vindicarthehippogriff asked: (( I think Nightmare'd have used different approach this time... Even if she defeated Celestia (in any way), she'd have to deal with rebels. I think she could either tried the same scheme Luna used in BrokenCelestia's backstory, or made attempt to control Equestria economically. Of course she could have used good army, but don't forget that Solar armies have far more resources and reserves... unless NMM going to do the same trick Nazi did in WWII, relying on captured resources. ))
((ooc: I’m not planing on doing an open war RP any time soon (or probably ever. That sort of thing gets way to complicated to run), but if I did, Nightmare Moon’s opening move would be the coordinated assassinations of important members of Celestia’s government and nobility, followed by a blitz-style assault towards Canterlot.
By relying heavily on machines, foreign mercenaries, and the undead, she can, at least temporarily, remove the need for complex supply lines to support her troops, making blitz tactics sustainable for longer than normal periods. However, unless she can manage a number of early, total victories (say, the taking of a few major cities intact), her forces would eventually lose steam as the need for replacement parts and the inevitable resistance movement caught up with them, leading to a long, bogged-down stalemate (like the eastern front of WWII).
Her best hope for victory (at least, one that doesn’t take decades to complete), ironically, lies in Arcel convincing her to use non-military means to slowly carve out larger and larger portions of Equestria for herself (basically buying the country piecemeal). It’s a plan she’d never think of herself, but seems to be the direction Arcel’s advice is pushing her in.))
((ooc: She’d definitely win, easily, if she was better at knowing how other ponies think.
Her biggest flaw, and one her opponents should exploit mercilessly, is that she thinks everypony thinks the way she does. It will never occur to her that Celestia might simply step down to save other ponies lives, or in fact that anypony is out for anything other than their own goals and ambitions.))
If and when NMM’s coup attempt moves beyond a war of assassins and into open combat, the outcome will be decided by the regular armed forces on both sides, not by an apocalyptic battle between the two goddesses.
Celestia (going by her canon personality, since there isn’t an active Celestia RP blog opposing NMM) will never openly act against Nightmare Moon, for fear of what NMM’s reprisals could do to the innocent ponyfolk caught in between. Nightmare Moon, on the other hand, is under the (likely mistaken) impression that Celestia will go the mutually assured destruction route rather than allow herself to be defeated*.
With Celestia (and Luna, for the same reason) removed as open combatants, it falls to the bearers of the Elements of Harmony to defeat NMM. I’ve established several times that the Elements are an ancient power above all alicorns, capable of destroying Nightmare Moon instantly. However, the Element bearers themselves are ordinary mortal ponies, and Nightmare Moon now hides behind mundane walls and armies instead of her own powers, things against which the Elements have no power.
As a result of these factors, in the event of open war between Celestia and Nightmare Moon, victory for the solars will depend on whether or not their ordinary armies are capable of escorting the Element bearers to their final showdown with Nightmare Moon, while simultaneously preventing Nightmare Moon’s armies from annexing enough of Equestria to force their surrender through lack of supplies.
Does anyone have any other thoughts on this?
*As a side note, judging by Celestia’s personality on the show, if NMM ever openly confronted Celestia directly, she would in all likelihood surrender without a fight. Ponies would have better luck under NMM’s rule than they would in what would be the end result of two alicorns fighting, and Celestia is both wise and selfless enough to see that.
Why, We could remove her from its power in a heartbeat. Celestia, surely, could not object to Us saving the life of some poor filly, so We would be free to use Our full power to effect her rescue. Why, with a mere stamp of Our hoof she could be free and here beside you.
Of course, nothing of value should ever be free. We must ask some price for this service, yes. Shall We say… an oath of loyalty?
((ooc: Yep, NMM’s trying to steal one of the Corruption’s targets…))
You have no Idea who I really am do you? *pulls out a dagger and throws it on the ground before her* My name isn’t just blazer. For some time now…. it’s been Blazer- Champion of Corruption. *markings are now visible on his skin* Do you see my predicament?
Word for word, what did you promise the Corruption when you entered its service?
(via key-blazer)
“More horses.”
That’s ‘goddess horse’ to you.
So, another green one. That makes two blacks, two greens, a red, and an orange. Oh, and that little purple thing.
(via dungeonsandgreendragons-deactiv)
monochrome-and-rainbow asked: I agree wholeheartedly, Nightmare. Aren't clichéd dying messages the worst? It's almost as bad as writing the location to a secret stashed-away fortune in one's will.
Yes. Why, they’re almost as hackneyed as those that effect evil merely for evil’s sake.
((ooc: I hope you don’t mind NMM getting involved in your plot with Blazer, but she does have some prior connections to him.))
NIGHTMARE I AM IN ABSOLUTELY NO GODDAMN MOOD!!!!!!!!!!! IT’S MY FAULT SHE’S GONNA DIE TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now is that any way to speak to a pony you are (or were, at least) on good terms with, and who happens to be a divine, just when you need somepony to retrieve you from a dilemma?
*cries* There’s nothing anyone can do. I’ve utterly given up. She wanted you to let me know because I had to make the decision of letting her die or have my own HEART ripped out and taken away from me becoming completely emotionless. Losing everyone. And you stand there telling me that there is a way out? Well then let’s hear your solution for getting her away from Corruption.
Why, We could remove her from its power in a heartbeat. Celestia, surely, could not object to Us saving the life of some poor filly, so We would be free to use Our full power to effect her rescue. Why, with a mere stamp of Our hoof she could be free and here beside you.
Of course, nothing of value should ever be free. We must ask some price for this service, yes. Shall We say… an oath of loyalty?
((ooc: Yep, NMM’s trying to steal one of the Corruption’s targets…))
(via key-blazer)
NIGHTMARE I AM IN ABSOLUTELY NO GODDAMN MOOD!!!!!!!!!!! IT’S MY FAULT SHE’S GONNA DIE TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now is that any way to speak to a pony you are (or were, at least) on good terms with, and who happens to be a divine, just when you need somepony to retrieve you from a dilemma?
(via key-blazer)
And really, if you’re going to go to the trouble of enlisting the aid of a divine to convey your final wishes, please make them less clichéd more helpful than “I’m sorry, don’t blame yourself”…
SHUT UP!!!! YOU HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE AS TO WHAT I HAD TO DO IN THAT SITUATION!!!!!!!! LAY THE FUCK OFF!!!!!
And, while We’re on the subject of ponies that obviously aren’t thinking clearly, there is a certain somepony who might have happened to have been a reasonably satisfactory lay for a certain goddess one time, who might be able to leverage that fact to ask her for a favour. Maybe.
(via key-blazer)
diamondmint asked: I wanted her to be there, to see her and hold her at least once. She granted my wish at least, but yeah, that hurt. But it's ok, I have friends like you, and now she does too. :3
Yes, your foal will grow up in the best of company.
Once she is old enough, We are sure she will be invited to regular play dates here at the castle.