My Little Pony XLVIII: I say Ol' Chap, how about those Equestrians?

[RdMarquis]

I had one involving Discord the other day (call it a draconequus dream, I suppose). A bunch of guys in armor were gearing up to attack his stronghold...the most well fortified storage unit ever. And when they were charging it, he popped out to taunt them, while being inside at the same time. Would call it a weird dream, but it involved Discord. The whole thing almost made sense, for him.

[TheAmishPirate]

Changeling Core+WoD Core: All you need.

Many thanks. Not sure where I could reasonably pick these up in Japan, but I'll think of something.

...I wish I still wrote like that. It's been too long.
I should write more.

Like that crazy shipfic you thought of all those threads ago?


In other news, tomorrow happens to be my birthday. But seeing how I'm in Japan, the LAND OF THE FUTURE, it is already tomorrow. So...I think it's my birthday? Maybe? This whole time-zone thing is baffling at best.

[domin8r]

In other news, tomorrow happens to be my birthday. But seeing how I'm in Japan, the LAND OF THE FUTURE, it is already tomorrow. So...I think it's my birthday? Maybe? This whole time-zone thing is baffling at best.

Well, Happy Birthday

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Enjoy your cake

[BlasTech]

Hmm, question for ponythread. I know we had this discussion a while back, but with the completion of Season Two, what would be the best introductory episodes for a complete newbie to MLP?

This may or may not be in relation to an upcoming trip I'm taking this weekend with some friends

A Bird in the Hoof is one I like.

In other news, tomorrow happens to be my birthday. But seeing how I'm in Japan, the LAND OF THE FUTURE, it is already tomorrow. So...I think it's my birthday? Maybe? This whole time-zone thing is baffling at best.

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[RdMarquis]

In other news, tomorrow happens to be my birthday. But seeing how I'm in Japan, the LAND OF THE FUTURE, it is already tomorrow. So...I think it's my birthday? Maybe? This whole time-zone thing is baffling at best.

Happy (future) Birthday!

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[domin8r]

Hmm, question for ponythread. I know we had this discussion a while back, but with the completion of Season Two, what would be the best introductory episodes for a complete newbie to MLP?

This may or may not be in relation to an upcoming trip I'm taking this weekend with some friends

A Bird in the Hoof is one I like.

I personally recommend Return to Harmony, Lesson Zero, or maybe even The Royal Wedding.

I'd personally hold off on the royal wedding as a last resort as that episode is too good to show first


From season 1 I would DEFINITELY recommend Bridle Gossip.
I laughed all too hard with that one

[Tvtyrant]

I almost want to say A Canterlot Wedding, because it makes the most sense if you stick it near the front. Maybe right after Friendship is Magic part 2.... There would be no confusion as to the sibling that never comes up.

But honestly I think Ticketmaster is best, simply because Friendship is Magic Part II is so... Simple. You know who is what element and that they are the elements before they even leave the library (the whole sound effect while blinking thing is jarring!) Part I is actually much better IMO, and does a wonderful job of setting up the story. Part II needs to be remade into a movie or something, so it gets past the "each person does a token example of their element" factor.

[Gamerlord]

Hmm, question for ponythread. I know we had this discussion a while back, but with the completion of Season Two, what would be the best introductory episodes for a complete newbie to MLP?

This may or may not be in relation to an upcoming trip I'm taking this weekend with some friends

A Bird in the Hoof is one I like.

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Personally, I would say either Bridle Gossip or Friend In Deed. After that, show them the first two episodes just to give them a good rundown on who the main characters are, what the EoH are, and who the buck Princess Luna is.

I personally recommend Return to Harmony, Lesson Zero, or maybe even The Royal Wedding.

I'd personally hold off on the royal wedding as a last resort as that episode is too good to show first

While those are all very good episodes, they would probably give newcomers the wrong idea about the show, since two of those are adventure episodes and the other one is a very random and wacky episode.

In other news, tomorrow happens to be my birthday. But seeing how I'm in Japan, the LAND OF THE FUTURE, it is already tomorrow. So...I think it's my birthday? Maybe? This whole time-zone thing is baffling at best.

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[Tiki Snakes]

Hmm, question for ponythread. I know we had this discussion a while back, but with the completion of Season Two, what would be the best introductory episodes for a complete newbie to MLP?

