Story 4 Followup & Savage Skies Supplementals 3 · 5:51am Jan 15th, 2014
Well...Story 4 is done and Story 5 is in the works, I'm about 10 chapters in or so. For those of you who are interested in such minutiae, here are the stats for the Savage Skies project as a whole: 494,990 words (as of the writing of this particular blog) and 910 pages (in Pages). At this point, it is certain that I will break the 500,000-word barrier in the next couple of chapters or so. In all seriousness, writing this story has become something of an obsession for me. I write during my breaks at work. I write during my free time at home. My idea of a night out is spending an hour at the local bookstore before going to the Starbucks next door and spending another hour working on this (my creative process is fueled almost entirely by Chai Lattes).
I would like to take a moment to thank everybody for their reads, comments, and likes, especially those who took the time to review and provide me with editorial feedback (especially Mossy Mare), going through my texts and picking out the various typos. I don't have an editor of my own so you all are a big help.
Story 4 was definitely interesting to write and post. I was a bit leery about splitting the storyline, but expanding the scope is something that I've been planning on doing since the beginning. There's no point to giving your character kick-ass martial arts skills if you don't supply a setting appropriately epic for him to apply them in. As such, Story 4 was as much about building the larger context that future conflicts will be taking place in as it was about resolving Arkenstone's character arc and having Dawn deal with an attempted assassination. Story 4 is also the first of my stories to break double digits on dislikes...I don't know why, but that feels like an accomplishment for some reason.
Story 5 is actually going to tone things down a little. It's going to cover Dawn's autumn and winter with Fluttershy and the others. I'm not sure if I'll do the story of his first Hearth's Warming with them or post it as a side story (if the latter, I probably won't feel like waiting until next Christmas to put it out, so expect a Christmas episode in July...or March...maybe). As such, you can expect plenty of d'waaawsome moments and warm fuzzies. However, that doesn't mean that Dawn's experience is going to be trouble-free. The Cult Solar is not about to take a season off and Dawn finds that trouble may be gathering closer to home than he realized. Also, even though she has returned to Ponyville, the Noble Court is not done with Twilight yet. She and her friends will start to experience the increasing efforts of the various members of Nobility, who seek to bring her under their control.
That's about all for the followup, which struck me as kind of brief. So now, enjoy a segment of Savage Skies Supplementals covering the Three Pillars. Warning! Some spoilers may be ahead.
The Three Pillars are the three martial arts, one belonging to each of the three tribes, that best exemplify the strength and magical potential of ponykind. Practitioners of the Pillars are forces to be reckoned with, their skills allowing them to serve as deterrents against entire legions of enemies. At their peak, masters are capable of disrupting the weather for entire regions and reshaping the land itself. However, this power presents a great deal of risk. Regardless of talent, regardless of rank or circumstances of birth, the Three Pillars have each developed in such a way that any pony is capable of mastering them if she has the sufficient drive and dedication. Even for ponies who are not masters, the skills of the Three Pillars have the potential for causing great devastation and loss if misused, meaning that those who seek to pass along their skills must be carefully selective as to choosing precisely who to pass said skills along to. With that said, it can easily be asserted that Dawn Lightwing's decision to take Scootaloo as a student was undeniably reckless (although a recklessness that hasn't come back to haunt him).
At their root, the Three Pillars are primarily conceptual schools, emerging from an idea or understanding of pony magic and its potential application. As such, their actual form changes and evolves over time, with each practitioner taking the principles she has learned and developing her own application and forms for them. However, as the root remains the same for each one, it remains a simple matter to pass the fundamentals on to a new generation to allow each to develop their own form.
While the Three Pillars are considered the pinnacle of development of martial and magical skills for their respective tribes, they are, by no means, the only path to power. Ponies, such as the Celestial Knights, have followed their own paths and developed their own arts to achieve levels that are comparable to those of a master of the Three Pillars. However, that is frequently because the skills that they develop are derivatives and offshoots of the Three Pillars themselves.
Gale King:
The Gale King Style is the style that has been most extensively covered in the story itself to date. As such, there is very little to say about it that hasn't already been said. At its root, the style is a natural extension of the application of pegasus magic. It is the easiest of the Three Pillars, both to learn and to teach to others, as its skills and techniques are developed through the thorough application of physical repetition via forms, a practice many pegasi excel at. Technically, all the myriad techniques of the school are natural extensions of three fundamental, or root, techniques, with individual techniques often being developed by individual practitioners.
The first "root" technique is the most basic application of the Gale King, using one's wings to send blasts of compressed air at one's enemies. It is using the combination of one's bodily and magical strength that allows the wielder to generate a much greater effect than average pegasi can accomplish through simply flapping their wings, capable of pulverizing stone and deforming metal. Furthermore, it is possible to create large-scale wind-based phenomena, such as tornados, through the successful application of this technique.
