Great White Games/Pinnacle Entertainment Group

Jordan Peacock

My Little ... NIGHTMARE!

Okay, so I've been jesting about running a "My Savage Pony" game for a while, but not really putting any serious work into it. However, yesterday Wendy and I were doing some much-delayed Christmas shopping, and she asked, "So, what would YOU like for Christmas?" I answered the same thing I did when she asked what I wanted for my birthday, "For you to play in one of my games again!" "Aww, we've been through this already. I don't like ZOMBIES." Well, I said she could give me a raincheck for when I'm NOT running a game with zombies in it. Maybe a game with ... PONIES in it?

Wal-Mart Pony Power Pack -- "Pinkie Pie & Friends"

(Oh, how blissfully ignorant they are of the DOOM that awaits them all!)

While we were at Wal-Mart, I ended up grabbing a "Pony Power Pack" (12 ponies for $20). The plastic figures have molded manes rather than the brushable hairy ones, and they're about 2" tall. There were four familiar ponies in the pack -- Apple Jack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie -- but Wendy was disappointed that there was no Twilight Sparkle (or Big Mac). The rest of the ponies were "Clonies" of the same styles (including a Twilight Sparkle look-alike, oddly enough), just with a spin on the color wheel and a different flank stamp.

I'll likely get a few more of these: Toys 'R' Us has a "buy one, get one 50% off" sale this week on MLP toys, so I'll probably drag Wendy along and see what interests her. She voiced interest in Zecora and Big Mac, and I think those might be in a couple of the Toys 'R' Us packs ... and any of the unwanted extras go into my herd of conversion material. (Alas, if only there were a "Brony" pack with a bunch of Big Macs and clones thereof, so I could even out the gender balance a bit. But then ... hey, they're ponies. Paint the eyes a bit differently, and maybe it's a GUY pony. Maybe. Hey, I'm going to armor up some of these ponies anyway.)

The plan is to dig through the "bitz box," and use a bit of Apoxie Sculpt (and the "green stuff" as necessary) to do some conversions to make a bunch of "pony adventurers" as pre-gens for a convention scenario. If a player is REALLY particular about what color/equipment/role combo he wants for his pony, he can go shopping and buy his OWN pony mini.

Pony & Door Scale Comparison

Scale is an issue. These are 2" high, so they are noticeably not very "little" compared to 32mm (let alone 25mm) miniatures and scenery. They seem look look nice enough next to most of my Hirst Arts dungeon pieces, although they fill up the corridors (a 2" wide corridor is really only wide enough for the ponies to comfortably walk single-file), and some of the doors are just too small. The Mage Knight and Warhammer Quest doors look large enough, however, and I think the larger 1.5"-wide Hirst Arts blocks doors should work as well.

Mini-Pony & 30-mm Base Comparison

Some of the ponies don't stand up all that well on their own, so miniatures bases will be a necessity. The ponies can barely be squeezed in on 30mm game bases. They might fit more comfortably on Clix bases -- though at the expense of having more trouble squeezing into dungeon corridors.

Mini Pony Hoof Plug-Hole

I noticed that every one of these Mini-Pony figures has a hole in one of the hooves. This reminds me of the holes in the bases of feet of the old Star Wars action figures, so they could be posed on display stands and stand up in key points on play sets. I haven't seen any play sets to go with these ponies (not that I've actually looked very hard yet), but I'm guessing this is for something like that. This could be useful if I go the route of putting the ponies on Clix bases; I could find some dowel or sprue that makes for a good fit, so the figure can be plugged onto a base without a permanent attachment. That way, I could easily pop a pony on its side to represent a character that's knocked out (as tipping a figure with a particularly LARGE base can be awkward), or take a flier pony and put it on a different "flight base" for when it's airborne (not that there's likely to be much room for flight in a typical dungeon).

Mini Pony vs. Warhammer Undead Horse

Now, what for the monsters? Well, getting a bunch of extra ponies and "zombifying" them is right out, or I'll lose Wendy's interest. That was, of course, my FIRST idea. My Warhammer Fantasy skeletal horses look silly next to the Mini-Ponies; the proportions are all wrong. If I wanted a skeletal Pony, I'd have to do some major sculpting work. (Yes, "Sculpt More" is going to be my resolution for 2013, but going to that much trouble for a gag is probably over-kill.)

