Pony Hoofbook

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"Heh, it used to be if you wanted attention, you'd just shout 'Construct!' and everypony goes straight into combat stance. Now though, we're a little wiser, can't let 'em know that we know they're here.

Oh sure, we've got hundreds of shells, hulls, weapons, both whole and in parts, little bits and pieces of this or that.. there's even some place that I ordered be filled with all their damned orange 'blood', or whatever it is. Can't tell you where though, that's a secret.

If you've ever wondered what an unstoppable biomechanical tidal wave of logic backed up by weapons that makes your own tech seem pathetic in comparison looks like, you don't have to wonder any longer. They're back for another round, and after all the wars we've had with 'em, who knows? They might just win this time." -Twisted Wing

 

"As old as the other Planes, the Ethereals are ruled by a caste system that is absolute and totalitarian, with zero mercy given for ignoring the lightest, most useless of orders.

They abide by maddening laws that defy comprehension, more alien to us than those laws travelers to the Dominion have shared. The Ethereals concern themselves with preventing incursions from other Planes and worlds, and, some have rumored, are privately at war with their own supposed allies, the Crystal ponies.

I have to question what the 'external threats' that they claim to defend against truly are, and what, precisely, we are now forced to deal with." -Denra

 

"At times, it becomes prudent to.. dispose of something. A creation too terrible, horrifying, devastating, abominable even. It does not matter if this thing is physically, marentally, or politically harmful to keep about, only that it must be disposed of in the quietest of mareners. ..of course, sometimes an enemy disposes of something too.

At that point, it becomes more prudent to deny the enemy what they have willingly chosen to cast away, and to acquire it with all due haste.

The true problem, however, is what to do once it is in your possession. And what you must do to keep it that way." -Hodch

 

"I'm not quite sure where they've all come from, but this much I know: nurse and doctor pairs, nearly all of them unicorns so far as we have seen, with Crystal ponies as the remainder, have been sent to most every city and town in Equestria, as well as the capitals and major cities of other countries, city-states, and etcetera.

They're given a single Clinic building, much like how the old one here was, a large number of extraordinarily potent alchemical and medical supplies, and allowed to hoof out flyers stating that they will treat virtually anypony, or anyone for that matter, whom enters, whether injured, ill, or what have you.

Of course, I find it a little odd that they all demonstrate such remarkably high aptitudes for medical care, but what is most concerning is that if somepony, or someone, enters and is not wounded or sick, they.. put on a show.

By that, I mean with each other.

Sexually.

Which begs my next question: what, exactly, ARE they doing on Tallus?" -Tipper

 

“What, you think ponies are backwards with technology? ...yeah, we pretty much are these days, so you’re right! I’m a Ferron, from the Sea’s Bounty of course, so I know a lot about the history of Tallus oceans, navigable waterways, and Airstream passages. In fact, the month of Navember means ‘the last safely seen passage’! It can also mean ‘the embers might burn out in the wind’, too.

Long, long, LONG ago, there weren’t ANY Ferron at all, just pegasi. Pre-modern, post-feral, whatever you want to call them. Unicorns say ‘Type Three Unadjusted’, or something like that.

Ferron are smaller so that means we aren’t as strong, tough, or have the endurance modern pegasi have, but we’re better at delving into the Void, flying, and evading stuff that we’d rather not deal with. Since our wings are really sensitive to the Airstreams, we can sense weather shifts and avoid or easily ride out storms. We consider a native pegasus.. ‘defective’ if they can’t predict non-created weather patterns. I know how speciesist that is, but it’s painfilly true.

That sounds weird because it is. We don’t know how the Ferron separated from most pegasi, but there’s more of us since we tend to have six to nine foals per mare. Compare that to the normal three, four, or five for most pegasi.. yeah, uh, moving on.

There’s a saying: ‘it’s easier to trade with Neighsia than it is to fly to the next cloud village’, and at the time it was true, was a lot more flying hostiles back.. like Shrikes. Those were mostly wiped out around 4,500 years ago, but not all of them. Majority were too fast to keep up with, too big to pin down, and too strong to stop. Dusk Strider Tunnels helped a lot, but they couldn’t find a safe point for each and every single village, so you can see why that saying sticks around.

Before the Otherworld alicorn known as Silver started her Dynasty stuff, Tallus had a lot of ships. Every coastal village had at least three of the medium sized ships and a bunch of smaller ones; stone, wood, metal, crystal, magical, and even some purely made from magic. All of them had lots of Float Plates, real similar to a Float Core except they could propel a vessel in a specific direction, and sometimes one called a Barrier Plate that was an armored version. These days just finding the ruined pieces of either one are worth a small fortune.

There used to be around five thousand of the bigger cloud towns and cities; Storm Peak, Highcloud Eyrie, Featherend, Skybrook, Roc’s Rest, Downpour Metropolis, Highkeep, Rainbow Heights, Cloudsdale, Shimmering Vale, and Crested Ridge. ...that was before everything fell apart during the Pegasi Civil War. No. I’m not gonna talk about that, if ever.

In any case, the Four Princesses encouraged trade across Tallus, especially when Barrier Plates became widespread; the Otherworld and Planar Harpies helped make those. Nearly all the second left to a different Plane to colonize, they’d lost a lot of their populations from Constructs, and according to some they hated Ethereals with a real passion.

We converted a few ships into skyboats similar to Otherworld Harpy designs, then started building our own once we realized it wasn’t possible to copy their pseudo-metalloids. Couldn’t carry as much and were more fragile, yet our skyboats were a bit faster due to weighing less. Also equally as likely to be attacked by flying threats, hence why Ferron get really wet, or diamondine hard, for dual-beamed spears. And harpoons, can’t forget those!

A lot of our own records were destroyed during the Late Dynasty Conflict. Nopony knows what the word ‘Ferron’ means, or if it’s a name, title, nothing. What we do have are the signed original Treaties of Naval Freedom that empower the unalienable right to freely visit, explore, chart, and trade at whim, will, wile, and w- moving on!

It’s pretty much worth nothing without any real ships. There’s a few Lunar ones left with Float or Barrier Plates, but they’re floating museums and I’m certainly not going to ask for one. Making them was an art, not a science, and most unicorns think translocation matrices are the best possible thing.

..nopony in the modern times understands how truly free the Ferron were back then. We could sail the rivers, seas, or skies with the Otherworld Harpies, explore the Wild Clouds, even build new cloud towns whenever we wanted. That’s why we still honor them.” -Kiwi Salad AKA ‘Finny’, Windsweeper

 

'The head of every earth pony, whether they know it or not, is subtly bowed in shame.

The ancient fields of their ancestors, once resplendent and coveted by all, yes, more than few Changelings have done so, have been neglected and now lay fallow, doomed to grow little more than endless fields of grass above blood-soaked soil.

Their stone halls, parts of the Vigil formed to repulse Undead that tormarented the living, now lie silent, buried deep in the earth with their memories forgotten.

Their mares, the bearers of their entire species, have grown desperate for answers as to why when each colt is birthed, there are ten fillies, and more than that in some places.

As a species, they bear the collected guilts and crimes of the Empress upon their necks.

As I have seen through my life, that weight has crippled them.

At times I find their dedication to make up for her reign odd; it is both honorable, yet morbid, though it bears little meaning in this era.

Even we Changelings have accepted history, especially the leaders of our history, for what it is and what they are, learning important lessons that we would not have otherwise.

As of late, however, each earth pony I have come across is... restless.

Nervous.

They are liable to snap vocally, or even physically, at the smallest provocations, and they cannot even explain why.

Make no mistake: there is nothing that makes me more cautious, or concerned, than a restless earth pony.' -Roust

 

 

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NEW FEATURES:

-Depending on the standard outfit of said Companion, not all of them will accept bows in their mane or tail. Side effects may include but are not limited to: disappearing clouds, exploding seagulls, and large amounts of wine.

-Note: socks may be worn by any species, but you may be subject to foalnadoes if applicable.

 

OPTIONS INCLUDE:

-WARNING: certain Eldritch beings may leave you confused, aroused, and lost in the Fortress Courtyard filled with tennis balls!

 

*****

P.U.P.S.!

Incorporating the idea of modularity into her own designs, she produced a number of small buildings and defensive structure schematics that could be constructed at a moment's notice and delivered via translocation matrices, or through unicorn translocation if such is unavailable.

The majority of P.U.P.S. are lightweight enough to be easily carried, moved, or teleported about once in field, and are designed to accommodate extra armoring or additional utilities if requested.

*The Defender Barricade, the Heavy Outpost (still under research), and the Adv. Survival Shelter (coming soon) all come with retractable wheels for movement.

 

A single slab of steel plated, moderately enchanted ironwood, 3' tall, 5' long, and 2" thick, stabilized by a pair of steel brackets with 1' long skids mounted on both ends to prevent it from being knocked over.

The light barricade was constructed solely for the purpose of fast deployment, the frontal facing is slanted at a 40 degree rearward angle, providing modest cover if disguised properly, offers decent protection against lesser threats, and has a moderate chance of deflecting low penetration ranged weaponry.

Humans are quite capable of dragging one around with relative ease, and can shelter two Operators (or three manlets) at a time if they squeeze together behind it, though for obvious reasons isn't suited to defense against significant threats.

Once the Light Barricade's Armor has been entirely depleted, it will no longer provide any protection.

 

A single slab of enchanted, externally steel-plated ironwood barrier, 4' tall, 7' long, 4" thick, stabilized by a pair of heavy steel brackets with 2' long skids mounted on both ends to prevent it from being knocked over.

Considerably more protective than the light barricade, the standard version is meant for deployment against significant ranged threats, and as a result is quite a bit heavier. The frontal facing is slanted at a 35 degree angle rearwards, providing a high degree of protection against most threats, even unicorns, and if needed can be further armored by additional plating.

Requiring two strong Operators to maneuver due weight, the standard barricade is difficult to disguise due to its shape, yet is sturdy enough to allow for the placement of directional explosives, particularly mines, on it's facing, making ear plugs a bit more valuable than they used to be.

 

Ruin-Heavy Barricade:

450 Armor, 8DR. An externally steel-plated, heavily enchanted ironwood barrier, 5' tall, 8' long, and 6" thick. When her initial design of the heavy barricade was unable to be moved by an 8-man squad of Operators, Bren was forced to ask Krinza for a mechanical solution to her overbuilt problem.

Questioning Clemency's knowledge of aircraft and Kraut's vehicle aptitude, Krinza hoof-forged six steel mechanically retractable and swiveling legs, along with an equal number of maple wood wheels, sealed over by several layers of vulcanized rubber. The unit is then melded onto stainless brackets, further melding four also retractible landing skids to allow for additional support and some maneuverability in field.

Despite the innovative (to ponies) additions, it still requires either a Minotaur, a mature earth pony, whether psion or not, or a unicorn to aid in moving this particular barrier, and is next to impossible to disguise due to it's dimensions, though allows three Operators (or four manlets) to take cover behind it.

 

A simple, easy to conceal ground blind frame, 3' tall, 6' long, and 3' wide. Little more than four thin, heavily enchanted walls with a opening large enough for a heavy rifle in the front, this skeletal frame is meant to be carried by an Operator, or a pony of unicorn size and smaller, without hindering them much.

As the weight had to be under 20 pounds to allow any human wanting one for their own use, Bren's crew needed more small dimension wood planks than could be readily cut down from the massive stocks of seqoyya or ironwood.

Instead they began harvesting smaller trees and larger shrubs around Razorback Fortress, specifically those of light weight and moderate durability, though they placed greater importance on neutral wood colorations that could be hidden in field, ready to be colored, disguised, and concealed at the user's opportunity. Can also be heavily fortified to suit terrain and most conditions.

 

 

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SAVING!

 

-You will also be auto-saved upon using use of the Miniature Translocation item, though there may be side effects such as dire seagulls and explosive penguins.

 

-Your GM will auto-save you before talking to Mercy and other volatile NPC's! No more errant deaths, Red Rings of Terror, or White Screens of Death! You may still be subject to booty calls, whistling mares, and waking up covered in pineapples or other sticky fruits.

 

 

*****

SUPPORT ACTIONS! Certain NPC's and Companions may be called upon to deliver supplies, teleport you out of lava, facestomp your enemies, and perform other combat or noncombat actions such as healing and beating failing allies back to full morale, failing to cook spam properly, and picking locks! However, only TWO Support Actions may be taken per operation, so choose whom you want to aid you wisely!

 

 

 

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NEW ENCOUNTERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"Awright ponies, gather 'round and listen up! Nah, not you Tips, you just stay there and keep your hooves warm. AHEM! Now, as you all know we're the ones entrusted to keep their stupid asses alive, healthy, and aware of what's going on at all times, so that means I'm making a few big changes to how we work.

First off, the mercs, Guards, and Broken Hoof might be a part of the Fortress, but they're doing their own shit, so treat ‘em like you would everypony else. If you have a problem with 'em, take care of it before *I* get involved, got that? Good, good, now, second part's a little harder, especially for those of us with a 'past'.

 

What I want us all to do is: keep in mind they ain't ponies. They don't think, act, reason, or feel like we do, so it might be hard to understand what they're doing or why they're acting funny.

Bells and Naliyna, for obvious reasons, are the ones you wanna talk to in case you're having difficulties with 'em. If you need advice otherwise, come talk to me, I won't steer you wrong.

 

Third's about me writing a book for us based off theirs, but there's a problem: I need input. Every scrap of information about our weapons, armor, unicorn casting, Crystal runes, Psionics, recovery, alchemy, combat techniques, how and why we judge our priorities, basically everyfuckin'thing about us that they don't or won't know otherwise.

What? Uhh.. no? Look, just because I was Starborn don't make me a genius, and I damned sure don't have an eidetic memory. LOOKING AT ALL OF YOU, UNICORNS!

Difference is this: I know when to listen and when to make a request, how to deal with hostiles.. that's about it.

 

Fourth: you got something you want to add in, bring it to Denra, me, or one of the Spirals, and we'll toss it in the book as soon as we can. So without further ado.. fillies and colts, stallions and mares alike! Allow me to present: the Pony Hoofbook!"

-Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

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PONY RULES:

#1: "Murdering, raping, and ruining the life or lives of sentient and sapient beings are considered crimes worthy of execution, should the burg, village, city, city-state, or country's Judges deem so.

That don't mean you should stick your hoof, tongue, or dick, if you're one of those few that have one, in something that could think and don't want it 'cause that might be seen as disgusting, wrong, illegal.. who knows what else.

If you're contracted to kill somepony, especially when you're dealing with Shanis or any others, just make SURE they deserve it first or else it might come back and bite us ALL in the ass!"

-Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

#2: "Some of you are young enough to think you don't necessarily need to be around your friends every day or night, and that's right, sometimes. We originated as a herd-based communal species, which means physical, social, and emotional contact are required often in order to keep us stable mentally.

When you start feeling down, for any reason, go find one of your friends and sit with them for a bit, or else you're going to start wandering down into depression or worse.

Most ponies, excluding Twisted Wing because she's a deviant with a dominance fetish, and by the way you had best stop injuring Clemency or I'm going to sit you in the clinic to teach you proper physical respect for about thirty hours straight!

..where was I? Oh yes: most ponies require at least ten minutes of interaction five times a day to stay marentally healthy."

-Doctor Tipper

 

#3: "Contracts are.. an ancient form.. of barter.. ing and.. negotia.. tion. Once some.. pony has accep.. ted a contract.. they are required.. to adhere.. to its rules.. conditions.. and stipula.. tions until.. the contract.. is completed.

..a contract.. should always.. be changed.. and renegoti.. ate due to.. circumstances.. beyond their.. control, or if.. you have been.. unfairly.. contracted.

If you.. take on a.. contract.. that you cannot.. fulfill.. later on, it.. is best to.. contact the.. contract giver.. and explain.. the conditions.. as to why. ..doing so is.. not looked.. down upon.. as honesty is.. more valuable.. than hardship.

..earth ponies.. will never think.. about breaking.. a contract.. a vow.. or an oath.. but will.. hold great.. hatred and.. disgust for those.. that break.. either, so.. be cautious.. in this manner."

-Mercy, Spirit Walker

 

#4: "Trust is a vital part of all relationships, more so in business, and far more so in herds. Mercy has spoken on the matter of contracts, and her knowledge is directly linked to this topic, though I would still like for all of you to pay close attention.

