#only the pegasi and unicorns and thestrals....

[azure-wolf-227]

Important Groups: Equestria’s Protectors

This is a list of the organizations and groups whose task is to protect the nation of Equestria. The majority of them are in some way connected to the military.

The Equestrian Royal Guard

Originally known as the E.U.P. before Princess Luna’s return meant that the Night Tribes joined them, the Royal Guard are the bulk of Equestria’s military forces. Although the Royal Guard as a whole answers to all Equestrian Royalty, there are several factions, each one under the direct command of one of the princesses.

The Solar Guard - Also called The Day Guard, they are under Princess Celestia’s direct command. It’s mostly composed of Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies, though Night Ponies and non-ponies can join.

The Lunar Guard - Also called The Night Guard, they are under Princess Luna’s direct command. It’s mostly composed of Cervidians, Thestrals, and Lycanequui, though Day Ponies and non-ponies can join.

The Crystal Guard - They are under Princess Cadance’s direct command. It’s mostly composed of Crystal Ponies, but other pony tribes and non-ponies can join. Most of the original Crystal Guard used to be under Empress Amore’s command before The Crystal Empire vanished.

The Evening Guard - Technically, they would be Princess twilight Sparkle’s personal guards but they don’t exactly exist yet since Twilight doesn’t want personal guards yet. The members are selected from the Solar, Lunar, and Crystal Guard.

The Wonderbolts

Equestria’s air force composed of the best fliers. While they mainly do stunt shows, all members have combat training, specially in aerial combat. Mainly composed of Pegasi but Thestrals can join; flying non-ponies could technically join as well but none have tried to.

The Shadowbolts

The Wonderbolts’ night counterparts. Unlike them, the Shadowbolts are a secret from the public as they mainly do covert operations, including assassinations. Mainly composed of Thestrals but Pegasi and non-pony fliers can join.

The Equestrian Naval Forces

As the name indicates, they are Equestria’s Navy, specializing in defending Equestria’s seas. Composed of ponies from all races; there are even rumors that some members are secretly Sirens or Kelpies.

The Bearers of the Elements of Harmony

Also known as the Element Bearers, I don’t need to explain who they are.The Bearers actually outrank all other military groups, even the Equinox Knights, and can ask for their assistance.

The Order of Equinox

Also known as the Equinox Knights, they are the most elite and noble group of knights in Equestria. They each possess unique abilities that that they use to protect Equestria. They outrank almost all military groups, with only the Element Bearers technically being higher. The Equinox Knights can recruit members from Equestria’s Military or sometimes from the civilian masses as long as they are considered worthy.

SMILE

So, SMILE is going to be somewhat different from canon. Instead of being solely a Monster Hunting Agency, they are Equestria’s Intelligence Agency, who gather, analyze, and exploit information as a means to defend Equestria. SMILE agents have civilian covers as a mean to secretly gather information without being discovered. Although they technically answer directly to the princesses, SMILE is authorized to act without their knowledge if they deem it necessary.

Since SMILE is different from canon, the meaning of their acronym changes slightly: they are now the Secret Magic Intelligence League of Equestria.

[princess-of-the-corner]

My MLP AU will include the Night Tribes, three tribes of ponies closely associated with princess Luna and counterparts to the three main tribes.

The batponies or Thestrals that appear in canon - Pegasi counterpart

The Cervidians or deer ponies - Unicorn counterpart

The Lycanequus or wolf ponies - Earth Pony counterpart

The Cervidians and Lycanequus belong to Featherfury.

To clarify, I'm only using names, appearances, and origins. Anything else about them will be my own stuff.

Oh inch resting.

I go back and forth on Batponies. Most often I have the ones we see just be under a glamour for aesthetic, but most legends are just of sightings of hybrid ponies that happened to have batwings.

But I am.... tempted with them? I don't know if I'd have them be an exact counterpart but maybe just a variant?

[gaddaboutgriffon]

Only four? We can do better than that.

In order we have earth pony Clydesdale or Claysdale. Pegasi. Unicorn. Zebra. Thestral. Kirin. Sea pony /kelpie. Flutter pony which I will call Chitiny. And something I made up and named the Najor. And throwing in a scrapped crystal pony design too.

