seemed too... quick. Introduction, quick explanation, and change of subject. Tiny bit of a let-down, but that's just because I was expecting some big momentous discussion to take place.
Oh Glory... awesome joke. Just shoot her. And yes, you'll be lovers again. Once the pain from Blackjack's idiocy heals.
So confirmation that Sanguine is a ghoul who is tied in to finding out all about the old projects. Which makes me wonder, which project is Psychoshy? But beyond that, is Sanguine Trueblood or Goldenblood?
WOW! Ok, did not expect her to do that to P-21.
Calling it now. Someone in the group puts Psychoshy through a wood chipper.
Discarded the Goldenblood card. Every other pony in that list is dead or wants to be dead. Goldenblood is still alive.
Ok, this dream sequence was awesome. More than makes up for the Glory/Blackjack discussion.
I have to ask, though, why is P-21 hurt the most about the suicide thing? I figured Glory would be hurt the most.
Canterlot Cavailiers... Fillydelphia Fillies... These shouldn't be as funny as they are.
So the Reapers aren't just a gang, they're Bid Daddy's way of cleaning up the Wasteland. Not a bad idea, really.
-Does- Glory ever taste her own cooking? She might get the sense to stop cooking if she did.
She... she really calls herself Fluttershy... Ok someone kill this ****.
Alrighty then. We're only two thirds of the way through the chapter and a good beat-down on Psychoshy has already been long overdue. Can't wait for the fight scene.
Ah, moonshine. The audience has no clue what power Blackjack just got her hooves on.
About fricken time she realized what he did to her tail. Jeez. NOT A CLEVER PONY! You'd think she would've learned from the last time that happened with the Zodiacs.
You... you didn't take the rope off of your neck... You idiot...
Well. Crap. Not only is he Trueblood, but she lost to Psychoshy. That sucks. I have to say though, that was an amazing fight scene. I was on the edge of my seat.
Ok. Wow. That was intense. And again, really not expected. But then you think about it and... yeah... it makes perfect sense. I'm just glad BJ was able to get there before he died.
Drunk and on a Mint-al crash. Surprised she can talk at all.
Stonewing letter... That really hurt. Hurt deep. P-21 was shock and panic, this is hurt. Psychoshy and Sanguine both need to be killed.
"Quest Perk Added: Magic Penetration- Your magic bullet spell ignores 15 DT of armor." WOW
Ok, so. I sat down here expecting a boring chapter. I figured I'd just sit here, learn some history, and hope this infodump was interesting. What I got instead is an incredibly exciting chapter that is one of the best 5 chapters of this entire story so far. This blew the last couple of chapters out of the water.
I look up at these longer feedback/comment posts and I feel so inadequate...
ReplyDeleteAlso, Big Daddy's summary of Blackjack seemed spot on. But I agree with BJ, what is it with these old ponies being psychics and knowing everything about younger ponies?
ReplyDeleteThis chapter was awesome! Especially as it was posted just after I had read the previous chapter. Funnily enough, the bit that hit me hardest was the note from Stonewing/Gorgon. It was a good thing I was on my own; I cried like I had vapour rub under my eyes.
ReplyDelete@MichaelJAW
ReplyDeleteThat I am. I've dabbled predominently in the sci fi genre of things with a certain emphasis on the darker side of sci fi. I've wrote some original stuff that I took offline to redesign which stretched 9 chapters in. I've written one Pony fanfic too, which I did entirely as a bit of writing exercise to try writing innocent humour, not a hugely serious attempt. But it hit 5-stars. So yay.
I have a FO:E side one planned. However I'm still trying to decide on the real effort not to be honest. The Side Story page never updates to properly support stories there and I dunno if Seth would allow three unique Fallout story updates every week to clog the main page. Maybe I'll ask. Who knows?
Sorry, I rambled a bit for such a simple question you asked there. XD
@ Sindri
You are indeed correct in the literal meaning. I was more referring to the general "theme" of the word. To the majority of people, "sanguine" has connotations in blood. True/Normal Blood is often thought of as red. Trueblood.