This may or may not be in relation to an upcoming trip I'm taking this weekend with some friends

A Bird in the Hoof is one I like.

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If you ask me, you must start at the begininning. But then, I'm particular about that.

I do think though that it's not absolutely necessary to find that one perfect show-in-a-nutshell episode as seems to be the accepted wisdom sometimes. Sometimes it's okay to just watch a thing in order.

[Thanqol]

..... Just wanted to do a quick look and did I just read

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"Human spaceship"?

Yes. Story also features massive and repeated explosions, interdimensional horrors, meteor strikes, and a zombie apocalypse.

What was your friendship element again?

Surprise!

I dot recall ever seeing a WoD corebook for old world of darkness though, which means there was no real unified rule set. You could be a vampire werewolf though, which was something even the black spiral dancers loathed conceptually. they did a terrible job of marrying the fluff across games in retrospect. Too many "correct" and provable cosmologies.

There was no oWoD corebook. They had to reprint the same 40 pages of basic game mechanics in each of the lines. Spinning all that out into a single corebook was one of their best decisions with nWoD.

Thanqol's story is now up on Equestria Daily!

And the comment section is a bunch of people being hipsters and complaining about human-obsessed Lyra. Tell me, Thanqol, how does this make you feel?

But... but chapter six!

Honestly? I'm just glad the star system is dead. Those are the guys who would have starbombed it out of petty spite and now they're forced to articulate their opinions and look silly and bitter.

Also I got 2100 new views and 150 new favourites out of it, so y'know, frack'm.

Just finished chapter 1. I'll get to the rest later, but so far this is turning out to be great.

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I'm loving your characterization of Bon Bon. She just works at Lyra's unwilling sidekick. Might explain why she's so abrasive sometimes. Was your idea for how magic works inspired by anything? Also?

“How’s your house?” asked the cashier as Bon Bon hurried past him yet again.

“Not dead yet, but it will be,” said Bon Bon.

That's just a brilliant exchange.

^^

[Zigg'rrauglurr]

In other news, tomorrow happens to be my birthday. But seeing how I'm in Japan, the LAND OF THE FUTURE, it is already tomorrow. So...I think it's my birthday? Maybe? This whole time-zone thing is baffling at best.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Have some home made cupcakes, fresh right of the oven:

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Album

Hmm, question for ponythread. I know we had this discussion a while back, but with the completion of Season Two, what would be the best introductory episodes for a complete newbie to MLP?

This may or may not be in relation to an upcoming trip I'm taking this weekend with some friends

A Bird in the Hoof is one I like.

So far I used Lesson Zero and It's about time to show the true potential of not being a girly show.
If your approach is other, your results may vary and might wanna try with The return of Harmony, but besides the crazyness I thought is not so good to true newbies.

[Kd7sov]

Y'know, I've never really seen a good reason for starting people-in-general at an episode other than the first. Maybe if it's a specific person that you think would like a specific episode more, but apart from that...

Also, I would not under any circumstances start someone with Lesson Zero. Any more than I'd start them with Look Before You Sleep or The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well. I daresay the first of those mentioned is a good episode by some lights, but it is not in any way representative of either the show or most of the characters. Nor, more to the point, is it an episode I can watch comfortably.

[Anarion]

Many thanks. Not sure where I could reasonably pick these up in Japan, but I'll think of something.



Like that crazy shipfic you thought of all those threads ago?


In other news, tomorrow happens to be my birthday. But seeing how I'm in Japan, the LAND OF THE FUTURE, it is already tomorrow. So...I think it's my birthday? Maybe? This whole time-zone thing is baffling at best.

Happy Birthday!

Now, how close are you to Tokyo? I might do some leg work for you and find a place that sells those books. I'm thinking the Akihabara maybe. Or y'know, Amazon does ship worldwide.

Hmm, question for ponythread. I know we had this discussion a while back, but with the completion of Season Two, what would be the best introductory episodes for a complete newbie to MLP?

This may or may not be in relation to an upcoming trip I'm taking this weekend with some friends

A Bird in the Hoof is one I like.

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I like "Fall Weather Friends" as an intro. Has some action, tighter focus (you can explain Rainbow Dash and Applejack without having to show the intro episodes first), and it's a solid episode with a good moral. Then show the two-part opener so they get the characters.

But... but chapter six!

