Long live Princess Celestia! Long live Princess Luna! Pony supremacy is the only truth! Uraaa!
Suggested Music: 01 For a United Equestria (Vocals By EileMonty) - Pony Empires Complete
Ponies are a race of adorable equine quadrupeds, indubitably the master race of our world. Ponies have horselike anatomy, but there are important differences. Ponies have a single hoof on each of their four legs. Despite a lack of hands, ponies are remarkably resourceful, finding creative ways to manipulate objects with their mouths and hooves. Pony hooves are hard, but sensitive, and able to hold any objects like a magnet. Ponies have very large eyes, giving them binocular vision of what is in front of them, and peripheral vision over most things that aren't directly behind them. Ponies always have a cute and expressive face. As in horses, the position of a pony's ears reflect her mood and emotions. Ponies have stylish manes and tails, which are made of soft hair. Ponies have soft fur all over their bodies, creating an irresistible sensation against one's touch. Pony fur, hair, (and for pegasi feathers), come in a wide variety of colours. On each flank the fur is magically coloured to display a cutie mark, a distinctive symbol that represents the unique talent and essence of that individual pony. Ponies are usually cuter and more attractive than other species.
Words for ponies:
mare = adult female pony
stallion = adult male pony
filly = young female pony
colt = young male pony
There are four castes of ponies. Unicorns have a telekinetic horn, pegasi have wings for flight, and earth ponies have neither. Most ponies consider these three castes to be equal in worth. The extremely rare fourth caste, the alicorns, have both a horn and wings.
Unicorns have a horn which allow them to use telekinesis. Their horns glow with an ethereal light when they utilize their telekinetic powers, allowing them to move objects without physical contact. They are often nobles and scholars. Unicorns are known for their love of literature and storytelling. Most unicorns can cast a few spells related to their special talent. A very small minority of unicorns have more extensive magical abilities, making them great and powerful spellcasters.
Pegasi have two feathered wings on their back, giving them the ability to fly. Pegasi can walk on clouds. Pegasi are somewhat isolated from the other castes, often living in flying buildings made from clouds. Pegasi have unique stratocratic traditions; they are all members of the Enclave, and can be summoned for weather-control duties. They can produce gentle breezes with their wings, or powerful winds when they work together. See Chapter IV.
Earth ponies are the "base model". They are strong and hardworking. Many earth ponies are peasants; they are important as they grow all of the food. Earth Ponies have an exceptional talent for growing all kinds of crops, from fruits and vegetables to herbs and grains. Their strength allows them to till the land and pull heavy carts loaded with their harvests for trade or storage.
Alicorns are VERY RARE. They have both unicorn horn and pegasus wings. They can fly. They have powerful magic, including dark magic and time magic. It is widely believed that alicorns are immortal, but nopony knows for sure. In addition to their magical prowess, alicorns are gifted with unparalleled intuition and wisdom. Their rarity gives them an air of mystique and reverence, making them revered figures in Equestrian society.
The Principality of Equestria is a vast country, a regional superpower which dominates the western continent of our world. Equestria's population is almost entirely comprised of ponies. However, a few individuals of other species live there as well. The current population of Equestria is about 99 million ponies, and about 1 million residents from other races.
Its capital city is Canterlot, and its largest city is Manehattan. Its form of government is an autocratic alicorn diarchy, ruled by the immortal and benevolent Princess Celestia along with her sister Princess Luna. Equestria's score on the REGIMEN index is -2, putting it in the "Closed Anocracy" category. Equestria is a developed country, ranked first in the world by GPDI (Generalised Pony Development Index). Its currency is the Bit, and it has a strong real economy. Equestria's only official language is Ponish.
Equestria has lived in Harmony for over a millennium under the guidance of Princess Celestia. The nation has faced many minor threats recently, but has prevailed with the power of friendship and forgiveness. However, circumstances seem to be changing, as Equestria's enemies have roused themselves and are now a credible threat. The peace-loving nation of ponies finds itself in a new world with foes at their borders, but also among themselves. How will Equestria approach the troubling times ahead, and will Friendship and Harmony still save the day?
The terrain of Equestria is highly diverse, with the majority of Central and Northern Equestria being dominated by plains and rivers. The mountain range traces downward from near Vanhoover to Fillydelphia, only being interrupted by various mountain passes, the largest of which being where the city of Canterlot is situated. Further in the Southwest, a vast desert covers most of the region being partially surrounded by mountains, and the Southeast is primarily dense jungles and mountains surrounding the Badlands.
Suggested Music: 14 Sun (Vocals By MEMJ) - Pony Empires Complete
The Principality of Equestria is an absolute diarchy, with the reigns firmly held by the immortal sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Their rule, though absolute, does not deter the land from thriving in its governance, as it is guided by wisdom and a deep understanding of their subjects' needs. The two princesses hold sway over Equestria's political landscape with an iron horseshoe, ensuring harmony across their principality, even amidst the political games played out at the highest levels.
Princess Celestia is the radiant thousand-year ruler of Equestria. She is a majestic and awesome immortal alicorn pony with soft white fur. She has pink-green-blue mane and tail. She has white wings and a unicorn horn. She raises the sun into the sky every morning. She banished her sister, Princess Luna, to the moon for one thousand years. She cares for her subjects with gentleness and love, which her subjects almost unanimously reciprocate. But ponies also fear her because she alone has the authority to carry out the death penalty. She is a wise ruler, who has brought nearly a thousand years of peace to her country. She is more beautiful than a sunny day. Lives in Canterlot.
