The Strange History of Canterlot: A collection of Lore and Biographies.

by Altlus

Rating: everyone
Tags: Anthology, Human, Original Character, Equestria Girls
Length: 5144

a collection of lore and Biographies pertaining to Canterlot's History and some interesting Individuals in it.

This is meant to serve as a kind of Writer's guide so that if anyone is interested in writing a fic based on the concept of a story set in the EqG Universe but set in the past. This is meant to be extremely Oc heavy as it's set so far into the past. And that all the magical happenings have been occurring far longer than previously known.

Featured are some Biographies of some OC's based around this concept as well as lore for human world Canterlot and phenomena and other unusual things that occur in it's history. This is to provide some for m of inspiration for others to draw upon.

This will be expanded if i have the time

Published 2019-05-29 01:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-05-29 01:50:01 UTC

On the Phenomena of "People of the Water".

Throughout the History of the World, there have been accounts of unusual occurrences where people have encountered a mysterious stranger emerging from or lying along the shore of a body of water. Usually found almost out of Breath and In a somewhat delirious state. The Strangers would usually be observed as being surprised at themselves for no explainable reason and having a hard time walking on two legs and would at first be observed to walk on all fours though there are also cases where they don't react like this at all. Some also described a few of these strange individuals as having magical powers and abilities that either benefited them them or became a detriment to them.

The Strangers would then claim that they come from a Land that doesn't exist or have served in an army of a country that doesn't exist much to the confusion of their rescuers or captors. The claims tend to be fairly consistent. Ramblings and mentions of a Land known as "Equestria" and some stating that they served in the "Royal Guard" or the "Royal Legion" and that they serve to defend the nonexistent "Equestria" and it's"Princess". Usually such claims made by said strangers were never taken seriously as the land that the strangers bring up, doesn't exist and some of these strangers's proclamations being passed off as just the person being confused or delirious.

The Earliest known recorded Instance of this occurrence was recorded in 1835 by Fur Traders in the Washington Territory.
One such Fur Trader described the encounter as following:

"We encountered strange folk today in the woods. We counted about seven of them in a group. Taking refuge under a small cave near a lake. They seemed confused about their predicament and some appeared to find most comfort walking on all four of their limbs. They all appeared to be wet and shivering. Josiah felt very sorry for these people and decided to take them in despite Edmund's complaints of having to have additional mouths to feed. Once we returned to camp, we provided these strangers warm clothing and some hot drinks to help them regain strength."

"Later that Evening they joined us for dinner. It was here that they told us they came from a land known as "Equestria" and that a couple of them are part of a royal guard of Sorts. Me and others were understandably confused by these claims. Josiah passed it off as confusion from being exposure to the harsh weather of these here wild lands. I have to say, despite their delirium, they are mighty friendly people. never had I seen such a sense of fraternity and closeness in these people."

The Traders kept them as part of their group for a couple years. working alongside and getting along with each other. In 1837, the group of strangers decided to part ways with the Traders, with the intent of "Starting over" and building a new outpost Eastwards from the other outpost they stayed in.

In Canterlot's history, there have been occurrences of "People of the Water" appearing in the area around the city. Though up until 2001, It all seemed to be frequently and most commonly occurring at a particular area outside the city. a pond known as the "Illusion pool". so-named by settlers because of the Mirror-like appearance of the surface of the water.

There have been documented accounts of these unusual events happening across the world, though there is the possibility of unrecorded emergences of these mysterious people. and some of them may be out there either living out in the wilderness or amongst everyday folk in society.

On Florine Manor. Canterlot's Skeleton in the Closet.

Nobody knows exactly who built this estate, but the accepted story was that in the aftermath of the American Civil War, a rather prominent gentleman from New York arrived in the then-known Town of Canterlot and settled in the wooded hills surrounding the town, with the intent to start a new life there. The man claimed to be of a prestigious heritage and supposedly held a great fortune. Having risen among the ranks of High Society and was a prominent citizen among the wealthy elite. He was also an influence and advocator of the Spiritualist and esoteric movements at the time.