[struckbyelectriclove]

kat has never seen a real horse

[arcs-journal]

The History of the Royal Guard

Given my chosen occupation, I have decided that it might be best for me to begin with the history of the Royal Guard of Canterlot, we who protect the thrones and their princesses. I will be covering as much as I can on both of Equestria's official Guard Corps, and leaving what I know of the Crystal Knights and the budding guard corps under Princess Sparkle for another entry.

The Royal Guard corps are shrouded in both honour, admiration and controversy, if you ask historians anyway. Most ponies know of the Royal Guard as golden clad soldiers that serve and protect both princesses and the people. However, there's much more to us than just our golden armour and parade lines. The Guard goes all the way back to before the Royal Sisters. In fact, they're an offshoot initially of Princess Platinum's personal guard, who originally clad themselves in steel and silver.

It's important to note Platinum's guardians were all unicorns, as the times were rather uncivilised and racism and classism ran rampant between the three pony tribes. Therefore, their armour was, largely, ceremonial more than useful in a protective stance, and instead focused on the gemstones imprinted in them to store excess mana in for larger and longer spellcasting. Later, they joined forces with Commander Hurricane's military upon the alliance of the tribes, and pegasi became more common within the Guard ranks, and were prized for their speed, agility and bravery. Earth Ponies were the last to join, and only after a long fought battle for true equality between themselves and their fellow ponies.

After the forced famine to prove their worth, Earth Ponies were inducted into the Guard ranks as well, however they brought in stronger armour and shields into the mix. Whilst shields are not often used even today, there are several Guard ranks specifically trained in their use in the case of sieges and riots, to close off the streets and create chokepoints. Their strength became a huge boon to the Corps. These separate ranks of guard, as each was still segregated into pony species at the time, though allied closely, were eventually combined into one united militant front under the sisters Luna and Celestia, who came in to save Equestria from several different threats. Over time, Celestia and Luna agreed that the night and day shifts would fall to different corps. Thus, the Night and Day corps were created, and the Thestral species was discovered. Luna took a special love to these nocturnal ponies, and welcomed them wholeheartedly into her guard, with them almost worshipping her.

Then, tragedy. Luna's fall. The Thestral guards fought for their Queen, and as a result were forced to flee upon her defeat. It was then the Celestian Guard, the Golden Order as it was called, was created. This order swore its existence into serving and protecting Celestia, and evolved into the Celestian Church that we know today, still worshipping her as a goddess. This particular corps ran rampant through the Equestrian society as Princess Celestia fell to her own depression and despair over her sister's fate, even forcing the title of 'Empress' on her and forcing other ponies to bow down to her and worship her. However, when Celestia finally recovered and realised what had happened, she came out with a vengeance, swiftly stomping through the Golden Order like a mare possessed, and not only put a stop to their actions, but demoted, imprisoned and executed several different high ranking guard officers for their acts.

During this time, she took control over the construction of Canterlot, initially set up by the Lord Regent, who had held the highest place in the Golden Order and spoke for the crown, or rather for himself. Gold Sun had ordered the construction of Canterlot, though it went by a different name at the time, and the plans held significant sway towards his religious beliefs. Celestia struck out many of them, restored the respect of the ponies towards her and between themselves, and took a personal hoof in not just directing construction, but helping in construction as well.

The Guard were held to much higher standards once Celestia took control again. She campaigned for the return of the Thestral species, though at the end of it all, it took nearly a thousand years for them to reappear. The guard reformed, a new miltiary was formed as a separate entity, and the Guard gradually became more of a policing force for the entirety of Canterlot and then Equestria. With the return of Princess Luna, the Lunar Guard is returning as well, with several Thestrals returning finally to the spotlight, joined by many ponies, though they are still fledgling, they are working hard to prove themselves once more.

And I think it's excellent to see so many working together again.

If there's anything else you wish to know about the Guard Corps history, please let me know. If this Journal works how it's meant to, in any case.

Signing off Arc

[azure-wolf-227]

Pony Tribes: Night Ponies

The Night Ponies are a trio of Pony Tribes with strong connections to the night and to Princess Luna. These Tribes are the Thestrals, Cervidians, and Lycanequus.

