Original Thread Reference
As of 11/30/12
Offical Unit Reference Guide.
(Please don't post in this thread)
Regular units:
Ponies
Earth ponies:
Earth ponies serve as your basic infantry units. They are particulary effective against Unicorns, provided they can close the distance. They are also responisible for protecting freindly Unicorn units against enemy Earth Ponies. Against Pegasi they have practicaly no defense; they rely on freindly Pegasi units to keep the skies clear.
Pegasi:
Pegasi serve as your airbourne units. Their primary use is to protect the ground-based units from air attack. The ranged attacks of Unicorns can prove moderatley effective against Pegasi.
Unicorns:
Unicorns provide you with ranged attacks. They are primarily used to bombard other ground-based units, and to shield themselves and their allies from enemy ranged attacks. They can also be used in an anti-air role if needed. In close combat, they are at a particular disavantage.
The Crystal Empire
Crystal Knights:
Heavily armored, armed with a lance and well trained, they can outmatch any other form of infantry and their plate armor offers almost complete protection from most ranged , but they are vulnerable to airborne attacks or more modern forms of firearms.
Crystal Mages:
Relying on advanced healing magic to heal injured comrades, these ponies are extremely vulnerable to all sorts of attacks, but they are well able to keep a unit of ponies from dying for as long as needed. The religion the Mages follow states that they cannot draw blood... So they just bash your skull in with a mace instead.
Legions of Chaos
Timberwolves:
As the name suggests, Timberwolves are vicious wolves made entirely out of wood. They are creations of Discord, a left-over from the First War of Chaos. As they are basically living pieces of wood, they are fairly weak, although they compensate for this by attacking in large packs. Bladed weapons are particulary effective against them, and they are deathly afraid of fire, for the obvious reason that they are reasonably easy to set alight.
Manticore:
The manticore is another of Discord's previous creations. It has the body of a lion, a scorpion's tail, and a pair of bat wings that enable it to fly very well. With a mouth with shark-like rows of sharp teeth, razor-sharp claws, and the ability to launch it's poisonous sting at its enemies, it is a deadly creature indeed. However, they are particularly susceptible to magical and ranged attacks.
Cockatrice:
Yet another of Discord's twisted hybrid creatures, Cockatrice are fearsome, dangerous creatures that have the head of a chicken and the body of a snake. Prolonged direct eye contact with these creatures results in the victim slowly turning to stone, but this petrifying effect can be reversed through the use of magic, although it requires considerable time and effort. In addition to this, it's claws and beak are razor-sharp, and can slice the flesh of unarmored targets with relative ease.
Humans
Greater Human Empire
Imperial Riflemen:
The ranged infantrymen. They are armed with Martini-Henry breach-loading rifles that are fairly acurate at all distances. They can use bayonets to defend themselves effectivley in close-quater-combat.
Imperial Anti-tank Riflemen:
Eqquiped with Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr anti-tank rifles and sticky grenades, this unit has the sole purpose of destroying armored targets. Against airbourne and infantry attacks, they have very little defense.
Imperial Machinegunners:
Armed with the deadly Vickers machinegun, this unit consists of just four men: One man to fire the gun, another to load the gun, and two more men to run ammo up to the gun. With an incredible rate of fire, these guns can decimate charging infantry. However, the gun is heavy, unwieldly, and slow to set up and dismantle. This means the crews are almost completley exposed if caught out in the open or by suprise.
The Democratic Republic of Man
Republican Riflemen:
The ranged infantrymen. They are armed with Martini-Henry breach-loading rifles that are fairly acurate at all distances.
Republican Anti-tank Riflemen:
Eqquiped with Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr anti-tank rifles and sticky grenades, this unit has the sole purpose of destroying armored targets. Against airbourne and infantry attacks, they have very little defense.
Shredders:
The close combat infantrymen. They are armed with everything from spears, to swords, to axes, and even machetes. They are very uselful for both offensive and defensive purposes, but are vulnerable to ranged and air attacks.
The Commonwealth
Combat Engineers :
Combat engineers are important part of the Commonwealth's army. They are able to build defensive positions such as small walls using timber, tremches, etc. Wielding six-shot revolvers, pickaxes, shovels, axes, and other such tools, their strength can also be used effectively in up close melee combat. However, as a primarily support and defensive unit, they cannot be sent into an attack, instead staying within the proximity of their constructions.
Commonwealth Riflemen: Frontiersmen in service, they carry lever action rifles. They have generally good aim and are most effective in medium range, with effectiveness lowering at closer ranges, at a rate relative to how many enemy units remain. They have somewhat decent effectiveness against air units.
Commonwealth Machinegunners: Armed with the deadly Vickers machinegun, this unit consists of just four men: One man to fire the gun, another to load the gun, and two more men to run ammo up to the gun. With an incredible rate of fire, these guns can decimate charging infantry. However, the gun is heavy, unwieldly, and slow to set up and dismantle. This means the crews are almost completley exposed if caught out in the open or by suprise.
Commonwealth Sharpshooters:
The Commonwealth Sharpshooters are highly trained marksman who operate in pairs. They engage targets from concealed positions and at distances exceeding the detection capabilities of the enemy personnel, without being detected. These sniper teams operate independently, with little combat asset support from their parent units.
Gryphons
Gryphon Heavy Infantry:
Despite having wings, some Gryphons choose to fight on foot. Carrying an array of clubs, spears, swords and axes, they are particulary effective against ranged units, provided they can close the distance.
Hippogriff Light Infantry:
Hippogriffs are the offspring of a Gryphon and a mare. They are looked down upon by all true Gryphons as a lower class of life. Because of this, they are not given any weapons other than the ones they are born with: Beaks, talons and hooves. They are primarily used as cannon-fodder, as they are fairly ineffective in any kind of combat. Because of this fact, most are forced into the role. Many will flee if given the chance, so they must be accompanied at all times by Gryphon Enforcers to prevent this.
Gryphon Enforcers:
Armed with vicious cat-o-nine-tails whips, Gryphon Enforcers ensure that any of the other units do not break and flee from the battle. And the whips can be used just as effectively against the enemy too, although they rely more on their reputation of brutality than combat skill, as the whips are rarely fatal.
Zebras
Zebra Warriors:
Less powerful than Earth ponies, but more nimble. They can cover ground more easily. They are armed with long spears.
Zebra Shamans:
They can't manage a fight directly, but they can help turn the tide of battle in the Zebras' favor. They have potions that boast the physical capacity of their fellow zebras in different ways for short periods of time. They can also create illusions to distract, frighten, for confuse the enemy. However, despite this, they are rather weak in up close combat.
Shadow Army
Wretchlings:
Wretchlings are small humanoids that many consider little more than a nuisance. Whilst they are individually weak, they can be dangerous in gangs. In battle, they carry maces and small, round shields. They are sometimes used as scouts, but they are primarily used as cannon-fodder.
Oozes:
Oozes are slimy, shapeless masses of semi-translucent green goo that live only to eat. They are slow to move, but they attack with an acid touch that dissolves weapons, melts armour, and corrodes flesh. They are hard to kill via physical attacks, but for some reason, they are highly combustable. Throw a lit match into a pit full of oozes, and they'll all explode into flame.
Howl-fiends:
Part-man, part hyena, Howl-fiends are evil, human-sized bipedal carnivores that wander in loosely-knit tribes. Carrying vicious axes, crossbows, and strange, crescent-shaped shields, they are the light infantry units of the Shadow Army. Thanks to their animal heritage, they are deathly afraid of fire, so much so that they will become nervous at the mere scent of smoke!
Changelings
Changeling Drones:
The core of the Changeling Hive. They use their fangs and jagged hooves as sharp weapons. They can take on the form of their enemies. They are hive minded allowing them to work perfectly as one. Their primary attack strategy is to swarm their enemies from the ground and air. However, they don't work well on the defensive side and have low endurance.