Maybe I'm making logical leaps only my sometimes...varied...manner of perception makes immediately, but eh, it's what I took from it. :P
Glad to see someone who hunts up meanings of words though, I love doing that. Lots of little factoids and...
And you know what? I'm rambling again. Someone give me a slap every time I do that. :p
@ Mint: (Re-commenting on the matter now that I read the part of FoE) Ok, I read the scene with Pip in it. And it managed to have me cringe a bit. But that was just a blow to her marehood. I was more thinking of the lines of shrapnel or something among the lines of "the wastelands REALLY hates you", like a long, sharp object. Since that'd be just what BJ wouldn't need, nor deserve in her life right now.
ReplyDeleteApart from that, I'm still trying to get time to read the latest chapter, even if it got a bit spoiled by comments, but that's just my own fault haha. Tbh, this, FoE and another fic are one of few things getting me through several of my days.
Now if you excuse me, I got more pages to work on my FoE RPG. And also have to figure out how to properly re-work Scoodles in it. Since she's currently a product of "been up for 2 days in a row without a single proofreading" logic xP
Somber why u so awesome ?
ReplyDeleteI mean I have never been into a fanfic like this and chapter 25 just just .. Wow ...um just wanna say keep op on the good work :D
It's nice to be able to predict things. Sometimes you're right, and sometimes you're wrong - but it's fun as hell to theorize, either way. Time to commence with the reviewing and commenting.
ReplyDeleteLet's start with something I was wrong about: Sanguine ain't Goldenblood, looks like. Barring him being a very devious liar (which... he kinda sorta is, dammit), the resident Mad Scientist seems to be Trueblood. Only... I dunno. Now that I think about it. From a technical standpoint, it makes sense. Not sure what his motives are yet, once we've got that, it might clear the air more. Anyways.
And now, something I was right about! As predicted, I thoroughly enjoyed the exposition in this chapter. Blackjack asks the right questions and infuses things with humor; which is to say, you get the right information out in the air and make the backstory more (and more entertaining) than an infodump. Whether it's the origins of the Reapers or just hinting at a larger picture amongst the different power-wielding groups in the Hoofington area, you've consistently nailed it.
When I initially read the scene with Glory and Blackjack reuiniting, I liked it but thought it could have been more painful. Yes, their intimacies are on a break, and the scene was touching, but not quite as soul-rending as I had prepared myself for. Having finished the chapter, I can damn well see why: you were saving the chapter's power for the P-21 scene.
That one, though. That scene. The frantic search was exquisitely done, and the actual finding... Wow. Intense, intense scene. Blackjack's learning, I think. And poor P-21. I knew a lot of that stuff was gnawing away at him, but Blackjack's attentions were diverted. There were hints and half-acknowledgements, and I guess he just hit the tipping point. (Aside: I'm starting to think that you don't actually write throwaway lines, Somber) I'll say it again - I started off not really liking P-21; he was okay, but not as interesting as the rest of the cast. Well, after he gave Blackjack a bobby pin on the way to end his own life, he is officially Best Pony for a while in my book.
[contd]
Psychoshy scares me. And Sanguine finds her distasteful, which is interesting, to say the least. (One of the reasons I'm still not absolutely sure that he's Trueblood; that, and how very driven he seems) Anyways, great fight scene between her and Blackjack. I was kinda in BJ's shoes with it, wanting to get it over with so she could go find P-21 and make everything okay, but I got caught up in it, same as her. And the trick was quite devious. Speech proving its worth.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably crazy. The chances of Sanguine not being who he claims have got to be absurdly low. We're just seeing different sides of Trueblood.
Quoi d'autre? Ending was interesting, both the mysterious soul-stare and Blackjack's decision to not become a Reaper. The latter has obvious potential consequences, and the former... Well, we knew about the blessing from the stars, but that's recent. Well, her great-great-great etc. surrogate mother was an astronaut, makes sense. I love it when the crazy mysteries can still be crazy and compelling despite taking a definite backseat.