I have known only four ponies that have broken trust with others during my time in the Honor Guard, and while three of them were eventually forgiven and re-accepted, the last one.. will likely never be. That one decided to pay no heed to others, and acted in manners too selfish and damaging to ever be trusted again.

Those of you whom have a connection to a human, like myself, or two in Mercy's case, pay close attention to their reasonings, thoughts, words, and logic. If any of theirs conflicts with yours, those of your herd's, or others that it may effect, then speak up. Be polite, honorable, and most of all, be curious.

Do not allow a misjudgemarent to be made on account of social passivity, as I have seen what occurs when self-pride comes before logic. It is no place for anypony to be."

-Mist Dancer

 

#5: "I should probably have explained this to you a while ago, so I'll start it here: killing is out of place for ponies. Most, that is.

Since the majority of us are herbivores, discounting insect-eating batponies and pegasi, our herd structures and social interactions aren't conducive to violence. Sure, mares and stallions will scuffle a bit to prove who's the most dominant from time to time, but that rarely ends in anything more than bruises, sprains, and maybe a bit of lost pride.

It takes a willing mind, a hard heart, and the objective reasoning, with some logic and forethought, to take a life.

Killing itself isn't a crime because we do have the right to defend ourselves, but murder without necessity or desperation is."

-Nightblade Captain Belltower

 

#6: "When a human goes outside of Equestria it's pretty much a requiremarent that they make contact with the locals, especially if they DON'T like Otherworldlies.

Saddle Arabia? They don't exactly like humans much, but so long as they aren't offended or threatened they'll be polite, if not a bit chilly.

Minotaur Hegemony? They've got plenty of reasons to distrust humans, so far they don't seem to mind much.

Neighsia? Humans will get along with them well, I should know since I was born and raised in Neighpon!

Ewerup? Baaad idea. Shut up, you don't appreciate puns!

Germaneigh? ...better take an ambassador for that hot, wretched mess, and stay OUT of the Black Forest! Believe me, you do not want to know so much as a damned twig in that place.

In short: if you go along with a human somewhere, try to do the initial talking if the locals seem apprehensive or distrusting."

-Captain Kitang

 

#7: "Don't eat what you don't know. I know some of you like trying out those Em-Arr-Eees~, I sure do! Just don't risk doing that often.

Even though Jeff's been real good at knowing what's in them, a few have given me terrible stomach aches.. and worse. Can't read the label? Ask around. Don't understand what something is? Assume it's not healthy.

Same goes with traveling elsewhere and keep that in mind nearly all Equestrian foods are normal enough for just about anypony to eat. But, and there's always a butt, there's a host of stuff in the Moors, Saddle Arabia, Neighpon, Germaneigh, and elsewhere that'll make you wish you weren't born."

-Nightblade Captain Belltower

 

#8: "Every once in a while, declare your enemies to be inferior, pull your forces back, sit down, then do nothing. Watch them move around, wait out their actions, make it seem like you're being an ass and an idiot at the same time. You'd be surprised how quickly a diplomat or two decides to investigate.

Don't choose violence unless you have to, and don't make peace unless both sides are ready to commit."

-Doctor Tipper

 

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HERD EXCLUSIVE ITEMS

BLUE ORBS: Saddle Arabian. Grants the Herd Leader an additional Bartering, Neighgotiation, or Leadership roll,

RED ORBS: Unicorn. Grants an additional roll to ONE skill, either to a select Squad or the entire Herd.

WHITE ORBS: Pegasi. grants the Herd Leader an additional Dodge or Parry, may also grant the same to ONE Herd pony.

BLACK ORBS: Earth pony. May be sacrificed to undo 1-5 marental effects and provide protection for a maximum of 20 turns; may also grant Enrage to oneself or 1-5 Herd ponies depending on size.

 

SMALL: 1 roll, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +5 to 1 pony

MEDIUM: 2 rolls, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +10 to 2 ponies

LARGE: 3 rolls, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +15 to 3 ponies

GIANT: 4 rolls, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +20 to 4 ponies

PERFECT: 5 rolls, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +25 to 5 ponies

 

*****

RAINBOW HEART GEMS: Crystal pony (*presumed)

Tiny: grants +1XP, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +10

Small: grants +2XP, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +20

Large: grants +3XP, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +30

Giant: grants +4XP, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +40

Perfect: grants +5XP, when used as a Gift will increase Morale and Stability by +50

 

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*Improving beyond these limits will require significant training to advance

 

*Other species vary depending on region, lineage, and numerous other factors

 

*Other species vary depending on region, lineage, and other factors

 

 

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PRIMARY SKILLS:

"No, not feathers Mercy, just replace the word 'primary' with the word.. eh fuck, I dunno.. shit we know how to perform? Let's get some explanations on 'em from each of us, eh?

Now, you all know how to strike and fade, or overwhelm an opponent off guard, but there's a few tricks I've learned over the years. If you have two weapons, one big and one small, like wingblades and hoofboots, AHEM, Mercy's favored pair, you might have a better chance using both instead of just one." -Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

*****

CASTING: an ability unique to, and can only be performed by, unicorns. The horn is a direct connection between the arcane energies suffusing Tallus and the mental control/bond with said energies, allowing unicorns to effect the world's material and immaterial states with a combination of scientific, magical fact, and theory, combining inherent and learned understandings, knowledges of technical matter, and non-matter marenipulation.

*Most unicorns cannot pass Master+8 without significant time and resources expended, thus a tiny number ever reach Grandmaster

 

"Arcane Awareness is one of the least common of unicorn abilities, requiring considerable focus, depth of knowledge, and understandings of esoteric, elemental, various immaterial states, energies, and beings.

When viewed by somepony, the various states I mentioned can be perceived and analyzed for a time before it fades, allowing the caster to see through adverse weather conditions that would otherwise be impossible to see or sense through, and some effects such as being Blinded or Deafened.

For obvious reasons it will not function properly if you are suffering from a Concussion, are Charmed, or otherwise incapacitated in similar means." -Mist Dancer

 

"Barrage is a Master ranked spell, one of the most difficult ones to accomplish due to it's wide area of effect and often antagonistic elemental requirements, though I consider it simple to perform.

The caster must create a large number of elemental bolts into a cohesive, or thoroughly random, pattern, them release them at a specific area within their line of sight.

This is often used to deny an enemy a terrain advantage either due to acidic pools, numerous ice slicks, or causing havoc amongst a lightly armored and flammable force.. ..with flame, of course." -Mist Dancer

 

"Blind is a simple, Expert level spell, the use and abuse of concentrated atmospheric pressurization techniques to create a minor, or large depending on your skill, colorful detonation, the result bright enough to temporarily disable ocular organs.

Be careful, as allies may be in the vicinity and suffer the same end result. ..yes, that means the eyes." -Mist Dancer

 

"Bolt is a fairly simple Basic level spell: the creation of elemental, anti-elemental, or non-elemental projectiles of a small nature, often blunt or rounded to produce greater kinetic impacts, usually ranging from one to twelve inches in length with variable width, weight, and density depending on the situation.

It's not common to see spikes or blades on them, but you can be guaranteed if somepony is forming a bolt with them they should be knocked out first." -A False Celestia

 

"Confuse is a difficult to learn and even harder to accomplish spell, ranked at Master. The proper method is to create a barrage of distracting, disorienting, and painful sounds directed at a target, combined with a host of distorted images, typically using the target's history, marentality, their allies, the terrain, nearby features or landmarks, and so on.

This makes making each instance and attempt individual in nature and impossible to reproduce correctly, making it pointless to Confuse the same target twice." -Mist Dancer

 

"Deafen is an Expert rank spell, much the same as Blind, creating a small, highly charged atmospheric bubble and impacting it with an unstable air elemental detonation. If powerful enough it may deafen a target, or targets, in immediate range.

Again, be careful as allies may be in the vicinity and suffer the same results." -Mist Dancer

 

"Delineation is the art, and I do stress the word ART, of absorbing the energies trapped within a specific room or drawing them from an object in an attempt to see pieces of it's past. While it does have simpler uses, it is extremely dangerous as it causes a great deal of harm on the third and further attempts from what we call 'arcane poisoning', or in short, absorbing a greater than normal level of arcane energy.

You'd have to learn it from a Master, but it requires some time." -A False Celestia

*The caster utilizing Delineation suffers -50HP upon the third and further uses, this damage cannot be prevented, avoided, or mitigated.

 

"Hold is one of the few truly defensive Expert ranked spells, creating a half-corporeal metallic or metal-like chain to bind an enemy's movements, but can be broken if the target is of sufficient strength.

It sees a great amount of use in the Honor Guard, Lunar Guard, Starborn, city militias, and among the Dragon Vigilants, yet most city-born unicorns have neither learned or heard of it, nor find much use for it." -Mist Dancer

*Except for certain smiths

 

"Identify is rather simple: the expansion of a unicorn's inherent senses to perceive an object's arcane status, or to find hidden ones that cannot be seen normally.

For example, a weak metallic enchantmarent will appear to flicker in one's vision or create a tinny sound, whereas a powerful one may produce white or colored spots in vision, and may even deafen the searcher if it is of sufficient strength.

The College ranks it as Basic, however, it can be used by even untrained unicorns." -Marquis du Spiral

 

"Imbue is an Expert level elemental or non-elemental arcane infusion for structuring or restructuring of weapons or armor. Imbuing a shield with runes, glyphs, or wards of resilience, along with a properly dense or durable material, strengthens it to absorb greater force, while doing the same to armor with a rune or glyph of frost can increase both durability and resistance to harm from ice.

Imbuing a weapon with strike runes or glyphs increases the potential of harm, while performing the same with a rune or glyph of frost strengthens an already existing offensive enchantment. Such is difficult to improve upon without mastery, however." -Krinza

 

"Invigorate is a difficult to cast Grandmaster spell, requiring Grandmastery in three magical categories: Recovery, Enchanting, and Casting.

When subsumed into a living being, they will take less harm from physical and non-physical weaponry, regenerate enough to counter heavy bleeding, as well as resist offensive elements and reactive defenses, including those that somepony would normally be unable to resist.

Besides Cadence I do not know of anypony capable of casting it, but I have heard rumors that there is, or was, a Druid capable of doing so, though my knowledge on that may be two years out of date." -Mist Dancer

 

"Lineation is one of the newest mental capabilities available to unicorns, as.. I believe Cadence came up with the idea. It's purpose is to remove, negate, and soothe mental wounds, exhaustion, and memories.

It can also be used to lessen the effects of trauma and shock to living beings, but was mostly designed for ponies. It is difficult to perform on an unwilling being, but can be used without risk on those that aren't aware of their circumstances.

It does not have a rank, contrary to most, and must be personally taught by Cadence to somepony that has Mastery in casting, though from what I understand, Wards are capable of learning this quite early on." -A False Celestia

 

"Pacify is an inherent Master spell of all druids, combining the essences of soothing sounds, images or scenes, scents, and sensations that one has experienced to lull a target into a state of difficult to refuse comfort.

This state is temporary and can only be broken by harming the target. No. ..no. I am not explaining how I know of this, Marquis. And you can keep your ghoulish hooves away from me, too." -Mist Dancer

 

"Psychokinesis is a spell which Expert casters can learn, but is rather complex to use and control. While it has the same functions that a psion can control inherently, for us unicorns it is a bit more crude, we can't exactly hold something perfectly still like they can.

It can serve as an effective deterrent for would-be attackers since it doesn't cause our horns to overheat, like elemental spells do, so it makes an acceptable addition to our repertoire. The real difficulty comes from requiring constant observation and field marenipulation, so it’s rather stressful to use for long." -Doctor Tipper

 

"Reinforce is a Master rank spell, the use of inherent structural engineering concepts to shape, meld, and alloy materials, most commonly on metal, but works on nearly all materials in existence.

By placing a marental diagram of the desired shape and end result with subtle manipulations of molecular bonding, movement, and cohesion, the caster can then form it to their desires, increasing durability and ductility without the normal side-effects of heat or cold resulting from forging and quenching processes." -Krinza

 

"Shield is an Expert casting spell, the creation, reinforcing, and use of physical, elemental, or non-elemental materials and energies to protect oneself or another from harm.

It's not common to see most unicorns use it considering it takes a focused mind, moderate willpower, and mental clarity to maintain one." -Mist Dancer

 

"Shockwave is a mid-difficulty Expert level spell for most unicorns, combining an area wide elemental burst with an air-elemental detonation to increase range, potency, and after-effects.

It is most often used as an elementally based stun, but it isn't uncommon to see Commanders and such using Shockwave to damage fortifications." -A False Celestia

 

"Snare, another Basic rank casting spell, is one of the most common utility spells available. What it is, most of the time, is a simple elemental lash, vine, or tendril that is used to grasp and slow down or hold an enemy.. or ally, depending on their state of mind.

Because of the propensity to sometimes run amok in a melee, it is often looked down upon for it's less than substantial nature and lack of stellar performance, but against a single opponent it excels in versatility. The more potent the caster, the greater the strength of the snare itself." -A False Celestia

 

"Void Sight is a highly uncommon Master ranked spell, taught exclusively by unicorn Nightblades of the Starborn, particularly me, though I'm.. not positive how Spiral knows it. There's a few others that may teach it if they feel like doing so, but they're usually in active service and won't deal with you unless you're a Lunar faction member.

The principle is to sink oneself into the Underdark just enough to be considered one of them, that is, indistinguishable, then finding a friendly Void creature to mentally link to, such as Void Divers or a Knife-eye if you happen to be so lucky.

This will allow the ability to see through their eyes and senses, but has two problems, namely how long that creature wants to stick around, and how much it dislikes seeing this side of Tallus, so don't expect one to sit and stare in one place for long." -Nightblade Hodch, Master Lunar Lorekeeper

 

"Wave is a Master ranked spell combining the collection, concentration, and forceful expulsion of one or two elements in tandem. The nature of the wave depends on the element used, and I will by no means state these for cruel uses.

Air is used for knocking enemies back or clearing out fragile snares and the like, earth is often used for surrounding oneself and creating a barrier, or barriers, and destroying fortifications, water, of course, for extinguishing flame, slowing down or surprising enemies with excessive cold, lightning for stunning or for defeating Rift constructs, force for doing the same to physical non-construct beings with better results, and.. I would rather not detail the others." -A False Celestia

 

*****

CREATIVITY:

"Creativity.. many uses, simple name. Psionic of course. Speak to others far away, create, change, shift, warp, distort memories, change perceptions temporarily, fool or trick senses, enhance one's pleas- ..excuse me, but may be wrong on some of those." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Broken Hoof

"Wait a moment, did I hear you right on that one? 'Enhance one's pleasure'? Now that's strange.. how come I've never heard or thought of doing that? ..wait a minute, this sounds like it came from that brothel o-" Dancing Eyes

"NO MORE QUESTIONS! THAT IS ALL!" -Tower Guard Master-Captain Broken Hoof

 

*****

CRYSTAL RUNES: a unique ability only capable of being utilized by Crystal ponies. Producing by singing, humming, rhythmic tapping, playing an instrumarent, waiting for or utilizing a particular sound to naturally occur. A Crystal pony thus utilizes atmospheric or individually produced harmonic tones, sounds, and vibrations to create near-instant effects on material objects, as well as on (or inside) living beings, objects, and the like.

This produces a resonant cascade effect: by a Crystal pony essentially 'pushing' their sincere intentions into the world, this bypasses unicorn knowledge of energetic and matter manipulation.

Unskilled Crystal ponies are capable of using basic effects such as pushing a crate in an imprecise direction, forming a rough barrier shield that may or may not be exactly the correct size or even in the right location, and closing simple wounds.

Skilled singers can create extremely precise and minute effects such as silencing, deafening, or stunning an opponent without causing any harm, shielding a targeted individual's eyes from projectiles, or restoring functionality to damaged internal organs.

 

"There's another one called Break, it's when... uh, well, we basically slap reality back to into being normal. Sort of. Mostly used to drag ghosts, Spectrals, and non-physical things into Tallus spectrums for a bit. Doesn't last long though, maybe half a minute if you're lucky.

If you're really good then it's possible to cancel unicorn magic, sorcery, and even Psionic stuff.. that is if you can catch those in time. Ghosts do exist, I've seen, talked, and fought them before! I.. used to know it. I think?" -Naliyna

 

"Cover is sometimes called shield, but it's really just a layer of harmonized sound waves, or compressed air if you're desperate, to protect somepony from just about anything.. except for Spectrals and the mind-touching Psionic stuff.

