brianblackberry

Would it be ok to be the one working at the bar?

I can put in Martini Paradise, although being from the working class, she is much more likely to be mixing the drinks then being a guest.

[colour=#CC6699]Martini Paradise[/colour]

Martini just smiled calmly at Rainbow Dash as the rainbow maned pegasus finished her frustrated rant. [colour=#cc6699]"Well hon, for what it is worth, I don't think you have a fan filly crush on Soarin'. My foal daughter, she has that kind of crush; you though, it's different; it came off more of just a genuine interest in a pony who likely shares many of the same interests as you do."[/colour] The barmare poured out a glass of ice water, [colour=#cc6699]"I could be wrong of course and you have no interest at all, but I am sure if there is any pony out there you like, it for more reasons than some silly crush."[/colour]

Martini slid the freshly poured glass of icy water in front of Dash, [colour=#cc6699]"I won't tease you anymore about it hon, but be sure to be careful when you fly home alright? Here, drink this before you go, it will help." [/colour] Martini respected Dash's reasons, even if she felt it was a little risky sleeping outside on such a cool, damp night; besides she could see it in the pegasus' eyes there was no way to change her mind.

Of course speaking of Wonderbolts, Martini was stunned when Misty Morning whispered flattering words her way. The compliment caused Martini to blush, something that was no easy feat given the nature of her job; she smiled brightly in response, [colour=#cc6699]"one more lemon water coming right up!" [/colour]

Martini poured out another tall glass of the icy water and delicately placed the last of the lemon slices into the water before sliding it to the waiting hooves of the light blue maned mare, [colour=#cc6699]"here you go hon, and to answer your other question we have several open rooms. Best part is they are all free, courtesy of the owner for all you pegasai have done tonight." [/colour] The pink unicorn bar mare gave a flirtatious wink, [colour=#cc6699] "myself, I am here all night, someone has to mind the inn with the guests, so I am sure I can find some time to chat one-on-one after last call."[/colour]

Before she could say anything else, Martini's attention was suddenly drawn by the newcomer. Of course the bar wasn't closed yet, but it had to be only a couple hours before Celestia's dawn, so it was unusual to have someone enter so late, especially on a night such as this. A customer was a customer though and this pegasus mare was R.E.A. who were always welcome no matter what the circumstances. Before Martini could give her a greeting though, that same ruddy mane announced she was there for Pocket Change.

[colour=#cc6699]"Excuse me miss, is there a problem here at all?"[/colour] Martini was perplexed, Pocket Change didn't look like he was R.E.A and claimed he was an archeologist. As a civilian, he only have to go with the R.E.A. if he broke some royal law, or this was his mate.

[colour=#DDA0DD]Flitter[/colour]

Flitter just laughed quite loudly at her mare's comments about the stink cloud, louder than she should have thanks in no small part to the quantity of hard cider she drunk. [colour=#dda0dd]"Well… The experiment overall was sort of important, but the truth was I was just real tired and mixed some basic chemicals at a quantity I shouldn't of, so really it was a foal like mistake, and nothing cool came of it, unless you wanted to make stink bombs. You wouldn't believe how much chemistry I was required to know just for the biology degree Cloudy."[/colour]

At least her rousing speech but Cloudchaser's spirits back up! Flitter started to walk back out, her steps though were clumsier than usual. [colour=#dda0dd]"Whoa.. I think I'll just lean on you sweetie."[/colour] It took more time having to depend on Cloudchaser to make it back to the bar, but it was well worth it.

Flitter spread her forehooves over the bar counter and laid her chin flat on upon it, [colour=#dda0dd]"I'll take one of those ice waters… Umm, actually, make it two. It was a heck of a storm last night, didn't do nearly well as the natural weather ponies here."[/colour] Flitter looked back at Cloudchaser and gave a huge encouraging smile.

Flitter's smile quickly changed though to one of worry, as it suddenly dawned on her that she didn't know if they had to be home before daytime or not, it was all dependent on Cloudchaser's work schedule. [colour=#dda0dd] "Cloudy… Do you have to be home for weather work tomorrow?"[/colour] If she did, could Flitter fly back tonight? Surrrrrrrre she could!

Well.. maybe.