The Manor was constructed at around 1877. Details are not clear on who the architect’s identity was, though it’s rumoured to be the long lost creation of a famous local architect known "T Square", also known as Marianne LaRue. The mansion’s most recognizable feature is it’s two towers. one being a clocktower and the other being the Master’s residence and place of work. The Grounds around the Building are also made up of a Garden, A large conservatory, a carriage house and several building. some of which, acting as laboratories (for mysterious and unknown purposes).

The Gentleman's workplace and residence was situated in the Main Tower. The Tower can be described as being a self-contained house for one person but with the rooms stacked vertically and access to each of the rooms being made via a small two-person elevator and some stairs. His private quarters being the topmost room in the tower. It is there he sleeps, studies, thinks to himself and records his findings and research via typewriter. A large window occupies the front of the tower and to the left, the chimney of the Fireplace of Main bedroom. Out on the back, and not shown, Two sliding french doors opening up to a balcony provide sweeping vistas of the entire city of Canterlot. The Tower is also soundproofed (using a different material other than asbestos) and the windows reinforced to prevent shattering and the infiltration of noise from the clocktower beside it.

What happened next in the later years is not well known but what was known as that several parties and events were held at the manor house and that the owner of the house had mysteriously disappeared from public record during the 1950’s and that the house hasn’t been occupied since the great depression. An antiquated relic of a bygone age in a world that has moved on. The Manor had never been renovated or upgraded for modern use and it's telegraph lines still stand. The old Canterlot Telegraph station still standing for that purpose as it's still being used by the current occupants of the mansion (they rarely use the phone).

There has been a debate over wether the place should be registered as a historic landmark (due to it’s age and architecture) or converted into a mountainside resort (due to the panoramic views it provides), but so far neither plans have been set in motion as the estate currently falls under the ownership of a young Heiress and her Uncle and they both show no intent of parting with the Estate.

Florine Manor is never present on official Maps of Canterlot as the City believes it to be bad for Tourism if the Manor was included on a Map.

On Saddlehoof Manufacturing. A Strange Mechanical monument

Founded in 1891 by Wealthy inventor and entrepreneur, Ironcog the Tinkerer, a wealthy Machinist and Inventor from England, Saddlehoof Manufacturing sought to compete with other manufacturing companies established at the time such as Edison Manufacturing Co. Established to years prior in 1889.

The company produced a myriad of consumer products in it’s time of operation such as clocks, watches, radios, gramophones, telephones, Television (in later years) and toys. One such toy line being a series of miniature mechachanical horses, that if wound up, mimicked the movement and behavior of their real life counterparts for 1 minute. It was originally produced to celebrate Canterlot proud heritage of Ranching and Horse Breeding, though it had found some popularity among girls.

Mechanical innovations weren’t the only ventures this company pursued and it was also known to venture into other avenues such as heavy machinery, pharmaceuticals and chemistry.

Having visited the newly constructed Wardenclyffe Laboratories and It’s enormous Wardenclyffe Tower, Ironcog, with the blessing of Nikola Tesla himself, constructed his own version of the Tower at the main production facility of the company in Canterlot under the pretense of experimenting on Wireless telegraphy and the concept of wireless power distribution alongside Tesla. However, whenever the Tower was active, it produced a mysterious aura as well as various other strange atmospheric phenomena.

Even after the Tower of Wardenclyffe was demolished in 1919, the Tower in Canterlot continued to Stand. The Company continued to operate well into the 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s before shutting down for mysterious reasons in 1970. Strangely enough, coinciding with the disappearance of Ironcog in the same year.

Since then the production facility and labs have fallen into disrepair, save for certain buildings and even the Tower mysteriously remaining free of decay. The ruins of old facility have since become a spot for Urban explorers in Canterlot to go to explore the empty and ruined buildings of this once thriving company.

However, the place refuses to stay silent. On some night, the strange aura seen on the tower still appears even though power was shut down to the facility decades ago. lights and the sounds of machinery are sometimes seen in the more intact buildings and urban explorers have also reported hearing a strange droning sound coming from the top of the tower as well as having seen strange markings and patterns appearing on the Tower itself whenever it was "Active". Running up the Frame of the structure.