Hatchling:
When Changelings mature, they develop the ability to feed off love. When they are premature, however, they must feed on flesh, as they have no love-draining ability yet. They are generally mindless, the only real signals they can recognize are from the Queen. They are small, have thin exoskeletons, and no wings, but their teeth are razor sharp. On their own, they are very weak, but in large numbers they will swarm enemies and eat them alive. They are mostly used as cannon fodder.
Changeling Warriors:
Because the regular Drones are not useful for defense, Hades Drones are hatched for that exact purpose. Their exoskeletons are much thicker and less jagged and they are heavier. Their main combat ability is conjuring powerful green fire. Because of their weight, they are slow moving but it also gives them much bucking power. Also, because of their weight, they can barely maneuver or go fast when flying and mainly use their wings to hover. However, this also gives them a helicopter-like personna, allowing them to shoot fire from above. They can also use their weight for fast, airborne dives.
The Grand Pack
Battle Hounds:
Dogs who are highly trained in the arts of riping the enemy up and are armed with deadly strap-on claw blades. When in combat, they always go straight for their enemies' weak points, as is their training. They always watch each others backs in battle, but aren't to smart, however. They can also defend themselves from air attacks fairly well, although ranged attacks are a danger.
Guard Dogs:
Dogs who are specifically trained to defend an area. They watch their backs, just like Battle Hounds, but are not as headstrong. They will defend the assigned position with their lives and will not stray from it unless absolutely necessary. They are armed with simple spears and shields.
Naval Units:
Naval units are separated by race rather than individual factions, although there are a few exceptions to this rule. The Zebrican Tribes do not posses any warships, as their country is entirely landlocked. Equestrian and Gryphon vessels do not carry cannon, as neither race has discovered gunpowder. Instead, they rely on various siege weapons mounted on ships. Only human ships carry cannons.
Gryphon Vessels:
Raider Class:
Raider class ships are fast, light and agile. They are easy to sail and can be operated with a small crew. They are extremely seaworthy and can stay at sea in bad weather, when larger ships often have to remain in port. However, these ships are not designed for prolonged combat. They rely on speed and surprise to get in close to targets and fire flaming ballista shots into the sails and hull, aiming to set enemy vessels alight.
Basic Info: Raider Class
Crew: 15
Armament: 8 Ballista
Range: Short
Interceptor Class:
Interceptor class ships are mainly used for hunting down large, well-armed, but slow moving ships. The catapults onboard these ships are used to hole enemy boats below the waterline and sink them. While not as fast as Raider class ships, they have at least twice the firepower. Sometimes these vessels are also used to escort larger warships.
Basic Info: Interceptor Class
Crew: 35
Armament: 4 catapults, 16 ballista
Range: Short to medium
Siege Class:
Siege class ships are the best warships available to the Gryphon Navy. These ships are used for bombarding shore fortifications, and for destroying other warships. Armed with trebuchets for long range combat, they are formidable vessels indeed. However, they are fairly slow, and can easily be caught by faster, more agile ships. Getting as close as possible to these ships is a good tactic for smaller vessels, as it puts them out of the field of fire of the trebuchets and catapults.
Basic Info: Siege Class
Crew: 65
Armament: 2 Trebuchets, 4 catapults, 12 ballista
Range: Long to medium
Special units:
Royal Guard (Unicorns):
Their training in close combat allows them to hold their own, and in some cases overpower Earth pony and other infantry units. Secondly, their experience in magic also allows them to be used more effectively in an anti-air role.
Royal Guard (Pegasi):
Pegasi Royal Guard units are trained in close-combat, alowing them to hold their own against Earth pony and other infantry units. This means that, as well as attacking from the air, they can also land and seize strategic positions behind enemy lines.
Solar/Lunar Knights:
The elite soilders of the Royal Guard, they use their magic to dual wield deadly type of short sword known as the Gladius. On the battlefield, the Solar/Lunar Knights serve as the Princesses's personal bodyguard.
Royal Assasins:
Every Monarchy needs a team of good assasins. These Unicorns are experts in illusion spells, meaning that they can make themselves invisible to the naked eye. In battle, they wield long daggers, and are primarily used to attack officers and other important figures. However, they must un-cloak before they can attack.
Hydra:
The hydra has four heads on snake-like necks and a large, orange, dragon-like body, with only two legs and no wings or arms. Surrounded by a cloud of noxious gas that eventually blinds anyone who stays close to it for too long, whenever a head is cut off, two more grow in it's place. The only effective method of killing a hydra is piercing it's heart, or simply crushing the four original heads with blunt force trauma.
Zebra Chieftans:
Faster than Earth Ponies, they are naturaly tactically minded. They can mark objectives for friendly units to attack and can rally units to them.
Zebra Hunters:
The scouts. They rely on stealth and guerilla tactics to defeat foes. They are much faster than all other Zebra units but also weaker than Warriors. They can scout enemy positions using stealth. They are highly useful for ambushes and can draw enemies into traps. They are also armed with short spears, known as iklwa, and can track enemies long distances.
Shadow Wraiths:
Formless, yet fearsome ghostly creatures, shadow wraiths despise all living things. They can pass through walls, and their incorporeal attacks ignore any armour the victim might be wearing. However, in daylight their powers are severely diminished, and concentrated beams of light will kill them almost immediately.
Murk Trolls
Murk Trolls are massive, powerful creatures. Accompanied by the putrid stench of rotting flesh, they are too stupid to feel fear. Even when they are injured, they have a unique regeneration ability that allows them to heal wounds fairly quickly. They only attack when they are hungry - which is all the time. With powerful fists and feet, they smash and trample any enemies in their path. The easiest way to bring down a troll is to cut off the limbs, and then the head. However, inflicting lots of minor injuries will also kill a troll, as long as you can wound it faster than it can heal it's injuries. Fire has the same sort of effect, overpowering the Murk Troll's regeneration abilities. Massive head trauma and crushing are also viable methods, as is simply blowing a Troll pieces.
Grave-tiller Worms:
Grave-tiller worms feast on decaying flesh... But they are quite happy to attack living victims regardless. Slug-like in appearance, they attack with paralysing tentacles, dragging unfortunates to their doom.
Mark V tank:
The Mark V tank is a huge, slow, steel terror that is almost unstoppable. Armed with two 6-pounder (57-mm) guns that fire high explosive shells, and four machine guns, rifle bullets just bounce off the armour of this metal beast. They can decimate infantry that are caught in the open. The only way to take one out is with anti-tank rifles, or another tank.
A7V Tank "The Moving Fortress":
Much like the Mark V, this tank is slow, ungainly and very, very dangerous. Armed with one 6-pounder (57-mm) gun that fires high explosive shells, and six machine guns, rifle bullets just bounce off the armour of this metal beast. They can decimate infantry that are caught in the open. The only way to take one out is with anti-tank rifles, or another tank.
Trappers:
Perhaps the weakest of the Republican soldiers. They are experts at setting all kinds of deadly booby traps, which are very difficult to detect and disarm. They are armed with tomahawks at close range, but can't defend themselves forever. It also takes them a while to set their traps, making them vulnerable when doing so. They should always be protected when setting traps.
Troopers:
The most elite Republican soldiers. They are armed with a mix of lever-action shotguns, that can hold five rounds at a time, or lever-action rifles that hold 15 rounds, but have to be reloaded by pushing one bullet in at a time, slowing the reloading proccess. They carry short-handled axes for close combat. They focuse purely on unconventional warfare, inlcuding, flanking, ambushing, and guerilla tactics, as well as most kinds of covert operations.
Huntsmen:
They are they skilled trackers of the Commonwealth, armed with crossbows and large hunting knives. As skilled trackers and with quiet weapons, they make good short to short-medium range stealth units. They also have the ability to set up fairly simple traps, such as spike pits.
