Scattered Tales - App Stories from Ponyville Ciderfest!

by MidnightConcerto

Rating: everyone
Tags: Second Person, Octavia, Capper, Random, Adventure, DJ P0N-3, Anthology, Captain Celaeno, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe
Length: 4627

A collection of app stories created by myself, for the interactive weekend at Ponyville Ciderfest 2023!

For those of you who may not know, Ponyville Ciderfest 2023 was a weekend-long interactive game to decide the future of the convention itself. This was brought by writers, artists, cosplayers, editors, staff members, and countless others into a weekend worthy of the history books.

We wanted to make sure that these stories, all this hard work, reached as many members of the MLP community as possible. To that end, these are my own humble offerings from the convention's weekend. Included are the #CodeWords that were used in the Ciderfest app, as well as all the possible outcomes for each story.

I hope you enjoy, and please make sure to read what everypony had to offer.

Note: The App would allow users to enter a username, which would replace the [Username] seen in the stories. I have left them in to keep the stories in their original released condition.

Published 2023-11-22 21:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2023-11-22 21:50:01 UTC

#Cellist - For The Love of Music

For The Love of Music

CodeWord: #Cellist

The Canterlot Symphony Orchestra has put out a call for more musicians to join their ranks. While you aren't a musician yourself, you know the judges always need a few extra hooves to help set up the stage and direct the hopeful applicants during auditions. Having always loved music, you decided to volunteer to help out for the day. While one audition occurred, the next creature in line would wait backstage for their turn, and the one after them would be given time in the makeup room to touch up.

One of the judges looks up at you from a clipboard of names, “Please go and fetch Miss Octavia Melody from the makeup room, and bring her backstage to wait her turn.” Leaning around you, she calls out “Allegra, to the stage!” With a nod, you set off at a brisk walk down the hall to the nearest makeup room. As you cross backstage, you nearly bump into a unicorn hovering a cello beside her.

She looks up at you, with a soft hmph. “They really DO let anyone bumble around these days, don’t they.” She walks around you, holding her nose high. “I recall when this orchestra and its building were reserved for those of grace, beauty, and class.” Not wanting to cause a scene, you bite your tongue and head down the corridor to the nearest makeup room as you had been directed..

You go to knock gently, but find the door already ajar. Poking your head inside the room, you spot a gray earth pony leaning over a table, a pen in her mouth as she mumbles quietly.

“Miss Melody, you'll be up shortly.” She gives no response, and you decide to walk closer and see what has her attention. With a soft gasp, you see she is mere inches from writing on a Page. A closer inspection, you see what must be teardrop stains adorning it. Dropping the pen, she looks up at you with heartbreak in her eyes.

“It isn't fair,” She says softly. “I have tried everything, put my very heart and soul into my performances. Yet, every time, I am denied my dream because my name has no weight to it. Allegra has always been First Chair because she has access to her family, to money, and the elite in Canterlot seem to care more about that than actual skill and passion.” Looking back at the page, she traces it with a hoof.

“Is it so wrong?” She whispers. “The desire to sink to their level, to find my own way to tip the scale? It’s not like anypony would be hurt by it. They'd never even know what I did... ” Her gaze falls back to the Page. “I could finally have my dream…”

[CHOICE] What do you say to her?

“There's nothing wrong with playing at their level; if they fight dirty, you can too.” (Villain)

“You would, but would you really feel like you earned your place? (Hero)

[ENDING A: VILLAIN]

With a nod, she picks up the pen once again in her muzzle, and with several flourishes has written on the Page. The writing flashes for an instant as they turn to magic, and you feel a slight chill in the air. Tucking the page into her saddlebag, Octavia smiles perhaps a bit too broadly, as she stands up and grabs hold of her instrument, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Now then, I do believe it is time to show these ponies exactly who they have been refusing all these years. Thank you, [USERNAME]. I don't plan to let them pass me up again.”

(+1 Page for Villains)

[ENDING B: HERO]

With a grimace, she averts her eyes for a long moment, before slowly nodding. “You're correct. I… I would always know I hadn't truly earned my place among the orchestra. Even if no one else in Equestria was aware, it would haunt me all the same.” Looking over at her cello, she smiled gently. “If I must try until the stars themselves have burned out, I will always be able to say with pride that the playing was my own. Here,” she hoofs the Page over to you “I do believe this will be safer in your hooves than mine.” As you stow the page in your saddlebag, she hugs you gently. “Thank you, [USERNAME]. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a panel of judges to bare my soul to.”