Flitter felt increasingly at unease. The fact that Princess Luna herself was heading this project was enough to haunt the lavender pegasus' stomach with huge butterflies, but then hearing Cloudchaser confirm, for the most part, Dash's dire description of the situation momentarily made that pit feeling even worse.

Still, Cloudy was probably right, Dash had to be embellishing the situation some, odd that she would bring up Daring Do as an example of this. [colour=#cc99cc]"Daring Do? You mean that pegasus character from those adventure books for little foals? I didn't know you used to read those hon."[/colour] Such a cute nostalgic notion at least helped make Flitter feel a little better about everything.

That was until their team leader spoke.

As Flitter listened to the grizzled veteran of the R.E.A. speak, that ill feeling returned. It was bad enough he was such a formal fussbudget, talking as if this was some sort of military drill, but what really got to the young pegasus mare was that in his mind, she and the rest of the team weren't even good enough to do their jobs! Flitter didn't like that kind of pressure at all… She was alright when it came to pressure when she was the only one that would suffer if she faltered, such as in exams or writing a thesis, but this… This was about having others depend on her and that kind of expectation just made her feel ill with nervousness. She didn't feel inspired, she felt overwhelmed.

That terrible demoralizing feeling only subsided when Dash jumped up and gave her rousing, inspirational oratory. It wasn't the most eloquent or poignant of speeches, but it was inspirational! Well, at least to Flitter… Enough that she stomped her fore hooves in rousing cheer in response, partly to make herself feel better, [colour=#cc99cc]"whoooooooooo! I'm with you Dash!! We can do this!!!!" [/colour]

Flitter, in her moment of spontaneous cheer, even turned to Cloudchaser and gave the spiky maned pegasus a big ol' kiss on the lips and a strong hug, [colour=#cc99cc]"you excited hon? I'm excited!" [/colour] She was ready for this!

At least that is what she was going to keep telling herself to keep that extreme nervousness she felt at bay as she trotted with faux confidence towards the Vaporization section.

[colour=#800080]Cheerilee[/colour]

Cheerilee gave a warm, reassuring smile to Purple Haze and she ruffled the green coated earth filly's mane, [colour=#800080]"I am perfectly fine, honest! It was just a little harmless light, nothing I haven't dealt with before during class."[/colour] It was flattering her students cared so much about her outside the school environment; in Cheerilee's mind it only confirmed once again that she really was doing for a living was not only her destiny, but her greatest joy.

Still there was one problem, Cheerilee's present to Applebloom. The gift itself was nice, a professional crafted compass with beautifully etched letters for the directions, and most importantly, built sturdy for use by outdoors adventurer ponies, or in this case, a trio of rambunctious foals. Of course the problem was that Abby just got a compass, so now it just felt silly, and a little embarrassing, to give the farmer filly the same kind of present.

All of that was moot though if Cheerilee couldn't find the darn thing! [colour=#800080]"Purple Haze, Guiding Light, would you two be dears and help ol' Cheerilee in finding her present for the birthday filly?[/colour]" Cheerilee held her forehooves about two hooves apart, [colour=#800080]"it is a box about this wide, wrapped, with a red bow." [/colour] Hopefully it can be found among the mess, at least before it got crushed, smashed, or otherwise wrecked in the general anarchy which described this party thus far.

[colour=#FF8C00]Carrot Fields[/colour]

Carrot Fields could only watch wide eyed in apparent shock as Dash ripped the bag of brown sugar open, creating a large cloud of auburn dust that rapidly expanded in every direction. Fortunately for Dash, not a grain fell on her as her messy white unicorn friend jumped in front and took the brunt of the sweet smelling cloud instead. [colour=#ff8c00]"Hoa, 'at was close Dash! almost ruined yer fancy frock! Stoatin' save that, miss, ummm… Ah am sorry Ah forgot yer nam! But ye gotta[/colour][colour=#ff8c00] appreciate a gal wot dinnae mind gettin' dirty!"[/colour]

Carrot took the opened bag and dumped what was left of it's contents into the mixing bowl. He wasn't sure if the mix even called for brown sugar, but he saw his sister use it all the time. Besides, how could it be anything but helpful given that Pinkie willing to toss in whole eggs and wanted to add in coffee of all things!