Gryphon Mercenaries:
They function in the same way that the Pegasi Royal Guard units do, except that they carry crossbows, so they can fire at targets on the ground from the air. However, they are brave, arrogant and headstrong soilders, so they cannot be tacticaly withdrawn from combat: Once they are committed to an attack, you can't send them to attack something else. It also means that attempting to draw the enemy in with these troops is also imposible.
The King's Bodyguard:
These Gryphons are the personal bodyguard of the Gryphon King. They are responsible for protecting the King from his enemies, both on and off the battlefield. They are heavily armoured, and are armed with deadly Zweihänder swords. They are a force to be reckoned with, but they have one weakness: Due to the large size of the weapons they carry, they cannot use them in flight, nor can they be used in small areas, where there is no room to swing them.
Crystal slingers: Using a slings, these units launch enchanted crystals that explode upon impact, sending razor sharp fragments in every direction, causing serious injuries to anyone unfortunate to be caught in the blast. Crystal slingers use massed volleys to compensate for the inaccuracy of their weapons. They are lightly armored and won't last long during melee combat.
Deceiver Drones - While most Changelings only copy the form of their enemies, Deceiver Drones are powerful enough to copy their form and personality. As their name inplies, they are deceivers. Their main purpose to infiltrate the enemy and break them apart from the inside. However, staying in the enemy form drains their power and they must eventually change back to recharge.
Blood Hounds - If Dogs are the best hunters in the world, Blood Hounds are the best of the best. They can follow the trail of the enemy with just the slightest scent. There is almost no way to evade their detection; their barks and growls are a clear sign that they know you're close. However, they do not use stealth, but create terrible howls to strike fear into their prey. In the end, no one can escape or hide from them, you best take them head on. Besides their claws and teeth, their weapons are crossbows with are effective at medium to close range.
Other units:
Artillery:
Catapults:
Medium to short-range artillery. Usefull against infantry, provided they are shielded from said enemy infantry by freindly infantry units. Slow to move, exposed to attacks from the air.
Battering ram:
Can break down gates or sections of wall. While being slow to move, any units using this item are protected from ranged attacks. Exposed to infantry attack.
Trebuchet:
Medium to long-range artillery. Useful for smashing towers and breaking down walls. Slow to move. Exposed to infantry and air attack.
Siege Tower:
Allows infantry access to the walls. Once it is in place, multiple units can move through it up onto the walls. Exposed to air attack, and ranged attacks to some degree.
Ballistae:
A ranged missile weapon that fires large spears. Particulary useful against airbourne units, athough it can also be used against ground troops with moderate effectiveness. Slow to move.
Heroes:
Princess Celestia:
While some other rulers falsely claim to be gods, Celestia certainly has the grounds to make such a claim. With increadible magical power, control of the sun, and immortality to boot, she is a being of immense power.
In battle, asides from her magic, she wields an elegant sabre, wreathed in magical flames.
Although she is immortal, she is not invincible. A sword, an arrow or a spell could still her life.
Princess Luna:
Freed from her torment by the soul of a demon that possessed her body and turned her into Night Mare Moon, Princess Luna feels intense remorse over her actions. What she wants more than anything is to take her rightful place beside her sister once more. And, like her sister, she wields increadible magical power, possesses immortality and the ability to control the moon. In battle, she wields a sabre identical to her sister's, except hers is engulfed in a freezing blue mist.
Discord:
His head is horse-like, with a deer antler on the right, a goat horn on the left, one long fang, different-sized pupils, a snake tongue, a goat beard, the right arm of a lion, the left claw of an eagle, the right leg of a lizard, the left leg of a goat, a bat's right wing, a Pegasus' left wing, a horse's mane and a dragon-like snake's tail, Discord is a bizarre sight to behold. He holds sway over many of the more dangerous animals of Equestria, and is capable of practically anything. Aside from his immensely powerful, reality altering magic, and his mind-controlling powers, he is clever and cunning, making him a dangerous opponent. He may even deliberately loose a battle just because he finds it amusing, but he will always win the war.
Shining Armour:
The current Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armour will do anything for his troops, making him a likeable and charismatic leader. He can also cast advanced magical shields to protect a large area from projectile attack. Aside from his magic he also uses a short-sword in battle.
Twilight Sparkle:
Personal student of Princess Celestia, Twilight is also the element of magic. Asides from her great magical prowess, she wields an elegant dagger, given to her as a present by her teacher.
Rarity:
A dressmaker by trade, rarity is an expert at manipulating objects through magic. Aside from this, she also uses an expensive rapier, handed down to her by her father, a now retired Guard Captian.
Fluttershy:
Timid by name and nature, Fluttershy possesses the unusual ability to control animals through direct eye contact. While she is horrified at the idea of warfare, she can summon various animals to defend her and her friends.
Rainbow dash:
Rainbow dash's incredible speed and unswerving loyalty to her friends makes fighting her a intimidating prospect. Her cocky bravado emboldens those around her to fight harder, but also to take greater risks.
Applejack:
Years of hard work on the farm has given Applejack increased strength, stamina and endurance, making her good in a fight.
Pinkie Pie:
So far the only earth pony known to able to teleport, Pinkie Pie also possesses the strange ability to predict the near future, making her impossible to hit with all but the fastest projectiles. Her incessant joking and general silliness also gives everyone around her a morale boost. However, many suspect that she is mentally unstable, and may break if exposed to prolonged combat.
King Razorbeak:
A charismatic and powerful leader, King Razorbeak is well-known for his cunning intellect. Like most other Gryphons, he is rather fond of war. In battle, he uses a vicious axe, along with a rounded wooden shield with a spike in the centre.
Ivan, The Great and Terrible God-Emperor of Mankind:
Ivan is the self-proclaimed God-Emperor of mankind. He rules his empire with an iron fist, eliminating any and all who get in his way. While he is not actualy a god, he likes to think he is. However, he does posses great physical strength. In battle, he wields a pair of revolvers, as well as a cutlass. Physicaly and psychologically intimidating, he commands both fear and respect from his men.
Brobding the giant
Whilst Brobding is not actually a giant, he is an unusually tall man, standing just over 7 foot high. Possesing almost insane strength, he serves as Ivan's personal bodyguard. Though he may look dumb, he possesses great cunning. This makes him a dangerous enemy. In battle he prefers to use his fists, or a huge, double-bladed axe.
Prime Minister Viktor
The younger brother of Emperor Ivan, and just as big and just strong. However, he is unlike his brother in almost every way in terms of personality. He is charismatic, he cares about his men, and doesn't fancy himself as a god. He weilds a lever action shotgun, as well as spiked gloves on his hands for more deadly punching power.
Galen:
One of the best engineers of the Republic and Viktor's closest friend. He weilds a double-barreled shotgun, more powerful than a lever action shotgun, but it carries less shots. He also uses a katana in battle
Weponised Robotic Lifeform ( W.R.L ):
No-one knows who created W.R.L, or even where he came from. He was found inside a sealed chamber, deep underground, by a team of Commonwealth engineers who had simply been searching a cave system for useful mineral deposits. When approached, W.R.L woke from what he refers to as "Stasis mode". The engineers discovered that he could follow advanced commands, and so put him to use on the battlefield as their ulitmate defensive weapon. W.R.L has a humanoid form, although he stands at about 315 feet, or about 96 meters. W.R.L's full loadout is as follows: Six fully automatic miniguns with a lazer-guided aiming system, four shoulder-mounted, multi-barreled rocket launchers, and, of course, his huge fists and feet. W.R.L is able to replace his own ammunition, as long as he is provided the nessercary materials. Whilst being virtualy indestructible thanks to his super-hard armour, W.R.L must return to the chamber in which he was found, in order to re-charge, thus limiting his range somewhat.
