It has been 4 years since Luna made her return to the world, and the Elements of Harmony were given back to their Tree only a few months ago. The Equestrian military has only just gotten back up to compensate. Meanwhile, trouble brews overseas. The nation of Griffonia has stopped all trade with Equestria, and there are reports of Diamond Dogs, Changelings, and bands of Minotaur barbarians marching out of the Barrens.

Meanwhile, accounts of random groups assaulting two individuals come into light, one in each Equestrian settlement. The thing is, they're always going after the same ponies: a crippled, charismatic griffon and a mare with tiger's stripes in her coat.