Low tones make a larger, more absorbent shield that's dark in color, and high tones make a smaller, more deflective shield that's much brighter." -Naliyna

 

"Hey Twisted! I just remembered another one! Gimme a sec to show you.. okay, there! It's called Fade, been a while since I've used it. It lets us twist, shape, merge, or blend the visible spectrums with.. um, oh, refraction and diffraction mechanisms.

It's similar to Stealth in a lot of ways, but I think it's limited to just being unseen and not moving much." -Naliyna

 

"Power is.. ..REALLY hard to describe since it's a lot of things I can do, like carve designs in stuff just by thinking of how exact I want the details to be, kinda like Pull, but the etchings and such are permanent, also a lot easier to make.

If I want something specific, a bit like casting, I can shout to stun, whistle to make somepony's eyes stop working for a bit, or make a keening sound to deafen. It's also used to marenipulate weapons, shields, and armor too.

There's probably a lot more to it, but I don't remember it all, so I'll think on the rest later." -Naliyna

 

"Pull is pretty much the same thing that psions can do, move or push objects with thought and direction based on sound, and do really delicate things, like removing splinters, engraving with a tool, and lots more.

Because Pull is based on sound, small sharp notes make precise movements, where low sounds, bass and such, make 'wider' effects.

It takes a lot of experience to learn the right ways to control movement this way though, which pretty much requires somepony to be a Runesinger for the careful stuff." -Naliyna

 

"Refresh is a lot like recovery, only without the funny side effects.. sorry Tipper, but feeling ticklish for two hours isn't much fun if I can't sleep and spend the entire time giggling!

Hum.. well, I'm not sure what causes it to work, but all living beings are affected by soothing sounds, whether it's humming, singing, or instruments, but the pony's body, or any body really, you want to heal does so much faster than on it's own. Normally.. I think." -Naliyna

 

*****

ELEMENTAL LANCE: an ability that shares some similarities with casting, allowing a unicorn to form specialized Elemarental weaponry from either surrounding energies or those stored within the individual. This is almost always a lance due to simple creation and standardization, expulsing it from it's creator's control at difficult to avoid speeds.

*All unicorns have an Elemarental alignment, and most have great difficulties when attempting to use any rather than their preferred (up to 3 in some cases), typically capping at Expert+8

 

"One of the first known uses of a unicorn's horn was an apparent attempt at recreating lightning, which, if Empress Silver's note taking is correct, was amusingly startling to that particular pony.

The reason for using a lance is in the simplicity, streamlined nature, and tendency to pierce armor. Unlike casting however, Elemarental lances become highly difficult to improve after a certain point, requiring the necessity of learning from a dual elementalist, that is, a unicorn whom has mastered one or two elements, and often for a high price." -Denra, Veteran Mercenary

 

*****

ENRAGE: an inherent ability of all ponies that cannot enter the 'flee' or 'flight' marentality stages, whether due to increased danger levels or marental suggestion. This forces a small release of equine adrenaline, temporarily canceling the digestive process to provide greater blood flow to the body, and negates or nullifies the effects of instinctive or fear-based responses.

*Depending on level of aggravation, rank of combat abilities, and physical strength, ponies will gain a variable +1 to +5 modifier to all Assault/Parry/Riposte and Block/Evasion/Flight/Reaction Speed/Sprint rolls, but may also suffer a -1 to -5 penalty to all non-combat rolls

 

"An angry pony, of any species, whether backed into a corner or simply aggravated enough to warrant an aggression response, can do quite a bit of harm, even to species such as Minotaurs.

The sudden release of adrenaline, among other biological chemicals, makes it much faster for one to calculate and appraise an opponent's weaknesses, or the best approach to simply knock said opponent out. This also makes trying to articulate thoughts much harder due to the lessened response timing of the brain's secondary interactions fouling the translation to the body.

I have noticed that the greater the inherent strength, the less the benefit from the adrenaline spike, so somepony such as Twisted Wing could be matched by, say, Belltower or Caliya, at least for a little while." -Doctor Tipper

 

*****

ILLUSIONARY:

"Illusionary.. ..makes illusions. With enough control can make them look real, sound real with telepathy. Marental energetic coherence appearing as matter. What else to say?" -Tower Guard Master-Captain Broken Hoof

 

*****

LUNGE: used by earth ponies and Crystal ponies, counts as both Movement for distance and an offensive attack.

Unarmored ponies may use Lunge every turn, Light or Medium armored ponies every 2nd turn, and Heavy armored ponies every 3rd or 4th turn, depending on the weight of their equipment.

 

"Lunging is the bodily preparation and use of a distance covering leap of variable heights, mostly used by earth ponies, from ten to a hundred meters on average, but in a few extreme cases I've seen Triunes clear nearly a hundred fifty.

It requires fine muscle control, timing, and is almost exclusively used with a lance.

If you see an earth mare crouching down, especially if she's angry, you should vacate that immediate vicinity.. the alternative is to try and bend your head over your back and kiss your sweet flanks goodbye." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

 

*****

CLOSE COMBAT: pony-only melee weapons have a modifier and can be enchanted as per normal, but do not have any hidden bonuses. Few ponies will take or use a sentient or sapient weapon, and will actively avoid them, even if not dangerous. Unusual or cognizant weapons will probably be destroyed if found to be dangerous whenever possible.

Ponies will typically have a weapon strengthened to the point where it is difficult to destroy, seeing further refinement or reforging to Grandmastery as unnecessary, too expensive to marenage, and often time consuming.

Most pones rarely see the need for an offensive enchantmarent, deriding the idea as either costly or time-consuming due to requiring specific items to improve their abilities, find it unnecessary in most cases, or consider the idea too violent for their tastes, which depends on the individual.

 

"Hoofboots, hoofclaws, hoofblades, biteblades, under-feather wingblades, wing-spanning wingblades, swords, lances.. you name it, anything you use to cause harm to somethin' else.

Sure, you can use your own hooves, if you're a Crystal or earth pony, but trying to use your wings as a pegasus is gonna lead to shattering a few bones. Lann over there can demonstrate crushing granite into powder with a careless stomp, but it's better to have some kinda weapon and know how to use it rather than try to get by with as little as possible.

Don't know how to use something? Ask around for somepony that does, we're always willing to train an interested mind." -Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

"Biteblades are the simplest of weapons out there, capable of being created by almost anypony with the materials and a bit of skill. Take a knife or dagger blade, attach it to a mouth guard that won't shatter your teeth when you bite down or for if it gets struck, and that's all there is to it.

Earth and Crystal ponies use them because of their greater strength, but some pegasi and unicorns liked them as a backup weapon, or for eliminating a high value target.

Most of the time you're going to find a specialized version, such as a triangular trip that pierces armor, a curved blade for destroying the heart, or a spike for destroying the brain, but the basic idea is a sound practice." -Nightblade Captain Belltower

 

"Hoofboots, hoofclaws, hoofblades.. a normal hoofboot.. is a formidable.. piece of armor and.. doubles as a.. weapon.

By protecting.. the entire hoof and.. adding a shock.. absorbing material.. it is possible to.. strike even the hardest.. of materials and remain.. unscathed.

By attaching.. from one to five blades.. to pierce armor or hide.. or spikes to mimic claws.. and for non-pegasi.. infusing a float and.. slowfall enchantment.. their potential uses.. are greatly increased.. compared to a basic.. hoofboot." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

 

"Lances are fairly simple weapons. They're often one and a half to two times longer than the mare using it, normally with a single beam, and attached to either a saddle or armor with snaps, loops, hooks, anything somepony can think of to keep it stable.While the tips are usually rounded or blunt, sometimes they have a design like Broken Hoof's does.

Hm? No, mine was a charging Minotaur, entirely unrelated. By the way, pointed tips are generally used by assassins and the sort, so if you do see one in that configuration, knock out or kill them quickly.

Pegasi ambushers favored lances in the past, though theirs were twin beamed, separated halfway to allow lessened shock and greater penetration with a more substantial chance of killing quickly, and with much less pain, on the first strike." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

 

"Swords, for ponies, are simply a one or two edged blade attached to a larger guard that can be affixed to either , almost always created with both an anti-shock and a sticky enchantment.

Earth ponies are the primary users, though I have seen a few unicorns using one, or two, controlling them an extension of their casting abilities. Minotaurs and several biped species have their own version with a handle and one or two guards for additional protection.

They are however quite short ranged and required a great deal of training, and experience, to utilize properly. What you will not do with one is counter polearms or ranged weaponry.

To be blunt, pun not intended: they are acceptable only as secondary or tertiary weapons." -Mist Dancer

 

"True wingblades cover the entire spread of a pegasi's wings, protecting from where the wing's joint is attached to the body above the shoulder and all the way to the tips of the primaries, the front edge rolled over for attachment and comfort with either a series of blades or one single cutting surface across the face.

Most of 'em are thick enough you can use as a shield, but might make you fly a little slower. Makes up for the tradeoff, I say." -Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

"Wingblades are an upgrade of a biteblade. Fashion a blade that matches the size and shape of a pegasi's feathers, have a sticky enchantment on 'em or some hooks, or the pony, and you got an easy to conceal weapon.

You use 'em by flicking them around using each feather, a little trick that doesn't take long to learn, and swiping at an enemy.

Large ones like mine, or huge ones like Twisted's can be folded together, making a resistant large scale blade, sorta, or a shield if layered thick enough." -Lucky, Rogue's Circle Owner

 

"Wing darts are small little.. well.. darts that are folded into a pegasi's secondary covert feathers. All it takes is a quick flick of the wing and you can send one hurling at whoever or whatever!

Mine are really sharp with a barb on them that can cause more harm if you don't pull them out the right way, but some others prefer a type of poison applied.

I tend to lose a lot, because nopony likes to pull them out and just run away. That's okay because they're relatively easy to make, so I've got plenty of spares!" -Nightclaw Steel Blitz

 

*****

MIND'S EYE: an artificial, projected Psionic construct with multiple uses, and can function as Arcane Perception.

*Roll result/rank = the modifier used to project small directed bolts of force that functions as a [1d6+X]

*Roll result*5 = the amount of HP the Mind's Eye is created with

*A Mind's Eye CANNOT have any DR as it is a temporary, immaterial creation

 

"The Mind's Eye is a Psionic creation used to scout unknown paths, buildings, or other areas. It always has a central eye but may have more, and the size depends entirely on the psion's abilities.

They can see in complete darkness or when a psion is blind, and they can attack with small bolts of force. They're pretty weak though, as I've learned.. oh, yeah, they are kind of a copy of the Eyes of Saddle Arabia, but I'm not sure why we're taught to create extra eyes on them. Probably redundancy, but who knows." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

 

*****

MIND'S VORTEX: functions as an anchor that vastly increases the range a psion may utilize their abilities without having to be in line of sight.

*Roll result indicates the number of close by living beings that are detected upon spawning, and will continue to detect that number of living beings each turn

*This also allows a specific individual to be focused on and scanned for much more complete information than if the user was at extreme range

 

"The Mind's Vortex is another necessary piece of Psionicism, usually learned at the same time as the Eye. It establishes a grounding tether for psions to link their mind on to, letting us operate at extreme range, or in dangerous areas that we can't visit… go ahead, ASK HOW I KNOW.

It collects neutral energies for the psion to use, lessening the overall strain and direct focus.

While the colors are usually metals: copper, bronze, iron, steel, silver, gold, platinum, or anything else, they don't have a meaning. ..no, I'm sure. No meaning to that. At all. ..are you even listening to me?" -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

 

*****

RECOVERY:

 

"Oh come on, this is an old topic I've already explained, but I suppose it's for a good cause.

Recovery is an alternate form of Casting really, drawing omnipresent beneficial arcane energies from most Planes of existence, like Fire, Water, Earth, even Lightning, and I suppose from the others as well, into a unicorn's body.

After a certain amount has been stored, the energetic mass is directed through the horn and infused into a living being. While this almost can't fail, there can be some odd side effects such as: heightened sensitivity to the skin, which happens an awful lot of the time to Crystal ponies and Changelings, a watery effect in the eyes, temporal lapse confusion, basically losing track of one's internal clock, losing how to sense one's own spatial inertia or movement, and so on.

Unicorns that have no proficiency with Recovery can use it as a function of Casting, but that is both inefficient and has a chance to cause other short term side-effects, nothing permanent though. Are you happy now Twisted?" -Doctor Tipper

 

'Psionic healing is much the same, but weaker, takes more time, and does not confer the same benefits of restoration that a unicorn is capable of. It is also remarkably painful to be healed by a Changeling, and from what I understand trace essences of our inherent acidic psychokinetic properties are transferred through the recovery process.

Painkillers seem to help, but it is still not a good idea unless one has a suitable tolerance.' -Vanguard Roust

 

"I greatly appreciate your request for extra information General, some of what Tipper and Roust know I did not. Much of this very new to me, especially working with an entirely new species that seems to have a distaff incoherency with magic, but I am getting off track.

In addition to our natural skills of healing, Wards such as myself, if you have not yet noticed by my eyes and bright coloration, expand the healing process in a subconsciously directed manner.

We learn and are thus are granted a gradual understanding of the body's memory, using that knowledge to over time remove permanent damage, like I am doing with the injury to Mercy's throat vocal cords, and the scars carried by Caliya.

For several reasons that I am unsure how to explain, a lost limb is impossible to restore by a Ward, unfortunately, but I do know there are alternatives. Golem shapers can create a stone or gem replacement for example, though they are quite heavy, and there are rumors of a unicorn that lived in Las Pegasus whom could fashion flawlessly functioning mechanical limbs.

I do not know that one's name, however, but she was quite a legend some years ago." -Nova Flicker, Contract Ward

 

*****

THIEVERY:

"You... steal stuff. That's it. Nothing more to explain. And you can stop yourself right there, I'm gonna get some tea and mosey on back to my place before these questions get weirder." -Lucky, Rogue's Circle Owner

 

"Really? Look, you.. nick somepony's pouch when they're not looking, or stare at them really hard until you find something that looks shiny enough to take.. aaand I'm gone for a mango, kekekeya later~!" -Nightblade Captain Belltower

 

"....why did I think drinking vodka before midnight and asking either of them about this was a good idea? Again?" -Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

*****

VENOM:

"Ehhhh... fine. Some batponies, doesn't matter what subspecies, MAY have hollow fangs with a set of poison glands located in the back of the mouth, much like snakes do, but it's considerably more rare than other mutations. From what I know, that is.

Ours, that is, fruit-eating batponies have a fast acting painkiller with a debilitating euphoric element, sometimes causing vertigo or hallucinations depending on the size of the target.

Even if I wanted to experience it, we're supposedly immune to our own subspecies' venom. And no, I will not 'try them out' to see what the possible effects are, Twisted." -Torven

 

***************************************************************************************************************************************

SECONDARY SKILLS:

 

*****

AMBUSH: the act of physically and mentally preparing and conserving enough energy and confidence to perform an additional strike, or series of strikes, before combat, combined with a trained mental command to release a small spike of adrenaline to temporarily improve physical performance. Same function as Operator Ambush.

 

"Ambushing a target takes hard thought. Have to know what you want to strike, why, where, how, when. Once you know what you want to do, prepare mind and body, relax mind, focus thoughts, calm breathing.

Once prey in range, strike hard and fast, don't be afraid of expending energy for better chance at taking target down quickly." -Caliya

 

*****

COVER:

 

"You all probably noticed me and Twisted's wingblades by now, how you can make 'em look like a fan if curled up, yeah? Well, if you're a pegasus and you do it just right they can act like a shield, at least until the opponent figures out how to nullify it one way or the other.

Of course, while it doesn't stack up to a real shield, anything that keeps your wings safer and your blood IN your body where it belongs is a good thing." -Lucky, Rogue's Circle Owner

 

*****

CRYSTAL ENGINEERING: a special type of forging known as crystal-forging, performed by aligning, harmonizing, and engraving crystalline materials, which creates effects similar to those produced by casting, enchanting, glyphs, or runes.

Much easier to perform and reproduce, requiring little more than a basic singer's voice and the knowledge of crystallines.