Night Mare Moon:
With the civil war going badly, Luna has been seeking out new sources of power. Finding a strange black necklace containing the soul of a demon, she puts it on, thinking that she can control it. The demon soul instantly overpowers her, possessing her body and transforming her into Night Mare Moon. In addition to physical changes, such as enhanced strength and stamina, she can also use powerful dark magic. In battle, she uses a pair of long daggers, wreathed in a dark fire that causes even the smallest cut from these blades to be extremely painful.
Queen Chrysalis :
She is powerful enough to drain love from an enemy and spread it around to energize her Changelings. She can also comunicate with all Changelings through thought and can dictate strategy to all units. She can usually be found at some kind of vantage point where she can observe the battle and direct her Changelings.
King Sombra:
King Sombra began his life as just another Unicorn. However, his insatiable lust for power soon put him at odds with the authorities. Fleeing into the frozen north, he very nearly died out there. Freezing to death, he made an unholy pact with Kronos, King of the Titans and Lord of Hell. In return for immortality and almost unlimited magical power, Sombra gave the Titan King his soul, and the promise that he would lead Kronos's armies out of Tartarus to terrorise the world above. He quickly seized the Crystal Empire, forcing the population into slavery.Aside from his mastery over dark magic, King Sombra wields a scythe so sharp that it is said that the blade cuts the very air in two when it is swung. Through Celestia and Luna's timely intervention, he was defeated. But they failed to kill him. 1000 years later, He returned a second time, his power greatly diminished, and he was defeated yet again. But still he did not die. Now he has returned a third time. Stronger. Cruller. Cleverer. Only this time, his armies have emerged from hiding with him. Now King Sombra seeks revenge against those who have defeated him in the past, and to achieve his ultimate goal: To free the Titans from their prison in the depths of Tartarus, and have them destroy the entire planet.
Zecora:
A powerful zebra shaman, her potions are unusually powerfull. She is also the only one who knows how to create a potion that, when thrown at the enemy, causes them to attack any nearby units, be they freind or foe.
Rex :
In a pack, the overall leader is the Pack Alpha. In which case, Rex is the Pack Alpha of The Grand Pack, calm, calculating, and intelligent. He is old, even by Human standards, but is still in good fighting shape. His weapons are fighting gloves covered in gem shards.
Ace :
Ace is the Alpha of the Blood Hounds. He has extremely keen sense of smell and is said to be able to detect enemies from miles away. He uses a crossbow that fires barbed bolts, that can only be removed from a victim by physicaly cutting the bolt out of the flesh.
Yankee - The rough and tough First Alpha of the Battle Hounds. He's rather short and not as strong as most dogs, but that is no reason to underestimate him. He's a very skilled fighter and not afraid to go up against the toughest of enemies and is not easily intimidated. His weapon is a Mace.
Dragons:
Common dragon: Known to most through their ability to breathe fire and their love of treasure, these dragons are the most common in the equestrian world. Able to speak in multiple languages, they shed their skins once every three years.
Lair: A mountain or sea cave in an isolated area.
Dimensions (Adult) 45 feet long; 13 to 17 feet high.
Coloration: Red, green, black, purple, yellow or occasionally gold.
Forms of attack: Flame, tail, claws, teeth.
Average life span: 500 years
Frost dragon: These dragons spend most of their time in dark, winter climates. They are excellent fliers, able to dodge all but the fastest projectiles. They can also speak multiple languages.
Lair: A sea-facing cave hollowed out from a glacier or iceberg.
Dimensions (Adult): 40 feet long; 12 to 15 feet high.
Coloration: White, light blue or grey.
Forms of attack: "Ice breath", tail, claws, teeth.
Average life span: 350 years
Knucker: Found in damp, swampy or boggy locations, these creatures are serpentine in appearance. They only have vestigial wings and cannot fly.
Lair: A deep pond, well or cave.
Dimensions (Adult): 30 feet long; 3 to 6 feet high.
Coloration: Leathery brown, dull red, greenish blue.
Forms of attack: Venomous bite, constriction.
Average life span: 150 years
Wyvern: Unlike most other dragons, the wyvern only has two legs. It is also the largest form of dragon.
Lair: A rocky crag, sand dunes or grass.
Dimensions (Adult) 60 feet long; 20 feet high.
Coloration: Lime green to muddy brown.
Forms of attack: Flame, teeth, claws, tail, dropping from great heights.
Average life span: 600 years
Unit statistics and abilities are liable to change. Common sense must be used when determining the strengths and weaknesses of units. A Player-vs-Player thread will be posted at some point, along with a list of rules for PvP battles.
Suggestions are welcome, athough there are a few rules:
When suggesting new factions, all units used by that faction must also be included with the suggestion.
When suggesting new units, they must be assigned to an existing faction or factions.
Any suggested unit must have at least one weakness that can be exploited.
Scenarios and Battlegrounds can also be suggested. These do not need to be sent to the author. You can post your own Scenario threads, but they can only involve the unit types mentioned here.
Suggested equipment or siege weapons cannot be faction-specific, although an exception may be made for human weapons.
Please be patient when submiting suggestions. I cannot be online all the time, and it may take me a while to get back to you.
All suggestions must be sent via private messages to the author, Bloodpool.
Factions
~United Equestrian Empire- (After Luna's return)
(Solar Empire- Ponies)
(New Lunar Republic- Ponies)
Legion of Chaos
~Gryphon Kingdom- Gryphons
(Gryphon Loyalists- Gryphons)
(Gryphon Sepratists- Gryphons)
United Zebrican Tribes- Zebras
Changeling Hive- Changelings
~Greater Human Empire- Humans
(The Democratic Republic of Man)
(The Commonwealth)
The Grand Pack - Dogs
The Crystal Empire - Crystal ponies
Factions in brackets () are splinter groups of the above faction marked with the ~ symbol, and therefore have accsess to the same, if not simmilar unit types.
==+==
PWG Era - Pre-Season 3/Additional Factions/Human Tech Update
Can also be found here.
A tie-in to Bloodpool's combat scenarios. These are the existing units:
Soldier units:
Ponies
Earth ponies:
Earth ponies serve as your basic infantry units. They are particulary effective against Unicorns, provided they can close the distance. They are also responisible for protecting freindly Unicorn units against enemy Earth Ponies. Against Pegasi they have practicaly no defense; they rely on freindly Pegasi units to keep the skies clear.
Pegasi:
Pegasi serve as your airbourne units. Their primary use is to protect the ground-based units from air attack. The ranged attacks of Unicorns can prove moderatley effective against Pegasi.
Unicorns:
Unicorns provide you with ranged attacks. They are primarily used to bombard other ground-based units, and to shield themselves and their allies from enemy ranged attacks. They can also be used in an anti-air role if needed. In close combat, they are at a particular disavantage.
Gryphons
Gryphon Heavy Infantry:
Despite having wings, some Gryphons choose to fight on foot. Carrying an array of clubs, spears, swords and axes, they are particulary effective against ranged units, provided they can close the distance.
Hippogriff Light Infantry:
The offspring of a Gryphon and a mare. They are looked down upon by all true Gryphons as a lower class of life. Because of this, they are not given any weapons other than the ones they are born with: Beaks, talons and hooves. They are primarily used as cannon-fodder, as they are fairly ineffective in any kind of combat. Because of this fact, most are forced into the role. Many will flee if given the chance, so they must be accompanied at all times by Gryphon Enforcers to prevent this.
Gryphon Enforcers:
Armed with vicious cat-o-nine-tails whips, Gryphon Enforcers ensure that any of the other units do not break and flee from the battle. And the whips can be used just as effectively against the enemy too, although they rely more on their reputation of brutality than combat skill, as the whips are rarely fatal.
Zebras
Zebra Warriors:
Less powerful than Earth ponies, but more nimble. They can cover ground more easily. They are armed with long spears.