If he was really lucky, maybe Pinkie would think the brown sugar was the coffee, both the same colour right? She seemed so out on left field that perhaps that was enough similarity to trick her and keep the foals from caffeine induced hyperactivity. It wasn't much of a plan, but it was all the gray stallion had. Carrot just smiled broadly, trying to look innocent, [colour=#ff8c00]"that'll dae it! whit noo? mixin' it aw?"[/colour]

Carrot Fields silently munched on a seasoned hay fry as he felt a bit embarrassed about what he had said; that is, until it was revealed to him that Dash didn’t understand what he really meant when he called her “bonnie”. He often forgot that the words he and his sister, Purple Haze, used were very localized, and not well understood by ponies in Equestria at large. In a small way, it gave him an advantage, such as right now, especially as Dash appeared to believe it meant something else. [colour=#ff8c00] “Weel “bonnie” in a way diz mean awesome, sae yeah!”[/colour]

Carrot ate another fry and leave Dash’s assumption intact, but then he felt a twang of guilt, as "awesome" isn't what he meant, and leaving it at that just wasn't honest. He wasn’t sure why it was such a big deal to be completely truthful with a filly he basically just met, but in the back of his mind he knew somehow it was important to do so. [colour=#ff8c00]“Well… Ah mean, awesome is an interpretation, but back haem in Fet Loch, whit we mean by th' wuid is whit ye aw haur in Ponyville woods caa ‘beautiful’."[/colour] Carrot just smiled awkward as he quickly ate a stuffed Feathered Serpent Tortilla, trying to think of a way to move the conversation along before things got really awkward.

In a flash he suddenly remembered, duh, they were at a convention! [colour=#ff8c00] “So ummm.. panels! waur thaur onie panels ye woods want tae attend? Ah am nae sure which ones tae gang tae myself, nae pure bein' a panel bloke. Actually Ah was hopin' fur autographs myself, loch frae Silverflash! Although ye ur a deid ringer fur 'er!”[/colour] [colour=#ff8c00] Keep talking like this Carrot and she is going to think you are some weird stallion with a crush on her or something.[/colour]

Well got the book, a couple interesting tidbits:

The map that has been floating around for a few months now appears to be the official map, at least the book uses it.

In the synopsis for Sisterhooves Social, they have a picture of Rarity's and Sweetie belle's parents that shows details not revealed in the episode; namely Rarity & Sweetie's father is a unicorn, and their mother's cutie mark is three chocolate chip cookies (one bitten), meaning she is likely a cook or a baker.

Carrot Top is indeed called Golden Harvest, Bob Bon's ofical name is Sweetie Drops, and Colgate's is Minuette. Lyra though is not just Heartstrings, but Lyra Heartstrings.

Dr. Whooves is officially listed as Dr. Hooves, so very close at least. Lotus (the spa pony) is Lotus Blossom (it does not mention her sister). Vinyl Scratch is listed as DJ-PON-3, of course that may be her stage name, and Octavia keeps the same name.

The book has a picture of Derpy int he Cloudsdale section, she is sleeping, and her name is not given.

Also not doubt from the movie:

I am very sorry to see you go Scotchie, but I understand. I am however glad that you have made it through that dark time and found the sun again, I'll just miss joking about Eighties nostalgia and bad movies with you.

Flitter didn't pay close attention to the nuances of the speech the lavender pegasus was giving, as she figured anything important she needed to know would be told to her at the department level. Instead Flitter floated over to the posted listing that showed which pegasus was assigned to which department. It didn't really matter to her what department she was actually in, being equally inexperienced in all of them, but if she would know any of the others in the department she got assigned to. The gray-lavender mare verbally squeaked in joy half way through reading when she saw Cloudchaser's name printed for the Vaporization department.

As if on cue, the tardy Cloudchaser came trotting up to her with blush inducing compliments in hoof. [colour=#cc99cc]"Awwww… thanks hon. Although I had to move my bow"[/colour]. Flitter brought her tail up along her side to show that she had tied her favorite bow to the end of it,[colour=#cc99cc] "it doesn't look as good down there, but oh well… Heh, if you want, I can tie it onto your tail instead! It be soooooo cute!" [/colour]Flitter just smirked, bows weren't Cloudchaser's style, so it was fun to occasionally "suggest" adding some to her mane or tail; truth was though Flitter was trying to be silly to deflect from her own nervousness at the general situation, and the pressure she felt.