To keep the kid-friendly (or Wendy-friendly) factor up, I'll probably focus on monsters that are only "quasi-real" or "quasi-living," such as elementals, slimes/oozes, animated objects, golems, clockwork contraptions, ghosts, etc. I suppose I could manage some "ghost ponies" with some repaints. For things such as slimes/oozes and elementals, I suppose I could make some use of Play-Doh compound on the fly. Very Happy

(The colors would probably fit in better.) I will keep an eye out in the thrift stores for anything that looks "cutely" proportioned that could pass for some sort of monster.

Pre-Gen Heroes:

I'm letting Wendy have first dibs on any ponies I acquire that she wants to spare from kitbashing, or that she'd like to have turned into her PC (Pony Character). I'm planning on converting a bunch into some "basic" adventurer types, and I'll try to get by with as little painting as I can manage. (I.e., I might just touch up the paint jobs a bit, but otherwise leave the pony colors and marks as they are.)

For the blue pony with the orange mane -- billed as "Water-Fire" -- I think she'd make a great spellcaster/elementalist (elements of fire and water, naturally). I'm thinking of sculpting a putty wizard hat and cape for her, and drilling a hole in her mouth to have a mouth-held wand. (In other words, like the picture I drew previously, only this time in 3D.)

I'll probably also try making THIS, just because:

(Some putty required to turn the mane into "flaming" effects, of course -- pretty much the same as I did with that "Pegasus" toy up at the top, to "Nightmare-ize" it.)

Now, for the GAME angle ... I'll be making a few racial templates, inspired strongly by what has gone before in the "Savage Pony" area.

I don't know that I'm going to actually assign any sort of Hindrance to reflect the LACK OF HANDS, because it seems that these ponies manage to get by without them most of the time (although, for all I know, maybe they just depend very heavily on unicorns and their ability to levitate objects). I think there's going to be a bit of hand-waving ... er, HOOF-waving here. If you're a unicorn, you levitate it. If you're a pegasus or pony, you just ... kick it in the right place, and somehow it all works out. I don't want to get too hung up on that.

Pegasi can fly, unicorns can levitate things (and being a unicorn seems to be a prerequisite toward arcane magic), while regular/"Earth" ponies are probably the closest we have to the "human" baseline (i.e., pick your Edge). Just as the Pegasus flight ability shouldn't burn Power Points, I figure that whatever basic levitation ability a Unicorn should have wouldn't cost PP to use, either -- but it would have distinct limits, and if you want to go beyond that, pick up an Arcane Background and become a full-fledged spellcaster.

"Gryphon" would be a choice as well -- pretty similar to pegasi, package-wise. I suppose "hippocampus" makes sense, but I don't know that I'm going to go chopping up a pony just to make a conversion that won't be of much use on land anyway.

As far as typical roles:
* Wizard: Limited to unicorns or other "magical creatures." Arcane Background (Magic). I might go with one of the "Power-Point-free" optional systems, however, due to previous problems I've had with players keeping track of their Power Points. As noted before, a cape, hat, wand, maybe a book can be used as equipment on the mini to make it clear what this is.

* Priest/Priestess: Open to anyone. I'm not sure what sort of religions make sense in a world where a kingdom is ruled by an alicorn who makes the sun rise and set, and who locked her little sister away for a thousand years, and they're both apparently long-lived enough that this was just a minor setback in the grand scheme of things. Being a "priest of Celestia" would be a bit weird when you can just write a letter and send it by dragon-gram directly to the Princess. Anyway, it will likely be a very vague sort of "Priest of Light" type of business; it'll have religious trappings, but we won't get deeply into the theology. Trappings might include a "holy symbol" hanging about the neck, a saddlebag with a holy book, etc.

* Warrior/Knight: Open to anyone. I'll need to kitbash a pony to have something resembling armor. As for weapons? Well, I think there was some jousting at some point, so SOMEHOW a lance. Other than that, swords don't seem to be in vogue, so I'll guess that really solid horseshoes are the weapon of choice.