Zebra Shamans:
They can't manage a fight directly, but they can help turn the tide of battle in the Zebras' favor. They have potions that boast the physical capacity of their fellow zebras in different ways for short periods of time. They can also create illusions to distract, frighten, for confuse the enemy. However, despite this, they are rather weak in up close combat.
Changelings
Changeling Drones
The core of the Changeling Hive. They use their fangs and jagged hooves as sharp weapons. They can take on the form of their enemies, however it will only fool them at a distance. They are hive minded allowing them to work perfectly as one. Their primary attack strategy is to swarm their enemies from the ground and air and cut them up. However, they don't work well on the defensive side and have low endurance.
Hatchlings
When Changelings mature, they develope the ability to feed off of magic. When they are premature, however, they must feed off of food, as they have no magical ability yet. They are generally mindless, the only real signals they can recognize are from the Queen. They are small, have thin exoskeletons, and no wings, but their teeth are razor sharp. On their own, they are totally weak, but in large numbers they will swarm enemies and eat them alive. They are mostly used as cannon fodder.
Changeling Warriors:
Because the regular Drones are not useful for defense, Hades Drones are hatched for that exact purpose. Their exoskeletons are much thicker and less jagged and they are heavier. Their main combat ability is conjuring powerful green fire. Because of their weight, they are slow moving but it also gives them much bucking power. Also, because of their weight, they can barely maneuver or go fast when flying and mainly use their wings to hover. However, this also gives them a helicopter-like personna, allowing them to shoot fire from above. They can also use their weight for fast, airborne dives.
Humans
Greater Human Empire
Musketeers:
These men are armed with Muskets, a device that uses gunpowder to fire a heavy lead ball at incredible speeds. The muskets are fairly inaccurate, so they are fired in massed ranks to compensate. These weapons can decimate charging infantry, and are reasonably effective against flying targets. They are slow to reload, and the men carrying them are exposed while doing so. They can use bayonets to defend themselves effectivley in close-quater-combat.
Sword and Buckler men:
Carrying a short sword and a small shield, these troops are used to protect the musketeers during the reloading process. They are effective against infantry, but they are completely exposed to air and ranged attacks.
Pikemen:
Carrying pikes in massed ranks, these men form highly effective defensive units. Positioned on a bridge, or in a gateway, they can hold off a small army. However, if they are caught in the open, or attacked from behind or to the sides, they can be easily slain. They are also completely exposed to air and ranged attacks.
The Democratic Republic of Man
Riflemen
The ranged infantrymen. They are armed with Martini-Henry breach-loading rifles that are very similiar to muskets, except with twice the accuracy, twice the range, and half the loading time.
Shredders
The close combat infantrymen. They are armed with everything from spears, to swords, to axes, and even machetes. They are very uselful for both offensive and defensive purposes, but are vulnerable to ranged and air attacks.
The Commonwealth
Combat Engineers:
Combat engineers are important supports to the Commonwealth army. They are able to build defensive positions such as small walls using timber, tremches, etc. Wielding pickaxes, shovels, axes, and other such tools, their strength can also be used effectively in up close melee combat. However, as a primarily support and defensive unit, they cannot be sent into an attack, instead staying within the proximity of their constructed structures.
Riflemen:
Frontiersmen in service, they carry lever action rifles. They have generally good aim and are most effective in medium range, with effectiveness lowering at closer ranges, at a rate relative to how many enemy units remain. They have somewhat decent effectiveness against air units.
Special units:
Elite Royal Guard:
Unicorns:
Their training in close combat allows them to hold their own, and in some cases overpower Earth pony and other infantry units. Secondly, their experience in magic also allows them to be used more effectively in an anti-air role.
Pegasi:
Pegasi Royal Guard units are trained in close-combat, alowing them to hold their own against Earth pony and other infantry units. This means that, as well as attacking from the air, they can also land and seize strategic positions behind enemy lines.
Solar/Lunar Knights:
The elite soilders of the Royal Guard, they use their magic to dual wield deadly type of short sword known as the Gladius. On the battlefield, the Solar/Lunar Knights serve as the Princesses's personal bodyguard.
Royal Assasins:
Every Monarchy needs a team of good assasins. These Unicorns are experts in illusion spells, meaning that they can make themselves invisible to the naked eye. In battle, they wield long daggers, and are primarily used to attack officers and other important figures. However, they must un-cloak before they can attack.
Zebra Chieftans:
The officers. They're physically superior to Earth Ponies and very tactically minded. They can mark objectives for friendly units to attack and can rally units to them.
Zebra Hunters:
The scouts. They rely on stealth and guerilla tactics to defeat foes. They are much faster than all other Zebra units but also weaker than Warriors. They can scout enemy positions using stealth. They are highly useful for ambushes and can draw enemies into traps. They are also armed with short spears, known as iklwa, and can track enemies long distances.
Gryphon Mercenaries:
They function in the same way that the Pegasi Royal Guard units do, except that they carry crossbows, so they can fire at targets on the ground from the air. However, they are brave, arrogant and headstrong soilders, so they cannot be tacticaly withdrawn from combat: Once they are committed to an attack, you can't send them to attack something else. It also means that attempting to draw the enemy in with these troops is also imposible.
The King's Bodyguard:
These Gryphons are the personal bodyguard of the Gryphon King. They are responsible for protecting the King from his enemies, both on and off the battlefield. They are heavily armoured, and are armed with deadly Zweihänder swords. They are a force to be reckoned with, but they have one weakness: Due to the large size of the weapons they carry, they cannot use them in flight, nor can they be used in small areas, where there is no room to swing them.
Deceiver Drones
While most Changelings only copy the form of their enemies, Deceiver Drones are powerful enough to copy their form and personality. As their name inplies, they are deceivers. Their main purpose to infiltrate the enemy and break them apart from the inside. However, staying in the enemy form drains their power and they must eventually change back to recharge.
Greater Human Empire
Saboteurs:
Carrying barrels full of explosive gunpowder, these brave men can make quick work of all but the strongest fortifications. Carrying a heavy barrel makes them exposed to virtually all kinds of attack, but infantry are the biggest threat. They are a one-time-use-only unit: Once they have attacked and detonated the gunpowder, they cannot attack again. Gunpowder is a dangerous and unpredictable thing, so saboteurs are often killed in premature explosions.
Zealots:
Fanatical in their devotion to the God-Emperor of mankind, these men are highly dangerous. Wielding heavy maces, these men will fight to the death. They will follow even the most insane orders, so great is their devotion.
Democratic Republic of Man
Trappers:
Perhaps the weakest of the Republican soldiers. They are experts at setting all kinds of deadly booby traps, which are very difficult to detect and disarm. They are armed with tomahawks at close range, but can't defend themselves forever. It also takes them a while to set their traps, making them vulnerable when doing so. They should always be protected when setting traps.
Troopers:
The most elite Republican soldiers. They are armed with a mix of lever-action shotguns, that can hold five rounds at a time, or lever-action rifles that hold an astonishing 15 rounds, but have to be reloaded by pushing one bullet in at a time, slowing the reloading proccess. They carry short-handled axes for close combat. They focuse purely on unconventional warfare, inlcuding, flanking, ambushing, and guerilla tactics, as well as most kinds of covert operations.
The Commonwealth
Huntsmen:
They are the skilled trackers of the Commonwealth, armed with bows and arrows and large hunting knives. As skilled trackers and with quiet weapons, they make good short to short-medium range stealth units. They also have the ability to set up traps.
Sharpshooters:
Armed with highly accurate single shot rifles (like the Sharps), they are highly effective in the medium to long range, with good accuracy against air units. They can be overcome by large masses (2:1) in the medium-short, and will most likely lose at short range.
