Accidentalheresy

"Thank you kindly, Madam, and you're quite welcome." Subtle replied at the pretty smile, as he walked around the desk and held the door open for her. "And have a good day, mind the steps, they probably iced over again." He replied, trying to hide his joy, finally some exposure! He remarked on the stupid sign that had cased Melody to take notice of his office, he had hated that sign. Now he loved it, in fact it was, in his humble opinion, the best sign ever. "And thank you, for your custom."

'YES!' Subtle inwardly squeeled.His face, a professional mask, betrayed nothing of his inner joy of a successful job, however small. He decided, probably against his better judgement, to charge her lower then the already low fee he had previously decided for consultation. This little engagement had brightened his day, no, his entire month, considerably. He did a rough calculation in his head. He only needed 24 more bits to break even for the rent for the next two months, meaning anything else he charged would go straight into the food fund. "Just 85 bits please." Subtle replied, somewhere, a voice, most likely his reason, in the back of his brain cringed. That was a criminally low price, even for something small like this. 'Sides,' he tried to reassure himself, 'She's still a new artist, she likely wouldnt be able to afford a full fee.' "Oh, before I forget" He continued, magically levitating one of the sheets he had been working on, "You'll need this, think of it as a receipt of sorts, to prove you got legal counsel when hiring a Manager, trust me, it'll come in handy." He said happily, visibly smiling. "And good luck in your Music career, I hope the best for you!" And for once he meant every word he said, this young Mare in front of him, had basically made his entire miserable stay in Fillydelphia so far worth it, just by asking questions. He shook his head at that, the world was strange like that, he decided.

"Well first off, you do not need a copyright, but it'd be a wise thing to do once you have made a hit song, otherwise it'd be best to get your early stuffed repeated as much as possible for exposure, Then I would advise copyrighting your songs from then on. It is illegal to copyright specific lyrics, however." Subtle began, professionally writing down something on some form or other before him with his magically levitated quill while retaining eye contact with Melody, 'Always make them feel your paying attention to them' he said to himself, a maxim he kept from his days under his old mentor, "Or words I should say, consider the word 'Tonight', it gets used alot in modern pop music, sometimes it can make up an entire chorus or most of the song depending on the artist. It would be against reasonability to-" Subtle caught himself there, he almost went on to lecture about the specifics of the why when all he should be doing is merely stating what is legel or not. "My apologies" He began again after a slight cough, "You can copyright your song yes, so that it cant be used by others in a context where they seek to profit off of it. In which case they would need to pay you royalties, this prevents other artists at claiming your work as their own. You could try to copyright the tune of your song, meaning any artist who creates their own lyrics and song set to the rhythm and tune of it would have to pay you, but at a substantially less amount then if they were to use your song outright." Subtle magically levitated two sheets of paper to the side of his desk, knocking over his rubber band ball in the process which rolled towards the wall. "I would not recommend pressing charges in such a scenario however, current caselaw is shaky on this." He finished as he set his quill down. "The only exception being the cases of remixes or parody, which have become very popular as late." Subtle continued happily "Say a DJ of a nightclub where to take your music, a sample as it were, and remix it, possibly combining it with the songs of others or his or her own original music for the benefit of entertaining a club or other private establishment, you would not be able to claim royalties. Or in the cases of outright parody, where the tune and rhythm of your song is copied almost exactly and set to lyrics that make fun of a certain subject, or even yourself, you could not claim copyright, but you could claim damages for defamation of character under Tort." Subtle rolled his eyes "But this is tricky as often an artist parodying your song would seek your permission first, in which case copyright claims would be void for that song, and it is exactly for these reasons that it is unlikely claiming copyright would work on more serious pieces who use your music for their original songs, as they can claim to be sampling your music. You could try of course, but I just currently doubt how it'd hold up." Subtle folded another sheet onto the pile on his left side and looked back to Melody. "To get copyright is a simple matter, even if it involves a heap of red tape, largely it would require a declaration of intentions, a couple of signings and your solicitor to take care of the menial things." "Also a bit of free advice, get a manager. Preferably somepony you can trust, I've seen young artists get screwed over before back in my apprenticeship."