 

"I'm pretty sure I explained a little bit of this, but Crystal ponies have excellent skills when it comes to working with gems, of any kind really, just not pearl or coral, those are much too different. ...except for crystallized coral, that stuff tastes rea- …….don’t ask.

We can use Power to shape crystalline structures pretty much how we want, but making stuff like a hololith requires a lot of time, patience, and carving in a few thousand precise runes for storing pictures and voice.

I remember how to do some of it, so it wouldn't take me more than an hour to make, say.. a small clock about yay high (2 hooves/8 inches) would be easy, but it'd take me a week to do anything intricate, like a grandfather clock or that size." -Naliyna

 

*****

COUNTER: a unique ability inherent to all fruit-eating batponies, the ability to fold the three claws on their main wingjoint (otherwise called the carpal joint) into an armored 'fist'; often used to ‘punch’ weapons or shields aside with little or no harm done to them.

*Required for fruit-eaters, +X modifier scales with the highest Assault/Parry/Riposte

 

"Counter is a skill most batponies can learn, except it's much more difficult for insect eaters and almost impossible for those with a majority blood drinker lineage.

See my wingclaws, how sharp and thin they are? Watch me fold them into a fist.. like this, see? They're not large enough to fold together tightly, so I can't do it. Since most batponies are fruit eaters-"

"Like me." -Malyne

"Yep, that's my little mango! Now, see how much more rounded her claws are compared to mine? Watch how she does it.. just like that. When she gets a little older her claws are going to be larger than mine, so her 'fist' will be too, which'll let her parry weapons or shields much easier than trying to stop with a hoof or her head." -Nightblade Captain Belltower

"But what if I want to counter a shield?" -Malyne

"....have you done that yet?" -Nightblade Captain Belltower

"Hum... no, but I would like to try." -Malyne

 

*****

ENCHANTING:

"I have no words to express how simple the process is, especially to you. Please do not bother me with this again, Twisted." -Krinza, Grandmaster Smith

 

*****

FEARLESS:

"Picture yourself nude in middle of lightning storm. Become the lightning, send the thunder. That is what it means to be fearless." -Caliya

"Uhhh.. Caliya? We don't normally wea- " -Naliyna

"BECOME. THE. LIGHTNING." -Caliya

 

*****

INTIMIDATION: the art of intimidating living and certain non-living beings via speech, sounds, gestures, and body language, intended to force a hostile opponent to back down, or for a target to provide information with threats of violence or foul conditions. Same function as Operator Intimidate.

"What? All I have to do is lower my ears, squint my eyes, raise my wings, and shout something. Anything, really! I got one human to go look for a bottle of razor moonshine last week." -Allys

"...We hope thou were jesting." -Princess Luna, the Nightmare

"Nah, she isn't and he still hasn't come back…. wait, how'd you get here!?" -Starborn General Twisted Wing

"Translocation, and knowing the precise AstroMeteorological location of Razorback Fortress. Also feigning sleep in the midst of yet another boring, droll Lunar Council session." -Princess Luna, the Nightmare

 

*****

LEADERSHIP: the application of well timed psychological 'pushing' combined with the knowledge and direction giving of one's allies to heighten the effects of their capabilities and actions with inspiration and proper encouragement. Same function as Operator Leadership.

 

"Well.. leading a team is required for all Nightblades, so we're pretty much forced to learn how everypony thinks, how to apply mental stimulation through voice and command, and figuring out what can goad them into performing better.

I try not to most of the time unless it's something I specialize in, like blending with a crowd, speaking or bartering... or sneaking up to the Tower and sticking mango slices on Twisted's heatsto-" -Nightblade Captain Belltower

"SO THAT WAS YOU?! YOU CRAFTY LIT- DON'T YOU TRY TO FLY AWAY FROM ME BELLS! GET BACK HERE YOU LITTLE KEK MONSTER, I'M GONNA SLAP YOUR ASS UNTIL YOU APOLOGIZE!" -Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

*****

MOVEMENT: same functions as Operator Movement.

 

EVASION: the art and knowledge of evading attacks via rapid movement. Same function as Operator evasion, but more effective due to pegasi and batpony agility.

"Evading a hoof or wing is the first thing pegasi and batponies alike learn before understanding combat principles.

Ducking under, dodging over, throwing yourself left, right, backwards or forwards with proper timing, using our greater speed and agility to keep from getting hit is what us fliers are known for.. not that I have much a need for it mind you, but it's always better to be safe than sorry!" -Pella

 

REACTION SPEED: the art of performing rapid physical actions and intuitive muscle conditioning in order to act faster than an opponent, causing stated opponent to immediately defend if successful.

"Combat doesn't just revolve around blocking, evading, or riposting an attack, and sometimes your best, or only, option is to act first. Relax, take a deep breath, then throw yourself into a charge, or put on a burst of speed in the air, y'know, flap those wings harder than you've ever flapped before!

If that fails, go for low blows through their defenses, try to throw them off by shouting you're going to stick your hoof in their ass.. or call me and tell me there's a fight going on!" -Starborn General Twisted Wing

"That is a.. very poor.. alternative.. if you cannot.. be reached.. but very.. good if it.. works." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

"Now THAT'S the spirit! See, if you can't beat 'em, BEAT 'EM HARDER WITH ME! Now, I'm gonna grab a few bottles of whiskey, get drunk, and try to fly straight for a while, see ya all!" -Starborn General Twisted Wing

"...sometimes.. she worries.. me. ..sometimes." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

 

*****

PERCEPTION, SCOUTING, & WILDERNESS SURVIVAL: Same function as Operator Perception/Scouting/Wilderness Survival.

 

"Perception is what you make of it. Using your eyes, ears, nose, hooves, and your tongue if you have to, to find more information about food, an area, an enemy or enemies, pretty much anything really." -Nightblade Captain Belltower

 

"Scouting is all about numbers! Basically what you're looking for is anything that you can estimate: formations, weapons, armor, boxes, you name it.

Once you have an idea of the first thing, look at the area and try to determine how large it is, then multiply the first number, the uh, what you need to know about, to fill in the vacant spots.

It's also good for spotting and using landmarks, like big piles of rocks, mountains, trees, and by figuring out how far away you are and what direction you're facing, you can usually tell where you're at.

There's also cartography which is a lot more involved, and it's only used by mapmakers and scouts like me!" -Vanil, Scout

 

"Wilderness Survival…. Twisted, this had best not be anoth-" -Caliya

"Nnnnn.. not this time. I'm serious, what DO you know about surviving in the wilderness?" -Twisted Wing

"Find me a short piece of rope, ten hooves long. I will show you a hundred methods to thrive, not merely survive." -Caliya

 

*****

PSIONICISM:

"Have doubts about this book of yours, General, but will try.

Want to move book? 'Feel' it pushed across table.

Want to hold leaf still in wind? 'Remove' breathing of wind. Want to bend stick? 'Twist' it on axis.

Not sure how much this helps." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

'It is best that humans know how closely associated Psionicism is to unicorn spells. Our methodology is that we 'perform' what we want to 'enact' upon the world whereas spells are a form of controlling, releasing, coercing, or causing modifications. We feel what is possible to perform, so we do just that.' -Vanguard Roust

 

*****

REFLECT MAGIC:

"Form a light, loose barrier or shield, give it a reverberating or repulsion feature as described in Basic Spellwork 5, Chapter 10, Equestrian Standard Volume 29,372. Yes, it is that simple." -Meridian Veil

“Hm? No, the description hasn’t changed in a little over one thousand three hundred some odd years. Spiral WAS supposedly working on modifications to it but.. who knows where THAT entry might be.” -Denra

 

*****

RESIST: a psychological conditioning of the body to resist harm originating from Elemarental, spiritual, Otherworldly, or Spectral beings, though due to the unusual nature it is difficult to rely upon for long.

*Caps out at Basic+4 without extensive training

 

"Resist refers to.. an ability to.. resist the harm.. of elemental.. spiritual.. otherworldly.. or spectral.. forces that one.. would normally.. be unable to deal.. with, by preparing.. the mind and.. body to.. accept that they.. will be harmed.

..it is.. not a simple.. task to do.. and cannot provide.. as much protec.. tion as good.. armor will.. but it is.. better than no.. thing for those.. like myself.. whom do not.. like being.. weighed down." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

 

*****

RESIST DAMAGE:

"Ever seen a pony tense up right before taking a hit? That's their body attempting to sense and nullify incoming harm.

Think of it as angling a shield or piece of armor so that the attacker expends more energy committing the strike the defender uses cancelling out some of the blow. In this regard, doing so allows the defender to absorb and transfer some of the shock that would otherwise harm them." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

'I did not think of it that way. Then again my armor is technically a living being, although not remotely sentient. Perhaps I should ask what it thinks of when used that way?' -Vanguard Roust

 

*****

RUNE-FORGING, GRYPHON: a counter to typical pony or Minotaur forging, yet considerably more specialized. Functions the same as Smithing, and has numerous similarities to unicorn enchanting.

 

"You vish to know of Rune Forging, General Tvisted? My vings?....[purring intensifies]

Very vell, since you asked. Rune Forging is the main method for Gryphons to imbue magical properties into objects or beings, there are two camps for this, the Forgers and Runers. Forgers' mainstay is metalsvorks, from pouring liquid metal to set into casts and scribing runes onto the burning yellow surface as it cooled to vell... vhat I asked them to do to my vings.

The Runers however are a different story, they claw runes into or onto something and let the runes do the vork for them. Vant that bolder reduced to neat stone cubes? Vant the ground beneath your paws and claws to turn into a set of stairs going into the earth?

Don't vant to lift a claw and be a lazy Catbird that vould make Varlord Ri'Vahz greener vith envy- VHAT?! ...oh, I apologize. As I vas saying, there are two vays to do Rune Forging. The right vay, and the lazy vay." -Huntsmaster Cu'Nir

 

*****

SCREECH:

"KEEEEEE!" -Malyne

“MY EARS!” -Unknown Male Operator

 

*****

SHAPESHIFTING:

'Changelings only use illusions to defeat visual inspections which can be easily disrupted if one knows what to look for as there are many methods to do so.

To make up for that we have evolved with Queen Chrysalis' aid to shapeshift, that is, reshaping our entire bodies and exterior armor into not only appearing like another pony, but also to smell, sound, and to physically feel as if we are an entirely different species.

For obvious reasons we cannot change our weight, and reducing or increasing our physical size more than fifty percent of our body's original is impossible.

It is easiest to shapeshift into the forms of unicorns or pegasi while batponies, Saddle Arabians, and Japoneighse are only moderately difficult, though mimicking their movemarents and accent will require us to spend several months of exhaustive learning.

More complex species like Crystal ponies, Minotaurs, or gryphons require both dedicated training and extensive experience in order to properly master the specifics of their physical quirks.

Shapeshifting into exotic forms such as those of basilisks or drakes requires mastery of the process, though in attempting to copy a truly complex species will only render a Changeling as a poor imitation.' -Vanguard Roust

“Yes. She tried shapeshifting into a human mare during a certain… ...incident. I’m never going to forget THOSE screams.” -Denra

 

*****

STEALTH: same function as Operator Stealth.

“...where’d those mango slices come from? Hm. Well, if you’re not going to eat them then I will.” -Denra

 

*****

TAUNT: the proper use, and abuse, of the psychological triggers for anger, rage, and/or disgust in order to force a target or enemy to either shift part of their attention or their complete attention to the user.

 

"Excuse me. Yes, did you know that your face looks like two drunken Canterlot noble whores that fell in a pool of Discord's blood? I thought not." -Nova Flicker, Ward

 

*****

TELEPORTATION:

 

"Coalescing the physical body from Point 1 to Point 2 begins by s-" -Marquis du Spiral

"It is magic." -Nova Flicker, Ward

"...while true, that does not explain the geospatial mechani-" -Marquis du Spiral

"Spiral, do not continue. Humans can figure out what teleportation is just by seeing it once. They do not need the five hundred page referen-" -Nova Flicker

"EIGHT hundred pages, Nova! I wrote one hundred sixty-three of them for the Advanced Courses on Theoretical Limitations! Now, as I was stating..." -Marquis du Spiral

[Interview terminated due to medical emergency approximately five minutes later. Cause: excessive screaming about 'time does not BEND' among other strange phrases. Dosage: probably not enough. I'll check on him in a few minutes. Again. Recovery prognosis: high; patient is mentally stable by normal means and does not pose a risk to self. I think. I HOPE. -Doctor Tipper]

 

*****

TRANSLOCATION:

 

"Fine. Fine. Same thing as teleportation, but more complex, involved, and much longer ranged. But if you want t-" -Marquis du Spiral

[Interview terminated shortly afterwards due to self-inflicted mental trauma. Cause: Operator has no understanding of Developed Geospatial Systems methodology or Arcane Symmetries Studies. Dosage: sufficient. Recovery prognosis: excellent, unlike the previous patient. -Doctor Tipper]

 

***************************************************************************************************************************************

TERTIARY SKILLS:

 

*****

ALCHEMY: Same function as Operator Alchemy.

 

"What? I mix a bit of this, some of that, an-" -Dancing Eyes

"I TOLD YOU TO STOP MAKING DRUGS IN HERE!" -Nightblade Hodch, Master Lunar Lorekeeper

"YOU said I could make a few just in case!" -Dancing Eyes

"I didn't say you could blow A THOUSAND BITS WORTH OF SUPPLIES ON HALLUCI... ...is that.. what I think it is?" -Nightblade Hodch, Master Lunar Lorekeeper

"Yep! You want some?" -Dancing Eyes

[Interview terminated approximately one minute after initiating contact. Cause: Operator claims 'the whole world started turning .. fillies.. ...I don't want to remember anything! Please Doc, you've GOT to have something to make me forget all that!' Dosage: potentially harmful, will need to closely monitor patient. Recovery prognosis: unknown. I'm apprehensive using even basic alchemicals to selectively erase physical memory on humans due to potential Arcane toxicity. -Doctor Tipper]

 

*****

APPRAISAL:

 

"Uh. I mean, the coat you're wearing was made by Lann from coarse Lowland Empire cotton. Buttons and everything else included it would probably cost about one hundred Bits, without any special fitting.

And the scarf is Highland Empire wool from those cute baby lambs! It's quite rare but not high in demarend, so about a hundred Bits there. Wait, you mea-" -Naliyna

[Interview mostly unused. Cause: Naliyna and unknown female Operator discussed fashion for the next 20 minutes.]

 

*****

Bartering:

 

"Oh, you're back! I was just about to sort these and figure out where they're from. Saaaay.. do you have that travel guide to Tallus I loaned you a while back? I bet we can make a bunch of neat stuff with all these whatever they ares! " -Naliyna

[Interview COMPLETELY unused. Cause: Naliyna and unknown female Operator spent two hours convincing ponies from Tartarus Isle to buy into a crate's worth of exotic clothing material.]

 

*****

Crafting:

 

"...ah, sorry I didn't notice you! Here, let's get you out of that stuffy military uniform and into something nice, soft, but most importantly better to work in!" -Lann

[Remainder of this particular interview redacted after twenty seconds. Cause: male Operator spent an unusual amount of time learning how to perform basic loom usage, weaving, and sewing. Lann agreed to a filmed 4-part series, all of which are on VHS tapes and CD. Might be useful if any of you take an interest.]

 

*****

Cooking: Same function as Operator Cooking.

 

"No." -Mist Dancer

"Yes." -Pella

"NO." -Mist Dancer

"You haven't even TRIED it!" -Pella

"I have eaten things that not even a gryphon or Minotaur would deem suitable to feed a dying h-" -Mist Dancer

"It's JUST baked pineapple you nag!" -Pella

"Pineapple should never be baked and it's barely edible as i-" -Mist Dancer

"GET. OUT. OF. MY. KITCHEN." -Pella

 

*****

Negotiation: Same function as Operator Negotiation.

 

"Instead of talking about something this droll, how about you help me with an existential problem? See that.. spray can, I think it's called? I haven't quite yet figured out how to refill it without one blowing up in my face.

Show me how it's used, more specifically the mechanism. Might have some.. 'fun' stuff to fill it with. Yes, this will involve magic. And paint.