Oh! The letter. That was well done. Great use of repetition, hit it dead on the mark. Just enough to pass over the boundary separating "gimmick" from "fantastic."
Also: taint. FFFFFF-
Anyways, overall? Great chapter. I completely and unreservedly enjoyed it. Stuff I'm waiting on: more Rampage getting emotional moments, Glory finding some closure (this may take a while, though probably not as long as my original estimate, which was "whenever the Enclave come down in force")(also, this might well be linked to Glory and Blackjack getting close again, if that happens - hope it does, they're sweet together), Goldenblood's current status, the deal with the Dealer, interaction with the other powers in the region, the eventual foray into Hoofington itself (surely that's going to happen at some point, right?), more drunken awesomeness (especially now that she's got the Dash statuette, eh?), and... well, more of the story in general, really. How you manage to juggle so much amazingness is astounding, to say nothing of the rate at which you work (both chapter 26 and revision of 1 and 2? Wowow.)
Minor Grammatical/Continuity Errors and Suchlike
"epitaths" - should be "epithets," I think; probably got confused with that and epitaph.
BJ's PipBuck does the radiation tap-dance when she drinks the moonshine, but I think she had it removed before the fight. (?)
Post-reading edit: damn, this was really late, especially compared to everyone else's. Sorry! Thought I was gonna get to finish this last night, but I got a headache that hydration, caffeine, and painkillers couldn't beat into remission.
So! Um, I'll see if I can reread chapters 1 and 2 with a critical eye at some point in the near future, maybe give some feedback. Gotta read... 400 pages or so of theory-heavy writing for tomorrow, though, so probably not tonight.
@Somber
ReplyDeleteAnd I am sorry I made you cry... twice. Sorry. This was supposed to be a happy chapter! Why can't I just write happy?
It made me cry, in a good way. I was on the edge of my seat through the entire part where she found P-21. The tears were relief. It took a lot, but in the end, he survived, and she did get him to finally open up to her, and in that, it is a happy ending of a horrible mess.
This chapter was downright beautiful.
Well, besides Fluttershy. I see you picked up the thing in F:E about Fluttershy being lost, no one knowing what happened to her, and put her with the other Sanguine experiments? That's... kinda sick, actually. I guess all hope of her not being the real Fluttershy is pretty crushed by now. She deserves better :(
@Nyerguds
ReplyDelete...
She's not the real Fluttershy. Seriously. You're going off her coloration, one of the many aspects of her psychosis, and one of several nicknames used (by a ghoul with a demonstrated unhealthy interest in the real Fluttershy).
The cutie mark doesn't match. She's not modified by Sanguine yet, because if she was she wouldn't still be begging him for it. Which means that she's certainly not over two centuries old. And even if she was, everything from temperament to flying ability strongly indicates "not Fluttershy".
Besides, Fluttershy is a tree. We saw her in the newest chapter of the main continuity, over a week ago. Before Somber wrote this chapter.
Why is it that one crazy Reaper tries to name herself after a famous pony from before the war, and people suddenly assume that Somber is tearing apart every aspect of Kkat's story and the show's canon? When you saw Silver Bell did you stop reading Fo:E because you assumed Kkat made Pinkie Pie a museum curator?
Thanks so much for the super awesome reviews Fuzzy and Wavemaster. Sorry I can't talk as much as I can, but my computer's power supply died (spent all day trying to figure that one out) andnow I'm trying to find a replacement. So far... not looking like the best week. >.<
ReplyDelete@Somber
ReplyDeleteAlas. Good luck? What kind do you need?
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteDesktop. The problem is that it's an old computer and the power supply is stuck. I can't get it out of the computer. I dunno if it's glued in or something. A guy I went to school with (sorta friend sorta not) is helping me with it. So for now I'm using my very very old laptop.
@Sindri
ReplyDeleteStop reading? Whatever are you talking about? Seriously...