(+1 Page for Heroes)

#WubHorse - Drop the Bass

Drop the Bass

CodeWord: #WubHorse

Recently, you had seen posters put up around town for Vinyl's next performance in Ponyville. With everything going on, you had originally planned to skip the show. After all, with those Pages running amok, having time to attend a party seemed like a distant luxury to you. After walking by numerous posters you decide to stop and take a closer look at one, and this time you can’t help but notice something peculiar: what looks like the corner of a Page sticking out from under the turntable!

You can’t be certain from the poster alone that’s what it is, so you decide to stop by the impromptu stage built near the town’s center. Worst case, you’re wrong and you’ve only spent a couple minutes of time.

The entire town center is full of tables and benches, donated by the Apple Family for the town’s party. Streamers and ribbons, no doubt courtesy of PInkie Pie herself, seem attached to every conceivable surface in every color of the rainbow. Sliding between the volunteers setting everything up, you spot the main stage up ahead already loaded with DJ equipment.

Hopping up onto the stage, you see a pair of white legs sticking out from under the largest speaker. Whoever they belong to is mumbling quietly to themselves, so you decide to wait a moment and see if she happens to notice you. After several minutes, you realize she’s completely engrossed in her work and has no idea you’re standing there. You clear your throat politely to make yourself known, before speaking.

“DJ-Pon3?” You inquire.

A soft thud and several mumbled choice words echo out from under the speaker. A moment later you see several small tools float out from the housing, held in the magenta magic of a unicorn. It doesn’t take long for a figure to join them, sliding out from underneath the speaker. A pair of trademark purple shades answers your question before she does. “Yup! Can I help ya with somethin’?”

Unsure how to phrase the question, your eyes dart over to the deck she has sitting center stage. Seeing the corner of a paper fluttering in the breeze, you raise an eyebrow. The unicorn traces your gaze, letting out a sigh as she realizes what has your attention.

“Look, I know Princess Twilight said wants 'em all back, and that they can be dangerous. But like... Do y' know how much wubtastic power I could add to my set with it! That baby has more magic than any 'f the mana-powered speakers I've seen anywhere in Equestria.” Tapping her forehoof nervously on the floor, she glances back at you. “You uh, y'think maybe I could have it for just one night? I swear I’d only use it to throw the best Dubtrot set anypony has ever witnessed! I would make sure it gets returned right after, I promise!”

[CHOICE]

How do you respond?

One little show couldn't hurt, right? (Chaos)

Return the page, and run the show normally. (Hero)

[ENDING A: CHAOS]

She has a point; after all, as long as she holds onto the Page, you can return it in the morning right? It probably could make her show even more amazing than her usual, and the ponies of the town could absolutely use a distraction from their current problems. “Alright, ONE night, and then we take it back in the morning, okay?”

Her face lights up and she nods enthusiastically. “Awesome! You won't be disappointed!”

As the evening progresses, you can't deny it is one of the best shows you've ever witnessed, and the crowd is loving it. Unfortunately, with the power of the Page, Vinyl keeps pushing the bass louder and louder every track, until eventually the sheer power of it causes the building you're in, and several nearby, to crack and crumble. When the dust clears, the Page is nowhere to be found, and Ponyville is going to have some serious repairs to take care of.

(+1 page for Chaos)

[ENDING B: HERO]

You look between her and the page for a moment, pondering for a moment. “Does the famous DJ Pon-3 really need to use some magical Page to help throw one of the best music sets this town has seen?”

She thinks for a moment, her expression unreadable. After a moment, she smiles apologetically and nods. “Yeah, yeah I guess you're right. Never needed it t’ blow ponies’ minds before, sure don’t need to start cheating now.” Levitating the Page over to you, she sighs wistfully as you take it.

“I gotta say, 's a shame to miss the chance to crank my speaker Wubsy up to an eleven, but I've never needed that sorta stuff to give ponies the time of their life. Get the page to the Princess, [USERNAME], and tell ‘er thanks for the invite to be the DJ tonight .” And with that, she crawls back under the speaker to tinker away, seeming to already forget that you’re standing there. Shoving the Page into your backpack, you set off to return it to Princess Twilight.

(+1 page for Heroes)

#DapperCapper - A More Dapper Capper

A More Dapper Capper

CodeWord: #DapperCapper

With all the commotion happening recently, the Equestrian Mail Service has seen a spike in letters and packages being sent across the country, as ponies intend to hunker down until the trouble with the Pages has passed by. They’ve sent out a call for temporary volunteers to help them meet the demand and catch up on their backlog. With little else to do, you decide to hop in and help out for just a few hours. You and the other ponies and creatures slowly sort through the seemingly endless pile of mail, one piece at a time. Several of the letters look creased and bent, a clear sign that expediency is outweighing care.

