Story Shuffle (v.ii) MLP Collectable Card Gameby abrony-mouseChaptersDrag RaceNew PastimesStanding HarmonyRarity in the sky with DiscordDrag RaceAuthor's Note This isn't an ordinary story - it is a synopsis of an MLP episode based on the pony collectable card game elements using the rules set out in the main story page. The words in brackets and the symbols are explained there so you might want to read that first! The cards that made the story: First Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Spike - the brave and glorious Gizelle - thrillseeker; Mega mare - watch your step*; Garble - let's race; Granny smith - family founder; Flitter - flutterer; Cheese shoes* Dilemmas and disruptors Mega mare - watch your step*;Garble - let's race.* Garble - kind of a jerk;Roc - bird of prey. Second Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Scootaloo - cutie mark crusader Pipsqueak - class president*;Scootaloo - most creative; Friendship U*; The smooze - creeping crud; Rescue party cannon cavalry*;Svengallop - heavy-hooved;Rarity - growing up* Dilemmas and disruptors Svengallop - heavy-hooved;Rarity - growing up;Spooky scary story*;The vote*;Golden Gavel - fast talker* Problems elements (brackets = mane character solving each problem) Flooding in sweet apple acres (Scoot); Blackmail (Scoot); Falling rock zone (Spike); Everfree rescue mission* (Spike); Social obligations* (Spike) Misc game elements: Scootaloo was the winner by a reasonable margin Drag Race Drag Race Smolder delivers a very unusual message to Twilight. A large red dragon called Razor is challenging Ember for leadership of the dragons (the vote!) - she claims that ponies have faked friendship with dragons (Friendship U) in order to weaken them so that ponies can take over the dragon lands. Twilight remembers that this is the same Razor whose smoke blanketed Ponyville years ago and who left in tears after Flutters told her off (Svengallop - heavy-hooved; Pipsqueak - class president*). Ember is angered by the challenge and threatens to stoke up pony opposition by revealing that Razor once attacked Twilight and her friends (Blackmail). To calm things down Twilight and her friends all try to persuade Razor to drop her challenge (Golden Gavel - fast talker*) but Razor doesn't listen (Garble - kind of a jerk). A large number of dragons, including Garble, disaffected with Ember's pony-friendly approach, follow Razor as Ember's rival (Pipsqueak - class president*) and Ember doubts herself - questioning whether she is really destined to be the dragon lord. Rather than risk a conflict (Falling rock zone) Ember goes into exile. Spike tries to cheer up a despondent Ember (Spike - the brave and glorious; Everfree rescue mission) but she is inconsolable and he turns to Twilight and her friends for help (Rescue party), but no one can lift her spirits, since she feels a failure in the one thing she felt was most right for her. One day, moping around Ponyville Ember bumps in Scootaloo (Scootaloo - cutie mark crusader), they get talking and she explains her plight and, disarmed by the feisty little filly, the proud dragoness cries (Flooding in sweet apple acres). Scoot is of course upset by the tale of dragons (Spooky scary story*) but she is not the naive foal she once was (Rarity - growing up) and knows that she must help Spike's friend to recapture her destiny (Social obligations*). Scoot asks herself what her competitive idol Rainbow Dash would do, but dismisses the idea of having a race (cannon cavalry*; Garble - let's race), since it could lead to violence. Instead she decides that something more creative is needed (Scootaloo - most creative) and hits on the idea of a horde-off: the dragon with the best horde wins (The smooze - creeping crud). Razor agrees to the horde off. The red dragon starts strong, using her size to bully dragons into giving her their hordes and her bold approach appears to work at first (Gizelle - thrillseeker). However, it soon begins to alienate her from her supporters (Mega mare - watch your step*). Ultimately she steals from the horde of something even bigger than her - a Roc - and is captured by the angry behemoth (Roc - bird of prey). Ember, meanwhile, negotiates for her horde - drawing on artefacts from all creatures, even breezies (Flitter - flutterer). The horde she amasses gradually begins to outmatch Razor's, including things strange, arcane and... silly (Cheese shoes). In the end there can only be one winner and Ember is accepted as not only the dragon lord but the founder of a new dragon era (Granny smith - family founder). "Dear Princess Celestia... um..." Ember begins, but stops - uncomfortable with the ponyish tradition of writing about friendship to Celestia. Spike helps her out, explaining to the pony Princess that it is natural for a creature to doubt their destiny, and that friendship is about being there in those moments. "Um... also we need Roc repellent... to help Razor because Spike says," Scootaloo interrupts her, shaking her head - Ember rolls her eyes and continues, "I mean because-new-dragon-era and stuff." she garbles, but gives a lil smile all the same :3 New PastimesAuthor's Note This isn't an ordinary story - it is a synopsis of an MLP episode based on the pony collectable card game elements using the rules set out in the page introducing this story (where all the chapters are). The words in brackets and the symbols are explained there so you might want to read that first! 