As for Psychoshy... if she would be Fluttershy, she'd have been put in cryo stasis like the rest, after she'd probably asked him to do something to help her cope with the megaspell mess. Rampage already proved the chimera stuff they've done can influence cutie marks. And I wouldn't be too sure he hasn't done anything with her; after all she's still one of the top, isn't she?
As for the tree thing... bloody hell, I missed a Fallout chapter? *goes off to read it* :|
@Somber Erk. My old desktop had power supply issues, it was not fun. Replacing it went smoothly enough once we figured out what the problem was, at least. Hope you and your acquaintance can figure out what the issue is, and that a replacement won't be too expensive.
ReplyDelete[Um, aside - I dunno if you missed my earlier comment, 'cos it was super tardy and stuff, but I know you like to read feedback so, just in case I guess I thought I'd mention that it existed {but I'm probably coming off as an ass - sorry} and anyways, latest chapter was great, thanks again for writing this]
@Nyerguds
ReplyDeleteThere wouldn't have been time for her to be put in stasis; she was teleported to the Everfree by Rarity as the megaspells were falling.
And Rampage has the cutie/glyph marks of everypony that she was made of at once, with occasional variations as a mind is supressed or takes control. Unless you think that Fluttershy was combined with a pony who had razor-winged butterflies as a cutie mark, and Fluttershy's personality has been repressed completely in all of her appearances. In Fo:E canon a cutie mark is inextricably tied to a pony's true self, and nothing can alter or remove it without doing massive damage to their soul.
I think that "she's crazy" is a much more reasonable explanation; she might have been convinced that she's Fluttershy by Sanguine (he's got some manner of obsession with her, as evidenced by his lab's password), she might have come up with it herself as part of her psychotic need to be loved by everypony, whatever. The coloration might be a coincidence (there have been a lot of ponies with identical or very similar color schemes in the show and earlier in the stories), or it might be a dye job. All of her conversations with Sanguine strongly indicate that she hasn't been altered yet, and in the fights we've seen her in there's been no indication that she's anything more than an unstable but highly skilled pegasus with powerhooves and a fondness for Stampede.
I admit that there is a remote possibility until and unless Somber specifically says otherwise, but I see absolutely no evidence that she has any connection to the real Fluttershy, and a great deal of evidence that she doesn't.
Somber I hope you read these, and in case you don't whoever is reading this will hopefully contact you. As I have been reading this I have come to thinking non-bronies should be able to read these too! So I was wondering if I could rewrite this fanfic into human form. If it's okay with you of course.... Please contact me about this offer at kozbad@hotmail.com
ReplyDelete-Thanks, David.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhy do people think psychoshy is fluttershy o_o
ReplyDeleteI realize she's asking for enhancements, but I'm thinking she's already received a couple to look the way she does. It's not like plastic surgery would be out of the question.
I've also firmly been on the boat that Blackjack is a descendant of Luna for a while now. Even before the stars bit in the latest chapter.
A long time ago Luna mentioned something about how she found it distasteful that anyone could be attracted to Blueblood, then Celestia made a quip to Luna about a previous relationship. It was a blatant chekhov's gun. When it came to the transfer of the foal to another pony I knew it had to be her. Then blah blah blah, everything else was obvious.
Oh, and the only other alicorn in this story is the only other being that can use mind bullets/arrows. The fact that NO ONE ever sees them coming is proof enough that they are exceptionally rare and I'm going with them being an alicorn power. Though I haven't read all of FoE yet so maybe there's a precedent in the original series that I don't know about.
Anyone thinking any different at this point? I dunno where this connection will eventually lead to, but I know it's there.
Or... well, no. But the point is more that it should take more than physical appearance to decide two ponies must be the same person. I'm at a loss as to how fluttershy would have survived so long without being a ghoul or something. Plus, yeah, the whole personality thing. I really just don't see them being the same pony. Period.
ReplyDeleteNot even plastic surgery.
ReplyDeleteWe know the enclave has access to goop that can obliterate a cutie mark, at least stable 99 had some means of applying a predetermined cutie mark. Even if Psychoshy didn't have her colouring to start with, magic mane/tail/coat permadye really isn't any stretch at all.
