Friendship is Card Games: Assorted Shorts, Part 2 · 12:13pm Mar 3rd, 2019
This week, it’s back to YouTube and EweTube, as we take a look at the latest shorts from both the pony and human worlds.
Oh joy, a reminder that “Non-Compete Clause” was a thing. 
Sixteen months of Fluttershy as teacher of the month. And it’s not like it’s teacher of the moon or anything. The School of Friendship has been operating for more than a year by the point of this short. It’s like the polar opposite of the alleged time compression in the Season 4 premiere.
Also, someone should probably start taking down some of those photos.
Heh. Poor Fluttershy. She’s popular and has no idea why. Still, at least she’s better with kids now than in “Stare Master.”
Is anyone else concerned about the random beehive in the middle of Fluttershy’s wood shop class?
I see Pinkie installed dance club lighting in every classroom. I can’t honestly say that I’m surprised.
Fluttershy apparently never erased the board after the birdhouse lesson.
Huh. Do you think Fluttershy’s reflexive reaction to her photo getting taken is lingering trauma from Photo Finish?
… The weather is installed on a schedule. Fluttershy’s father worked in the factory that makes that weather for decades. She could probably clear the sky over the field trip site with a little help.
What I’m saying is that wherever they were going for this field trip, Fluttershy clearly didn’t want to.
Fluttershy isn’t necessarily a good teacher, just a well-liked one. Which makes sense given that Teacher of the Month amounts to a student popularity contest.
Great campaigning, Flutters. I’m amazed Mayor Mare never asked you to help with reelection.
I’m honestly amazed that they were able to carry out that whole party without Pinkie barging in, deeply insulted by leaving her out. Or maybe she did that after the camera flash.
Well, this was certainly a lot less insufferable than the episode. It seems there’s just no beating the appeal of Butterhorse.
Ah, Rarity. So easily blinded by her artistic vision that she can’t see reality even when it’s blowing right past her.
I can’t help but wonder how Applejack likes her coffee. I feel like there’s even odds of having it black and something that involves enough cinnamon and apple syrup to qualify as caffeinated pie filling.
Hmm. Now, theoretically, the spin-change could just be some clever video editing, but that would mean ushering the victims— I’m sorry, featured models back outside in time for them to look surprised at their summer ensembles. Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past Rarity to actually use the fashion beams from “Life is a Runway.”
Wait, geese are heading north for the winter? Human Canterlot’s been in the southern hemisphere this whole time? What the what? 
Bare shoulders are apparently very in at the moment.
I do have to wonder who’s recording this. We don’t even hear anything from the other side of the camera this time. And there’s the question of just what Rarity’s relationship with her place of business is in this world, especially at the cusp of winter, when school is very much in session. Still, an entertaining look at the classic tale of fashionista vs. nature.
Anyone else immediately concerned by this one? Putting your subconscious in Starlight’s hooves doesn’t exactly strike me as the best move, no matter how reformed she is.
Twilight’s attempt to get away is more relatable than I’d like to admit. I’ve certainly had similar anxious feelings when trying to grapple with uncomfortable situations.
Heh. Gallus and Smolder are less than impressed with a lunch intended for herbivores. (Can’t say I disagree. It looks like a bowl of mint frosting.)
Yeah, Twilight’s ladybug phobia doesn’t exactly work when you consider how she and Cadence greet each other. Or, you know, all the times when she’s seen a ladybug without a reaction. If only it had been quesadillas…
Heh. Four seasons after the Propaganda Hut, Twilight finally lets Starlight remold her mind.
Pinkie barging in was probably for the best. I still don’t trust Starlight with this kind of thing.
Well, that’s certainly one way of coping with a phobia.
That is a really cute intro. Also, the Matrix movies apparently exist in this world.
Sunset Streamer? Interesting concept. Though the lack of donation animations popping up every fifteen seconds kind of ruins the effect. 
(I know, I know, it’s more Let’s Play than stream, but still.) And there’s probably a joke to be made somewhere contrasting this with the holy vlog of the Divine Bacon Horse.