Correct. tpbm is a thing

"But of course!" Subtle Bristle replied happily, "Equestria's copyright law is not too restrictive but what has been defined by statute so far has sufficed for most issues that crop up. I'd be glad to advise you on whatever you want to know!" His returned her smile with genuine warmth as he walked behind his desk and faced Melody. 'Well nothing big' Subtle thought to himself as he pulled open one of his Desk's drawers to pull out some papers, 'But a small Advisor's fee will hold me over for the next month's rent. Thank Celestia' "Now, what exactly is the nature of your problem?"

"Miss Night, a pleasure to make your acquaintance," He began, "And to answer your question, I specialise in Contract and Company Law" Subtle Bristle said evenly, trying to suppress happiness in finally being able to advertise his skills. "I am capable in taking any manner of Legal Work however, and I am quite willing to do so at present. Manehatten East U always ensures its law students are fully capable for any oppurtunity." He waited briefly looking down at her polite, smiling face. He noticed she seemed to be looking about his 'office', as if she was pretending to be interested in the sparsely decorated room, as if she was not sure on how to continue the conversation. So he decided it'd be best to ask a question before an awkward silence. "If I may be so bold, Madam." he began, "May I ask, what brings you out this little corner of Philly on this fine morning?" Subtle asked, thinking back that the early morning was colder then a Windigo's backside but he pushed that out of his thoughts.

Subtle sat bolt upright when he heard the young Mare's voice, seeing the Regal Grey pony smiling from the doorway. 'Aha!' Subtle thought to himself triumphantly, his face brightening up noticeably, 'I knew it! I knew a sign was all I was missing!' As he rose courteously from his seated position. "Welcome to Subtle Inquiries, Madam" Subtle began as he came around the side of the desk, "My name is Subtle Bristle, Attorney at Law." 'This is great! I don't care what her problem will be, anything after months of inactivity will be welco-wait' Subtle stopped his train of thought, 'She probably thinks this place is new, if I let on I've actually been here for a few months now without ANY work, she might get the wrong Idea and scamper off' Subtle Breifly wrestled with himself, he didn't want to lie but he really did not want to give a potential client a bad impression. So he Compromised. "Ahem, yes, I've only recently moved to Phillydelphia myself to open this firm." Subtle said, it wasnt a lie really but it saves face. "How may I be of service, Miss...?"

The door creaked as it shut behind him. Subtle's back ached from the numerous, failed, balancing attempts he had performed on the front steps of his office. It was a ludicrously dangerous thing to do, but he had no ladder, so he had balanced himself on his hind legs on a stool, placed precariously on his front steps as he fixed the sign atop his doorway. It was one of those old fashioned outward hanging signs they still used in the countryside. He had decided a sign was needed after realising that that a possible reason nopony was asking him for representation was probably because nopony walking on by realised his firm was even there in the first place. Here in the winding streets of the back end of Northtown, all the residential buildings, so tightly packed together and small, looking identical. You'd be forgiven for not giving any of them a second look. Not that the middle of northtown was particularly the best spot to place an Attorney firm in Fillydelphia, but beggar's can't be choosers, and Subtle knew exactly which end of that metaphorical spectrum he landed on. So it was with much dismay that when he had finally fixed the sign to the wall above his Door, after spending so much time out in the winter cold, freezing his tail off while comically swinging a hammer between his teeth and feeling pretty sure he pulled something in the strain it took to maintain his balance, that he noticed that the sign was spelt wrong. And badly at that. Sutul Inkyeries Pony at Lawl Subtle groaned inwardly and wondered how he hadnt noticed that until now. He had to give it to that kid the next block over, he had good hoofscript when it came to carving letters unto wood, but obviously he couldn't spell for haypennies. 'Well that's what I get for a discount job,' Subtle thought bitterly to himself as he dragged the stool in behind him and placed it off to the side, he had deliberately got up early in the morning so no one would question his antics and sides, he had such a good feeling about today for some reason and decided starting bright and early would add to some superstitious feeling of luck that maybe, just maybe, if the stars were right, the sun was pink, the windigos got sunburn and a turtle jumped over the moon, then maybe he'd have a client today. He had cleaned up the business end of his office, by which he meant the huge empty room that made up ninety percent of his potential living space as he could afford, the bedroll he'd been using, as well as damn near everything else that made his 'office' seem more like a bedroom then, well, an office, got shoved in the closet or stuffed in the hidey hole in the panels of the ceiling. He shook off the bits of early morning sleet that had got caught up in his mane and tried to make himself look presentable. Fixing the tie and collar, rearranging his desk, batting a rubber band ball he found lying around between his hooves as he waited out the early morning hours hoping against hope that somepony needed him for something. "Heavens above!" He cried out, exasperated. It was nearly midday outside, the streets where alive witht he sound sof ponies going about their business, "I'd take nearly anything now," He said leaning back, staring up at his own ceiling, "A will signing, an obscure document check, a tort, God give me something!" He said defeated, wondering how many amused glances his ridiculous sign had garnered.