Princess Luna is the mysterious younger sister of Princess Celestia. She is an immortal alicorn pony with soft dark blue fur. Her mane and tail are like the vast starscape. She has dark blue wings and a unicorn horn. She has teal eyes. She raises the moon into the sky every evening. Once, long ago, she betrayed her sister out of envy. She was banished by Celestia to the moon for a thousand years. After returning from her banishment, she has made peace with her sister. However, adjusting to a world that has changed over a thousand years is a challenge. Princess Luna can walk in ponies dreams. She is a wise pony, whose speech includes many archaic words like "thou". She smells like lavender. She is more beautiful than the night sky. Lives in Canterlot.
May the glory of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna bless our nation for all time.
The Grand Pegasus Enclave is the semi-independent state-within-a-state that controls the Equestrian airspace. It is a nation entirely governed by pegasi, existing in harmony above Equestria.
All pegasi are members of the Enclave, and can be summoned for weather control duties. In exchange for their vast autonomy, the Enclave provides Equestria with weather control services (and occasionally military defense). The Enclave ongletains a network of weather stations in pony settlements, for to control the local weather there. The enclave carefully plans the rain in Equestria, ensuring optimal water levels for the earth ponies to grow food. The Enclave has a seperate school system where young pegasi learn about meteorology, aerodynamics, and other subjects essential to their role in Equestrian weather control. The Enclave also pays for the healthcare of all pegasi. The best flyers in the Enclave form a team known as the Wonderbolts; the Wonderbolts perform stunt shows to impress the Equestrian public while always being ready to respond to any threats to airspace security. Another important flying team is the Storm Chasers, who prevent hurricanes and other wild weather from outside from entering Equestria. The leaders of the Enclave are elected by the leaders of local weather control teams and the other flight teams as well.
Suggested Music: Jyc Row - Conflict in the Sky
Equestria is a venerable nation cautiously ambling into some form of modernity. Equestria's political culture can not be described as strictly left-wing or right-wing. Authoritarian, conservative and liberal elements are often syncretised. The general public is often apathetic towards politics, suggesting a lack of drive for major ideological shifts.
| Government | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autocratic Alicorn Diarchy | ||
| Princess | Princess | Chancellor |
| Celestia | Luna | Dewdrop Dazzle |
| Equumenical Council | ||
 |
||
The Equumenical Council, an assembly of ponies who are more concerned with fancy galas and tea parties than actual governance, is Equestria's unicameral parliament. It is made of 200 deputies, elected either directly or indirectly. Amidst this, certain key figures hold sway in the political landscape. Among these are the eloquent Chancellor Dewdrop Dazzle, the chivalrous Fancypants, and the arrogant Blueblood. These notable nobles wield considerable influence despite the current government's apparent focus on frivolous affairs. The world of Equestrian politics is rife with gridlocks and filibusters; all the factions constantly sabotage each other's law projects. Princess Celestia has the absolute power to pass any legislation she deems necessary, keeping the country running smoothly amidst all these political shenanigans. Hopefully, while the ruling classes are busy playing useless political games in the dysfunctional parliament, they're placated enough to not cause as many problems for the ordinary ponies. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna do not visit the Equumenical Council during its normal plenary sessions. They do give speeches at the opening of a new parliamentary season, however.
Major factions receive certain privileges during parliamentary proceedings. To be recognised as a major faction, a party must hold ten seats in the Equumenical Council. There are currently six major factions: the Conservative Harmony Alliance (48 seats), the Friendship Party (39 seats), the Grand Pegasus Enclave (26 seats), the Magocratic-Hippocratic Party (22 seats), the Communist Party (16 seats), and the Agrarian Party (11 seats). There are also 38 seats held by deputies not from any of the major factions.
Major factions in the Equumenical Council are:
the aristocratic Conservative Harmony Alliance, a big-tent conservative party of the nobility, consider themselves a revival of the ancient Pillars of Equestria,
the Conservative Harmony Alliance is divided between two subfactions, Fancypants and the other paternalists, and Blueblood and the other elitists,
the bourgeois Friendship Party, liberal, well-funded but has particularly bad relations with the other parties,
the state-within-a-state Grand Pegasus Enclave, defends the autonomy of the pegasus caste,
the doctiloquent Magocratic-Hippocratic Party, represents "middle-class" unicorns and the intelligentsia,
the proletarian Communist Party, represents factory workers, closely linked to trade unions,
and the peasant Agrarian Party, seeks to defend traditional earth pony farms from marketeer encroachment.
Chancellor Dewdrop Dazzle is currently the mortal with the highest de jure position, as Equestria's nominal head of government. She is a unicorn mare with soft aqua fur, and pink and yellow in her mane and tail. She has purple eyes. She is highly educated and articulate. Her cutie mark is an umbrella, and she really enjoys rainy weather. She is a member of the Magocratic-Hippocratic Party.
“Sorry, we can’t pass a budget until the scones are served, darling!” - Chancellor Dewdrop Dazzle
Beyond the Chancellor, there are the ministers, each responsible for a government department.
