Long ago, in the magnificent world of Equestria, the royal sisters Celestia and Luna ruled over a harmonious nation, one that accepted pony, griffon and zebra alike. Discord was, while not a servant, a reformed citizen of the world, slowly learning under the guidance of the Element of Kindness. Princess Twilight Sparkle, while not having control of territory in her own right, took many under her wing upon the foundation of the Sparkling Mage's Academy, a place where all unicorns could learn whatever form of magic they had a talent for. The Crystal Empire maintained good relations with Equestria, with trade and culture flourishing under Empress Cadance and Emperor Shining Armor.
However, some ponies grew discontented. They saw the royal family not as benevolent rulers, but tyrants who only sought to restrict what a being could do in the world. At first the protests were ignored, seen as a flash in the pan that could be dealt with in short order. A few were arrested for disorderly behaviour, but the general gatherings were allowed to continue. Soon, the unhappiness within the nation began to spread, with many of the demonstrations turning violent. The Royal Guard was deployed to contain them, yet this only made the sentiment stronger. Within a decade, the royal family was forced into hiding, refusing to use any form of magic upon their own people.
Centuries later, the riots that once filled Equestria are remembered as a legend at best. Many griffons abandoned their unity as one nation to form smaller bands, often becoming mercenaries for hire. The zebras retreated to their tribes, refusing to keep in contact with other species for fear of repeating history, with few becoming wandering travellers. As for the ponies? Her Royal Highness Twilight Sparkle appointed the Mage's Academy to her descendants before her exile, who hid as best they could while their world was destroyed around them. Luna and Celestia have gradually become religious figures, spawning the legend of the Two Sisters. Discord disappeared, with many simply unknowing of his existence. Where the Two Sisters became gods, Discord became the Deceiver. The Elements of Harmony, while their fate was unknown, ultimately perished due to old age or murder at the hooves of their kin. Trottingham, once a great city and a pride for Equestria, was massacred by dragon fire under orders of a cult.
What remained when weapons were laid down was a nation in ruin. The remnants of the Royal Guard desperately attempt to keep the laws that Equestria once had, while great powers of the world reside with two groups: the Sparkling Mage's Academy, its teaching handed down through the family line of Twilight Sparkle, and the School for Celestial Warriors, a mysterious place headed by an unknown figure. A few that have seen her tell of her similarity to depictions of the Sister of the Sun, Celestia, but nobody has ever gained confirmation on this rumor. The fewer still that tried were killed for asking. Organised crime can be found in every alleyway, offering anything from petty theft to assassination... if you have the bits.
However, our story does not begin in any of these places. Our story begins in a humble tavern, a lavender unicorn at its bar...