1st Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Trixie - Tricks of the trade Twilight Sparkle & Silverstream - eager to learn;Dream network;Trixie - smoke and mirrors*; Starlight Glimmer - guidance counsellor*;Join the herd*;Make-over*; Party favor - balloon master;Snips and snails - stage magicians*;Snips and snails - problem solvers;Scope things out Dilemmas and disruptors Jest clowning around*Changeling Barricade*; Detention;A hasty retreat;Belly flop; Discord - captain wuzz;Rarity - hoarder*; Frozen in magicite 2nd Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Starlight glimmer - time of her life Starlight glimmer - apprentice sorcerer; Truffle - newsworthy; Starlight glimmer - taking charge*;Professor flintheart - potions master; Starlight Glimmer - magic instructor Dilemmas and disruptors Similo duplexis*;Starlight glimmer - snowfall frost*; Quibble pants - non-believer*; Nightmare scenario**;Twilight sparkle - zeroed out*; Cutie pox scare;* Starlight glimmer - apocalypse now; Jet set and upper crust;Luna's future; Sneak attack**Quarray eels; Pugwdgie; Napcakes;The smooze - creeping crud; Tirek's reign of terror;Skeleton soldiers - necromancy is magic Problems elements Infiltrating the hive*;Thrash the throne*;Traitor!;Halfway across equestria*; Dark magic surge Misc elements (CCG knowledge required) Starlight won Very long game Immediate spam Ran through to discard pile Big turn around by Starlight to win the gae Mistakes by Trixie + colour requirements often not met ('colour screw') New Pastimes New Pastimes In a tale of darkness, redemption, and - of course - friendship, Starlight and Trixie just about manage to overcome their demons and complete their first DnD (Ogres and Oubliettes) campaign... (TBC) Discord suggests that he and his fellow defenders of Equestria, Trixie and Starlight, get to know each other better over a friendly game of Ogres & Obliettes (Discord - captain wuzz). Starlight is reluctant at first, given all the trouble she has had from Discord, but relents when Trixie expresses enthusiasm for the game (Twilight Sparkle & Silverstream - eager to learn) and stands up for DIscord as a fellow reformed villain (Join the herd*). With a snap of Discord's talon the campaign begins, but - given that it is Discord's game, all is not what it seems - both Trixie and Starlight start out separately with a companion NPC: changelings that impersonate Starlight and Trixie respectively (Infiltrating the hive*; Similo duplexis*). Starlight begins as an apprentice sorcerer of Discordia (Starlight glimmer - apprentice sorcerer) and is among a number of adventurers tasked by the captain of the guard to capture the devious Moxile Outlain - a renowned trickster and thief who has stolen a priceless relic (Trixie - smoke and mirrors*; Make-over*). Trixie begins as an apprentice rogue from Celestinople - part of a team tasked to return an relic sacred to the great Eastern city. With the rest of her team dead, she must evade capture and return with the relic alone but for her 'friend' Starlight - actually a changeling. Both Trixie and Starlight start by seeking guidance from what they assume to be their friend (Starlight Glimmer - guidance counsellor*). When Trixie suggests to changeling-Starlight that they return the artefact to explore Discordia, Starlight acts shocked and angry and Trixie immediately becomes suspicious of this new humourless companion (Quibble pants - non-believer*). Their 'planning' is mostly prickly bickering (Pugwudgie). In contrast, Starlight happily accepts her quest and plans with changeling-Trixie without suspecting (Snips and snails - problem solvers). Starlight and changeling-Trixie easily dispatch a necromancer suspected of aiding Moxile Outlain (Skeleton soldiers - necromancy is magic). Following leads, they traverse sewers filled with sentient slimes (The smooze - creeping crud) and explore caves haunted by savage critters (Quarray eels) encouraged by prophetic dreams of destiny (Dream network). Their exploits become the talk of the land (Truffle - newsworthy), they loot mercilessly (Rarity - hoarder*) and level up even the most obscure skills (Party favor - balloon master). Starlight generally enjoys herself (Starlight glimmer - time of her life). Meanwhile Trixie and changeling-Starlight start out badly by almost dying to a manticore who overhears them arguing (A hasty retreat) only for Trixie to fail a nature check and fall into a swamp as they rush away (Belly flop). From that start Trixie's campaign goes from bad to worse. Changeling-Starlight tries to help (Starlight Glimmer - magic instructor; Starlight glimmer - taking charge*) but Trixie ignores 'her'. When Trixie's character falls into a patch of poison joke (Cutie pox scare*) she finally snaps and declares she is done with the game (Twilight sparkle - zoned out*). Seeing Trixie upset, Discord reluctantly ends the game and explains his ruse (Jest clowning around). Starlight is angry with Trixie for being a spoilsport (Starlight glimmer - snowfall frost*) while Trixie is angry that Starlight had so much fun playing with Discord and suggests that maybe Discord and Starlight should be friends instead if they are so close (Traitor!). Starlight becomes truly enraged by this and in a surge of anger screams that maybe Trixie is right (Starlight glimmer - apocalypse now; Dark magic surge). Discord begins to think that they might actually end their friendship and is upset (Luna's future). Starlight, calming a little after the outburst and upon seeing Discord is upset, apologises to Trixie. She has an idea as to how to rescue the game - she senses that Trixie might prefer to be centre-stage as dungeon master (Scope things out) and therefore suggests that Trixie set an adventure for both her and Discord. Trixie