Honestly? I'm just glad the star system is dead. Those are the guys who would have starbombed it out of petty spite and now they're forced to articulate their opinions and look silly and bitter.

Also I got 2100 new views and 150 new favourites out of it, so y'know, frack'm.

Don't you basically run on petty spite?

[otakuryoga]

In other news, tomorrow happens to be my birthday. But seeing how I'm in Japan, the LAND OF THE FUTURE, it is already tomorrow. So...I think it's my birthday? Maybe? This whole time-zone thing is baffling at best.

you are a frakkin PIRATE
you are simply pillaging(plundering?) a 2nd day of birthdayness

perfectly understandable

[TheAmishPirate]

Happy Birthday!

Now, how close are you to Tokyo? I might do some leg work for you and find a place that sells those books. I'm thinking the Akihabara maybe. Or y'know, Amazon does ship worldwide.

I'm actually in Osaka, a good distance away. Also, I'd rather not incur massive shipping costs through Amazon, though if that's what it takes, that's what it takes.

[Thanqol]

Don't you basically run on petty spite?

Yeah, and when my spiteful side comes out I'd want people to say "Frack him" to me too.

[MCerberus]

Hmm what do pirates like for birthdays? Robots, right Amish? Here ya go

[SiuiS]

I have just the thing for this situation!

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I keep those frames of the past stashed around the thread. In case of sanity emergency.

[Dexam]

So, life update for those not on IRC. Mrs Dexam and the mini-Dex have been sick with a nasty head cold, and I've been looking after them for the last two days. This is not exactly a fun thing, as Mrs D turns into a right *rhymes-with-witch* when she gets sick. In the mean time, I'm supposed to be part-covering for my manager while he's on leave, plus dealing with my own backlog of work which keeps on piling up, so two days off work hasn't helped there.

Between the wife and the foal, I got about 4 hours of sleep last night (the biggest stretch being between 6 AM and 8 AM) and I'm back at work today (got in really late, of course) trying to deal with some of this backlog. Reading Ponythread on my lunch break, and feels like the biggest, funnest, craziest party is happening on the other side of a wall with 'RESPONSIBILITY' painted all over it.

The only silver lining, (and thus keeping this post at least once removed from Ponies) is that Mrs D likes to watch cartoons when she's ill, so we've been working our way through Season 2. She enjoys the show, but she's not obsessed (like I am ) and I doubt she'd ever get involved with the fandom. The mini-Dex recognises the intro- and outro- music, and turns to look at the TV whenever it plays.

Anyway, back the grindstone...

[Forum Explorer]

That took so many reloads but I did it!

Terror Attack 1

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Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned what the aliens were doing in North Africa. It seems they were planning an attack on the Human city of Casablanca. As soon as we could we rushed over there. Oh Celestia it was awful. The smoke, the screams, the smell of the blood, all of it combining to form an horrifying numbing din. For the first time I truly understood why the Humans summoned us. When the dust cleared the crowds of cheering Humans as they came up and thanked us left me speechless. I've got no more doubts about their cause, we must stop this conflict and protect these people the best we can.

We saw a new type of alien as well. These looked like primal beasts and acted as little more then attack dogs. Still we unloaded entire clips of ammo into them in order to bring them down. Only the tank's heavy weaponry, as well as Pinkie and Big Mac's guns could take them down with any speed. Despite the logistical difficulties getting that tank it proved its worth today. At the end of the battle it had long gashes in it's armor from intercepting the beasts. I shudder to think what those claws and teeth would have done to a pony.

It nearly stopped my heart when that explosive round hit near you and Rainbow Dash. I couldn't help but cry in relief when Luna reported that you were both OK. I cheered when Luna's first aid got you back on your hooves. Still that was far too close and despite Pinkie's best efforts, Rainbow Dash remained unconscious for the rest of the battle. Again the tank proved it's worth as a scout, by revealing ambushes and absorbing small arms fire.

Since we've gotten back Fluttershy hasn't left Rainbow Dash alone. I guess that's not unusual. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were always particularly close and it must be killing Fluttershy every time we leave on a mission. I guess she's feeling like some dead weight right now but honestly I don't think she could handle what we just faced. Nopony got promoted again. Perhaps they can only have four sergeants per squad? That makes much more sense.

I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight as I'll have nightmares for sure. Um, if it's not too much to ask, can I spend the night with you?