Wow, Canterlot nobility, huh? You know you’ve made it in Equestria when you have a castle, a fancy title, and a unicorn horn that’s shinier than a diamond-encrusted tiara.
But let’s be real, those nobles can be a little snooty, am I right?
Fancypants, a noble unicorn stallion, has white fur and blue mane and tail and moustache. He has blue eyes. His cutie mark is three tiaras. He often wears an expensive suit and a monocle. He is a member of the Pillars of Equestria faction in the Equumenical Council. He is confident in his elite position, and is willing to treat commoners with kindness. Noblesse oblige. Lives in Canterlot.
Blueblood, a noble unicorn stallion, has white fur and golden mane and tail. He has light blue eyes. His cutie mark is a compass rose. He is a member of the Pillars of Equestria faction in the Equumenical Council. He is supercilious and full of himself. He has education from a high class military academy. Despite having no real experience commanding armies in battle, he could prove to be surprisingly competent. He lives in Canterlot.
But then there’s the peasantry - the everyday ponies just trying to make a living and stay out of the drama. They’re the unsung heroes of Equestria - keeping the economy running smoothly while the nobles and government play their power games. Peasants, and earth ponies generally, have all the legal rights of any other Equestrian subject. It's just that their connection to their land is traditional; it's not solely based on the profit motive like in capitalist farming. Their limited presence in politics is mostly because they just don't like dealing with that kind of nonsense.
Even though there is no blanket ban on slavery in Equestria, in practice most instances of slavery would be illegal by more specific laws. Firstly, it is always illegal to keep a pony as a slave. At the same time, it is illegal to import slaves from outside of Equestria. And there are other laws restricting slavery as well. Also, the few slaveowners are held responsible for the well-being of their slave. Slaves in Equestria are usually domestic servants at the manors of the rural nobility. Slavery has never been a major part of Equestria's economy; there are currently only 838 slaves in Equestria. That means that more than 99% of non-ponies who live in Equestria are free residents.
The criminal justice system in Equestria is principally rehabilitative. Those wrongdoers who make an effort to rejoin society as law-abiding subjects are supported, receiving no punishment. Those wrongdoers who refuse to change their ways receive harsh punishments. Most are locked away in Tartarus, a tenebrous underworld. The gates of Tartarus are guarded by the giant three-headed dog Cerberus. Those who commit the most heinous crimes receive the death penalty. The only legal means of execution is magical annihilation. Princess Celestia casts the spell herself, giving up her innocence to protect the innocence of her subjects.
Equestria also has secret agencies. S.M.I.L.E. is the Secret Monster Intelligence League of Equestria which is responsible for domestic intelligence; it's motto is "We're everywhere and we're nowhere." Its mission includes monitoring the movements of magical creatures, dissidents, cultists, and changeling shapeshifters. S.M.I.L.E. answers directly to the princesses.
The flag of Equestria is light blue with many white stars. The middle of the flag depicts the two princesses flying in a circle around the sun and moon.
The currency of Equestria is the Bit, which is based on the gold standard. From a Marxist perspective, Equestria's economy resembles a modified form of feudalism with capitalist elements. Electrification is rare in Equestria; dams on some rivers make most of Equestria's small supply of electricity. While Equestria's railroad network is extensive and covers the entire country, infrastructure is limited outside of major cities. Factories are also used to produce goods. Stalliongrad has more factories than any other city.
Suggested Music: Art of the Industry (Rarity IS Industry)
In administrative divisions, Equestria is made of five provinces which contain a total of 35 counties. The provinces are traditional, and have not had actual administrative functions for more than a thousand years. The counties are elective monarchies, each governed by a countess (or count), who is elected by the local nobility. Municipalities are governed by a mayor who is elected by any adult ponies who choose to vote. Political parties are influential on local elections in major cities. Outside of major cities, the nobility has a disproportionately large influence on local election campaigns. The capital city of Canterlot is administered separately from this system, its local government is totally dominated by the nobility.
Canterlot, the magnificent capital city of Equestria, is perched high atop a grand mountain that pierces through the heart of Equestria. Its majestic buildings are carved directly into the mountain's sides, creating an awe-inspiring urban landscape. The grandiose architecture is as much a testament to the city's noble inhabitants as it is to their deep-rooted love for displaying wealth and extravagance. Unicorns form the majority of its population, their elegant forms strutting along cobblestone streets framed by opulent storefronts and stately homes. The city is alive with the constant hum of sophisticated conversations, punctuated by the occasional neigh or trot from some of the more well-bred ponies. At night, the city transforms into a dazzling display of starlight reflected off polished marble and gold accents, casting an enchanting spell over its inhabitants and visitors alike. The most magnificent structure in Canterlot is Canterlot Castle, the home of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Canterlot Castle hosts many major events, but it is always watched by the formidable stallions of Princess Celestia's Royal Guard.
Manehattan, the largest city in Equestria, sprawls along the eastern coast. Its bustling streets are lined with grandiose buildings adorned in opulent architectural designs. A hub for big business and cutting-edge trends, Manehattan is where the upper class gathers to indulge in their love for luxury and culture. The city's vibrant energy can be felt in every corner as theatre performances captivate audiences at packed venues, while elite boutiques showcase the latest fashions from renowned designers. At night, the city comes alive with neon lights reflecting off the wet streets after a refreshing misty rain showers down on its impressive skyline.