Welcome to the forums! Mind the rules.

Hey Death. ... Now there's two words I didn't think I'd string together

Roleplay Type: Equestria Mane RP Name: Subtle Bristle Sex: Male Age: Stallion Species: Unicorn Pelt Color: Sombre blue Mane/Tail/Markings Color & Style: Dark green mane and tail Eye Color: steel grey Cutie Mark: Rusty scales weighing a pile of bits in one scale and a sword and shield in the other, with the sword and shield weighing down its side Physique: Average Origin: Manehatten, originally, his family moved around alot, he now Resides in Fillydelphia Occupation: Attorney at Law Motivation: Eventually aims to do his family proud and become a Judge one day, on a day to day basis however, his motivation is merely making enough bits to break even. Likes: Bits, peace of mind, hay fries, Justice, Cynicism Dislikes: Cynicism, noisey places, headaches, going to bed on an empty stomach (happens way too often), the irony of his situation Character Summary: Originally an enthusiastic young pony with a deep love of Justice and admiration for authority figures, has a very traditional mindset and outlook on life, all of which is soured by his current state of affairs. He has grown more cynical about life, and his traditional outlook means he often cannot stand the rather base attitudes of other ponies, especially many of whom he has had to represent in court. A furnace, he has found, that tests what one believes about society and their fellow pony. Origins: Subtle Bristle's family was never particularly wealthy and both his parents where rather well on in their years when he came about, and his early education was a scattered affair at best. All he knew was his father's job required them to relocate. Alot. While this means he has never forged any real friendships in his life, it happened to benefit him later on. Despite this however, his father was insistent on Subtle respecting everyone he met, his elders, mayors, Mares and all others, with a particular respect for the law and 'the right thing to do'. He developed a deep sense of propriety, manners and moral character as a result of this, almost to a surprising degree. Having travelled to many parts of Equestria he learned lots about local customs and standards of behaviour. One day when still a foal, his family was passing through a way-station on their way to a four month stay in the Appleoosan settlement, Subtle would finally get his cutie mark. The local rock farmer there had two sons that had gotten into trouble with the marshal who policed the station. Both of whom had been reported to the marshal for breaking the crossing lights on the train tracks by a local filly, the marshal's own daughter. Each protested their innocence and blamed eachother out of fear of being blamed themselves. Subtle got caught up in the debate after having heard the ponies shouting across from the waystation while their train had stopped. Apologizing for his interruption into the affair he began questioning each of the young colts' version of the events, both of whom seemed to have decent alibis for the time of the vandalism, it was not until the young filly mention an inaccuracy that he began questioning her how exactly she could know so much detail about the vandalism, much to the marshal's chagrin. Stuttering and making excuses, he eventually got her to confess she had broken the lights while playing and had blamed the two sons so she wouldn't get into trouble. The marshal, appalled at his daughter's behaviour, thanked Subtle for deducing the culprit and apologized to the young colts, who in turn showed their thanks by inviting Subtle and his family to their home for dinner. It was then that his cutie mark materialized, however, while the presence of the weighted scales had made sense at the time for his arbitration and pursuit of the truth, the contents on the scales were not so easy to deduce and it would only come to him later as he grew older. His father and mother had passed away by the time he was a colt. Not feeling like continuing moving around, he opted to return to Manehatten where he had been born, using his inheritance to fund his education studying law. His travels across Equestria came in handy when he was forced to deal with wildly varying and contradictory laws, customs, legal precedents from the various legal jurisdictions of Equestria and finding how to legally reconcile them with Equestrian Common Law and statutes. His eager desire to use his knowledge of law and the justice system for the betterment of all ponies had caught the attention of a relatively successful law pony in Manehatten who took him under his wing as an apprentice once he had graduated from one of the local colleges. Sadly, life in a law office had been quite a disappointment to Subtle. It was not the work, he knew he would be stuck with dreary days full of endless reams of papers to read, fill out, sign and send for the rest of his life. What got to him were the ponies. Everyone from the sickeningly self-entitled Nouveau Riche ponies, to the working class smhuck who moonlights as a mob enforcer, all the way to every gold toothed tax dodging scumbag one could imagine hired the services of his Mentor, and by extension, him. From a front row view he saw the lies, the loopholes, the gold digging divorces, the criminals walking free and every perversion of Justice the letter of the law permitted. When he confronted his mentor about how he was running the firm, the mentor had replied it was all for bits in the end, Justice was just a happy extra one got from time to time. When Subtle asked why his mentor had then took him under his wing when he knew their outlooks on life would be so irreconcilable that a healthy business relationship could not be maintained, he replied that he had taken pity on Subtle, and that his enthusiasm had reminded him alot of himself when he was his age. Subtle still pretends he didn't hear that to this day. Subtle left the firm soon after and started his own office in Fillydelphia. Low on bits he struggles to make ends meet, to pay rent for his office, which he is forced to live in and slowly, day by day, he learns what temptations one faces when desperation clings to the mind, and begins to understand what his mentor had meant, even if he still stubbornly refuses to acknowledge it. It was around now he truly learned what his cutie mark meant, even when faced with starvation and eviction, he would still refuse cases if he felt his client was unconscionable, even if he knew he could win it and gain a sizeable payment. His heart would not allow him to prosecute an unjust cause and would often end up working pro bona out of utter sympathy. All this, despite his crippling, desperate need for bits. The irony of his cutie mark could not be more clear to him. As it stands, he still operates his small 'hole in the wall' office in Fillydelphia, his dreams of becoming a judge far in the distant future in terms of fulfilment, if at all, and he is often seen dishevelled, with poor clothing and a saddle pack that was worn through and patched more times then he cared to remember. If it was not obvious, he willingly works cheap, if he believes you're on the level. Image:

