Ever since I started going to school with Mamma, I’ve slowly come to realize the limits of my literal baby brain. I’ve been forgetting things- often not long after I’ve learned them. Entire portions of the day are like a blackout where you snap back to reality doing something else entirely.

Hell, that’s basically how Gramma realized I was intelligent; I basically forgot that she wasn’t supposed to know, and I started jotting down notes in the living room. Boy, that was a fun conversation.

Anyways, on to the point I’m trying to make- I’m fucking terrified. I keep overwhelming myself with information and forgetting it soon after; so I’ve endeavored to just write everything down. This process took several months and counting. But I think I’ve gotten all the relevant information written down.

Okay, so the planet I inhabit is commonly referred to as Equus. It is home to two distinct continents.

Equestria is a continent inhabited almost exclusively by ponies, though there does exist sapient bison, Yaks, and some creature called a changeling as well. From what I’ve read ponies, unicorns especially, are particularly attuned to the ambient magic of this planet. At first I thought all the magic was just legend and superstition… Until Mamma took me out flying. She landed on a cloud and I about had a fucking conniption! Then she took me to a local sweet shop owned by a couple of unicorns, and imagine my shock when the clerk just casually floated a lollipop my way! As if Newton wasn’t spinning in his grave at the mere concept!

But enough of that nonsense. By comparison, the continent of Fellrock feels much more grounded in reality. It lies directly east of Equestria, and is home to Griffons, Minotaurs, Dragons (sort of), and Diamond Dogs. Yes, that’s what they are called.

I wish I was joking.

In the northern hemisphere of Fellstone lies The Griffonian Confederacy of Kingdoms, or The Confederacy. It is a mass of five disconnected but allied states. Each state has their own ruler, laws, and customs. In the event of national issues, they host a moot to resolve any issues. This prevents infighting and facilitates trade between the kingdoms.

Due to a distinct lack of bullshit magic, the Griffons have spearheaded many technological advancements. Most homes in major cities have electric lighting and gas cookware, trains connect all the major cities, and factory jobs have begun to encroach on the smaller cottage industries. All powered by good, clean, Griffonian coal.

As a side note, I feel it important to mention that firearms technology… doesn’t exist. That’s right; we’re still using spears, swords, bows, and armor. But no guns. Bah, I’m getting distracted again.

You may be wondering where all the coal comes from. Well maybe not; but I think it’s interesting. The mountainous regions to the north and south are rich with coal and gem deposits. But you see griffons, understandably, do not like the underground.

Diamond Dogs have no such qualms. In fact, they love being underground. You see, they are partial Lithovores- that is, they can somehow get nutrients and survive mainly on gems and minerals. Somehow. I won’t even pretend to understand the biology behind it. But that’s unimportant.

What is important is the fact that Griffons and Dogs have a sort of uneasy alliance. We allow their clans to mine out whatever minerals they want from our mountains, so long as they meet our coal quotas. And they can keep their gems, though some do wind up sold back to the griffons for jewelry purposes, as well as gold and copper.

This is… troubling. In all the books I’ve had time to read so far, none of them mention just how unsustainable this is. Whether from willful ignorance or just sheer stupidity, I don’t know. One thing’s for certain is the fact that there is definitely a powder keg situation here- the question is not a matter of if, but a matter of when the house of cards falls.

And this is coupled with the fact that historical relations between the Griffons and the Diamond Dog Clans have rarely ever been amicable. Though past decades have created diplomatic relations in leaps and strides, a deep feeling of resentment remains. After all, it is hardly uncommon to hear Dogs referred to as “mutts” or “hideous beasts,” after all.

Honestly? I’m inclined to agree with the overall sentiment. I never liked dogs- they’re noisy, clumsy, smell bad and are just dumb overall. Am I biased? Abso-fuckin-lutely I’m biased; I was scared of dogs as a little girl and I definitely don’t like them nowadays. Cats are the far superior animal by a mile. They’re quiet, contemplative, and majestic creatures. I think Lovecraft said it best. “The dog appeals to cheap and facile emotions; the cat to the deepest founts of imagination and cosmic perception in the human mind.”

Don’t ask what his cat's name was.

Fuck me, where was I…

Ah yes.

The Confederacy itself is divided into 5 individual kingdoms, each with their own laws, customs, and culture. The land is split relatively evenly; Nalot to the northwest; Northumbria to the northeast; Catlus to the southwest; Corvyn to the southeast; and Fertilia in the middle, where I was born. Featherworth just so happens to be the capital.

Initially I described Featherworth as medieval and this was only partially correct. Upon closer inspection, some of the more industrial districts have a sort of architecture that seemed to be a schizophrenic mix of Soviet brutalism and Victorian gothic; hard edges and hostile architecture mixed with the wrought-iron splendor of the industrial age, all in heavy contrast with the housing districts and the classic gray stone castle in the center.

All this industrialism does beg the question; when will some fucker invent nukes? Only time will tell, I suppose. Hell, who knows what sorts of war crimes the future holds?

Here's a rough drawing of how the land is laid out, along with the Equestrian counties.

“Still writing, sweetie?” Mom sat next to me while I was lying prone on the floor writing. She began to nuzzle my cheek and I shut my eyes with a faint smile. Let me tell you- having a mother who genuinely gives a fuck?

Best fuckin feeling in the world.

She draped her wing around me and to be honest- the only time I ever got this sense of safety is when I’m carrying a loaded revolver. It felt as though all the problems in the world would be solved by my guardian angel- but rather than cold iron, it was my mother’s warm embrace.

I glanced up at the clock and noticed the time- Mamma must have just gotten home from school. Due to the aforementioned memory issues, I had been going with her less frequently- but still did join her occasionally.

“Nap time?” she said, and I looked at her and smiled.

“Yes, please.” she giggled and lifted me onto her back.

“I can walk by myself, you know?” The tiredness in my voice was quite evident.

“I know.” I just shrugged. Fair enough, I suppose.

I laid flat on the bed and she rolled up next to me- basically how we were sitting on the floor downstairs- with her wing draped over my back like a blanket. I was getting comfy and mom began to sing softly.

You are my sunshine… my only sunshine…

As I closed my eyes, I wondered just what I did to deserve this.

You make me happy… when skies are gray…

I mean, I lived a shitty life. And it’s not like I regret anything I did, either.

You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you…

Who knew eternal damnation would come with the love and care of a mother that I missed out on the first time around?

Please don’t take my sunshine away.

“I love you, Mamma.” I smiled contentedly, and she sniffled.

“I love you too, sweetie. I love you too.”

If this is Hell, I don’t wanna go to Heaven.

Author's Note

Lore! With a splash of wholesome at the end. If you didn't realize yet, I hate how they depict Griffonstone- and griffon culture- in the show. I find it more interesting to depict the Griffons as a foil to Equestria- while one relies heavily on magic to sustain itself, Griffons have to make do with their own wit and natural resources.

Coming soon- economic ruin! Fun! Well, maybe not ruin. Some people can make do.

As always, thank you for reading! Likes and comments are encouraged and appreciated greatly :3