Of course Dash only added tot hat pressure when the rainbow maned pegasus popped up between the pair talking something about how the fate of Equestria was on their wings and the only thing between hungry little foals and starvation was them, at least that is how a suddenly worried Flitter took it. [colour=#cc99cc]"Oh come on… It isn't that bad! Is it?" [/colour] Surely Dash was just really exaggerating for effect and the worst thing that could really go wrong was a small rain delay, right?

Yet again didn't that Sugar Apple say that Princess Luna would be in charge?? When did a weather factory need a princess to run things? The situation had to be serious! Still… Flitter just turned and looked at Cloudchaser with a quiver, [colour=#dda0dd]"it isn't that bad... Is it?"[/colour]

I would assume that most of the bronies are silently going "want, want, want, want, want..."

I am no exception. I looks like a fantastic book for any brony's collection of brony related merchandise. If anything, it's a must have!

Silent nothing, I will openly admitted I pre-ordered from Amazon when I found out about it.

Anyone know the size and if it's soft or hardcover?

And if the rest of the 255 pages are just filled with Rarity? :3

I believe it is soft covered, The size is 6.2 x 1 x 8.5 inches.

How big is it? Does it give hints to Equestrian lore outside of what we know from FiM?

According to Amazon, the book is 256 pages long, so I am hoping it will discuss lore and maps extensively.

Also this scene alone makes the comic worth it:

So many covers...

Well according to the very link you provided at the end, both the name Cloudchaser and Stormwalker is just as correct for the character.

Flitter was excited, determined, and last but not least, nervous, complete with the stomach that no doubt held several butterflies. Unlike her marefriend, Cloudchaser, she wasn't a weather pony by trade, but a biologist! Well, more like a graduate student in biology, but soon to be a biologist! What was relevant at the moment though was despite not having real weather experience, Flitter had an opportunity to help at the weather factory in Cloudsdale as part of ad-hoc, emergency crew gathered to prepare the Spring rains; something that beemed her with pride as she saw the huge factory come into view behind the opening cumulus.

As the light gray-lavendar mare came in for a landing, she sported dark and light lavender leg warmers, a matching scarf, and her favorite pair of goggles that she bought for last year's tornado. Comfortable. Fashionable. Practical! That was who Flitter was! She was sure of that fact, that is until she looked about and realized that he may have over-dressed just a wee bit. Worse, she heard who was no doubt the forepony, announce that she had to wear a uniform…

Flitter made a blegh face as she put on the plain white coat and hat, at least she could keep the goggles and leg warmers on; not as fashionable but still doable; at least she wouldn't look any dorkier than anypony else, right?

The lavender mare made an exaggerated salute once she had, [colour=#9999cc]"Flitter, reporting for her job, er, duty! Just tell me where to go!" [/colour] This was exciting, although, where was Cloudchaser?

[colour=#800080]Cheerilee[/colour]

Cheerilee stood back up on all four, dark spots floating in front of her eyes, but more or less able to make out what was around her. She was used to such accidents - there wasn't a year that went by where there wasn't a few magical accidents in class caused by young unicorns just coming into their powers. Cheerilee smiled to Guiding Light as she rubbed her eyes, [colour=#800080]“that's alright, Guiding, I know you were just trying to help. You just need a little more practice, is all!” [/colour]The schoolmare rubbed his mane to show there were no ill feelings. How could their be? She adored all her students.

Although there was still one concern, the present! Cheerilee looked at Ingrid with a worried expression,[colour=#800080] “oh, ummm ... it was a small rectangle, just big enough to fit a comp-, er um, a little bigger than an apple.”[/colour] Surely it was somewhere in the barn, she just had to look through the mess strewn about. It wasn't that bad ... Oh, who was she kidding? The barn looked like its own personal tornado had touched down.

[colour=#FF8C00]Carrot Fields[/colour]

Carrot Fields looked aghast as Pinkie mockingly attempted his Fet Loch accent. And badly, too! That wasn't very nice of her! [colour=#ff8c00]“Hey, now... Where Oi hie from, everypony talks loik -”[/colour] Carrot stopped short at the next statement,[colour=#ff8c00] “Oye! That's nae my fault! Oi just.. Just, well, Oi've nae connected wi' the roit mare yet! Oi'm sure Oi kin find... Did ye say dark cloud?”[/colour] Carrot shook his head, this is ridiculous, she was ridiculous! And cute, but that was beside the point.