The second root technique is the creation of vacuum blades, formed between layers of compressed air. Such blades are infinitely sharper than any material blade is capable of achieving and, as such, can carve through even normally "indestructible" materials, such as mithril. This is one of the most potentially lethal techniques in the Gale King. The technique's nature as a vacuum, rather than a physical blade with an actual edge, means there is no way for the blade to be blunted. Thus, if a strike hits, it will always cut. Because of that, great care must be taken in the usage of this technique. Refinements in its form allow the user to alter the shape of the edge and the range of individual attacks, which, presumably, could be used to rein in its lethality. However, such skills require a great deal of precision, something even Dawn has yet to develop.
The third root technique, considered the pinnacle of the Gale King, is lightning. Experts of the Gale King are able to not only generate, but control and direct electrical energy. Ironically, this technique, the historical aspiration of generations of pegasi warlords, can only be mastered by those least-inclined to use its potential towards destructive ends. While generating the electrical charge is a relatively simple matter, the true test lies in controlling it in such a way that the user does not turn its destructive potential upon herself. Mastering the technique requires the development of a mental and spiritual clarity that few ponies can achieve within their lifetimes. However, once mastered, the lightning root technique is surprisingly flexible in its potential applications, both its force and direction capable of being moderated with a great deal of precision and ease. Besides basic lightning strikes, the wielder also has the capacity to generate other electrical phenomena, such as magnetic fields and condensed plasma (i.e. ball lightning), which have a wide range of applications.
In terms of development (storywise), this style draws a lot of its inspiration from the manga series, Air Gear. A lot of the techniques I visualized were based on the visuals of Ikki's tricks for the Wind/Hurricane roads. The lightning technique was, at least on a certain level, based on ideas similar to Avatar: The Last Airbender's lightningbending. However, another major influence in my ideas came in the form of Amano Ginji from GetBackers particularly the things he does in Raitei mode.
Still Way
Perhaps the rarest and most unusual of the Three Pillars, the Still Way is distinct in the fact that it has no derivative arts of its own, and yet, at the same time, being possessed of a near infinite number of derivatives of itself. That is because, at its foundation, the Still Way is the most purely conceptual of the Three Pillars. Its outward form and applications change greatly based on who has mastered it and what their potential attributes and inclinations might be. The Still Way arises from a single core concept and, thus, anypony who explores said concept will ultimately become a master of the Still Way (if they do not abandon it), as such that no derivative arts are able to emerge.
The Still Way is the rarest of the Three Pillars because its principles are a direct contradiction to the base nature of unicorn magic. As I have said before, unicorn magic is, at its most fundamental level, a product of intellect. By its very a nature, its forces must be shaped by active thought. As such, it is almost impossible to apply such magic to the martial arts, which require that the user develop their skills into something that does not require thinking to accomplish. In order to learn the Still Way, a unicorn must achieve a state of Nothingness, something considered to be the pinnacle of development for all martial artists. It requires that the practitioner abandon her reliance on her usual magic, abandoning all the spells and skills she has acquired since the beginning, and dedicate herself to developing an understanding of her magic on an instinctual level that bypasses the comparatively slow operations of the pony brain. Once this is achieved, the user effectively merges with her own magic. When actively practicing, a practitioner of the Still Way cannot be called a pony who uses spells, but rather a pony who has become a living spell herself. Because of this, each practitioner of the Still Way develops her own form that is based on the inherent nature of her magic, making each individual user the master of a separate art, even as they are all masters of the same art.
On a conceptual level, the idea of the Still Way (as opposed to the name, which obviously came from Xenophillia) was largely inspired by Magia Erebea from Negima!, which was where I got the idea of a user fusing with their own magic. In spite of this, it has no specific association with the "Dark Arts," such as King Sombra's black magic, which is a different matter entirely (as well as a matter for some other story).
Mountain Root
The Mountain Root has the distinction of being at once the simplest of the Three Pillars, as well as being the most powerful and brutal. It is also the art of the Three Pillars with the most derivative arts being born from its central concepts, as many of its techniques and roots formed the basis for other earth pony martial arts and even served to influence martial arts practiced by the other tribes as well. The Mountain Root emerged as an exploration of the full potential of earth pony magic, particularly the ability to draw the power of the earth into oneself. Because it is rooted in the concept of Cultivation, which is central to earth pony magic, it is harder to learn than the Gale King (though still easier than the Still Way), as its mastery requires a great deal of patience and dedication.
