Arrival: Victorian Progress

5:07 LT

Captain Stalwart to Chief Scribe Short Hoof and Collegiate Mana Reserve

Has there ever been a Response 63 before? What magnitude of power is necessary to cause Her Royal Highness to issue one? I demand a report from the Academy informing us Guards of what level of magic we should be expecting, and any defences we could set up. If practical, I demand that any appropriate countermeasures to make sure the neighboring towns to be made safe. We don’t know what is going on, so precautions must be made. As well, from the Scribes, I need any and all information pertaining to past Response 63’s. The nature of those issued, when they were issued, how long it was sustained, and any relevant historical information. We need to know of any military actions needed to combat any threat that presents itself.

5:27 L.T.

Collegiate Mana Reserve to Captain Stalwart Bulwark

The Magnitude of power required is approximately in the order of 7 Starswirls. Considering the Princess ranks in at 9, the power is not negligible. The power readings here at the Observatory clocked around 7.9245923. Considering the logarithmic nature of the scale, that is almost ten times the value of a 7. In case you don't know what log scales are. In this case, I would say the Princess was entirely justified in issuing Response 63. Though I do not believe she needed to abscond with one of the Arch-Magi.

If you send over the Guards that you want protected, the other Arch-Magi and I can protect them with the highest protection spells we can cast to make sure no harm comes to them. I might not like you personally, sir, but we do not need to put any other pony’s life in harms way for the sake of our own personal squabble. Your mares should be protected from any form of contact, be it pony or not. Nothing, thaumic or corporeal, should be able to make physical contact, excepting any authorised equipment, such as armor or any form of chariot. We can cast an exemptionary spell on any such equipment you desire, in you let us know. Ley Line will not be included in the casting, but she will have the knowledge of the triggers necessary to alter the spells, if needed. I don't want to strand good, faithful ponies in a situation where they need the spell removed. Whatever the case may be.

And yes, they can still touch the ground. I know you were going to ask that. That is a stupid enough question that you would think it, and maybe even speak it. And I would like to politefully ask that in the future, you not order the College to do something for you. While the princess ordered us to cooperate, that does not mean you operate the entire endeavor. While I may cooperate with you, you have no power here. I do not have to do as you command. If you ask, I might help you. Otherwise?

No

6:03 L.T.

Chief Scribe Short Hoof to Captain Stalwart Bulwark

I would like to open this missive with the reminder that by Article 7 of the Equestrian Charter, the military has no jurisdiction over the civilian government. A friendly reminder.

If not for the current Response situation, to access the information you have requested, I would have had to send you reams of paperwork. Thank Celestia for that not having to have happen.

Previously, there have been four Response 63’s issued. The first was issued in response to Discord. While this might not be an equivalent threat, with Discord ranking a 11.5 Starswirls, this does put the situation into a bit of perspective. The second seems to have occurred around 800 years ago, due to a redacted situation. I have sent a letter to the Princess asking for any information relevant to the current Response, so if any information is unearthed, I will pass it on. The only choice bits of information I have been able to find is that the magnitude of power given was exactly a nine. As well, the Princess readied all branches of government but refused to let any of them help her. All Guards were tasked to the “Civilian Defence” and nothing else. Thirdly was the Draconic-Griffin War. The fourth is a mystery. A spike in readings, up to a 9 exactly, but no more. Princess Celestia called a Response 63, but it says in the Archives that she said, “There is no need for any preventative measures, besides defense from roaming power parasites.” It was reported as well that the sun shone brighter that week then it ever has, before or since.

Two wars, an undiscovered event, and a happy Princess. If I were in your position, and thank Celestia’s left flank I’m not, I would ready the Guard for combat. Odds are this is not a good sign.

7:04 L.T.

Collegiate Mana Reserve to Chief Scribe Short Hoof

That freaking mule! Ordering us around, like she has control over us! By Celestia, that mare should be fired. If not for the chaos that this response will likely cause, I would have her tried for infringement of the Charter. As much as I hate to admit it, that mare, nay, that goat, gets her job done with great skill.

Have you discovered, in your ordered search, did you run across any spells or countermeasures used to combat or halt any infringement against the populace? If I am expected to halt any malignant approaches, I would like to know of any past spells. Sometimes, things like that are not stored at the Collegiate, so that greedy students cannot get their hooves on the information. While I could probably find the information in the Hidden Library, I don’t see a need to when you might have the information already. Thank you for taking your time away from the strenuous job of paperwork and helping me. It means a lot.

7:10 L.T.

Chief Scribe Short Hoof to Collegiate Mana Reserve

I was unsure of which type of spell you wanted, so I went and collected the most powerful offensive and defensive spells I could find. I'll send over an entire list on the morrow, but until then, here are the most powerful of each type.

Offensive: Stella Percusserit. The details of casting this will be included in the full report, but be warned; this spell takes either two Magi to perform in concert, or Princess Celestia. In effect, it draws down “The wrath of the forgotten one” according to the text. Apparently, this was the Spell used by Collegiate Arcana to end the Draconic-Griffin War. If you want to see its after effects, I would visit Starlit Bay.

Defensive: Solaris Chlamyde: Again, details included in the full report. I found this one in the reports of the second Response 63, when Princess Celestia covered the entire city in a defensive shield to protect against any outside invaders. The colour of the shield changes depending on the caster and the urgency of the need. Another thing about this spell is it gets stronger the brighter it is out. So midday is when it is strongest, and midnight is when it is weakest. Fair warning.

Off the record: Yes, I know she can be a mule. But do please try to cooperate in some degree. Don’t let old wounds fester to the detriment of the rest of Equestria. Let it heal for now.

7:12 L.T.

Collegiate Mana Reserve to Chief Scribe Short Hoof

Thank you for the information. I look forward to receiving the packet, and I will have the Council, including myself, analyze the spells given and try to extract the best for any given scenario. If used these spells could save lives.

Certain wounds can never heal.