One large package, in particular, seems to have been handled a bit… overzealously, and the box is crushed, practically destroyed. Opening it up to check the contents, you see it’s filled with various fabrics, cloth, colored threads, and several upscale-looking coats. A male Abyssinian next to you leans over your shoulder and whistles.

“Well now, if that isn’t just a charming and classy collection of colorful coats and cloth.” He offers you his paw to shake, a broad smile across his face. “Capper’s the name, and fine adornments are most certainly a part of my game. Now then, where is this bountiful box of beauty going, [USERNAME]?”

Turning the remains of the box around in your grip, you can’t seem to spot anything that’s still legible along the outside. Whatever writing or postage that had been attached was long distorted or lost in its transit and mishandling. You mention this to Capper, and ask if there’s any way to find out who was supposed to receive the box. The two of you push through the contents for a moment to look for anything identifying, and he pulls out a beautiful red coat that seems almost perfectly tailored to fit him, despite his tall form. You look at him with a raised eyebrow, not even needing to voice the question on your mind.

He shifts uncomfortably for a moment, avoiding your gaze entirely. “Well, I may have some idea which promising pastel pony these garments were meant for, but who would blame us for holding onto it? We can’t exactly send it with confidence without an address now, can we? I would be absolutely devastated to make such a mistake with shipping these grand garments.” He combs through the remaining pieces, pulling one out that looks to be about your size, give or take a few inches in the length. “And I do believe we would look like quite the dapper duo with these divine dress clothes adorned. Wouldn’t you agree, my fine friend?” Capper looks at you with that broad, playful grin, waiting for your response.

[CHOICE] What do you do?

Ask a bit more firmly if you two can find out where to send it. (Hero)

Agree with him; after all, you would look dapper. (Villain)

[ENDING A: HERO]

You point out that one of the coats is exactly his size, which seems a bit suspicious for a random package. He sighs, seemingly unwilling to argue.

“The only pony who would make something like this as a gift for me would be Miss Rarity. I’m sure all of these are for her work on dresses for the upcoming ceremony. I happen to know her address from the letters she writes.” Together you find a new box and gently repack the materials.

“You know,” he says quietly as you work, “I may have promised to stop being a thief, but… I can’t lie that the thrill sometimes calls to me.” He shoots you an apologetic smile. “Thanks for keepin’ me on the straight and narrow, [USERNAME].”

(+1 Page for Heroes)

[ENDING B: VILLAIN]

Turning the idea over in your head, you nod slowly. “I guess without an address, there’s nothing we can do with it anyway. And it is getting cold out.” Each of you pulls out a coat and dons it, placing the remaining contents into a Lost and Found for someone else to deal with on their own time. Sure, it may add up to the already-backlogged system, but somepony will figure it out or come searching for their property… eventually.

And you must admit, the two of you do look quite dapper.

(+1 Page for Villains)

#CapperCaper - The Capper Caper

The Capper Caper

CodeWord: #CapperCaper

Wanting to get away from the craziness happening in Equestria lately, you’ve decided to travel beyond the Equestrian border for some much needed time away. Klugetown, you decide, is far enough away from Equestria while not being too far away, making that your decided destination. Sure the crowd there was a lot rougher than ponies, but hopefully you’d be out of reach from the Pages, and the chaos they had created, out here.

The first thing you notice after landing is the distinct lack of color everywhere. Ponies came in all sorts of different shades and hues, but out here the palette seemed to be reserved to a mixture of browns and grays. Well, you suppose not everywhere can be decorated like a rainbow, so you simply tighten your jacket slightly and carry on off the blimp. You carefully weave your way through the crowd, careful not to bump into anyone else or even make eye contact. Maybe it wouldn’t be exactly a relaxing time away, but it would likely protect your sanity a little longer than staying home.

Passing by an empty stall, you hear a PSST from nearby. Turning to find the source, you see a dashing Abyssinian peering out from behind the wooden structure, motioning you over. Curiosity eventually wins out over worry, and you slip behind the stall.

His fur coat a copper brown, and standing at nearly your height, he shoots you a disarming smile before he offers you a paw. “Well aren’t you just the most gorgeous thing to walk into town today. Name’s Capper, future owner of this soon-to-be magnificent stall, and I have a business proposition for you.” Shaking the offered paw, you decide to humor him, if only because you aren’t exactly sure how to nicely excuse yourself from the situation you’re now in.

