NMN Updatage · 3:04pm Oct 12th, 2020
I have a week off, and plenty of writing to do. First up is the new NMN chapter. It currently stands at around 6200 words, and is likely to be a long one before all is said and done; possibly approaching or even exceeding 10,000 words. Be advised I'm taking another chance with this one as the means of Luna's seduction and possible corruption take shape. Let's just say for now that given her proclivities and history, she's got good reason to not let herself succumb to this curse. And by the way...
There was something I meant to say in the Authors Notes of the last chapter, and now wish I'd said in my previous blog post as well, when I was discussing the reaction to the last chapter: Namely, that I took pains to use the last chapter to showcase how the curse actually works. There are in fact three major means it uses to spread itself—i.e., induce potential new hosts to have sex—and all three were displayed in the last chapter. So there is method to all this madness other than me just wanting to indulge in rare ships and crazy fetishes. Though admittedly that's part of the fun! 
In any event, I will explain at the end of this story how this curse works and where it came from. Or more precisely, our victors will, once they can analyze it properly. Actually, I've tried to leave hints and clues here and there throughout the story, and some of you have already been able to guess at least part of the answers. But lest anyone thinks I've just been pulling all this out of my plot the whole time, there's actually been a list of rules and several paragraphs of origin backstory to this thing that I wrote and shared with prereaders early on. I've been working from it since nearly day one.
I say again that when all is said and done, it won't be status quo. The Curse will leave its mark for better and for worse, much as The Nightmare did on Luna. But fear not. This is not a bad end story. I have a series of ending scenes and epilogues planned that I hope will be both poignant and powerful, showing how everypony/griffon/dragon adopts afterwards—what they do, and in some cases, who they marry/where they go. Some important and popular figures will be richly rewarded for their efforts, including some recent character additions to the story. And definitely expect a few final twists! 
I do have some hypotheses on the curse's pathology; looking forward to seeing which ones are proved wrong!
The state of the world after this mess should be quite the sight. Don't know how Starlight or pony Twilight will live this one down. At least the latter has the advantage of immortality, and thus plenty of time to achieve other great things. And all things considered, there are arguably worse ways Starlight could be remembered. Mutating a few cities pales in comparison to multiple omnicide.
The only positive consequence that I know will be the result of the curse is that Princess Twilight will be less afraid of her own power. I don't know enough about how much changes will be reversed to speculate on the rest. I have a pretty good idea as to the origins of the curse since you confirmed I already knew 2/3 of the ingredients and I think that the last part was something all characters initially overlooked. Zecora's eyedrops that Fluttershy's eyes glow red are what I think is the final ingredient. I am looking forward to the next chapter very much as always since this is one of 3 favourites I have that are in my tracking list.
Wait, you're telling me that ending with the magic of friendship having been spread is a bad ending?
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Well, the state of the world is a bit of an exaggeration for how far this actually reached, but yes, things are going to be a bit difficult and affected areas for a bit.
She's already achieved many great things, and even this is not without benefit. I do have a very specific scene in mind for her trying to come to terms with it, and it will be... appropriate, I think. Let's just say she'll have the benefit of the experience of others to draw from.
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Well, you'll be happy to know that isn't the only positive consequence I envision. Far from it, in fact. It's called a curse, but is it really...? If nothing else, consider: why did the Friendship Map summon Sunset and Sci-Twi? Here's a hint: The Map doesn't actually see the curse as an affront to Friendship or Harmony. In other words, the curse wasn't why they were summoned.
You will find out if you're right! Or if you like, since you've been such a good commenter, I'll tell you in a PM as long as you don't tell anyone else.
I consider that high compliment! Thank you again for reading and commenting this whole way.
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Well, like I told Redmar above, the Friendship Map doesn't actually see anything wrong with the curse as it summoned Sunset and Sci-Twi for a different reason entirely. And you can bet this will be a point made to a hurting Twilight when the time comes.
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I don't know. Converting ponies against their will doesn't seem very "Friendship" or "Harmony". Seems like the episodes with Stalight brainwashing ponies, which was not a good thing.
And Twilight also became very arrogant and megalomaniac. Of course she has a mind and power to back her confidence, but it also caused her to be outmanoeuvre by Trixie and Teacups. And there was Daybreaker.
It looks rather that The Curse could be neutral at best with penchant for evil. Midnight had a point there; some adjustments are in order.