The fundamental skill of the technique is the ability to draw the power of the earth into oneself in a practice that is called Standing Firm (and why yes, that idea does come from It's Dangerous Business...). A pony drawing that power into herself naturally hardens her form and roots herself into place (however, with further understanding, it is possible to move while still drawing in the earth's power). The further the practice is refined, the more durable the result. As such, true masters of the Mountain Root can blunt griffon claws, weather a dragon's flame, or even shrug off the magic of an alicorn. Further practice only accumulates as time passes, meaning that a practitioner will only grow stronger with time, their ability to shrug off harm and even stave off the ravages of time increasing as their prowess advances. At its pinnacle, the Mountain Root molds its practitioner into a virtually indestructible object.
As such, the offensive aspect of the Mountain Root is born from a simple question. What happens if you take an indestructible object...and use it to hit a less-than-indestructible object? The Mountain Root's offensive applications are frequently based off of the dealing of direct blows. It is born from a defensive mindset of the user going up against adversaries who are frequently capable of doing damage over a wider area and from superior range. Thus, endurance is the hallmark of the Mountain Root, enduring the enemy's blows and waiting for the opportunity to strike to present itself. It has been said that masters of the Mountain Root can break an adversary with nothing more than a simple touch.
Conceptually, the Mountain Root is the pony art most closely tied to real-world martial arts, as it has fewer outright fantastical elements than the other two. It draws inspiration from Chinese martial arts, such as Xingyiquan, which draw power from solid stances and support from the ground. As such, it's the least flashy of the Three Pillars, but no less powerful because of it.
So a Gale King Master could turn themselves into a friggin' coil gun? What have you done?
Wow......as a martial artist I'm really impressed at how much thought you put into these styles as well as how much sense they make. If only the show had stuff like this in it, it would be infinitely better
That's kinda scary. The way you just outlined the Still Way, lines up with the power I've given an OC for one of my stories. In the sense that to first obtain said power one must find it at an instinctual level and that often enough when used in combat the user often enters a state of nothingness. My OC's power have been inspired by Pride from FMA Brotherhood, but now I'm worried I might be seen as a rip off.
1719973 Eh...I wouldn't worry about it.
1719975
I know I shouldn't but I do. Something similar happened back in high school that virtually destroyed my credibility, the last thing I want is to lose it here. I only just got started. 
1719978 We're fanfiction writers...seeing as the basis for our writing is already essentially ripping off the show itself, there isn't really all that much high ground to take, so long as you stay away from outright plagiarism. Since I'll probably be following your story anyway (it sounds interesting), I'd be happy to head off any accusations heading in that direction.
1719990
Well I suppose that's true! *sighs* thanks I guess I was just a little freaked by the similarity. 
You think its interesting!? Aw it's like Christmas allover again!
1719990 I definitely see Granny Smith as a user of the Mountain Root.
the only way to stop a martial artist is with gunslinger.
Your productivity is awe-inspiring Moguera, and at the same time your story is one of the best on site. I love it, I need it, and I cant wait for more of it! So power up on your Chai Lattes, because I'm so looking forward to the next installment of this epic story!
Until next time, have a nice one!
Before I say anything else, I want to let you know that your work-rate inspires feelings of awe in me. I just started writing my own story, and I'm struggling to find the motivation to get the next chapter out. Howdo you function!?
Moving along...
Wow, this was interesting! The things I learned from this is that Granny's most likely a Mountain Root user, in fact, she may even be one of the original three pillars. If so, by now (like Dark Evangeline, the cutest chibi vampire), she'd be unimaginably strong. Like, stronger than Celestia strong. That's strong. Well, Since you haven't outlined the rate they grow stronger at vs the amount of time spent honing their earth pony magic, it may be less impressive than that, but still! She'd have to be the most powerful non-alicorn (at least) pony to fight in this series, if she was one of the Original Three Pillars.
A Negima reader! Or watcher. I sincerely hope you read it, cause in my opinion the anime didn't do it justice. Seeing as you took the idea from there, I'll be interested in seeing what the long term effects would be, of merging with your spells on that level. I know there isn't any dark magic involved, but imbuing yourself with magic time and time again won't have insignificant effects, I think.
And finally, I would like to suggest things to be used in the future. First, Princess Celestia. Or Luna; I don't really care which, just let one of them give the smack-down to someone!
In all seriousness, I actually do want to see the princesses in combat. For all I know, they could both be masters of all three pillars. That would be overwhelming power. It'd almost be like watching DBZ again.
Second, Scootaloo and Dawn. You moved their relationship way fast in the first story, "Foal in/of the Forest" (can't remember which preposition) WAY too fast, and then proceeded to move it at snails pace for the rest of the series. Are you waiting for all the other ponies to catch up so you can go the 'SHIP EVERYPONY, SHIP!' route? Meh, I don't really mind that much, but it still did catch my attention. Also, on the subjetc of the two little lovebirds, what about their arts? You stated in this that the practitioners of the three pillars all have unique forms, even within their own respective pillars. That would mean that Scootaloo would fight differently than Dawn. But the way you have her learning so quickly (as per Dawn's statements. He said himself she was learning faster than he was) makes me think she'll eventually be the better straight-out fighter. I don't know if the story would go long enough for this to show, but I noticed it. But at this stage, they both do the same things! Where is the individuality for their techniques? They're both just doing forms, and if it continues like that, they'll be fighting the same way (a way that Scootaloo would be better at, judging by the story so far). So, I think it's about time you give Dawn some interesting techniques. And please; show us him learning them! I don't want these to come way out from left field.
