Millenia after fleeing the Cataclysm that destroyed their homeworld, the globular cluster that has come be known the Forge is home to all manner of creatures. The old powers that launched the Exodus are long gone, and the current settlements live on their bones, scavenging what they can from the ancient magitech.

When a unicorn named Rutile Quartz learns of a sealed Crystal Empire vault that is speculated to be the tomb of the last alicorn empress, she swears a vow to help the researcher in search of it find and open the vault to learn the secrets within.

In the Forge, a vow is more binding than the strongest of magics, something the sworn will sacrifice anything to see done. But everything has a price, and the pony who sets hoof in the ancient Imperial vault may not be the same one who leaves it.

An entry in the 2023 Science Fiction contest.
A crossover with the TTRPG Ironsworn Starforged. Familiarity with the game is not required.
Other tag is for reindeer, umbrum, and Rabia
A branch in the Eventide multiverse.
Also check out author Ko-Fi and commissions.