is sullen at first but eventually accepts the apology. They agree to suspend the game (Napcakes) but set a date for next week. Trixie spends the week cackling evilly with plans for her session (Nightmare scenario**). Discord's archer and Starlight's apprentice wade through a plot full of changelings and trickery (Changeling Barricade*) verbal fencing with imperious mages (Professor flintheart - potions master) and sneery nobles (Jet set and upper crust) and imprisonment by guards (Detention). They travel Trixietopia for hundreds of miles on a lead (Halfway across equestria*) only for it to prove false. Eventually they storm the throne room (Thrash the throne*) of the evil king who has been torturing the population (Tirek's reign of terror) only to find that the real villain was not the evil king but the queen of Trixietopia (Sneak attack**) who had been playing everypony for foals. In a close battle the evil queen wins due to her Great and Powerful Magic (Frozen in magicite) and her devout wizard minions (Snips and snails - stage magicians*). Trixie gloats insufferably at the time, but the three continue to play Ogres and Oubliettes together for many years after and it forms another strand to their unusual friendship :3 Starlight Glimmer: "Dear Princess Celestia" when making friends with others sometimes we end up being our own worst enemy. When they do us wrong we can become so wrapped up in the moment that we forget to forgive. Today I learned that friendship requires trust - in them, and in our judgement about them as our friend. Ultimately, despite their flaws you have to create the space for a true friend to show you why they were your friend in the first place... just as when I show them my flaws I must let them help me to believe that I can still be the pony they befriended. Standing HarmonyAuthor's Note This isn't an ordinary story - it is a synopsis of an MLP episode based on the pony collectable card game elements using the rules set out in the main story page. The words in brackets and the symbols are explained there so you might want to read that first! The cards that made the story: First Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Discord – no trouble Critters (music in treetops)*;Discord - Sneaky snake*; Big mac – bark worse than bite* Tom – roling rock *2 Defenders of equestria; Sonata Dusk – siren’s call* Dilemmas and disruptors Tough love* , foodfight* Spike – excessive; Squizard*; Starlight glimmer – exposed inequality*; Industrial revolution* Second Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Octavia – standing ovation Daisy, lily and roseluck*; Appblebloom - remarkable; Royal peacekeeper*!; Rarity generous pony*; Matilda full of hope*; Dance fever – dancing machine; Fancy pants – respected aristocrat*; Aloe - magic touch*; Braeburn – good seed; Hughbert jellius – sticking around; Joe – sticky glaze*!; Solo performance; Hearts as strong as horses*; It’s gonna work* Problems elements (brackets = mane character solving each problem) 2Mob mentality* (Discord) equal or else (Octavia); blankest flanks (Octavia), trading traditions (Discord); Emergency dress order (Discord); Unreasonable demands (Octavia); Utterly transformed (Octavia); pony napped* (Discord) Misc game elements:Discord was the winner but it was a very close game. Standing Harmony Discord (Discord – mostly harmless) complains that Equestria has not sent a friendship ambassador to the chaos dimension and accuses Celestia of negligently failing to appease a dangerous neighbour (Defenders of equestria) as well as bias against chaotic creatures (Starlight – exposed inequality; Equal or else). Against the advice of her royal guard (Royal peacekeeper) Celestia decides to send a delegation (Rarity -generous pony), but – not knowing much about the chaos realm - she consults Discord on the sorts of creatures that live there and what they would like to see (Trading Traditions). Discord tells her, truthfully, that chaotic creatures love music and so Celestia decides to send a musical delegation (Octavia – Standing Ovation; Emergency dress order). Discord invites the delegation to the premeire event of the chaos realm’s calendar – the “Great Gallumping Gaga” (Dance fever – dancing machine). What Discord fails to mention (Discord - Sneaky snake) is that the patrons of the Gaga are extremely snooty about harmony – which they see as the height of bad taste (Fancy pants – respected aristocrat). At first all is well as the patrons applaud the soloists (Solo performance) but as the band begin to join in the song (Hearts as strong as horses, Its gonna work, Music in treetops) the crowd begin to praise their talent (Blankest flanks) and some desultory clapping breaks out (Mob Mentality) – a sign of deep disdain in chaos-land. The ponies stubbornly play on (Hughbert jellius – sticking around) until the crowd become so incensed that they rise to a standing ovation and throw roses onto the stage - equivalent to throwing rotten vegetables in chaos-land (Foodfight; Tom – rolling rock). Some of the more nervous members of the delegation try to bolt (Daisy, lily and roseluck – wilt under pressure). Discord is angry: at the Gaga-goers for not giving harmony a chance and at the ponies who gave up on harmony. He sticks the scared ponies in place (Joe – sticky glaze) and scares the patrons into backing down (Big mac – bark worse than bite). He requests that the ponies try a new piece, which he invents on the spot (Unreasonable demands) and sends them away to learn it. Most of the musical ponies are unable to comprehend the piece and the frightened fillies from before plan to