Myths and Tales: The Centurion

In 1873, a Mysterious stranger arrived into the town of Canterlot. His name was never known to the Townspeople during this time period as he often refused to reveal his name to anyone, though he at first made references to things that didn’t exist in this world, as well as claiming to be a member of the royal Legion of cloudsdale. A place that also doesn’t exist in this world. What was known about him was his career as a Bounty Hunter and as a sort of Vigilante to the Town, his unrelenting drive to hunt down whatever miscreant and crook he was pursuing and his unusually exceptional Marksmanship. A unique and strange quirk about him was his use of very Romanesque armor during shootouts and confrontations or anytime he’s hunting down. sometimes he wears them exposed, other time’s they’re concealed under his clothes. It’s because of this, He was given nickname "The Centurion" as the townspeople often misidentified his armor as being roman in design. He was active around town and the surrounding area for 20 years before suddenly disappearing from town in the late 1880’s. Some say he returned to the "cloudsdale" he mentioned in some occasions. Other say he’s just living alone in a cabin somewhere in the forests.

Myths and Tales: The Woman of the Woods

Our Story begins with the arrival of Samuel Archibald Everfree, wealthy logging and mining tycoon and owner of the Company, "Everfree lumber and Mining Co." which he founded in 1867 after staking a claim in the forests surrounding Canterlot at the time and sought to make a profit in mining and timber operations in the area. Two of the key industries that generated money for the then-fledgling town, second only to ranching and Horse Breeding. the Primary industry of the Town.

Samuel’s Wife, Gaea Beatrice Everfree was a well respected Botanist, Ecologist and Dendrologist hailing from Canterlot. She had grown fond of the forests surrounding her New Home and became captivated by the natural beauty of the area. unlike her husband, she actually cared for the forest and disavowed what his company was doing to it.

One day in 1869, while overseeing some mining operations. Samuel would learn of the discovery of seven mysterious gemstones in one of the caves. Arriving tot he site of the discovery, he paid the workers who discovered the stones handsomely and took them for himself. Fashioning them into a beautiful necklace which he gifted to his wife.

In 1870, He commissioned the construction of a mansion atop a hill overlooking the forest. He promised that it would do a service to the town, providing much needed work and that upon it’s completion, a party would be held once a year where everyone was invited to celebrate the fruits of their labor. Years passed as the construction progressed and lives were lost building the structure, but upon it’s completion, when it was time for the party they promised the to the common townspeople, Samuel refused entry to the Common Folk and only allowed the more prominent citizens of Canterlot to join in the party. This caused a rift to form between him and his workers (as well as his wife) and over the course of two years, strikes and riots would occur, culminating in the Workers finally raiding and destroying his mansion, during another party. Only he survived the ordeal and of all the wealthy guests killed in the raid and fire, His wife was allegedly lost to the flames.

In the Aftermath, all that Remained of the Everfree mansion were a few stone walls, the stone chimneys and a massive cellar hole that was once it’s basement. oddly Enough, the only wooden part of the structure that survived unscathed is the elegant staircase that once graced the Foyer of the House. However, some of the workers who participated in the raimed claimed that as the mansion burned, something big and terrifying burst from the burning structure and escaped into the woods. This strangely coincided with a trail of Gem dust leading into the woods found a day after the fire.

After the fire and the loss of his Wife, Samuel continued to run the company from his offices in Canterlot throughout the rest of the 19th century and the early 20th century, but throughout that time, his company began to suffer. operations in the forest would be mysteriously disrupted as equipment and infrastructure would be found destroyed or reclaimed by the forest and workers, lumberjacks and miners found dead. Often found impaled on Trees, Embedded inside trees or hanging lifelessly from nooses made from roots or vines. Even entire mine and lumber trains were found wrecked and derailed. Those who survived made wild-eyed testimonies of being attacked by a Mysterious entity stalking the woods.

Even the settlers who had staked their claims alongside Samuel (or whoever survived) also described being attacked and terrorized by a similar entity. both describing it as a giant creature with root-like hair, teeth made of jagged rock, black eyes, and a shimmering aura that left a trail of gem dust in it’s wake. Usually any attempt to follow the gem trail had been mostly fruitless as the trails usually tended to end abruptly with no clear direction.