As shocked as he was at Pinkie's insinuations, Carrot was horrified what she did next with the chickens! [colour=#ff8c00]“Are ye crazy! What are ye doin' tae those poor hens!?” [/colour] Who lets this nut anywhere near animals?! He didn't have a choice! Carrot pushed back the coffee bag as far away from her as he could and grabbed the poor poultry from Pinkie's forehooves, shooing the traumatized pair back outside to their hutch. At least his sister wasn't in there. Purple would have completely flipped out at the travesty of cake making.

He slammed the door and ran back. He needed a calm spot, something calming, something to distract him from the stressful stuff, just for a moment. Calm, relaxing, white dress, sleek mane, wow … Applejack's friends were so... Stunning! His eyes settled on Dash, trying to figure out what sugar was while in her beautiful dress. [colour=#ff8c00]“Wow, ye look gorgeous ...” Carrot Fields! You thinking about that now?! “Er, I mean... confused! Aye, th' sugar! Yeah, broon, it is actually supposed tae be broon. heh, its a special type ay sugar, it is fine, troost me! It will wark!”[/colour] Carrot stood there with a big, goofy grin, he certainly was no cook but he certainly didn't have much desire to leave the kitchen, he just wasn't really sure what to do next.

Foals typically found having to speak in front of class annoying, but Cheerilee always felt it was important that every student learned something every day, even if things didn't go as planned; and really, when did they ever? So it was no surprise the answers she got were as diverse as her class, ranging from boastful to disheartening to endearingly sweet, with a few strange responses that didn't quite make any sense mixed in for good measure. None though surprised her, not even the bizarre ones, in fact she actually expected it.

One response from the class though did worry her, and that was little Reno's reply about "some ponies are just acting nice but in reality don't like you at all". There were only two ways to read into that statement, either he was being bullied, or he was being shunned, in either case it was a problem. Cheerlee wasn't going to inquire right then, it would only serve to put the poor foal on the spot and possible worsen his situation with his peers. Instead she made a mental note to find out what was wrong later, discretely.

Still, all in all it was a good day despite all the insanity. [colour=#800080] "Well class it looks like we all learned a lot today and some of it was even on how orchards worked!” [/colour] Cheerilee laughed, “[colour=#800080] I am afraid though it is time to head back to the train station, we don't want to be late, since I am sure you all are eager to get back home for the weekend!" [/colour]The timing couldn't be better, after the events of today, she needed the time off, but there was one more reminder before they headed out, [colour=#800080]"Oh and don't forget, you all need to do your report on farms and have it ready by the next school day!"[/colour]

So many collective groans, but learning didn't stop for weekends!

As she observed the students gathering to file out, Cheerilee contemplated how to best thank Zecora for her help. She wanted to be culturally sensitive, but how? She knew so little about zebra customs, in fact the only real clue she had was that surprise kiss Zecora gave her earlier. It sure seemed a bit intimate but such friendly, close gestures must be normal for zebras. otherwise why would have Zecora done it?

“Miss Zecora, if you like, you can travel back with us of course; I'll be happy to spot you a ticket, it is the least I can do for your help bringing in Reno and helping chaperon the class.” Cheerilee smiled brightly if not a little awkwardly as she approached the zebra mare, [colour=#800080]C'mon Cheerilee, this isn't difficult and it would show her you appreciate her in her own traditon, just do it. [/colour] With a blush, Cheerilee leaned forward and kissed Zecora on the cheek, [colour=#800080]“thank you”.[/colour]

That just left their cordial host. Sure there was some awkward, and completely unexpected, moments involving Apple Bumpkin, but she meant well. Truth was Cheerilee was pretty flattered that somepony would come right out and tell her how they thought she was beautiful and all. Granted it was strange but the Apple mare's heart was in the right place.

[colour=#800080]“Well Miss Bumpkin, thank you once again for hosting us, and I personally appreciate you being so understanding about the tree and all; hope we didn't cause your cousin too much stress.” [/colour] Cheerilee gave an awkward but sincere smile, [colour=#800080]“Hopefully we can arrange a trip to you farm again next year, and well... Perhaps you and I can get together sometime soon in Ponyville and chat about stuff over coffee, get to know each other better.”[/colour] There, that sounded both personal and professional, at least Cheerilee hoped it did.