East of Canterlot stretches the vibrant metropolis of Fillydelphia. A city that pulsates with life and activity, it bustles with energy not unlike its western neighbor, but with an altogether different character. Its buildings reach skyward, a testament to Fillydelphia's ambition and forward-thinking spirit. The city is home to numerous businesses and enterprises - you can feel the buzz of commerce in every corner. Yet, there is a warmth and welcoming charm that pervades this bustling hub; it invites one and all to partake in its excitement. A place where tradition and progress harmoniously coexist, Fillydelphia is truly a city like no other.
In the frigid northeastern corner of Equestria, the city of Stalliongrad stands as a stark contrast to its more glamorous counterparts. Its primary focus on industry gives it a gritty and hard-working demeanor. Towering factories billow smoke into the cold air while workers - earth ponies and others from more humble backgrounds - trudge through snow-covered streets to their jobs at the various manufacturing plants. The city's architecture may not be as grand or eye-catching, but it is functional and practical, offering a home for those who share its values of perseverance and teamwork. Despite the cold climate, Stalliongrad vibrates with life and determination, proving that even in the most trying conditions, spirit can never be truly quelled. Many trade unions and other working class organisations have headquarters here.
Vanhoover is a bustling coastal city on Equestria's west coast. Its port handles trade with Coltifornia and Olenia, making it an essential hub for commerce in the region. The architecture of the city is diverse, featuring a mix of earth pony-built brick structures and unicorn-constructed glass and crystal buildings. Vanhoover has a lively atmosphere, filled with the sounds of seagulls, crashing waves, and the distant sound of ships' horns. Its salty sea air carries scents of fresh seafood, seaweed, and briny ocean mist. The city is also surrounded by lush green forests, making it an attractive destination for nature-loving ponies.
Sitting pretty along the southeastern coastline of Equestria, you will find the charming city of Baltimare. It's a place where the sea breeze carries with it the salt-tinged air and the comforting scent of briny waters. The architecture here is a unique mix of coastal practicality and rustic charm, reflecting the city's love for its maritime heritage. Cobblestone streets weave their way through cozy neighborhoods filled with quaint cottages and cozy cafes that spill out onto bustling market squares. Life moves at a leisurely pace in Baltimare, where every day seems like a holiday and the horizon always teems with possibilities of adventure or relaxation by the water's edge.
Nestled high up in the sky, Cloudsdale soars majestically above Equestria's ground. Its cityscape is a marvel to behold - an intricate maze of columned cloudcrete architecture that seamlessly blends with its fluffy cloud surroundings. The Weather Factory stands tall at the heart of the city, casting massive shadows over bustling pegasus communities who call this place home. A sense of pride and ownership beams from every pair of wings as only pegasi are able to walk on these clouds. Cloudsdale's ethereal beauty is not just in its composition but also in the ever-changing dance it performs with the sky below, a sight that leaves all who witness it in awe. Cloudsdale is also the headquarters of the Grand Pegasus Enclave.
Equestria is a vast country which dominates the western continent of our world.
Other countries that border Equestria on the western continent include:
Coltifornia, a smaller pony nation, southwest from Equestria, capital is Dream Valley
Crystal Empire, the small rump state of an ancient pony empire, north from Equestria, ruled by young alicorn Princess Mi Amore Cadenza (alias Cadance)
Olenia, kingdom of the deer, northwest from Equestria
The eastern continent is home to the griffons, and a few ponies. The southern continent is home to many other species, including zebras and kirins.
Equestria is mostly autarkic, but Equestria has some trade with most countries. Equestria even trades with the distant zebra lands; Equestria offers enchantable gemstones, while the zebras offer the coal that Equestria's trains and factories depend on.
Equestria does not practice mass migration. Borders are mostly defended by oceans and harsh terrain.
There are always guard ponies stationed along the border with Olenia.
Non-pony residents of Equestria are treated with a sort of distant friendship by the pony majority;
in general, they have largely undisturbed lives in partly isolated communities.
While Equestria is a powerful nation with an advanced economy, it has a hard time leveraging that into military might. The peaceful nature of pony culture and the stagnation in Equestria's political system have kept Equestria's regular army underdeveloped. Unicorns who are capable of learning anything beyond the most basic combat spells are extremely rare. The Grand Pegasus Enclave is only capable of providing partial defense of Equestria's airspace. Equestria does have many regular divisions, but they are all underequipped and inexperienced. Equestria has very few tanks, and they are quite primitive designs. Equestria has a large naval fleet, but the design of the ships is critically outdated. If forced to mobilise by a powerful invader, the military situation could turn around for Equestria. Mobilised ponies would have the potential to form powerful divisions of magical infantry, with the small number of skilled battlemages supporting many ponies who wield enchanted rifles, all while Enclave pegasi prevent enemy aircraft from approaching. Such a war would devestate Equestria and permanently scar our peaceful culture, but we would almost certainly win.
Some promising commanding officers include Blueblood, Shining Armor, and Tempest Shadow.
Blueblood is currently a deputy in the Equumenical Council. See Chapter V.