Note: The Lycanequui and the Cervidians are creations of Featherfury that I’m using with their permission. I’m also using their headcanons for the Night Tribes’ origins and their culture along with my own ideas.

In General

The Night Ponies rever Princess Luna, favoring her above the other Alicorns. They do respect the authority of the other princesses; they just love Luna the most because she was one of the first ponies to accept and protect them when they were shunned and feared by the ‘Day’ Ponies (Unicorns, Pegasi, Earth Ponies).

All three tribes are naturally nocturnal so they posses tapetum lucidum (eyeshine) which grants them excellent night vision.

Thestrals, Cervidians, and Lycanequui are commonly called Bat Ponies, Deer Ponies, and Wolf Ponies respectively, though most of them consider these terms to be offensive.

Most Night Ponies don’t mind Nightmare Night and even celebrate it while some find the holiday offensive towards Princess Luna and towards themselves as many horror stories feature Night Ponies as monsters and antagonists.

Princess Luna’s enjoyment of the holiday has changed the minds of most of them but there are a few who still dislike the holiday.

Stygian, the one who gathered the Pillars of Equestria, was a Cervidian although he is erroneously depicted as an Unicorn. Because he was thought to be a traitor, the Cervidians denounced him and made his name taboo, only referring to him as The Betrayer.

After the truth about Stygian is revealed, the Cervidians now say his name and honor him.

Night Ponies are often proficient in magic aligned to the night, moon, darkness, and shadows.

Night Ponies obviously have Cutie Marks that represent their Special Talents just like the Main Tribes.

Origins of the Night Tribes

The Thestral Tribe

The origin of the Thestral Pony Tribe is quite possibly the easiest to explain. They are the result of a genetic mutation. 

Long before the founding of Equestria, Pegasus foals were mysteriously being born with bat wings, tufted ears, and draconic eyes. Because it was beyond their understanding at the time, Pegasi were convinced that the strange looking foals were monsters that had to be destroyed. The mothers of these foals for the most part refused, knowing deep down that their strange looking foals were still normal ponies. Some did agree, but they were few and far in between. Those that refused escaped from their herds and sought refuge beyond the borders of the old pony nation. The foals were then allowed to grow and breed, allowing the genetic mutation to evolve into a full-blown pony tribe all its own in the years that followed. 

However, the Thestrals as they called themselves lived close enough to the old country to be affected by the blizzard. Like the Pegasi they descended from, they headed for the newly founded pony nation of Equestria. They remained in hiding for a while, fearing prosecution. They considered coming out of hiding when the six heroes who called themselves the Pillars of Equestria first came together as they were gathered by a Cervidian, a pony from one of their fellow outcast tribes. However, that plan was dashed when that very pony supposedly betrayed his friends and later became the Pony of Shadows. 

Eventually, they were discovered by the newly coronated Princess Luna, who took an immediate liking to them. Much like actual bats, the Thestrals were a misunderstood tribe. Ponies believed they were evil because they merely looked evil. Luna wanted to show the world that they were just ponies, so she befriended the Thestrals and made their existence known by recruiting a good number of them into her newly founded Night Guard. In return, the Thestrals gave her their friendship and swore to forever serve her.

The Lycanequus Tribe

It is unknown when exactly the Lycanequui were originally stricken with the curse that eventually became a true part of them, but they do know it happened long before the founding of Equestria and that a single Earth Pony was to blame. 

His true name lost to the ages, this stallion was afflicted with the curse after supposedly angering a powerful wolf god named Fenrir. Nopony knows what the pony did to make Fenrir angry. Some believe that it was because the pony killed Fenrir's two mortal sons, Skoll and Hati. Others believe the pony was just disrespectful and Fenrir might've overreacted. 

No matter the reason, Fenrir decided the pony had to suffer for his crimes and afflicted him with the werewolf curse. To add to the foolish pony's punishment, Fenrir made sure that he would remain lucid in his werewolf form. The pony would always be aware of what he did in his werewolf form, even during the moments where he lost complete control of himself. Enraged beyond rational thought, the stallion turned his werewolf fangs on his former fellow earth ponies, infecting as many of them as possible with Fenrir's curse just so he wouldn't suffer alone. 