“I have a truly fine array of absolutely legal and legitimate potions at my disposal, but without a stall selling them is… problematic. I know where to get the money I need, but alas my dashing looks are sure to draw attention if I were to go retrieve it myself. You however, my fine new friend, wouldn’t arouse any suspicion at all!”

Feeling uneasy, you decide to ask what would be suspicious about getting the money.

“Well, if you want to get technical, it isn’t mine just yet. I was told I’d be paid for a delivery job, but they failed to cough up the plentiful promised pieces of payment. The parcel may have arrived in more pieces than intended, hence his refusal to pay, but surely I can’t be faulted for what gravity and the ground do to a box kicked off a barge!” He wraps an arm around you. “You get me the money, and I’ll give you a very generous fifteen percent of the profits from my stand.”

[CHOICE]

Do you help?

Help Capper retrieve his “rightfully earned” money. (Villain)

Create a distraction to get out of the situation. (Chaos)

[ENDING A: VILLAIN]

You take a moment to think about it, weighing your options. You could use a new friend, and a new store and extra income in the process? It was worth causing a little trouble over. And besides, it’s not like Capper is to blame for gravity, right? You agree to help him.

“My sincerest thanks. Now, I happen to know that Verko still has the bag of coins on his person, as he hasn’t returned to his home yet. Easy fellow to spot with his fancy clothes, large hat, naked mole rat, I’m sure you’ll spot him. I do believe he’s attempting to replace those goggles of his that Tempest shattered, if you’re quick enough to catch him distracted. Poor man can’t see a thing without those goggles.” He sinks back into the shadows, quietly wishing you good luck.

Slipping back into the flow of creatures, you simply let the flow direct you down the street of stalls, keeping an eye out for your target. You nearly miss him, actually having to double-back and check to make sure he was the one. He certainly ticked all the criteria that Capper had given you, particularly as you didn’t exactly see a lot of naked mole rats around. Shifting closer behind him, you see he’s staring intently at a stand full of eyewear, leaning close enough to practically press his nose against the merchandise. Hanging on the side of his belt is a small bag that looks rather full, and as he shifts his stance, and you hear the jingle of coins, you know it’s your target.

Recalling what Capper had said about his eyesight, you decide the best course of action is probably to just grab it and sprint away. It doesn’t seem like he has the vision to spot you, and with so many large creatures around, you know that you’ll slip into the crowd again instantly.

In your mind, you see this going flawlessly, Verko never knowing what happened.

In reality, you end up tripping over your own feet trying to be quick, crashing into the poor creature and sending you both tumbling. With fumbling hands you manage to snag the bag of coins from his belt, before yelling “SORRY!” and taking off stumbling into the crowded street. All pretense of acing the steal gone, you opt to just run up the street instead to get away from the scene. It doesn’t take long to get back to the stall, and after a quick glance to make sure you aren’t being followed, you dive behind the structure panting heavily.

“Went that well, huh?” Capper says with a smirk. Still out of breath, you toss him the bag of coins, leaning your head back as you try to regain your breath. With a soft whistle, he looks through the bag. “I knew a fine and distinguished individual like you would pull it off.” Slipping the coins into his pocket, he steps out onto the street. “Give me a few days to jump through their hoops, and we’ll both be raking in the profit. My gratitude, partner.”

(+1 Page for Villains)

[ENDING B: CHAOS]

These kinds of shenanigans are exactly why you decided to take a break from Equestria, and you’re not about to let it happen here as well. Desperate for a way out, you shout out the first thing you can think of across the crowded street.

“OH HECK! THOSE PASTEL PONIES ARE BACK, RUN!”

Your plan works, perhaps, a little too well.

After the events that transpired last time a group of colorful ponies pranced into town, the citizens have grown extremely worried about a repeat of their troubles. Hearing you shout, the mass turns into full panic as creatures start to shove and run into each other to try and hide from the supposed menace. Stalls are knocked over, a cart somehow gets lit on fire, and everyone is yelling and screaming in terror.

Taking your chance you dive out from the abandoned stall and sprint your way to the inn you’re staying at, desperate to not get run over by anyone four times your size. You end up a little bruised from the experience, but you manage to make it inside safely, breathing a sigh of relief. That couldn’t have gone better, you try to convince yourself.

Unfortunately with the town in a state of Pastel Pony Panic, everyone is forced to hole up inside their buildings, and dirigibles are unable to take off or land for nearly a week. You’re trapped here for the time being, it seems.

But hey, at least you aren’t a part of any crazy scheme or story, for once, right?

(+1 Page for Chaos)

#YouAreAPirate - A Pirate's Life For Me

A Pirate's Life For Me

CodeWord: #YouAreAPirate

“Bring down the sail!” Captain Celaeno shouted from the helm of the flying ship. “We’re landing at the port soon!” With a yell of confirmation, you quickly cross the deck to carry out the order.