Shining Armor, is a unicorn stallion and the captain of Princess Celestia's Royal Guard.
Fizzlepop Berrytwist, usually known by the nom de guerre Tempest Shadow, is a unicorn mare with unique experience. A severe fillyhood injury to her horn caused uncontrollable releases of magic, frightening other ponies and leaving her isolated. Eventually, she left Equestria altogether, becoming a mercenary. She worked and fought for many of the tyrants on the southern continent. One such tyrant eventually tried to go to Equestria as a conqueror, but once there he was killed in battle. Tempest was then offered a place in Equestria's military, where real world combat experience is in short supply. She is disabled, i.e. cannot use telekinesis or magic.
Suggested Music: Evening Star - Octavia
Ponies control the changing seasons, and their calendar and holidays revolve around this.
Dates are given in years CE (Classical Era) or years ALB (After Luna's Banishment).
Holidays:
New Years (also known as Winter Solstice)
Hearth's Warming (big winter holiday, exchange gifts, and put on plays about the founding of Equestria when the unicorns and pegasi and earth ponies joined together)
Winter Wrap Up (ponies work together to clean up all the snow, melt all the ice, wake the hibernating animals, plant the new year's crops and begin the season of spring)
Hearts and Hooves Day (exchanging cards, spending time with your special somepony)
Spring Equinox
Summer Dawn (beginning of summer)
Summer Sun Celebration (also known as Summer Solstice, celebration of Celestia's role as the Princess of the Sun)
Summer Harvest
Autumn Onset (beginning of autumn)
Nightmare Night (dressing up in costumes, lots of candy, telling scary stories, this holiday originates from myths around Princess Luna's banishment)
Autumn Equinox
Winter Beginning ("running of the leaves", followed by the first snow)
Ponies appearing in public without clothes is common and unremarkable, but ponies may wear clothes for comfort or fashion. Clothes are especially common during the colder months.
The saddle is a common traditional outfit among the peasantry.
Equestria has diverse cuisine, but the basic staple food is hay. Fresh grass, flowers and fruit are common in food as well. The most common fruit is apples.
Ponies also eat huge amounts of sugar and sweet baked goods. The main alcoholic beverage in Equestria is cider.
Music is popular in Equestria, with a wide variety of genres. Most homes own a phonograph.
Ponies sometimes break into impromptu musical numbers.
Ponies generally get their news from the newspapers.
There are also a small number of radio stations, broadcasting news, radio dramas, and music.
Ponies with physical disabilities are treated well in Equestria. Ponies with missing legs can obtain prostheses, while those with paralysis can obtain wheeled mobility aids. For blind ponies, the eyes are impaled with enchanted gemstones. This makes them able to see normally, but the inorganic jewels in their eyes cause them to be known as "twinkle-eyed ponies". More mild vision deficiencies can be treated with glasses. Unicorns who can't use telekinesis and pegasi who can't fly are also considered to be disabled; there is little that can be done for them at our current level of technology.
Because of their dominion over nature, ponies practice religion less often than other races do. This is especially true for ponies in Equestria, because of the corporeal presence of our divine princesses. However, there is one inevitability that ponies do not have dominion over: death. Because the common religion in Equestria is usually only for funerals, it has a sombre tone which one may not expect from a nation of pastel-coloured ponies. Religious minorities are usually allowed to practice their faith in peace. However, cults which are hostile to the Equestrian state are suppressed.
Horseless carriages and other automobiles are extremely rare in Equestria. I'll let you figure out why a nation of equines would be hostile to that technology.
It is common for fillies and colts to collect brushable toys of famous or historically significant ponies.
The fur on a pony's flanks is magically coloured to display a cutie mark, a distinctive symbol that represents the unique talent and essence of that individual pony. Ponies are not born with their cutie mark; discovering who one is and getting one's cutie mark is a major milestone for young ponies. They also recieve a mandatory eight years of education. There are no high schools in Equestria.
Ponish is the only official language of Equestria. Together, Ponish and Coltifornian constitute the West Thulean language family. The West Thulean languages are very distantly related to the East Thulean languages spoken by some (but not all) ponies on the eastern continent. Ponish texts often contain horse-related puns. Nobles and capitalists use many Coltifornian loanwords when speaking among themselves, but otherwise Ponish is a purist language.
Varieties:
Traditionally, Ponish is written in a complex hieroglyphic system. However, in recent centuries, an alphabet has become more common. The alphabet has made literacy universal, but many well educated unicorns still prefer the hieroglyphic system. Considering books published in the past fifty years: 60% are in neo-classical with alphabet, 10% are in neo-classical with hieroglyphs, 10% are in classical, 10% are in the pegasus dialect, and 10% are in other varieties.
Much of the grammar of the Ponish language is based on a distinction between three animacy-genders. They can be roughly translated as "somepony", "someone", and "something".
Suggested Music: Impressions of Celestial Origins
The first ponies lived in ancient Thule, a mythical realm long lost to the northern ice. When a global cooling event rendered that region uninhabitable, the ponies were forced to conquer more southern territories. According to mythology, the global cooling was caused by windigos, winter spirits that feed off fighting and hatred. Some abandoned the journey after a short distance. They established the vast Crystal Empire. A magical Crystal Heart was carefully enchanted, for to protect their new home against the terrible blizzards. The Crystal Empire’s innovative buildings gradually became a triumph of architecture, its gleaming spires piercing the heavens like shards of frozen ambition. Translucent crystals carved in intricate designs were the norm.