defy their orders and leave (Industrial revolution). Eventually only one virtuoso, a cellist named Octavia, remains (Braeburn – good seed; Matilda full of hope; Appblebloom - re-markable). Once Discord finds that some of the ponies have left he captures and returns them (Ponynapped), transforming them into instruments for good measure (Utterly transformed; Aloe - magic touch; Tough love; Spike - excessive). Discord produces a few musicians of his own as replacements, including a siren singer (Sonata Dusk – siren’s call) and a squid drummer (Squizard). The show resumes with the virtuoso and replacements. Most of the choas denizens remain unimpressed by the music, but a few give harmony a chance - impressed by Discord's effort to spread harmony in the void. "How does it go again... ah yes. Dear," Discord begins but is immediately cut off by a flash of magic and the appearance in his home of a funny brown creature with antlers with a familiar wavy mane... “Yes it is I, Celestia, Princess of the Deers,” she says to an astonished Discord. "And today I learned from my friend Discord that it is when your friends seem most unlike you and when your are least connected, that friendship is most important and the struggle to understand each other is at its most profound." A gobsmacked Discord can only watch as the deer then gaily prances out of his door to a fanfare of transformed musical instruments. Rarity in the sky with DiscordAuthor's Note This isn't an ordinary story - it is a synopsis of an MLP episode based on the pony collectable card game elements using the rules set out in the page introducing this story (where all the chapters are). The words in brackets and the symbols are explained there so you might want to read that first! 1st Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Rarity - Dress maker Sweetiebelle - just a snag; Heart of the sea; Saphire shores - costume changer; Matilda - full of hope; Photo finish - fashion forward; Magic wings; Saphire shores - glitz and glam* Prince blueblood - loudmouth*; Saphire shores - star of the show; Fashion show* Dilemmas and disruptors Winter wrap up*; Invasion of the changelings; Cold wave 2nd Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Discord - bending the rules. cutie mark vault; scope things out; Dream network; Twilight - element of magic; enchanting duet; Truffle - newsworthy; royal guidance; Dilemmas and disruptors rock, paper, scissors, shoot; Berry punch off balance; ponyville emergency; frozen in ; rarity hoarder; magicite; twittermites; AB Shadow; squizard; cutie pox outbreak; Problems elements A stitch in time (Discord); Trading traditions (rarity); deep dark forest (discord); Misc elements Discord won - fairly close Rarity in the sky with Discord Rarity in the sky with discord Rarity wants to publicise a concert headed by her sister (Sweetie-belle just a snag; enchanting duet; Rarity - hoarder). She knows better than to support her sibling directly and reaches out to her friends for help, but unfortunately they are busy (A stitch in time; Rarity - dressmaker) - all, that is, apart from Discord, who seems to be all too ready to help (Discord - bending the rules). After Discord relates one of Sweetie's particularly chaotic practice performances to Rarity (Berry punch - off balance; Rock, paper, scissors, shoot), Rarity is dubious about Sweetie's success and seeks to help in the way only she can: costume (Saphire shores - costume changer). Rarity asks Discord to suggest a better costume (Magic wings; Fashion show) and he thinks for a while and talks to Sweetie about a radical new direction... The next day a new exclusive release of the latest band is announced in Ponyville - the Bluesbloods (Prince Blueblood - Loudmouth). Rarity watches in horror as her magically changed (Frozen in magicite; Twilight - element of magic) sister arrives at the venue looking like the lead singer of a Colt Band (think Justin Bieber), with a big diamond hanging by a chain round her now stallionly chest. 'She' appears every bit like a bratty colt band member - down to the luggage 'she' has in toe (Stack of suitcases). Rarity's horror deepens when she sees Sweetie croon like a stallion in front of the mares in ponyville (Saphire shores - star of the show; Photo finish - fashion forward; invasion of the changelings). Rarity storms to Fluttershy's house (Rarity - truly outrageous), where he quips that he was just following Rarity's advice of radically changing Sweetie's costume which incidentally also involved changing her gender and personality. Eventually, with Fluttershy acting appeaser (Enchanting Duet), Discord tells her that to remove the curse she needs to shatter the diamond around Sweetie's neck (Heart of the sea). Rarity shatters the diamond and the glamour is lifted. Rarity is about to commiserate about Discord's perfidy but Sweetie slaps away her hoof (Cold wave). Sweetie explains that she had not been enchanted by Discord and did not want to appear like a stallion, but was happy with the glamour. Sweetie had hoped that Rarity would see the funny side and not take her singing too seriously (Matilda - full of hope). "Dear princess celestia... wait what could I, the spirit of Discord, possibly teach a pony about friendship?" Rarity begins to object, but Discord continues. "Well we learned that fantasy is fun (Squizard; Twittermites) but real friendship is better than fun. Rarity's real sister isn't anything like the fun fantasy sister in Rarity's head (Invasion of the changelings; AB - shadow) - even ponies need to be careful not to let their fun fantasy replace the real ponies they have in front of them." He drops an imaginary mic (Winter wrap up).