Eventually, the bitter pony was struck down, betrayed by the pack he had selfishly built for himself. Sadly, nopony in the werewolf pack really knew their former alpha's name. They only knew that he came from a family of Earth Pony farmers called the Harvest Clan. To assure that future generations of ponies would know the Harvests had spawned the fool pony, the first werewolf was given the name Harvest Moon. 

For years, the werewolves in Harvest Moon's pack and their descendants suffered until one of the newly coronated Royal Sisters of Equestria, Princess Luna attempted to cure them. All seemed to be going swimmingly until their wolf halves started to fight back, refusing to accept death. Caught off-guard by this, Luna lost her concentration and control of the purification spell with it. As a result, the two halves fused, creating ponies with canine faces and tails that could turn until full wolves at will. 

Despite being angry that she had failed to deliver on her promise to cure them of the werewolf curse, the spellborn hybrids thanked Luna for trying to help them and pledged undying loyalty to her in return for her kindness. Along with Thestrals and Cervidians, the Lycanequui, as they called themselves, became a part of Luna's Night Guard.

The Cervidian Tribe

In ancient times, there was a tribe of cervids that were just as sentient and intelligent as ponies. These cervids were allies to the pony nation that existed before Equestria, but relations were as shaky as those between the three pony tribes. So, nopony expected for love to blossom between some cervids and Unicorns.

The children born of these illicit unions were pretty much ponies with deer ears, and tiny growths on their heads that would eventually grow out into antlers. These hybrid foals were kept secret. It was noted as they aged that the hybrids were able to channel magic through their antlers much like how Unicorns did it through their horns. For years, the foals were kept hidden and more were born.

The hybrid foals were eventually discovered and the Unicorn King of that time issued a proclamation. Unicorns who broke their law of pure breeding had to either kill their hybrid foals or leave the kingdom to be with their cervid lovers. Each and every one of them chose love over acceptance. Their cervidian lovers took them in and things seemed great for a time. The hybrids grew in numbers and it looked as if they'd have a fighting chance.

Then came the great blizzard that drove ponykind to what would later be called Equestria. The cervids were the first to die, unable to survive in the harsh conditions that ponykind's hatred brought forth. The rogue Unicorns died next. Only the hybrids survived and managed to make their way to the newly founded kingdom of Equestria.

While the Equestrians were hesitant to take them in, the hybrids were welcomed with open hooves. In honor of their cervid ancestors, the hybrids called themselves Cervidians. Equestrians would later come up with the simplified term of "deer pony".

It is said that the Pillars of Equestria were brought together by a Cervidian named Stygian who later grew jealous of their powers and sought to steal their magic from them.

After being discovered and cast out, Stygian found the Well of Shade and gave himself to the darkness, becoming the Pony of Shadows. In hopes of stopping him, the Pillars sacrificed themselves to steal from them to seal him away in Limbo, sealing their own souls with him in the process.

It wouldn't be until just over a thousand years later that they would all be set free and shown the error of their ways by the Harmony bearers

Shortly after the disappearance of the Pillars and the Pony of Shadows, the Royal Sisters were coronated and the existence of the Cervidians was brought to the attention of Princess Luna. Many ponies looked upon them with hatred ever since one of their own turned to the path of darkness, fearing that they were all the same.

Luna was not so close-minded. Like she had done with the Thestrals and the Lycanequui, she befriended the Cervidians and offered them a place in her Night Guard and her court. Seeing a chance to prove they weren't backstabbers like Stygian had seemingly proven himself to be, the Cervidians took Luna's offer and swore to forever serve her in return for giving them a chance where most others wouldn't have.

Appearance, Behaviour and Diet

Thestrals

Thestrals are recognized by their bat wings, draconic eyes, sharp teeth, and tufts of fur topping their large ears. These traits are why they're also called "bat ponies". Many day ponies once believed that they were demons, but they're merely Pegasi that are better suited for the night. They have much clearer night vision and much better hearing. Like any other pony, Thestrals come in a variety of colors with their wings a darker shade that compliment the pony's coat and mane.