These attacks in the forest continued and the company continued to suffer. It was at this point that the last whereabouts of Samuel Everfree were that he was last seen in 1905, heading into the forest, never to be seen again. His last words that he yelled out before entering the woods being,"I am going to Eat this entire Oak Tree because I am a Powerful Wizard". Having completely lost his mind. His company would later shut down and fall into bankruptcy in 1928.

The Attacks were finally put to a stop in the the 1930’s when a group of self-proclaimed "Druids" entered the forest and came back, claiming to have defeated the creature. The methods In defeating the entity weren’t made clear though it involved a using a Steam shovel and setting part of the forest on fire.

(RESTRICTED SECTION) Prominent citizens:Dr. Arcanis

Believing his chances of success are better there than in Equestria. He takes on the identity of a well-rounded, well-cultured renaissance man with a prestigious background and quickly rising to the top of society in that time and using his knowledge and powers to amaze and entertain his fellow elite and to procure a great fortune, becoming a well known and influential millionaire and socialite (and to some extent a Playboy). Some of his wealth going into funds or donations for the construction of buildings such as Canterlot High and Crystal prep academy. He was also one of the people who helped start and influence the spiritualist and esoteric (occultist) movements in the 19th century and early 20th century. Others tried to copy him but since they didn't hold magic like he did, these copycats wound up being frauds and fakes.

He would combine human scientific methods and concepts and technology (at the time: 19th century and early 20th century) with their research and knowledge on Equestrian magic to produce various inventions and "potions"(Patent Medicines), make new discoveries and breakthroughs in equestrian magic, as well as make attempts to collaborate and refine existing and previous writings on various aspects of Equestrian magic into a more understandable and cleaner format.

His more permanent marks he placed in the human world came in the form of buildings he constructed throughout Canterlot City. Either imbued with equestrian magic (via carving symbols and patters into the metal,wood or bricks or incorporating them into the overall architectural design of the place) or constructed with materials found only in Equestria, causing them to exhibit magical properties. all of which are either tower-like in design or involve towers in the design (ex: Florine Manor having two towers). both hinting at his previous background as wizard or conjurer as well as convey a sense of isolation from "normal" people. He used it to study think and work in peace. It also demonstrated his eccentricity and somewhat antisocial tendencies and social awkwardness. In truth, they serve as enormous antennae to channel in equestrian magic across an enormous transference grid spanning the entire city, concentrating it and storing it long term to fulfill specific but unknown roles, uses and purposes later on. The details of which, only he know.

Not a lot is known about him but what was known were several "Magic Shows" he performed, a few noteworthy events in the city's history where he was involved, his unusual inability to age and the fact that he mysteriously disappeared from public record in the 1950's.

(RESTRICTED SECTION) Prominent citizens:Professor Coniferus

Once one of the most powerful and learned sorcerers amongst the Deers of Everfree. Coniferus was now at the twilight of his illustrious career. Having been accused of committing a crime he never committed and having lost the credibility he once had to an up and coming Deer sorcerer. Rather than let his emotions get the better of him and make him seek revenge. He instead retreated deeper into the Everfree Forest and lived a life of seclusion and isolation from the rest of his people. However, he would come to discover the Human world after unintentionally and Independently developing his own version of Starswirl’s magic mirror and emerging out the other side. His point of emergence: Boston Massachusetts, 1866. Seeing this world as an opportunity to start anew. Coniferus set himself up in this world as teacher in Botany and Agrologist and began to move his research, books, and belongings to his first home in Boston.

This was just the beginning of his existence in the human world and he wouldn’t move into Canterlot City until 1896, During those 30 years, he combined human technology and scientific principles with his own Deer magic, be promoted as professor, and start a business where he would sell his own patents of Fertilizers and other aids to help in the growth of plants. In reality, potions and elixirs that he himself concocted using his plant magic. His Affiliation with plants as well as a seemingly innate skill at growing and cultivating plants would earn him the nickname "The Druid" by many folks.

When he moved to Canterlot, He decided to settle out in the countryside near the Treeline of the nearby Forests. As he had acquired his fortune from his fertilizer business, he set out to build his estate in the area. Comprising of a Mansion, a conservatory and gardens, featuring an Arboretum.

