Equestria is a paragon of civilization, a beacon of peace and prosperity. But there is a world beyond Equestria's borders, a world of harsh realities, where every day is a struggle just to get by.

Survivor's Gorge is a wild mountain valley, far from Equestria. There is no luxury there. No leisure. All these ponies have is each other, and nothing will tear them apart. Rough living breeds tough ponies, as wild animals, frightening mythical beings, evil demi-gods, and the very planet itself will have to learn the hard way.

Note: I'd like to thank the pony-loving population of the Unifaction forum for allowing me to design ponysonas for them, and for letting me use those ponysonas in this story. You guys are the greatest.