When the world can end in a day and the sky be returned in just over a month, a decade is plenty of time for change– inevitable change. And it's still changing. But is it for the better or worse? Depends on who you're asking.

Are you asking the New Canterlot Republic, dedicated to their cause of rebuilding Equestria? The Zebra nation that likes to keep its causes to itself? The granddaughter of the late, Seapony tyrant who sought vengeance against both Ponies and Zebra? Or the various Wasters who don't remember inviting the republics into their homes?

Perhaps you should ask San Palomino's natives, the tribals and city-dwellers. Those who called the Wasteland home before any Stable-Dweller had a notion of “reforming” it. The Tribes who– when not fighting amongst themselves– are busy fending off hordes of Steel Rangers, Enclave, and Alicorns each trying to carve out a home of their own. The Families who– when not collecting debts– keep choice economies copacetic. And the Road-Given, misfits and rejects who serve as the closest thing to law enforcement.

Yes, I would ask the Road-Given. Outsiders in a society of outsiders. Order in a land that worships chaos. Nomads who's bed is the earth, ceiling is the sky, and domain is the road ahead. And I would get a second opinion why you're at it.

Like a broken record, war is the tune to which change marches. And an all too familiar anacrusis is sounding over Equestria. How will Windtrotter, a young tribal, approach the duties and responsibilities of the Road-Given? And for how long can Booster, a failed gang-leader, avoid them?


[Coauthored by my colleague and myself. So be ready for changes in perspective, moral quandaries, song, dance, gallows humor, made-up words, and a framed narrative.
Based on Kkat's Fallout: Equestria, which isn't required to understand Zero Hour but recommended. Zero Hour contains spoilers for Fallout: Equestria.]