During one of his travels, he had come to admire a new architectural style known as Art Nouveau as it reminded him of the architecture of His old home of Thicket as well as it’s inspiration from natural forms such as plants and trees. Which, as a deer, he was very fond of.

His mansion, completed in 1905, was constructed in the Art Nouveau style with an interior design based on the Belgian townhouses constructed by Architect, Victor Horta (As it reminded him of the interior of a Conservatory/greenhouse). The construction took longer than Florine Manor’s Construction due to Him making visits and communiques to Victor Horta himself, as well as visits to the buildings he designed in order to aid in the designing and construction of His Mansion on his estate, which he named it, "The Pines".

It was during a party at Florine Manor that he would meet Arcanis and several other equestrian Sorcerers living in Canterlot at this time. That Marked the beginning of the group’s working relationship.

In the early 1920’s Coniferus had begun to hear rumors and stories of a dangerous and mysterious creature stalking the forest and terrorizing all that crossed it’s path. he would encounter the creature twice in 1929, the second time it was with Arcanis, who joined with him in the investigation. It was after the second encounter that he and his fellow sorcerers and wizards would study the creature for several years. it was not until 1935, When they were finally prepared to enter the forest and stop the creature for good.

The Details were never clear though it did involve A steam shovel and setting half the forest on fire. And after defeating the creature. He and the others returned with seven mysterious gemstones, which they hid in a cave and sealed the entrance with boulders. erasing any whereabouts of it’s location afterwards.

Coniferus would continue with his fertilizer business until 1971, where he mysteriously shut down the business and disappeared from public record.

His whereabouts are still unknown but in Crystal Prep Academy, a Teacher by the name of Dr. Conifer had just applied to teach for the Natural History class. As for his Estate, It was acquired by the city and has become a tourist attraction ever since.

Much like Arcanis, it was observed that he also never aged since 1866. The Truth is that they and other sorcerers have made themselves functionally immortal. They Cannot die of old age and do not age, but are still susceptible to being killed by external causes. Their methods of achieving it, they refuse to disclose.

(RESTRICTED SECTION) Giovanni: Canterlot's king of Crime.

Hailing from the distant land of Griffonstone in the Equestrian World, Giovanni was originally a Noble during the reign of King Guto. Upon the loss of the Idol of Boreas and the Collapse of Griffon Society that followed afterwards, Giovanni was forced to flee Griffonstone to seek greener pastures and a more stable society. However, as he fled, he had injured himself during a struggle with several griffons with a bone to pick on him. Last thing he remembered was falling into a pool of water and being suddenly spat out of it. Waking up in a world where he was no longer himself and most definitely wasn’t his own world.

Giovanni had fallen into a dimensional rift situated in a magical pool of water and emerged out of a corresponding pool in the Human world. The era in the Human World he found himself in being the late 1910s. Unable to return and seizing the opportunity to make a profit off of these strange creatures, he dabbled into the art of organized crime and over time, built a respectable criminal empire in the City of Canterlot. running several Casinos, Clubs and Speakeasies across town. That wasn’t the only enture se focused on. There were others too: racketeering, contract-killing, lone sharking, forgery of money and other goods and during the prohibition era, the illegal production and smuggling of alcoholic beverages. By the 1930’s he had built up a reputation as a notorious and powerful crime boss and Gangster in Canterlot.

To his partners and those who work for him, he is known simply as "Big G" or "The Gryphon". And he is also known to have killed people he doesn't like using his Limousine.

Canterlot's History in summary. (1840-1940)

Originally known as Fort Canterlot and established in the 1830’s as an Outpost and Trading post by some Friendly yet somewhat unhinged fur traders (Claiming they were horses in a past life and came from a place called Equestria, Canterlot began it’s early life as a settlement and then gradually a town in the 1840’s and 1850’s as settlers were attracted to the fertile meadow next to the fort that provided an excellent grass for grazing and open space for ranching. Another factor to their decision to settle down being also protection from the fort and the hospitality of the Fort’s inhabitants, who preached to them values of friendship and cooperation and helped in making their community grow and endure even it’s most hardest times. It was with these values, that the town of Canterlot was able to coexist peacefully with the Native american population in the Area and not suffer from raids and disputes.