Also, Sunset always seems to have an open box of Chinese take-out somewhere in her apartment.
The fact that Sunset’s introducing Fluttershy to gaming makes the Anon-a-Miss comic that much less canon. I appreciate that.
“Time to press some buttons! Wee.” I know it’s been said, but that inflection really makes it feel like Vannamelon’s “Fluttershy Plays” videos just became canon.
Nice touch with Fluttershy holding her controller upside-down.
I do love the chibi faces reacting to the gameplay. Definitely edited in later, but still.
One player assuming the game will be easy, not bothering to learn the controls, and getting frustrated when they don’t do well? Yeah, this is definitely more Game Grumps than livestreaming.
“TELL ME WHAT YOU NEED!” Ah, the hazards of empathy magic. It doesn’t do you much good when you’re dealing with something mindless. Not saying that Sunset relies on her powers on a constant basis, but that phrasing definitely suggests a relationship.
Also, please don’t shout into the microphone, Sunset. Think of the headphone users.
Good to see Sunset’s a graceful loser when she’s not actively getting frustrated by the game.
I see the Puddinghead family line has maintained their tradition of dessert-shaped hats. (And don’t try to tell me Pinkie isn’t a direct matrilineal descendant of the chancellor. We all know it’s true.)
I get the feeling that Maud’s preferred rocky road recipe calls for something a lot harder than nuts.
I was surprised that Lyra’s favorite flavor isn’t mint, given her color scheme, but then we got to actual Minty. And it’s not even Christmas!
The Tick approves of this promotion.
Given the pickles, I suppose Pinkie’s catering to the pregnant demographic.
There’s something deeply distressing about watching all that ice cream melt. This is another case where weather control is your friend. At the very least, getting some cloud coverage over the tent would’ve been a good idea, to say nothing of actual refrigeration equipment.
Remember, if it just melted, its temperature is still at the freezing point. Still quite refreshing on a hot day.
I’m moderately disappointed that this didn’t involve monster trucks, and it did go on a touch too long, but it was still fun.
I can see the logic behind making Fluttershy a host for a pet show. Unfortunately, that means she has to actually do things in front of people.
Apparently Micro Chips built his pet. Between this and him getting named Most Likely to Invent Cold Fusion, it seems like he and human Twilight have something of a rivalry bubbling in the background. Interesting.
Huh. Looks like one of the crabs from the adopt-a-thon actually found a long term home. Also, interesting to see some familiar faces who are apparently dog owners.
Boston apparently exists in this universe. Go figure.
“She likes daytime TV, is a great listener—“ This is sounding less like a pre-show interview and more like a dating profile.
Going by Fluttershy’s phrasing, the surprise appearance was Winona’s idea. I suspect it was more of a collaborative effort.
Cranky owning a basset hound is kind of perfect.
All told, a cute little scene of Fluttershy working her way into her comfort zone and out of her shell… though I worry that next Friday’s short might end up being a continuation of this one. I suppose we’ll find out soon enough. There will certainly be time for at least one more shorts blog before Season 9 premieres at some point next month.
Now, let’s see what I can make of these:
Glamorize 1W
Instant
You may put an Aura or Equipment card from your hand onto the battlefield attached to target creature. Return that Aura or Equipment to your hand at the beginning of the next end step.
Rarity can work miracles in moments.
Immersive Simulation 1W
Instant
Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt this turn.
Metalcraft — If you control three or more artifacts, prevent all combat damage that would be dealt by creatures your opponents control this turn instead.
“You think that’s fog you’re seeing?”
Critter Interviewer 2W
Creature — Human Wizard
If a non-Human source would deal damage to you, prevent 1 of that damage.
“People are complicated. Animals are simple. Everyone else is too fascinating for me to be afraid of them.”
1/4
Concuss U
Instant
Kicker 2B (You may pay an additional 2B as you cast this spell.)