Don't tell Twisted or Malyne yet, don't need them finding out about this too soon.." -Denra, Veteran Mercenary

[Interview SEVERELY redacted. Cause: Denra and unknown male Operator committed several acts of graffiti on numerous sleeping ponies and humans. While asleep. Dosages: minimal. Recovery prognosis: probable. -Doctor Tipper]

 

*****

Research:

 

"Really?" -Doctor Tipper

"It is a simple question, Doctor. How, exactly, do you study a subject, and at what angle?" -Marquis du Spiral

"How about I study what makes you so blasted agreeable? Well, to answer your question, a question of my own: do you know that nearly every unicorn mare half your age takes one look at you and gets w-" -Doctor Tipper

"NEVERMIND!" -Marquis du Spiral

[Interview cut short. Cause: I was about to-]

[FILE NOT FOUND. SEARCH OTHER DRIVES?]

[REALLY FORMAT THIS HARD DRIVE – Y/N?]

[DATA NOT FOUND.]

 

*****

Smithing:

 

"If I have to explain the simple concepts of heating metal, forming metal, shaping metal, and.. hrm. Very well, I can do this while working." -Krinza, Grandmaster Smith

[This interview was turned into a miniseries on basic metal, composite, ceramic, and gem smithing methods. Copies are available in the Command Center on a variety of systems and formats, just don't ask for VHS, a bunch of those tapes are missing and I don't know where to find them. -Lonestar]

 

 

***************************************************************************************************************************************

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

 

*****

Earth Smash:

 

"Rear back halfway. Good, now bring your hooves up like this!" -Lann

'I cannot remain standing like this for long, Lann. ' -Vanguard Roust

"Focus ALL of your energies on one grain of dirt, yes, even your Psionic ones!" -Lann

'My hind legs are beginning to hurt.' -Vanguard Roust

"Even better! Now, channel everything at that one grain!" -Lann

[Interview added to the collection of Standard Equine Combat Methods Volume 1. That was a big shockwave, shook the whole Command Center. Both Operators are complaining about tinnitus, sent them to Tipper. No 'real' damage other than mild shock and awe. -Emerald]

 

*****

Fearless: functions similarly to Operator Iron Will, but is much more specific to ponies, used to lessen and possibly prevent long term effects resulting from Intimidation, Fear, and Horror.

 

"Being Fearless means having an unshakable, dedicated core of your mind that can prevent you from cracking under stress.. uh, or in Sweet's case, never being bothered long enough to be concerned about somethin' you may not understand.

Y'can still be Intimidated, frightened, or scared for a little while, but once you start focusing those aren’t gonna work as well. From my experience there's only two ways to achieve permarenency: long, cruel years of improving mental discipline.. or living through the worst that Tallus has to offer.

I'd say take your pick 'cause neither one's pleasant, and I ain't a fan of seeing somepony crack just because eleven thousand of what was supposed to only be sixty eye-claws just stared in your direction at the worst angle." -Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

*****

Feel No Pain:

 

"Dunno about how earth ponies do it, but Crystal ponies can temporarily deharmonize our sense of pain. Er, physical pain that is! When I do this for example, looks like it hurts a lot, right? Hey.. hey! Are you all right?! Somepony get Doctor Ti-" -Naliyna

[Interview cancelled. Cause: female Operator passed out from shock. Dosage: probably too much. Recovery prognosis: medium; will have to explain that most ponies ARE NOT made of paper mache, and no, bending our legs at oblique angles isn't NORMAL. -Doctor Tipper]

 

*****

Golem Mastery:

 

"Ahhh.... .......easiest way to describe that is like electronic code, except in a fully physical format. Where humans can 'input' zeroes and ones, I can 'teach' a physical object that is capable of moving how to perform a certain action. Hrm, not quite right.

It's more like.. transferring a moving image, not a video recording. A flip book? Yes, exactly the same thing! Let me get a piece of clay, I'll try to explain the process-" -Denra, Veteran Mercenary

[Interview added to Non-Sapient Created Beings Volume 1. NOTE: Denra goes into heavy detail on 'programming matter', including how to prevent said matter from destroying itself during movement or modification. It's worth watching along with the next volume. -Emerald]

 

*****

Golem Shaping:

 

"Right, nearly forgot about that. So, same piece of clay. Now I'm going to shape it as a... hm, a sheep should do well as a test. The trick isn't to create an Uncanny Valley affect, it's to, as perfectly as one is capable of doing, copy and improve on the physical form that it has.

You could call this a ‘design’ yes, but it's more like a blueprint, one that can be modified almost infinitely. Now, don't watch HOW I form the body, instead, consider WHY I'm shaping it to be anatomically correct..." -Denra, Veteran Mercenary

[Interview added to Non-Sapient Created Beings Volume 2. Lengthy, goes into great detail on golems and related. Potential insight on Ethereals or Constructs? -Emerald]

 

*****

Shattered Earth:

 

"Like the last one, rear up!" -Lann

"Can't believe you're making me do this.." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

"Just do it! Come on, you need the exercise too!" -Lann

"I've performed this thousands of times. And I don't NEED the exercise.. though it does feel nice being outside." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

"Aaaaand, all together now! One, two, three, SLA-"

[Interview status: unrecoverable. I wouldn't recommend recording something this violent at POINT BLANK FUCKING RANGE, PEOPLE. Would you people think before asking questions, at least once in a while? That's another camrecorder destroyed! These DON'T grow on trees and the stupid vending machine is sketchier than two lesbian unicorns inviting you to a date in the Basin! -Unknown Operator]

 

***************************************************************************************************************************************

ENCHAINING:

"Right now? Now now? Yeah I knew you were gonna ask about this eventually. All right, sit down Emerald, and don't call Allys this time, I'm already sauced enough.

....let me start with saying this much: have you ever been passionate enough for a cause to sacrifice everything you are to keep it safe? Body. Mind. Spirit. Legacy. Lineage. Your whole world.

No, Em. EVERYTHING. Take a look around you at all the humans, ponies, buildings here. ...LOOK. AT. THEM. Now look at me. I haven’t changed at all and never will. No injury will last on me, not even being

 

You understand now? I will outlive all of you, them, and every chunk of melded stone here. No being alive right now, unless they decide to take a quasi, semi, near, or fully immortal route, will be alive by the time Allys' great to the fiftieth foal is born. I'll still be around then.

Don't give me that look. I made my choices and I ain't afraid to face consequences. That's the why. Now I'll tell you the smallest amount on the how.

 

Enchains are a mix of Mysticism, Druidry, Necromarecy, blood magic, a hoof or wingful of sacred soil that hasn't seen or felt harm, and must be done in front of an ancient Druid's tree. Nah, OLD blood magic, the type all the original batponies were born with.

Yeah, Cadence was responsible for them but this ain't the time to talk about that, heh. Druids and Necromarecers learned a little about blood magic but couldn't use it so they made their own derivatives later on. That's a different topic though.

 

No. I fucking said no, Emerald! I will not tell you a single iota more than the absolute basic knowledge necessary to describe WHAT being Enchained is! ...shut up and sit down or I'm going to break both your legs, arms, and throw you onto the Dark Side of the Moon.

 

Good. Stay seated this time. I would've caught up in three seconds. And there's no one, and no pony, outside the Mess right now, so don't waste your time or mine. Moving on.

 

Take an object that has an affect or effects, purify them as best as possible and make it stable. Then the ka, soul in human terms, of the individual is bound to Tallus using that object as an anchor. Doesn't matter if it's Planar, Otherworld, Eldritch. Does not matter at all.

During that time the object, ka, and Tallus attempt to reach equilibrium. If the item is flawed then the process fails. If the ka is too weak the process fails. Tallus doesn't fail. Ever, Em. This world, MY world, can anchor that which shouldn't be, and I don't mean Eldritch beings, I mean Enchained.

 

Some of 'em can will make the individual smaller, larger, weight more or less. Those can be controlled for the most part if objects are spiritually larger, smaller, heavier, or lighter. Mane, tail, coat, and eye colors are random so far as I know.

 

When, or if, that binding fails then the individual dies. Tallus rejects them. Permanently, permarenently, whatever. That individual's existence is rendered nil, none, and void. That's the reason becoming a fully self-controlled Undead or any other weird shit is PREFERRED above all else, Em.

 

If the binding succeeds that means Tallus accepts the individual's contract. Eternal service to the world starting at that nanosecond. That same nanosecond means we can't die unless our body is completely obliterated.

Let's say I lose part of a feather or a few drops of blood land somewhere out of sight. I'll regenerate those 'losses' easily.

Now say this body, the one I currently have, and haven't lost, is thrown into a pool of lava in the Elemental Plane of Fire. Poof, sizzle, all gone, right? Wrong.

All it takes is the smallest amount of an Enchained's body to survive, and once our consciousness is pulled back to Tallus the largest piece starts regenerating then and there. Bigger the piece, faster we come back.

 

Whole time that's happening our ka is chained to Tallus. Physical, metaphysical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional chains. We don't like being away from this world, farther away we go worst we feel. Some of the Planes are all right, like Nature, Fire, Water, Ice.. Vortex is decent, too. In the Void, Overdark, Underdark, those places are comfortable since they’re part of Tallus, and Tallus is a part of them.

 

What really makes the difference is that all Enchained suffer a form of spiritual burns. That represents our desires to stay here, for right or wrong reasons don't matter. It hurts the 'outer' parts of our soul knowing that we're technically and effectively immortal.

Some healers can sense a little of that, a few Planars, Otherworlders.. Eldritch that aren't insane. Druids of any skill or knowledge can automatically sense us. Most of ‘em are scared shitless. Why? Empathy. They cannot even attempt to imagine ennui without suffering existential agony.

Inner? Who cares. I made the willing choice to stay here willingly despite any misery that might happen.

 

All of us can sense other Enchained without thinking, knowing, or feeling them out. That burn we suffer marks us to Druids, alicorns, and each other. As a result we're also much more in tune with spiritual beings.

Mercy for example. I spend a lot of time trying to make her feel at ease. I'm not IN pain actively, I just feel it. Guess you could correctly say my ka is on fire, sure, it hurts in an existential sense, but it's a damned good pain.

 

Last thing I will say is this: we're not shackled. Slaves? Not in the slightest. Enchained are either record keepers of history, or do what we can to prevent history from repeating. You can take that as far as you want.

 

And remember this much: no still existing Enchained has regrets, otherwise we would've been rejected." -Twisted Wing, Starborn General

 

 

***************************************************************************************************************************************

QUIRKS:

 

Addicted: a pony or other being with an addiction is typically characterized by a physical, mental, or physiological 'need', or an actual need, for a certain substance, either natural or chemical in nature.

This may also apply to performing certain actions as a 'reward' addiction, ie: adrenaline junkies.

 

Affectionate: ponies or other beings that find a certain fondness for a particular being will be more open with them, as well as more caring and devoted. Expect them to rub, hug, cuddle, and kiss you lovingly. You cannot escape from the love.

 

Aggressive: an aggressive pony or other being that will tend to be abrasive in conversation, or even 'pushy' in small physical altercations. In combat, they will use brunt force out of anger or rage, and will often throw away any defensive tactics to focus solely on their enemy.

They may also be somewhat violent in order to get what they want. ANYTHING... especially when assaulting [REDACTED] or [REDACTED]. Possibly [REDACTED] too. [REDACTED] is way out of line, but not AGGRESSIVE, LOVING, CONSENSUAL HOOF HOLDING IN PUBLIC, although consent is considered optional (after-consent is acceptable in some cases).

 

Ambusher: a pony or other being specifically classed, or having great natural prowess. Ambushers will normally scope out a situation, or track a target, before attacking from the shadows when one would least expect it.

Usually have high Ambush and Stealth skills, and will use them generously or as often as possible.

 

Amiable: an amiable pony or other being will usually have or display a friendly and overall pleasant manner. They have no issues in walking up to somepony they don't know and attempt to befriend them, or will act highly likable when striking up a conversation with others.

 

Anti-Authority: ponies or other beings that are anti-authority may not agree with certain leaders or organizations, based on their individual core viewpoints. May openly scold and berate one they do not like, and even be more prone to physically attack them or an associate.

Not to be confused with anarchism.

 

Armored: a pony or other being that is naturally or artificially armored, or physically thick skinned. Their defenses are difficult to penetrate with physical attacks, requiring either extreme physical measures to overcome or devising tactics to bring down.

Also definitely weigh more, and will be far more resistant to being knocked down.

 

Aware: ponies or other sentient beings that are concerned and well-informed about a particular situation, development, or region.

Combining this with other quirks can either narrow or widen the particular's range of knowledge, and can even be morphed into a Compulsion.

 

Bitter: ponies or other beings that rarely speak in polite mareners, or manners, whether due to trauma, dislike, or grievances that have not been addressed.

Trying to talk to a Bitter sapient can be equated to punching a cactus for stabbing you on the first punch.

 

Blunt: ponies or other beings that are blunt get right to the point in a conversation, and have no issue saying exactly what they're thinking, usually disregarding manners or whomever is around them.

They may also be slow in understanding and may have poor timing, if any at all.

 

Brawler: ponies or other beings that have no problem charging headlong into a fight, their wits steeled and hooves ready to kick some flank! Do not take their eagerness for an open scuffle as poor tactics, as they are usually well versed in close-quarter play.

Close combat abilities are usually complimented by impressive movement and/or Counter abilities, typically along with options to quickly incapacitate enemies.

 

Brash: ponies or other beings that may come off as self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or arrogant way. When they are interested, they are usually energetic to the point of overbearing.

Can also be overly self-confident, and may toss personal safety aside to prove it.

 

Brazen: a brazen pony or other being is particularly shameless in its quests, or conquests, and in times of dire or embarrassing situations would rather endure than admit defeat.

This can be costly, as some would rather die than give up or surrender, even when facing unbeatable odds.

 

Bold: ponies or other beings with boldness will show themselves with solid confidence and courageousness. They will gladly take a risk when asked or required, but do understand when a situation gets out of hoof or hand. Their presence is normally vivid and striking, impacting those around them in one way or another.

Will most likely have high Leadership.

 

Calm: a pony or other being that (most) always has a tranquil and untroubled personality. They will go out of their way to sooth and pacify others, either avoiding violence or subtly marenipulating troubling issues out of existence.

 

Careful: a careful pony or being attempts to avoid potential danger, mishap, or harm, showing meticulous thought, foresight, and attention to their actions, though this does not mean this will hinder them from doing such.

May also be part of a Compulsion.

 

Cautious: unlike Careful, a cautious pony or other being not only attempts to avoid possible hazards, but is also characterized by the desire to avoid potential problems altogether.

May also be part of a Compulsion, and has a chance to morph into Paranoia.

 

Challenger: a pony or other being with an unmatched competitive nature. They will accept (probably) any challenge brought to them, whether it be a task, job, or competition.

Combined with other quirks they can be extremely dedicated to a challenge, researching and improving to the point where they are confident that will they come out on top.

 

Changeling: the being is a Changeling. They can be easily recognized as having very pony-like bodies with black, chitinous carapaces, green translucent wings, a cavitated black horn & legs, and solid blue or green eyes.

There are several varieties, but these are the most prevalent.

 

Chatty: chatty ponies or other beings will probably not stop talking, especially when it's on a subject they know well, or one they want to know more about. Or just tell you about something that happened to them that day, or someone they know... or something they heard about.

Are most likely NOT stealthy, due to obvious reasons, and can probably be convinced into giving up information easier than other ponies. Combined with a Compulsion or other Quirks, they just might NEVER stop talking. Or shut up.

 

Cheerful: noticeably happy and optimistic, cheerful ponies or other beings are always lighthearted and agreeable with a skip in their step and a smile on their face. Their sunny disposition can sometimes be contagious.

 

Clueless: almost painfully oblivious, a clueless pony or other being will even have the simplest ideas and concepts sail right over their heads. Either from ignorance, inability to mentally grasp a situation or concept, you'd have an easier time teaching a bat pony NOT to eat a mango given to them.

 

Compulsion: a pony or other being with a compulsion has an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against their conscious wishes.

This can refer to a specific type of knowledge, or an action they are usually always either talking about or perform. Less difficult to deal with or treat than actual OCD, though giving in to certain compulsions over an extended period of time can lead to OCD.

 

Cold-Blooded: ponies or other beings that are cold blooded do not think in terms of loss, whether they disregard physical possessions, monetary losses, or living beings, though it's rare that one would disregard all three.

Generally a pony or other being's cold blooded nature renders them difficult to deal with in terms of negotiation, and is often encountered by those that are Scarred or Vindictive.

