My new years resolution?

I'll have the epilogue of Magic, and Mayhem, and... Murder? Oh my.... done within the next two weeks. I'll keep you guys updated on that and the new project that's been sucking away so much of my brainstorming time... soon.

In the meantime, I hope each and every single one of you ladies and gentlemen have a wonderful, incredible, amazing, indubitably ineffable New Year!

Hello everyone!

I'll make this quick and simple, because I don't have a ton of time right this moment:

I am very pleased to announce the official, exact, guaranteed release date/time of the next chapter of Magic, and Mayhem, and... Murder? Oh my... as:

Tomorrow, Sept. 27 at 12 PM EST!

That's right, you heard it here first, folks! Although, I'd be extremely surprised if you'd heard it anywhere else first... and more than a little terrified.

Now, for a caveat: This will actually be the first half of what was originally intended to be a single chapter. However, when said chapter started to run somewhat... loooooooong... I decided to split it in two. So, this is what you're getting.

Chapter 17.1: Foil to the Sun.

And hey, I just gave you the title! Look at me just handing out spoilers left and right. Here's another one... be sure to read the author's note at the end of the chapter for a special surprise. Love you all, and I hope you enjoy the first half of the climactic finale to my little crossover project.

This is your friendly neighborhood Invictus, signing off.

P.S. This is an excellent opportunity for those of you that might have forgotten certain events due to the... time delay... to go back and catch up.

Just to let you guys know. I'm not dead. Still working on the chapter, which is shaping up to be (by far) the longest one yet. Which, I suppose, makes sense, since it is going to be fairly climactic, as most of you have already guessed.

I've decided at this point that I'm not going to burden myself with deadlines for this one. It's important to the narrative, so I want to really take my time and do it right. Also, life's been a bit hectic recently. Speaking of, I have a 12 hour long drive to Maine in store for me later today. By early tomorrow morning, I will either be feasting on lobster and moose with friends and family, or dead. Hopefully the former, as the internet connection in hell is probably pretty terrible. I've heard all they've got down there is DSL.

Wish me luck.

On a lighter note, I actually really don't want to leave you guys high and dry, so I think I'll leave you with a fluffy little teaser from early on in the upcoming chapter.

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Suddenly, everypony was talking. Some yelling at Shawn, others yelling at the ones yelling at Shawn. Others, mostly Pinkie, simply yelling about some creature called a 'bat-man'... whatever that was. Twilight glanced around, becoming increasingly agitated at the growing chaos.

Her princess had just popped out of some sort of magical artifact, and was now fighting against the same eldritch abomination that had nearly upended their entire civilization a few short years ago. If somepony didn't do something, the situation would only continue to deteriorate. She drew in a breath...

"All of you SHUT UP!"

... and nearly choked on it as captain Aegis's deafening shout left everyone's ears ringing and plastered to their skulls. The guardspony waited for a few moments in the ensuing silence, seeming to almost savor it, before continuing.

"Shawn, what was princess Celestia doing in your pants?"

Twilight, along with everyone else there, looked to Shawn expectantly. His shoulders were shaking, he was bent over his stomach, and it looked like he was choking. Had he gotten something stuck in his throat? Concerned, Twilight stepped forward.

"Shawn... are you alright?" She noticed tears leaking from the corners of his eyes as she set a comforting hoof on his shoulder.

Of all the reactions she expected, debilitatingly explosive laughter was not one of them.

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Oh, and before I forget: Thanks to everyone who's commented on this story. I assure you, I carefully read every last one that gets posted to this story (even if I don't always respond), no matter how short it is. Honestly, your comments and support are what have kept me writing so far... and what will keep me writing even after this story comes to its inevitable conclusion.

So, seriously, thanks (again)! I'll see you all again when I post the next chapter of the reason you all care about anything I have to say. Perhaps even before then, if my alter ego does something stupid enough to raise the ire of the Pink Party Pirate of Ponyville.

This you friendly neighborhood Invictus, sighing off.

Okay, guys... I did my best, but this next chapter just isn't where I want it to be at this point. So, I regret to inform you that (as some of you predicted), the next chapter will not be released today.

Sorry...

On the plus side, the reason it's being delayed is so that I can provide you with a much better chapter than if I just released the convoluted mess I currently have willy-nilly! So, there's that.

In lieu of a new chapter, I will instead use this opportunity to plug some tragically under-read stories (from other authors) which I both love and firmly believe are worth your time (if you have not seen them already). Also, it'll give my obviously rabid fans something to distract themselves with until I deign to grace them with an update. Please don't eat me.

Mass Effect: Dissension by RandomEncounter

Description:

Commander Ashley Williams, Council Spectre, has seen a lot in the seven years since the end of the Reaper Invasion.  Even though the Reapers themselves are helping to rebuild the war-torn galaxy, the peace that Shepard bought with his life is tenuous at best.  Many individuals still hold onto their lingering hatred of the machines that butchered millions and feel the Council has betrayed everything the war was fought over.

And when a species is discovered that posses abilities that seem almost impossible, it falls on the shoulders of Commander Williams to keep their power from falling into the wrong hands...