Drag RaceAuthor's Note This isn't an ordinary story - it is a synopsis of an MLP episode based on the pony collectable card game elements using the rules set out in the main story page. The words in brackets and the symbols are explained there so you might want to read that first! The cards that made the story: First Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Spike - the brave and glorious Gizelle - thrillseeker; Mega mare - watch your step*; Garble - let's race; Granny smith - family founder; Flitter - flutterer; Cheese shoes* Dilemmas and disruptors Mega mare - watch your step*;Garble - let's race.* Garble - kind of a jerk;Roc - bird of prey. Second Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Scootaloo - cutie mark crusader Pipsqueak - class president*;Scootaloo - most creative; Friendship U*; The smooze - creeping crud; Rescue party cannon cavalry*;Svengallop - heavy-hooved;Rarity - growing up* Dilemmas and disruptors Svengallop - heavy-hooved;Rarity - growing up;Spooky scary story*;The vote*;Golden Gavel - fast talker* Problems elements (brackets = mane character solving each problem) Flooding in sweet apple acres (Scoot); Blackmail (Scoot); Falling rock zone (Spike); Everfree rescue mission* (Spike); Social obligations* (Spike) Misc game elements: Scootaloo was the winner by a reasonable margin Drag Race Drag Race Smolder delivers a very unusual message to Twilight. A large red dragon called Razor is challenging Ember for leadership of the dragons (the vote!) - she claims that ponies have faked friendship with dragons (Friendship U) in order to weaken them so that ponies can take over the dragon lands. Twilight remembers that this is the same Razor whose smoke blanketed Ponyville years ago and who left in tears after Flutters told her off (Svengallop - heavy-hooved; Pipsqueak - class president*). Ember is angered by the challenge and threatens to stoke up pony opposition by revealing that Razor once attacked Twilight and her friends (Blackmail). To calm things down Twilight and her friends all try to persuade Razor to drop her challenge (Golden Gavel - fast talker*) but Razor doesn't listen (Garble - kind of a jerk). A large number of dragons, including Garble, disaffected with Ember's pony-friendly approach, follow Razor as Ember's rival (Pipsqueak - class president*) and Ember doubts herself - questioning whether she is really destined to be the dragon lord. Rather than risk a conflict (Falling rock zone) Ember goes into exile. Spike tries to cheer up a despondent Ember (Spike - the brave and glorious; Everfree rescue mission) but she is inconsolable and he turns to Twilight and her friends for help (Rescue party), but no one can lift her spirits, since she feels a failure in the one thing she felt was most right for her. One day, moping around Ponyville Ember bumps in Scootaloo (Scootaloo - cutie mark crusader), they get talking and she explains her plight and, disarmed by the feisty little filly, the proud dragoness cries (Flooding in sweet apple acres). Scoot is of course upset by the tale of dragons (Spooky scary story*) but she is not the naive foal she once was (Rarity - growing up) and knows that she must help Spike's friend to recapture her destiny (Social obligations*). Scoot asks herself what her competitive idol Rainbow Dash would do, but dismisses the idea of having a race (cannon cavalry*; Garble - let's race), since it could lead to violence. Instead she decides that something more creative is needed (Scootaloo - most creative) and hits on the idea of a horde-off: the dragon with the best horde wins (The smooze - creeping crud). Razor agrees to the horde off. The red dragon starts strong, using her size to bully dragons into giving her their hordes and her bold approach appears to work at first (Gizelle - thrillseeker). However, it soon begins to alienate her from her supporters (Mega mare - watch your step*). Ultimately she steals from the horde of something even bigger than her - a Roc - and is captured by the angry behemoth (Roc - bird of prey). Ember, meanwhile, negotiates for her horde - drawing on artefacts from all creatures, even breezies (Flitter - flutterer). The horde she amasses gradually begins to outmatch Razor's, including things strange, arcane and... silly (Cheese shoes). In the end there can only be one winner and Ember is accepted as not only the dragon lord but the founder of a new dragon era (Granny smith - family founder). "Dear Princess Celestia... um..." Ember begins, but stops - uncomfortable with the ponyish tradition of writing about friendship to Celestia. Spike helps her out, explaining to the pony Princess that it is natural for a creature to doubt their destiny, and that friendship is about being there in those moments. "Um... also we need Roc repellent... to help Razor because Spike says," Scootaloo interrupts her, shaking her head - Ember rolls her eyes and continues, "I mean because-new-dragon-era and stuff." she garbles, but gives a lil smile all the same :3