 

Cool-Natured: tolerant and easy going, cool-natured ponies or other beings allow little to normally get to them. They take what they're given in strides, and rarely make any drastic changes from their personality and normal routine.

May have one or more other relatable quirks to accentuate this mentality.

 

Curious: eager to know or learn something, ponies or other beings will sometimes latch onto a particular subject or whatever seems interesting to them at the time.

This eagerness can sometimes blind them from care, and innocently put themselves or others in harms way; but they usually mean well.

Can possibly lead to a Compulsion, and may have slight OCD.

 

Defuser: a pony or other being who's first priority is to always keep fights from breaking out between friends and allies, wherever possible.

Usually has high speaking talents and skills, especially knowing how to carefully pick words in order to appease both side of an altercation.

 

Determined: a determined pony or other being whom will make firm decisions and, being resolute, will be very difficult about not changing it. When they put their mind to their goal, almost nothing will stop them until it has been completed. Only the best use of speechcraft can even attempt to sway their mind once it has been set.

Determined ponies or other beings may also be Competitive, and could possible morph into a Compulsion if their task is prolonged and daunting.

 

Diplomat: ponies or other beings that know how to deal with others in a sensitive and effective way. They will attempt friendly relations between two contending parties, first, before any other options.

Alternatively a diplomat could literally be a 'diplomat': an emissary from another nation, highly knowledgeable on foreign events, policies, laws, and, affairs.

 

Direct: direct ponies or other beings are very straight forward and candid with themselves and others. Their actions are immediate and personal, rather dealing with a problem themselves than having somepony else do it for them.

They tend to ignore intervening opinions, influences, and factors that are not their own.

 

Distrust: ponies or other beings with a Distrust have the opinion that someone or something cannot be relied on, and regard it with scrutiny and suspicion. They will refuse to deal with anything associated to the Distrusted and, if no other choice is available, WILL begrudgingly help... but will not enjoy it one bit.

Typically such an action will almost always require significant swaying (or bribery) to sway them.

 

Droll Wit: having a peculiarly whimsical, or odd sense of humor. A rather blanket term, ponies or other beings can be either hilarious to ridiculous. Their wit may not exactly makes sense you, but it does to them!

Not the same as Dry Wit.

 

Dry Wit: ponies or other beings with a dry wit will come off as uncharacteristically unchanging when expressing humor or cleverness. Where the intent is there, sarcastic, blunt, etc, it is almost always lost in their deadpan presentation.

Dry-witted ponies have the issue of coming off as funny when they didn't want to be, and visa-versa.

 

Dutiful: ponies or other beings that will conscientiously or obediently carry out a task. They are motivated by devotion, responsibility, or personal views rather than desire or enthusiasm. At most times, the pony does not even enjoy that task they are given.

Although they will appear to be rather adamant, they can be persuaded into dropping their current task altogether, if given the correct counter-motivation.

 

Efficient: efficient ponies or other beings strive to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. They arrange their routine in a well-organized and competent way and, if a physical object, prevent the wasteful use of a particular resource. They are always methodical and systematic in their practices.

Can possibly morph into OCD.

 

Eidetic Memory: an ability to recall images, sounds or objects in memory with high precision at any time, usually for a small period of time to complete an extremely specialized task, allowing them to store vast amounts of information, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are all-knowing or correct.

Appears to be mostly found throughout unicorns, whether their natural magic ability is a factor or not.

Comes in three flavors: photographic, capable of remembering all they have seen; crystal, capable of remembering everything, but takes time in order to recall; and eidetic, can remember everything near instantly.

 

ELITE: a pony or other being with the ELITE quirk has at least one capability characterizing them as a true Master or Grandmaster. Immense devotion to their craft is required, as they must expend a vast amount of resources and time to achieve this status.

*Ponies or other beings, after achieving ELITE status require considerably more XP to upgrade, as well as the cost to increase HP/DR

*Ponies or other beings with an ELITE skill can teach it to another for a permanent +1 modifier to said skill. Depending on the skill, this can take from weeks to years.

*ELITE ponies or other beings may only gain a +1 to that particular skill through the use of Leadership, as they are (possibly) penultimate beings in their chosen field of study, craft, physical, metaphysical, spiritual, etc. etc. etc. capabilities.

 

Fearless: ponies or other beings with the Fearless quirk are unnerving in the face of danger. They can easily resist most normal Intimidation and Demoralization attempts, and are only affected by those unnaturally gifted in either one.

If something is 2pooky4you, it certainly isn't for them.

 

Focused: focused ponies or other beings are able to hone in and pay particular attention to particular objects and details. This can also mean that they are heavily absorbed in a certain area, and are usually well-skilled or knowledgeable in it.

Should not be confused with a Compulsion, as they are willingly Focused.

 

Forgetful: ponies or other beings that are absent-minded and are not likely remember what they have been told, or were doing in the past minute.

They tend to be moderately to highly disorganized, offer vague explanations of what they think they were doing, and tend to be both air-headed and easily distracted.

 

Gentle: ponies or other beings that are mild in temperament or behavior, and are or tender and understanding to other's needs. They are moderate in action, effect, or degree and are never harsh or severe, typically working as healers or mediators.

 

Guardian: a pony or other being who legally or voluntarily guards, protects, and preserves another's life. Legally: is entrusted by law with the care of the pony or property, or both, of another, as a minor or someone legally incapable of managing their own affairs. Voluntarily: can be out of obligation, duty, affection, etc.

Those whom they guard are protected fiercely; any hostile attempts will result in a Guardian becoming an unrelenting foe, incapable of hesitating to unleash everything miserable in their arsenal upon the offender.

 

Hard-Working: hard-working ponies generally put a very considerable amount of time, effort, and resources into their line of work. They can, and will, work themselves to the point of exhaustion, if not stopped by someone else.

In short: technically a Compulsion on permarenent overdrive without brakes or turn signals.

 

Healer: healers generally aid any and all injured back up to one-hundred percent. Depending on their specialty, healers can be proficient in physical or/and psychological wounds, with plenty of knowledge to treat correctly. their jobs range from hospital and clinic workers, to combat medics and traveling physicians; they are always in demand as somepony always gets hurt in some way.

 

Heavy: relatively self-explanatory. Heavy ponies are either naturally or artificially heavier than the standard, either from armor, or eating too many sticks of butter.

May have the Slow quirk, as well, having deplorable movement skills. Seriously... just lay off the butter.

 

Honorable: a pony or other being that is upright in accordance with, or characterized by, principles of honor. Often guided by a code of conduct or action, they will go out of their way to uphold their code, and in some cases allow an opponent an advantage if they believe that doing so will level the playing field and thus satisfy the requirements of their codes.

While normally not a Compulsion, those that are Guardians and Steadfast may become Vengeful, Vindictive, or worse if they are dishonored enough times.

 

Hostess: a mare, or other female, that knows how serve and entertain guests, whether in a restaurant, bar, nightclub, or dance hall.

Hostesses can usually cook well, have excellent camaraderie, and are quite organized, being highly efficient in all of their tasks.

 

Humorous: entertaining and light-hearted ponies or other beings, usually either causing laughter and amusement wherever they go. They know how to tell a good joke or do something comical to brighten up a room or situation.

 

Hunter: hunters stalk their prey or target, waiting for the precise moment to strike. Normally, they have the characteristics of an Ambusher, as well as abilities to survive in the wilderness and track whatever may lurk in it.

Usually have impressive skills in Perception and Stealth.

 

Hyper-Efficient: much like Efficient, but at an even heightened state. All possibly energy is stored, and every single action is undertaken with the utmost precision and meticulousness.

 

Inquisitive: a form of curiosity. Usually a pony or other being that will go out of their way to be intrusive, snoop, and eavesdrop to learn what they're looking for. May be casual trouble-makers, as a simple 'no' will not ward them from continuous prying.

 

Intellectual: a pony or other being that engages in critical study, thought, and reflection. The normal day-to-day routine may not concern them, as their thought process is normally on much higher problems.

 

Intuitive: a pony or other being with a sense of intuition can sometimes feel out a situation without even using conscious reasoning. If asked, they'll claim it to be a 'gut-feeling' or a 'instinct.' They will simply claim it has saved their hides, certainly more than once.

Once per AND between Operations, allows a [1d6] <Intuition roll when in an unknown area, or upon encountering a difficult situation, sometimes giving the ability to 'see' a temporary flash of the future, knowing how somepony is going to act, recalling knowledge from their Overherd, and so on.

 

Kind: a pony or other being of a good or benevolent nature or disposition. They are usually considerate and helpful when the time is needed or asked.

 

Knowledgeable: ponies or other beings that know a wide range of information. Instead of focusing on a small discipline of knowledge, they appreciate all areas and study and research everything and anything they don't already understand.

They can sometimes be known as that one being that knows a vast amount of odd rudimentary information.

 

LEGENDARY: a pony or other being that is known all throughout and across Tallus. Either a currently-living being, or a millennia old ancient, you know about them, your buddy knows them, even his mother knows about them.. unless you're living in some New Everfree cave and have never visited civilization.

Typically, almost every piece of information on a Legendary being is based on myths and stories, and due to this they can either be a saving-grace, evil-incarnate, or both.

*In short: they may embody CHIM sometimes.

 

Level-Headed: those that are level-headed are inherently composed and sensible in times of stress or opposition, taking far more than the norm to break up their cool composure. May not act until they know exactly what they're dealing with.

 

Listener: a pony or other being who takes the time out, even enjoys listening, especially someone who does so in an attentive manner. Whether as therapeutic or just someone that will listen to, they will do so without prejudice.

 

Logical: capable of clear, sound reasoning, logical ponies or other beings rely on facts and already proving concept to deduct their reasoning and decision-making.

Usually, they avoid emotional and irrational thinking, which can lead their right-brained counterparts to judge them as cold and calculating.

 

Lucky: whether you believe in it or not, these ponies or other beings certainly have it on their side. It can help them out of tough situations, but don't expect it to work every time, and one never knows when it just might run out.

 

Lustful: rather intent of sexual desire and feelings, these ponies or other beings would love nothing more than to get down and dirty any time of the day. Or night.. or in the evening, with two-NO, THREE partners! And that one mare down the street that owns the whips, and those two stallions with the huge- ALL OF THEM IN ONE BIG ORGY!

 

Merciful: benevolent, forgiving, and kind, they cannot will not allow someone suffer an injustice with them on the watch. Even those that have clearly and willing caused great harm, they may spare, and for those that can not escape suffering, a merciful being will end another's misery as gently as possible.

 

Mischievous: rather playful in their acts, mischievous ponies or other beings love to cause trouble whenever the opportunity rises. Ill-behaved and disobedient, most never truly wish for harm, they just can't help themselves.

Expect ALL denizens of the Moors to have this quirk, especially the batfoals!

*ESPECIALLY THE BATFOALS.

 

Motherly: caring, protective, and kind, motherly ponies or other being's maternal nurturing disposition can make them very easy to talk to and get along with. Seriously, they're like that one grandma that would always bake you cookies on a Sunday afternoon and listens to your concerns. Mmmm... chocolate chip.

 

Natural Caster: a unicorn that was born with superior inherent knowledge and/or capabilities to shift, force, shape, and bend arcane energies to their will with greater ease, giving them a slight edge over all others.

*Grants +1 to all Casting rolls

 

Natural Charmer: a pony or other being that has just that certain enticing appeal, whether vocal, emotional, or physical in nature.

*Grants +1 to all Charm rolls

 

Natural Leader: a pony or other being that can be considered a born leader, one that knows precisely how to make others WANT to move faster, fight harder, or simply excel in their chosen role.

*Grants +1 to all Leadership rolls

 

Natural Speaker: a pony or other being with a knack for knowing how to make their thoughts translate to words better than others, giving them a better chance at getting what they want out of life, or for simply making somepony feel better after a bad day.

*Grants +1 to all Negotiation/Neighgotiation rolls

 

Noble: having or showing fine personal qualities, high moral principles and ideals, and combined with an excessive amount of knowledge, both in disciplines and esoteric knowledge. Noble ponies or other beings live for their code, and even more for the lavish (or insanely ascetic) lifestyle that can't help but love, whether due to birthrights or buying their title honorably.

*The title of a Noble grants +1 to all rolls, but if their title is sold, given, or traded to another, this bonus is lost to the former owner and given to the recipient

 

OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Those that have it, know it, and it's obvious they have it. It can manifest as anything from organizing, mysophobia, and even specific ways of doing every-day actions.

They literally cannot help their situation or circumstance that they have a problem, and can be highly protective of this often erratic marentality as it sometimes provides a measure of comfort.

 

Paranoid: ponies or other beings that have or show an unreasonable feeling that others are trying to get them. Rather suspicious, with persecutory trends and are extremely fearful.

Do not look at them the wrong way, because it might lead them to believe that you are a member of the Neighluminati. (“ARE YOU!?”)

 

Passive-Aggressive: ponies or other beings that display behavior characterized by expressing negative feelings, resentment, and aggression.

Usually, this will be in some unassertive stubborn way, such as procrastination or outright refusal to do something when requested.

 

Polite: polite ponies and other beings are just that: considerate, respectful, and refined. They apply good manners an etiquette to make life more comfortable for everyone, and may even manipulate it to inflict shame on a designated party.

 

Powerful: can either refer to physical or statistical power. Their physical and/or mental strengths are typically unmatched, and their wealth can buy them armies or enough political sway to make any outcome surely swing to their favor.

 

Precise: efficient ponies or other beings that focus on one skill above all others, and hone that to a diamondine razor edge. This usually puts them on a level (or two) above their counterparts.

*Adds +1 to Casting, Crystal Runes, Melee, Ranged capabilities, but ONLY to most primary major discipline

 

Psychosis: an abnormal condition of the mind, usually a thought disorder that warps the afflicted into a loose contact with reality. These range from benign, to mild, to hazardously severe, and are a normal side effect of Enchains.

*Thousands of psychoses exist and are well categorized, though the causes, conditions, effects, and circumstances can be highly erratic, possibly changing an individual’s core viewpoint seemingly at random.

 

Purposeful: ponies or other beings that have a significant purpose that drives their actions or thoughts, characterized by a nearly unshakable understanding or belief. Usually paired with a related quirk to make them unnaturally unmoving.

*Adds +1 to all Fearless rolls

 

Quiet: they talk, don't worry, you just have to listen real intently. May be quiet from a number of different factors, or maybe they're just shy.

 

Rational: ponies or other beings that normally think and act similar to those that are logical, but rely more on common sense than hard facts. Rational beings are typically more strict in their thought processes, and tend to dismiss emotions, unless an individual has a better explanation.

 

Reserved: ponies or other beings that are self-restrained, and can be rather distant or uncommunicative. Slow to reveal their emotions or opinions, they will only act in a reserved state until they are confident and comfortable enough to do otherwise.

 

Resourceful: ponies or other beings that have the natural ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. This can be through inspection of everyday items to be used for a higher function, shortcuts around an obstacle, or have excellent knowledge on a particular topic.

*Adds +1 to all Scavenging OR Thievery rolls

 

Respectful: courteous and deferential, respectful ponies or other beings will... respect the wishes, opinions, and actions of others, even those whom they may not agree with. This does not mean a Respectful being will tolerate disrespect or dishonor, only that they will think carefully on how to deal with such.

 

Rogue: a pony or other being that may be mischievous, dishonest, or plain sneaky. Naturally, that same 'roguish charm' makes them quite likable, though they don't mind getting in over their heads (or hooves) for their friends just so long as they get a cut of the action (and the booty!)

*Adds +1 to all Charm and Thievery rolls, as well as EVERYTHING to do with Scavenging

 

Rough-Edged: ponies or other beings that are unrefined, ill-behaved, and impolite, irregardless of whom they're speaking with. Dissimilar to Blunt and Direct, so don't expect one to act expectedly at dinner parties or formal functions.

 

Savant: masters of study and speechcraft, Savants are unmatched when on the goal for the express gain of knowledge. Probably already know what you're going to say, before you even say it.

*Adds +1 to all Negotiation/Neighgotiation and Research rolls

 

Scarred: ponies or other beings that have been deeply affected or marked by mental or physical pain or injury. Depending on their personality or poninality, they my either refuse to talk about them, or not care one bit.

 

Simple Minded: unable to grasp anything more difficult than basic concepts, either out of lack of intelligence or a mental disorder. Will most likely require pop-up books with interesting colors and sounds to get them to learn anything.