Review:

What can I say? I love the cut of this guy's jib. The author has clearly put a lot of thought, planning, and attention into this story. There's only one chapter out, but you get a wonderful introduction to a very original choice for a main character: Ashley Williams. A badass female human for a lead... I know, right? Well, it works. Her characterization is cut right out of the games and doesn't create that troublesome little issue of the fact that Shephard's character is (by design) undefined, which always creates dissonance for people who didn't play the version of him/her that's getting crossed over.

I won't say anything about the narrative, pacing, or characterization besides that they're all exceptional. I wouldn't be recommending this if they weren't. What I will say is that the author actually took the time to merge the two universes. That's right. This isn't Pony on Earth. This isn't Human in Equestria. This is a true, sensible, thought out merger of two very different universes, and it works. Give it a go, you won't be disappointed.

Outside the Reaching Sky by Karazor

Description:

Eighty years after the events of The Dread Chitin, Equestria is a radically different place.  The arcane science of the late Duran Thirk and the information found on the Star League library core have combined to catapult the nation's science ahead by hundreds of years.

Now, facing the possible aggression of a completely unknown alien power, Twilight Sparkle and her friends have to gather together once more, leading a crew of the best ponies they could assemble in a voyage outside their own star system.  They seek to learn about their potential foe, to explore the galaxy around them, and possibly find allies and friends to stand alongside them.  Who knows what they will actually find?

Review:

For those of you who haven't, you'll want to read The Dread Chitin, because this is a sequel (though the prequel is only necessary to understand some character references and why the ponies have space-ships). Also, The Dread Chitin is quite possibly one of my favorite fanfictions of all time, so... you know... there's that.

This author is incredibly talented and tragically under-read. Seriously, I seethe with jealous fury every time I read his work, which is professional quality. Then I seethe with incandescent rage when I realize each of his stories has under 100 ratings (and a grand total of 2 thumbs down between the 3 of them)  The story itself is based on what appears to be an original universe, which is crafted and presented brilliantly. This guy has taken the concept of "magi-tech" and developed it to a point far beyond anything else I've ever seen on this site. The universe that's partially revealed here just reeks of vibrancy and complexity, and the ponies themselves felt so genuine in their actions and motivations, it hurt. You'll be on the edge of your seat and drooling for more, by the end.

Across the Sea by John Hood

Description:

The Defiance of Nightmare Moon was long ago enough that most ponies consider it more legend than fact. But Equestria's history goes much further back, to an age half-remembered in myth and mystery. In ages long past, the race of man emerged from the fog of the unknown, a time so distant that even the Princess's grandparents were young.

But it is at the dawn of Celestia and Luna's rule we lay our scene, as Equestria threatens to tear itself apart, and the human nations across the sea grow ever stronger in their reach and influence. Both are on a collision course. This is the tale of Tempest Blackwind, a young pegasus exile, of Aharôs Loiar, a man against the world, of the two alicorn Princesses, struggling to be the leaders their subjects need in a time of crisis, and many more who would leave their mark on a time now forgotten by all but a few.

Review:

Riveting narrative. Wonderful characterization. Vibrant world-building. Only the very occasional typo or error... but certainly not nearly enough to distract or break immersion.

Oh, yeah... and it's high-fantasy in an original setting.

I should elaborate on the "original" bit: this IS Equestria. But it ain't your daddy's Equestria. This one's expansive, chaotic, complex, violent, and incredibly, utterly fascinating.

Interestingly enough, the style feels amazingly fresh, in spite of its obvious and venerable inspirations (Sword of Ice and Fire, Tolkien, Wheel of Time, etc.). Perhaps because this is the first time I've genuinely felt like I was reading high-fantasy (good high-fantasy, no less) while I was, in fact, reading a fanfiction. The premise of human civilization pre-existing in Equestria, wielding cannon and arquebuses, and its clashes with an angry, young Celestia is also new to me. And the story does a good job of establishing relatable, three-dimensional characters on both sides (no "humans are the real monsters" tropes here).

This story sank its hooks into my interest from beginning to end, leaving me so utterly entranced with the narrative that I practically devoured the whole thing in one sitting. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for each new chapter to bring new revelations, which I recognize as the sort of emotional investment that is only brought about by a great story.

So, there you go kids. Now you have plenty to tithe you over until my triumphant return sometime next week with a finished, polished version of the most climactic chapter of Magic, and Mayhem, and... Murder? Oh my... yet! And if you've already read all of these... well, I congratulate you on your excellent taste. Now, go outside or something and let me work!

This is your friendly neighborhood drunken bum Invictus, signing off.

Just a quick update for you guys today.

Some of you may or may not be familiar with the Legends of Equestria MMO project. Some of you may or may not know that they were recently holding writing auditions to look for new peeps to add to their writing team. Almost none of you are probably aware that, against all common sense and decency, I have somehow been selected to be a part of that writing team.

Yeah, you read that right. This doofus will be helping to write the [REDACTED] for this:

"But, Invictus, you silly, drunken bum, you!" you ask, quite rudely, "How will this affect the update schedule for Magic, and Mayhem...!? You know, the thing you do that we actually sort of care about, slightly!?"

