Equestria: Total War - Gloria Victis

by Vilwind

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Dark
Length: 2870

Side fiction of Equestria: Total War. emkajii approved.

This is a side fic. for Equestria: Total War. The idea has been initially accepted by emkajii.
Plot:
"I will run - they will hunt me in vain
I will hide - they'll be searching, they will play my game
I'll regroup - feign retreat they'll pursue, and play by my rules
Break the will to fight among the enemy
I will win but never fight
That's the Art of War!"

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-06-12 10:30:48 UTC

Letter of Recommendation

Stalliongrad.

October, 1251.

Your Highness Princess Celestia.

I’m happy to report that the evacuation of civilians from eastern Equestria and Stalliongrad has been completed. Furthermore all parts of the Stalliongrad Ironworks Manufactory are also on their way to Trampelvania Alps. We will resume production of artillery and ammo as soon as we reassemble the factory. As you yourself said we have performed the biggest logistical operation in the history of Equestria, but we would not succeed if not for the heroism and sacrifice of your nephew General-Prince Blueblood. He and his 200 brave ponies managed to delay a 8000 strong Lion army for three days allowing us to complete both the evacuation and reload of the ironworks. Unfortunately his fate is unknown.

As you ordered I have prepared the city to be taken without unnecessary bloodshed, militia units have been ordered to spread in the country and begin guerrilla offensive operations. Morale among ponies is very high, mostly thanks to rumors about General-Prince Blueblood three days camping. Common ponies admire his actions, although it might be because rumors tend to exaggerate his accomplishments. There is a rumor that he himself managed to rout an entire regiment of Lions. I don’t know what magic did he perform at Salamander Bottom Bog but the roars could be heard in Stalliongrad and the swamp is 10 kilometers away. Since that day common ponies of Staliongrad started to call him "Kyrieleison".

Princess Celestia stopped reading the letter and blinked few times glancing over the last sentence. She know that word. Kyrieleison... Kyrieleison... Kyrie Eleison... Lord, have mercy. Princess smiled and nodded surprised that there were ponies still remembering Ancient Equestrian.

This is most likely my last report from Stalliongrad, as you ordered I’m relocating to Trampelvania to oversee the production. I add to this report last letter from General-Prince Blueblood. The letter is addressed to your highness.

The Stalliongrad Mayor, acting Commissar over Eastmarch

Orion

Dear ‘Auntie’ Celestia.

It is the end of the second day of my campaign. As for now my troops have managed to slow down the march of 81 Wildcat, 66 Black Panther, 67 Iron Claw and 91 Maim Lion Division, supported by 15 artillery guns and ‘Bf 109’ auxiliary Griffon squadron. As far, my delay tactic, has given two days, for Stalliongrad to finish their evacuation. Yesterday my forces managed to eliminate Griffon  auxiliary squadron and destroy bridge near Mareinsk, witch was the fastest road to Stalliongrad. Unfortunately this year's hot summer and sunny autumn created many fords in the river and enemy managed to resume the march today. Luckily the fastest road to Staliongrad leaded enemy through Salamander Bottom Bog where we prepared an ambush. Thanks to unorthodox use of Ms. Vinyl Scratch talents and 1st Equestrian Grenadiers Company engineering abilities (those ponies are the biggest and craziest bunch of pyromaniacs I have ever seen, some of them have explosion as cutie mark!) we managed to demoralize enemy troops and change only road through the marsh in living hell. Here I should mention my low caliber field artillery battery which, thanks to its mobility,  managed to perform extremely well in both battles. Furthermore I have to praise 1st Heavy Earth Pony Winged Hussars Squadron, a self proclaimed militia unit from Stalliongrad consisting of Train and Farm stallions. This unit, provided by the mayor of Stalliongrad with heavy armor, is in my opinion best ground shock troop unit in Equestria army. In both battles they performed more than a dozen charges and each successfully routed the enemy Lion unit.

As I said we managed to win two days for Stalliongrad. Now both my and enemy soldiers are too tired to carry on  the fight. Griffon Commander retreated his units from the bog. He will find a way around the swamp tomorrow. Me and my units will stop their march on a hill I have chosen earlier five kilometers from Stalliongrad.

I don’t know how events will turn out tomorrow so I send you this letter of recommendation.

I Prince Blueblood, General of Equestria Army recommend:

Lt. Chocolate Tail (my aide-de-camp), to be decorated with ‘Golden Cross of  Military Valor’ for bravery in the field of battle. He successfully defended battery of low caliber field artillery, against frontal charge of 109 Griffon squadron, during  Battle at the Mareinsk Bridge. It is his wish that in the event of his death this medal would be given to Captain Twilight Sparkle as a token of gratitude for lessons in artillery combat.

1st Equestrian Grenadiers Company (unit) to be decorated with ‘Silver Cross of Military Valor’ for bravery in the field of battle and exceptional use of  engineering skills and successful raid against enemy with the use of self made grenades, during Battle at the Mareinsk Bridge and Ambush at the Salamander Bottom Bog.