Tap target creature. If this spell was kicked, that creature gets -3/-3 until end of turn.
Head trauma is no laughing matter, unless it happens to someone else.
Bashful Pegasus UU
Creature — Pegasus Citizen
Flying
Whenever Bashful Pegasus becomes the target of a spell or ability, tap it.
Most pegasi are brash, bold, and competitive. The few exceptions are often ignored, and don’t react well to sudden attention.
2/2
Fidget 1U
Instant
You may tap or untap target permanent.
Retrace (You may cast this spell from your graveyard by discarding a land card in addition to paying its other costs.)
When Twilight’s nervous, nothing in horn’s reach is safe.
Canterlot Tinkerer 2U
Creature — Human Rigger
At the beginning of your upkeep, if you control two or fewer artifacts, Canterlot Tinkerer assembles a Contraption. (Put the top card of your Contraption deck face up onto one of your sprockets.)
“This won’t do at all! Hand me that samoflange.”
2/2
Suggestive Daze 2UU
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature
You control enchanted creature.
1: Enchanted creature gets -1/-0 until end of turn. Any player may activate this ability.
The spell renders the mind too pliable, making respond to anyone’s commands.
Mangled Suggestion B
Sorcery
Target player reveals their hand. You choose a nonland card from it. That player discard that card, then draws a card.
“Well, it probably didn’t cause too much brain damage.”
—Starlight Glimmer
Induced Phobia 2B
Enchantment — Aura Curse
Enchant player
As Induced Phobia enters the battlefield, choose a creature type.
Whenever a creature of the chosen type attacks enchanted player or a planeswalker that player controls, that creature gains menace until end of turn.
Summer Chic 1R
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +3/+0.
Fabulosity 3R (3R: If this Aura isn’t fabulous, put a gem counter on it and it becomes fabulous.)
Enchanted creature has first strike and menace as long as Summer Chic is fabulous.
Spoon Thrower 2R
Creature — Pony Warrior
When Spoon Thrower enters the battlefield, other creatures you control get +1/+0 until end of turn.
”Keep coming! We’ve got enough flavors for everypony.”
2/2
Devious Nut Hoarder GG
Creature — Squirrel
Creatures with power less than Devious Nut Hoarder’s power can’t block it.
Landfall — Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, put a +1/+1 counter on Devious Nut Hoarder.
Fear the squirrel who has buried the same nut a thousand times.
1/1
Build Hype 1G
Sorcery
Buyback 1G (You may pay an additional 1G as you cast this spell. If you do, put this card into your hand as it resolves.)
The next creature that enters the battlefield under your control this turn does so with an additional two +1/+1 counters on it.
”Are. You. Ready!?”
Giraffe Yearling 1G
Creature — Beast
Level up 1G (1G: Put a level counter on this. Level up only as a sorcery.) 2/2
Level 1-3: Reach 3/4
Level 4+: Vigilance, reach, trample 6/7
Kite Crafter 1G
Creature — Unicorn Artificer
G: Target creature gains reach until end of turn.
“It’s funny how such a simple thing can bring so much joy. It’s also funny to see Rainbow Dash’s reaction when she flies into one.”
2/2
Hypnotist’s Pendulum 3
Artifact
T, Tap an untapped creature you control: Tap target creature.
“Focus on the sound of my voice. Let everything else fade into the background…”
Rigger’s Familiar 3
Artifact Creature — Construct
Whenever you or a Rigger you control assembles a Contraption, put a +1/+1 counter on Rigger’s Familiar.
No one can claim credit for it. One day the spare parts pile just started moving of its own accord.
2/2
Eyespot Swarm UB
Creature — Insect
Flying
Eyespot Swarm can’t block.
When Eyespot Swarm enters the battlefield, surveil X, where X is the number of creatures you control named Eyespot Swarm. (To surveil X, look at the top X cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.)
2/1
Vanilla Enthusiast 1GW
Creature — Donkey Citizen
When Vanilla Enthusiast enters the battlefield, if you control a creature with no abilities, draw a card.