* Rogue: Open to anyone. I'll likely represent this by painting up a pony as if it's in a "ninja suit." Heh.

* Healer/Herbalist: Woodsy healer, perhaps "druid-like" in tone, but without any overt magical powers. Perhaps also a nice combo with Beast Master. Probably represented with an "herb pouch" hanging from the neck, woodsy color scheme, etc.

* Ranger/Archer: Ha! Yeah, I don't know how to handle archery with a pony. A gryphon would likely have an easier time of it. Or ... eh, sure, they're hooves, but they're CARTOON hooves. Somehow it just works out, and I shouldn't over-think it.

* Tinker: Pony with a wrench! All right, so maybe the clockwork-tech angle is a bit anachronistic for straight-up fantasy, but I foresee a lot of clockwork-tech in the dungeon traps and such -- and I haven't exactly committed myself to treating this as if it's taking place "once upon a time" in the distant past of the setting. Maybe if I get that Cloudsdale pack with the gryphon and the "Thunderbolt" pony, the one with the goggles would work nicely for a tinker.

* Bard: I'd ask how a pony can play an instrument, but then I think there's a certain pink pony that has managed that repeatedly. Oh yeah, and I think I've seen a pony playing a violin. So it has to work SOMEHOW. Too bad there isn't an "Octavia" pack, or I'd be all set.

So ... 8 pre-gen pony archetypes. That seems like a pretty good goal; I don't expect to actually have 8 PLAYERS for any one game, but I'd like to have a bit of selection. And, at the very least, right now I DO have 8 "Clonies" free (after Wendy claims Rarity, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash) to work with, so I should have something to work with even if I don't buy any additional plastic ponies.
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SavageGamerGirl · Heroic Joined: 24 Oct 2010 Posts: 1258

Heehee! Awesome!

Jordan Peacock

Snate56 · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:34 pm Post subject:

You'll perhaps want to find some of the "blind bag" ponies, same sculpts and scale (My guess is about 1/48}. My local Fred Meyer grocery finally got some in and I was able to check them out.
http://mylittlewiki.org/wiki/G4_Blind_Bag_Ponies
I have about half the set of the third wave (purple bag) and there are a few boys including Big Mac. All earth ponies though, the only male pegasus is Soarin' from the cloudsdale pack.

Set four (blue bag), the glitter set, I would not recommend, they're a translucent cast that're the rolled in glitter making them scratchy and unsuitable for repaints. It doesn't wash off, I tried. There are, however, three metalics in the set that aren't covered in glitter.

Set five (yellow bag, pending), will have three Ailicorns in it: Celestia, Luna, and Cadence.

Oh, btw, Big Mac is also in the Apple Family pack; a three piece set like the Cloudsdale set. (Zecora is in one of those sets, too).
Oh, Oh, There is a wedding set too with Shining Armor, so there is a male unicorn too.

And if you want to cheat, look up the number of the desired pony on the wiki page, say Applejack #19, then look on the flap along the back of the blind bag. You'll find a five digit number of which the second and fourth numbers match the pony's number, 41592.

SteveN
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VonDan · Legendary Joined: 08 Jul 2008 Posts: 3250

You should add something from my Kids book "Blood Mares" are flesh eating horses with saber tooth cat like teeth. By the end of the book the blood mare forces her self on the Unicorn Silver Stallion and the sequel will have frisky black furred unicorn foals full of fire and fury
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Snate56 · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 8:11 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't bother with a priest class, the deities don't appear to lend power for divine spells. And while all the ponies love thier princesses, I don't want to add slavelike devotion to them. They're more like really good friends.
Zecora is a world class herbal healer.
And I wouldn't bother with bows and arrows either, let them throw rocks!
I'm going to have to go back and watch the episodes again. Other than the lances they used for jousting, I don't remember much in the way of weapon usage. (Did Daring Do have a whip?) Very Happy

Also, though they don't have TK or flight, most earth ponies do tend to have a knack (hence the cutie mark), Applejack has her applebucking and Pinkie Pie has her "Pinkie Sense".