Sergeant Soarin (former Wonderbolt) commander of 1st Equestrian Grenadiers Company to be demoted to a private for insubordination, for disobeying direct orders, during Battle at the Mareinsk Bridge.

Private Soarin, to be promoted to Captain and resume the command over 1st Equestrian Grenadiers Company, for exceptional performance in the field of battle, during Battle at the Mareinsk Bridge.

Capitan Soarin, to be decorated with ‘Knight's Cross of Military Valor’ for bravery in the field of battle, during Ambush at the Salamander Bottom Bog. It is his wish that in the event of his death this medal would be given to Lt. Rainbow Dash of 3rd Lancers as a token of L*scratched*e gratitude.

Vinyl Scratch (known as DJ Pon3) to be decorated with the Order of the White Phoenix. Her aid during Ambush at the Salamander Bottom Bog was crucial in breaking enemy morale. Her audio recording with hydra roar and MBS (Magical Broadcasting System) crushed enemy morale and forced them to retreat and regroup.

1st Heavy Earth Pony Winged Hussars Squadron (unit) to be decorated with ‘Silver Cross of Military Valor’ for bravery in the field of battle and performing a total of  30 charges against superior enemy forces in both Battle at the Mareinsk Bridge and Ambush at the Salamander Bottom Bog.

Lt. Promontory commander 1st Winged Hussars Squadron of to be decorated (post mortem) with ‘Commander's Cross of Military Valor’ for bravery in the field of battle.After a textbook flanking maneuver he lead a successful charge against three batteries of enemy artillery. It should be mentioned that he managed to lead his heavy armored ponies through a swamp and withstood a counter charge of a Lion regiment without breaking charge formation.

I strongly recommend those ponies and units because they have proven them self’s as defenders of Equestria. They will probably never see those medals but their courage and sacrifice should be shown as an example to other ponies, to inspire.

Your nephew and loyal subject

General-Prince Blueblood.

Princess Celestia pulled her quill and started to write in the letter. When she finished she put it on a different pile then the rest of the daily reports.

I accept the recommendation. Gloria Victis ("glory to the vanquished")

Mount Kali'gryph

emkajii is away and I have no idea if he will ever come back so I decided to "complete" my side story and give you those parts that he approved. Its not much. If you recognize words etc. well... those lines were inspired by songs.

Mount Kali'gryph

About the battle that was described in the very first chapter of Equestria: Total War

Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day.

As a turn of the tide

It is our turn to rise

The force of ponykind at war

March over the mountains

On our way to the north

On the road that will lead us to Kali'gryph

Our way will not be easy

It will take us through hardship and pain

Hill after hill breaking their line of defense

Head at north

Mile after mile our march carries on

No army may stop our approach

Fight side by side

Ponies unite

At the shadow of Mount Kali'gryph

We fight and die together

As we head for the valley of death

Destiny calls

We'll not surrender or fail

To arms!

Under one banner

As a unit we stand

And united we fall -

As one fighting together

Bringing the end to the slaughter

Winds are changing

Head at north!

Hills of Stalliongrad

About the battle that I wanted to write about in Equestria: Total War - Gloria Victis near Staliongrad at the beginning of the conflict.

Hooves to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence. Supreme excellence consists of braking the enemy resistance without fighting.

So silent before the storm

we are awaiting,

the Princess command

Fight back, hold the tide,

Stalliongrad needs time!

A few has been chosen to stand

As one outnumbered by far

In early October it came

The war unknown to us all

Your invasion will end with a poof

this land is protected by righteous hoof

Unless you are forty to one

Your force will soon be undone

Equestria under crimson skies

hell is at the horizon

Our trap will spring

Unaware of our presence they'll be marching

Straight to their doom

Mareinsk Bridge.

Mines are placed in darkness

In the cover of the night

Waiting to be triggered

When the time is right

We are prepared for war,

ready to fire

Stand by to charge

Counting down as they march into destruction

Their time has come

They'll never know we give no warning

We set a trap they took the bait

Leading them straight into hell

They will not live to tell the tale

We'll strike at dawn and fight 'til dusk

Today our foe is bound to fail

Salamander Bottom Bog.

Upon our chosen ground griffon army marching

No sign of hope

Victory will be ours before the  day ends

Today we charge

Chaos and disorder sound of the attack

Guns light up the darkness mines rip the ground

Like a force of nature shaking the field

Our time is now all ready at arms

Victims of the ambush

Stain the ground with blood

Fields of execution, murderous plan

Unbreakable warmachine

Baptised in fire

Death and glory

Wrath of the Griffon King brought to a halt.

Flashback. Canterlot, Equestria. September, 1251.

Published for Dozy Dreamer ( good luck with your fan fic)

Canterlot, Equestria. September, 1251.

Door to Canterlot library silently opened when the clock on the wall announced midnight. A Pony entered the great Library hall and trotted silently in the direction of work desks. Despite the late hour there were still many ponies studding and reading. Royal Library Of Canterlot was opened for 24 hours.

“Here you are Chocolate Tail. I knew I can find you in here. I brought you something.” Said the pony.

A brown unicorn with golden laurel wreath as a cutie mark turned away from a pile of books on his table and smiled.