By 1873, Canterlot was connected to the Seattle lake shore and eastern railway and completed and established the Canterlot and Washington Railroad. a short line railroad connected to the main line. with the arrival of the railroad, the City experienced an influx of new arrivals and greatly expanded in size. Becoming a City by the 1890's and one of the most developed settlements in Washington State and one of the most wealthiest in .

Canterlot also experienced the establishment of new Industries for the city to gain revenue from, such as Mining and Logging, and several Wealthy citizens also settled here and made their name in the City. Helping provide work for it's growing population and providing funds for the construction o educational facilities such as Canterlot High, established in 1886 and Crystal Prep Academy, established in 1901. In 1904. The First Friendship Games were Held between Canterlot high and Crystal Prep Academy. As to Canterlot high emerging as the Victor in the competition, A statue of a Horse was commissioned and shipped from Buffalo New York by Train to celebrate Canterlot’s heritage in Ranching as well as to commemorate the victory of the Wondercolts in the first Friendship Games against the Shadowbolts.

in the 1920's the City experienced an unusually high crime wave which saw the rise of several organized crime gangs as well as a rise in illegal activities throughout the city. The Stock market crash of 1929 nd the Great depression that occurred afterwards only seemed to worsen the problem as well as seeing the closure of several businesses in the city. However, by 1940, Roosevelt's New Deal and the Start o World War II was able to get the city's economy working again and a New police force and a new Mayor was able to drastically lower most of the criminal activity throughout the city.

Prominent citizens: Gold Certificate

Born as the son of Seed Investor. Gold, despite his background as being the son of a man who built up an impressive fortune following the end of the Civil War at the age of 20, experienced a childhood where he was raised muched like everyone else, albeit slightly harsher than normal since his father didn’t believe that spoiling his son would ensure a long lasting family legacy and wanted him to experience the hardships in life first before he could go on an carry on the family business and fortune. Under Seed Investor’s supervision, he was mentored thoroughly in the running of the family business as well as all the intricacies that came with it and in the arts of finance. One of which being never to let his own greed override his judgement and personality. These experiences would contribute to his rather cold and austere personality later in life. His clients and associates described as as being a rather intimidating character. Hardened, serious, and being constantly concerned about his family legacy and the long term survival of his industrial empire.

At the age of 20, he would invest in and start up a business of drilling for and selling oil. This and other ventures would contribute to the expansion of the Rich Family’s fortune. The Other Ventures he would go on to run, were several mining operations, A Steel Mill, A Railroad Company, The Canterlot & Washington Railway, founded in the 1870’s but purchased by him in the 1890’s, and the Purchase of Everfree Lumber & Mining Company in 1904. Some of His contributions to the City being the provision of funding for the construction of Crystal Prep Academy in 1901, the construction of the second incarnation of Canterlot Train Station. , and the construction of Trottingham Tower in the Financial District in 1911

(RESTRICTED SECTION) Greatshield, Private Investigator

Formerly a member of the Royal Guards in the ancient years of Equestria. Greatshield once dutifully carried out his service to guard the Princess and defend Equestria in times of conflict. He always strived to join the most decorated high ranking members of the guard, however during one battle his fate would be change forever.

He mysteriously disappeared in the battlefield and was thought to have been killed in battle and given up for dead. Last seen falling of a cliff and into the ocean. The reality was that he fell through a dimensional rift and emerged on the other side in the human world in the early 1920’s. In the human world, he tried several time to find a way back to Equestria while at the same time experiencing both the glamour and glitz of the roaring 20’s (experiencing his first drink of alcohol) and suffering and pain of the Great Depression in the 1930’s. Having eventually given up on trying to find a way back and accepting his fate, he set out to find his place in this new world. Taking on the guise of a private investigator in 1928 (As he found the police to be severely ineffective) and had taken up residence in a small flat near downtown. These days, he’s known as Detective Greatshield.

His old Helmet is on Display in his office and from time to time he would reminisce about his old life in Equestria, much to the confusion of his clients, who would sometimes be present during these times of remembering.