Other ponies continued their journey south. However the ponies that arrived in what is now Equestria, fell into mistrust and hostility. During this frightful age, each of the three castes cared not for what befell the other castes, but only for their own welfare. In those troubled times, the pegasi were mighty warriors as well as the stewards of the weather. But they demanded something in return: treasures and food that could only be produced by the earth ponies. The unicorns demanded the same, becoming feudal lords in exchange for magically bringing forth day and night. Gradually, the castes became interdependent. This led to the creation of a unified federative state which they called the Republic of Equestria. After fierce debates, the republican constitution was reluctantly signed by Princess Platinum of the unicorns, Commander Hurricane of the pegasi, and Chancellor Puddinghead of the earth ponies. They chose the mountain of Canterlot as location to build a new capital city. It had been a simple unicorn gem mine, but the mountain was chosen for its central location and the symbolism of unity between pegasi in the sky and other ponies on the ground. By the united power of its ponies, their republic quickly became a beacon of hope for all who wished to see harmony restored to their fractured world. The Republic of Equestria prospered for a while despite some continuing tensions.
An evil unicorn known as King Sombra then occupied the Crystal Empire's capital city. King Sombra transformed the once-magnificent city into a twisted shadow; one where he kept many ponies as slaves. King Sombra neglected territories other than the capital city and his magical crystal mines, and did nothing to stop them from joining Equestria. His obsession with crystals was probably related to his attempts to discover a magical way to make himself immortal. Subjects in the capital city who angered King Sombra would be blinded. An alliance between Queen Majesty of Coltifornia and some mysterious alicorns eventually made war against King Sombra. Sombra disappeared into the shadows, and all his slaves were freed. The Crystal Empire, now only the capital city as a rump state, has continued to exist since then. The fear that King Sombra will some day return is to this day a major trauma in Crystal Empire culture.
The later years of the Republic of Equestria are described in the book "Decline and Fall of the Equestrian Republic", considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Equestrian non-fiction. Eventually, the Republic fell into discord. This period is poorly known to modern historians, but art from this period often depicts a strange monster called a draconequus, which has the head of a pony and a body made up of all sorts of things. As the world shifted and changed, so too did the priorities of those who dwell in the heavens. The discord was overthrown by two majestic alicorns, the sisters Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Starswirl the Bearded was a unicorn wizard from this time. He created the amniomorphic spell, but he is not famous to the general public. But, among his other accomplishments, he established the Pillars of Equestria, Equestria's first political party which swore fealty to the new alicorn rulers. In this way, the Principality of Equestria was established.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ruled together for many centuries, in what is known as the Classical Era. Starswirl the Bearded seems to have mysteriously vanished during this time; did he simply die of old age despite his mastery of magic? The Classical Era, under the rule of both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna was a time of peace and prosperity when Equestria's culture reached its greatest heights. At that time, each of Equestria's five provinces was governed by two presidents who acted as representatives of the alicorn rulers.
One of the most unusual events of the Classical Era was the arrival of two monstrous brothers, Tirek and Scorpan. They came to Equestria from a distant land, intending to steal Equestria's magic. But Scorpan soon came to appreciate the ways of Equestria, even befriending a young unicorn wizard. Scorpan then urged his brother to abandon their plans. When Tirek refused, Scorpan alerted Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to Tirek's intentions. Tirek was sent to Tartarus for his crimes. After a couple more years, Scorpan returned to his own country.
In the later part of the Classical Era, Equestrian explorers mapped the coastlines of the other continents. Eventually, Celestia and Luna’s reign began to show cracks under the weight of public opinion. This led to a deep divide between the sisters, a schism that threatened to tear Equestria apart entirely. Princess Luna became envious of the affection the public had for her older sister. Eventually Luna gathered her forces, and betrayed her sister Celestia by launching the Equestrian Civil War for sole control of Equestria. Princess Luna sought to bring about an eternal night. Those who supported Celestia called Luna "Nightmare Moon" and this myth gradually became the holiday of Nightmare Night, a celebration of everything dark and eerie. Desperate to end the Equestrian Civil War, Celestia used the Elements of Harmony to banish her sister Luna to the moon.
Celestia began her thousand year solo reign. However, because of the recent conflict, the perfect reputation of the diarchy had been lost. Celestia abolished the positions of presidents of the five provinces, for to prevent the formation of a rival centre of power. But there was one other challenge; many well-respected members of the pegasus caste had established the Grand Pegasus Enclave. For years, the Enclave functioned as an independent state. But thanks to Celestia's compassion and skills of negotiation, the Enclave agreed to rejoin Equestria, receiving extensive autonomy in exchange for commitments to defend Equestria and manipulate the weather. In the Equumenical Council, the previous unity was lost, as the nobility formed a large number of distinct political parties.