New PastimesAuthor's Note This isn't an ordinary story - it is a synopsis of an MLP episode based on the pony collectable card game elements using the rules set out in the page introducing this story (where all the chapters are). The words in brackets and the symbols are explained there so you might want to read that first! 1st Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Trixie - Tricks of the trade Twilight Sparkle & Silverstream - eager to learn;Dream network;Trixie - smoke and mirrors*; Starlight Glimmer - guidance counsellor*;Join the herd*;Make-over*; Party favor - balloon master;Snips and snails - stage magicians*;Snips and snails - problem solvers;Scope things out Dilemmas and disruptors Jest clowning around*Changeling Barricade*; Detention;A hasty retreat;Belly flop; Discord - captain wuzz;Rarity - hoarder*; Frozen in magicite 2nd Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Starlight glimmer - time of her life Starlight glimmer - apprentice sorcerer; Truffle - newsworthy; Starlight glimmer - taking charge*;Professor flintheart - potions master; Starlight Glimmer - magic instructor Dilemmas and disruptors Similo duplexis*;Starlight glimmer - snowfall frost*; Quibble pants - non-believer*; Nightmare scenario**;Twilight sparkle - zeroed out*; Cutie pox scare;* Starlight glimmer - apocalypse now; Jet set and upper crust;Luna's future; Sneak attack**Quarray eels; Pugwdgie; Napcakes;The smooze - creeping crud; Tirek's reign of terror;Skeleton soldiers - necromancy is magic Problems elements Infiltrating the hive*;Thrash the throne*;Traitor!;Halfway across equestria*; Dark magic surge Misc elements (CCG knowledge required) Starlight won Very long game Immediate spam Ran through to discard pile Big turn around by Starlight to win the gae Mistakes by Trixie + colour requirements often not met ('colour screw') New Pastimes New Pastimes In a tale of darkness, redemption, and - of course - friendship, Starlight and Trixie just about manage to overcome their demons and complete their first DnD (Ogres and Oubliettes) campaign... (TBC) Discord suggests that he and his fellow defenders of Equestria, Trixie and Starlight, get to know each other better over a friendly game of Ogres & Obliettes (Discord - captain wuzz). Starlight is reluctant at first, given all the trouble she has had from Discord, but relents when Trixie expresses enthusiasm for the game (Twilight Sparkle & Silverstream - eager to learn) and stands up for DIscord as a fellow reformed villain (Join the herd*). With a snap of Discord's talon the campaign begins, but - given that it is Discord's game, all is not what it seems - both Trixie and Starlight start out separately with a companion NPC: changelings that impersonate Starlight and Trixie respectively (Infiltrating the hive*; Similo duplexis*). Starlight begins as an apprentice sorcerer of Discordia (Starlight glimmer - apprentice sorcerer) and is among a number of adventurers tasked by the captain of the guard to capture the devious Moxile Outlain - a renowned trickster and thief who has stolen a priceless relic (Trixie - smoke and mirrors*; Make-over*). Trixie begins as an apprentice rogue from Celestinople - part of a team tasked to return an relic sacred to the great Eastern city. With the rest of her team dead, she must evade capture and return with the relic alone but for her 'friend' Starlight - actually a changeling. Both Trixie and Starlight start by seeking guidance from what they assume to be their friend (Starlight Glimmer - guidance counsellor*). When Trixie suggests to changeling-Starlight that they return the artefact to explore Discordia, Starlight acts shocked and angry and Trixie immediately becomes suspicious of this new humourless companion (Quibble pants - non-believer*). Their 'planning' is mostly prickly bickering (Pugwudgie). In contrast, Starlight happily accepts her quest and plans with changeling-Trixie without suspecting (Snips and snails - problem solvers). Starlight and changeling-Trixie easily dispatch a necromancer suspected of aiding Moxile Outlain (Skeleton soldiers - necromancy is magic). Following leads, they traverse sewers filled with sentient slimes (The smooze - creeping crud) and explore caves haunted by savage critters (Quarray eels) encouraged by prophetic dreams of destiny (Dream network). Their exploits become the talk of the land (Truffle - newsworthy), they loot mercilessly (Rarity - hoarder*) and level up even the most obscure skills (Party favor - balloon master). Starlight generally enjoys herself (Starlight glimmer - time of her life). Meanwhile Trixie and changeling-Starlight start out badly by almost dying to a manticore who overhears them arguing (A hasty retreat) only for Trixie to fail a nature check and fall into a swamp as they rush away (Belly flop). From that start Trixie's campaign goes from bad to worse. Changeling-Starlight tries to help (Starlight Glimmer - magic instructor; Starlight glimmer - taking charge*) but Trixie ignores 'her'. When Trixie's character falls into a patch of poison joke (Cutie pox scare*) she finally snaps and declares she is done with the game (Twilight sparkle - zoned out*). Seeing Trixie upset, Discord reluctantly ends the game and explains his ruse (Jest clowning around). Starlight is angry with Trixie for being a spoilsport (Starlight glimmer - snowfall frost*) while Trixie is angry that Starlight had so much fun playing with Discord and suggests that maybe Discord and Starlight should be friends instead if they are so close (Traitor!). Starlight becomes truly enraged by this and in a surge of anger screams that maybe Trixie is right (Starlight glimmer - apocalypse now; Dark magic surge). Discord begins to think that they might actually end their friendship and is upset (Luna's future). Starlight, calming a little after the outburst and upon seeing Discord is upset, apologises to Trixie. She has an idea as to how to rescue the game - she senses that Trixie might prefer to be centre-stage as dungeon master (Scope things out) and therefore suggests that Trixie set an adventure for both her and Discord. Trixie is sullen at first but eventually accepts the apology. They agree to suspend