“Enthusiasm” might be a strong word, but he knows what he likes.
3/2
Beginner’s Luck 2GU
Enchantment
You may cast creature spells as though they had flash.
Each creature you control has hexproof as long as it entered the battlefield this turn.
Sometimes perfection comes without iteration.
Melting Edifice
Snow Land
Melting Edifice enters the battlefield with two ice counters on it.
At the beginning of your upkeep, remove an ice counter from Melting Edifice.
T: If Melting Edifice has an ice counter on it, add one mana of any color. Otherwise, add C.
I enjoyed this batch of shorts better than the last lot, particularly Sunset's one, though that ladybug thing really does annoy me.
Are we even sure she's still in school? Because we saw them take their finals and everything, and they've gone through two school years since the first movie. And what Rarity was doing in Rollercoaster of Friendship definitely seemed like the beginnings of a real career in fashion.
I suddenly want to hear the EG cast speak in Hosstralian accents. Although, I don't know if Australian birds have the same kinds of migration routes as in the Western Hemisphere, and those appear to be Canada geese...
Another great batch of cards to go with a great batch of shorts. Rarity would make a great armorer, especially if said armor was Argentum.
One of the staff tweeted that yeah, it's just video editing.
On the other hand she's using her evil powers for good now.
For those who don't know who Vannamelon is:
The Ladybug Thing...clearly Starlight accidentally retconned Twilight into having a ladybug phobia trying to fix the quesadilla phobia, and either doesn’t remember or is covering for herself.
I mean it’s Starlight. Tell me it isn’t plausible...
Sunset understands the power of Chinese food.
...North for the winter. How did I miss that? *headdesk* You know, for all they say the Crystal Empire is in the Frozen North, this MAY be support for my theory that Equus is flat and ‘North’ is the translation of ‘Hubwards’... or not. But I can dream!
I really should start watching the shorts...
Nice reviews, though!
----
"C" is not any kind of mana... Is that the representation of an Ice Counter??
Why does the phrase toxic flanderization keep springing to mind while I watch these? Oh well, at least we got blindbag Minty!
5022404
The Summertime Shorts had one with them taking finals and another with Twilight getting grad blues where Dash said they would be back. EG to Most Likely is one term, and the shorts have carried us into their senior term.
Considering Puddinghead looks like Pinkie would as an old mare? I believe it.
5022458
C is what they're calling colorless mana now, I think.
5022404
I like Darkstarling's explanation. Somepony messing with a certain princess's psyche without her knowledge would explain a lot, and not just the spontaneous coccinellidaephobia.
5022407
If highly dangerous magical monsters found their way to Australia, would we even notice the difference?
5022414
And now I can't help but think of what I had planned for Rarity in My Little Praetor...
5022431
As noted above, that certainly a workable explanation for Twilight's odd shift in phobias. As for Equestria as a discworld... that might work for horseland, but I think the humans' universe has sufficient magic levels to support world-turtles.
5022458
Part of why I link them in the reviews is so people who haven't seen them can easily do so. They're only two or three minutes each.
Also, as 5022543 noted, C represents colorless mana as of Oath of the Gatewatch. Appropriately enough for an ice cream museum in the height of summer, the Edifice has no built-in way to accrue more ice counters, though you could hypothetically put more on with a Rimefeather Owl.
Sunset is best Grump.
To complete the streaming tribute, they just needed to have Sunset shouting some racial epithet against Pegasi. “You- Featherbrain!”
5022559
Yeah, the world being round was one of the weirder things Sunset had to adjust to when she arrived. I've had at least one story with Sunset looking at the stars and being awed by how, even though their worlds appear so superficially similar, each star is it's own world and the sky wasn't shaped by any living being. Also grumbling about how heliocentric planets and, thus, time zones are the kind of nonsense you get without having proper Princesses around to organize things :p
That's why I think the geese going north for the winter might be evidence if you squint, because it means that Hubwards doesn't actually tell you much about what hemisphere you're in. Inconsistency is a sign of translation shenanigans :p
For what it's worth, the show isn't always very good at remembering its basic worldbuilding concepts.