“You are back! It’s really good to see you back. How it’s been in Manehattan?” Chocolate Tail welcomed his friend.

“Dreadful their mayor is an opportunist and a coward. We almost had riots when he announced the draft plan. Can you imagine that he found some super old city law that allowed to buy yourself out of the draft! Higher elites were more than happy but the rest of the city was a powder keg.”

“But from your smile I presume you dealt with this problem?”

“Yes. No big deal. I ordered them to show me the law that states that ponies can buy their way out from duty. When they showed me that parchment I burned it with that spell you showed me. Then I dragged two richest stallions in Manehattan to a draft point and ‘voluntary’ enlisted them.”

“Pretty impressive and show off. Exactly your style.”

“Auntie orders. Morale and order in the city are more important than my image. We are at war. What reminds me.” Pony took from his saddle a book and an apple pie wrapped in paper.” Here is a book you asked me for, from Manehattan Library. And something sweet to keep you company. I specially ordered a rest for the chariot, at Ponyville to buy it.”

“I bet. I know your appetite for those apple snacks.”

“No pony is perfect. I got to go, auntie Luna wants to see me. She has some news for me, I just hope that that this time it will be some real action.” Chocolate Tail friend trotted away but suddenly turned and said with smile.” And say hello to that mare you have been talking to when I entered. That one hiding behind the books. She has a nice owl. See you later Chocolate Tail.”

“See you later Prince.”

Twilight Sparkle slowly trotted to Chocolate Tail, when Library doors closed behind Prince Blueblood.

“Was that really Prince Blueblood?”

“Yes. Why you ask?”

“I have been told stories about him that were in conflict with what I just heard.”

“Like what?”

“Like that he is the most un-royally Prince there is, that he hates common food like this Apple Pie, and that he is rather cowardly.”

“I will not argue. He can be like that, Ms Sparkle.”

“But he just… why?”

“Don’t judge the book by its cover Ms. Sparkle. I have the honor to be able to call myself his friend and I know about him and his job a bit more than the rest of the ponies.”

“His Job? He is a Prince.”

“And please tell me what exactly does a Prince do in your opinion?”

“I don’t know. Attend balls, represent Equestria?”

“Yes. You are right, but there is much more to it. He does what neither Celestia nor Luna can do, but what have to be done. Can you imagine that Princess Celestia herself would burn a parchment of city law in front of thousands of ponies and then enforces two ponies to enlist?”

“No I do not.”

“Have you heard about Zevera Treaty?”

“Yes. It’s a trade agreement between Zebras and Equestria, but what does it have to do anything with Blueblood.”

“Do you know that if not for him we wouldn’t have this agreement? Negotiations were long and frustrating, finally we managed to come to a deal. Princess Celestia and Equestria delegation went to Zevera to sign the Treaty. Prince Blueblood was in the delegation. When they arrived a problem occurred. Griffon embassy officially offered Zebra Tsar better deal than we did. The treaty was very close to being canceled. Years of diplomatic preparations would be wasted, not to mention it would be a grievous insult to the princess. Princess Celestia ordered to make a banquet in Equestria embassy and invited Zebra Tsar and his daughter. During the banquet Prince Blueblood started to flirt with Tsar daughter and insulted her zebra boyfriend and soon to be fiancé. The fiancé was a full of himself idiot and demanded satisfaction and attacked Prince in front of everyone. Prince incapacitated him in a very humiliating way then apologized princess Celestia, the Tsar and his daughter. He acted like perfect gentlcolt. Next day Princess Celestia and Zebra Tsar signed the Treaty."

"How come?"

"It was known to Princess Celestia that Zebra Tsar disliked his daughters fiancé, but despite efforts he couldn’t find a way to break the engagement without breaking his daughters heart. After the incident in Equestria embassy he managed to persuade her that he is not the best choice for her. She broke the engagement that very night. ”

“It was never mentioned in any book or article I read.”

“And you wouldn’t find it even if you looked for this. Not many ponies know. I know because I’m his friend and I tell you this only because you are very close to Princess Ms. Sparkle. And you should know it was not his plan, he followed Princess orders, as always.”

“You know more stories about him like that?”

“There are few, although after the last Grand Galloping Gala he become less willing to share his thoughts even with me.” Chocolate Tail voice was sad and quiet as if he said the last part to himself.

“What happened at the Gala?” Twilight wanted to sound casual.

“I don’t know. I was supposed to be there but something come out and I couldn’t make it. I can tell you that since the Gala, he has acted weird. To be honest, just now, I saw him smiling for the first time in months. As if he was glad to see Canterlot in all this mess.”

“I can’t wait to tell this to Rarity.”

“No, Ms. Twilight. Please don’t tell anypony what I have told you.  I told you only because Princess Celestia trust you. Those are matters of national security. If it would come out I have told you I would not only lose my position at the Royal Court but also a friend.”

Twilight froze. She had a feeling that somepony in her head just yelled “FOREVER”

"I will not say to it anypony. Pinkie Pie swear. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. Ouh my eye!"

“Ha-ha. Thank you Ms. Sparkle although the last part was unnecessary.”