the game (Napcakes) but set a date for next week. Trixie spends the week cackling evilly with plans for her session (Nightmare scenario**). Discord's archer and Starlight's apprentice wade through a plot full of changelings and trickery (Changeling Barricade*) verbal fencing with imperious mages (Professor flintheart - potions master) and sneery nobles (Jet set and upper crust) and imprisonment by guards (Detention). They travel Trixietopia for hundreds of miles on a lead (Halfway across equestria*) only for it to prove false. Eventually they storm the throne room (Thrash the throne*) of the evil king who has been torturing the population (Tirek's reign of terror) only to find that the real villain was not the evil king but the queen of Trixietopia (Sneak attack**) who had been playing everypony for foals. In a close battle the evil queen wins due to her Great and Powerful Magic (Frozen in magicite) and her devout wizard minions (Snips and snails - stage magicians*). Trixie gloats insufferably at the time, but the three continue to play Ogres and Oubliettes together for many years after and it forms another strand to their unusual friendship :3 Starlight Glimmer: "Dear Princess Celestia" when making friends with others sometimes we end up being our own worst enemy. When they do us wrong we can become so wrapped up in the moment that we forget to forgive. Today I learned that friendship requires trust - in them, and in our judgement about them as our friend. Ultimately, despite their flaws you have to create the space for a true friend to show you why they were your friend in the first place... just as when I show them my flaws I must let them help me to believe that I can still be the pony they befriended.
Standing HarmonyAuthor's Note This isn't an ordinary story - it is a synopsis of an MLP episode based on the pony collectable card game elements using the rules set out in the main story page. The words in brackets and the symbols are explained there so you might want to read that first! The cards that made the story: First Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Discord – no trouble Critters (music in treetops)*;Discord - Sneaky snake*; Big mac – bark worse than bite* Tom – roling rock *2 Defenders of equestria; Sonata Dusk – siren’s call* Dilemmas and disruptors Tough love* , foodfight* Spike – excessive; Squizard*; Starlight glimmer – exposed inequality*; Industrial revolution* Second Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Octavia – standing ovation Daisy, lily and roseluck*; Appblebloom - remarkable; Royal peacekeeper*!; Rarity generous pony*; Matilda full of hope*; Dance fever – dancing machine; Fancy pants – respected aristocrat*; Aloe - magic touch*; Braeburn – good seed; Hughbert jellius – sticking around; Joe – sticky glaze*!; Solo performance; Hearts as strong as horses*; It’s gonna work* Problems elements (brackets = mane character solving each problem) 2Mob mentality* (Discord) equal or else (Octavia); blankest flanks (Octavia), trading traditions (Discord); Emergency dress order (Discord); Unreasonable demands (Octavia); Utterly transformed (Octavia); pony napped* (Discord) Misc game elements:Discord was the winner but it was a very close game. Standing Harmony Discord (Discord – mostly harmless) complains that Equestria has not sent a friendship ambassador to the chaos dimension and accuses Celestia of negligently failing to appease a dangerous neighbour (Defenders of equestria) as well as bias against chaotic creatures (Starlight – exposed inequality; Equal or else). Against the advice of her royal guard (Royal peacekeeper) Celestia decides to send a delegation (Rarity -generous pony), but – not knowing much about the chaos realm - she consults Discord on the sorts of creatures that live there and what they would like to see (Trading Traditions). Discord tells her, truthfully, that chaotic creatures love music and so Celestia decides to send a musical delegation (Octavia – Standing Ovation; Emergency dress order). Discord invites the delegation to the premeire event of the chaos realm’s calendar – the “Great Gallumping Gaga” (Dance fever – dancing machine). What Discord fails to mention (Discord - Sneaky snake) is that the patrons of the Gaga are extremely snooty about harmony – which they see as the height of bad taste (Fancy pants – respected aristocrat). At first all is well as the patrons applaud the soloists (Solo performance) but as the band begin to join in the song (Hearts as strong as horses, Its gonna work, Music in treetops) the crowd begin to praise their talent (Blankest flanks) and some desultory clapping breaks out (Mob Mentality) – a sign of deep disdain in chaos-land. The ponies stubbornly play on (Hughbert jellius – sticking around) until the crowd become so incensed that they rise to a standing ovation and throw roses onto the stage - equivalent to throwing rotten vegetables in chaos-land (Foodfight; Tom – rolling rock). Some of the more nervous members of the delegation try to bolt (Daisy, lily and roseluck – wilt under pressure). Discord is angry: at the Gaga-goers for not giving harmony a chance and at the ponies who gave up on harmony. He sticks the scared ponies in place (Joe – sticky glaze) and scares the patrons into backing down (Big mac – bark worse than bite). He requests that the ponies try a new piece, which he invents on the spot (Unreasonable demands) and sends them away to learn it. Most of the musical ponies are unable to comprehend the piece and the frightened fillies from before plan to defy their orders and leave (Industrial revolution). Eventually only one