Page 262 - Staying Power

I know the die has been cast regarding where this arc is going, but let me draw your attention to this video.

It’s a live improv reading of the first 100 pages of the comic, complete with impressions of all the characters’ voices, done in one sitting, by one person, in just over an hour.

The reason I love this video - and the reason I’m devoting an entire Author’s Note to it - is because it gave me a fresh perspective on those 100 pages. I wrote those pages almost two years ago - I’ve read them over and over again since. But watching this video made me feel like a complete stranger experiencing the comic for the first time. And it convinced me, “Hey, all these readers aren’t crazy after all. I haven’t duped anyone. Some of this is actually pretty good.”

So, I’d just like to say: Thank you very much, Bev, for the wonderful experience and for the hour of your day you put into it. :)

Pinkie Pie: Oh no… Does this mean… it’s over? We have to go home ALREADY?
DM: Well…
Rarity: It’s up to the DM. Is ad-libbing an option here? Or should we call it a day?
Fluttershy: L-Let’s not add any more stress…
Twilight Sparkle: I’m sorry. I don’t want to force you into anything, so if you want to send us home…
DM: …Maybe I can do something.
Applejack: Really? Ah’m all for improvisin’, but this is, well, you. Do ya really feel up for this?
DM: Give me some credit. But… you’re probably right to be concerned. Tell you what. If you give me… 20 minutes, I can have something that’s just bare-bones, and we’ll take it from there.
Rainbow Dash: This I gotta see.