[colour=#800080]“Alright class, let's head out now, and don't forget to thank Miss Bumpkin on your way out! Let's head back to Ponyville!”[/colour]

The RP is complete as far having to post, however if anyone has anything they want to wrap up or post, go ahead! And thank you for participating in another great school thread!

The secret for shows like Doctor Who, Star Trek, and Star Wars to why their fandoms never really fade is the size and longevity of the franchises themselves. Doctor Who originally ran for 26 seasons, and never truly ended in Britain where books and audio-dramas kept going; now with the series running again, it is more popular than ever. Star Trek is pretty much continuous, only having a real lull in the Seventies and a brief one from 2005 until 2009; heck first run Star Trek was on TV continuously from 1987 until 2005, that kind of franchise staying power guarantees huge fandoms for the foreseeable futures.

For Friendship Is Magic I was originally going to compare it to the hit series, Babylon 5, which ran for five seasons (excluding TV movies). The fandom was large when it ran, but when the show and movies ended at the end of the Nineties, so did the fandom. These days while there are numerous B5 fans, the fandom is for all practical purposes, been dead for a decade.

That isn't a fair comparison though, Friendship Is Magic fandom has something the Babylon 5 or X-Files fandom did not (other than ubiquitous broadband and Internet use), and that is the massive flow of creative and diverse fan derivative works. I never seen a fandom dedicated to a specific show have such an outpouring of artistic creativity, in art, in stories, in plushies, buttons, games, etc. before FIM came along. Because of this and the how alternative universe stories that developed, the fandom will go on.

That being said, it will also greatly shrink. It is inevitable, people move on. What will happen is the fandom with shrink to the more dedicated artists and writers who will continue and develop fandom material and even alternate universe, and those who follow them (even casually); a few new peeps will discover and get involved but for the most part it will be a much smaller, but a much more closely knitted fandom.

You know what this thread needs? MOAR PICS!

Science!

I am still going by the theory the guy in Equestria Girls is Shining Armor and Twilight will see him as a surrogate big brother, but this is funny (spoiler tagged for length):

Watermelons are gooooood!

My favorite ship:

Yay CMC!

The show must go on Octavia:

What is the fan community supposed to do about it?

Dis is a good start:

A campaign is underway on Twitter under the #thankyouDHX tag, so go lend them some support, encouragement, and love.

If you have Twitter, go show your support to DHX, and it wouldn't hurt to your favorite writers and VA's as well.

Even if it's DHX doing this, they're wasting their talents and money on a concept done to death over and over. By about over a dozen different movies all set in a High school setting that have already done this high school setting. They should stick to what they do best and focus on MLP and not this obvious ploy at taking your money and leaving you with a very bad experience that would no doubt dampen your hopes when Season 4 rolls around.

Alright bronies move along, nothing to see here just wait until Season 4 gets here.

You realize they are just the animation studio? They do whatever the company that hires then tell them to do, in this case Hasbro. They do a wonderful job with it as demonstrated by the show, but to blame them for the concept or the story of Equestria Girls being bad is just ludicrous.

after some strolling through te internet this morning i found something that may or may not be true cause well internet is best rumor mill but apparently the staff is getting sick of apparent DEATH threats aimed at them over equestria girls.. seriously..has anyone else heard that?

I have heard that, I am not sure how true or how common such things were. Equestria Daily covered the hyper-outrage pretty well and why it is stupid.

Name for the human equivalents for the mane six and antagonist:*

• Pinkie Pie = Paulina Pettifer
  
• Rainbow Dash = Roxy Dodgers
  
• Applejack = Amelia Jems
  
• Rarity = Rowellina Beattie
  
• Fluttershy = Faith Summers
  
• Sunset Shimmer = Susan Shelby
  
• unnamed boy = Jock Fastflash
  

*Found this on Derpibooru, which got it from what looks like 4chan, so I consider this "rumor tier", besides the guy's name is "Jock Fastflash", that sounds a little too ridiculous to me to be his actual name, but you never know. Either way, treat this as unconfirmed for now.