Hero Units
Princess Celestia:
While some other rulers falsely claim to be gods, Celestia certainly has the grounds to make such a claim. With increadible magical power, control of the sun, and immortality to boot, she is a being of immense power.
In battle, asides from her magic, she wields an elegant sabre, wreathed in magical flames.
Although she is immortal, she is not invincible. A sword, an arrow or a spell could still her life.
Princess Luna:
Freed from her torment by the soul of a demon that possessed her body and turned her into Night Mare Moon, Princess Luna feels intense remorse over her actions. What she wants more than anything is to take her rightful place beside her sister once more. And, like her sister, she wields increadible magical power, possesses immortality and the ability to control the moon. In battle, she wields a sabre identical to her sister's, except hers is engulfed in a freezing blue mist.
Shining Armour:
The current Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armour will do anything for his troops, making him a likeable and charismatic leader. He can also cast advanced magical shields to protect a large area from projectile attack. Aside from his magic he also uses a short-sword in battle.
Twilight Sparkle:
Personal student of Princess Celestia, Twilight is also the element of magic. Asides from her great magical prowess, she wields an elegant dagger, given to her as a present by her teacher.
Rarity:
A dressmaker by trade, rarity is an expert at manipulating objects through magic. Aside from this, she also uses an expensive rapier, handed down to her by her father, a now retired Guard Captian.
Fluttershy:
Timid by name and nature, Fluttershy possesses the unusual ability to control animals through direct eye contact. While she is horrified at the idea of warfare, she can summon various animals to defend her and her friends.
Rainbow Dash:
Rainbow Dash's incredible speed and unswerving loyalty to her friends makes fighting her a intimidating prospect. Her cocky bravado emboldens those around her to fight harder, but also to take greater risks.
Applejack:
Years of hard work on the farm has given Applejack increased strength, stamina and endurance, making her good in a fight.
Pinkie Pie:
So far the only earth pony known to able to teleport, Pinkie Pie also possesses the strange ability to predict the near future, making her impossible to hit with all but the fastest projectiles. Her incessant joking and general silliness also gives everyone around her a morale boost. However, is suspicion that she is mentally unstable, and may break if exposed to prolonged combat.
King Razorbeak:
A charismatic and powerful leader, King Razorbeak is well-known for his cunning intellect. Like most other Gryphons, he is rather fond of war. In battle, he uses a vicious axe, along with a rounded wooden shield with a spike in the centre.
Nightmare Moon:
With the civil war going badly, Luna has been seeking out new sources of power. Finding a strange black necklace containing the soul of a demon, she puts it on, thinking that she can control it. The demon soul instantly overpowers her, possessing her body and transforming her into Nightmare Moon. In addition to physical changes, such as enhanced strength and stamina, she can also use powerful dark magic. In battle, she uses a pair of long daggers, wreathed in a dark fire that causes even the smallest cut from these blades to be extremely painful.
Queen Chrysalis
She is powerful enough to drain love from an enemy and spread it around to energize her Changelings. She can also comunicate with all Changelings through thought and can dictate strategy to all units. She can usually be found at some kind of vantage point where she can observe the battle and direct her Changelings.
Zecora:
A powerful zebra shaman, her potions are unusually powerfull. She is also the only one who knows how to create a potion that, when thrown at the enemy, causes them to attack any nearby units, be they freind or foe.
Ivan, The Great and Terrible God-Emperor of Mankind:
Ivan is the self-proclaimed God-Emperor of mankind. He rules his empire with an iron fist, eliminating any and all who get in his way. While he is not actualy a god, he likes to think he is. However, he does posses great physical strength. In battle, he wields a pair of multi-barrelled turret pistols, as well as a cutlass. Physicaly and psychologically intimidating, he commands both fear and respect from his men.
Brobding the giant
Whilst Brobding is not actually a giant, he is an unusually tall man, standing just over 7 foot high. Possesing almost insane strength, he serves as Ivan's personal bodyguard. Though he may look dumb, he possesses great cunning. This makes him a dangerous enemy. In battle he sometimes weilds an Elgin Cutlass pistol: essentialy a flintlock pistol with a bowie knife on the end. However, he prefers to use his fists, or a huge, double-bladed axe.
Prime Minister Viktor
The younger brother of Emperor Ivan, and just as big and strong. However, despite that, he is unlike his brother is almost every way in terms of personality. He is charismatic, he cares about his men, and doesn't fancy himself as a god. He weilds a lever action shotgun, as well as a chainsword, a weapon of his own invention.. He wears spiked gloves on his hands for more deadly punching power.
Galen
One of the best engineers of the Republic and Viktor's closest friend. He weilds a double-barreled shotgun, more powerful than a lever action shotgun, but it carries less shots. He also uses a katana in battle
Weponised Robotic Lifeform ( W.R.L )
No-one knows who created W.R.L, or even where he came from. He was found inside a sealed chamber, deep underground, by a team of Commonwealth engineers who had simply been searching a cave system for useful mineral deposits. When approached, W.R.L woke from what he refers to as "Stasis mode". The engineers discovered that he could follow advanced commands, and so put him to use on the battlefield as their ulitmate defensive weapon. W.R.L has a humanoid form, although he stands at about 315 feet, or about 96 meters. W.R.L's full loadout is as follows: Six fully automatic miniguns with a lazer-guided aiming system, four shoulder-mounted, multi-barreled rocket launchers, and, of course, his huge fists and feet. W.R.L is able to replace his own ammunition, as long as he is provided the nessercary materials. Whilst being virtualy indestructible thanks to his super-hard armour, W.R.L must return to the chamber in which he was found, in order to re-charge, thus limiting his range somewhat.
Artillery:
Catapults:
Medium to short-range artillery. Usefull against infantry, provided they are shielded from said enemy infantry by freindly infantry units. Slow to move, exposed to attacks from the air.
Battering ram:
Can break down gates or sections of wall. While being slow to move, any units using this item are protected from ranged attacks. Exposed to infantry attack.
Trebuchet:
Medium to long-range artillery. Useful for smashing towers and breaking down walls. Slow to move. Exposed to infantry and air attack.
Siege Tower:
Allows infantry access to the walls. Once it is in place, multiple units can move through it up onto the walls. Exposed to air attack, and ranged attacks to some degree.
Ballistae:
A ranged missile weapon that fires large spears. Particulary useful against airbourne units, athough it can also be used against ground troops with moderate effectiveness. Slow to move.
Naval Units:
Naval units are separated by race rather than individual factions, although there are a few exceptions to this rule. The Zebrican Tribes do not posses any warships, as their country is entirely landlocked. Equestrian and Gryphon vessels do not carry cannon, as neither race has discovered gunpowder. Instead, they rely on various siege weapons mounted on ships. Only human ships carry cannons.
Gryphon Vessels:
Raider Class:
Raider class ships are fast, light and agile. They are easy to sail and can be operated with a small crew. They are extremely seaworthy and can stay at sea in bad weather, when larger ships often have to remain in port. However, these ships are not designed for prolonged combat. They rely on speed and surprise to get in close to targets and fire flaming ballista shots into the sails and hull, aiming to set enemy vessels alight.
Crew: 15
Armament: 8 Ballista
Range: Short
Interceptor Class:
Interceptor class ships are mainly used for hunting down large, well-armed, but slow moving ships. The catapults onboard these ships are used to hole enemy boats below the waterline and sink them. While not as fast as Raider class ships, they have at least twice the firepower. Sometimes these vessels are also used to escort larger warships.
Crew: 35
Armament: 4 catapults, 16 ballista
Range: Short to medium
Siege Class:
Siege class ships are the best warships available to the Gryphon Navy. These ships are used for bombarding shore fortifications, and for destroying other warships. Armed with trebuchets for long range combat, they are formidable vessels indeed. However, they are fairly slow, and can easily be caught by faster, more agile ships. Getting as close as possible to these ships is a good tactic for smaller vessels, as it puts them out of the field of fire of the trebuchets and catapults.