You had regularly been apprenticed to her ship as a young child, growing up among the captain and her fine crew of misfits. You had originally planned to leave upon turning twenty-one, but due to a weird quirk of fate your birthday fell on the twenty-ninth during a leap year. This meant your birthday only came once every four years, and thus despite your age you were still under her command.

These days you didn’t do a whole lot of pirating, though. Ever since the Storm King had taken over, the lot of you had been run down and given a choice: join the Storm King and help deliver his cargo, or have the ship destroyed and the entire crew thrown in the dungeon. To keep her crew safe, Captain Celaeno had agreed to the terms. Now, far from the pirate life, you were essentially glorified couriers of whatever goods needed to be shipped across the land.

As the sails were slowly furled, the ship angled downward towards the ground and the docks situated there. You wouldn’t be landing on the ground itself, just hovering several meters above it to off-load the cargo into the waiting carts.

As soon as the captain steered into dock, you and the crew quickly threw ropes over to waiting hands below, who in turn quickly tied them tightly around pylons and railings to keep the ship steady. Content, Celaeno hopped down from the helm and onto the deck of the ship. “Off-load the goods, and bring me the manifest!” Quick salutes were followed by equally quick movements as the hold was opened. None of you enjoyed being docked, particularly near the foot of the Storm King’s castle, so everyone was motivated to complete the process as quickly as possible.

As each crate is lifted from the cargo hold, the markings were relayed to Celaeno who would mark it the container delivered, before you and the crew moved it to a waiting platform connected to a crane. The whole unload took nearly an hour, but soon enough the last box was ticked, the entire manifest signed for by the dockmaster. As he leaves the ship, one of the other crew gathers you all.

“One more crate in the hold.” He says softly.

With a quirked brow, Celaeno looks over the manifest again. “Says here we got ‘em all. Numbers on the crates matched and everything. Any idea what it is?”

“Haven’t opened her. Figured it was best t’ leave it alone, decide what to do with it.”

Pacing slightly, the captain took a moment to think. “Well, they certainly won’t miss the crate if it isn’t on the manifest. But then again, if we get searched later and they discover it… you all know how the Storm King deals with theft.” As she continues to ponder, you feel a nudge from one of your crewmates. Nodding his head in the captain’s direction, it’s clear they want you to offer up an opinion.

What do you say?

[CHOICE]

What do you suggest to do with the crate?

Give it to the Storm King, just to be safe. (Villain)

Finder’s keepers, it’s the pirate way! (Chaos)

[ENDING A: VILLAIN]

Clearing your throat, you decide to speak up. “Captain, if I may be so bold. The crew is small enough as it is already, we shouldn’t risk anyone else to the Storm King’s wrath. Let him have his box, so we can keep our family.”

Stopping her pacing, Celaeno nodded. “You’re right, [USERNAME]. I hate helping the Storm King, but a captain’s duty is to her crew.” Hopping onto the railing, she yelled down and the creatures below. “Oi! We got one more for you lot, not on the manifest it seems!”

It takes a few minutes to sort out, but eventually the crate is offloaded onto the dock and taken away. You have no idea what was inside, and you hope it wasn’t anything too powerful. But at the end of the day, crew is family, and family comes first. Clearing the box out of your mind, you turn and await the captain.

Back up at the helm, she shouts down. “Cast us off, scallywags! The day is ours now, and the sky’s calling my name!”

With a unified shout of “Aye aye, Captain!” you and the crew set sail once more into the clear blue skies.

(+1 page for Villains)

[ENDING B: CHAOS]

“Captain,” you say softly, “if I may be so bold. They won’t miss what isn’t on the manifest, and it’s been a long while since we’ve done anything… piratey.”

With a smirk, Celaeno glances over at the dock. “What they don’t know won’t hurt them. Even if it’s full of junk, it’ll feel nice to pull one over on the Storm King after everything he’s put us through. Best be off before they decide to inspect the hold out of boredom.” Turning around, she strides towards the helm of the ship.

“Come on then ya scurvy scallywags, cast us off from the dock! Let’s put some wind in these sails and hit the blue skies!”

With a unified cry of “Aye, Captain!” you and the crew quickly untie the ship from the dock, unfurling the sail to allow the magic within to start pulling you up and away from the Storm King’s castle. Her smirk still visible, Celaeno salutes the crew.

“A fine job, men. Feels good to get a little of the ol’ pirate going again.”

(+1 page for Chaos)