 

Single Minded: a more primal form of a Focus, single-minded ponies or other beings only concentrate on one aim or purpose. Normally (and hopefully) it's something they excel at. Quite dissimilar to the above.

 

Single-Tracked: not to be confused with Single Minded, Single-Tracked merely means that a pony or other being can not focus on more than one task at a time. Usually paired with a quirk that focuses them even more onto that single task at hoof.. or hand.

 

Slow: ponies and other beings that are physically slow, either by weight, injuries, or just plain laziness. Although they aren't adept at evading, they make up for it for usually being heavily defended and dealing plenty of damage to compensate.

*Typically have low movement skills, if they even have one at all, incurring a -1 (or higher) penalty to all Block/Evasion/Flight/Reaction Speed/Sprint rolls

 

Smooth Negotiator: a pony or other being that knows exactly what to say in a tight spot or make a convincing argument, even more so than those skilled in the craft, capable of making THE perfect trade deal in even the worst of circumstances.

 

Smooth Talker: ponies or other beings that are good at picking their words, often with a flirtatious flare that makes them almost impossible to resist.

 

Spiritual: ponies or other beings that have a personal, deeply rooted connection to a paradigm or deity that encompasses their chosen way of living, how they choose to act with others, or both. Those that are spiritual tend to brush off emotions and those whom are not in tune with themselves, relying on the facts of their paradigm and their connections to the world, other worlds, or planes, to ensure their path in life.

In basic terms this functions as a Compulsion, though is far more complex and difficult to explain, if not impossible, from an individual’s core viewpoint(s).

 

Soft-Spoken: a pony or other being with a soft, gentle voice that is highly calming and usually exudes a great amount of trustworthiness. Those that are Soft-Spoken are almost never seen or heard raising their voice.

*Adds +1 to all Negotiation/Neighgotiation rolls

 

Steadfast: firm and unwavering in the line or sense of duty, they will hold their own in overwhelming odds. Usually have the Dutiful or Determined quirks as well, and will have a very high Fearless skill.

 

Stealthy: quiet and sneaky, Stealthy ponies or other beings are in tune with the ability to blend into their surroundings, whether it be the thicket of the jungle, or the shadows in an urban environment. They can slip past trained guards, and leave with just as much grace as going in.

*Adds +1 to all Stealth rolls

 

Stern: an extremely serious pony or other being, usually in an unfriendly manner, that almost never cracks a joke and is probably incapable of producing a smile that isn’t fear inducing. They can express severe displeasure much more easily than others, and can range from visually forbidding or gloomy to outright terrifying, depending on the individual.

*Adds +1 to all Intimidation rolls

 

Studious: these ponies or other beings spend a lot of their time either studying or reading. A LOT of time studying. To the point where they should move and go make some friends in another town.

*Adds +1 to all Research rolls

 

Talkative: not as much as Chatty, Talkative ponies or other beings like to talk about anything and everything that interests them, you, your friends, their friends….

 

Teacher: one with an inherent amount of knowledge and the willingness to help others learn with it. Teachers range from professors to hands-on specialists, and may cover any and every discipline that can be taught.

 

Tender-Hearted: tender-hearted ponies have a kind, gentle nature, and can be rather sentimental on certain subjects if brought up. Combined with Talkative or Chatty, they might just tell you a heart-warming story about it.

 

Temperamental: temperamental ponies or other beings are prone to unreasonable and erratic changes in their mood. This shift can be triggered by the simplest of events, or even nothing at all. Should not be confused with the menstrual cycle, albeit it is a symptom.

 

Thoughtful: absorbed in thought, ponies or other beings are generally pensive and contemplative. They may show consideration for the needs of others, and are sympathetic. May be able to Meditate.

 

Quick: ponies or other beings that are fast, normally from extreme physical conditioning, and likely wearing light armor, if any. They are quick to evade attacks, and may even attempt to flee an engagement, if given the opportunity, and always have high Movement-type skills.

 

Vengeful: ponies or other beings that unconditionally seek to harm another in return for actual injuries, or perceived, caused to them. Those that are vengeful rarely, if ever, forget even the most minor of slights.

 

VETERAN: a pony or other being with the VETERAN quirk has at least one skill that has been upgraded to Veteran status, one that is used constantly, or one is apparent to their species. VETERAN also denotes a pony or other being that has seen some shit and knows how to either shrug it off, or Deal. With. It. the right way.

*Those with a VETERAN skill can teach it to another for a permanent +1 modifier to said skill, but this will take some time to do, ranging anywhere from half a night to two weeks

*The use of Leadership for VETERAN skills is required to gain additional modifiers, up to +2, during an Operation

 

Vindictive: unforgiving and resentful, ponies and other beings are those that are strongly and/or unreasonably desired for revenge. Those that are Vindictive are rather personal with anything done against them, and if another quirk such as Vengeful is included, they will be highly persistent in their quest for vengeance.

 

Ward: half-Crystal pony and half-unicorn hybrids, Wards (NOT to be confused with the Rogue Circle's rank of 'Ward', second in commarend to the Owner) are especially talented healers, more so than any other ponies. Wards are capable of slowly removing or restoring the effects of permanent damage caused by injuries, enchantmarents, or Elemarentals, though are unable to restore lost limbs or bodily parts.

Their strange coat colorations, odd physical features, and distinctive eye colors make them highly unique and quite easy to pick out of a crowd.

 

Warm-Hearted: a Warm-Hearted pony or other being is one that has a deep, impossible to shake emotional attachment, usually to another being, but can also be or include a wide circle of friends.

Those that are Warm-Hearted will spare no expense, material or otherwise, to ensure the safety and contentment of those they know.. and may have an exceptionally unforgiving and ruthless side if their loved ones are harmed in the slightest.

 

Watchful: a pony or other being that watches and observes their surrounding with a high degree precision. They remain agelessly alert and vigilant when others would perform their tasks with decreasing perceptive qualities, regardless of fatigue, injuries, and distractions. Also tend to be accomplished guards and bouncers.

 

***************************************************************************************************************************************

SPECIALIZED MATERIALS:

"Blacksteel is actually an Otherworldly metal produced by a Void leeching mushroom, can only find them near the Scars of the Moors, they won't grow anywhere else.

When fully grown and properly refined it creates a high tensile steel-like metal, and causes a powerful Void elemental if used as a weapon." -Nightblade Captain Belltower

"Not to be confused with blacksteel from Stalliongrad. I've already sent requests to rename the mushroom variant to something better." -Nightblade Hodch, Master Lunar Lorekeeper

"Dare I ask?" -Nightblade Captain Belltower

"Not yet, no. Every batpony in the Moors will laugh their claws off." -Nightblade Hodch, Master Lunar Lorekeeper

 

"Bluesteel is a funky metal created by an ice leeching mushroom, grows some places in the Gryphon Kingdoms and Crystal Empire, pretty rare though.

If it's mature and heavily refined y'can make a highly durable steel with a nasty Ice elemental if y'make it into a blade or something.

As armor it's pretty good, keeps you cool inside a bonfire, will let you walk around in a blizzard, and is somewhat more durable than standard steel alloys." -Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

"Diamondine is a composite crystalline-flux material, roughly twice as heavy as tungsten, created by alchemically infusing a sixty-percent base of fine crushed diamond with a forty-percent mixture of purified kanpri, giving it unmatched resilience, durability, and protection per square inch.

Because of the kanpri, diamondine often has a dark blue, purple, red, or mixed hue that can be seen glowing at night, and is the most difficult composite to create at current." -Marquis du Spiral

 

"Emeraldine is, same as diamondine, a composite crystalline material, made from sixty-percent finely crushed emerald, and forty-percent purified mythril powder.

It's a bit more durable and resilient than stainless steel, but lighter and a bit more brittle in comparison.

There hasn't been any new production of emeraldine since Stalliongrad was founded, what with the recipe being lost at some point and Silver not bothering to share it, which leaves what remains in the Tower Guard Armory.

..excuse me? Why should I tell you how much is left? Go ask Broken Hoof, the last time I was there was when I resigned. Yes, the first time I resigned.

Anyways, only three items are made from emeraldine these days: eyeslits for helmets with visors, impact seals and similar, and shattering spheres. Why? I j... just said why!" -Tower Guard Master-Captain Dancing Eyes

 

"Greensteel is a metal made from a funny looking mushroom where the southern plains meet the northern Moors, but it's really rare. If you know somepony that can refine it the right way it'll make a ductile steel that's really easy to reforge, and it has this weird non-Elemarental enchantment.

Doesn't act like Void or anything, just does some really weird... nature-y things." -Naliyna

 

"Kanpri is a semi-glowing black, blue, purple, and sometimes red tinged metal. It has virtually the same characteristics as mythril: easy to work, keeps it's shape under extreme stress, can be repaired to flawlessness, and creates highly durable weapons or armor.

It can only be found in volcanoes, or areas of previous volcanic activity, and unrefined nodes of a pound can sell for a hundred thousand Bits on the black market, making it hard to acquire.

Luckily for you all I won't take offense if you happen across some and sell it to us. And by us, I mean me." -Nightblade Hodch, Master Lunar Lorekeeper

 

"Mythril is a lustrous, bright white metal often found with slight discolorations, such as blue, green, and red. It is found solely in areas of the Deep Everfree, whether New or Old, and is brought to the surface by the larger trees through their bark carrying small amounts to the surface. Though, harvesting the shed bark doesn't offer more than six to ten pounds per tree, every ten years or so.

This rarity and cost keeps widespread use quite low, and also makes buying off the open market quite costly, much the same as kanpri.

Hm? Oh, where we harvested from was a young stand. Total amount was incredibly low compared to the ancient stands in the Old Everfree. I was merely testing a hypothesis of individual size versus amount of material brought to surface. Those? Fifty, sixty years old at most.

It's a quite easy to work metal with no negative qualities, and makes long lasting weaponry or armor." -Marquis du Spiral

 

"Pinksteel is a very hard.. to forge steel, created.. by an extremely rare.. mushroom that only grows.. near Gozka or Cloudsdale.. it is very brittle and.. requires a grandmaster.. smith to work.

It requires.. a spiritual bond with.. the owner to utilize.. an ability to expulse.. or create otherworldly.. energies to harm.. unnatural beings. If the.. owner is in tune.. with themselves and.. the world itself.

..pinksteel also allows one.. to harm incorporeal.. beings as if they.. were living." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

 

"Redsteel is refined from a difficult to acquire bright red mushroom that only grows in the Dragonspine Mountains, and can be found around semi-active or active lava pools.

It's also just as difficult to work with as it's metallurgical structure begins as tetrahedral and requires close attention to smelting and forging, otherwise you will end up with a useless metallic powder.

It makes a well rounded steel sufficient for most weapons and armor, though if forged into a weapon it will have an effective fire Elemarental. Unlike rubynine however, the grain of redsteel makes it sufficiently durable and will likely outlast the owner, if kept in good condition.

Consider it the opposite of bluesteel for armor purposes however, you do not want to be wearing a suit outside of frigid conditions." -Marquis du Spiral

 

"Rubynine is a composite sixty-percent mixture of fine crushed ruby and forty-percent mythril, which appeared sometime after emeraldine made it's appearance in the Middle Dynasty era.

Sadly, I don't know much about it's uses in armor or weaponry, but I can tell you that it was favored by pegasi skirmishers and raiders during the Lunar-Solar War.

Surviving examples of twin-beamed lances are usually in excellent or pristine condition, while others are little more than shards and pieces. This leads me to think that rubynine has a peculiar molecular structure when forged since it's known for piercing armor, yet is quite fragile when struck at acute angles. A-what-now? I- stop talking. Right now." -Marquis du Spiral

 

"Sapphirine, like emeraldine and rubynine, is the fifth known composite material, created from sixty-percent fine crushed sapphire and forty-percent kanpri or mythril.

It also seems to be the last composite from the Dynasty Era, though I suspect there may have been others that probably did not function as well as the first five.

Unlike rubynine or emeraldine, sapphirine was specifically developed for use by unicorns, hence why it was used extensively by the Lunar Guardians during the Lunar-Solar War.

It is, however, incredibly difficult to forge, and is slightly heavier than high carbon steel alloys. Slightly more density and structural integrity than the same, yet seems to have an interestingly dense threshold for holding enchantmarents and imbued properties.

You'll have to ask Hodch if you want to know more though, I never did like the odd resonance sapphirine produces." -Marquis du Spiral

 

"Silverine, modern form: equal amounts of diamond and either mythril or paladine alchemically transfused in ninety-percent silver base. Seems like simple recipe, yes? Wrong. Silverine requires services of both Grandmaster Alchemist and Tower Guard Smith-General.

Base materials are cheap, rest is not.

Makes a hard, flexible metal, but services cost much. If not mind holding image, can even replace one's skin with like Empress Silver did, but is excruciating, worse than replacing flesh with living runic-steel of gryphon lands. Not joking.

Old recipe had other ingredient, don't know what. Lasted longer, difficult to destroy, able to self-regenerate like it was living." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Broken Hoof

 

"Whitesteel is a bright white steel-like metal that's common to find across the Dragonspine Mountains, pieces of it show up all over, but nowhere else on Tallus.

It's easy to forge or reforge weapons and armor with, which cuts down the amount of time a smith or crafter needs to do so, and has no negative qualities, except for being kinda rare.

Most of the time you’ll find it used by the Dragon Vigilants, anypony or being aligned with the Elder Council, but I've heard from the Lorekeepers that some of the Solar Guardians, and later the Honor Guard, used it quite a bit.

While nopony knows where whitesteel comes from, or what creates it, it's rumored that the shards are fragments of dragon oaths returning to protect Tallus from the planes and Otherworldly beings. Don't ask me if that's true, all I know is what I've heard." -Nightblade Captain Belltower

 

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EQUESTRIAN MILITARY INFORMATION AND RANKS:

 

*****

COUNCILIERGE: not a traditional military by any means, the Councilierge is reminiscent of both mafia and outer reach corporation activities on most human worlds.

While the Councilierge does control some of the Watch Guard and keeps select locations in Stalliongrad mostly under their hoof, they have prominent ties to portions of the Royal Guard in Canterlot. Sections of the Canterlot Royalty are 'legitimate' backers, depending on lineage.

 

"..huh, about time you asked. Listen carefully: I've been all over Equestria and Tallus retrieving cultural artifacts or relics, returning them to their rightful owners wherever they live.

You name the city, I've been there, stolen from there, and returned again and again. What? You might think that at my age I'd have slowed down or stopped, right? Wroooong~!

 

I've seen enough to know that the Councilierge are a much bigger and wealthier bunch than the Assassin's Circle of Saddle Arabia, the Dragon Vigilants of the Dragonspines, the Rogue Circle's elite, that is, the ones that Lucky doesn't even mess with, the Honor Guard, the Starborn, and the Imperial Wardens combined.

Their influence in Stalliongrad is just enough that they control at least half the food production.. and, yeah, almost everything chemical related comes from them as well. The Stalliongrad Medical-Industrial-Chemical Company is supposed to be part of the overherd's ownership, but most of their majority members are Ruling Counil members themselves.. I'll get into them later.

 

I can tell you this much about the Outer Councilierge ranks: Pawn is the lowest rank, it's for somepony that isn't trustworthy, and entirely expendable too (but that might have changed in recent months).

Thug is for competent muscle but not smart enough to be trusted with vital information.

A Brute has to have some intelligence and is one of those hard-case ponies willing to get the job done, but they're also expected to have relatively high moral standards.

An Enforcer needs to be smart, intimidating, AND strong.

Stronghoof is where my information gets dicey, so I don't know much about it other than having better friends than themselves.

Superior is a member rank for one that's not quuiiiite trusted, but one that's too useful to just get rid of. Associates are for those like that BITCHMARE LINARA! ...yeah, yeah, I'm fine now.

Associates are highly trusted as they either make plenty of Bits, or have the initiative to expand their operations.

 

Now, it's rare that a non-earth pony would even be CONSIDERED to rise above Associate, mind you, but the Inner Councilierge is a weird bag of stormwurms on it's own.

Tactician is the next rank, it refers to an Associate that's unicorn smart, good at intelligence and information gathering, and is given a command of Outer Councilierge members, some Watch Guard, and a combat rated psion or two for protection.