SteveN
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"We've got a blind date with destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." <The Shoveller>

Jordan Peacock · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 8:18 pm Post subject:

SavageGamerGirl · Heroic Joined: 24 Oct 2010 Posts: 1258

Snate56 · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 1:32 am Post subject:

Yeah, for the most part, they use the sculpts of the Mane 6 over and over again. Since they are aiming at little kids we've really got no place to complain, the kids don't care.
Apparently, only when they absolutely have to, will they do a new sculpt, as in the ailicorns, Zecora, or the male pegasus and unicorn.
I guess Lotus Blossom from the spa pack was unique enough to warrant it too. Oh yeah, and Gilda.
Realistically, if they did a unique sculpt of everypony, that would be a lot of sculpts! Laughing

Myself, I don't want to start doing repaints until I have repeat figures and I can't seem to get my store to get in any more purple boxes. I actually got the guy to order more but the only ones that came in from the warehouse were blue boxes.

SteveN
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"We've got a blind date with destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." <The Shoveller>

warrenss2 · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 5:30 pm Post subject:

I know this is going to be a dumb question to you savage pony fans but...

Are you familiar with Rodger Phillips Marsh's Savage Worlds My Little Pony.

Is this where all this My Little Pony stuff came from? Along with the show of course.
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Snate56 · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 5:42 pm Post subject:

Have to ask SavageGamerGirl, but I believe this spun off a thread where we were discussing what could or could not be made into a Savage setting. I'm pretty sure that was what inspired the Savaging of My Little Pony.

SGG made us sit and watch youtube videos until our eyes glazed and we were murmuring join the herd...

You will find the Savage tale The Ponyville Horror on that original thread, My Savage Pony.

SteveN
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"We've got a blind date with destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." <The Shoveller>

warrenss2 · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 5:46 pm Post subject:

So SGG made you go through and develop a Stockholm syndrome toward the game?!? Surprised

Just joking SavageGamerGirl!!

Okay, okay, okay... I'll give it a chance... I'll watch some episodes to see what it's all about.

Who knows? You all might have a new fan in your ranks soon.
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SavageGamerGirl · Heroic Joined: 24 Oct 2010 Posts: 1258

SavageGamerGirl · Heroic Joined: 24 Oct 2010 Posts: 1258

Snate56 · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:06 pm Post subject:

Yeah, like Typhoid Mary was just contagious...

Personally, I would suggest watching the premier episodes, season 1, episodes 1 & 2, The Mare in the Moon and The Elements of Harmony.

I think what sunk me however was the 20% cooler Sonic Rainboom clip. The music was just awsome! I had to go immediately watch the episode.

I'm also an old time musical fan so I really enjoy the musical episodes. Most all the songs are broadway quality in my opinion.

Oh and as for adventure, don't forget Read It And Weep, season 2, episode 16

SteveN
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"We've got a blind date with destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." <The Shoveller>

iamfanboy · Novice Joined: 18 Sep 2011 Posts: 86

One ep I've enjoyed some success with introducing people to with is the Bird in the Hand one; it shows all the Mane Six personalities without shoving in your face, is one of the few episodes to heavily feature Princess Celestia's... unique... attitude towards ruling, and combines adventure and slice of life - though Dragonshy is also solid IMHO.

Snate56 · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 3:10 pm Post subject:

So much for eliminating bows and arrows...
I still would, but I just noticed a guy in the Crystal Empire walking around with a bow and arrow cutie mark. Razz

SteveN
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"We've got a blind date with destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." <The Shoveller>

Jordan Peacock · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 3:32 pm Post subject:

SavageGamerGirl · Heroic Joined: 24 Oct 2010 Posts: 1258

If you need a plausible explanation for how ponies can pick up, hold, or otherwise manipulate objects with their hooves, you need look no further than these videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFW7VQpY-Ik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKOI_lVDPpw

Using that method, the frog a hoof (the soft central portion that's used as a shock absorber) could be controlled by muscular action to allow for gripping.

Ta-dah!

There's how a pony can use a bow and arrow.
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Snate56 · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 4:03 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I would leave new marks for complete repaints.
The only bow and arrow I find is a female named Lovestruck; white with fushia mane, and it has a heart motif referencing Cupid.
Am I missing one?

SteveN
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"We've got a blind date with destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." <The Shoveller>