I had my concerns about "Starlight the Hypnotist", but her explicitly getting Twilight's consent before going ahead with the plan fixed a lot of them.
Yeah -- as hilarious this addition to Twilight's absurd phobias was, it doesn't work too well in hindsight.
... huh.
5022784
I always greatly liked worbuilding concepts that treat Equestria's world as very... mythologically arranged. As much as I admire the work some people do to make the show's concepts fit into a heliocentric system, I never really understood the appeal in jumping through all those hoops. I don't really see the reward at the end of it, you know?
As for Equestria... as much as I personally love the idea of it being flat, the presence of frozen north and south poles may also support it being spherical. But it's definitely geocentric -- there's no possible way the sun and moon's behavior can work otherwise. The way "Princess Twilight Sparkle" depicted the sky being split half and half between day and night (instead of the sun flooding everything with light and creating a regular daytime sky with the moon in it, which is what happens in real life when both bodies are up at once) makes me think that there must be some rather odd things going on with the vault of the sky as well.
5022464
Because more subtle characterization is hard when you only have a few minutes to work with?
5022628
"Hey I'm horse!"
"I'm, um, not so horse."
5022634
... Oh my goodness, that would be amazing. Especially since she'd then tearfully explain why Fluttershy should be offended. I mean, I don't like the idea of Sunset in tears, but the juxtaposition of her begging for forgiveness while Shy just sits there completely confused sounds fantastic. And if it actually were streaming and Sunset is incidentally explaining how she's an extradimensional unicorn to all of her subscribers...
Someone needs to write that story. That someone may have to be me.
5022784
I'm always a fan of Sunset complaining about the sloppy state of the human universe, even when she's not trying to repair it. Heck, imagine if Twilight got her talking about that before she took the rainbow to the face at the Fall Formal. "Celestia might be a self-righteous nag, but she never allowed any of this 'black hole' nonsense."
Or it could be a case of chain translation. The human antics get translated for an Equestrian audience, then over to us. (Yes, it's a really weird Watsonian excuse, but it amuses me.
)
5022845
See above for the "Google Translate telephone game" hypothesis of explaining subequatorial Canterlot. And yeah, scheduled weather is one of those things that the show has a bad track record of remembering. That doesn't mean I'm not holding them to it, especially given Fluttershy's family. Pretty sure she just wanted a game day.
Melting Edifice is now the most appropriately cute use of Gilder Bairn.
5022849
I love the Sunset Flutters scene. And ultimately no one takes her confession of being a unicorn seriously (outside of Canterlot High): they just assume it’s part of her gaming persona. And then you get the fans going through the old videos and realize there’s ‘foreshadowing’ from other phrases and expressions, and think it’s going to turn into the game stream having a plot...
(Sunset playing Skyrim Dawnguard and lauging like a maniac when she gets the bow which can raise the sun...)
Reviewing these cards for playability for my FICG Cardset project: I've realised that Glamorize suffers from the "substance problem". If you use Glamorize to put Nerd Chic or Amulet of Honesty or whatever into the battlefield as a combat trick to save a creature of yours (which is surely one of the main purposes of the card), then the Aura/Equipment is returned before damage wears off, so the creature dies in the end step.
The fix is unpleasant. Glamorize needs to say not "Return that Aura or Equipment to your hand at the beginning of the next end step" but "Return that Aura or Equipment to your hand at the beginning of the next cleanup step", like Cunning and the Armor of Thorns cycle.
Or... I wonder if you could extend the O-Ring -> Banishing Light wording trick to get to use "until" yourself? "Until end of turn, put such-and-such from your hand onto the battlefield"? It's not as clear as Banishing Light's wording
5192420
We'll have to go with the cleanup step. That or give them substance, and no one wants to deal with substance again.
5192425
Definitely nobody wants to go back to the days of substance!