Well, give my ego one second to finish deflating and I'll answer that for you!

...

There it goes.

Right, as for your question. The only answer I have for you right now is: I'm not sure.

I literally have no idea how much writing they'll have me doing and, hence, how much of my already heavily loaded "free" time it will take up. I do promise you this, though... I will do my utmost to deliver the last few chapters of MMaMOM with the same quality and timeliness that I have in the past.

...

You're not even the slightest bit reassured, are you?

Well, as a token of good faith (and possibly bad judgement), I am officially announcing the release date of chapter 17 as: this Friday the 10th.

Now, go forth and frolic (or whatever it is you crazy readers do), whilst I craft a fantastical land of pony-tastic adventures for you all to enjoy!

Eagerly accepting your undying adulation,

Invictus

Okay, so... my last post was far more prophetic than I expected.

A rather unfortunate combination of story-related issues and RL shenanigans has transpired. I'll spare all of you the sordid, yet surprisingly boring, details and just make this quick. Like a band-aid.

I have to delay the next chapter release until Tuesday, the 17th.

Not to worry, though! I still plan on releasing 3 chapters this month, just like last time. Only I'm going to be cutting it a smidge closer than I originally expected. We all knew the dates I bandied about in that comment were only estimates... right? Just... uhh... think of this as a reduction between this chapter's release and the next one!

As an apology for the delay, have some Fluttershy reenacting my current emotional state!

Now, if you'll excuse me I need to go finish barring my doors and windows. RandomEncounter will surely be enraged and proceed to stalk me relentle-... well, even more relentlessl-... continue behaving as usual after this status update.

Hello again!

This is your friendly neighborhood Invictus here, bringing you your semi-weekly-ish dose of telling you when to expect the next chapter of Magic and Mayhem!

Whu-... What the-!? How'd you find me again!? How'd you get in here!? And where did that pail of sponges even come from!?

No! I covered my tracks this time! I faked my own death! How... did you...!?

Sorry... please continue...

B-But... I was finally sober. I apologized to Luna, moved 1,000 miles away, got a job and a home. I'm a productive member of society now! I don't wanna go back! I don't wanna be that guy again! Look how clean my tie is!

Oh, god, not again... no, get away! What are you- AAAAAAHHHHHGLURGHLE...!

... gasp... glurgle...

... glurgle...

... ... ... ...

Aaaahhh, that's the stuff. Thanks, Bossmare. I can't believe I almost abandoned my most magnificently rewarding career for this piddling little pseudo-life. How anyone can deal with this so called "real life" is truly beyond my ken.

I'll have it finished in no time at all. And by that, I mean by this Friday the 13th. It'll be in Luna's hooves by then... dramatic pause... even if it kills her.

EVIL CACKLING LAUGHTER! CONVENIENT BACKGROUND LIGHTNING STRIKE! DRAMATIC REVERB!

You got it, Bossmare! You can probably count on me, maybe!

...

What are you all looking at!? Go take a flying leap! I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep... and miles to go before I sleep...

Alright ye landlubbers, the date is set! Ye will be seein' a bleedin' update this Friday, the 29th!

Why?

'Cause Pinkie Pirate sez so! That be why! If ye want to argue, the line starts right in front o' this here party canon!

Oh, ye don't like me policies? Would ye settle fer a song instead? Magniferrific! I mean... YARR! I shall now sing ye the song of me people!

As much as I hate to do it, I'm going to have to delay it until Monday afternoon.

I know I promised you guys an update today, and I tried (I really did). Work, though, has made that all but impossible. Not without rushing and giving up the already-minute quality I try to preserve in my writing. I'll admit it... I got a little over-ambitious with that last announcement.

However, I would like to note that this does not in any way affect my resolution to bring you guys 3 chapters a month. There will be another chapter posted, besides this next one, before June is through.

Still, I has bad feels. As an apology, here, have a teaser:

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"Say," Shawn started, "something seem off to you?"

Pinkie floated, stock still except for her wings, which buzzed away, "What? Besides the fact that the aggressively rebellious daughter of the city's most powerful smuggler was last seen in the bar of its most infamous information dealer? And that both of them have ties to, and motivation to hate, the shadowy criminal overlord that rules its seedy underbelly with an iron hoof? And that the building's upside down?"

Shawn took a moment to mull that over, "Huh... I was actually going to say it's real quiet for an early evening at a bar. And you're the one upside down." A gentle push at the mare's head set her spinning on her axis.

"Wheeeeeeeeee! Now it's right side up! Now it's sideways! Now it's upside down again! Now its sideways the other way!"

The choice of whether to head inside the bar or stick around and listen to the narration of Pinkie's slow spin was an easy one.

Feeling bold, and more than a little tired of retracing his steps, Shawn kicked the swinging wooden door open and stepped in, "Hey, Softy! I need to ask you... a... question..."

It had taken a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dimness of the pub. But now, he could see that his shadow stretched across the length of the dirty, straw-covered floor and came to rest upon the gold-shod hooves of a very surprised captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard.

"Huh..."

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