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle.

No casualties on my part

But really without that tank I think over half my squad would have died. As is I had to reload a couple times so that most ponies would be alive. (Once because Cadance shot Trixie in the head. By accident. Another time one of the explosive shots killed five ponies and left Applejack unconscious and bleeding. )

I'm kinda curious though. Is it normal to get so many attacks and UFOs in the first month?

[Pendulous]

Bow before your new Fluttershy overlord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVdRt...ayer_embedded#!

[Soras Teva Gee]

Many thanks. Not sure where I could reasonably pick these up in Japan, but I'll think of something.

Well as far as legal options go there always buying pdfs online.

[SiuiS]

So, life update for those not on IRC. Mrs Dexam and the mini-Dex have been sick with a nasty head cold, and I've been looking after them for the last two days. This is not exactly a fun thing, as Mrs D turns into a right *rhymes-with-witch* when she gets sick. In the mean time, I'm supposed to be part-covering for my manager while he's on leave, plus dealing with my own backlog of work which keeps on piling up, so two days off work hasn't helped there.

Between the wife and the foal, I got about 4 hours of sleep last night (the biggest stretch being between 6 AM and 8 AM) and I'm back at work today (got in really late, of course) trying to deal with some of this backlog. Reading Ponythread on my lunch break, and feels like the biggest, funnest, craziest party is happening on the other side of a wall with 'RESPONSIBILITY' painted all over it.

The only silver lining, (and thus keeping this post at least once removed from Ponies) is that Mrs D likes to watch cartoons when she's ill, so we've been working our way through Season 2. She enjoys the show, but she's not obsessed (like I am ) and I doubt she'd ever get involved with the fandom. The mini-Dex recognises the intro- and outro- music, and turns to look at the TV whenever it plays.

Anyway, back the grindstone...

That happens. If it makes you feel Better, we aren't really partying. I just happened to have a rather crappy weekend and put my whole "find a job that actually pays bills" thin on temporary hiatus (read: slept in >.<) and so have artificially inflated our pony speed.

Oh! And I sort of convinced Anarion I slake my PbP thirst with another changeling game. But that's actually a thing that will... Uh... Huh.
Actually, how long does a normal PbP game last?

[Thanqol]

Oh! And I sort of convinced Anarion I slake my PbP thirst with another changeling game. But that's actually a thing that will... Uh... Huh.
Actually, how long does a normal PbP game last?

If it gets past the initial 6-month hump? 2-3 years or longer.

90% of PBPs die in the first 6 months, and that's a lowball estimate.

[BlasTech]

Thanks for the episode rec's everyone;

Will be adding a few episodes to the laptop based on those mentioned. We probably won't watch any but just in case.

Anyway, I've spent today reading the sourcebook for Roleplaying is Magic (among others) and it seems fairly straightforward, if rather flexible and seems focused mainly on encouraging co-operation between players in resolving challenges. This definitely gives it a pony flavour that might address your question earlier Siuis about what would make a RiM game a pony one.

... Interesting.

EDIT: @^: Well, that statistic doesn't do wonders to the ole confidence

[otakuryoga]

it is with great fanfare that i announce i have fewer than 100 chapters to read on FimFiction for the 1st time in 6 months

[Thanqol]

EDIT: @^: Well, that statistic doesn't do wonders to the ole confidence

I have absolutely no faith in the sustainability of PBPs. My games started number is somewhere around fifty while my games finished tally stands at three.

Those three games that finished were so utterly amazing that I keep ramming my head against this same wall. If I have to go through twenty failed games to get to one successful one it's worth it.

[Tvtyrant]

it is with great fanfare that i announce i have fewer than 100 chapters to read on FimFiction for the 1st time in 6 months

Are you reading everything that comes out?

[BlasTech]

I have absolutely no faith in the sustainability of PBPs. My games started number is somewhere around fifty while my games finished tally stands at three.

Those three games that finished were so utterly amazing that I keep ramming my head against this same wall. If I have to go through twenty failed games to get to one successful one it's worth it.

Oh yeah. Being reminded of the statistics may be daunting, but hey. If you want to enjoy things, sometimes you just have to roll up the sleeves and do it anyway

Edit: I'm plagarising some of your opening post by the by Thanq

[Tvtyrant]

Just found out there is MLP on Pinterest. No sleep!