Well, from the very start I never considered Psychoshy might actually be Fluttershy (at least entirely - gotta leave that loophole for engineered/transferred memories or cloning or whatnot). I mean come on, she has "golden" hair, not pink, what more do you need to know it's not really her? It is somewhat amusing that Sanguine has such a negative reaction to her affection, which leads me to believe she is a failed experiment to recreate Fluttershy that didn't work.
ReplyDelete@Derpmind
LittlePip and Blackjack as sister princesses... That is an incredibly adorable thought.
Honestly, I really like that idea of the two of them being descended from / becoming the royal family ("oh noes mary-sues blah blah" go suck it haters, if any writers could pull off something like that it would be Kkat and Somber). Though... I'd rather Blueblood not be the father, because he's the only canon character I absolutely hate beyond any redemption (I mean, I already didn't really like him before Roses... I actually couldn't read chapter 21 of Progress because he was in it).
@Somber
I'm glad my commentaries are readable, I worry all the time about not getting my point across (or being clear how I feel), or missing things I wanted to mention, or just being plain boring (and taking forever to write them, I wish I could be rid of that curse...)
And of course, I hope you can get your computer taken care of soon, those asteroids won't mine themselves!
Another fucked up chapter with suicide drugs, and sadness that makes me want to take one to the brain myself. Well done Somber :3
ReplyDelete@WavemasterRyx
ReplyDeleteHow did Blueblood get in your head? Since when would the Princesses ever...with him!?!?! Uuugh, jeez, please don't even mention that ever again. I want to forget that forever thank you. :(
Please forgive me, but you've reminded me that, so far as I know, there has not been any fanart with characters from both PH and FoE. I ask you to forgive me because you reminded me of fanart. You're not just a great artist, you're also a fellow commenter-at-keyboard, and I respect you for both. (That was a joke) :) I don't want to ask you to draw anything specifically, but I do humbly request that you keep that warm, fuzzy feeling of cuteness in mind for the future. :D
@Bronode
ReplyDelete99 had the what now? I don't remember anything like that. When was it said that they could predetermine your cutie mark?
...or is this just in regards to the mark for the males? 'Cause I was under the impression that that was an illusion that goes on top of the cutie mark. In fact, didn't BJ once ask P-21 if he wanted his cutie mark restored now that they were out, to which he refused?
@Choogis
ReplyDelete...I normally have nothing against the really short comments. Usually people are being very honest and emotional even when they only put down a sentence or two. But, honestly speaking, your comment seems like pure trolling. I seriously doubt that you get thought of suicide from reading a fanfiction with Ponies.
*Sigh* Well, this sucked. :( Somber, please ignore the parasprite. He's got no right to say something like that to you.
@WavemasterRyx
ReplyDeleteLilPip and Blackjack as the new royal sisters?
The Bringer of Light and The Mare of Stars and Blood?
>squees a little
>imagines Blackjack learning the spell for THE TRADITIONAL CANTERLOT ROYAL VOICE
ReplyDelete>now imagines her drunk
>cannot stop giggling all night.
@Derpmind
ReplyDeleteI-it's not my fault! swicked said it! Trust me, I agree with you completely.
Thank you for the compliments though sir, though I'm hardly worth note in either regard. I would far prefer a better artist to draw Princesses LittlePip and Blackjack - heck I would prefer better artists to do everything... (better commentary isn't necessary to wish for at least, since there are already many far better commenters posting for both stories)
I've wanted to do some huge epic FoE/PH title-pic-style thing for quite some time, but I've never been able to get it past a vague wish.
But, I will add an attempt at the Princesses to my to-do list, right after finishing the PH fillies and colt, and a post for my tumblr, and part 2 of seapony Rampage, and my tribute to SteelHooves... *weak smile*
@DotRook
It would be pretty awesome, wouldn't it? That is definitely the new ending for my FoE:/PH alternate universe (the one where SteelHooves is still alive too).