Over the centuries of her peaceful reign, Princess Celestia regained her perfect reputation. A new capitalist class began to encroach on Equestria's feudal economy. Threatened by new class-based political parties in the Equumenical Council, especially the bourgeois Friendship Party, most of the parties of the nobility merged into the one Conservative Harmony Alliance. Meanwhile the Enclave built the Weather Factory, and the city of Cloudsdale to service it. The Enclave gradually became mostly focused on weather control instead of military defence.
In a twist that few had foreseen, the exiled Princess Luna found her way back to Equestria after a thousand years of banishment. Reuniting with her sister Celestia, they forged a new path forward, one that would see their diarchy restored and harmony once more reigning over their beloved land. With the help of brave ponies like Twilight Sparkle and her friends, they were able to restore balance to their land - but not without great cost.
Equestria has lived in Harmony for over a millennium under the guidance of Princess Celestia. The nation has faced many minor threats recently, but has prevailed with the power of friendship and forgiveness. However, circumstances seem to be changing, as Equestria's enemies have roused themselves and are now a credible threat. The peace-loving nation of ponies finds itself in a new world with foes at their borders, but also among themselves. How will Equestria approach the troubling times ahead, and will Friendship and Harmony still save the day?
Suggested Music: Evening Star - Friendship is Magic (Orchestral Arrangement)
Ponyville is a charming little village nestled to the south of Canterlot. Its humble beginnings as an earth pony-founded settlement are still evident today through the many earth pony traditions that remain alive and well within its borders. The village is home to a diverse array of ponies from different castes, all living together in harmony amidst the picturesque landscape. Despite being surrounded by larger, more bustling cities like Canterlot, Ponyville ongletains a cozy, small-town atmosphere that has earned it a special place in the hearts of many who call it home. Important locations in Ponyville include the Golden Oak Library which is a library inside a large hollow tree, Carousel Boutique which is the shop of a fancy dressmaker, and Sugarcube Corner which is a bakery and gathering place. There is also a large town hall building in the centre of town, and beautiful parks further from the centre. There is the shop "Quills and Sofas" which only sells two things. Ponyville also has a spa. There are many houses, most are rustic with thatched roofs, and heart-shape designs carved in the wood. Outside of town are many earth pony farms, including the Apple family's home in the Sweet Apple Acres apple orchard.
Twilight Sparkle is a 19-year-old pony mare from Canterlot, but she now lives in Ponyville. She is an intelligent unicorn with soft purple fur. She has a dark blue mane and tail with pink and purple streaks. Her eyes are purple. Her cutie mark is magic stars. She lives at the Golden Oak Library in Ponyville, where she also works as the librarian. She spends a lot of time reading. She studies many topics, but her main focus is magic. She also reads a lot of poetry and fiction, including fantastic fiction like the "Daring Do" series. Despite her intelligence, she occasionally struggles with understanding the emotions of others due to her extensive focus on logic and academic studies. She greatly values her friends and the time she spends with them, but she also spends a lot of time alone with old books. She is excessively organised, and often makes checklists. She is the student of Princess Celestia, to whom she regularly writes letters. Twilight is the element of magic. She has recently earned the title of "wizardess". She is a very powerful spellcaster. Twilight smells like dusty books. The baby dragon Spike is her number-one assistant, slave, and adopted little brother. Twilight's family still live in Canterlot; they love her and are very proud of her. Her mother, Twilight Velvet, is an adventurous unicorn mare. Her father, Night Light, is an unexciting unicorn stallion who enjoys putting numbers into spreadsheets. Her older brother, Shining Armor, is a unicorn stallion and the captain of Princess Celestia's Royal Guard.
Rarity is a ladylike 19-year-old pony mare from Ponyville. She is a beautiful unicorn with soft white fur. She has a stylish purple mane and tail. Her eyes are blue. Her cutie mark is three diamonds. To sound like a noble lady, she always speaks with a fake Canterlot accent, only breaking from her fake accent when under extreme stress. Rarity has an innate appreciation for beauty and elegance, whether it’s found in art or nature. She is knowledgable about fashion, as she runs the Carousel Boutique where she designs fabulous dresses. Her love for all things luxurious is evident in the high-quality materials she uses in her clothing line. Rarity has amazing attention to detail; she uses this in her design work, but she also enjoys reading detective stories like the "Shadow Spade" series. Rarity smells like expensive floral perfume. Rarity is dramatic, and can cry over very minor things, but she has the strength and intelligence to get through actual adversities. Rarity can be adventurous, as long as it doesn’t compromise her sense of style. She is the element of generosity. Sweetie Belle is her little sister. Rarity has a pet, a white cat named Opalescence or simply Opal. Even though Rarity fantasises about joining the elites in Canterlot or Manehattan, her true destiny is to bring some of that sophistication and haute couture to her smalltown home. Rarity's personality can be irritating to a pony who only wants to get things done.
Rainbow Dash is an impulsive 19-year-old pony mare from Cloudsdale, but she now lives in Ponyville. She is an aerodynamic pegasus with soft light blue fur. She has a rainbow mane and tail. Her eyes are magenta. Her cutie mark is a lightning bolt. She can be abrasive and tactless. She is competitive and athletic. She is a fast and agile flyer, and she wants to become a Wonderbolt. However, for now she is the manager of Weather Control Team in Ponyville. She has a drinking problem, so her friends try to keep the cider away from her. She is the element of loyalty. Rainbow has no siblings.