Like Pegasi, Thestrals mostly have slim and aerodynamic bodies perfect for flying. Taller and/or bulkier bodies are often due to mixed-ancestry.

Unlike actual bats, Thestrals do not instinctively use echolocation but they can learn that skill with practice. This skill is mainly taught to the Thestrals who join the Night Guard.

Diet wise, Thestrals are not much different than the Main Tribes, though they have a preference for any kind of fruit. Contrary to popular culture and myths, Thestrals do not feed on blood.

Out of the three Night Tribes, Thestrals are the most similar to the Main Tribes in terms of culture. They do not have a holiday or celebration specific to themselves like the Lycanequui’s Harvest Moon festival or the Cervidians’ Lockhorn Tournament.

Ponies with Thestral ancestry can inherit either their large, turfed ears, sharp teeth, draconic eyes, tapetum lucidum, and/or love of fruit.

Lycanequui

Lycanequui are recognized by their adorable canine faces and wolf tails. This appearance is why their tribe is also known by the more simplistic name of "wolf pony". Their senses of hearing and smell are more developed. Like any other pony, Lycanequui come in a variety of colors.

Lycanequui inherited the larger bodies of their Earth Pony ancestors but they are less bulky than the average Earth Pony. This, of course, varies from pony to pony, especially if they have mixed ancestry.

Lycanequui can turn into wolves at will, which gives them a boost on their physical strength, speed, and senses. This is not without risks, though, as spending too much type in their wolf forms can cause Lycanequui to lose themselves to their primal canine instincts. With training, they can remain in their wolf forms for longer periods of time. This skill is mostly taught to members of the Night Guard.

Like true wolves, Lycanequui can howl and do so in both their pony and wolf forms. However, a Lycanequus howl isn't exactly ordinary. In fact, their howls tend to be much more melodious, like the Lycanequus in question is singing rather than howling.

Lycanequui display many canine-like behaviour and body language like wagging their tails when they are happy or growling when they are angry.

Lycanequui can eat typical pony foods (grass, hay, flowers, fruits and veggies, etc...), but their bodies need nutrients that can only be found in meat. As such, they also eat small animals like rabbits, rodents, fish, and birds.

Ponies with Lycanequui ancestry can inherit their sharp teeth and/or enhanced senses as well as their taste for meat.

Cervidians

Cervidians are recognized by their antlers, and their larger, rounder ears. Like any pony, they come in many colors with some bearing white markings on their tails, bellies, and chests. Antlers can vary in appearance and size. Some have larger or smaller racks than others. Most Cervidians have "deer" or "elk" antlers; "reindeer" and "moose" antlers have been seen as well, but only mares can have "reindeer" antlers and only stallions can have "moose" antlers.

Like their Unicorn ancestors, Cervidians have cloven hooves and their bodies tend to be slim and delicate, though not always. Their height and body-shape mostly depends on the type on antler they have (i.e. those with moose antlers are larger than those with white-tailed deer antlers). Variations in body-shape and size can also be due to mixed ancestry.

Like their cervid ancestors, Cervidians shed their antlers at a certain time of the year to "refresh" them. A Cervidian's antlers can be broken despite being naturally dense and hardy. While fractured or broken antlers are still very capable of channeling magic, perfect symmetry with them is required for a Cervidian's magic to function properly; spells tend to fizzle out or even backfire when a Cervidian tries to perform with damaged equipment. Because of their innate magic, a Cervidian's antlers will grow back rather quickly, so they aren't without their magic for long. Antlers grow back in as little as a day or as long as week. 

Unicorns actually envy Cervidians for this because their horns don't grow back once they're broken. This is because unicorn horns are permanent whereas Cervidian antlers are not. Some Cervidians wear their manes in ways that don't cover the bases of their antlers due to a myth that it's better for their antlers if the bases are allowed to breathe. Those that believe the myth tend to tie their manes back or wear them as mullets or mohawks. Those that know the myth is just a myth wear their manes in ways that cover their foreheads and let their antlers poke through.

Although Cervidians are omnivorous like other ponies, they lean into a more vegetarian diet. They have a fondness for nuts and fruit, their favorite nuts being acorns and pecans while their favorite fruits being berries of all kinds, persimmons, and apples.