Ironhoof is somepony that's physically capable of dealing with several enemies at a time, but they're not given as much support as they're supposed to directly aid the Councilierge's day to day operations (often as bodyguards).

Ringleaders are highly ranked Associates, and believe me, they are heavily protected; they're ones that've been either uncontested in certain cities, produced a few million Bits, and, or, have some prominent skills or knowledge that make them virtually impossible to get rid of.

There's that, or they could be children of the top fifteen, but even they aren't allowed to run their own organizations without being watched very, very carefully.

 

Captain is just what it sounds like: they have wide latitude, command quite a few forces, but are expected to make tons of money each month without fail or be 'removed'. ..no, I don't know how, and quite frankly I'd rather not know (incorrect assertion on my part, being 'removed' only means they're sent elsewhere). Now then, where was I.. oh yeah!

Master is an earth pony only rank, supposed to directly command Captains, they're usually a psion and they are NOT expendable. In case a Master comes under suspicion or attack, the Councilierge will spare no expense keeping them safe.. which works for and against them for obvious reasons.

 

Above that, I've no solid information to give.. though Broken Hoof has told me the Ruling Council is composed of fifteen members, yet only two of them are earth ponies. I don't think it's true but make of that what you will 'cause I dunno." -Nightblade Captain Belltower

 

*****

DAY, ROYAL, AND HONOR GUARD: hosted in Canterlot's Military District, close to where the Palace was. The Solar Armory and Lunar Armory are a single building, both taking up half of the building.

As can be expected, the Honor Guard and Lunar Guard share duties evenly, sometimes cross-training their members, though there is some resentment by the Lunar Guard towards the speciesism frequently encountered by the Day, Royal, and Honor Guards.

 

"The Day, Royal, and Honor Guard have a small number of ranks for their members, at least up front:

One would start as a Day Guard at the rank of Trooper, then move on to either Defender, Sword or Lancer, and finally Warrior once those three are completed.

At the rank of Warrior, it is possible to join the Royal Guard, then advance to Guardian, Shield or Heavy Lancer, and Warrior Master.

 

One may become a Commander, essentially a Lieutenant, after finishing a year as a Warrior Master. Upon acceptance of application to the Honor Guard, one goes from Warrior Master to either Solar Guardian, Solar Blade, or Solar Lancer, and ends with Solar Master-at-Arms.

 

The Honor Guard only has two leadership ranks: Captain and General.

 

The outlier, that being the rank of Commarender, in short functions as a 'Captain-in-training' if they've served with the Royal Guard longer than four years, with the same benefits and downsides. Some humans have their own term for this, a 'mustang'. A warning however: don't ever say that word around ponies.

 

There are a few ranks that don't apply past Trooper, those such as Medic, Doctor, and either Close or Heavy Support for unicorns.

Sadly, there is some prevalent speciesism, regardless of what most nobles prefer, thus it is nearly impossible for batponies, Gryphons, Minotaurs, Psions.. any not a 'typical' pegasus, earth pony, or unicorn, to join.

 

If I recall correctly, the rank of Captain is required to access the Solar Armory in Canterlot Military District, though it must be unanimously authorized by Captain Keldon, General.. Valden.. and the Solar Council.

However, I'm not sure how many ponies are left in the Solar Council as few survived a certain incident, and most of the current ones retired from the Honor Guard two to four decades prior." -Marquis du Spiral

 

*****

IMPERIAL WARDENS: the second oldest military in Equestria, with family lines easily traced back to the first few Knights. Has vastly fewer numbers with far better training and equipment when compared to the Day or Watch Guards, the Imperial Wardens (not to be confused with the Ethereal Wardens, the Ethereal plane's military) act more like a centrally based Starborn within the Imperial City-State, though their rules are considerably stricter.

 

"Humm.. well, from what I remember the Wardens are a single military force with a few ranks. There's two ways somepony can start as, defensive or offensive based. Um.. no, I dunno why they're split, never joined them and don't want to.

Defensive is: Shield, Defender, Guardian, Knight, and Rune Knight.

Offensive is Blade, Halberdier, Lancer, Crusader, and Crystal Knight.

 

All healers go through the first two ranks and are just called Acolyte after that, but those with special skills have their own ranks, like Rune-Keepers.

Rune or Crystal Knights can become an Imperial Knight after a few years, I guess, then join the Keepers, the day to day leaders, and have a chance at becoming General, then Imperial General. ..oh, right.

 

Access to the Imperial Armory is awarded at the rank of Keeper, but it takes a while and Cadence has to give her say so on it. I've heard there's some beautiful stuff you can get your hooves on in there though!" -Naliyna

 

*****

NIGHT AND LUNAR GUARDS: formerly hosted in Canterlot's Military District, now split between the Moors throughout various recruiting, training, and staging grounds, and Luna's Citadel on the Moon.

All species are welcomed to join so long as they abide by the rules set forth by Princess Luna.

*Currently reforming and expanding in the Moors, using old, refurbished, or restored pegasi and batpony Arenas & Towers as smaller, permanent bases.

 

"The Night and Lunar Guard have a bunch of ranks. You start out as Hoof in the Night Guard, then from there you go to: Fang, Scout, Hunter, Ambusher, or Brawler depending on how you start a fight.

After that is Spear, Sword, Claw, or Fellwight (yeah I know, this one used to be called Sorceror, but the actual Sorcerors themselves were kind of miffed) depending on how you'd prefer to finish said fight.

Then you've got Striker, Destroyer, Punisher, and Devastator (same problem there, the old name was changed when some of the Minotaurs and Crystal ponies said it didn't fit the intended meaning right).

Once you're finished of the previous four, you'll end up as a Nightclaw and can either stay there as a squad leader or take a promotion into the Lunar Guard.

 

If you want to take a direct command position, you can become a Lieutenant after being an Ambusher or Brawler, then Nightfang after the second set of specializations.

Oh yeah! If you have any skill in healing, then you'd take courses from there and start as an Initiate Medic, then move on to Field Medic, and lastly Combat Medic. There's also Nurses, which help out the rest in clinics and hospitals.

If you're a really specialized healer, once you spend a few years as a Nurse, you can become a Doctor, Field Doctor, or Combat Doctor, depending on your preference.

 

Almost every species is welcome in the Night and Lunar Guards, some of our most prominent members have been minotaurs, a few Otherworldly Harpies, bunch of gryphons, couple of Eyes.. and there's a Ram that made it to the Lunar Council too!

IF you've proven your worth, Luna can allow you to enter the Lunar Armory in the Moors, which is now part of the Pegasi Arena half a mile from the Basin village since everything's been transferred there." -Nightblade Captain Belltower

 

*****

STARBORN: scattered across the Moors, Everfree, and Equestria's coast, various secure locations called Enclaves provide all necessities for Luna's elite warriors and agents.

Their central base is Luna's Citadel on the Moon, considered to be a small, partially self-sufficient city-state. Currently stable with several possible recruits coming in monthly.

 

"Starborn don't have many standard ranks in comparison to the other militaries, we're much more specialized in one role or profession. You'd transfer as a Nightfang directly from the Lunar Guard, and if you're skilled and lucky enough to catch somepony's notice you'll have to spend a year in to become a Nightfang Lieutenant, commanding a team of two to five.

 

If you don't wanna commarend, can just bypass Lieutenant on a Nightblade Captain's recommendation and go straight to Nightblade, but from there you either commarend, if you were a Nightfang Lieutenant, to become a Nightblade Captain, or spend a while in a team of three to eight other Nightblades to reach the last four ranks.

 

Right after that's Specialist if y'have some skill to offer, like being a smith, forger, doctor, you name it.

Anyhow, Lunar Defencer is a rank for.. major defensive specialists, Lunar Claw for offensive, Lunar Wing for exceptional scouts, and Citadel Sage for casters (but you have to be an actual pure blooded caster to reach that), which also includes Crystal ponies and Saddle Arabians.

That's the end of traditional ranks.

 

There's a few unique ones that don't fit with anything else too, like.. Citadel Tracker is for an exceptional scout, tracker, and wilderness specialist, but we haven't had that rank filled in a long while though.

Citadel Behemoth's an old rank, it's for a melee combatant that can either match or outmuscle Luna, and had to have a damned good grasp of strategy to go along with it, but the last one that could do both was General Skullcracker back when we were the Lunar Guardians.

Citadel Commander's directly below General, can command anypony that isn't a Specialist or Nightblade Captain since those would have their own orders. I think the last one to have that title was... huh, don't remember.

(Wait, I just remembered, that was a batpony named Hail Claws. He retired from General of the Lunar Guard and took that rank. He.. disappeared in 29,982. Nopony has a single bucking clue to where.)

 

Lunar Executioner is reserved for one pony specialized for assassinations just under General rank, but there wasn't any that wanted it so I took it.

Then there's Lunar Guardian, Luna's sole guardian and protector at all times.. which I also took and should probably hoof off to somepony that actually sticks around the Citadel.

 

Finally, the Starborn General is second-in-commarend to the Nightmare. All Starborn answer to Luna only, making anypony in the Night and Lunar Guard directly under our authority.

 

Oh yeah, use of anything inside the Citadel Armory on the Moon can be granted at Nightblade Captain, but Luna, at least one senior Nightblade or Lorekeeper, and me all gotta authorize it." -Starborn General Twisted wing

 

*****

WATCH AND TOWER GUARD: the oldest of the Guards across Equestria, hosted in Stalliongrad's Military District south of Residential. The Watch Guard is currently embroiled in internal fighting, both political and party sided, while the Tower Guard have begun taking territory in Stalliongrad.

 

"Watch Guard start as Novice, then advance rank in this order: Apprentice, Journeyer, Scout, Expert, Moderatis, then Master.

 

For leaders: Lieutenants teach and train members from Novice to Apprentice, Master-Lieutenant does same for Journeyer to Moderatis.

Captains commarend special units after Expert: Support Strikers, Shieldmares, Light Lancers, Heavy Lancers, to name the most common four.

 

Praetorians… no Psions allowed. True Elites. Best equipmarent, similar to Tower Guard.

 

Only veteran psions can join Tower Guard, they advance in this order: Centurion, Tribune, Titan, Primus.

 

If one was a Master-Lieutenant, can become Master-Captain, then General, Master-General, last is High General, only three High Generals allowed at one time.

 

Entrance to Tower Guard Armory is available at Master-Captain, with the blessing of at least half the Generals and all three High-Generals. Not all overherd untrustworthy, some simply cannot think beyond social normalicy." -Tower Guard Master-Captain Broken Hoof

 

 

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OTHERWORLDLY FORCES

 

"We.. honestly don't like talking about them much. No, I don't mean humans, otherwise I wouldn't be here. Otherworldly in this context refers to beings that can exist on Tallus, but are still bound by most of the rules and laws of their own world. Or, more correctly, the universe they originate from.

Hrm. Then again, most humans do abide by specific rules and laws of their own home worlds..." -Doctor Tipper

"Best not to.. think too much.. on this." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

 

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SPECTRALS, WRAITHS, AND REVENANTS

 

"Not here, not.. now. ...what? No.. mean to say.. those not 'here'... nor 'now'. ..not in same.. time." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

“Uh, sure? Well, Spectres, Spectrals, and Wraiths are individuals, or parts of individuals, that inhabit certain spectrums of the Void.

They’ve either been unable to pass on to whichever after-existence most benefits from them, or are ‘stuck’ on Tallus for reasons that we don’t normally think about. Whether that’s due to their overherd’s gestalt being unable to release them, usually for crimes committed, or they’re being held against their will.. isn’t up to us.

There.” -Twisted Wing

 

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THE PLANES & THEIR INHABITANTS:

 

"Made from the Elements.. themselves, mostly. Come from.. Fire, is Fire. Come.. from Ice, is Ice." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

"Yeeeaaaaaah, even I'm out of much to say. If something comes from the Elemental Plane of Fire, it's obviously gonna be made from or of fire. Big difference between Planar beings and Eldritch is this: Planars are partially to mostly bound to the laws of where they come from, Eldritch aren't.

There's a few, like the Dominion, Vortex, and Ethereal, that are a pain in the ass to even try categorizing. Those're inhabited by larger numbers of beings with more species variety and they tend to be more fractious and asocial, but more militaristic. Almost like humans!" -Starborn General Twisted Wing

"..." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

[Interview ends here. Cause: unknown male Operator reports feeling 'extremely nervous at being stared down by those two'. Can't say I blame him if Twisted Wing is involved, but Mercy usually isn't in the habit of doing much around most humans, let alone staring. I thought she didn't like humans much? -Emerald (Maybe she doesn't like YOU! -unknown male Operator)]

 

"Encyclopedia: Planes: Vortex: incorrectly known as the Lawless Sphere, the Vortex plane is inhabited by outcasts, renegades, and defectors from numerous dimensions of existence, the majority of which left due to personal reasons.

While there are few commonly accepted laws, the inhabitants band together in constantly shifting groups, ranging from tribe-like bands to dedicated militaries, gathering and leaving through common whims or wills.

The Vortex plane is constantly at war with intruders from other planes, notably from the Ethereal and Void spectrums, though will take any opportunity to raze Rift constructs and their gates if sighted.

Apparently they're nonhostile towards most Otherworldly beings. The few contacts Operators have had with Vortex inhabitants are puzzling to say the least: humans are distinctly ignored for reason(s?) unknown at current."

 

 

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TALLUS SPECTRUMS:

“The Void, huh? No, it’s not ‘a’ Void. That’s a term for most of the spectrums Tallus has. Equestrian unicorns called it that after studying what was outside the Dusk Strider Tunnels. Since there wasn’t anything solid outside the Tunnels ponies could reliably translate into terminology, the term stuck.

Shortest version I can say: what we call the Underdark isn’t ‘below darkness’, it’s the UNDERSIDE of Tallus. That don’t mean it’s negative or bad, just lower in weight. It’s best known as the huge number of featureless, mostly nonphysical, and sometimes anti-physical dimarensions of Tallus.

Most critters in it aren’t physical in means we understand. Yeah, a number of ‘em can enter our reality but that’s an act of willingness. The average Void being doesn’t understand what physicality means. Our words don’t translate well either, mostly ‘cuz they communicate in concepts, direct images, sensations, and moods.

Opposite that in direct contrast is ‘the Blind’. Everything there is mostly or entirely physical. It’s also known as the White, but most ponies simply call it ‘Overdark’. It’s entirely physical, but accessing it… sucks.

” -Starborn General Twisted Wing

 

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THE UNDEAD

 

"Those that are.. dead, animated by.. magic, oath, curse, hate.. blessings rarely.. ..most different, no similar.. ities. In library.. find Undead of Eque... stria series, has.. basic knowledge." -Mercy, Spirit Walker

[Interview cancelled here. Cause: unknown male Operator-interviewer decided not to trouble Mercy further, apparently she spent the next three minutes trying to think of how to say the important parts without aggravating her throat. Good on you, man. Ask Hodch instead, he's the most talkative (and available -Emerald) expert on Undead. -Lonestar]

 

"This again? If I have to try explaining.. you know what, this sounds like a good time for some, as Jeff calls it, infield training and experience gathering. Get your team together and another one.

Why? Hah, there's a location in the Deep Moors with a small number of undead that I've been meaning to study for a while now. No, they're not all that dangerous in limited numbers, mostly due to the fact that they're slow and, for most standard undead, lack intelligence.

I do advise shotguns with slugs or buckshot, large non-penetrating calibers, such as that .45-70 over there, explosives, high explosives, and crushing weapons such as baseball bats.. no, I am quite sure Belltower is nowhere near here, hammers... yes, that's a great idea!

Undead usually will not bother something that isn't alive, especially electronics, so I highly doubt they'll even notice that on a tripod. Get a few others ready, we'll turn this into a, what do you call it? Ah, a series. And no, don't bother with this, I can send reports whenever I want." -Nightblade Hodch, Master Lunar Lorekeeper

[Interview turned into 2 hour miniseries: How to Deal With Basic Undead Volumes 1 & 2. Hodch took two rookie teams out to perform 'pest control operations'. Spent the entire time showing/explaining differences between various undead 'types': magically animated, oathbound, cursed, blessed, various emotional attachments (*attachmarents -Emerald) among others.

Most undead that aren't skeletal are fairly resistant to standard methods of destruction. IMPORTANT: undead are NOT affected by fire much, unless particularly flammable! Rather grisly to watch but damned important. -Lonestar)

 

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