(Note: Shipshape's World is meant as a comical pony 'shipping' farce. One source of inspiration for this story was the card game Twilight Sparkle's Secret Shipfic Folder (TSSSF), by the lovely folks at Horrible People Games. As of this writing, I'm told neither Horrible People nor their horribly wonderful game are long for the world. I'll be sorry to see them go. Perhaps this story can hang around as a testament, but feel free to take this story about as seriously as you would take the game upon which it found inspiration.) --9/7/2015

"Shipshape, Shipshape, everypony needs a date..."

Shipshape isn't real. That's what everypony says.

Equestria is a land filled with history. Some stories are true. Some are legendary. Some are myths, and still others are mere pranks. Shipshape, the Matchmaker, is as much a tall tale as the Headless Horse - stare into a mirror, invoke his name five times, and you'll see an image of your very special somepony. Innocent playtime for giggling fillies or daring colts. To think any more of it is to invite a chuckle when you're young, and a condescending harumph when you're old enough to know better. There are some ponies however, who curse his name. The truth can set you free - but it can also crush your soul.

Some will win, and some will break even, but Sir Arthur Eddington's third rule applies - you can't quit the game.

Shipshape isn't real. But he knows you better than you know yourself.