Crew: 65
Armament: 2 Trebuchets, 4 catapults, 12 ballista
Range: Long to medium
Unit statistics and abilities liable to change. Suggestions welcome.
Factions
~United Equestrian Empire (After Luna's return)-Ponies
[Solar Empire]
[New Lunar Republic]
~Gryphon Kingdom- Gryphons
[Gryphon Loyalists]
[Gryphon Sepratists]
United Zebrican Tribes- Zebras
Changeling Hive- Changelings
~Greater Human Empire- Humans
[The Democratic Republic of Man]
[The Commonwealth]
Factions in square brackets [] are splinter groups of the above faction marked with the ~ symbol, and therefore have accsess to the same, if not similar unit types.
Suggestion rules:
-When suggesting new factions, all units used by that faction must also be included with the suggestion.
-When suggesting new units, they must be assigned to an existing faction or factions.
-Any suggested unit must have at least one weakness that can be exploited.
-Scenarios and Battlegrounds can also be suggested. These do not need to be sent to the author. You can post your own Scenario threads, but they can only involve the unit types mentioned here.
-Suggested equipment or siege weapons cannot be faction-specific, although an exception may be made for human weapons.
Battle #27: Enemies Unknown
[Warning: Story Heavy Introduction]
It's possible to play this strategy only, but it's much better if you play this like an RPG/dynamic battle; yes, that means you can write a short story. It's considerably story-heavy anyways. Going to be packed with scenario-specific info. Also, let's try something funky...
Quick notes:
New units! Refer here for assistance.
Alicorn Twilight Sparkle
Princess Cadance
Mercenary unit (see below)
Scenario-specific unit (see below)
Crystal Palace
Crystal Empire
2200 Hours (10:00 PM)
There was a moderate amount of activity in the Crystal Palace. Justified, in that they had a certain... situation to deal with. Most notable were two ponies sitting in a special room with a large fancy crystal table in the middle. Already stressed out by an earlier incident, they were on edge. Right now they were waiting for-
Two alicorns (and chests full of baggage) suddenly teleported into the room.
"Twily!" The white unicorn ran up to meet his sister. "And Princess Luna, of course."
Twilight gave her brother a curious look. "You don't address me by my title?" she jokingly asked.
"To me, you'll always be my little sister," Shining smiled. Of course, Twilight and Cadance also greeted each other (with their dance that the narrator will not bother with).
"So, why did you come, Twilight?" Cadance asked. "I thought only Luna was coming."
"Well," answered the purple alicorn, "Princess Celestia said that I should start learning how to deal with the situations that arise with being in such a high position. This is one of my first major assignments," she smiled.
"And as such," Luna added, "I am here to watch over her and advise her. I will attempt to lessen my role tonight."
"Three alicorns in the room. I feel so useless. Anyways," Shining said a little cautiously, "We should get down to business."
"So what's the full situation, Shining?" Twilight asked.
"Well, it's very concerning. Around two weeks ago, one of our scouts went missing. He reported seeing humans-"
"Humans? We know they exist, but far south. Where were they spotted?"
"It was a small group of around twenty, as he reported. He first spotted them when they were passing on the borders of Equestria and the Griffon Empire, heading north. He followed them, then had a last personal check-in with me, nearly two and a half weeks ago. Then he went back out to search for the wandering humans. The scout was supposed to come back in a couple of days, but since they can always get into a bind, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and waited a week."
"This scout," Princess Sparkle asked, "How skilled was he?"
"1st RSD; some of the best," Luna answered.
"That's correct, Princess Luna," Shining answered.
"How did you know?" Twilight asked. "And what does '1st RSD' mean?"
Shining lightly chuckled. "You still have a lot to learn, Twilight."
"He was stationed in Canterlot," replied Luna, "as he was not on out-of-country deployment at the time. They sometimes like to do border patrols even when not currently active. He reported back with this information to Celestia and me. We then allowed him to pursue this further, will full faith that he wouldn't fail."
Twilight gave a questioning look. "Why wasn't I informed of this?"
"Like your brother said, you still have much to learn. We will teach you everything slowly. That was a situation for which you were not ready to handle."
Twilight turned to Cadance. "Did you know about this?"
"It doesn't matter, but yes," the pink alicorn answered. "I am the ruler of the Crystal Empire. Border incursions are important to know about. Also, I obviously have more experience than you."
Twilight sighed. "Okay. Continue."
Shining did. "After a week had passed, I sent out soldiers north to look for him. It was a joint force of Equestrians and Crystal Ponies that volunteered. Unfortunately, it's been a week, and they haven't returned either."
"Luna, can't you look for them using the moonlight?" Twilight asked.
"I'm afraid not. The weather in the north has been cloudy for the past weeks. I can view no further north than the Crystal Empire."
"I also sent out another team of pegasi to search for them in the air yesterday," said Shining. "Hopefully, we'll find out what happened soon. Also, I forgot to mention- the humans were reportedly armed. For what purpose, we don't know."
"Hunters maybe? Could they have killed the ponies?" Twilight said with concern.
"Possibly, but something tells me that even if they were able to kill a highly trained scout, they wouldn't be able to fend off a force of more than 120 soldiers."
"Luna, remind me again why you brought me here?"
"To learn the stresses that we must deal with. Right now, the problem is to determine what comes next. What we will do," Luna advised. "Celestia knew you could handle it. Don't worry."
"Well," Shining started, "Get ready for the long haul. We're going to be here for a while..."
2348 Hours (11:48 PM)
"... So why haven't you used the early detection crystal towers?" Twilight asked.
"Well they don't exactly fare well when unpowered for long periods of time. The ones out there that didn't join the Empire when it disappeared hibernated while the Empire was in time stasis and we're not sure if they're in full operating condition, as well as the fact that we don't know where the manuals to the things are."
Twilight sighed in frustration. She couldn't even be too physically tired about it. Apparently being an alicorn grants added resistance to fatigue. However, just then a pegasus covered in medical wrappings slammed open the door.
"Prince Armor!" The voice brought worry to Shining Armor.
"Lieutenant. I hope that you have recovered enough from your blood loss."
"Enough to deliver what I found. I wish I could've gotten to you sooner, but, of course, I fell unconscious. Precious time wasted."
"No matter. Better that you be alive now than dead without telling us what you know. Continue."
"We were scouting up north as instructed. One late night, we found a large group in the forests in the mountains far north. The other four and I were assaulted early this morning. I only got a glimpse of it, but there were ponies and griffons hiding away. It was dark, but I'm sure they were wearing armor."
"Do they have a leader?"
"That is the worst part. The leader of the force itself is a pegasus that we had the unfortunate chance of encountering. In fact, it was only him that attacked us. Whether he serves a higher order, I don't know."
The other four shared a troubled look.
"And now, four more pegasi lost, all by the hoof of a single pony. I know not what happened to them."
"What do you know about this pegasus?" Shining asked. "Cutie mark maybe?"
"Identity-wise, not much. It was too dark to tell any defining features. Couldn't see his cutie mark if he had one. Uh, his eyes had blue irises I think, if that helps? More importantly he is a force to be reckoned with. Highly skilled fighter, despite fighting with hooves and knife only. And, I don't believe it myself, but he has the ability to teleport! I swear he's just a pegasus! He also spoke in this strange, uh, for lack of a better way to put it, evil voice."
"Okay!" Shining threw up his hooves in frustration. "Well that's certainly something. Do you know what they plan to do?"
"With a force like that, I suppose they'll try and attack the Crystal Empire. And by common sense, he's not going to wait longer for more-"
The table interrupted with an audible whir, projecting a holographic view of the Empire. The northern border of the Empire was focused in on, showing a substantial force of... an amalgamation of all sorts of soldiers.