Ponies with Cervidian ancestry can inherit their large, round ears and fondness for nuts and berries.

Celebrations

The Winter Moon Ball - a celebration of the longest night of the year, counterpart to the Summer Sun Celebration. It’s a semi-formal event, fancier than the Summer Sun Celebration but less stuffy than the Grand Galloping Gala. The celebration happens in a different city each year and it begins once the sun goes down and Princess Luna raises the moon.

The Harvest Moon Festival - a Lycanequui holiday to celebrate and remember the origin of their tribe and give thanks to those responsible. While they don't know for sure, the Lycanequui claim that their personal holiday supposedly takes place on the night the first werewolf was born. They honored said werewolf by naming the holiday after him. Much like the Summer Sun Celebration and the Winter Moon Ball, the Harvest Moon Festival takes place in a different city every year. In fact, the first Harvest Moon Festival after Princess Luna's return took place in Canterlot. During the day, adults take their wolf forms and collectively go on a hunt, catching as many small animals as they can for a great feast of meat, fruits, and vegetables. They give thanks to Fenrir by leaving an offering of various meats and animal skins from their hunt and wooden wolf carvings at an altar built in his honor. The offering mysteriously disappears by morning and often a huge wolf paw-print is found in its place, suggesting that Fenrir came and collected it. They say if he is pleased with the offering, the whole tribe will be blessed with good luck for the year. They honor Princess Luna by howling various songs they wrote, giving thanks for her attempt to help them and the fact that her failure made them into what they are now. Since her return, Luna herself has been present at every Harvest Moon Festival, listening and even dancing to the songs they perform just for her.

The Lockhorn Tournament -  Around the time of year when they have to shed their antlers, cervidians hold a competition in which they literally butt heads to see who is stronger. The actual point of the tournament is for them to knock off their antlers or loosen them up so they fall out faster, so it's more or less a big game they like to play with each other. Ponies actually come from far and wide to see the competition and the shedded antlers are often ground to make colorful beads for souvenir necklaces and dreamcatchers or broken up so the prongs can be sold. Lycanequui and dog owners in particular buy the prongs as they make excellent long-lasting chew toys. The best looking shedded antlers are collected to be made into a trophy of the winner's choosing. Your typical trophies are a necklace or dreamcatcher with more ornate beads than those of the souvenir variety, a crown or tiara made from antler prongs, or just the very best pair of shedded antlers properly preserved and painted and/or carved with a simple but decorative design (think floral vines or Celtic circle/knot patterns).

[gaddaboutgriffon]

I also made up and added a new mythical pony based on the Greek and middle eastern mythical two headed snakes where one head poisons and the other head heals. I call it the Najor.

Also I renamed some of the types of ponies. Sea ponies are Kelpies. flutter ponies are Chitiny. earth ponies I think I will redo again and combine with the crystal ponies and name Claysdale. The rest keep their names. And yes I added the Najor so there would still be nine types of ponies after the decision to combine the earth and crystal ponies.

So the nine types of ponies are.

1. Claysdale - with earth and rock based abilities. (Think earthbenders from avatar the last air bender)

2. Pegasi- with wind and air based powers.

3. Unicorn- with levitation, teleportation, and the ability to mimic the magic of other pony types and other creatures but much weaker then the creature with that power can do.

4. Zebra - with plant based powers and the ability to understand animals. ( I dare you to say making a tree pull you under ground with its roots or getting entangled by vines isn’t terrifying. Also making plants grow really fast is cool.)

5. Thestrals/bat ponies- can fly and see in the dark but their best magical ability is manipulat shadows and even travel by merging with one shadow and popping out of another someplace else.

6. Kirin - have fire powers and can levitate things.

7. Kelpie - have water powers and can change between swim and land form. Also they have hypnotic singing voices.

8. Chitiny - they can fly, stick to walls, produce silk, lift things twice their weight but are only about 15 pounds, and have telepathy with their antennas. The telepathy is better at communicating with more Chitiny then other ponies.

9. Najor- has two types of venom, one that paralyses and another that can heal any infection.

So I am a My Little Pony fan, and thought I would do some redesign and expand on the types of ponies in that world. Enjoy.

I am curious which ones people will like.