Thanks for the links, I'm currently going through the rules and Application specifics now, thanks for the welcome.

Thanks, I'll get one written up as soon as I am able to do so, already have a character concept in mind, not an exciting one but one I feel I can portray well enough.

About myself.: 21, University student, Ireland, various interests from theology to technology and numerous nick nacks inbetween. Sorry if this seems brief but I don't really feel like giving out too much personal detail. I don't really consider myself a brony really, even though I do watch the show and this has been the only fandom I've been in that has made me tolerate the existence of its resident shipping community long enough for me to enjoy the non-shipping fanworks, (shipping communities have utterly KILLED fandoms for me in the past, so this is saying something) How did you hear about Canterlot.com?: Read someone else mention it in one of the comment sections on Equestria Daily, decided to give it a whirl as the other Pony RP sites I visited where lackluster at best How did you became a fan of FiM?: Sometime inbetween the end of the first season and the start of the new, I was vaguely aware there was a new pony show going around and was wondering why in the blasted hell everyone loved it. I chalked it up to My one favourite main cast pony?: Twilight Sparkle Hey there, I've been a tad interested in roleplaying in the MLP:FIM world for a while now but have been unimpressed with the standard of some of the RP sites I have come across (ranging from disgusting or scary, usually RP sites that aren't pony centric, to ones that simply fail to impress or are horribly inactive). I may not know how long this will last however but I will put my best hoof forward while I am here, and hopefully I'll become a regular member, and from what I've seen of both the quality and activity of this site, that may very well be the case. I am from Ireland and am currently studying my final year in University (with some bleak employment prospects if I don't play my cards right). Accidentalheresy is not my usual internet handle however as I usually keep my pony-love and the rest of my internet persona separate, as I do for my politics and my other internet shenanigans, I find it best to keep my social circles at arms distance from eachother. I look forward to participating.