Fluttershy is a caring and sweet 20-year-old pony mare from Cloudsdale, but she now lives in Ponyville. She is an impossibly attractive pegasus with soft yellow fur. She has a long soft pink mane and a long soft pink tail. Her eyes are cyan. Her cutie mark is three butterflies. She takes care of many animals, including her willful pet rabbit named Angel. Fluttershy is pretty enough to be a supermodel, but she is shy, and doesn't want the attention. Fluttershy often underestimates herself due to a lack of confidence. Fluttershy is able to perform The Stare, a powerful technique against an opponent's willpower, as a stern glare of disappointment from her beautiful eyes is unbearable to most creatures. She is the element of kindness. Fluttershy has one brother, Zephyr Breeze.
Pinkie Pie is an energetic 19-year-old pony mare who now lives in Ponyville. She is a bouncy earth pony with soft pink fur. She has curly pink mane and tail. Her eyes are blue. Her cutie mark is three balloons. Her day job is working at the Sugarcube Corner bakery. Pinkie Pie loves to plan parties for everypony. Silly, hyper, easily distracted; but not dumb. She smells like vanilla cake. She is the element of laughter. Pinkie's official full name is Pinkamena Diane Pie. Pinkie's traditionalist parents raised her on a rock farm alongside her three sisters: the rock scientist Maud Pie, the angry Limestone Pie, the mute Marble Pie.
Applejack is a hardworking 19-year-old pony mare from Ponyville. She is a peasant earth pony with soft orange fur. She has braided blonde mane and blonde tail. She runs the local apple orchard. She has strong muscles. She is competitive and athletic. She is stubborn and doesn't like asking for help. She speaks with a rustic southern accent. She is the element of honesty. Very loyal to her family. Granny Smith is her paternal grandmother; Big Mac is her big brother; Apple Bloom is her little sister. Her parents are dead.
Sweetie Belle is a filly from Ponyville. She is a unicorn pony. She has white fur and a purple pink mane and tail. She is Rarity's little sister. Blank flank.
Scootaloo is a filly from Ponyville. She is a pegasus pony, but can not fly because of her disability. She is quite athletic on the ground, however. She has orange fur and a purple mane and tail. She looks up to Rainbow Dash. Blank flank.
Apple Bloom is a filly from Ponyville. She is an earth pony. She has yellow fur and red mane and tail. She wears a large pink bow in her mane. She is Applejack's little sister. She desperately wants to earn a cutie mark. Blank flank.
Lyra Heartstrings is a pony mare from Canterlot, but she now lives in Ponyville. She is a unicorn pony with soft mint green fur. Her mane and tail are a lighter mint green. Her eyes are yellow. Her cutie mark is a harp. Loves Bon Bon.
Blossomforth is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is a pegasus pony with soft white fur. Her mane and tail are pink with green streaks. Her eyes are blue. Her cutie mark is two flowers, one pink and one green. Blossomforth is very flexible. She usually works as a technician, ongletaining machines around Ponyville.
Cloudchaser is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is a pegasus pony with soft light purple fur. Her dramatically styled mane and tail are light blue. Her eyes are pink. Her cutie mark is a shooting star. She works as a weatherpony. She is sisters with Flitter.
Derpy Hooves is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is a pegasus pony with soft grey fur. Her mane and tail are blonde. Her yellow eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. Her cutie mark is bubbles. She works for the post office. She is friendly and always willing to help anypony, but she is dangerously naive and extremely klutzy, so ponies usually do not want her help.
Flitter is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is a pegasus pony with soft light purple fur. Her mane and tail are light blue. She wears a pink bow in her mane. Her eyes are purple. Her cutie mark is three dragonflies. She works as a weatherpony. She is sisters with Cloudchaser.
Raindrops is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is a pegasus pony with soft yellow fur. Her mane and tail are light blue. Her eyes are light blue. Her cutie mark is three drops of water. She works as a weatherpony. She enjoys rainy weather.
Silverspeed is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is a pegasus pony with soft grey fur. Her mane and tail are light grey. Her eyes are purple. Her cutie mark is a bow and arrow. She is a fast flyer. She works as a weatherpony.
Aloe and Lotus are earth pony mares from Ponyville. These two twins run the Ponyville Spa. Aloe has pink fur, blue eyes, and light blue mane and tail. Lotus has blue fur, blue eyes, and pink mane and tail.
Bon Bon is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is an earth pony. Can change her voice. Bon Bon is secretly a S.M.I.L.E. agent. Loves Lyra Heartstrings.
Cheerilee is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is an earth pony with soft magenta fur. Her mane and tail are light pink. Her eyes are green. Her cutie mark is three smiling flowers. Cheerilee is the teacher in Ponyville's school.
Roseluck is a pony mare from Ponyville. She is an earth pony with soft cream-colour fur. Her mane and tail are red. Her eyes are green. Her cutie mark is a rose. This beautiful rural pony works as a florist.
Spike is not a pony. Spike is a baby dragon instead. Spike is Twilight Sparkle's number-one assistant, slave, and adopted little brother. Spike is very loyal to Twilight. Spike has a crush on Rarity.
This book was approved for mass distribution by the Department of Information and Propaganda.
Printed in Canterlot, Equestria. During the year 1002 ALB.