One, like 1719957 said: Coil-gun! Or Railgun; I think they're the same, or at least similar. I mean, seriously! That kind of destructive power would definitely be something he'd want in the arsenal. And the best thing is that it's not op, and it couldn't be overused! Think about it; he has to carry heavy projectiles to the exact right place, charge up his current, and fire; but all of that is a lot of time and effort for one shot. It'd be perfect if they need artillery, but it couldn't be used in a straight up fight.
The second thing I'd really like to see is actually something I got from your first story. When Dawn first came out and shielded Flutters from the timber-wolves, he buzzed his feathers. It seems like he moved them individually. Now that, would be something I'd love to see him expound on. If he can make a strong vacuum blade that isn't weakened much by distance, than what could he do if he made one with each of his feathers, rather than using all his feathers to contribute into the one large one? I imagine a freaking WALL of vacuum blades, able to be launched in any direction with one sweep of the wings.
That would be freaking awesome.
And If I am mistaken, and he can't actually move his feathers individually, perhaps he can learn how to from Storm Front. He can; that's how he got into civil services in his home country. I'm just saying, I think that'd be cool.
In the case that you chose not to use either of those, that's cool. Your story. But I'm pleading with you to bring more individuality into the Gale-King style; Scootaloo and Dawn feel like they're doing the exact same thing. I want to see the different directions they take the style in. Perhaps I'm jumping the gun, and you planned on doing that later on, but I just wanted to tell ya. Just Saiyan.
I am the king of long responses.
Hmmm... I wonder where I've heard the basis for the mountain root technique before...~ So looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
1720235 Actually, if they're fast enough and good enough perception, they can see the trigger being pulled and dodge accordingly. Also, what would a bullet do to a Mountain Root user? It'd be like shooting a, well, mountain with .22LR. Still Way I can see if you get the drop on them, and maybe Gale King if they don't have that great of a wind sense though.
I've got to say I'm really loving this series. The drama, action, and... well... everything is just awesome. Heh, and love interest between Dawn and ScootaIoo is just adorable. I can't wait for the next installment.
I love the fleshed-out universe this series takes place in. My favorite stores are always the ones with the most world building.
I wonder if Twilight will ever attempt to master The Still Way, or if she possibly already has. In her God Mode/Avatar State (glowy white eyes) she tends to unthinkingly use magic. I wish Twilight would get in on some action and put her battle magic lessons to good use.
Can griffins learn Gale King? What about donkies, minotaurs, and dragons, do they get their own magic based super martial arts? At this point, only ponies have been shown to be able to use their magic, but in the show griffins have similar abilities to the pegasi. I just want to know if the other races have something similar, though what they have would be nice to know too.
1769891 Certain other races, like the griffons and dragons have certain forms of magic, theirs is a bit more limited in application. To a certain extent, ponies are the elves of this setting, in the sense that they are the premier magic-using race, which is the primary reason they are one of the if not the dominant power in the world despite being sentient descendants of herd-based prey animals without claws, sharp teeth, opposable digits, any kind of natural armor, or the ability to breath fire.
Griffons share some aspect of their magic with pegas (cloud-walking and the like), but haven't developed that magic to the degree that pegasi have, much less to the degree of somepony like a master of the Gale King or one of the Knights. I may get into their society and do some more worldbuilding with them in a later Supplementals section.
Dragon magic is a bit...different. I might do a Supplementals segment on them, but I'm holding off because I'm writing another story at the moment that does explore how their magic work (it's a Spikecentric one). It isn't actually a story from the same 'verse as Savage Skies, but a lot of concepts that I haven't been able to explore in this series do spill over to it.
1769951 i was hoping there would be some badass griffin martial arts on the same level, so its a bit of a shame. For the most part i feel like the ponies would be a power not just for those reasons. Predators would have a really hard time keeping their population up, considering that their are so few non-sentient livestock. This leaves ponies as the dominant species, because they are not only the herbivores with the most natural advantages, but they have magic as well.
You know... I wouldn't be surprised if one of the Cult Solar members (high ranking in this case) was a follower of one of the ways (Still Way would be scary)
1774332
Actually there's something worse. If they had a Knight Class warrior who had Orihime's Shun Shun Rika ability. The ability to deny / revoke reality.