"ALERT. NORTHWESTERN PERIMETER OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE HAS BEEN BREACHED. HOSTILE FORCES DETECTED," a voice spoke.
Twilight looked curious. "Anything else? It certainly sounds like the Empire can autonomously hold its own."
Shining Armor shook his head. "No. Unfortunately, that was the only thing we were able to reactivate in the Empire so far. It seems that King Sombra decided to sabotage some of the automated defense systems. We're still repairing them. Of the things that we do have information on, we're still retooling them and modernizing."
Ponies ran up to the unicorn, and he started relaying orders.
Twilight facehoofed. "So all you've got is a close warning system? Can't it do anything else?"
"Not as of now. We haven't gotten anything else running past the detection systems. Although it's possible to manually ask it to analyze something. Now, the sensor crystals that transmitted this were on the outer perimeter-"
"ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL TO OUTER CITY: TWO MINUTES."
"Two minutes?!" Twilight was frantic. "What do they want?!"
The scout pegasus spoke up. "Unfortunately, that I don't know. We'll have to see if we can figure out what exactly they want while we fight them off. I can say for sure though, it doesn't seem like they're here to burn and pillage."
"Shining Armor," Princess Luna started, "What are the defenses stationed in this city?"
"Contingents of regular armed forces and a number of Royal Guards, plus the soldiers of the Empire. Unfortunately, they're spread around the city. We'll have to reallocate troops while we're fighting at the same time. Actually, Cadance- can you put up a shield to stop them?"
"Just what I was thinking." The pink alicorn's horn glowed, and a blue dome rose around the outer city, trapping the invaders on the grass farther out.
"Caddy, are you going to prepare for battle or stay in the palace?"
"Battle? But why would Cadance fight?" Twilight cluelessly asked.
Cadance grinned. "Twilight, you still have a lot to learn." She turned to Shining Armor. "Depends. Time is of the essence. I can teleport upstairs and get my hoof blades ready, or I can fortify the force field more."
Twilight looked incredulous at Cadance, like she wanted to ask 'who are you'. Shaking it off, Twilight peered at the hologram. "Wait, are those gold Equestrian armor?" Twilight questioned.
They looked at the projection. "Yes, it is," Shining said sternly. "I guess now we know where our soldiers went."
Twilight looked at it even closer. "And aren't Royal Guard pegasi supposed to be white under the armor? They're black..." They all shared looks of distress.
Cadance noted something else. "Gryphons. Soldiers of the Kingdom in fact. And... what? Timberwolves? But how?"
Luna spoke. "I may know what this is. And it is not good; I must tell my sister as soon as possible, but now is also not the time. We must defend the Empire. Shining Armor, prepare for battle."
Just as they were about to move, the hologram focused in closer to the unknown force, now at the field wall. There was a dark-coated pegasus at the forefront, giving out orders.
"TRANSMITTING SOUND."
"Unicorns," the dark pegasus commanded in a dark voice similar to Sombra's, "Cut through the force field! We must get to the palace as quickly as we can!" He stared down the long road that led straight to the Crystal Palace.
"Aye sir." The unicorns shot beams of magic at the field.
"Also, I know you are watching us. I don't know who you are. Probably Guard Captain Armor, plus a couple others. I'm sure you know it already, but we're coming. Also, you will fail."
Cadance cringed at the impact of magic against the force field. "They certainly know what they're doing. I'm not sure if the field will last long. Perhaps another minute or so, then the city will be breached as well."
"The palace," said Shining. "They're coming here. At least now we know where to keep them away."
"Twilight, do you know another duty of a princess of Equestria?" Luna asked.
Twilight didn't like where this was going. "What?"
"To lead our subjects in battle. Now, it is your choice whether to go out now and fight, or wait until a later date. As it was, Celestia already had armor and a sword custom made for you." Luna levitated over two of the chests they brought with them, and placed it next to her. "I am prepared to step in. Will you?"
CRYSTAL EMPIRE ANALYZATION SYSTEMS
COMBAT DATA
--
We are currently under attack by an enemy of unknown origins from the northwest. The unit composition varies between ponies and gryphons. Compared to the number of soldiers stationed in the empire, they are few. However, strategically, they have a current advantage.
The Crystal Empire is divided into 6 sectors, roughly N, NWW, SWW, S, SEE, NEE. Our forces are spread an equal amount per each sector, meaning there is roughly equal numbers to combat the invaders at a certain time. We do not know how well they fight, but numbers fighting at a time must be kept high enough to keep them at bay.
The objective of the enemy is apparently the Palace, for what exact reason, unknown. We must prevent them from reaching here.
The battle will be fought on the streets, maybe even just the single main road, of the Crystal Empire. Naturally, buildings line the sides, and there is a straight view to the palace.
(For time reference, the path to the palace is divided in 6 parts. 3 divisions of the Outer City, 3 divisions of the Inner City)
INFORMATION CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT OFFICIAL UNIT REFERENCE GUIDE
UEE/CE
1075 UEE units:
200 Unicorns
100 Royal Guard Unicorns
200 Pegasi
140 Royal Guard Pegasi
300 Earth Ponies
035 Royal Assassins
1750 CE units:
1000 Crystal Knights
250 Crystal Mages
500 Crystal Slingers
Total forces: 2825
Rough count of units per sector:
33 Unicorns
16 RG Unicorns
33 Pegasi
23 RG Pegasi
50 Earth Ponies
166 C Knights
41 C Mages
83 C Slingers
Total per sector: 445
[!] A sectors worth of soldiers will reinforce you every turn/every city division.
[!] Royal Assassins are based in the Palace. They will be usable by the third Outer City part/turn.
Hero units:
Princess Luna
Twilight Sparkle (Alicorn)
Shining Armor
Princess/Master Assassin Cadance
Optional OC insert
[Enemy Unknown]
40 Unicorns
10 Royal Guard Unicorns
40 Pegasi
12 Royal Guard Pegasi
50 Earth Ponies
30 Crystal Knights
25 Crystal Mages
54 Gryphon Heavy Infantry
26 Gryphon Mercenaries
20 (To be announced)
120 Timberwolves
Total enemy forces: 427
Hero units:
Dark-coated pegasus. Identity unknown. Seems to be commander of army. Skilled fighter and flier. Ability to teleport seems to be hindered within the Crystal Empire to a couple meters, but nonetheless, it is still a deadly ability.
Objectives:
Do not let the enemy reach the Crystal Palace.
Secondary objectives:
Cause minimum damage to the Crystal Empire.
Do not lose a hero unit in battle.
Creator Notes/Help:
A. Are you sure you're ready for this commander? Maybe you should refresh a little and read some older scenarios, just in case. We've been off a long time. Especially helpful if you're going to attempt this in story form is Battle #13 "None Shall Pass". (Admittedly, it's kinda where I got the idea to do this.)
B. This is the beginning of a campaign. Depending how this goes, individual results can result in different future scenarios.
C. It is a sort of PvP. Think of me like the opposing AI. And as the 'AI', I may cheat, to keep something interesting, but I most likely won't.
D. Done dynamically, each turn you will present a plan. I will calculate results. Format is your choice. Feel free to add interactions and dialogue.
E. Naturally, hero unit usage is up to you.
F. That opening 'cutscene' sure was full of stuff.
Position your forces for the initial encounter, and I will calculate results. Also, be honest and say if you used a certain hint.
There will be a total of 6-7 possible turns:
Outer city 1 - 3
Inner city 1 - 3+Palace
Depending on the strategy you give, the enemy may be able to advance faster.
More specific strategies may increase your chance of winning.
Asking for reports or questions does not count as a turn.
Although, if you somehow do dialogue and it messes with it somehow, I'll allow more.
I suppose it's still possible to win even backed up to the palace.
[ ! ] Our forces are in battle.