virtuoso, a cellist named Octavia, remains (Braeburn – good seed; Matilda full of hope; Appblebloom - re-markable). Once Discord finds that some of the ponies have left he captures and returns them (Ponynapped), transforming them into instruments for good measure (Utterly transformed; Aloe - magic touch; Tough love; Spike - excessive). Discord produces a few musicians of his own as replacements, including a siren singer (Sonata Dusk – siren’s call) and a squid drummer (Squizard). The show resumes with the virtuoso and replacements. Most of the choas denizens remain unimpressed by the music, but a few give harmony a chance - impressed by Discord's effort to spread harmony in the void. "How does it go again... ah yes. Dear," Discord begins but is immediately cut off by a flash of magic and the appearance in his home of a funny brown creature with antlers with a familiar wavy mane... “Yes it is I, Celestia, Princess of the Deers,” she says to an astonished Discord. "And today I learned from my friend Discord that it is when your friends seem most unlike you and when your are least connected, that friendship is most important and the struggle to understand each other is at its most profound." A gobsmacked Discord can only watch as the deer then gaily prances out of his door to a fanfare of transformed musical instruments.
Rarity in the sky with DiscordAuthor's Note This isn't an ordinary story - it is a synopsis of an MLP episode based on the pony collectable card game elements using the rules set out in the page introducing this story (where all the chapters are). The words in brackets and the symbols are explained there so you might want to read that first! 1st Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Rarity - Dress maker Sweetiebelle - just a snag; Heart of the sea; Saphire shores - costume changer; Matilda - full of hope; Photo finish - fashion forward; Magic wings; Saphire shores - glitz and glam* Prince blueblood - loudmouth*; Saphire shores - star of the show; Fashion show* Dilemmas and disruptors Winter wrap up*; Invasion of the changelings; Cold wave 2nd Mane character, character element, character theme and helpful events: Discord - bending the rules. cutie mark vault; scope things out; Dream network; Twilight - element of magic; enchanting duet; Truffle - newsworthy; royal guidance; Dilemmas and disruptors rock, paper, scissors, shoot; Berry punch off balance; ponyville emergency; frozen in ; rarity hoarder; magicite; twittermites; AB Shadow; squizard; cutie pox outbreak; Problems elements A stitch in time (Discord); Trading traditions (rarity); deep dark forest (discord); Misc elements Discord won - fairly close Rarity in the sky with Discord Rarity in the sky with discord Rarity wants to publicise a concert headed by her sister (Sweetie-belle just a snag; enchanting duet; Rarity - hoarder). She knows better than to support her sibling directly and reaches out to her friends for help, but unfortunately they are busy (A stitch in time; Rarity - dressmaker) - all, that is, apart from Discord, who seems to be all too ready to help (Discord - bending the rules). After Discord relates one of Sweetie's particularly chaotic practice performances to Rarity (Berry punch - off balance; Rock, paper, scissors, shoot), Rarity is dubious about Sweetie's success and seeks to help in the way only she can: costume (Saphire shores - costume changer). Rarity asks Discord to suggest a better costume (Magic wings; Fashion show) and he thinks for a while and talks to Sweetie about a radical new direction... The next day a new exclusive release of the latest band is announced in Ponyville - the Bluesbloods (Prince Blueblood - Loudmouth). Rarity watches in horror as her magically changed (Frozen in magicite; Twilight - element of magic) sister arrives at the venue looking like the lead singer of a Colt Band (think Justin Bieber), with a big diamond hanging by a chain round her now stallionly chest. 'She' appears every bit like a bratty colt band member - down to the luggage 'she' has in toe (Stack of suitcases). Rarity's horror deepens when she sees Sweetie croon like a stallion in front of the mares in ponyville (Saphire shores - star of the show; Photo finish - fashion forward; invasion of the changelings). Rarity storms to Fluttershy's house (Rarity - truly outrageous), where he quips that he was just following Rarity's advice of radically changing Sweetie's costume which incidentally also involved changing her gender and personality. Eventually, with Fluttershy acting appeaser (Enchanting Duet), Discord tells her that to remove the curse she needs to shatter the diamond around Sweetie's neck (Heart of the sea). Rarity shatters the diamond and the glamour is lifted. Rarity is about to commiserate about Discord's perfidy but Sweetie slaps away her hoof (Cold wave). Sweetie explains that she had not been enchanted by Discord and did not want to appear like a stallion, but was happy with the glamour. Sweetie had hoped that Rarity would see the funny side and not take her singing too seriously (Matilda - full of hope). "Dear princess celestia... wait what could I, the spirit of Discord, possibly teach a pony about friendship?" Rarity begins to object, but Discord continues. "Well we learned that fantasy is fun (Squizard; Twittermites) but real friendship is better than fun. Rarity's real sister isn't anything like the fun fantasy sister in Rarity's head (Invasion of the changelings; AB - shadow) - even ponies need to be careful not to let their fun fantasy replace the real ponies they have in front of them." He drops an imaginary mic (Winter wrap up).
